HP DV3T hits the HP site!

Well, this is a first. Not too many people come back from the Dark Side.

Hopefully it works out for you and I imagine it will. I am thinkin you along with a few others just got a bad batch.

 

Thanks the estimated built date is Aug 12th, which would be next wednesday. However in my experience, thats usually the time I receive it or the next day. They usually build it super fast and ship it out. I paid for the two days shipping for $39.99 <~ no a patient person. Hopefully it will be quite and cool...if not.. then I guess thats just the way it is and that comes with a powerful machine, I'll just accept that.

I will for sure post the temperature and noise level back here as soon as I receive it. This time I only ordered the 9 Cell battery, which would be more than enough for me. no need for a spare 6 cell...

Yea..the dark side (mac) is not for me. I can see for casual normal people, its the best thing in the world, Beautiful, long battery life, maintainence free, no virus...but for someone like me that grew up with computers and build my own...mac is like a simple idiot proof toy that just absolutely kills my enthusiasm for computer. There is just so much more I can do on PC

HP Pavilion dv3t Entertainment PC
• Espresso Black
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8700 (2.53 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
• FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G 105M
• 13.3" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• Webcam Only
• Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
• No Included Mobile Broadband
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

$1037 shipped.

 

i was going through this thread but there are way too many pages. does anyone know if you can install the backlit keyboard on the white model?

yes i bought the white model thinking it had backlit a few weeks ago. i'm pretty PO'd cause they won't give the same price i got it at so I don't know how flippyfloppy was able to get it even cheaper. I mean for them to build and send it to me the coupon of course is going to expire. all i got was $100 to keep it and i'm still not happy. i spoke with the supervisor and the manager. anyone else experience something like this or just me?

i'm totally jealous and confused how some of you guys got such great builds for almost the same price?

 

Thanks...I plan on keeping this one.

Having said that it's my very first PC (unless you count the original IBM PC, that's right no exaggeration) so I have a very big Windows learning curve to get started on...cpu temps might have to take a backseat for a while.

For example, I'm already wondering--I saw a thread for updated drivers for the dv3--should I use these rather than the ones that come with the install CD? (or update them after I do the initial install?)

(I'm not whining here as a Mac guy, just struggling with stuff you don't really have to deal with over "there".)

 

could someone clear up the Windows 7 thing with me? I know recent DV3t owners get a free code or whatever....but I read someone on this forum that it would be better/easier to clean install rather than upgrade....uhh what does this mean? also, I heard that people have the full version of windows 7 now...lol heeelp

 

1)YOu buy computer after June 26, you get a free upgrade for winodws 7

2) The free upgrade version allows you to do clean install and Clean install is always better than upgrade from existing software. All kinda problems.

3) Full versions of windows 7 being used now are the release candidate which I am using now. Its fully functional, but will expire sometimse next year.

 

Hey guys,

I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the info. I really appreciate all the contributors. I'm sure there are plenty of other people who've used this thread but just not gone to the trouble of registering just to say thanks (completely understandable). Believe it or not i read through all 61 pages to get as much info as possible about this laptop. here's what i ended up with:
• Espresso Black
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
• FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 50% OFF!! 500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 13.3" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
• Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• Webcam Only
• Wireless-G Card
• No Included Mobile Broadband
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
• HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Estimated build date: August 13, 2009

Ended up upgrading to the blu-ray to save money, cuz that put me over $1099 to use the current 30% off coupon (NBW58948). That took it down to $779, and i added on the 2yr warranty for $119.

Thanks again!
Greg

 

Greg I'm sure you will love it, I had HP long time ago and this new body and rigidity is like nothing before. Very very sturdy and no flex.

Just a thought...HP business must be really slow due to this economy, else they wont put out another coupon so soon right after the last one I ordered and returned, only 3 weeks apart. Guess they rather minimize the profit and use big discount to keep the factory/assembly line open...

 

The driver threads are more of a warehouse for those who are doing complete reformat and clean installs. They do this to remove any and all software that was added in by the manufacturer as it tends to offer no useful utility and uses up resources needlessly. However, "nuking the site from orbit" not only erases all the 'bloatware' but also erases all the drivers. If you use the recovery CDs, you will not only restore the OS and drivers, but all the added software, too. Of course, that negates the point of a clean install, so people are just posting the drivers for the HP-specific hardware so they may save them for use after the XP/Vista/W7 installs itself and wonders what that thing in COM2 is and how to work it.

Apple avoids this by not allowing anyone else to do anything but write programs for their OS, keeping all hardware "in house" and avoiding driver issues altogether. MS tried to rush past driver develoment and Vista paid the price by not working on older systems. Win7's rave reveiws showed that someone learned their lesson... again. By the time Win7 drops to the retail stores, I sincerely doubt that it will be hard to get all the driver updates from HP itself. Two weeks ago, I couldn't get nVidia drivers to install on my HDX18, two days ago they installed without a problem.

I hope that provides not only an answer, but also context and insight.

 

I have a question about the gpu. Will I be able to use Rivatuner to affect the fan speeds of the nvidia card? or is this only for desktop PCs. I'm starting to notice the "fan noise" that everyone has been raving about and have noticed that when just surfing the web or using mixmeister the GPU temp is about 49-51 degrees Celsius. is that a good temperature? i really have no idea what a good/safe "temperature is since my laptop doesn't really get that warm.

 

No, you can't use RivaTuner for the GPU. Don't forget, the GPU doesn't have it's own fan. The most fan control you have is the on/off option for the "Always On" option in the BIOS.

Temperature seems fine.

 

too add to the porblems i listed b4... like @ 2am in the morning i realized that whenever i serch for a connection to the network my router doesnt show up anymore.... even though i tired refreshing it.

i was using the internet find, then suddenly it stop workin... i tried using my bro(hp touchpad laptop) and my dad(hp dv6t) laptop and it was able to find the signal find, but for some reason i cant find my network at all.

well... as a conclusion i realized tat im using a wireless N card.... and the others were using g based card.. so i even went on 192.168.1.1 and check if theres anything wrong... i found NOTHING!!!...not to mention wireless N card can read g&b

so i dunno how my laptop cannot find my network at alll... i even stand next to my router!!!!!

i had this laptop for just 8 days




NVM!! freakin brother was messing with the router =(((

 

i agree with you seattlemike as i found out the hard way. after uninstalling mediasmart and cyberlink dvd suite. i was trying to burn dvds and win7 rc1 image using Windows built in burner and Active ISO only to find that the drive (Optiarc BluRay) would have problems recognizing blank dvds right after a burn and it would burn coasters very frequently.

after i reinstalled those said programs the burner is working better...i still get coasters randomly. i can't tell if it's the hardware or i need better burning software with better underrun protection.

anyways can someone tell me if Windows Media Center and MediaSmart redundant? I wish someone would post a clean image.

 

mine is like you, an i think it is normal, i saw the same in other notebooks.
but as i said i used it under really cool air conditioner, an fan works without stoping distanse was about 1m and i replace it near 1hr there, without any aggresive use such a gaming, if fan working is becouse of heat why it woeks in cool condition???

 

Is there a guide on a fresh re-install too, to get rid of the bloatware and all A guide where the new HP s Recovery Partition is used instead of a DVD.

Thanks

 

Here is a very good guide to a fresh install.

 

whats the best way to upgrade to Vista 64 bit home premium .. from Vista 32 bit home premium.

 

Clean install.

 

hi guys, there are some mentions that the resolution is 1280x800 like the HP website says. did anyone recently get this a few days ago and can confirm if it's really 1366x768 like the earlier models that some got, of if it's 1280x800 from HP?

also, does anyone know when the $200 coupon expire? i think to the 10th, but i'm not sure if it's though the 10th or not valid on 10th anymore.

 

The resolution is in fact 1366x768

 

hey guys, if you're thinking about getting this notebook, get it RIGHT NOW and don't hesitate! there's a $150 instant rebate, $250 coupon, and 15% bing cashback (all stackable), and free shipping. the configuration costs $1100 and after all the rebate, coupon, and cashback, i saved over $500 so it ended up being $600 + tax. here's my configuration:

• Espresso Black
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
• Intel Core2 Duo Processor P7550 (2.26GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
• 3GB DDR2 System Memory
• 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
• 13.3" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display
• Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• Webcam
• Wireless-G Card
• Full Size Backlit Keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

cashback from where? Bing?

 

Will receive my 2nd DV3T tomorrow, will post back here regarding fan noise!

 

Sweet.

If you could post some temps that would be great too!

 

I sure will! i really am crossing my fingers...during this tour of search I went through two defective Asus G51 gaming laptop. 1 Dell Studio XPS 13 with defective vent (falling off????), one DV3T that fan noise rivals the Asus G51 gaming laptop and then some......and one (here I'm just picky) Aluminum macbook with 7 hrs battery life. just dont like OSX....

If this one still as bad as before then I duno what to do. probably just buy one of those 399 laptops at bestbuy and call it a day

 

lol fair enough.

 

OK GUYS, received my 2nd DV3T (1st one returned due to heat and fan noise)

This one's spec is P8700. 4 GB ram 320gb 5400rpm HD 512mb G 105m video card, LED screen..etc...etc..

Fan noise is about the same as the 1st one I returned, slightly lower noise but about the same level .. As for heat...when installing and uninstalling programs where HD had to spin up...the right palm rest heats up noticeably.

CPUID Hardware Monitor Temp (under load installing and downloading programs)
Core 1 38C
Core 2 37C
Memory 48C
G105M 53C
Western Digital HD 49C (??? 1st one was samsung spinpoint.now is WD?)

As you can see...the temperature are not bad at all...though for video card I hope it will go down once the load is taken off..The wind coming out of exhaust is warm at this time. I did uncheck the FAN ALWAYS ON option in BIOS..will have to see how it is later when everything settles down. So far I'm not digging the fan noise, but it seems like the trade off when one choose the G 105M video card. And for my own genetic/male hormone reasons..I can't live with an integrated graphic when I know a dedicated 512m card is out there

 

follow up...still installing gazillion updates from MS...now
cpu
core 1 is 54C
core 2 is 54 C
G105M is at 71C now...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! am i missing something???

Fan still on pretty high.

 

I am in your same situation except I received my computer 2 day ago with the G150 graphics card. Now I am like why did I do that because I do not game. The fan only came on during skype usage but that is all. Do you really think it will make that big of a difference? Should I send mine back and save the 150? Thanks.

 

How's your tempearture under load and fan noise?

google CPUID install it and let me know?

 

By the way, my fan is only 24/7, no rest.

 

I just got CPUID. How do I run it. Do I have to validate it?

 

CPUID:
Just click on the icon and it should run. And no, I don't believe you have to validate it. I haven't used it in a while but I don't remember validating it. Just double-click the icon and it'll pop up.

Regarding the hard drives... HP uses almost every brand, except I can't say I've seen a Seagate. For the most part though they seem to use WD.

hmm. Those temps aren't great. Give it another day or two to wait for the indexing/updating to stop and see what sort of temperatures you're getting. I would expect them to be elevated at this point.

Regarding the GPU...
I told you guys only to get it if you game.
I just don't like the concept, man. A GPU in a 13in laptop? No. No. lol.
It's going to add heat and heat everything else up.

I am like you, regarding the need for power and what not. When I got my DV2500 I had to get the 8400 because I needed the "pooowah!" just because well, I need power. But after living with it.... it's not worth it. The 4500MHD will run cooler, I want to say substantially cooler, and won't give any headaches.... at least that's my opinion on the matter.

If you're not gaming... then I strongly advise getting the 4500MHD as it will run everything, including HD content, without nary a hiccup.

Anywho.

Wait a couple days for all the initial OS updates/indexing to finish and see what sort of temperatures you're dealing with... maybe they will actually turn out to be pretty good.

 

And I would agree with u, just the stupid fan noise is bugging the heck out of me. I read lots of review where people say with G105 their DV3 is quiet....i know its subjective to personal opinion so i read quite a few..dunno where they got that from...sigh

 

You're not running an external display or anything... ?

Try different drivers... laptopvideo2go.com

Check out the BIOS version. Maybe the older BIOS has a much higher threshold to turn on the fans? Try an older one?

Keep us updated on the temps...

 

1) running the latest bios..that was the first thing I checked

2) Just running the dinky 13.3 inches LED lol...no external....sigh..

I got this in pace of studio xps 13 because of slower 5400rpm HD and DDR 2 ram should run cooler....but with the heat and fan noise..might as well just endure the studio xps 13, at least that one is ddr 3 and 7200rpm..

I shall keep you updated...

 

I wonder why the temperature stay consistently in the 55C range and goes up to 70C plus under windows update..not like its updating CS4 or photo editing stuff @@

 

Well my dv3t under normal usage .... browsing .. simple installation ... indexing, gets to 45 - 48 degrees range. Its lying on a table without any elevation. Fan is off and only comes on while playing games. that too after a while. has to be a driver issue.

 

Man...so your laptop is silent? fan off most of the time? mine is either on or on very fast....there is not a moment of silence...and I just received it..same exact noisy issue as the one I returned 3 weeks ago can you see which bios your is?

 

On Intel website it say PM 45 can Support for DDR3 and DDR2 memory technology. Does this mean i can use DDR3 Ram for my machine?

Also whats the difference between PM 45 and GM 45

 

Mine is on but its really slow .. the noise goes unnoticed. it gets fast while gaming and stuff and that s when its noticeable. Sure ... if u can tell me how to check it

 

Thanks for the input guys. Howard I feel ya. Man I just want a quiet laptop. I could deal with this now because i keep all my windows open in the summer, but in the winter I will want to write away and have some silence. I have only been surfing and my fan is on and acted up during Skype usage. I think I am going to send this one back and opt for the 4500HD integrated. As long as blueray comes out fine on my TV then that is all I need. It seems that many people with the 4500 are not having fan problems? Can anyone tell me what the noise is like with the integrated graphics card? Does the G105 really cause that much stress even if you aren't gaming?

 

No you can't, the manufacturer chooses whether to use either DDR2 or DDR3. And the GM45 is for integrated graphics only notebooks, the PM45 is for notebooks with a discrete graphics.

 

I think I am going to send mine back and opt for the Intel 4500 integrated graphics. From what research I have done you will not lose anything in terms of performance and visual clarity and you can play blueray just fine, even if you hook it up to your TV (I love HDMI). So literally it seems everyone goes bananas over the graphic cards only when play very intense video games, which if that is your pleasure, you would want something stronger than the Gforce 105 anyways. Any thoughts. I do like the laptop overall though.

 

now after running over 30 hours and all the update done..my temp
Core 1 32C
Core 2 32C
G105M 47C
HDD 41C
Fan noise no decrease what so ever still

There is only 1 bios version so no new ones nor going back. Video driver is the same thing..nvidia web site latest video driver for 100m series will NOT install on DV3t. It will only install the high def audio driver for nvidia chipset thats all..

Before I send it back to its maker..any OTHER way..I can make the fan go slower and quieter??? plz??

 

Is it really that loud? Mine have similar temps as yours, but I don't consider my fan as being "noisy". Yes, it's on continuously, and I can hear it in a quiet room, but other than that it's not that noticeable. If you're expecting a silent comp, then I would suggest sending it back, because I don't think there's that much you can do about it.

 

updating to Vista SP2 now see if that would help a bit...hmmm says C++ error..buffer underrun???? @_@!!!!

 

And you are right, its constantly on. loud at times. Normal usage is very noticeable but I guess not excessive. I think I just have higher expectations after Having the bestbuy DV3T with nvidia 9300M 512mb...that laptop was SILENT...and 9300m and g105m are essentially same card just different clocked...so I was spoiled by that one..

 

Maybe we are being a little too picky. I spoke with support and they did the whole BIOS reboot. I may end up keeping my computer as I don't think the noise will change just from replacing the NVIDIA to the INTEL. Shoot they recommend the nvidia in configuration I am sure they tested this thing out. My fan only goes on full when turning the comp on (normal) and then it sounds like a normal laptop. They all make a little noise if you put your ear up to it? Howard are you saying that your fan is constantly full blast? And do you think that changing the media card is a solution?

 

1) I think you are right, after having owned a dead silent 2009 aluminum macbook, everything else sounds like a race car. It was on full blast after initial boot then settle into a constant on fan noise. NOT full blast. I'm just more sensitive to noise, but then I have always been since I was little. Hence..I'm a 9-1-1/Police dispatcher...I can hear everything on the phone and on the radio. So I have to say my hearing is way more acute than normal people.

2) After thinking extensively.... I have 2 choices.. Nvidia/fan noise or Intel GMA HD4500/quieter perhaps. There may come a time when I will want to encode/decode video/transcode it and HD4500 simply will not do. Perhaps it will play blue ray movie ok, but who watches a blue ray movie on 13.3 everyyday and I have PS3 at home as my blue ray player and a 79.99 refurbished WD HD player handles MKV and blue ray files better and cheaper. Not to mention gaming COD MW2 when it comes out at low resolution to kill time

3) I forgot about the power saver mode..after setting it on the power saver mode for a while..the fan is still on but more tolerable..Guess I"ll try it out for a while