*HP EliteBook 8760w Owners Lounge*

just my thoughts if you need more information:

have you checked out the "8760w Maintenance And Service.pdf" ?

have you checked out the repair videos or are they not online yet?

 

Just,
I downloaded that .pdf and figured out the Smart card bit from it. I now think w.r.t. the Sata III on the crucial not going into port 1 on the 8760 is a tolerance issue (it almost goes in, TIGHT, then just binds hard). Could be on the crucial or the 8760 connetector, my bet is that the 8760 connector injection mold was run a bit to hot, many parts are shrinking an extra thou or so on ejection. But I am now very sure it is a tolerance defect.

It is not a problem for me, as I always intended the crucial in slot 0 and the HDD in slot 1, they fit fine that way.

Will have my guy benchtest the crucial today, will tell the reports. According to other forums there are some set up issue w.r.t. HP drivers and crucial bits to get it right, but it does work once this stuff is sorted out. Found lots of threads on this aspect.

Have decided the 8760 keyboard is a little worse than the nx9420 one, but not much, is quite acceptable.

I am giving my guy all next week to get the 8760 all set up with everything, he will waste much time with XP/windows 7 issues, and I am not going out an buying $20K of software upgrades. He will spend a few hours on it every afternoon after dealing with other clients.

 

Just wanted to let everyone know I got my 8760W (XU099UT) from CostCentral today. I can confirm the specs on CostCentral's websites are not correct; the correct specs are the ones on HP's website.

So the XU099UT is listed as a standard TFT screen and no backlit keyboard on CC's website, when in fact it has a DreamColor panel and a backlit keyboard.

I'm going to do the same thing as rbs soon, just waiting for the M4 to get to me in the mail today, then I will work on making that the primary drive and the 500GB one secondary.

 

So unfortunately my new 8760W has a hardware problem out of the box, the backlight on the screen is broken (seems to be the problem, since the entire screen is very dim no matter where/what brightness setting), so i'm going to get it replaced under warranty hopefully soon!

 

I wonder how many broken units they have to handle because of their bad choice of packaging?

 

Rukes,
How did you identify it was a dreamcolor?

 

OK,
the Crucial has the operating system, etc. on slot zero, W7 is booting up in about 25 seconds, the benchmark programs are clocking the Sata III on data at about 360 MB per sec, so, it is running pretty much full speed.

I am sort of surprised Rukes had a problem "out of the box". With the boxing mine came in, I am a bit surprised it was actually still in the box when it was delivered to him.

 

The big DreamColor sticker on the monitor

Also, even though it is very dim, I can still see the extreme viewing angles, just like my IPS desktop monitor next to it.

 

Recently I put in the 4x4GiB memory and have 16GiB now in my new system. I purchased the Kingston:

"Kingston HyperX Plug n Play 8 GB Kit (2x4GB Modules) 1600MHz DDR3 SODIMM Notebook/Netbook Memory 8 Dual Channel Kit (PC3 12800) 204-Pin KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G"

The system is now using 16GiB, but the memory is run at 1333MHz. I expected to see 1600MHz.

Handle 0x0006, DMI type 17, 27 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x0005
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: 64 bits
Data Width: 64 bits
Size: 4096 MB
Form Factor: SODIMM
Set: None
Locator: Bottom-Slot 1(left)
Bank Locator: BANK 0
Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
Type Detail: Synchronous
Speed: 1333 MHz (0.8 ns)
Manufacturer: Kingston
Serial Number: 84101B5E
Asset Tag: 9876543210
Part Number: 9905428-047.A00LF

I could not find a setting in the BIOS that would allow me to change that. Does anybody know if it is possible to change the memory timing in BIOS?

Chicklet Keyboard

I was reading several postings talking about the "chicklet keyboard" of the 8760w. I may be wrong, but I thought a chicklet keyboard is more like a single rubber piece with all keys molded into it. I just wanted to be clear that the 8760w has a keyboard with individual, somehow mechanically attached keycaps, made out of some hard plastic. And as mentioned before, I like the feeling of this keyboard, as much as I liked the ThinkPad keyboard. I think this keyboard is as good as you can expect from a laptop keyboard. There is no question that "Das Keyboard", which I am using when I connect my laptop to the docking station, is in a different class altogether.

Linux
I have installed several distributions so far - just to see how they work with the 8760w. All distributions installed fine. I am using right now Ubuntu 11.04. In the beginning I did not like the Unity desktop, but it is beginning to grow on me. I may stay with this distribution.

 

That's because the laptop only supports up to 1333Mhz, not sure where you got 1600Mhz from.

The spec sheet for the laptop says:
DDR3 PC3-10600 SDRAM (1333 MHz)

 

The spec sheet for the laptop says:
DDR3 PC3-10600 SDRAM (1333 MHz)[/QUOTE]

That is just the spec of the RAM module which HP installs in the laptop. The high end i7 processors are supposed to be compatible with 1600Mhz RAM.

 

Hey guys, I am rather confused between 8560w or 8760w. I had a 8740w before it was stolen. I use the laptop for a lot of professional applications (not requiring CUDA) and some gaming as well.. (mostly command and conquer or Microsoft Flight simulator kinda stuff).. In 8740w, they had a pretty good Firepro graphics card which I had. Is M5950 as good? Should I go for nVidia? if I have to get M5950 then i would rather get 8560w then the 17 in because I do travel quite a bit.

Also, if anyone has both 8740w and 8760w can confirm the weight difference between the two and if there are any size differences?

 

If you want the equivalent AMD card to the 8740w, you'll have to go Dell to get the Firepro M8900 (the 7820's successor)...but you can't get IPS yet on the Dell...so...you are caught with a dilemma...

 

Well.. then the question is.. is M5950 better for gaming purposes or 5010 nVidia??

 

The 5010 should be much stronger - its similar to the 580m/485m on the consumer side other than drivers.

The 5950 is the 6770 fr the consumer side. The firpro in your 8740 is significantly faster than it.


On paper the 3000m and the 4000m should much faster than the 5950 but drivers can be gimped wrt to games on the professional side.

 

Regarding the CPU, can someone confirm if the 2929XM is "truly"overclockable ? By "truly" I mean not only changing baseclock, but also modifying turbo TDP/TDC limits. In such a case (provided that the cooling system is adequate), 3.5 Ghz turbo boost on ALL 4 cores is achievable.

In some laptops it's prohibited in the BIOS (TDP/TDC and current limit lock bits enabled) to change anything except baseclock. Paying $$$ for 100-200 Mhz extra is pointless in my opinion.

So, in order to clarify this subject, can someone please do the following:
1. Install & run simultaneous Furmark & SuperPI + HWiNFO. By doing this the cooling system will be evaluated (idle & load temps).
2. Run ThrottleStop only to check if the TDP/TDC values can be modified.
3. Post your results )

If others with non-extreme cpu's are willing to do this test please go for it. It'll help comparing temps for different cpu/gpu configs.

Thanks,
Alex

 

HP just delayed mine another week. Up to this morning it was shipping today, then this afternoon, nope, another week.

I've about had it. 2 damned months!

I wonder if Dell's availability has gotten better.

Matt

 

mine still hasn't shown up either, so you're not the only one.

eta 2 weeks? maybe

 

I just realized from reading this thread that the basic GPU in the newer version of this laptop is slower than the one in the older - what gives?

Newer computer: 8760w:
AMD FirePro M5950
based on: Radeon HD 6770M
Score: about 10.000 in 3DMark06

Older computer: 8740w
ATI FirePro M7820
based on: Mobility Radeon HD 5870
Score: about 12.000 in 3DMark06

Is it just me or have HP shortchanged their customers? I wouldnt expect a newer PC to be equipped with a slower graphics card?

Is there something I misunderstand here, or should I cancel the order on the 8760w that's taking ages to arrive and go pick an older 8740w off a shelf somewhere instead?

 

You got it reversed Sandbag, but the premise remains the same. Don't buy either if you want the laptop to come quickly.

 

I did not quite understand your reply, which part of my question was reversed?

 

You said the graphics card on the 8740w was worse than the 8760w's when in fact the 8760w's is worse...

 

True, that was a mistake - I wanted to say exactly that the card in the 8760w is worse than the one in the older computer - the 8740w.

And how can it be possible that HP downgrades the GPU in their 'updated' model?

I know these are business laptops, but if we compare performance for games of the most basic models without the specialized GPU options, would the 8740 perform better than the new 8760? If so, what if the point of upgrading, apart from SATA III?

This is not HP-bashing, I just seriously don't get it. I grew up through the 80's and 90's where computer tech advanced leaps and bounds, and I find it a bit disingenious that a newer computer would perform worse than an older of the same line.

 

The FirePro is their lower tier option. You should really compare it with the Nvidia 4000M and 5010M. I think they don't offer ATi FirePro M8900 because it produces too much heat for this model.

 

No, we should compare the lower tier options from each model to each other. The 8760w has the FirePro M5950 as it's lowest option, and the 8740w has the FirePro M7820.

It all comes down to this: HP's newer model in its basic configuration is weaker than their previous one in the lowest configuration.

I'm not demanding that they should put the M8900 in there, but at least provide the same GPU as in the previous model?

Heat and power are not so big issues for mobile workstations, I think, as they are to be used mostly as desktop replacements.

Unless I'm forgetting something?

Since my 8760w is now "in production", I can't cancel the order. Which is a shame, because there's a 8740w sitting on the shelf at the supplier.. so now I have to wait till august to get the new, inferior model. Or who knows when they will actually deliver it - the shipping date was just postponed another 3 days today. Good that I have vacation coming up

 

How noisey is the 8760W fan compared to the 8730W?

 

Just a word of warning for 8760w people/looking to buy. HP does not have replacement DreamColor panels for the 8760w yet. The part # is in the repair guide and shows up in the PartSurfer, but for dispatch at HP, that part # comes up as unknown/not found, so HP can't order it for their techs for repairs.

So if you do get a laptop that isn't factory calibrated or has a display problem, your only option right now is to exchange it for another one.

 

@ wkuballa

Beeing so far the only one that has a 2920 equipped 8760w, can you please do me a favor and download & run ThrottleStop (no need to install, it's an .exe) and check if the TDP / TDC limits are adjustable ? You don't have to overclock to check, so it's safe . I've attached a screenshot with the window I'm interested in.

With this info you would help me decide btw. 2820 and 2920; if the limits are locked then I'll go 100% for the 2820.

Thx in advance,
Alex

Link for downloading ThrottleStop: Downloads | Tech|Inferno

 

So CostCentral overnighted a new 8760w to me and will have UPS pick up my old one tomorrow.

New one has a working screen, actually feels a bit more solid than the last one (which came with the keyboard popped out a bit).

Only one issue is that it STILL isn't factory calibrated ( http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebo...w-DreamColor-missing-color-spaces/m-p/552939), so I can't use DisplayManager. I honestly don't think it's a big deal in the end, since I do have an X-Rite color calibration tool, so I will use that instead.

I will probably call Executive Customer Support and let them know, so hopefully down the line if they ever have a replacement, I can just get it changed via warranty.

 

yes, mine arrived this morning and has gone back. it had a norway keyboard, uncalibrated screen, and an ati card instead of the 5010M.

i was a bit shocked to be honest!

 

So that's why mine isn't here yet - they sent it to you!

Btw I wonder if it ever happens that they misconfigure it in the other direction - giving you more than you ordered?

I probably wouldn't complain then.

 

yeah, what is HP doing? They should move even faster to Japan with their production...

 

If they delay mine again I'm canceling. Either buy a Dell or wait until they get their act together. This is completely ridiculous.

Matt

 

Someone who owns a 8760w with dreamcolor (like xu099ut) may provide some pictures of the screen? or even some impressions? How's the brightness? btw - Do I need to buy a adaptor to use the 2nd 2,5" drive bay? thanks

 

You can go to the HP Parts store online and buy the Hard Drive kit for the second bracket, costs $13 without shipping.

 

What is the part number or that bracket? I haven't been able to find it yet...

 

Yes, I'd really like to get an idea of also of the brightness. Compared to the non dream color and the awful screens in the older 8730Ws. The NW9440 screens where much better than 8730Ws. I'm hoping the 8760Ws have returned to the screen quality of the older laptops.

 

A little off topic, but here's a Dreamcolor wallpaper if anyone is interested:

tempest790 on deviantART

JPEG, OpenEXR, and HDR versions are included in the ZIP file if you want to play with the full color depth versions.

 

Wow, is HP really laughing at customers? I cannot understand why they continue supplying uncalibrated screens! It's a shame and they're so unprofessional.

In addtion, I advice you check the QM67 express chipset revision, because there is 1 8560w review with the FAULTY B2 express chipset (seriously, this is unforgivable).

I hope this helps.

FYI: I'm in the process of repairing my screen (the 6th!) due to backlight bleed problems. They refused to repair it with my on site service, they must pick up the laptop (again) and then check/repair it at their labs. I hope this will be the LAST repair of my 8740w (I've had up to 3 replacement units)

 

Lol, it's not just HP, the entire world is in chaos. One of the Precision M6600 we received recently, had lower res screen, wrong operating system, improperly seated keyboard, swapped HDD's, DVD - READ ONLY! drive and a few more glitches. The global QC level on a scale from Amoebae to Dolphins (as the most intelligent creatures on this planet apparently ) is somewhere between goblins and orcs!

 

Want one story better? My replacement M6600 had a Dual Core and no Fingerprint when I was entitled to at least a 2720QM and a Fingerprint from my being replaced M6500. So when they offered to send a technician to install the fingerprint scanner, he managed to turn a working M6600 of sorts into a heavy paper weight . Go figure.

Good news is they are going to send me another replacement with the right specifications. Hope it goes well... Looks like HP and Dell are starting to lose their marbles on the terms "premium or corporate-grade."

 

Hehe, yeah. So far, of all the systems we got from HP and Dell in the past 2 months, the QC crown goes to a M18x that came with a French instead of English keyboard, couple dead pixels and a few nicks and dents on the aluminum shell (the orcs probably tried to crack it with their battle axes).

 

The orcs were prolly trying to test it under Panasonic Toughbook standards!

 

well i think 3 wrong parts is high up on the list for me, i'm not chuffed.

i will be getting a new machine shortly.

 

They delayed mine yet again. Given all the problems I'm trying to cancel it. We'll see how hard they make it.

I worked for HP 10 years ago, things have sure gone to pot since then.

Matt

 

Well,
My guy has spent about 25 hours setting mine up so far, big pain getting old software to run on Windows 7. Some programs I may have to rebuy, but with well over $20K of software there, minimum, many hours will be spent before doing that.

Not clear yet if the 8760W is accentuating some of this, so far, it appears stable on the SSD.

I am worried that the shipment delays mean that this product is in chaos as a total design. This would not be good. I had a Toshiba in the late '90's that indicated that the Japanese would never figure out anything as irrational as MicroSoft software, so, you could not buy a computer from them. I used that computer as a Frisbee within 18 months, it was absolutely hopeless though the hardware was solid.

 

Looks like they dropped the price of CTOs by a tad bit.

With a 5010m, dreamcolor, and 2540, you can get the configured price to ~$4600. You can talk to HP to get a further 30% discount.

Overall $200 cheaper than last week.

 

[Reply to RBS' comment]: "My guy has spent about 25 hours setting mine up so far, big pain getting old software to run on Windows 7."


Suggestion: Your guy may have already tried this, but if not, have him try running the legacy apps in 'compatibility mode'. This can easily be done by right-clicking on the icon used to start the app, choose 'Properties', select the 'Compatibility' tab, and check the box 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:', then select the compatibility mode that matches the earlier version of Windows on which the app ran correctly.

Hope that helps!

 

HP direct delayed 3 of my orders. The 8560w i cancelled and the 8760w's have finally shipped. My 6/17 order came in 7/18/11 and my 6/22 order has a fedex number and is in transit. So basically 30+ day lead times.