How to overclock HP 8530W elitebook?

Hello,

I just bought the highest end HP book available for work. But I need to overclock it just a bit. Its lagging a little while doing Cad applications.

Specs
P8600 2.4Ghz
4G PC2-6400 6-6-6-18
Graphics Nvidia Quadro FX 770M
Hitachi 160G 7200RPM HD (HTS723225L9A360)

How can i overclock the processor a little?

 

It might be locked down by the BIOS. Your best bet is to open it up and find the PLL generator number and follow the overclocking thread by moral hazard in the hardware subforum.

 

You can't overclock it "a little". It is BIOS locked like all HPs. The PLL is also TME locked, and there is no relevant documentation or support for that PLL in current OC software either. You could potentially unlock TME by guessing which pin it is, and you could get lucky, but even then you may not have success with any OC software.

You also could do a hardware PLL BSEL mod, but that would give you 333MHz FSB, which is a massive overclock, and may not be stable.

Your best bet would be to upgrade the CPU. You can put pretty much any C2D socketP CPU in there and it will work. It is pretty easy to do. I have had success with a QX9200 ES CPU (Core2Quad 2.4GHz) in one. Or you could go the x9100 dual core 3.06GHz route, better still a P9900.

You can also software OC the GPU, I use ATi tool to do it in XP. That would be a good first port of call for you I reckon.

 

PLL is likely an ICS 9Lxxxx and tme-locked. See instructions here on how to TME-unlock the PLL. A warranty voiding exercise.

 

No, the PLL is a SLG8SP533V.

The datasheet can be found here. There is nothing of any worth published regarding TME - and TME is locked. Also the FSx pins need to be held at around 1v during init to get a logic high, any higher and it goes into self test mode. ie. they have made it as difficult as they can (but not impossible) to overclock with basic soldering skills.

 

Thanks guys.
I ordered the highest end processor for the EliteBook.
I`d rather not shell out more money but just overclock it since i realize it runs very cool I figured I can bump it up a little safely.

I`ll try GPU overclocking.

 

Just be careful about the GPU memory since it usually has no temperature sensors...

 

best bet buy new cpu , that's what i dis with my 8510, had a t-7500 went for x-9000 and it now runs fast and cooler that stock .

 

A P8600 is definitely not high end. The 8530w comes with anything up to a X9100 or a QX9300 from the factory, the P8600 is only one step up from the bottom of the list of available options, P8400 being the lowest on offer.

Even upgrading to a reasonably cheap T9400 would give you a good performance boost - ie. double the cache and a wee bit more clock speed.

Let us know how the GPU overclocking goes.

 

I tried Ntune and Rivatuner.
Both give me a bluescreen the second i hit apply?!?!

Darn HP.
I am thinking of donating this to one of the new guys and getting a DV6T with an I7 core.

 

I've used ATITool and it seems to work ok. A bluescreen would suggest some other issue is at play.

 

The Dv6t is a major step down in terms of build quality. If you can wait, the HP 8540w will be out in Q1 2010...

 

I am looking for a laptop that would be

NOT Widescreen!
Screen: Very high viewing angle and resolution of 1680X1050
Processor: i7-920 OR X9100 or i7-720
Memory: 4GB or 8GB Memory
Harddrive: 2 x Intel X25-M 160GB (Solid State harddrives) in Raid 0 or one Intel X25-M 160GB
Videocard: Something Good with 8K for 3D CAD applications like NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M or Quadro FX 2700M or Quadro FX 2800M or Quadro FX 3700M
http://www.nvidia.com/page/quadrofx_go.html


PCMCIA Slot Or Firewire 800 connected directly to Northbridge

Does one Exist??

 

I'm pretty sure you can't get non-widescreen anymore.

But I refer you to my first post...

ie. you can put a X9100 in your 8530w and a couple of SSDs in RAID0 and you will have everything on your list (except PCMCIA and FW800 but you can get expresscards for that)

 

stumo is correct in that there are no more non-widescreen notebooks. For your configuration, you should look at the Dell Precision M6500. It has everything you want other than the PCMCIA and FW800 (there are zero notebooks that have these either).

 

Thanks guys.
I didnt know I can install two harddrives and RAID them on this machine... hummm..
Also how would I install the new processor? and does it void the warranty?

Is there a Service guide for this laptop that I can download?

 

new processor is easy , hp has guides on how to take apart your laptop . took me 20 minutes to change my cpu and i only have one arm . ' and about warranty , just put old one back in for warranty work .

 

Can someone please point me to the instructions on how to install a new Processor?
and where does the second harddrive go? I checked every bay, nothing free except if its an adapter that replaces the DVD

 

Its on the HP website, under support and drivers, get there from the main 8530w page. It is called the "maintenance and service guide", in there with the other pdf manuals.

Yes the 2nd HDD replaces the DVD drive. The thing you need is called an "upgrade bay hard drive" part number AK868AA, I think HP only sells them with a 250GB HDD though. You can probably use a cheap eBay adaptor too, but it won't look that nice.

 

Did u also know it comes with a $2700 starting price and the special editon has a $4K starting price... anyways , why not get a Sager NP8690 or NP8760... both have Quad i7 and GTX280M's which are equal to FX3700M... and start at $2K...

 

Alternatives to the HP AK868AA upgrade bay hard drive without any supplied harddisk:

• US$42/US$45 newmodeus caddy (matching faceplate)
• US$21-shipped 12.7mm ebay sata caddy (unmatching faceplate)

 

Thanks for the prompt reply!

Stumo, thanks for the heads up

Sager laptops are huge.
8.35 LBs with Battery Pack
16.25" (w) x 11" (d) x 1.69"~2.25" (h)

But your right for the price its worth it.

Thanks nando4
Ordered one.
I hope setting up Raid 0 isnt hard from the bios.

 

The clockgen is

SLG8SP533V
K673702LYA
0919 Taiwan

Top right of the mouse pad

 

Would this work?
http://www.overclock.net/intel-cpus/341123-intel-bsel-vid-mod-guide.html
Intel BSEL MOD to force it to boot at 333 from 266
Well 1066 to 1333.

9x266 = 2.4Ghz
9x333 = 3.0Ghz

I am installing the Quadcore heatsink next week. Its about Double the size of the Dual core. I need to replace the bottom cover for it to Fit.

 

This will not work for two reasons:
1. The Chipset doesn't support 333/1333Mhz operation
2. Even if the chipset did support 333/1333Mhz operation, the chipset would be locked at lowest multiplier if a "non-compatible" BSEL signal set is received.

You can still overclock using one of two ways:
1. Try FSLx mod here to increase PLL frequency from 266/1066->333/1333. You'd need to flash the RAM for slower timings since the 400Mhz entry would be now receiving 500Mhz timings. You'd also be hopeful the systemboard northbridge/video can support the 333Mhz operation.
2. TME-unlock + setfsb software overclocking in same link. If it's supported.

 

In addition to the proper quad parts you say...
Heatsink.
Bottom cover.
you will also need...
Top cover.
Screen hinges.
Fan.

the only part you can get away with is the fan. All the other parts are REQUIRED. I have all these parts if you want to make me an offer via pm.

 

nando4> I am reading both FSLx and TME-unlock and I have NO idea how to do this...
According to this the chipset does support 1333
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=394367


stumo> heatsink, bottom cover, fan ordered.
Why would I need to change screen hinges and top cover?

 

That's a FSLx PLL pinmod. Ie: change PLL from 266 to 333Mhz operation.

 

You'll see when you try and put the dualcore top cover back on. The whole quad base is about 5mm thicker. So the top cover doesn't reach down far enough to attach to the bottom cover. Same with the hinges for the screen.

 

And before you ask...
Hinges p/n 502334-001
Top cover p/n 502336-001

 

Thanks Stumo! The two items have been added to the list!


Nando4> Just to be sure, what I need to do is this
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2301/ghgfhgns0.png
But why do I need to downclock the memory? Won't the bios automatically pick another FSB : DRAM ratio?

 

That's a BSEL mod. Good luck trying to get that to work. I believe P8400 doesn't know what a 333Mhz BSEL is, since it's designed for 266Mhz operation. If it did work, it would lock you to the lowest multiplier.

The way to overclock is to apply the FSLx pinmod to the PLL to switch it from 266->333Mhz. The PLL FSLx pins are tied to BSEL, so need to separate them.. supply 333Mhz signals to PLL and 266Mhz to CPU/systemboard. Problem then is the RAM will still use 400Mhz SPDtable entry (associated with 266/1066Mhz operation) .. yet system is running 333/1333Mhz (ram at 500Mhz) so need to change at least the CAS value if it's flakey. Sometimes RAM is tolerant to such overclocks.

 

I have a P8600 2.4Ghz (9x266)
DataSheet = http://www.datasheetdir.com/SLG8SP533V+Clock-Synthesizers
[IMG=http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/2716/73013747.png][/IMG]

I am guessing this is the pin I have to play with but what do I do?

Pin 5 = REF/FS_C/TEST_SEL Type: I/O, SE
14.318 reference clock output.
When FS_C/TEST_SEL input is pulled to 3.3V during CKPWRGD assertion, the device will configure into TEST MODE. Refer to DC Parameters section for FS input voltage threshold. After CKPWRGD assertion, this pin will be configured as REF output.

 

you have to pull it to 1V, then hope it doesn't use the REF signal.

 

FSLx pinmod and increased voltage to CPU performed here as an example: HP CQ45 P8400-2.4->3.0 O/C. CQ45 uses SLG8SP553V PLL according to this thread.

 

That's defiantly a warranty activity LOL

I'll wait till I get all my parts for Quadcore heatsink first. So I'll open this monster once and see if I have the balls to attempt this.

On another note I dont think I need to add V to keep it stable.
I decided to undervolt the processor to see how good it is. Running IntelBurntest for 2 Hours on each state to insure stability and if unstable bump it 2 levels. Here's what I got 0.925 is the LOWEST setting I can put with Rightmark Cpu !!

9.0X = 1.025V
8.0x = 0.975V
7.0x = 0.925V
6.0x = 0.925V
6.0x SuperLFM = 0.9250v

 

What CPU is that?

If its a quad then SuperLFM doesn't work anyway, stays at 1.6GHz.
On my QX9200 I can only get down to 0.950V at lowest and 1.125V at highest multi. All else is unstable in normal use. You may find the same since it is the transient power draw that is the real test on these quads. I have VID pin modded mine.

 

Core 2 Duo P8600
9.0 x 266 = 2.4Ghz

 

After about a month I got all the parts and installed it... not sure it was worth it.

Bottom Bezzle
Top Bezzle
LCD Hinges
Quad Core heatsink
Quad Core fan
LCD Bezzel


Now I have a quad core heatsink with a P8600 2.4Ghz.
Running much Cooler.

Overclocking Time

What should I try first?

 

Mine is 8530w with a T9550. It's fast but the battery life is 2h tops.

Also... extra cooling will not help. The bios controls the fan. These CPUs are designed to run at 70-75C max. The bios will only hit full throttle on the fan at about 65C.

Don't worry about performance, just use it... if it's slow... get a new one. Software is also a culprit. Software development is not what it used to be.

 

I get 3hrs and 40min on mine.
You need to undervolt it using RMClock
check out the guide. http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...arket-upgrades/235824-undervolting-guide.html

Before undervolting i used to get 2hrs and 50min

 

Agreed, this was so not worth it for me because I have a DC setup as well here that actually runs 5deg cooler with the same CPU (qx9200) put in it than my proper QC setup.

It shows that the performance of individual heatsinks can be quite variable, that even a smaller "good" heatsink can outperform the bigger design. This good heatsink I have is also much better performance than the other DC heatsinks I have, even though it is the same part.

 

The processor runs much much cooler.
Before running Stress test I'd hit about 85C in under 15minutes. I left it running for an hour and it didn't hit 80C!

Time for overclocking. I am looking for conductive pencil so I can try the BSEL mod first. Then i'll try the other methods.

 

I've just tried unclewebbs Exterme CPU multiplier unlocking program, with mixed results.

This is what I posted on his main thread...

"Thanks unclewebb, I can confirm this works on my HP 8530w with my ES QAVR spec Q9200 Quad C2D. I'm running it on the proper quad core mobo for 8530w (has a 3rd power stage compared to the dual core mobo's 2), but over-clocking isn't going well at all...

I can only get stable @2666. Even if I leave it at stock 2400MHz, and just bump up the voltage, it BSODS at just under 1.3v. I think the mobo just isn't up to the job of supplying the power I need. HP only supplied it with max QX9300 and no overclocking supported in BIOS, so I'm guessing they just designed the mobo to that level. But I was kind of hoping for a wee bit more, I can't even get stable @2800 at any voltage high or low, oh well. Great work all the same. +rep."

 

Hi Stumo, I hope you see this post.

I wanted to ask, how well does the Q9200 fit, does it cover the cores well?
And what were the temperatures idle and under load (if you tested and can remember)?

Thanks in advance!

 

The dual core heatsink only just covers the cores. There is less than 1mm overlap at the outside edge of each core. Its not ideal.

Also, unless you vid pin mod to undervolt it, it most probably wont boot stable.

Undervolted at stock speeds it is fine heat wise. You will get up to 95°C with linpack burn in. I've not run it long term with the dual heatsink. I'd probably go for a X9100 instead, now that they can be overclocked using throttlestop. The qx9200 will only get to 2.8/2.93 GHz in the quad 8530, X9100 can get closer to 4GHz even in the dual setup.

 

Thanks for the reply!

 

Hi, i just saw ur post say u installed a quad core heatsink and fan for ur dual core elitebook 8530p. it is good to hear that the cpu runs much cooler.　i have 2 questions:

1,Does that also help the video card being cooler than before? if so, i will order one quad core heatsink too.

2,Is the fan for quad core different from the one for dual core? from the service manual, it has only one part number for fan.

Thank you very much

 

The maintenance manual shows
For use with the Quad Core processor 495080-001

 

In reply to the above questions...

Yes I've tried fan control in hwinfo. It gives 2°C lower core temps on the quad for a much louder sound. It also messed up shutdown and suspend. It wasn't worth it for me.

The quadcore heatsink won't fit the dc chassis without mods. The quad fan won't fit period. If you want to use the quad fan you have to get ALL of those parts listed. See the previous pages of this thread where this has been covered before.

BTW the QAVR q9200s I have both run perfectly stable at 2.8GHz 1.2V. You should br able to run at 2.66GHz at 1.15V. You need to vid pin mod it. 1.2V is an easy mod, 1.15V is a bit more fiddly. Its the voltage that increases heat, so on the dc setup you should go for 1.15V at 2.66 max. Mine almost run stable at 2.8 and 1.15V so you might get lucky.