The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Much Used NC8430 Issues

    Discussion in 'HP Business Class Notebooks' started by raydabruce, Feb 5, 2012.

  1. raydabruce

    raydabruce Notebook Carnivore

    Reputations:
    176
    Messages:
    788
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Due to economic constraints I had to get rid of my Asus gaming notebook and just bought (for $50) a much-used HP Compaq NC8430: C2D T7200, 2GB/80GB, ATI X1600 (256mb), WSXGA? (1680x1050).

    It came cheap because of a green line down the right side of the screen. It appears to be a 1-pixel vertical stripe running from top to bottom. Also, the computer does not see the battery... it must be run on AC power at all times.

    My question(s): Does this type of screen issue usually mean a new screen is in order? If so, I'm sure that I'll just continue using an external monitor since money is scarce right now.

    And what about the battery problem.... corroded contacts maybe? Just wondering if this is common on a 5-yr-old HP-Compaq NC.

    And lastly, does this model have a half-height mini-PCI wireless card? It's Broadcom. I'm thinking about installing my Intel 6200 card if it has the half-height slot. I can't seem to find this information anywhere and don't want to invest in torx wrenches and tear it apart unless it will take the Intel 6200.

    Thanks.
     
    raydabruce, Feb 5, 2012
    #1
  2. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    4,127
    Messages:
    7,860
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    0
    You need the unwhitelisted NC8430 bios here to be able to swap in the 6200 wifi. Might need to also cellophane tape pin20 to get the radio to be switched on.
     
    User Retired 2, Feb 5, 2012
    #2
  3. raydabruce

    raydabruce Notebook Carnivore

    Reputations:
    176
    Messages:
    788
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I should have known, since it's a business laptop, that there would be component restrictions in the BIOS... reminds me of the ThinkPads I've had. What a pain. Not worth the trouble just for marginally better wi-fi. Hopefully I can upgrade in a few months to something better/newer/faster.
    Thanks for the reply.

    Anyone know if the stripe on the screen is fixable? I know someone with a horizontal stripe on an NC6320 -- but it comes and goes on his. Mine stays there constantly.
     
    raydabruce, Feb 6, 2012
    #3