Compaq V2405US Upgrade advice.. (my 1st post!)

Hello guys,

I just owned this compaq V2405US about 2 weeks now, and since the time I bought in which originally came with

Mobile AMD Sempron 3000+ with Powenow Tech at 1.8GHz, 128KB L2 cache, up to 1600MHz system bus)
54g 802.11b/g wireless LAN w/ 125HSM speedbosster support
24x DVD/CDRW
14" brightview wide screen
40GB 4200rpm
256MB PC2700 333Mhz Memory

and in this 2 weeks I have upgraded

+1GB extra pc2700 333MHz from newegg sothat my total memory now is 1280MB now...
and changed my original HD with new 40GB 7200rpm

now.. I have read some thread in some other forum that I might need a RAM disk setup for my lappy sothat my computer will be faster that already now.. (in which I amazed the speeds in fact after I did these all upgrades..)

Now that I never heard any kinda of RAM disk setup in my life, since I'm a noob guys in this.. so please be easy with me.. and this is my 1st post too in this forum.. and really really need your advice from you guys which I believe are experts on this...

please gimme some advice about what should be my next upgrade for my lappy if of course still in my budget range..

thank you guys...

also there are something that I wanna add about the battery, my original battery that I have rite now onl last about 2-3 hours max, and I am wondering if HP release battery for this particular laptop but can last longer, if so could you guys suggest me the best place and please quote me about the price too... thanks..

 

HP has a 12-cell battery that will last over twice as long, but some people don't like it because of the extra weight and it sticks out from the case a bit. Personally I'd rather have the extra battery life.

The only thing I can think of is that it's a good idea to run MemTest86+ for at least half an hour after upgrading your RAM. Burn the .iso image to CD and boot off it. The BIOS is smart enough to figure out how much RAM there is, there's no need for a "RAM disk setup" program.

 

DUPLICATE POST
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=36213

Yeah, "first post" twice!

 

You would be better off with 1GB DDR400 memory than 1.2GB of DDR333 speed, but since you already bought it there is nothing we could do about it. And next best upgrade should have been Harddrive and you have done it already!.

 

Guys,

first, allow me to thank you thank you thank you.. opss did I cut and paste too much? for the reply and fast too... I really personally happy with this forum as first time user... really appreciated...

as of MemTest86+, I'm in fact doing it rite now I'm so sorry if I prolly will be asking to many questions, but what is this things actually do, I've been doing it and waiting for the process about 20 minutes now.. and havent dont yet with the blue screen... is it really will make my lappy faster

and about the battery too, would any1 be possible to tell me the price range for that 12cell battery and where can I get it for the cheapest. thanks...

talkin about the cheapest.. can any owner of this laptop suggest me their cheapest accesories that they can get to equipt it with this lappy.. maybe some car charger for this laptop is this possible , what about retractable charger or anythin smaller than original charger, or do you guys usually carry the original charger along with you? please let me know any accesories that could make this lappy more convinient and ofcourse.. as return.. I say thank you thank you thank you..

as of this, could you actually kinda bit explain too me why would it make such a reason.. I know prolly I am not a best technical notebook person but I might want to understand if I can.. hope you understand..

last updated:

opss and so sorry about the duplicate repost as I said this is my first post I didnt know there is a more specific thread that only discuss compaq laptop.. please OP delete the other duplicate of my post.. I really am sorry for the inconviniences I made.. and guys.. again I really appreciated for everythin.. thanks..

 

and also if I would like to upgrade (after considering chinna_n saying about DDR400 would make it better) what if I upgrade again by another 1GB DDR400 and still putting my just upgraded 1GB DDR333 and take out my original 256mb out, would this make my lappy even faster? or wont make difference that much?

thank thanks..

 

No, that won't increase your speed. If you're doing two different speeds of RAM, the computer will run it all at the slower speed.

 

hey brianstretch,

how long does the process of MemTest86+ usually take? how long did it take in your computer? I've been doing it for 2 hours and a half now... and havent finished yet, pass 5, errors still 0 cached 1151M. I dunno, should I hit esc to cancel? or wait till it done ? and will it automatically goin to windows OS then? I got worry here.. help please.. any1...

 

MemTest86+ will run until you stop it. At this point I think it's safe to say that you have good RAM. A half-hour is usually adequate, more certainly doesn't hurt.

 

thank you for your response.. now I feel alot relieved..

knowing that my questions have not been answered from above.. I will just want to add some other owner of this kind of lappy, I'd really like to hear any other opinions review from other owner of this kinda of lappy. for me, I really amazed with this lappy that only for $430 after rebate when I bought it in staples about 3 weeks ago now, and especially after I did the upgrades too... in flies pretty fast for $430 lappy, at least to me..

the color of black for this lappy matchin with my new ipod video 60gb and M600 Eten pocket PC gsm cellphone and this is makes my toys matchin to each other in blacks this is why I am so happy with this laptop in which my opinion about this laptop is not too big too as most other regular laptop or low end base laptop.

thanks... any personal opinion from any1 else will be appreciated.. thank you friends...

 

as for addition, I am also wondering that what have you guys been choose for a case for this lappy of yours guys, and will all my equipments above, I would prolly not too big of a lappy beg but good size or pockets sothat I could use them for my gadgets... any1 please tell me what do u use for case beg for this lappy and how much do you pay and where... thank you..

as addition for other owner of this kinda of lappy, I have 1 more technical software question, when I upgraded my HD to 7200rpm one, I formated the new HD and install a new windows XP Pro instead of the original XP home that came with the lappy originally, and also I have installed the driver n support CD Iguess, and make all the hardware acknowledged by the OS, but now if I hit the power button after its on for some time, (first when I bought it did hibernates if I hit the power button as soon as I'm done using the lappy) but now If I do that it will not gimme hibernates but giving me to auto shut down my computer completely, in which my opinion will take more time than just get it hibernates because to have it complete shut down will most likely take longer time, second is that since it takes longer time, it will also eats my battery life more than just have it hibernates perhaps? since it faster to get it hibernates (at least thats what I feel before)

and now what should I do sothat if I push the power button it should do like it was originally... do the hibernating thing... and is my theory rite? have it hibernate will use lesser power battery life than have it complete shut down? shout out.. correct me please..

thanks guys.,..

 

You can set this option in power management.

If you go to power option properties, under advanced tab you have all the options of what to do when each power, sleep etc is pressed.

 

and where is excactly the sleep button in the lappy

forgive me for my stupidity

 

I believe it's a combination of Fn and one of the Function keys.

 

Just look at your keyboard Fn+F5 is sleep

 

display properties/Screen Saver/Power Options/Advanced
here you can configure the sleep button (FN+F5), the power button, as well as the mode the laptop will go to when you close the lid.

 

what is the normal temprature of this V2000 Compaq laptop model

both in idle and loading status of your lappy could any1 share with me on this.. since I'm really noob on this and would like to know what softwares are you guys using to monitoring your cpu and HD temprature for your V2405US lappy.. thanks..

I use this software call mobmeter where I gues made by some japanese programmer or so..

sayin that from my lappy

Frequency = 1.80
Temperature = 59.0c ( I guess this is my CPU temp? )
Charge Rate = 0.00w (have no idea what this is, can any1 gimme a clue please...)
HDD #0 = 52.0c (waow this is very high compare to other lappie's temp which I have just read among the threads and forum when they post their temp from their laptop, this why I really need to you guys that own the same model as mine, and post your temp for your lappy please.. ) thank you

now what makes me think about what have made my HD temp so hi is that prolly because I'm using 7200rpm HD in which I have read some posts about it where 40GB 7200rpm will most likely produce more heats than 5400 and 4200rpm ones? but is it really this hi?

please help.. got a little worry for my new lappy baby here

thanks

 

Finally solved this problem by buying new laptop lap fan cooler and the temp dicreases 10degrees celcius.. WAOW..

I am now have a 41-43C steady temp for HD and 40-47C for CPU

the targus tornado fan for $9.99 really works guys...


now since one problem solved, I do have more questions expecially regarding cpu upgrade, what is the most fastest processor that I can put in this lappy V2405US of mine, really appreciated if you could tell me the most fastest compatible AMD processor type and model and maybe rough price if you dont mind..
and also could ANY1 tell me how is it actually make a difference between my AMD Sempron 3000+ with Powenow technology (1.8GHz 128kb L2 Cache, up tp 1600Mhz)

compare to AMD Athlon 64 3000+ or 3200+ or 3400+

which one is faster? and how is it faster? alot faster? or so so?

thanks people..

and also if I change to all the cpus such as AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 3200+, or 3400+ or maybe even 4000+ I dont need to change my mainboard correct? all I need just unplug the old one and change it with the new one, and all the system would be compatible to it.. am I correct?

also will it be effecting to HD or data if we upgrade our processor? is all the data in my HD going to be erased when I upgrading it?

do you think this processor would compatible with my V2405US lappy? how much faster would it make a difference if I change what I have rite now with this processor..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103443

I also have read the descriptions that heatsink and fan isnt included in this sell, I was just wondering if I would have to buy them on top of this processor. or maybe I can use the original that I"m using rite now with my sempron 3000+???

please be advise since I really need help in this.. pleasee... please..

as always... thank you in advance...

 

You can only replace with following Processors:

This is socket 754.

25Watt mobile semprons (from 2800+ to 3300+)
35Watt Turion ML ( ML-28 to ML-37 or may be ML-40).

25watt Turion MT series( MT-28 to MT-40) may work, though no-one tried in this model. But it is little risk, if does not work you have to return.

No other processor will work(unless someone modify the bios, which I doubt in laptops).

 

so, is that meaning the link I provided above can be use with my lappy? and is that AMD 64 3200+ will do a faster speed than what I have now (sempron 3000+)? if so could you kinda tell me how much faster?

thanks alot and appreciate for the fastest reply..

edit : this link : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103443

 

This one should work. Turion MT37. eWiz.com carries Turions too, they might even have the MT40 in stock, or at least the ML40. I'm 99% certain the MT series will work.

 

but as far as performance and speed it still cannot beat the regular Athlon 64 tho.. like this one is the top of the line of athlon if you would like to know more about For best possible performance, the fastest chip around is the A64 4000+ Mobile chip.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819104257

However, I agree in the same way with you that Turion won
For best combination of battery life and performance which fastest chip around now is the Turion MT or ML 37.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103521

but as far as performance athlon still the best am I correct?

and about my last question is that is really sempron 3000+ is 'slow' compare to athlon 64 3200+ or just not to slow.. which is I only gain not that much of a speed if I upgrade this.. and again can some verify this if its going to be compatible with my lappy please... ? thanks..

 

you can never be absolutely sure if a different CPU will work. ML and MT Turions should work, this is as much as we can say. Turions are based off the Athlon processors but the Athlon would be somewhat faster mainly because it uses up to 85w (Turions use max 35w!)!. The whole purpose of the Turion series is to save energy and prolong battery life at the expense of relatively insignificant performance loss.
In my laptop, I still haven't found an application that would require a faster processor. The chief performance limitation is the HDD.
Semprons might be slower than Turions but again, can you notice it?

 

yea.. I think sempron is ALOT slower compare to your turion, mister... that is why AMD sell them cheap.. not as expensive as your turion or regular athlon.. but I really thanks alot for your input... and would like to be the first to unplug my sempron with athlon.. the reason I buy athlon 3200+ is not because of the performance or anythin.. in which I see also good in turion as well as saving battery life.. but price seems still high also with newer athlon such as 4000+ version.. I am just college student that dun have that much of $$$ u know.. this is why.. budget is so important to me in upgrading my lappy..

but I will try this athlon 64 3200+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103443

and will post difference will it make compare to what I have now Sempron 3000+ 1.8GHz with 1280MB RAM memory

but I will receive my extra 1GB ram pretty soon so it will be 2GHZ max RAM soon.. than.. I as soon as I receive my athlon 64.. I will install it too.. just really curious now.. how much different will it make..

 

Wow!.. You are gonna try that!!
I wish you could do that.

It is not at all going to work, why?

reasons,

1. Bios would not accept
2. if and if bios accepts, supplies proper voltage and you could fit it properly

It will burn your laptops voltage regulator, The reason is the link you gave is for a DTR Athlon which is based on ClawHammer core, one of power hungry cores requires more than 65 watts, where as Turion max is 35watts.

Had it been a socket 754 venice core(not sure if available) or atleast winchester, then there would have been a chance as these are very power efficient cores and can run with less than 40watts.

Assuming that everything else fine, your Heatsink can not properly cool the 65Watt CPU at all(no way), may be you can run it at idle, and one more step.

Anyways, those are the facts, but if you want to go ahead and burn you wallet, best of luck with it.

If do not want to spend too much, best bet would be 25watt mobile sempron 3300+. Check the anandtechs review of faster semprons, those are really good( as good as ML-30 or ML-32).

 

I would like to do it, but if experts like you says no, I will not do it then.. so BIOS is really not compatible here? can you verify that?

and as far as worrying about the heatsink will not cool the processor completely, what other worries would that be not counted BIOS setup problem.. thank you.. and is this really really undoable.. or maybe base on your knowledge there is still a chance for me to get success in doing this?

or 99.9% most likely my lappy will get burn... or processor burn.. or whatever.. hehe..

thanks

 

Ditto what chinna_n said. The DTR-class Athlon 64's are 81W max chips, whereas your notebook is designed for 35W max chips. Your power brick is only rated up to 65W total! (My zv5000z included a much larger 120W brick.) It's also likely that HP didn't bother to include support for the old 130nm cores those chips use.

Save up for a MT40. Anything less isn't worth the trouble.

 

thank you for the response guys.. really appreciated.. no upgrade it is then.. since turion prices are wayyyy to much..

 

china_n, I really thank you for your information in this, and I would like to verify this one more time with you if you dont mind, if I put this clawhammer core into my lappy right now, you said that it will BURN my motherboard, am I correct? if that is true, I somehow just have this question popped up in my head that why the motherboard wouldnt work more like will take the battery life even more, such that only effecting on lifetime of bettery life only instead of buring the physical components of the Hardware...

thank you..

 

Listen, you cannot possibly put the 89w monster in this laptop (this is the 130nm version which maxs at 89w). The motherboard is designed for lower power and lower voltage values. I think the MB has enough fuses so it won't literally burn but it will burn out. And what about the cooling solution? ZV6000 needs two fans, one of them working constantly to cool this processor!

I don't think your battery would even start the thing because it cannot supply so much power. Even the adaptor of V2000z cannot supply that much power - it is 65w for the whole notebook and you want some 89w for the CPU only!?
Just forget it

If you really want Athlon64, why don't you return v2000z and get zv6000 at a very decent price.

 

Every motherboard has CPU core voltage regulator (PWM) which supplies required voltage and current to the CPU. These could be 2 to 4 phase power supplies which convert our battery voltage 10.8v to 0.8 to 1.5v based on processor requirements and also have maximum current limit. In the case of Turion/sempron these require max of 25AMP at that max voltage, where as ClawHammer core may require as much 50 AMPs current, which no way can be handled by CPU Voltage regulators, even if you think it has safety factor built into it( may be max 35AMP?).

More over, it is not just CPU Voltage regulators, the whole MB has to support that kind of high current which is it not designed for and Heatsink can noway cope with this kind of heat.

It is not just one thing, May be I should give you an example,

You overload you car with 5 tons steel instead of 5 people sitting in it and try to drive it, what could fail? is it suspension?, axles?, transmission?, clutch?, wheels? chassis?

 

according to pricewatch, apparently our best upgrade paths are:

MT40 - 2.2ghz, 25W, 1mb cache - $272 as of 1/13/06
ML42 - 2.4ghz, 35W, 512Kb cache. - $353 as of 1/13/06

basically 200 mhz tradeoff for half the cache, more heat, less battery life, and 80 bucks. pretty obvious which one would be the choice here.

Is there any way to overclock these things?

One question, a bit off topic, that I did have:

I know the laptop comes with 333mhz ram (pc2700). I was wondering, if I do buy new ram (which i intend to very soon, 2 1gb modules), what do i need to do to be able to run it at 400mhz? And are there any CL2.5 or CL2 1gb 400mhz modules?

last but not least, what programs do you guys use to check the temperature/voltages on these laptops? This is my first laptop, and my first accessory had to be a laptop cooler, because my lap wasn't quite used to that much heat. Wish there was a way to force the fan to be on when it's on the adapter...

Oh, I did try to overclock the video card. RadClocker seems to detect the core clock speed and lets you adjust it, but it crashes immediately after, and throws a few blue screens booting into windows. I tried a 20mhz overclock. had to reboot a few times into safe mode and manually remove radclocker from the registry/remove the ati drivers, and finally do a 'last settings that worked' for me to be able to get back into windows.