*HP EliteBook 8730w Owners Lounge*

I mean can't you just run hwmonitor and stress the cpu and see if CPUZ and CORE report different temperatures?
I'd really appreciate it

 

that's what i've been trying to tell you.

my laptop is quite cool. i used 2x120mm 12v fans under the laptop to cool it down.

 

you have 10C difference too.
idling and under stress cpuz is 10C higher than core0
so what's the real one?

 

whatever that CPUz reports under ACPI they are sensors on the motherboard.

coretemp is the real one.

I have tried a few different CPU temp sensors and i still say that coretemp is accurate. i remember in the days of TAT by intel, coretemp reflected the same temps as the intel program. and a few other programs also reported the same temp as coretemp.

there is another program that measures CPU temp. almost like coretemp. cant remember what's the program name. all i can remember is it shows the exact temps as coretemp.

given the fact that coretemp measured up to intel's TAT, i'm sure it's more accurate than hwmonitor.

 

Hi,

I got the 8730w some weeks ago from my company.
It has the ATI Mobility FireGL V5725 with 512MB.

When i am working at my desk, the display is too small for me,
so i'm going to get a 23" Samsung Syncmaster 2343 with a resolution of 2048x1152.

Can the 8730w handle this resolution via docking-station ?
There are two models auf the Syncmaster, with DVI oder w/o DVI.
We would buy the cheaper one without DVI !

Can anyone confirm, that this will work before we order it ?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for my bad english - i'm from germany.



Florian

 

i rather stick to DVI.

 

it's annoying the hell out of me.

cuz my part of my phone number is 0321

 

This is a tough one. With the right discounts, I can now get an 8730w with the following configuration for a very good price. Should I replace my 8710w with it? I was hoping I could then sell off my 8710w.

HP RCTO Quad 8730w Base NB PC (QX9300)
150W 8730w Hardware Kit
Vista Home Basic OR 8730w O/S
Intel 802.11a/b/g/n I3 AMT 8730w Card
WPAN Bluetooth 2.0+ 8730w Module
17.0 WUXGA DRMCLR WVA 8730w Display
nVidia FX 2700M 512MB 8730w Graphic Card
Integrated 8730w Camera
2GB 800DDR2 1DM 8730w Module
3/3/3 8730w Warranty
250G 7200RPM 2.5 UB 8730w Drive
250G 7200RPM FX 8730w Hard Drive RAID0/1

I'd gain from the LED Dreamcolor display, quad core processor and the RAID capability of the hard drives, 2 features which will benefit most to me in my work. On top of that, the DDR2 memory supports means I can swap out my existing 8GB RAMs into the new notebook without spending an exorbitant amount on DDR3 modules (hoping no significant loss in performance). The graphics card is a downgrade, but I couldn't justify the higher costs of the FX3700M as the FX2700M, while less powerful than the FX3600M, is adequate for my uses (I do not have complex Solidworks/AutoCAD renderings).

Jumping for a new notebook while Intel's platform refresh is due to hit in January may not be such a good idea, hence my reservations. However, if this quad core will still outperform a dual core mobile i5 in processor intensive tasks, then I don't really mind. The EliteBook is also due for a minor refresh, but that doesn't bother me as much.

 

i am surprised that you could get that with FX2700. I wanted to download the GFX so that it comsumes lesser power. but i guess i had to make do with my FX3700M.

 

It's a CTO unit, so every configuration is possible. Has anyone tried a RAID0 set up on this? Are there any issuings? Does it have the Intel Matrix Storage configuration manager in the BIOS like PCs do?

 

if you want I can trade my 2700 for your 3700!

 

i replaced all the thermal paste with IC diamond 7 and pads with akasa thermal pads. I'm way too lazy to redo them. LOL thx for the offer thou. would have swapped if i didnt applied my ICD7.

 

I had noticed the num lock turning on or off unexpectedly at various times. For instance when using VMWare Workstation (which by the way quit working after I upgraded to 6.5.2 and now I can't seem to get an earlier version to install correctly on the 8730, aarrgghh!!!), if I moved the mouse outside the VM across the window border, I'd see the NumLock ON / OFF message appear and toggle in the lower right corner of the display - and yes that was very annoying too...

I checked your numeric keypad scenario, and I do see the same thing happen with the 0,3,2 combinations that you describe.

-K

 

i have 2 x 320 gb 7200rpm HD but i am to lazy to reformat everything .
The system is working perfectly and yes it has Matrix Storage Manager
Best Regards
Chris

 

well if you change your mind I'll be glad to help you.
I can pay some difference too between the cards.

 

probably the most wrongest place to put this.but i decided to sell the 3in1 NAS docking station EM537AA. so it's ups to anyone who wants it for USD$100, shipping seperate costs.

rcboyit, yeah I am still thinking about it. LOL.

 

You have a PM on the EM537AA
I want it for our 6930p

Well darn, it looks like that dock will not work with 6930p that has new MultiBay II
Am i wrong?

 

So I didn't max out on my configuration after all. Got it with a Q9100 (since the QX9300 cannot be overclocked, thus useless for the extra $800), Dreamcolor display, RAIDed drives and FX2700M. Hopefully, it works out as I expect.

 

Hello my friends ,
From the last time i wrote here i have made 2 changes to my 8730w.
First i upgraded to 8 GB Ram with 2 x 4 Gb Kingston modules and second
i put a second hard drive ( 320WD Scorpion 7200rpm Hard disk ) .
Now i need to know which are the parts i have to change to put in a quadcore
processor ?
Can someone please write me a list with the parts to order ?

Thank you in advance .
Chris

 

Battery drain problem

Hello,
Since January 2009 I have a 8730w Dreamcolor laptop.
As already mentioned by other posters the battery is empty after four days not connected to the adaptor (without using the laptop).
Is there already a solution to this problem? Can it be fixed with a firmware update?

The laptop is ordered and delivered in The Netherlands, it comes with 3 years warranty. I don't see it as an urgent problem and don't like to sent it to HP because of this problem, especially if there is no solution yet.

Is it save to wait, or can HP say that the three years warranty does not cover the battery? I don't like the idea of having the battery drain problem, but I really don't like to ship it to HP either.

I suppose everyone who has the laptop with the Dreamcolor screen has the same problem. What have you done?

Thanks in advance.
Jan

 

yap same here. i dont really bother with the thing. what i do is just dock into the docking station and leave it. as for battery, i just attached the 12 cell battery. my bag/case has got space to put all my 3x ultra 12cel batteries.

 

From the beginning of this problem i said that my personal opinion was that hp will not find a solution for this problem because it is a motherboard problem and it would be to expensive to change everyones motherboard.It can not be solved with a software upgrade and so
They just ignore the problem and as soon there will be out on the market
the new elitebook ( i dont know when ) everyone will forget it .
Me too have the same problem and thinking that there is no solution it is better having the laptop with this little problem than having it all scratched or damaged sending it to hp.
After all with all this power and Dreamcolor and all this programs that are running , letting it on battery power you have only 1h and 30 min .
I put on my 12cell and so i get double the time at least .
And finally at home most of the time it is attached on my 2008 docking station .
Dont bother .
Best regards
Chris

 

my 8730w with the 12cell and internal battery last around 7hrs.

 

OK Tell me the secret because it is impossible .Not even the manuals say
that it last 7 hours .With dreamcolor and fx3700 = 7 hours ??????
Tell me how .

Best regards
Chris

 

-DreamColor, FX 2700, T9800, 4GB

I get about 3.5 hours on a full charge with internal battery plus the 12 cell ultra attached. I only get about 1.5 hours with just the internal battery. However, I do not use the system with any kind of power savings option.

Also, I only occasionally actually use the batteries. The battery draining problem is so very frustrating that I rarely have the batteries connected. I use it now almost exclusively with the AC Adapter because I keep the batteries detached unless I specifically need to use the computer where there is no AC outlet. Just something I've learned to live with (but still very irritating). Everywhere I take it with me on the go, it's just a learned, conditioned behavior for me to pull out the AC adapter and plug it in...

But I have to say, it is a very good computer. Only two things wrong: the display red zone, and the battery draining issue. Of the two, I can live with the display problem since I don't use the computer for graphic design, but the battery problem is absolutely horrific; but I guess you can learn to live with anything when it turns out to be the best of available alternatives. I've heard so many horror stories of HP ineptitude with repairs - its just not worth it for me to go through that hassle, and I need my system everyday - downtime is not an option, especially since we already know there is no solution from HP, otherwise we'd of had one by now.

-K

 

I agree with you on everything . I was lucky .I only have the battery drain problem . The dreamcolor display is perfect .I have 4 AC adapters .
2 x 180 w , 1 x 150 w supplied and 1 x 90w travel ac adapter . It is not a problem for me because everywhere i go i have an ac adaptor and yes the 8730w is a hell good computer . You can work on it for days on full charge and it does not give any sign of heat or else . I dont know you or others but my OS ( business 64bit is very stable and after 6 months i have it i have never had any problem or blue screen or else . And i can say you that i have 160 processes running and CPU stess is between 25 and 50 % at everytime but even so every program opens in 2-3 sec .
Best regards
Chris

 

Type: BIOS
Version: F.0C (24 Jun 2009)

ENHANCEMENTS: - Adds an option to the F10 Setup Utility that enables users to disable USB
devices that cause the notebook/laptop to exit Standby mode.

- Adds an option to the F10 Setup Utilty that enables/disables the system audio
CODEC.

- Updates the video BIOS to support new video memory modules.

- Updates the Intel Memory Reference Code (MRC) to version 2.7.

FIXES: - Fixes an issue where the Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset may stop
responding (hang) during a warm reboot (this fix is included in Intel Memory
Reference Code (MRC) version 2.7).

- Fixes an intermittent issue where the Bluetooth device and the WLAN device
cannot be powered on or off simultaneously.

- Fixed an issue where some USB CD drives are unable to support bootable CD
media.

- Fixes an issue where DriveLock cannot be set in the Swedish language
environment.



Fixes an issue where the Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset may stop
responding (hang) during a warm reboot (this fix is included in Intel Memory
Reference Code (MRC) version 2.7).
this may be the reason why my laptop hangs during restart. i kept thinking it was my SSD issue.

i tried installing SSM but it still refused to update to F.0C.

anyone managed to update to F.0C? or still on F.0B?

 

Same issue . I have installed SSM but after dowloading the bios update ,nothing happend and i am still on F.OB.

Regards
Chris

 

I'm considering to get the 8730w and would like to know if any owners here were able install a HSDPA WWAN module into this laptop. I believe the specs of the 8730w states pretty clearly that WWAN is not included, but one copy of the service manual I found online states that the 8730w has a WWAN radio that can be disable on the BIOs, thought it is only applicable on certain models.

I found out that the HP un2400 WWAN mini PCI-Express module is supported on the HP Elitebook 6930p, 8530w, 8530p. Is it possible to install the un2400 into the 8730w?

I don't like to idea to using those USB type of HSDPA modems and have previously used a hs2300 WWAN module on my old HP 6910p, with much satisfaction.

 

if you want to get HSPA i suggest you get sierra wireless MC8700.
the catch is you have to forgot your intel 5300 wifi.

 

Thanks for the tip. I've also thought of doing the same. If only the 8730w came with more mini PCI-Express slots.

 

Hi Folks,

I'm thinking of buying an almost brand new 8730w with nVidia Quadro 2700M thru eBay (due to a much lower price). With the laptop still in warranty, would it be possible to approach HP for upgrade the screen to Dreamcolor? As in, trade in the existing WUXGA screen and top up for a Dreamcolor?

I live in Singapore where HP's Asia Pacific hub is located and the service center is just a 5-minute drive away, which I guess might be easier in terms of getting the necessary parts.


Cheers,
romulanvox

 

As you live in Singapore, it should be possible. HP's regional parts distribution center is in Singapore and they have a manufacturing facility there, so all parts are basically at your disposal. The Dreamcolor part is pretty expensive though.

The 8730w, if ordered as a CTO, is also cheaper in Singapore. Don't opt for the standard retail units. In AP markets, CTO builds are cheaper.

 

Thanks for the tip! BTW, do you work for HP? I was working for HP Singapore till 3 months ago but quit as I didn't want to make any choices about taking a pay cut.

Do you have rough idea of how much the Dreamcolor part might cost (in USD or AUD)? Thanks

 

No, I don't work for HP. Isn't HP one of those places people dream about working for?

When I ordered my 8730w, the Dreamcolor screen itself cost me about $600. It was the 3rd most expensive part, after the Quad CPU and GPU.

 

I managed to find the LCD display panel for USD$190. it's actually made by LG. but it comes without the power invertor.

i am staying in singapore ATM. but i ordered my 8730W from overseas.
when i asked to swap my dreamcolor. HP service centre said that they dont have such spare parts in singapore and dream color is not available in singapore.

I tried to buy 8730w from retails also. they dont bring in.
and i went HP authorised resellers, they only bring in the entry spec like T9400, 2Gb ram and regular LCD for USD$4k+
they said HP may list online the fully spec'd 8730W but they dont bring into singapore at all.

almost 6 months ago i last checked HP Singapore listed 8730w/dreamcolor/3700M/ qx9300/1x4Gb/250Gb as USD$6244 or SGD$8999
singapore HP biggest reseller Ingram dont bring in any 8730W units with dreamcolor or any CPU with extreme core. and HP singapore dont sell to customers direct. only to retailers/resellers. they have even removed their online store.

their current unit is T9400/1x2Gb/TFT/250Gb/3700M for USD$4600
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/sg/e...57-64295-3955549-3955549-3784202-3813046.html

i forgot to mention HP singapore dont do CTO for 8730W

i bought mine online and registered it's warranty as small business entity. so all it's 3 years warranty is valid in singapore.

at the end of the day, i bought all my HP stuff overseas and registered it under my company and HP's small business entity. singapore HP business class laptop prices are super premium. more expensive than mac.

that said. the HP corporate accounts engineer came over yesterday. he specialized in repairing 69xx and 87xx series and has been working in HP for 3 years. he also said that mine is the first laptop that he has seen with a quadcore in singapore and with dreamcolor.

he also gave me quite a good number of HP internal software should i run into any problems with my unit.

 

Hi purezerg,

Did you mean that you were able to order the dreamcolor panel from overseas and install it onto your 8730w. If so, can you advise on which website I can place my order?

BTW, I was the one who asked you about the Merlin X950D on HWZ forum

 

Hello everyone,
Thanks for sharing your information about the battery drain problem.
I still have 2,5 year warranty left and I don't think I will not send the laptop to HP until something else is broken (in case that happens).

The only thing that ignores me is that HP has put the laptop on the market with knowledge of this problem. I don't believe they didn't know about the problem.
A Fujitsu-Siemens netbook I stored for a month without power, still had about 90% charge left (after a month).
The 8730w battery is empty after 4 to 5 days.

I'll try the new firmware although the drain-issue will probably not be solved with it. The previous fw update did solve the monitor not waking up after standby issue.
The Dreamcolor screen is great. Colors are much brighter on a HP Dreamcolor than on a Macbook Pro seems to me.

 

You may have to get a sales rep that deals with corporate accounts if you want to build a CTO unit. It's kind of a weird system because most reps aren't trained on this. I must admit I have not ordered from HP Singapore, but have ordered from HP Malaysia/Australia, but what I usually do is give them a list of part numbers that makes a complete unit and start from there. If I just quote that I wanted a CTO unit, they wouldn't be able to do it either.

As for the Dreamcolor screen, I'm pretty surprised that the service centre can't make the swap. Perhaps, you could just order the part from the parts store. Could it be because they didn't know what parts to order? E.g., if purezerg's Dreamcolor screen broke, they must be able to order the part and have it replaced.

Ingram is just BS. They mark up prices on all HP products in markets they distribute exclusively, hence making our prices less attractive than the US where HP sells direct.

 

I tried the swap. what happens was they replaced me with a regular TFT and said that they dont have LED for singapore and they replaced with the nearest available parts, i literally flipped and demanded my old screen back.

I tried getting a sales rep. no CTO. what happened was my unit was shipped to me with a dent on the corner of the screen. so i wanted to get it replaced. now i'm just living with the dent on it. but with the compushade on it. i can hardly see it. and i dont want to rip off the Compushade again.

I tried ordering the parts from the store. USD$2000 for the screen. LOL i checked on QX9300 it was USD$1600.

i also found out that IF your laptop is a US spec. they will do door to door repair for my 8730W, but my NC4400 was bought local. and they said i have to go to the service centre to get it repaired. from now on, i'm gonna get US spec'd parts for HP only.

8730W- i went US online chat to file a issue even thou i am in SG, they still came to my house 2 days time
nc4400- i went US online chat, they said i have to bring it to service centre cuz it's a singapore model. .
2008 docking station, when 8730W goes full load, the adaptor now makes a loud buzzing sound. can you believe it that 2008 adv dock stn is not available in SG??? the "latest" docking station they have is 3-n-1 NAS.

 

Hi purezerg,

I'm curious about how you got your 8730w with dreamcolor. Did you order a 8730w spec'd with dreamcolor, or a normal 8730w w/o dreamcolor but later on found the dreamcolor panel part and then ordered it and install it yourself?

If you went for the DIY method of installing the dreamcolor panel, care to share where you order the panel from?

 

nope i ordered online on ebay. part number KS076UT

 

I see. I checked the ebay prices on KS076UT before, too expensive for me. In the end, I got a 8730w T9600 4GB with FX2700M.

How is HP Singapore going support your setup if its so unique in SGP? Won't they run into spare parts issues?

 

I'm really surprised HP Singapore would have such poor support, especially when their corporate heads are located there (the other AP centers report to SG). In other markets, Dreamcolor configurations are also rarely offered, but the service centre can definitely order the part. They must be really lazy or incompetent in this instance. When I had to get my notebook serviced in Malaysia previously for a flickering LCD screen, they didn't have a specific resolution (WUXGA) that was in my CTO 8510w, but they managed to put in a request to their Singapore centre to get the part overnighted (and it had Product of Singapore on the box). It was the main reason I kept my faith in HP's service, because their techs always go the extra mile.

 

hello all,

I have been reading this thread for a while but now i actually have one of these!

i got it yesterday:

x9100
dreamcolour
8gb ram
320gb 7200rpm hdd
bluray drive
FX3700m

however i have just ordered two 120gb ocz summit ssd drives and the upgrade bay so i can have them in raid.
I am also toying with the idea of upgrading to the qx9300.

i will post some benchmarks once the upgrade bay arrives as it is coming from the US and i am in the UK.

 

http://h20141.www2.hp.com/hpparts/C...6E0E0A2739C4&NotBulk=&NotFound=&NotOrderable=

 

That's a sweet setup. May I ask how much did you get it cost you? Did you get the RAM off HP as well?

 

it's different now. they have china engineers there now. years ago. they would change stuff on the spot. now there's a policy of 3 working days.
as for parts ordering, can you believe it that when i went to the service centre, i told them that my 2008 adv dck stn 180w adaptor was very noisy when my laptop goes full load. they tried my adaptor into the dck stn alone and say it's fine. no problems.

then they tried with their own laptops and still said no problems. i had to use my laptop. i jack in the power adaptor meant for the dck stn and ran prime95, World in Conflict, and HDtune. then the adaptor became noisy. THEN the engineer said that the adaptor is not meant to be plug into the laptop directly, stating that because it's not meant for the laptop so the adaptor will have problems.

i told them to get it swap or someone will lose their job. then they said that the store doesnt have such a part. they have to order. 5-8 working days and asked me to leave the adaptor behind. I had to almost yell at them to let me have my adaptor and deliver the new adaptor to my house for a 1to1 exchange when it arrives. sheesh.

 

btw my friend James is thinking of getting the same laptop as me but KS076UT is no longer available. where can one do CTO or buy the equilvalent model?
dreamcolor/qx9300/fx3700 base config.

 

Really? That is a disgrace because they used to have very good service. They don't appear to have outsourced, to the best of my knowledge.