*HP ENVY 17 & 17 3D (3XXX series) Owners Lounge*

Nice results. You might want to download 3DMark11 from Futuremark - world's most popular benchmarks and PC performance tests and run it. Would love to see your scores. I have the 2nd gen Envy with the 2670 processor and 6850M...my score using AMD Catalyst 12.1 preview is 2003. Let's see what your baby can do...

 

um, i said the ignition license worked

how do i get the media player license?

 

Did you upgrade your TriDef to the latest version 5.0? Get it here:

TriDef 3D - Downloads

Install it on top of your existing TriDef...do not uninstall the older software...

Done properly, the software upgrades and you get the extra's like media player and portal.

 

Anyone knows if the HP Wireless Audio Manager might be compatible with AirPlay devices?

 

Apple would never license it out to a PC maker maybe hackers can figure it out, but as of now, its a no go.

 

Well there are already some third party devices using the AirPlay "protocol" (e.g. http://airplayspeakers.com/category/devices/), and I've been reading somewhere HP bought an AirPlay license from Apple (can't be sure though)... so why not?!

 

Really? Wow. So reconfirming that the graphics card on the previous Envy is more powerful than the current one. But I guess we all knew that.

I already returned my Envy, but the scores I got using the 12.1 drivers were P1593.

I did not do a clean install on the system, this was just straight out of the box on an Envy 17 3D.

 

Why put a less powerful video card on a newer gen. I also returned my envy 3d and hoping for ivy bridge upgrade with an upgraded graphics.

 

We're all in the same boat. I'm also waiting for Ivy Bridge. Depending on how it looks and build quality I'm either gettring the Envy or trying out a MacBook Pro....

Right now I'm 70% in favor of the Ivy Bridge Envy....

 

Just received my 2nd Envy 17, 1st one was returned because of the audio/sound problems.

The new Envy 17 was ordered on Jan. 19th & there was no USB Dent, no lint/dust behind the glass & no dead pixels. The audio sounds better, no static at all even at highest volume & the audio sounds good through internal/external/headphones. The only complaint is when playing certain songs from Youtube (2Pac-Changes, Dr. Dre/Eminem-Get Me A Doctor, Eminem/Rhianna-Love The Way You Lie), I can still hear slight volume changes through out the songs, with or without Beats Audio checked. I usually hear it when Rhianna/Skylar Grey sing their lines & then the music kicks in.

I'm starting to believe that this is just the way the audio/soundcard is & I don't think a lot of people even notice it unless they listen for it.
This only happens with certain songs, other songs sound great. Maybe it's because I'm playing them with Youtube, that's still no excuse. Like I said before my dv7 & my desktop does not do this when playing any songs. Hopefully new audio drivers will fix this problem.

I'm not sure yet if I'll keep it, but I really like everything about this laptop, at least I have 21 days to make a decision.

 

Could anybody upload, or link me to the latest TriDef software? For some arbitrary reason I can't seem to download it from the official site :|.

 

I'm just wondering what are the normal idle temps for your Envy 17?

When running Core Temp & laptop on High Performance plugged in I'm getting about 45c at idle, & it hit 80c running 3dmark06, I hope this is ok.

Thanks.

 

Hi everyone, I have a problem with my Norton Internet Security, on my notebook there was NIS with 2 years License...who has 2 years License on the HP envy???I need a help

 

Hi! Envy Owners!

I Just Order my Envy 17 3000eg from German HP Store.
my question is: is there HDMI to VGA Adapter included or must be ordered while extra feature?

I mean this one:
(HP NP031AA#ABB HDMI zu VGA Display Adapter) is it compatible with the new envy 17??

Great Forum! Love it!

greetz
.art

 

Doesn't it come pre installed with NIS? I think its for a 1 or 2 year period....

 

​

Hi. The adapter is not included with the laptop.

Yes it should be compatible with your Envy 17.
On my Envy I tried HDMI to DVI & Display Port to DVI adapters with no problems, works perfectly.

 

But how do you do when you reinstall the computer from scratch ? I've made a backup from the folder (TriDef 3D) and even made an acronis image just in case. Tried to copy it in C:\Program Files (x86) before reinstalling but did not work. Found the licence but it only supports TriDef Ignition, like for Lvivkse I guess.

 

Got my Envy 17 3D for a week now and have to say that I love it. Here are the specs:
- i7-2860QM
- 12GB 1333MHz
- 910GB (SSD 160GB+750GB 7200 rpm)

I had the usb dent, but fixed it with a small screw driver. Here's a picture before fixing it.



Keyboard makes a small sound when using aszx keys but nothing annoying. I will certainly try SoulMisaki solution.
Like some posted before, sound volume seems to change while playing. This only occurs with the speakers: I use airfoil to play songs on external speakers and everything is ok. Headset is ok too.


I'm in France so a friend of mine sent it from Florida. Keyboard is qwerty instead of azerty for me and I thought it would be a pain but actually I do not look at my keys when typing and I use an external azerty keyboard at work so no big deal here.
Only tricky part (and that's why I'm mentionning it here as it might be useful for non qwerty users) : seems like there's an extra key on azerty keyboard at the right of Shift button (left one). This key is used for <> symbols.
Found a solution by installing "Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC)". This software let you create keymapping and generate a new keyboard layout. Now I get my < by doing AltGr+< on the envy qwerty keyboard. Same principle for >.

Initialy, I was considering buying the azerty keyboard part and replacing the qwerty one, but I'll have to check first if it is compatible with this extra key thing.

As I said above, I use my computer at work, plugged on two external displays. Here are some pictures.






As you can see, I use both DisplayPorts with HP's DisplayPorts to DVI adaptors (part number is 481409-001).
Just for the test, I tried to plug three displays, but it wouldn't work (maximum 2 displays supported), even with the Eyefinity software.
I guess I need to have the displayPorts plugged directly with a displayPort to displayPort cable. Unfortunatly the Samsung T240 do not have a DisplayPort.


Next point: since I wanted to have a french Windows 7, I made an acronis Image (as mentioned above), made a backup of SWSetup and TriDef folders and reinstalled everything (I deleted all partitions and kept just one).
I used this thread to get the latest drivers : [Drivers] HP ENVY 15-3XXX / ENVY 17-3XXX (INTEL).

Everything works fine, except for beats button (which I don't care since I won't use it).

Conclusion : I love my Envy and will definitly keep it. It's fast, real quiet (even with a i7-2860QM) and I'm sure the few remaining problems I mentionned are fixable (mainly software issues).

 

I am having trouble with the 3d. How close do you need to be for it to work? I got it on a few times but then it turns off. It is really iffy. The few times I got it working I had to be really close.

 

Suggest you watch 3d in dark room where will make 3D stable.

 

Any other TV or monitor powered on in the room will mess with the sensor on the glasses.

 

Got it working. My tv caused it to not work. Once tv is turned off it works fine. Not something I will be using but just wanted to see what it would be like.

 

Looking at their site they specifically state that it will not work with the newer Envy models. Looking at the parts list in the repair manual it appears that you will need to order the 665909-001 Hard Disk Drive HARDWARE KIT for $38.95 from HP parts. This is my scheme as I just can't stomach the HP upcharge for the mSATA and SSD and RAM and... well just about everything.

 

Are you sure? It says right on HP's website that it supports up to 3 external displays. Or are you saying you think you need DP to DP connection for it to work?

 

If you look at the envy 17 3D getting started pdf, on page 9 you can read about "AMD Eyefinity Multi-Display technology" :

I think that if you want to use 3 displays you will indeed need DP to DP connection.

 

Thanks for the information. I'll definitely look into it as we get closer to the Ivy Bridge announcement window.....

 

and I tried using Ignition to play Battlefield 3 and it didn't work at all. bogus.

 

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - all max settings 1080p - smooth

Skyrim - ultra settings 1080p - never under 30 fps smooth

 

Just checking in, but let me know if my solutions help anyone (The taping solutions I mentioned earlier to solve the sound and vibration problems.)

 

Hi everyone, I have a problem with my Norton Internet Security, on my notebook there was NIS with 2 years License...who has 2 years License on the HP envy???I need a help, because i did something and my license shows 258 days not 736 as should...i want to ask the true setting of it...could anyone help me???

 

I'm debating between an HP ENVY 17-3090NR or an alienware m17x r3 or some other similar laptop. Are most of you happy with your Envy? I'm going to be doing any gaming.

Thanks

 

I personally could not be happier with mine.

 

I have my Envy on the way and i can't wait! But i was wandering about how well the 3d works and do the active shutter glasses have to be charged.

 

The 3D works pretty well, especially with blu-ray, IMO. The glasses do not have to be charged.

 

I had an Envy and returned it. Now I have a Alienware m17x R3. In my opinion:

1. Form factor: The Envy has the Alienware beat. The machine is thin, light weight (almost half the weight of the m17x) and looks great. I've compared to have a sleek sports car over a muscle car. Choose which ever style you prefer.

2. Power (Graphics card): The Alienware beats it. Out of the gate, you will have a more powerful graphics card even if you went with the base model m17x. Also, the m17x have integrated graphics as well, so I have an amazing battery life if I switch over to do regular work type stuff like the Envy.

3. Screen: Both have great screens, but to my eyes, the Alienware looked better. The screen was so vivid, it was amazing. I have the 60hz screen on the m17x. On the Envy, I had the 120hz screen. The image wasn't as vivid, but everything seemed really smooth. And the 3D was very cool. You can get 3D on the Alienware, but here is where there is an important difference.

4. 3D: Both systems can do 3D, but there is an important difference. Alienware: You can have 3D with NVidia, but you loose the integrated graphics option. In other words, you can't improve the battery life by choosing integrated graphics. So only 2 hours total of battery life (or less)
Envy: You can have both 3D and great battery life since the Envy 17 3D allows you to keep both. So 2+ hours for 3D/games. 5+ hours for office type work.
This is why I opted for a non 3D version of the Alienware.

5. Cost: If you just go by their website, then the cost look to be about the same. But if you are in the US, HP tends to throw out a bunch of coupons to bring down the cost of ordering an Envy. Up to 33% off which can make it a better deal than getting a lot of other high-end laptops. Alienware doesn't have these. But if you don't mind refurbished, you can find a deal there as well.

Everything else is going to be even more opinionated. You could talk about the keyboard, lights, amount of devices and monitors you can plug into it, configuration options, etc. I personally feel that you can't go wrong with either laptop. They both have great options, very customizable (though I do wish they had more graphic card options for the Envy) and you get a lot for your buck. If you are more fashion or business minded, go with the Envy. If all you care about is gaming, then go for the Alienware.

For now, I selected the Alienware for myself. This is more a desktop replacement for me. But I have a feeling that next time, I'll be buying an Envy because I still love that machine.

(By the way, this is for the Envy 17" 3D (2012 edition)

The glasses come with a battery that is supposed to last a long time. And if it does run out, it is easily replaceable.

 

My Envy is very capable of putting out 1920x1080 high/ultra on BF3, maxed on SC2 and MW3. I also personally like the look of the Envy compared to the bulkier alienware.

 

The Envy's displayports can support 2 monitors off of one port if you get the DualLink Adapters. They are significantly more expensive (Frys for $120) and require power from a USB port. It breaks it into 2 DVI ports. I think this is what you would need to run 3+ monitors.

I am using one but just so i can run 120Hz to a single monitor, as the regular displayport adapters only support 60Hz.

 

The point is not to dupe (or mirror) a display. The point is to extend it. That's not possible with that adapter.

 

Yes, the Envy is a very capable machine, but new games may not treat it so well. Personally, when I play PC games, I tend to focus on one or two games (typically MMOs). But if you are a heavy gamer and plan to keep your laptop more than two years, then getting a more powerful card will keep your laptop playing longer.

Of course you could be pushing your laptop harder with graphically intense game so they don't last long, but everything is a balancing act.

If it looked like I was down on the Envy, I'm not. I keep thinking I should have gone back to it and given it another chance. I liked it that much. But in the end, I ended up getting a great deal on the Alienware, way cheaper than what it was worth, so I'm keeping it. If I had to pay full price for one, I never would have bought it.

You'll love your Envy if you get it and there are no QC issues. It's one of the best laptops this side of the Mac in my opinion.

 

Iv'e read a lot of stuff on this laptop and some people say it plays just about any game on max/ultra settings and some complain about how it cant run games well, it seems like a lot of people don't realize you have to manually change your settings from integrated graphics to the dedicated graphics card. I'm a gamer all the way and some of the reviews about it make me wander... so i hope this thing runs like a beast and the people saying its not much for gaming are wrong.

 

can you post prt scrn of ccc window hardware tab to see version vbios? to compare to mine because mine 7690mxt says 800mhz for memory. o have dv6 6c00series

 

I've had my Envy 17 (non-3d) for 2 weeks now. I am really liking it. However in transferring all my files I discovered that HP swapped out my 2x750GB 7200 RPM drives for an 80GB SDD and a 900GB 5200 RPM drive. Also, they gave me 2x4GB 1600Hz RAM instead of the 1333Hz RAM (don't mind this).

Is this spec switch within reason? They didn't charge a price difference. I didn't have a choice in the first place because HP Canada doesn't offer customization, but I really wanted the high-speed high-capacity drives and it was one of the reasons I chose HP over other choices.

I'm just not sure 80GB SDD is going to be big enough. I love the speed of it, but even with all of my data on the other drive, I can see that it will reach capacity soon, which means more money on an upgrade.

If it were you, would you call HP to complain? Would any redress be appropriate? Or should I deal with it and start to learn the joys of SDD and plan for an upgrade soon?

 

Hi

my ordered envy 17 3000eg comes around with 160gig SSD and 750gig HDD on which drive is windows installed? in german descriptions the SSD is secondary.

can anyone apply this or is SSD primary?!

thx
.art

 

I sure hope they would make the ssd primary or that would defeat the purpose or the overall speed boost you would gain from it.

 

yapp but everything is possible! here in bratwurschtland!

 

Hello, first time on this site, and very first post. Just wanted to drop in and say thanks to everyone for the very helpful information in this thread. I stumbled upon this thread while doing research on the Envy 17 3D. I ordered one last night after accidentally finding the 30% coupon online, so I decided to take the plunge.

I had been a bit reluctant over the last couple of weeks after reading some of the negative reviews around the web about freezing and so on, but decided I would take the chance as the good things I've heard definitely outweigh the bad.

Been reading a bit through this thread today and wanted to say thanks for all the helpful information I've found here. It will be a big help getting me started when my Envy comes in around Feb 20th.

Thanks again,

Mike

 

Well of course thats the point... DualLink Displayport protocol can handle 2 independent displays from a single port. AMD GPUs sees them as independent displays. Each monitor is limited to 60Hz however due to bandwidth constraints, but that is OK with most people who havent yet been spoiled by 120Hz INPUT.

For example, this ZOTAC adapter will run 2 independent 1080P60 HDMI monitors of of a single DualLink Displayport.

ZOTAC DisplayPort to Dual HDMI Adaptor [ZT-DP2HD]

I can confirm that the Envy 17 has DualLink Displayports because im using one right now to push out 120Hz, which isnt possible under SingleLink.

If you buy an adapter and try it out, please get back to us all!

 

Well to explain the whole gaming thing. Can the Envy play games? Yes. You can play all types of games on it. The difference between the Envy playing games and a gaming laptop with more powerful graphics card is this.

There will be newer games (BF3, Crysis 2 and any new games that will be coming out in the next 6+ months) that instead of playing on Ultra or Maximum settings, you would be playing it on the next setting down or two. So either at high settings, or medium settings are somewhere in between. You may even be able to play it at high to ultra settings. With a more powerful graphics card, you could turn everything to Ultra and use all the bells and whistles.

I do know about the integrated graphics (as I mentioned the battery life based on what settings you have) and how to switch between the two.

So if you are a casual to average, maybe sometimes high gamer, then the Envy is fine. If you play MMOs, or Starcraft 2, the Envy is fine. But, if you are a hardcore gamer, or you want to play with all the switches turn on at the max settings, then you want a gaming laptop. Or if you had the last version of the Envy, the graphic card in this new one is less powerful than last gen Envy. So it's taking a step backwards.

But for most, that is not a big deal.

 

Does that mean that we could go up to 5 screens? If you are sure of this I will certainly make the test since it "only" costs 40€ per adaptor in europe.

 

I have all the upgrades maxed out except for the ramm (have 8gb 1600mhz), so do you think it would make much difference having the i7 2860qm processor vs the 2670qm as far as gaming goes? Ive dealt with lagg all my life in games and i refuse to spend over 2k on a laptop that cant play games at max settings Lol. Also why would they downgrade the graphics card.. that is just ridiculous, grrrr.