*HP Envy 15 (11XX / 12XX series) Owners Lounge!*

I've got a 14 on the way and I'm going to see how I like it, but I'm thinking that I'm going to return it and get the 15. But isn't the 3rd Gen (with the backlit keyboard) coming out sometime soon?

 

Actually when I select the boot > advanced options > select number of processors > 'drop down menu' in system configuration it gives me the choice to load 1,2,3 or 4

Since I have an i5 with 2 cores I assumed it was allowing the selection of which threads to activate on bootup.... I assumed that 1 & 2 are core 0 and 3 & 4 are core 1.... Now that I'm thinking about it I'm not really sure what happens by selecting, for example, only '2'. Does it just use one core with 2 threads or 1 thread each on both cores ?? This would make a difference in temps only if one core actually gets shut down....

 

Not very many changes to make. Mainly get rid of all the crapware that comes with the HP install and use Win 7 instead. This means don't reload all the HP junk like media, photo viewer, norton, support assistant etc.. I also used a command line to disable the Win 7 reserve battery level (in power plan options) which is locked at (IIRC) 12% and minimze the number of processes and services that run at startup. I currently have only 49 processes running at startup and stopped dozens of uneeded services from loading. The Envy out of the box has something like 78 processes running before you even load any programs of your own, some of their crap never allows the CPU to reach full idle which just kills battery life....

A simple test after your done setting things up is to test how quickly your CPU drops to 0% usage in task manager. Open and close several things and watch how long it takes to get back to 0% usage, it should be no longer than 2-3 seconds...

One additional thing you can do if your not using anything that requires gpu intensive things is to underclock the GPU which can gain some additional battery life....

 

I have been considering this machine for quite a while now. I have heard about the last generation's numerous issues (BSOD, fan sound & blank screen). I read a few pages , and it seems to be much less trouble, but is there any other issues with this new model I should know of before making a purchase?

 

Hi,

I just placed an order for an Envy 15t G2, and now to wait for it, w/a build Date of July 13th :

• Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) - Would of gotten Ultimate, but not offered w/the 15t
• Intel i7-820QM 1.73 GHz Quad Core CPU - Would of gotten the i7-840QM , but not offered w/the 15t
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA HD
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830 Graphics Card
• 15.6" Full HD LED HP Ultra Brightview Widescreen Display (1920x1080)
• Webcam
• Intel Wireless-N Card w/Bluetooth
• HP Keyboard
• One 6 Cell Lithium Ion Polymer Battery + One 9 Cell HP Envy Slim Fit Extended-Life Notebook Battery
• System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

I plan to upgrade the memory to at least 8 GB. Does the BIOS have any memory settings, and if not, does it see and adjust for faster memory? example: DDR3 1866 (PS3 15000) Cas 9 vs. DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Cas 5

Also, is there any performance gain or loss by filling all the memory slots vs. to filling just two (2) of them.

Is the BIOS just your typical laptop style or does it have any tuneable features, including overclockng?

Any advantage(s) to Windows 7 Ultimate vs. Home Premium that it will come with?

Does the Envy 15t come w/the mounting hardware inside for a second HD?

Any detailed reviews anywhere on the G2 that shows the insides?

Finally, what does the "t" stand for in the 15t?

Thx.


.

 

@Gohack

Here is a pic of my gen 2 with dual 1.8" SSD's, youcan only fit 1 2.5" drive or 2 1.8" drive with special (HP only) bracket and cables. It has only a basic laptop type BIOS and to my knowledge there is no way to O.C. the mobility i core CPU's yet. The i7 model will auto sense up to 1333Mhz (max) memory speeds and I'm not sure of any 2 vs. 4 module performance differences, but adding 2 x 2GB will obviously be less expensive... And no idea what the 'T' stands for... Congrats on your purchase

View attachment interior-1-full[1].pdf

PS: IIRC the mobility i7's memory controller can run a max of 1333Mhz.

 

Thanks for getting back to me.

I'm looking forward to getting it.

Do you happen to know what the P/N's of the SSD's are? Intel X18-M Mainstream SSDSA1MH160G201 1.8" 160GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)?
Do you have any info on the memory chips, such as the manufacturer and P/N?

Unfortuniately, in order to keep my costs down, I left out the SSD's. I later still want to get them. Having second thoughts, I just tried to change my order, and they credited me $120 on my order for me to keep my present order.

Hopefully I can buy the mounting hardware from HP for the SSD's.

.

 

Ahh. I was thinking you were setting the number of threads for the bootup process. Threads != cores Setting the number of cores will most likely lower power, but I'm not sure if Intel's chip or driver will realize one isn't being used and power it down much more due to that.

 

Does anyone play world of warcraft on their Envy 15 2nd gen? What kind of FPS do you get?

I get between 14 and 30, playing on some pretty low settings for such an old game. Sometimes in raids, I will drop down to ~10-12 (25 man). Shadows are off, etc etc.. like I said, very low.

I had no fps issues on the dv6t, with the nvidia 1GB card (which is not supposed to be as good). So I'm left scratching my head. I have the 10.6 drivers as well (they did not help).

Not much is running in the background. MSN is off, work related stuff off.. only winamp remains on usually (and ventrilo). I have the i7 1.6 model if that helps....

 

..........

 

If threads=cores then why do I have the option to load up to 4 cores with an i5 540M

 

the envy should absolutely obliterate WoW even at 1080p.
check your power settings and make sure you aren't keeping the card underclocked with amd tool.

 

Is the webcam as good as the 17's version??

 

I believe with the Core i series, each core has 2 threads. Since you have a dual-core CPU, you see 4 threads. The i7s have 8 threads. But your earlier question is a very good one: I don't know whether disabling 2 threads = disabling 1 core or disabling half of 2 cores...

I'm pretty sure there is a way you can test that though...maybe Everest or SiSoft Sandra show which threads are running on which cores?

 

anyone know if the beats edition exterior frame is metal like the original envy 15?? looks plastic-like in pictures and video's, does it still feel metallic like the original envy 15?

should be ordering this badboy in a week or two depending on circumstances

 

Did some testing and got some interesting results. If I use system configuration > advanced options and load 2 'processors' it runs just core '0', both everest, task manager and ThrottleStop sense only 1 core and 2 threads.

Running the everest 100% CPU stability test for 15 minutes the temps maxed out at 64 C (CPU & FPU only, not using cache which makes test run cooler), this compares to 77 C when doing same test with both cores / 4 threads. I also noted that the CPU power draw was much lower during the test with 2 threads (which makes sense) averaged 11.5W vs. 23W with all 4 threads.

All of you with quad cores who don't like the heat may want to experiment with loading 2, 4 or 6 'processors' and get a cooler running machine when you don't need the processing power of 4 cores.

On the down side I also noticed that with just 1 core / 2 threads running that the idle Wattage, on battery and plugged in, ran slightly higher than normal. At full idle (using everest) I get 5.40W in normal mode and 5.88W with just 1 core. So it appears that this tweak will not help extend battery life with light usage on the envy. It also did not in any way improve the throttling while on battery.

Good news; On video playback of 720P video in WMP while running just 1 core the CPU powers were about 8W vs. 14W with both cores so it may be possible to significantly extend movie palyback time while on battery. I will do some further testing when I have time and see if the GPU may be taking up the extra load when playing video....

 

It's the same magnesium alloy case with a special finish over it, I believe powder coated. Not sure what it feels like but it does show all fingerprints (unlike the normal envy 15 finish which shows none), other than that it looks awsome.

 

That's what I figured also... but it's not. I got the envy stock from the factory, haven't overclocked or underclocked anything, although it's entirely possible something screwed up when they were setting it up.

Is there a link to a newer version of amd tools? The one I found was last updated July 2008, and the AMD site lists too many options/tools that aren't related.

 

AFAIK this is the only AMD clock tool that works with the 5830: AMD GPU Clock Tool v0.9.26.0 For HD 5870 download from Guru3D.com

Also you can go into CCC 'power play' options and make sure your set to 'maximum performance' while plugged in and/or on battery, otherwise the GPU gets throttled...

 

Okay, I think you guys may have hit the nail on the head (unless I'm wrong)

AMD tools shows the engine at 99MHZ, and clock at 199MHZ (plugged in, powerplay is set to max performance).

What are the normal values? I think the clock speed should be 800 mhz, right? and engine?

 

The 5830 is designed to dynamically adjust speeds based on demand (like the new CPU's) the base speeds with no load are 99 core / 199 mem. and the max with full load are 500 / 800. As long as you have 'maximum performance' selected in CCC power play it should clock up to 500/800 when needed. If you use the clock tool to set the speeds then it will remain at those speeds even when there is no demand, so temps will run much higher at idle and use more power when on battery. I only use the clock tool to OC when needed and then 'restore defualt clocks' for normal use.

Note: When you choose 'max power saving' on battery (default setting) the GPU runs at (IIRC) 199/299 max and is more than fast enough for everything but gaming and really helps with battery life. If your issues with WoW are while on battery it is probbably due the CPU throttling (to 9X multiplier) and not the GPU which should run at full speed when set to max performance on battery.

 

Okay, you're definitely right. I loaded up the game and the clocks are at 500/800.

So, any other ideas about the abysmal performance I'm getting? The system is literally stock except for the 10.6 drivers (which I was hoping would fix it). Even the game's setting are as low as possible (just a few are higher than low so the game doesn't look horrible). There's no HP stuff left on my laptop.

 

Thanks again.

I checked out SurperBiiz and they are presently out of stock. I'll wait until I get my system in order to see what memory it comes with. Is there any difference between running 1333 MHz vs. 1066? Anyone do any benchmarks?

You're right about the SSD prices, and as I mentioned earlier, I tried changing the 500 Gb HD for the dual SSD's, but it was too late to change it. It's already in the factory being built. I could of cancelled my order and re-ordered a new one, but they didn't appear to like that option, and offered me $120 credit to keep my order as is.

Anyone know the dual 1.8" HD/SSD mounting kit P/N? Price? Does it indeed include the cables?

As for the issue w/the controller, do all the Envy 15t G2's have that issue, or was it only w/the earlier model releases, such as your's?

Finally, why does HP offer the Intel i7-840QM for the Envy 14 and 17, but not for the 15? The same goes w/Windows 7 Ultimate. It too is only offered for the 14 and 17, but not for the 15.

Thx

.

 

I tried to search this thread first before posting, but couldnt find anything that matches. My model is the 1155NR US i7 w/ 4GB RAM. I am trying to put in 8GB (2x4GB) of ram using 2 Samsung M471B5273BH1-CH9 PC3 10600 modules and when I can get it bast the dang boot black screen (after a couple resets) and when it gets to windows I got a BSOD. I take out the modules and it boots just fine. Again, when I am able to get past the boot black screen issue (even with the latest firmware) I go into the BIOS and run a memory check and it passes the memory check.

Has anyone been able to use samsung chips and get past 12GB+ config?

UPDATE: The black screen and BSOD when away when I removed the internal 2GB modules and replaced them with the 4GB modules. I am going to try and switch out all modules to the 4GB SAMSUNG MODULES and see if this corrects the problem.

 

This is great news. Please let us know.

Also, does anyone know whether a different brand of SSD (aka OCZ agility 2) will have the 4k controller speed issues? Or is the problem in the mobo?
Thanks.

 

Hi Guys.. I live in India and a big fan of the envy from the day one.. now am planning to buy via my cousine in US (the model not yet launched in India).. but after some serious browsings, i foud out there are couple of problems that a large number of users r facing.. i dont hav chance to replace the lap once it reached India..Is the problems like blank screen and BSOD still persists with the new gen envy?? i am really concerned about these issues since the warranty wont be available here..pls advice about buying one..thx in advance..

 

I went from stock 1066 to hyperx 1333 cl7 and my rammark (Burn-in Test) score went from 770 to 970.

I was also going fron 4GB to 8Gb at the time as well, but the rammark score seems to ignore overall momory size starting at 4gb and up. It mainly tests speeds for differnet size reads and writes.

So yes, there is a speed improvement. My envy was already so lightning fast however, that is wasnt noticable in daily usage.

 

Thanks for that information.

As soon as I get my 15t, I'll see what it comes with before ordering anything.

If it comes with the 1333, I'll add more of the same brand. If not, I'll replace the 1066 with 1333.

I'll do some benchmarks of before and after.

.

 

hmm, since a few days all sorts of flash video which I have loaded, partially played and paused in firefox start hanging when I recover from sleep or hybernation (I often put a video on pause and put the envy to sleep to take a break). Basically the audio works fine but the video loops a couple frames over and over again. this happens in youtube, veoh, myspace video, everything...any idea what this might be? it's rather annoying to have to reload a 20-30 minute video tab..

 

Same thing on E17 too.

 

Just noticed the "NEW" tag next to the E15 on HP's site today. Was that there all this time, or is it new?

 

aside you asking? they changed the processors for i7 only, the beats edition can have the good old i5

sighs at however choose that

 

is the hp envy 15 still a good buy>

i am still debating between the 14 vs 15 ugh decisions!

 

is the 720p screen alot different than 1080p ? I'm gonna get a E15 with 720p screen but I'm kind of used to 1080p. Does anyone have any real life photo

 

the 720 sucks.

 

They dont have FULL HD E15 around my place

 

I would wait or get it from HP direct and get it shipped to you, the 720 screen really is awful

 

Apparently, I'm in vietnam

 

try: HID Evolution, Customized Computers, Electronics, Mobile Devices

 

Has anyone tried the new F.29 BIOS?

 

Looks like a few people have updated to f .29 without problems on both i5 and i7 machines, you can read some info HERE on the envy 15 drivers thread.

 

Evidently, the CSR I spoke to initially was just telling me what I wanted to hear. Spoke to another rep today and they said they have no release date for the backlit keyboard model (E15 that is). Figures.

Looks like I don't get the backlit keyboard after all...

JJB - how are the dual SSD's treating you?

 

@Cebby

I really hate the SSD's, they have spoiled me so much that I cannot stand using any other computer with an HDD They are still working perfectly, and still at 0% wear level after 4 months of heavy usage. FYI, I have un-RAIDED the drives and while they benchmark a lot slower than the RAID 0 configuration I really cannot tell any real world difference in speed.

Also you should know never to believe HP Sales / CS regarding anything that is not released and shipping yet, you will get a different answer from each CS person you call. Just keep looking at the HP site for the 'revised' 15, it will be coming soon otherwise they would not have the service manual still posted on the website, just don't hold your breath for a backlit keyboard....

 

Doesn't the 14" ENVY have a backlit keyboard?

 

Yes 14 and 17 have backlit keyboard. Personally, I need the 15 for the 16Gb ram and want the dual SSD's.

@JJB - thanks. So there is a 3rd Gen 15 on the horizon? I have limited time to wait as I need to have a new machine by the last week of July - I need something with a working display that I can take on vacation. (my zt3000 display quit and I've decided 6 years is long enough with this one)

 

I would suggest just pulling the trigger on a current gen Envy 15, because a refresh is really just speculation at this point. I guarantee you that if it does exist, it won't come out by the end of July. From what I've heard, the backlit LEDs on the Envy 14 and 17 are not very bright. Besides, the Ultrabright screen is so bright that it illuminates the keys anyway when typing at night.

 

Hi guys,

I posted a thread regarding BIOS update problems with Envy 15's 2nd Gen - would appreciate any of your comments / experiences.

 

Fuggin HP lost my envy 15 i5 order and I can reorder the laptop. But oh wait, there is no more i5s.

EDIT: My situation was quadruply escalated (maybe to a manager who speaks english?) and somehow something may happen tomorrow.

 

Any rumors on what changes the 3rd Gen of the Envy 15 will have vs. the 2nd Gen?

Thx


.

 

I need a laptop before September.

I would like to get it before BCB ends though. Hopefully there will be a refresh soon- otherwise I will just get the E14 since the screen is supposedly much better and the internal components are organized better.