HP DV6T: Warning to buyers!

All Information provided here is subject to change and clarification. By buying those HP models you take a leap of faith. I hope that they stuck with their 1GB 6770M model, but HP can't guarantee it. Until they have accurate information, there is always a risk of purchasing something you didn't expect or payed for.

UPDATE: Every day HP has a new story. Today's version is:

HP DV6T offers two discrete GPU options for all DV6T/DV7T models:
1) 1GB Radeon HD 7470M aka 6490M on DV6T Quad Edition, DV6T, DV6T Select, DV7T, DV7T Quad editions. | Confirmed for DV6T Quad Edition, DV7T
2) 2GB Radeon HD 7690M aka 6770M.

Do not get 1GB option on DV6T if you plan to do any gaming, 7470M has half the performance of 6770M

HP doesn't know what kind of GPU they sell with those models.

Recently HP DV6T series were offering Radeon HD 6770M GPU cards for their line up. A couple of days ago they updated their website with new deals and coupons. They no longer specify the name of GPU and list them as Discrete 1 and 2GB DDR5 AMD Radeon cards.

I tried to find out the name of the GPU on 2 separate occasions.

First call:
Contacted live chat, sales representative didn't know the answer and gave me a phone number to call.
Called the number, a young woman first listed the obvious incomplete information on their website. After I specified what I was looking for, and that I wouldn't buy a laptop without knowing that info, she put me on hold for 5 minutes. She came back and told me they offer 6670M and 6770M cards. I asked her twice to reconfirm. 6670M doesn't exist, so I assume she misspoke and meant 6650M or 6570M.

Second Call:
To follow up and reconfirm the information I called them again today to ask the same question.The US sales department representative had no idea what I was asking him and kept insisting it was Intel HD graphics. After several minutes of badgering he told me, that he can't answer my question and offered to transfer me to tech support.
They transferred me to tech support in India. Their employee said that they don't know specifications on sold laptops, and that sales department should know it, since they are the ones selling the laptops. They had a 7 min conference between each other while I was on hold, and finally transferred me back to US Customer Care department.
Customer Care department had a guy a that sounded like he knew what he was talking about. He told me that they have literally "no idea" what kind of card it is except for the DDR5 Radeon HD. So they could potentially be selling any possible GPU with those specifications. The only people that know for sure are people at the factory, and the information was not released to them. As soon as they will find out for sure, they will edit their website.

 

I've heard similar confusion regarding the new Envy 15's GPU. Shocking to me that a company's reps wouldn't be able to pull this information up.

 

They're probably refreshing them with the "new" 7xxx cards or something.

 

Or they could be downgrading them to a lower card. The point is that they don't know what they are doing themselves. It's kinda bewildering to me that you can't ask anybody at HP to run GPU-Z on a laptop you have payed for. I guess I've been spoiled by Clevo resellers, who would tell me the exact name of the manufacturer and model for every part.

 

I ordered mine today and the sales rep told me it was a 6770m. He sounded pretty knowledgeable, except that he kept trying to push the 2GB version on me. Ugh, after reading this, I don't know what to think. I can only hope that I'm at least getting the 6770 or an upgrade :/

 

Please make sure to check it with Download TechPowerUp GPU-Z v0.5.7 | techPowerUp when it arrives and let everybody know what you got. I expect it to be 6770M, but who knows.

 

They only GPU they offered here in my country other than HD6770M was HD6490M. Hope u not getting that..

 

just bought 'dv6 6169tx'(core-i7 + 6770M) 4 days ago LOLLLL

 

When it arrives, ensure us.

I'm assuming you selected the 3rd option on the list for Graphics Cards..

 

Well now they changed from 3 available Discrete GPU options to 2 options, creating even more confusion. They had 2 different 1GB Radeon HD DDR5 before, so who knows which one they kept.

 

I really hate this... And it sucks how the company doesn't even know what they are selling.

 

I will let y'all know as soon as I get my hands on it (some time after the new year, as my shipping date is December 30th). I agree, this is very aggravating. I've had some good experiences with their customer support so far...I'm very hopeful that this is just a minor blip in my time with HP.

 

They are probably just shifting them over to the new GPU's. Give it another day or two.

 

I just had a chat with them as I am interested and was told by the rep that they have changed to the following:
"Thank you so much for patiently waiting, Jeff.
Geena D.
With our dv6t quad edition notebook, the model name of the AMD Radeon is the Quad 6490 and the Quad 7690.
Geena D.
The Quad 6490 is the 1GB and the Quad 7690 is for the 2GB.
Geena D.
Are you still with me, Jeff?
Jeff Murray
Thanks so much so the 6770M is no longer used
Geena D.
Yes, it is no longer used. What I gave you is the one that is used in dv6t quad model."
So someone that is not to up on the current mobile video cards has this canged for the better or worse? Is this better than a NVIDIA 550m as I am considering the Lenovo y570. Thanks guys!

 

Wow, these are really terrible news for all the people who bought the DV6T recently. I really feel bad for them. 7470M which is a renamed 6490M is 2 times worse than 6770M. That's what I was afraid of. It is much worse than 550M.

7690 though is basically a factory overclocked 6770M, so it's better than GT 550M. Basically their 1GB option became absolute trash, try to spread the word.

I tried to reconfirm, HP customer support is simply the best in the world, getting any info from them is a challenge:

Spoiler

Initial Question/Comment: Which GPU is sold on DV6T models?
1:31:14 AM AgentBetty
Thank you for contacting HP Home and Home Office Store Chat. My name is Betty. I am absolutely able to assist you with this issue today, let’s get started.
1:31:19 AM CustomerAlex
Hello
1:31:26 AM AgentBetty
Hi!
1:31:34 AM AgentBetty
Let me check on it.
1:31:40 AM CustomerAlex
Ok no problem
1:32:55 AM AgentBetty
Are you referring to a graphics card of it?
1:33:33 AM CustomerAlex
yes
1:34:09 AM CustomerAlex
Graphics processing unit, the specific name
1:34:28 AM CustomerAlex
I know it's Radeon DDR5, I'd like the name of the GPU
1:34:50 AM AgentBetty
I am still checking on it.
1:38:11 AM AgentBetty
There are three options for the graphics card of it: 2GB Duo 6770, 1GB Duo 7690, 1GB Duo 7470, and UMA Duo.
1:39:01 AM CustomerAlex
Hmmm
1:39:22 AM CustomerAlex
Ok lets say Select Edition and Quad Edition they have 3 options
1:39:36 AM AgentBetty
That will depend on the type of graphics card you configure for your notebook.
1:39:46 AM CustomerAlex
intel HD 300 integrated
1:39:54 AM CustomerAlex
1GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon(TM) [HDMI, VGA] - For Dual Core Processors
1:40:03 AM CustomerAlex
2GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon(TM) [HDMI, VGA] - For Dual Core Processors
1:40:14 AM CustomerAlex
the latter two cards, what are they?
1:40:21 AM AgentBetty
Yes.
1:41:22 AM CustomerAlex
The last 2 options, what are the cards? Is it 7690, 6770 or 7470
1:41:22 AM AgentBetty
For dv6tse, the options are 2GB Duo 6770, 1GB Duo 7690, 1GB Duo 7470, and UMA Duo.
1:41:56 AM CustomerAlex
so how do I know which one I'm getting as 1GB option
1:42:20 AM CustomerAlex
will it be 7690, 7470, luck of the draw, someone flips a coin?
1:42:41 AM AgentBetty
I am sorry for the confusion.
1:43:01 AM AgentBetty
What is your preferred notebook?
1:43:37 AM CustomerAlex
DV6T Select Edition or DV6T Quad Edition, I'm undecided between them
1:44:12 AM CustomerAlex
Do they offer the same GPUs across all DV6T laptops?
1:45:21 AM AgentBetty
Actually, no.
1:45:37 AM CustomerAlex
so can you break it down for me
1:45:41 AM AgentBetty
The dv6t and dv6tse have the same options.
1:46:02 AM CustomerAlex
what are they?
1:46:27 AM CustomerAlex
I only care about discrete Radeon cards, you don't have to list UMA
1:46:41 AM AgentBetty
Our dv6tq has options 2GB Quad 7690, 1GB Quad 7690, 1GB Quad 6490, and dv6tq UMA Quad.
1:46:56 AM AgentBetty
I am sorry about that.
1:47:56 AM CustomerAlex
on your website DV6TQE has 2 options 1GB and 2GB, that's it
1:48:13 AM CustomerAlex
I assume both are 7690M then?
1:48:13 AM AgentBetty
I am sorry about that.
1:48:39 AM CustomerAlex
You don't have to be sorry about anything, I'm just trying to understand
1:50:16 AM AgentBetty
I have the latest information for our dv6tqe.
1:50:56 AM CustomerAlex
So some options are missing from the website or what?
1:52:39 AM AgentBetty
Let me enlighten you with it.
1:53:04 AM CustomerAlex
Ok, lets make this simpler, so I don't get confused. DV6T, DV6T select edition, DV6T quad edition. Each one of them offer one option listed as 1GB Radeon HD DDR5 cards and another option 2GB Radeon HD DDR 5 cards
1:53:21 AM CustomerAlex
what are the cards for each one
1:53:26 AM AgentBetty
Our dv6tq has options 2GB Quad 7690, 1GB Quad 6490, and UMA Quad (intended for dedicated graphics card).
1:53:46 AM CustomerAlex
ok great
1:53:59 AM CustomerAlex
what about your DV6T Select Edition
1:54:56 AM AgentBetty
Intel(R) HD Graphics 3000 has 2GB Duo 6770.
1:55:32 AM CustomerAlex
and 1GB option?
AgentBetty
1GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon(TM) [HDMI, VGA] - For Dual Core Processors has GB Duo 7470.
1:59:08 AM CustomerAlex
ok thank you very much

 

Before I read this thread, I also just spoke to HP via Chat & the agent said the same thing. If ordering better make sure to get the 2GB.

HP Agent: "You're welcome and thank you for patiently waiting. For the 2GB AMD Radeon it is 7690 and for the 1GB AMD Radeon, it is 6490."

 

So HP just pulled a fast one on all the smart people who weren't upgrading from 1GB Radeon 6770M to a useless 2GB option. Now they will stuff it down everybody's throat without an alternative option, a low blow in my opinion.

 

Exactly!

 

Even I was confused upon reading that conversation, Ellatan. What does this mean which GPUs will be in the regular DV6T? Does it mean the 3rd option is the 7690m? and the 2nd is the 7470m?

My god though, they made it awfully expensive! No i5 for me

 

In both Quad and Select and regular DV6T they have Radeon 7470M as 1GB option and 7690M as 2 GB option. 7470 is a renamed 6490M, which is 2 times worse than 6770M. 7690 is a renamed 6770M. Do not suggest 1GB option to anybody who wants to be able to do any gaming.

The conflicting information in my chat was just misinformation, I was just pointing out how awful HP support is.

7690 = 6770, 7470 = 6490

 

I ordered mine while they had the 3 options available. Ugh, if they really pulled this crap on me, I am definitely returning it.....Guess I should've went with the Malibal choice :/ I feel like I should've seen this coming because the Sales rep kept pushing the 2GB card on me, multiple times. Haha, maybe he was trying to drop a hint

 

Lol no problem - I was agreeing with you!

 

lol, i never noticed this thread. i was looking to purchase a dv6tse sometime last week. but like some of us noticed, the graphic card upgrade was somewhat confusing. so i tried to contact HP through live chat to somewhat shed some light.

Spoiler

Time Details
12/23/2011 01:18:30PM Session Started with Agent (Charmaine C.)
12/23/2011 01:18:30PM Vin: "graphic cards on the dv6 line"
12/23/2011 01:18:41PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Thank you for contacting HP Home & Office Store Chat. My name is Charmaine. I'm absolutely able to assist you with this issue today, let's get started."
12/23/2011 01:18:47PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Hello, Vin."
12/23/2011 01:18:53PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "I'm sorry. Can you please elaborate your question so that I may better assist you?"
12/23/2011 01:19:53PM Vin: "hello, can you specify what graphic cards the dv6's come with?"
12/23/2011 01:20:17PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Thank you for the clarification, Vin."
12/23/2011 01:20:42PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "We have quite a few models on dv6. Do you have a specific dv6 series in mind?"
12/23/2011 01:21:17PM Vin: "oh, the dv6t"
12/23/2011 01:21:27PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Thank you."
12/23/2011 01:21:40PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Please allow me 2-3 minutes to check my resources for this."
12/23/2011 01:21:52PM Vin: "ok"
12/23/2011 01:22:00PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Thank you."
12/23/2011 01:23:00PM Vin: "it says amd radeon on your site, but doesn't specify which model"
12/23/2011 01:23:30PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Yes, Vin. That is actually correct."
12/23/2011 01:23:44PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Product Specification Sheets are available for most but not all computer models."
12/23/2011 01:24:00PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "The product specification sheet (Spec Sheet) is a listing of hardware components and software applications that are pre-installed on a computer."
12/23/2011 01:24:11PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "If the computer was special ordered from HP, or only a few computers were built with a custom hardware configuration, a spec sheet is not available."
12/23/2011 01:24:35PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "This is the reason why there is no specific graphics card model on the site, Vin."
12/23/2011 01:24:53PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "However, the information you need is available and is stored electronically on your computer."
12/23/2011 01:26:24PM Vin: "so are you saying so there is no way for me to find out what graphic card comes with the laptop before i purchase it?"
12/23/2011 01:27:53PM Agent (Charmaine C.): "Unfortunately, yes, Vin. The information will only be retrieved once a customer has the computer in their end. However, rest assured that HP only picks computer parts that are most reliable."
12/23/2011 01:28:47PM Vin: "ok"
12/23/2011 01:28:54PM Session Ended

 

Every day they say something different. I think I'll make a hobby out of live chatting with HP support for the fun of it.

 

Yikes, I was strongly considering buying a DV6TQE. I'm glad I saw this thread beforehand. Thank you Ellatan!

 

Now they are saying only Quad Edition comes with 7470M as 1GB option.

CustomerMichael
Initial Question/Comment: HP DV6T 1GB graphics card
9:39:42 PM AgentDarlene M.
hello Michael, I understand that you wish to know the exact model number for the 1GB graphics card on the dv6t, am I correct?
9:39:51 PM CustomerMichael
I would just like to know the name of the graphics card offered as 1GB option on HP DV6T, DV6T Select Edition and DV6T Quad Edition models
9:40:01 PM CustomerMichael
yes, correct
9:40:31 PM CustomerMichael
I was told previously by another agent, that it is 7470M
9:41:12 PM AgentDarlene M.
Okay, please allow me a couple of minutes to check on this.
9:41:21 PM CustomerMichael
Alright
9:43:53 PM AgentDarlene M.
Okay, thank you for patiently waiting.
9:45:08 PM CustomerMichael
Did you find out the answer?
AgentDarlene M.
I am still checking this here on our end, please allow me a another couple of minutes for this.
9:48:14 PM CustomerMichael
No problem
AgentDarlene M.
The exact model numbers for the dv6t and dv6t select edition would be 7690 and for the dv6t quad it is 6490.
9:55:43 PM CustomerMichael
ok
9:56:04 PM CustomerMichael
so the Quad has a worse 1GB option that DV6T and DV6T select edition?
Darlene M.
It has a lower number compared to those of the dv6t and dv6t select edition, however, with 2GB, you can get a 7690 model number for the GPU.
9:59:52 PM CustomerMichael
Ok, what about DV7T and DV7T quad editions?
10:00:02 PM CustomerMichael
1GB option
AgentDarlene M.
Both of them have the 7690 model number for the 1GB option.
AgentDarlene M.
The cause, is an embargo from AMD, which prevents us from getting too specific (online) on which graphics chipset is offered because the chipsets have not yet officially launched. I do apologize for this, Michael.
CustomerMichael
So was the embargo lifted?
10:05:06 PM CustomerMichael
and the current information you provided could be taken as a solid fact
10:05:20 PM CustomerMichael
so when I ask tomorrow another agent wouldn't say something different
10:07:53 PM AgentDarlene M.
Regrettably, we still do not have any visibility as to when the embargo will be lifted, Michael.
10:09:22 PM CustomerMichael
So the information can change? Can you guarantee those specific graphics cards when I make an order?
10:10:33 PM AgentDarlene M.
Rest assured that the information I provided to you is correct, Michael, and I do apologize for the confusion.

 

Wow I'm glad I bought the DV6z, at least it's cheap and comes with 6750m.

 

Dang, that's lame that the quad edition gets gypped. I hope they decide to change that.

 

Not sure if this has been posted before (I didn't backread), but according to HP Singapore, DV6T will come with 7690 XT.

Bundle Details - HP Online Store

There is also a cheaper DV6T with a 7490.

Promotions that are packed with value.

 

@ellatan - the reason for the omission of the graphic cards model is very plausible. but what bothers me is the price drop from $100 to $75 for a 6770m. as far as i remember the 6490m was a $75 upgrade and the 6770m was $100.

 

ellatan, I think I also should tied the information here.

I asked about the graphics card of dv6 select edition vial email, the answers are like these,

"Honestly, there are two 1GB graphics card options-1GB AMD Radeon HD 6490M and 1GB AMD Radeon HD 6770M. The reason we don't name them in the configurator is, our Production Team will be the ones to decide which type of card to be installed, for as long as it's 1GB. Hopefully, that answers your question. "

more bad news,

"I understand that you want to know if the 2GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon installed in your HP Pavilion dv6t Select Edition customizable Notebook PC is only of one type which is the AMD Radeon 6770m. We appreciate that you have contacted us on this matter.
It is only labeled 2GB Discrete GDDR5 Graphics AMD Radeon since it will be HP Engineers and our Production Team who will decide if it will be the graphics card from 6490M/6770M."

 

I don't think there is a 2GB version of 6490M. Thanks for the info though, i'll edit the first post again.

More chat logs, from a similar thread. HP agent says Quad 1Gb option is a weak 6490M.

Another clarification request brings more concerns and a new version of the story:

Based on this, I'm no longer listing any DV6T and DV7T 1GB cards as safe to buy. Get an assurance from HP in an email about 1GB 7690M prior to buying it.

 

Here is the info I got minutes ago from HP:
12/31/2011 09:05:11AM Agent (Eve D.): "These are the list of graphics card models in the dv6 and dv7:"
12/31/2011 09:05:34AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv6t 2GB Duo 6770"
12/31/2011 09:05:39AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv6t 1GB Duo 7690"
12/31/2011 09:05:48AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv6t 1GB Duo 7470"
12/31/2011 09:05:58AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv6t UMA Duo"
12/31/2011 09:06:15AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv7t 1GB Duo 7470"
12/31/2011 09:06:24AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv7t 1GB Duo 7690"
12/31/2011 09:06:31AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv7t 2GB 7690 Duo"
12/31/2011 09:06:37AM Agent (Eve D.): "> dv7t UMA Duo"
12/31/2011 09:06:57AM Agent (Eve D.): "I hope this answers your question, John."
12/31/2011 09:07:32AM John: "Thanks Eve."
12/31/2011 09:07:40AM Agent (Eve D.): "You are more than welcome."
12/31/2011 09:07:47AM Agent (Eve D.): "Do you have any other questions that I can help you with? I want to make sure that I have completely addressed your concern today, and that you are satisfied with my service."
12/31/2011 09:09:01AM John: "If I order a new notebook with 1GB Radeon card on a DV6t, which card do I get: the 7690 or the 7470, or can I specify which one I want?"
12/31/2011 09:09:42AM Agent (Eve D.): "It would be the dv6t 1GB Duo 7690."

I think that if you order a new HP notebook you are best off getting the graphics card info in writing prior to paying....

 

Why can't HP just let us chose what graphics card we want when customizing the laptop? Wouldn't that make more sense.......stupid MORONS!

 

I think the folks on the assembly line just pull from the bin in front of them and install that....

 

Has anyone recently recieved a quad edition with the crappy video card and if so what day did you order, what did you select, and which product number did you have?

 

HP Pavilion Home Notebook PCs - comparison results Home & Home Office - HP

 

Not really sure what that linked comparison shows? DV6s come in a whole heck of alot other configuration including i3 and i5 processors, 7200 speed HDs and 1920x1080 screeens. I guess if you buy the units listed as they are in the chart you are supposed to get the better graphics card?

 

that is from the HP hongkong site and those are pre-configured laptops. we are talking about ordering the customizable laptops from the US online site.

 

I spoke with another rep today who rather than giving me a model number gave me a parts number: A1U59AV

This website http://partsurfer.hp.com/Search.aspx?searchText=A1U59AV
Tells me it's the 6490m. So perhaps just ask for the parts number.

 

I received my HP dv6 today, and after using the TechPowerUp application as recommend in this thread my GPU shows as being a "Mobile Intel (R) HD Graphics" card. According to the shop I bought it at, it was supposed to be a 6770M card.
When I check Dxdiag the same story is repeated, although it does say that the card has been manufactured by ATI.
However, when I check the actual specs of the card (which is Directx 11) it looks precisely like the 6770M, and when running a fairly demanding game through System Requirements Lab I get fair results. Is it possible that the 6770M has just been named "Mobile Intel..." or should I get in contact with the shop?

 

Could you download and run 3DMark Vantage? When you bought your laptop how many options for GPU were available and which one did you chose?

 

Downloading 3dmark Vantage now. Will post once I've run it. I only had the option for 6770M available, which is why I don't think there should be any problems. I just wanted to ask for safety's sake

 

It actuallly said 6770m? Or 1gb GDDR5 etc.?

 

I checked back with the shop, and it actually does say 1GB GDDR5.

EDIT: Hold on, I checked the wrong model. Two secs.

EDIT2: Found the correct model, and it says 1GB, although it also says 6770M

 

Alright, got the score from Futuremark. It says I have an Intel HD Graphics 3000 Mobile video card (what?). My score is p1288 3dmarks, and it's low compared to similar systems.

EDIT: Also, my target score for my GPU is 2900, while the actual score for my GPU is 984.
My CPU score surpasses the target score.

EDIT: The solution seems to be annoyingly simple: just follow the instructions in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f9T_aQaueA
I haven't run it through futuremark yet though, but I'll head off and do that.

 

Yeah, you ran the benchmark with discrete graphics turned off. You should be getting at least 5000 points with 3dMark Vantage if you have 6770M.

 

When did you buy this and what option did you choose when you configured your laptop?

 

Your PC should list both cards regardless of which one is being used under your display adapters heading. This is located under device manager. Regarding your benchmark, depending on which CCS software you have, you may not be able to switch your graphic cards manually until you change your bios setting. I know you referred to the graphic switching link in your post, just not sure if you actually performed the task or were able to and had issues.

 

I was able to do the switch Thanks for the help everyone, and sorry for bothering you with such a simple issue.