HP Envy 17 Sandy Bridge Awaiting HP's fix? read

with the UI or its impact on throttling?

 

The UI...seems that it is now a program that runs in the system tray...more to load..

 

Mine was always in the tray, and loading. Even with the old version. And from what I read, the old version did basically the same thing. Who cares if you turn it off anyhow? It does not impact my performance in any negative way.

So anyone else???? All the same to me since mine works perfect now.

 

I have to admit I'm less interested in the UI and more interested in seeing more than one example of the mystery healing!

 

Okay installation was unsuccessful for the 2.0 coolsense. Error with windows installer package.

Phisher, do you have SP1 installed?

 

Coolsense 2.0 installed. Ran in all three modes:

On: Throttling...798 MHZ
Off: Throttling...798 MHZ
Auto: Throttling...798 MHZ

Coolsense 2.0 does not thwart Throttling...plain and simple...

 

Great to know! Thanks for testing it out

 

good to know bobmich, many thanks for testing -- you and phisherman must have different test indicators/measures of success... it was hard to imagine that Coolsense itself would impact this: Phisherman -- how were you stressing your system to invoke the dreaded throttling?

 

BTW...to reinstall the latest version 1 of Coolsense...go to the HP website for downloads for your system and get the latest version of HP Support Assistant 5.2.9.2

 

I used Prime95 and furmark. Ran Realtemp the first time and Hwinfo32 the second two tests...all pretty conclusive

 

I beg to differ since I just noticed mine was acting up again. Upon closer inspection, TS somehow was turned on and negatively affected my Envy. When I turned TS off it went back to normal again. I tried doing screenshots but I suck at it. Try it again and be sure to have TS off. Not sure why you are so negative.... I guess I'll be HP's only beta tester.

Anyhow, I noticed when heating up the Envy hotter than it has ever been before (95F ambient). It started to lower it's clock from the fairly steady 2.0GHz, to as low as 1.6GHz. Seems like CS is still on, and buggy, but much better than the old version!

 

I didn't even have TS running when I did the tests. I don't run it at startup, just when I want to run it...not negative...just didn't stop throttling at all. To give you benefit of the doubt...I am going to run the tests again. This time I will use a Direct X 9 bench tool that I have and wPrime instead of Prime 95

 

Do you have MSN? Something really tells me you are doing something wrong in the test. I would like to do a desktop remote access.

Also do you have Windows Service Pack 1 installed?

 

OK...ran the test again...to prove...here is the version of Coolsense I currently have installed...

Also...didn't even need the video test to cause throttling...

When I ran the video test...Coolsense 2.0 actually dropped my CPU speed below 800mhz...I captured a screenshot when it finally came back up.

All the tests done with Throttlestop turned off totally

Coolsense 2.0 seems to actually make it worse...

 

I see thanks Bobmitch for the results. Good thing I didn't have to run them XD

 

Phisherman...

Understand one thing. ALL of us would LOVE you to be right!!! Are you kidding...to solve the issue with something this simple would be incredible. Unclewebb explained that TS pretty much keeps the processor and the computer bios from talking to each other. That is physical, not software. Don't take what we say or do here as negative. We test every hypothesis and try to help each other. I was really hoping that maybe HP did the same thing that TS does.

 

I never placed TS as a startup program. But when I start it sometimes it is already turned on... I removed the folder for good. Sorry everyone guess I'm just lucky or something.

 

I am really suspicious of your fix, mostly because you seem not to check if TS was actually running while you thought CS was working.

The tests are doubtable. Bobmitch did well by providing concrete evidence that TS was off, and that CS was running. It showed CS did not fix the throttling at all.

 

Just curious...do me a favor. Hit your FN and ESC key at the same time. What bios rev are you running on your Envy?

 

f.08 of course..... You don't believe me? Thats ok, since my Envy is perfect.

 

Never said I didn't believe you! Just trying to figure out what is different about your machine...We are all pretty much running f.08. Your machine is very much like mine...

Envy 17 3D
i7 2630M
8 GB Ram
160 SSD / 640 HDD
AMD 6850M with switchable graphics

Machines spec the same. What was your build date? There is either a changed component somewhere or something...if we could figure out what you have that we don't...might make more sense.

 

Uhm can you take the same pic with task bar showing and Throttlestop open to show it's really turned off?

 

Phisherman: Your screen shot shows that you are only running Furmark and your CPU is already throttling. Run Prime95 at the same time and post a RealTemp log of your results. As soon as the CPU comes up to full load, it will likely be throttling a lot more.

RealTemp 3.67
http://www.mediafire.com/?jibd769x6z7n0c8

 

Yeah bad pic. I was on battery and using IBT at the time. (handles it fine BTW)

These should be better. Sorry to late to add stuff, maybe later.

 

Ok, sorry then. But I already mentioned I have ALL updates. (BIOS, HP website, Support Asst. etc...)

 

Those pics are a little better, but show us one with cpu load as well, prime95 may be open, but we can't actually see that it is running as the icon indicator is blocked, as well as you're still not showing us your taskbar. I sound harsh, and do believe me when I say I don't think you are trying to deceive us, its just those pics still don't 100% prove anything.

Edit: Actually show us CPU and GPU load from RealTemp and GPUz being open in the SS as well please.

Edit2: Nvm, it is showing its running, was looking at wrong part. However, still would love some pics of showing CPU/GPU load. That is weird how it is working for you, but not others. How long do you run the test to make sure it never falls down?

 

That's why I was hoping that you would post a RealTemp log. In your other picture RealTemp was already showing some throttling and a log for a few minutes at full load would clearly show this.

Anytime the multiplier drops down below the default of 20 when the CPU is loaded, that's a sign of throttling.

 

Please have these programs open and running:
Prime95 Inplace large fft
Furmark (needs to be run at 1600x900 resolution)
Throttlestop (Turned off)
Coolsense (set to whatever doesn't cause throttling)
CPU-Z

don't crop the picture if possible, thanks.

 

I am sure it is battery related. Still seems to throttle when necessary (like on battery). I will try to get a log for you, but I am frustrated with a minor cosmetic issue. Mouse pad wont align perfect...... (only taken apart like 10 times)

Edit: RealTemp is not showing clock speeds now for some reason..... Probably outdated. In the mean time though....

 

That's why I previously posted a link to RealTemp that supports Sandy Bridge. It's hard to write software that fully supports new CPUs until they exist. Intel is always changing something that doesn't always show up in their public documentation.

RealTemp 3.67
http://www.mediafire.com/?jibd769x6z7n0c8

Some HP users reported that running ThrottleStop, even just in monitoring mode, was enough to get the Envy 17 running correctly at full speed. That's why it is a good idea when testing to reboot so your system is clean and then monitor with RealTemp instead without starting ThrottleStop.

 

Alrighty I give up with Phiser.

Told him multiple times already to run Furmark@ 1600x900 causing far greater load on the GPU then 640x480~. Meh whatever.

 

Unclewebb...that is totally correct. If I am testing...I have to shut down Throttlestop altogether. If I just turn it off...it still does something to my cpu to force it to run at rated! Before running the test...shut down TS...then do ctrl-alt-del and make sure that it isn't running anywhere....then test

 

Yes, of course throttling will not occur if the GPU/ CPU is only at ~70C.

Well... so apart from Bobmitch, did anyone else test the ENVY SB with the new CoolSense for throttling?

 

No matter what I do (or don't do), my clock speed seems to remain at 798.2 MHz. Only once in a blue moon does it ever go higher. Ideally, shouldn't it remain around 2,300 MHz under normal loads? And then Turbo Boost when it needs more power, and only drop speeds if its idle, or needs very little power to perform the necessary tasks? (Please help me make sure I'm understanding this correctly). I'm about to have HP send a technician out to replace my processor or my motherboard or something. This throttling is HORRIBLE. It happens when I play video games, when I make video calls (e.g. Skype, Yahoo, Oovoo), and even just watching lots of Flash Videos online. It's unacceptable.

I have installed CoolSense 2.0. I can't notice any differences with core speed, no matter how I have it set. (I will run more tests tomorrow, though). I did, however, notice that the temperatures were noticeably lower when CoolSense was enabled.

 

If you were to run Prime95 or furmark separately...you should not see throttle. It normally takes heavy load on both GPU and CPU together to make it happen. Do you throttle when on the Intel GPU?

 

When I ran FurMark alone, my processor (2820) throttled down to x18. When I ran Prime95 alone, it throttled down to x8. And when I ran both tests simultaneously, it also throttled down to x8. Any suggestions?

I have called in about this problem SOOOO many times. One technician thought it was a video card driver; so he had me refresh that. Another had me re-install the F.08 Bios update. Another agent was TOTALLY CLUELESS, and it must have been her FIRST DAY!! She had me trying to update Cyberlink Power DVD, which had NOTHING to do with the issue!! I'm so sick of this...

 

The only suggestion at this point is Throttlestop. It seems to keep the bios of the machine from throttling the CPU. Anyone who has tried it was able to get their CPU and GPU to run at rated speed (in your case 2.3 GHZ) and turbo mode would take it all the way up. Mind you ...HP, Asus and other companies probably built this into the bios on Intel's recommendation, figuring that it wouldn't be detected by the average user...but would also keep the temps in the machine down to a zone where there would never be heat related repairs. Unfortunately...they have somewhat handicapped our machines. Throttlestop is a software solution that gives you a lot of control over your machine and the throttling problem. Some of us have reported the issue to HP...and have been told that there may be a bios fix in the works. Not sure...

Somehow the remainder of this post got nuked...I am following right up with the rest...

 

It is most likely due to a bios setting that we cannot reach. HP and Asus machines and some Dells have the same issue. Alienware released a bios upgrade that fixed it in the Dell. Your option for the time being is to use Throttlestop. It was designed by unclewebb...and pretty much prohibits the bios of the computer from talking to the processor. When you run throttlestop...your machine will run at rated speed (in your case 2.3 GHZ and will throttle all the way to 3.2). TS will give you a lot of control...but mind you that with the load on GPU and CPU at the same time...there will be more heat...so you may want to adjust settings to have the machine throttle down to a slower speed (I find 1.6 GHZ comfortable range for temps). As I said...I think companies like HP, Asus and even Dell have done this throttling thing to force the CPU to 800 MHZ, which is the rated speed of the CPU called speedstep. This is supposed to be the speed of the CPU on battery...Guess it is the industry's way of CYA when it comes to repairs due to overheating. I just think that they are all overzealous.

With that said...here is one more test to try. Switch the GPU to the Intel HD...then run each test individually...should be no throttling. THEN...run Prime and furmark together...in the Intel GPU...and again, most of us who have tried it get NO THROTTLING. Throttling only takes place when the AMD GPU is active. Some of the throttling you report, I cannot comment on. I have the 2630 processor and perhaps there are different heat specs for your processor than mine. People like Crimsoned can better speak about this...but I have never seen any i7 second generation throttle as badly as yours running the individual tests. Your furmark looks OK, but your Prime is very low by itself. That bothers me! Do the Intel GPU test...single tests...and then both...if you throttle using the Intel...get a new motherboard.

Also...make sure that your case manager is aware of the threads about throttling...this is showing up in 99% of machines. The other 1% have been left to question.

These are the threads to email your case manager. I have sent to two different people...we need to make sure that HP either explains it or fixes it....

Throttling Test:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-envy-hdx/575817-hp-envy-17-sb-throttling-test.html

Throttling fix:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-envy-hdx/577420-envy-17-3d-sb-throttling-fix.html

Keep me posted on the tests you run with the Intel GPU enabled

 

Thanks for your expertise! I still am having throttle problems as you can see by my log, but it is much better than before. I think it could be an easy fix by HP.

Oh and I keep forgetting order date. Replacement confirmed around 4-20. As far as Furmark resolution goes. I see no need to change since it does not change things much.

Throttlestop 3.0!!! Thanks again unclewebb!

 

Resolution of 3D intensive applications matters greatly. The lower the resolution, the less load on the GPU and more load on the CPU.
I've explained this already, but whatever.

 

On a side note, are people with the ENVY 20xx series able to install CoolSense 2.0?

 

Crimsoned: I have no problems increasing temperatures. I do not need to push it higher or I would run 1080p, among other things. I have pushed this further than most ever will. Not sure why you are so rude, but consider yourself ignored.

 

Phisher I had no choice but to report your posts. I am afraid having posts saying Coolsense 2.0 fixes the issue, yet 2 contrary statements with concrete proof saying otherwise and you not wanting to properly test your system I am afraid the posts here and on my "Fix" thread are a bit flawed.

 

I just wish some others with the SB Envy would test the theory. I can make my machine throttle by running wPrime or Prime 95 and running my DX9 video test full throttle at 640 x 480 windowed.

If you want to try to see if Coolsense 2.0 works or not...download it from the 2100 site

HP CoolSense Technology HP ENVY 17t-2100 CTO Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Install it...set to auto and run the tests...

Run prime95 and furmark...DO NOT RUN Throttlestop under any circumstances. Run Hwinfo32 or Realtemp to monitor your cpu speeds.

Then...if you don't like using Coolsense 2.0 after the test is done and want the original Coolsense back...simply go into Control panel...Programs and Features and uninstall it. To reinstall the original coolsense...reinstall HP Support assistant and the original coolsense is back.

There is no way to know just what is going on here until a few more people try this test. Not even a handful of us have done it and there are conflicting results. More results would be appreciated

 

Bobmitch
I decided against doing the Coolsense 2.0 test my self. I am afraid I don't want to blow 3-6 hours doing testing on the whim of a person whom does not want to provide clear results, without manipulating other settings.

You guys have already provided evidence that CoolSense 2.0 simply does not work.

 

So when I install this throttle stop program, my 2820 processor should function as expected: 2.3GHz under normal loads...up to 3.4GHz when it needs more power, and down to 800MHz "speedstep" when processing power is not so critical. Correct?

 

From what I understood, it should never go down to 800Mhz....should stay around the 2.3GHz under normal conditions...someone can confirm this?


KJ

 

Just wondering...because I downloaded the Turbo Boost Monitor from Intel. When the processor drops below 2.3 GHz, it reports that it is operating in "Energy Saver" mode.

I'm well past my 21-day return period. I think HP needs to just get up off their @$$...redesign the physical system so that it can perform at the rated speeds, without throttling down to 798 MHz or burning someone's legs from being too hot!! I paid too much money for this system. I feel a class-action suit coming on...

 

If you are using an energy saving profile then 798 MHz at idle is fine. The problem is when these laptops are working, some of them are throttling down to 798 MHz and killing performance. That's a problem that needs to be fixed.

iwantanenvy: Have you used ThrottleStop and run a log file. Are you still having these throttling problems when loaded or is it OK now? If you fix the throttling problem then you are up against a cooling solution that is not up to the task of keeping this laptop cool when it is trying to run at the rated speed that you paid for.

 

I generally keep my system on HP Recommended battery setting. I haven't done anything TOO graphics/processor intensive, but I still get throttling, which has sometimes caused my system to become unresponsive. At one point, I was doing something as simple as video calls with Skype and/or Yahoo. And it caused throttling!! Granted, I had my Webcam running at 720p
That's still unacceptable. I play lots of games, but most of them are OLD and my system has about 8x the minimum specs. The most recent game I bought was Fable III (just released last week), and my system still trumps its requirements...I still get throttling. I am finishing reading all the posts about ThrottleStop and about to install it now. Specifically, BobMitch has posted something about the best settings to balance speed with keeping the notebook cool. Any advice is welcome...