*HP EliteBook 8760w Owners Lounge*

In answer to your question
lg671et is not dreamcolour
spec_
LED backlight Y
Display resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Display diagonal 43.9 cm (17.3 ")
Display 43,9 cm (17.3") diagonal LED-backlit FHD WVA anti-glare

If you want Dreamcolour choose lg674et

 

I had it too. It appeared when I made an update a couple of months ago from HP support assistant. I did not managed to find out what really caused it but I formatted the hard disk, and avoided to make optional updated and the issue resolved.

 

Hi LaptopReview Forums,

I had a few questions about how best to configure the 8760w. This is my first post, I am a broke PhD student who lucked into the equipment budget windfall of a lifetime, and I want to get everything right! I want to get a high-end workstation for performance, and I think I want to get an 8760w since my last HP laptop has served me faithfully for 4+ years. I have read this thread with interest but still have a few questions, I will post the specs I am currently considering:

SPECS:

Configurable - HP EliteBook 8760w Mobile Workstation Quad Core XY697AV
HP EliteBook 8760w Mobile Workstation with Mobile Intel® QM67 Express Chipset, and Intel Quad Core Processor
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64
2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2860QM Processor (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L3 cache)-Supports a max of 32 GB system memory
Mobile Intel QM67 chipset
Intel® vPro Technology Enabled (IF MSOS is selected MUST select vPro processor label)
17.3-inch diagonal LED-backlit FHD UWVA anti-glare DreamColor w/camera (1920 x 1080 resolution)
Integrated 720p HD Webcam
NVIDIA Quadro 3000M graphics with 2GB dedicated GDD5 video memory (if XM proc/DreamColor selected Must select 230w adapter)
8GB 1333DDR3 2DM Memory
256GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
750GB 7200RPM 2nd Hard Drive
DVD±RW SuperMulti DL Drive
Dualpoint (Touchpad and Pointstick) Backlit Keyboard
HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth® 2.1 Wireless Technology
Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300
No WWAN Module
56K v.92 high speed modem
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
230W Hardware Kit
HP 8-cell 83 Wh Li-Ion Primary Battery
HP Elite Support with limited 3 year standard parts and labor warranty 3/3/3
1 Express Card/54
1 Smart Card Reader
1 SD/MMC
PRICE: ~4,957.00


QUESTIONS:
(Looking for personal judgement + anecdotes, please chime in with opinions!)

1. General assessment of this build:

Can those in the know tell me if this is a good setup or if there are any glaring errors? Are there any parts that are just overkill and could be scaled back without any big reduction in performance? I am especially clueless as to the relative strength of the CPUs, their ‘turbo boosts’ etc. :/
Finally, are there any components that would be better/cheaper to buy and install separately? (esp. The hard drives?)

2. Dreamcolor monitor worth it?

This will be my primary computer for work and recreation (movies and gaming). What is the current consensus on the Dreamcolor screen for gaming? I know there have been reports that the screen lags; can anyone confirm if this is the case or not? Also, for viewing movies, is the increased viewing range really noticeable?

3. How much of a performance benefit will the SSD give me for boot times etc.?

It seems that having a small SSD for windows and programs gives a significant speed boost. This is another expensive part of the computer - is the boost in performance worth it? Also, am I correct that the 8760w can be configures with an SSD, a normal Hard Drive *AND* a DVD drive?

4. Less pre-configured RAM, will buy more later?

I just have 8 GB or RAM in the system, I believe with my CPU it can hold up to 32 GB but that is hugely expensive. I am just sticking with 8 GB right now and will buy additional sticks later if need be - right choice?

5. Extra battery needed?

I am going for performance, not portability, but I know the battery life will be absurdly short. Does anyone have experience with any of the extra battery options, and are they worth getting?

6. Extra service plans?

In my experience, service plans are just a cash grab, but this is an expensive machine and I want to protect it. How good is the standard 3-year plan from HP, and are there any upgrades that are really worth it?

7. How to get a discount?

I’ve seen people in the thread report 28%-38% discounts on the cost of their machine. Any tips on how to do this - just start haggling with a customer service rep? Are my chances better by phone or by online chat? Are there coupons available right now?

Thanks so much! If you have insight or opinions on any of these points please let me know.

Cheers,
Ycajal

 

Try changing the color profiles in Mobile Display Assistant. You can also do a factory reset there.

 

Build quality is excellent, but check for the following when you receive it (these have been reported by some users):
1. Keyboard not popping out of the base enclosure.
2. Heat sink grills are properly installed
3. No scratches or dents on the top cover
4. Pop open the bottom panel and check the bluetooth module is connected and RAM is property seated.
5. Turn on and check configuration is as ordered.

Get the SSD and RAM after market. HP charges a lot for the CTO units.

The DreamColor screen is gorgeous if you appreciate color accuracy, but it is also very saturated. The regular display is good enough for most users, but if you want a screen that's really above and beyond what you see in other laptops and even desktops, this is it.

It takes 2 hard drives and an additional bay supporting either a hard drive or an optical drive, so you can have a maximum of 3 drives if you choose to not use the optical drive. Getting the extra hard drive upgrade bay is cheaper when you purchase than getting it from HP as a part later. For the 2nd hard drive, getting the bracket separately from the part store is cheaper than opting for the 2nd drive when you configure because HP will charge crazy prices for the hard drive (you can't configure with only the bracket and HP won't include the additional bracket).

Configure with just 4GB and buy the rest later.

With my DC and 4000M, I'm looking at 2.5 hours of runtime on the battery using power saver profile.

Standard warranty is excellent and the best in the industry. The only upgrade worth it is the Accidental Damage Protection.

 

Looking at getting the 8760w and wondering about using a SSD (Crucial m4, 128GB) in the primary bay and moving the installed HD to the secondary bay.

1. What size SSD is supported? 7mm, 9.5mm, 12mm? If the bay is 9.5mm, will a 7mm also fit without a bracket modification?

2. Does the second bay come with a mounting bracket or do I need to purchase that separately? If so, does anyone know what the part number is?

On a somewhat unrelated note, how many external monitors are supported just with the laptop (i.e., without the dock)?

 

1. I use Intel 510 (9.5 mm)
2. I use HP HDD kit w. bracket and screws (642774-001)

Works and fits perfectly.

 

I'm thinking of selling my HP Elitebook 8760w. It has i7-2630QM Quad Core, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, nVidia Quadro 3000m, non-DreamColor 17.3 1080p screen. It is in great condition. How much could I get for it? I posted this in the marketplace, but I haven't got any responses in over 2 days. Thanks.

 

current price for a new one - 17-20%? just one guess...

 

I've been using the ST09 extended battery and as long as I'm only browsing and everything is set top max battery and max 5% cpu use it does seem to last for a very, very long time. At a snip I'd say around 6 hours. I did think about getting the BB09. I would do a battery test but I'm selling.

 

Has anyone found an 8 GB dimm memory but not from HP?

 

1 3 & 4 First I'll start off that I have the same build, with the exception that I ordered mine from HP with the minimum memory and smallest single harddrive, and the extended life battery (which means it will last longer life wise- not that it will power the laptop longer on a charge).

I then ordered 16GB of Kingston hyperX memory, a Plextor Sata III 256GB SSD, and Western Digital 750GB Scorpio black drive as well as the drive cage to mount it. I got the cage from HP- the rest from Amazon. This saved me a solid $1000. With the Samsung Sata III 256GB SSD on sale right now for $299- that would save an additional $100 over what I paid for the plextor. And Samsung makes the memory that comes factory in these HPs- they make good stuff.

My windows experience score is a 7.1- with the crutch being graphics. Apparently that is all the 3000 can put in there. Calculations are 7.5 with the 2820 processor, Memory is 7.6 with 16GB of Kingston HyperX installed, Disk transfer rate is 7.7 with a Plextor Sata III SSD in the primary slot and a WD Scorpio Black 750GB 7200rpm in the secondary.

The build quality is what you would expect from a business class HP system that is built to military specs. The chassis and screen/lid are solid, with no flex, the keyboard is great. The mouse took some getting used to, but now that I know it I love it.

With the exception that my lid suffered a pin sized dimple without me even realizing what caused it, I am very pleased. I think something in my backpack must have hit it some how in some jostling. I now sleeve my laptop in a Slappa Ballistic Nylon 17" sleeve (which is fantastic by the way) as well as have it in my Targus CityGear backpack. I have suffered no other damage since buying the sleeve- and I've been traveling (by air).

2 Is dreamcolor worth it? I think so- the colors are brilliant, the screen is so bright it puts my other monitors to shame. Even if you aren't a graphics designer, video editor, etc, the pure enjoyment and satisfaction the Dreamcolor offers is worth it to me. It has the ability to add that "I love this machine" factor.

5 Extra battery If you flip to page 58 of this thread and scroll to the bottom, you will find the only review of the BB09 12 slice battery currently on the web. I'm not sure why no one is posting anything regarding this extra battery- unless I'm the only person in the world who has one- which I highly doubt. I found it to be a very effective purchase for my uses.

6 Extra service plans- only the accidental damage coverage is worth it- otherwise the standard is perfect.

7 Discounts- you get the best deal if you call. I called, waited, called again, and over the course of 30 days was able to reduce the cost of my laptop by about 32%. They went straight to 30%, but I couldn't get approval from my boss there, thus the wait and additional haggling. I think 28-30% is pretty standard if you call in- but you have to call. They won't go that low over chat.

Hope this helps-
Good luck

 

TigerDirect has several, here's a link to the Corsair (decent memory)
Corsair CMSO8GX3M1A1333C9 Laptop Memory Module - 8GB, PC3-10600, DDR3-1333MHz, 204-pin SODIMM, 1.5V, CL9 at TigerDirect.com

Or here is a list of pairs (16GB total) from Newegg.com
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM, 16GB (2 x 8G)

These are just a couple examples, there are plenty of choices. Try shopping.google.com, tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, amazon.com, ebay.com- or where ever you are comfortable buying from.

 

Thanks. Still looking or whether or not the 7mm version will work. I'm thinking it would be best to opt for a smaller form factor for future compatibility (if it fits).

 

The 8760w does support and use a 7mm drive just fine as I fitted a crucial 128Gb SSD from my 2760p.

The bracket: Good luck finding one!
Sparepart: HP HDD kit w. Bracket & Screws, 642774-001: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

 

I got my bracket from here:

HP Parts Store - HP Computer Parts - HP Printer Parts - Compaq Parts

 

Thanks for the confirmation on the 7mm drive. Might as well save those extra 2 grams of weight

 

Hi. Can I have a question? What is that black rounded square part ,screwed to the backplate? It seems that is some circuit board. Can you tell me how the cables connected there? Or what is the part number of that circuit board. Thank You. A

 

I wonder why there is that big difference between the price of HP 8 GB memory module and the one from Corsair. HP costs 400 € while Corsair costs 55 ( http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMS...3BEM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332928891&sr=8-1)


[OTE=XS850SG;8393152]TigerDirect has several, here's a link to the Corsair (decent memory)
Corsair CMSO8GX3M1A1333C9 Laptop Memory Module - 8GB, PC3-10600, DDR3-1333MHz, 204-pin SODIMM, 1.5V, CL9 at TigerDirect.com

Or here is a list of pairs (16GB total) from Newegg.com
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM, 16GB (2 x 8G)

These are just a couple examples, there are plenty of choices. Try shopping.google.com, tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, amazon.com, ebay.com- or where ever you are comfortable buying from.[/QUOTE]

 

I installed the latest F.25 BIOS and am I imagining things or did they increase the maximum speed of the fan?

 

No change for me, the fan is still not perfect.

 

Could you elaborate what you mean by not perfect?

 

I would have liked it to be more quiet when it's just in idle...

 

I've found that the CPU is pretty cool in the unit, it's the GPU temp which contributes most to raising the idle fan speed, and that bumps up and down with the GPU clocks based on Powermizer during normal use (I'm assuming you're using an nV GPU)

Have you tried using nVidia Inspector? You can bump the clocks from low to high depending on what you're using the laptop for. During normal use (Firefox/video/word processing), I lower the clocks on the GPU and the fan is either not spinning or on the first level; i.e. really really silent.

 

Mine is pretty quiet when it is idle, the fan hardly spins at all. The fan increases the speed when browsing on page with flash animations for example but it isn't very loud there either.

The big step is when it goes to max, then the swishing sound is very noticeable.

 

chrixx and XS850SG - thank you both for your excellent replies!

I will take another look into cheaper hard drive options, and will definitely call HP sales reps directly.

Will let you know what I end up getting. Thanks again.

 

When I bought the HP 8760w it came with a software in the HP group of programs that was written connect to a projector. I did not used it to see what it was. Unfortunately I had to format the hard disk because of a problem caused by the old version of connection manager that was making a lagging in the audio and video files and then after installing the DVD with the operating system and the software that came with the laptop I could not find this software. Can someone say what was this and if I can download it from somewhere?
Thank you.

 

Mine has the AMD GPU, how do I make it silent during idle ?

 

Does anyone have any experience with mouse anomalies like mouse jumping on the 8760w? Just got a new one a month ago. Randomly the mouse pointer will 'jump' to the upper left or lower right of my screen. It was barely noticeable at first, but very annoying and frequent now. I can demonstrate almost 100% of the time some type of tracking error. I'm using an HP branded 3 button (logitech) M-UV96 optical mouse plugged into a dock, or a Logitech MX1000 laser mouse via built in bluetooth and I get the same results. I tried turning off the touchpad gestures, no dice.

It will often move 'backwards' if I track in a diagonal line across the screen. It will also often 'jump' about 2 inches up and to the left if I circle clockwise or roughly draw a "J" on the screen. It also will go down to the bottom of the screen several inches away if i start at the 'start' button and drag up/right.

I get this result on a desk surface or on a mouse pad, and i've tried 2 different mouse pads to make sure the surface texture and text or pictures were not the issue.

 

I realize there's probably an Ivy Bridge update/refresh coming pretty soon for this model, and thus I was trying to use the "Customize" thing on the HP website to get a ballpark idea of what one of these workstation laptops might cost.

http://h71016.www7.hp.com/dstore/Mi...=3423&BaseId=36216&oi=E9CED&BEID=19701&SBLID=

I'm heavily contemplating getting into video editing after dabbling with it a little bit for the past year or two. I've had severely underpowered hardware during that timeframe, so I'm looking for a big upgrade.

I'm going to be heading back to college now that I'm done with my military enlistment, and I've got a full ride thanks to the New Military GI Bill. I'm certainly willing to spend the necessary money to get a good system, as I'm pretty sure this is the general field I want to get into.

I'm still doing a lot of catching up on reading about hardware requirements for the Adobe suite of programs. I'm learning the relevant info about Premiere Pro and After Effects (especially as far as RAM and CUDA are involved). It seems quite obvious that on a 64-bit quad-core system, 24-32GB of RAM are ideal.

However, when I got to the RAM option on the above link, I noticed the prices were all over the place.

A) 4GB 1333DDR3 1DM Memory (Default)
B) 8GB 1333DDR3 1DM Memory (Add $1,950.00)
C) 8GB 1333DDR3 2DM Memory (Add $175.00)
D) 8GB 1333DDR3 4DM Memory (Add $175.00)
E) 16GB 1333DDR3 2DM Memory (Add $4,000.00)
F) 16GB 1333DDR3 4DM Memory (Add $550.00)
G) 32GB 1333DDR3 4DM Memory (Add $7,900)

The 32GB RAM option alone doubles the price of the ENTIRE system. I realize that 8GB RAM sticks have a premium, but am I correct that HP's RAM prices are astronomically insane?????

That's basically ~$2,000 for a single 8GB RAM stick.

I randomly Googled "8760w RAM" and came across this listing on the first page of results:

Computer memory upgrades for HP - Compaq EliteBook 8760w Laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com

It showed a listing for 16GB (8GB x 2) for just $240.00, basically 10% of the cost of the RAM from HP.

I don't want to make assumptions so I figured I'd ask here. Is there any difference between that RAM and the RAM HP would install in it from the factory?

I'm making sure I dot my i's and cross my t's before dropping a lot of money on a system like this, so I'd greatly appreciate any advice you all have.

 

There shouldn't be. Afaik, HP doesn't adjust its prices after the initial product launch. 8GB RAM used to cost > $1000 + OEM premium before they become widely available like they do now.

 

I just picked up a new 8760w (XU100UT#ABA), and am loving it! I threw in a 256 MB Samsung 830 SSD as well. This is coming from a 3+ year old 8730w (which was also very nice at the time, and is still a great overall system). No problems at all.

 

Has anyone found a nice sleeve that fits the 8760w? The ones I've tried are not big enough, the main problem seems to be the thickness.

 

Hey, I just ordered my 8760w and had it configured with 4GB of installed RAM based on the advice of people here that I could order it later.

However, when I was talking with an HP sales rep and mentioned I was doing this, he said they were having a sale on RAM with 4 GB sticks for $42 each. So I just got 3 uninstalled sticks of that shipped with my laptop. This brought me to 16 GB of RAM for $124, which I thought it was a good deal especially compared to the bonkers prices you mentioned in your post.

Also I decided to get the 256 GB SSD as a primary drive and a 750 GB secondary factory installed, since A) work was paying for it B) I really wanted the SSD performance boost for windows, programs etc. and C) All of the hard drive shenanigans described in this thread (i.e. cutting away plastic in the machine, installing the elusive brackets) were clever but beyond my comfort zone. I don't have the system yet but I feel good about that choice, we'll see if it all turns out well. Cheers!

 

I bought this sleeve:
Ballistix PTAC Stealth Laptop Sleeve by SLAPPA

It fits the 8760w perfectly. It was tight at first, and could take a little work coming back out, but after a few weeks of break in, it's feels like a perfect fit of snug, but not so snug as it's hard to get back out. I can also put my BB09 slice battery in the side pocket, as well as my Microsoft Arch Touch mouse. Then I'm good all day, and no need for a power outlet.

I removed the Slappa logo from the center- it's a metal disk and didn't know how Airport TSA scanners would handle it. There are two metal prongs that hold it on, and so I bent those, removed the front face, carefully opened the stitching at the top (under the zipper) and removed the inner disk from inside. I then restitched (by hand) the lining to the exterior. Now if only I could find a cool patch to cover the old holes....

either way- I'm pleased to have a found a case that both fits it well, and provides ample protection.

 

I have a quick question. I want to reinstall Windows 7. What HP branded programs to I need to keep?

 

Heads up 8760w owners (and sorry for interrupting!)

Just wanted to inform everyone here that BIOS revision F.26 is now available.

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp57001-57500/sp57011.exe

 

None... ish.

You need the framework and the hot keys (The correct name escapes me).

So install:
- Chipset
- Wireless
- Lan
- framework
- Hot keys thingy
- Other drivers
- Windows update

Done. Everything else is just gravy and the above keeps things tidy. Your choice. You can also disable the following services if you're into getting the max from your machine...

 

If I'm going upgrade the RAM, then what memory will work the best with the computer. Will it work if I just buy a 8BG vanilla Corsair or Kingston memory and it will work?

 

You take a chance and it may work with vanilla ram. I know it works with the Kingston matched ram (Obviously) but mine also works with the standard 8Gb (I have 16Gb in mine from global-memory on ebay)

 

Actually when I look closed I have 2 x 4GB modules installed. So according the BIOS diagnostics, DIMM1 and DIMM4 are populated. If I read the BIOS, one top (DIMM1) module is populated and one bottom (DIMM4). Why have they chosen this inconvenience for me. Wouldn't it be better to have both top slots populated under the keyboard and leave the bottom ones free. Now I have to remove the keyboard just to install the memory modules.

 

I have the AMD video card in my 8760W. I recently upgraded the drivers to the latest version (8.911.4.1). I notice that there is a reddish "tint" now. I can see this on my mouse pointer which should be completely white but it is reddish. When I roll back to the older version (8.821.1.7) then this reddish'ness goes away. I also use the HueyPro calibrator but that has not effect on the color with this new driver. And in the AMD control panel, the settings are all the same as the previous.

Has anyone else seen this or has any recommendations?

 

I am confused with HDD drive options/configurations...

1) Does 8760w supports SATAIII or just SATA II? Front page says no, middle of thread says yes? What is latest?

2) I got mine with Samsung SSD 256, I have ordered HDD bracket for 2nd HDD from HP, and optical drive cradle for HDD. Is it possible to configure this as SSD on HDD-0, and RAID-1 (mirror) on HDD-1 and HDD-optical? I want to place 2 WD 750G Black Caviars and have them for data protection.

3) I have 2x4GB in slots 2 and 4 (just see one, probably other is beneath keyboard). Can I add another 2x4 GB in pair, and have 16Gb? Or I have to have all same 4 DIMMS?

I appreciate any help about this. It's been hard to read whole thread, and when I google it I got conflicting responses.

 

Models with dual core have 2 slots and models with quad core has 4 slots. 2 slots are under the keyboard and 2 under the service access cover. For dual channel mode you should preferably have the same matching RAM otherwise it will pick the RAM module with the slowest settings.

According to HP these configurations are possible:

Supports the following configurations:
● 2048 MB total system memory (2048 × 1)
● 4096 MB total system memory (4096 × 1)
● 4096 MB total system memory (2048 × 2)
● 8192 MB total system memory (8192 × 1)
● 8192 MB total system memory (4096 × 2)
● 8192 MB total system memory (2048 × 4); only available on computer models equipped with a
quad-core processor
● 16384 MB total system memory (8192 x 2)
● 16384 MB total system memory (4096 x 4); only available on computer models equipped with a
quad-core processor
● 32768 MB total system memory (8192 x 4); only available on computer models equipped with a
quad-core processor

Don't know if it unofficially supports other memory configurations.

 

I am thinking to get 2x8 Gb, to have total 24Gb (2x4 + 2x8), so I can replace later 2x4Gb with 2x8Gb. If this fails, I will have to get additional 2x8Gb now...

 

Please I have a question to ask. Can I upgrade my FirePro GPU to a Quadro 5010M. Just wanna know if its upgradable. Thanks very much.

 

It might work but make sure that you use the correct slots so that matched RAM works in dual channel mode.

 

there's temperature problem with the single fan ? ( i prefer the dual on m6600 )...

 

1. Mine is SATAIII on both internal disks. Don't know how the optical drive bay operates.

 

I have expressed my opinion about the single/dual fan approach of the 8760W/M6600 already last year ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...ebook-8760w-owners-lounge-9.html#post7690039).

AFAIK, the two fans of the M6600 are dedicated fans and not redundant fans. One is for the CPU, the other is for the GPU. If either fails, you can't use the laptop. I.e., you have two point of failures. In the 8760W, the heat is transfered into the airlow of the single fan via heatpipes (one for the CPU and another pipe for the GPU). These heat pipes have no moving parts which could fail. I.e., only one point of failure for the cooling system.

just my opinion....

Werner