*HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2*

HP HDX 9000 DRAGON OWNERS LOUNGE



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NOTE: Due to change in forum software, many redirect links are erroneously pointing to the wrong location in the thread. It will take some time before this can be fixed. Try searching the thread for the posts in question that are not being linked to properly.

Links to software and manuals are still good.

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NOTES ON WINDOWS 10 Installation:

Windows 10 does indeed run on the HDX but the graphics driver has a minor issue that has a workaround. The issue is that Nvidia's Powermizer in newer drivers (such as those that come with Windows 10 and its build updates) doesn't work properly and can cause a freeze or crash. The work around is as follows:

• Right click your desktop, select Nvidia Control panel.
  
• Under 3D Settings\Manage 3D Settings scroll down to Power Management Mode and set it to Prefer Maximum Performance.
• Now in the next tab over, Program Settings, make sure that each individual program is also set the same (either as 'Use Global Setting' or 'Prefer Maximum Performance'). If you don't see a program listed, you will have to add it and make sure that it too is set to 'Use Global Setting' or 'Prefer Maximum Performance'. Though it is better to set to Prefer Maximum Performance in case Windows updates the driver in another build or update.

Note though, that setting this mode in Windows 10 results in increased GPU fan RPMS. Similar to the fan noise you would hear if you were in dual screen output mode. And temps will rise to the low 50's or so.

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SERVICE MANUAL:

Service/Maintenance Manual: http://www.mediafire.com/view/0s979oleglcg62k/HP_Pavilion_HDX_Entertainment_Notebook_PC_manual.pdf

Service/Maintenance Videos (courtesy of Comptrekkie): HDX Vidoes pictures by comptrekkie - Photobucket

HDX system schematic (PDF): 2122201-HDX Schematic.pdf
​

Touch Panel Failure Recovery Method:

In the event that the touch panel fails to recognize touch input, the following procedure will restore its operation:

• Turn off the HDX.
• Unplug from AC.
• Remove the battery.
• Press and hold down the power button for 30 secs.
• Plug in the AC adapter.
• Touch the DVD or TV symbols on the touch panel. It should initiate system boot if touch panel operation is restored.

The reason for holding down the power button for 30 secs while the AC adapter and battery are removed, is to drain the system of excess capacitance thereby resetting the touch panel's operation.

Note: there are 4 ways to turn on the HDX. You can press the power button, press the remote's power button, or touch the DVD or TV symbols on the touch panel. Any one of those operations will boot up the HDX or wake it from sleep.
​

BIOS RECOVERY PROCEDURE:

• In the event that a BIOS update fails and bricks the HDX, the following link details how to recover from it.
  
  
  Spoiler

  1. Download latest bios from HP and extract to a folder. Use WinRar or 7Zip to extract all the files in the executable.
  
  2. Extract either NV.cab or ATI.cab depending on your graphics card.
  
  3. Open the ver.txt file and look for the string after '_ROM_' (for F.40 bios it was '68DVD').
  
  4. Rename Rom.bin to 68DVD.BIN
  
  5. Copy the 68DVD.BIN file to a freshly formatted (not bootable) floppy.
  
  6. Remove battery from HDX.
  
  7. Plug a USB floppy drive into the HDX and place the floppy with the bios file in it.
  
  8. Hold down 'Windows' and 'B' keys simultaneously while turning on the power.
  
  9. Release keys when floppy drive is accessed (when the light on the floppy drive starts blinking).
  
  10. Sit back and wait about two minutes for your HDX to rise from the dead!
  From: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...-dragon-owners-lounge-2-a-27.html#post6815103​
  
  
  The following external floppy drive has been confirmed to work: NEC USB UF000x​
  
  
• Possible alternate method using USB Flash Drive(Thanks to Nando4); http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...dragon-owners-lounge-2-a-172.html#post7213514
  
  Supplemental information: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-621.html#post8878544
  
  
• Alternate method #2 (Thanks to Nando4) - Advanced level - if you know how to solder/unsolder, you can buy a preflashed EEPROM from GRAINS BIOS-Repair: bios-repair.co.uk | Preflashed HP Compaq BIOS Chips-EEPROM
  
  The BIOS Chip is a 25VF080B 50-4C-S2AF. It is located right next to the PLL (To the upper right.)
  See picture: (click to enlarge) [imghttp://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss276/DDerek20/IMG_0024-1.jpg[/img] It's lettering is upside down in the pic.
  It's on the topside of the motherboard so only the rear cover, top cover and keyboard need to be removed to access it.

​

BIOS WIFI WHITELIST REMOVAL:

The HDX's BIOS is whitelisted to only accept the Intel 4965 WiFi card in the first mPCIe slot (original location of the WIFI card). The 2nd mPCIe slot (originally empty) is not whitelisted and can accept any mPCIe device. Many owners had installed the Intel 5300 or 6300 WIFI cards in the 2nd slot. It works well. However by doing so, the WIFI button on the top panel would not enable/disable the WIFI card in the 2nd slot. Nor would the HP Wireless Assistant recognize that slot. So to turn it on/off, one would have to use device manager or a tray app that could mount/unmount a device like USB Safely Remove.

Poster TTAV134 from MyDigitalLife has successfully modified the F40E BIOS to remove the whitelist so that any mPCIe card can be installed in the 1st mPCIe slot. The WIFI button on the top panel will turn any WIFI card on/off now. And HP wireless Assistant will recognize the card for independent control of WIFI and Bluetooth. Poster Nando4 expanded on TTAV134's work and added the Dual IDA flag and SLIC.

WARNING:

• Reboot so you have a fresh session of windows.
• Extract all the files into a directory.
• Make sure no programs are running (nothing on taskbar - In tray is OK)
• run update.exe as administrator
  
  
• Though many of us, myself included, have installed the BIOS without issue you would be advise to make sure you have a USB floppy drive handy in case it fails to install the BIOS and bricks your computer. Follow the recovery method linked on this page (which has been tested to work) to recover in case something goes wrong.

Dual-IDA MODDED F40E BIOS with Whitelist REMOVED:: Download F40E Modified BIOS
Allows NON-Extreme processors to add an extra multiplier for a 8-13% overclock.


Note: These BIOS files are courtesy of Nando4. If the links fail, PM 2.0™ to get in contact with Nando4 for a re-upload.



GUIDES, DRIVERS, SOFTWARE:​

WINDOWS 7 install guide, by poster Comptrekkie: http://forum.notebookreview.com/5665765-post8954.html

Official HP driver page: Software & Driver Downloads HP Pavilion HDX9000T CTO Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Official HP Software/Driver catalog (use to find any SoftPaq file): ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/

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Nvidia Driver download: Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers

Best Nvidia Driver is from Microsoft: 197.45 (Best visuals of any driver)

Windows Vista and Windows 7 x86 (32-bit):
http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._f270054199e5e2aa253209cd186d72e9d8874c88.cab

Windows Vista and Windows 7 x64 (64-bit):
http://download.windowsupdate.com/m..._0a7d4357f5036aa43e5b64eed420f8387a79bd62.cab

To install, use winrar or 7Zip to extract all files into a folder and keep the NV_WHQL.inf file. Delete the nv_disp.inf & nv_disp.cat file. Then run setup.exe as administrator.

WinRar: WinRAR archiver, a powerful tool to process RAR and ZIP files - 7Zip: 7-Zip​

NOTE: Drivers higher than 257.21 have issues on the HDX. Best to avoid them.

Nvidia Official "Verde" 257.21 Driver: (Last useable driver on the HDX with Powermizer On)

32 Bit (Win7/Vista): NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.21 WHQL
64 bit (Win7/Vista): NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.21 WHQL


Do NOT use the ION drivers found here: NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.21WHQL​

TUTORIAL detailing how to set up and use the latest Nvidia Drivers (>257.21):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/8079739-post4295.html

Better Tutorial concerning drivers higher than 257.21 (Thanks to rickiBerlin):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-547.html#post8546134

TO OVERCLOCK:
Nvidia System tools : Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers

Or​

Nvidia Inspector Tool. Full featured tool with graphs. (Thanks Ricki Berlin)
OrbLog Blog Archive NVIDIA Inspector 1.95 – Tool

Pics and sample instructions: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-222.html#post7286821​

Nvidia PowerMizer Manager: (thanks to RickiBerlin): NVPMManagerUni-1.01.zip or PowerMizer Manager | Some More Bytes

Alternate download from mediafire: NVPMManagerUni-1.01.zip

Allows realtime control over Nvidia's powermizer. No need to reboot to switch it on/off.​

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AUDIO Driver If using Windows 7 - see here for how to use drivers higher the 5607: http://forum.notebookreview.com/7329974-post2486.html

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ATI driver download (navigate from homepage): Global Provider of Innovative Graphics, Processors and Media Solutions | AMD

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Window's DriverStore Explorer - manage your drivers from here. Especially helpful in removing old drivers from Window's driverstore. Download: DriverStore Explorer [RAPR] - Home (Thanks to EdTittek)

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RAMDISK deployment (translated from German): http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...dragon-owners-lounge-2-a-160.html#post7192218​

HARDWARE UPGRADES:

CPU:

The CPU can be upgraded. Best upgrades are T9300(2.5ghz), T9500(2.6ghz), X7900 & X9000(2.8ghz)

SPECIAL: CPU's, from the Montevina platform with 1066mhz FSB, can be used in the HDX. But they require a CPU socket mod to change the FSB from 266mhz to 200Mhz. Best to use from this series is the X9100 which can be overclocked to 3.6-4.0 GHZ using throttlestop.

See RickiBerlin's post on how to do the CPU socket Mod for X9100:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-462.html#post8142578
Temp comparison between two types of X9100's ("QHBQ" and "SLB48") in HDX:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-425.html#post8062903
Voltage requirements @ various overclocks:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-423.html#post8057127​

Testing for overclock stability - Uses test such as Wprime, Intel Burn Test and Prime 95.
Passing WPrime, both 32 and 1024 is stable enough for the majority of tasks.
Passing Intel Burn Test would mean the system is very stable
Passing Prime85 would mean super stable

A note about X9000 - the only ES version worth considering is the Q174. But the Q174 can have little quirks such
as only 1 core reporting temps or require higher voltage per overclocked multiplier than OEM version.

Avoid ES versions of X7900 and X7800.

The X7800, X7900 & X9000 can be overclocked in the HDX using a program called ThrottleStop.

ThrottleStop, by Uncle Webb:

Set up for Dual IDA overclock on non-extreme CPUs(gain 2 extra multipliers):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...c-acceleration-ida-both-cores-core-2-duo.html

How to set up for Dual IDA overclock: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...on-owners-lounge-part-2-a-55.html#post6946691

Set up for Extreme CPU overclock:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...unlock-core-2-extreme-multiplier-windows.html
Results of overclock of X9000 by poster comptrekkie: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...dx-dragon-owners-lounge-1087.html#post6369663
​

*FSB OVERCLOCK* PLL TME-unlock for FSB overclock

Which will overclock ANY CPU (not just extreme processors). [ADVANCED USERS ONLY]
....................{2.0™ is the first to do it. }...................
Guide here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...rs-lounge-part-2.515212/page-228#post-7298927​

Other type of overclock (FSLx) :
Introduction: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...on-owners-lounge-part-2-a-54.html#post6946397
Failed attempt: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...on-owners-lounge-part-2-a-58.html#post6950386
Would need more voltage, but VID3 or VID4 +VSS won't overvolt levels 1.050v and 1.087v
Best bet would be a voltage regulator mod: See an example here.

OVERCLOCK LEADERBOARD: (Past confirmed overclocks done by posters.)


[/TR]

Installed Processor	Overclock Type	Normal Speed	Overclock Speed
X9000	ThrottleStop	2.8 Ghz	4.0 Ghz
X9000	ThrottleStop	2.8 Ghz	3.6 - 3.8 Ghz
T9300	TME unlock PLL	2.5 Ghz	3.3 Ghz @ 245Mhz FSB
T9300	Dual IDA	2.5 Ghz	2.7 Ghz
T8300	Dual IDA	2.4 Ghz	2.6 Ghz
T8100	Dual IDA	2.1 Ghz	2.3 Ghz

​

GPU:

If you have the Nvidia 8800M GTS, you can't simply swap in a new card. It's been tried (280M GTX MXM 2.1) and verified NOT to work by two posters without success. Two other posters claimed it possible (9800M GTX and 280M GTX) but did not provide adequate proof or details. The HDX's MXM implementation is proprietary.

<s>In theory, there's a way of doing it that requires advanced BIOS modification.
Detail of theory and procedure.</s>​

Triturbo has proven why the GPU CANNOT be upgraded to work with the internal display:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-691.html#post9181185


If you have the ATI 2600XT (part #: 452322-001) , there are two possible upgrade paths:

1. If you have an HDX 9200-9400, then you likely have the proper motherboard (double check to make sure in case you bought or had your HDX repaired with ATI card). You simply need to buy the 8800M GTS from HP (part #454311-001). (You cannot use Any other kind since the 8800M GTS in the HDX is proprietary.) Use the service manual to install it. You will need to reflash the BIOS after you are done (whichever version you were on).

2. If you have an HDX 9000-9100, you will need both a new motherboard (HP part #464591-001) and the 8800M GTS card (HP part #454311-001). Also, you likely need a new heatsink since the first run HDXs were ATI only and the Heatsink may not work properly with the Nvidia GPU. The part number is 448176-001(ATI heatsink) or 531455-001(Nvidia heatsink). If you end up with a ATI heatsink, you can cut away the black film to expose more of the copper so that it properly mates with the Nvidia GPU's larger heat spreader.

Here's a picture showing the difference between heatsinks (courtesy of Burke): http://forum.notebookreview.com/6993140-post946.html

The difference is the ATI has more black film covering the copper surface of the heatsink and is missing the extended tab to cover the additional VRAM of the Nvidia GPU.

*To check what mobo part# you have, remove the RAM and see the sticker that is on the board in that location.​

RAM:

Can be sucessfully upgraded to 8GB using PC2-5300 667mhz or PC2-6400 800mhz RAM (note: 800MHZ RAM will downclock to 667mhz). You will need (2) 4GB sticks. RAM modules have 200 pins.​

HDD:

Can be upgraded to the latest 9.5mm height SATA HDDs of any capacity.
Note: 12.5mm height drives will NOT fit. It has been confirmed. See HERE

Can also be upgraded with 2.5" SATA SSDs. Best upgrade you can make.

Looking for HDD Caddy for 2nd bay?
HDX uses the same HDD caddy as HP Compaq 6910, 6910p, 8510, 8510p.
Search ebay for a HDD caddy for one of those.
(NOTE: this is NOT referring to the optical drive bay.
This is a caddy for HDD bay #2 in the HDD compartment.)​

Optical Drive:

Can be upgraded with Panasonic/Matsu.sh.i.ta UJ-220 Blu-ray drive (BD, BD-RE, BD-R, DVD & CD R,RW)
(You cannot add a HDD using an Optical to HDD bay caddy because the BIOS will not allow it to run at anything even near HDD speeds. See here for background: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-101.html#post7002689)
​

DUAL TV TUNERS:

Can be upgraded to add a 2nd TV tuner into the HDX's empty Communication bay slot (where wifi card is).
Proof of concept: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...dragon-owners-lounge-2-a-175.html#post7220353​

DIY ViDock Setup: (Ability to add an external GPU to use on an external monitor).

See here for discussion: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...-dragon-owners-lounge-2-a-79.html#post6972458​

[/tr][/tr]​

GPU BAKING:

In the unfortunate event that your GPU fails, be it the nVidia or ATI, you can possibly revive it by baking the GPU in the oven. There have been a few success stories with both cards from the HDX.

There are various methods to accomplish this. Google "GPU bake" for Youtube videos.

Here is one poster's account of success:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-223.html#post7289055

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-224.html#post7290563

Procedure 1:

• Remove the GPU from HDX. (Requires complete disassembly of HDX.)
• Preheat oven to 390-400 DegF.
• On a baking sheet, lay down two layers of aluminum foil.
• Put aluminum foil balls in the screw holes on the GPU board to act as feet.
  This prevents the GPU chip and RAM from making direct contact with any hot
  surface and allows hot air to flow under the board. Figure about 1 CM high feet.
• Place the GPU MXM card on top of the foil, GPU chip side down.
• Bake for 9-10mins.
• Take the GPU out and let it cool for 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven again at 390-400 DegF
• Repeat bake for another 9-10mins as before.
• take the GPU out and let it cool for another hour.
• Reassemble the HDX. (Might want to test it open before full reassembly)

NOTE: if first bake doesn't work, try another but this time GPU chip side UP.


Alternative Procedure 2:
Use this method if GPU is still functional but crashes to blue screen whenever using 3D clocks (Games, CAD, etc.)
​

• Remove the GPU from HDX. (Requires complete disassembly of HDX.)
• Preheat oven to 390-400 DegF.
• On a baking sheet, lay down two layers of aluminum foil.
• Put aluminum foil balls in the screw holes on the GPU board to act as feet.
  This prevents the GPU chip and RAM from making direct contact with any hot
  surface and allows hot air to flow under the board. Figure about 1 CM high feet.
• Place the GPU MXM card on top of the foil, GPU chip side up.
• Bake for 10mins.
• Take the GPU out and let it cool for 1 hour.

​

MAINTENANCE:

CLEAN YOUR FANS! (Seriously, folks! ).

Many a GPU failure has been due to dust and pet hair clogged up in the fan radiator grills.

How to go about it:

• Remove the rear cover of the HDX. (See page 53-55 of the service manual)
  Don't forget to remove the little screw in the optical bay.
  Pry up the rear cover which has snaps, by starting near the hinge (either side of it).
  
  
• Use a vacuum cleaner of compressed air to get the dust out of the fan well and grilles.
  Use a toothpick or some other needle like instrument (e.g. Dentist's toothpick) to pry dust
  from between the radiator grilles.
  
  
• Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean surface of fan blades.
  
  
• GPU fan (left one) is removable with a small jeweler's Philips screwdriver.
  Remove that to really get a good cleaning.

FAN Access/Cleaning Tutorial: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-760.html#post9683411

POSSIBLE BATTERY RECONDITIONING METHOD: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...n-owners-lounge-part-2-a-473.html#post8173281​

​

Link to Original Owners Lounge: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-envy-hdx/169232-official-hp-hdx-dragon-owners-lounge.html

Link to Comptrekkie's illustrated HDX teardown: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...hdx-dragon-owners-lounge-558.html#post4684690

Link to a thread revealing the coming of the HDX: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/120431-hp-hdx-gaming-laptop-check-out.html


Original HP HDX Dragon Wallpapers (1680 x 1050): http://www.mediafire.com/download/a811zf5w121qppg/HP_Backgrounds.zip

And Original HP HDX Dragon wallpaper in 1920 x 1200 (thanks, kimutler): http://www.hpwallpaper.com/wallpapers/pa_dragon_2-1920x1200.jpg

 

WooHoo!! first post in new lounge,

 

1st girl to post and 2nd member...

ya i go to the last page of part 1 and i was surprised until 2 said he would start another. phew! well i still don't understand about the loading times. i mean, mine is pretty instant, on a fast connection or even elsewhere on a slower high speed (384kbps)....it's not like all 1152 pages get loaded BEFORE the last page...so i dont get it, but no worries. its nice and tidy this way on the web end i'm sure.

 

Yay! New Dragon thread and I've got a post on the first page!!

Everything still working well on my Dragon. Especially since that video driver change that (somehow) fixed my remote control issue.

 

First question in the new thread. I just got another project Dragon, and the wireless network card won't turn on. It's orange on the console, unresponsive to touch, and the windows mobility center pop up shows a disabled button for turning it on. The device manager says it's operating properly. Any ideas? Just did a fresh load of Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate.

This HDX is strange. The outside shell looks almost unused, and the hinge is hard to operate, like it's only been opened a few times. Both the keyboard and QuickTouch board ZIF connectors were unconnected. When I realized this, I broke out the PDF manual and looked where they were and re-connected them. So far, the only thing I've needed from my parts Dragon was the twin 120Gb drives, and I could have gotten them anywhere. Sigh. Guess that one's next on the fix list.

 

Did you install HP wireless manager? You can probably turn it on from there.

 

where can i find HDX i couldnt find it on official hp site

 

You can't. It's been discontinued. A few pop up on eBay every now and again.

 

No I haven't. Is it on the softpaq page? I have that link.

Yeah, somebody bought a pretty busted up one this AM. The specs were OK, and it was running, but the guy did a panic stop in his car, and the Dragon went flying. The display bezel is pretty messed up and he fixed it with super glue.

 

SP44700 is a version of HP wireless assistant that will work.

 

Hello,

I hope everyone is well. Are there any recommendations for good secondary HDX chargers--perhaps something more portable like the Kensington travel charger...?

Thanks,
Brent

 

I found one that worked. I loaded it, and the button was still off. I brought up the icon to a window, and it said the wireless was off and needed to be turned on. Yeah, that's what I was trying to do. I tried the button again, and it worked this time. Apparently, loading the software enables the button. That's very weird, because my first Dragon came right up with the button on after an identical clean W7U 64 install. They have different mobos, though, and maybe that's why they acted different.

Only one thing left to do on this one. The ATI video card needs some lovin' from the oven, if you know what I mean. I'll probably pull both ATI cards at the same time, since they are from almost identical HDX 9010NR models, my new system and the parts one. I'd hate to swap them out, clean it up and put on new heat sink paste, re-assemble it, and find out that the OTHER one needs to be baked, too.

I think I figured it out. Pre-windows install, I had re-connected the keyboard, but the touchpad was disconnected during the windows install, and connected afterwards, when I realized none of the lights on the right side were on.

Good question. My latest shipped with a REALLY tiny HP brick, and the part number is 463958-001. Can I use that thing? I'm using the brick from my parts system right now.

 

Hello everyone;

I'm looking for information on the hard drive mounting bracket. I have a single HDD in my Dragon, and would like to be able to mount a second HDD at some point, but can't track down a part number to search for on eBay or HP parts.

Thanks,

David

 

Not sure if it's cool to post ebay links, so go to ebay>computers & networking>drives & storage, and input the following into the search box:
(HDX9000,HDX9100,HDX9200,HDX9300,HDX9400,HDX9500)

It should return a handful of optical drives and one HDD caddy, complete with screws.

 

It feels a bit strange not having 1000+ pages of posts to sort through...

I had a question I was hoping people could help me with.

As the HDX is portable in name only (besides I have the dock connected with everything I need, no need to shift it) I was going to run 3 Cat6 cables (1 for network, 2 for the HDMI) from my office to the living room so I can use my HDX on the Plasma.
However I want to be able to control it from there and it is too far to run a USB cord so I was looking at wireless network points with USB (Belkin Home Base, Belkin Network USB HUb, Apple Airport Extreme) but I can't find it stipulated anywhere if you can use user input devices like mice and keyboards to communicate with a computer wirelessly.

Has anyone else got a similar setup? Perhaps with a desktop?

 

The only ironclad way I know to control a computer seamlessly from another room is with another computer using remote desktop.

 

Thanks. This sparked me to generically search again and found a post in the original lounge that indicated the NC6000 series caddies can work, too. I found one of those for under 4 bucks.

 

Nice. I bought a machine with no HDD, but the previous owner was nice enough to leave them in the bay, along with an anti-static bag containing the screws.

 

I go off into Android-Land for a little bit and you guys run off and start a new Lounge. I can't leave you alone for a second lol.

 

I'd like to get an opinion on something. I just noticed that the bottom right and left corners of the screen are darker than the rest of the screen. It really doesn't affect anything, but is this a sign of trouble down the road?

 

I wouldn't think it's a sign of trouble. It's likely just an irregularity in the LCD substrate so that it's not diffusing the backlight evenly.

 

Has anyone had any experience in installing a screen protector on the Dragon? I'm concerned as to how much pressure to apply.

The screen protector I'm going to use is by Nushield, and it apparently blocks all reflections, even allowing laptops to be used in sunlight. But the main reason I'm using it is to protect the screen with minimal light loss.

Thanks

MobileArtist

 

Hi guys,

I've been the proud owner of one of these beasties since they came out (hdx9310ea) and have never had any issues with it. But I'm trying to do something new with it at the moment and can't figure it out.

I'm trying to get the speakers in the laptop working at the same time as a proper stereo output from either the headphone jacks or the rear ports.

All I've managed to do so far is set up 'quadraphonic sound', check 'speaker fill' and get a tinny output from the 5.1 front output.

Does anybody know how or if it is even possible to get the laptop speakers working and a decent external setup please?

Thanks, Alex

 

I thought once you hooked up external speakers, the laptop speakers were out of the loop, much like inserting headphone jack.

 

If Dolby 7.1 gives 7 channels, wouldn't there be an option (and ports) for two additional channels?

taichi4

Or rather three?

 

I've got t9300 waiting for being installed. But I'm wondering maybe better to sell it and buy a ssd?

 

Install it. Sell the T8100 and put the proceeds towards getring an SSD later.

 

sounds like a good plan, i wish i had a 9300 or up that i could replace my t8100 with, simon.

btw, are the used ones on ebay for around $200 shipped, a good deal, simon?

they are used, which would be the only thing that worries me. is it true, simon, that you are good at doing drawrings?

 

it has been sometime since i visited this thread

i am proud to say that i still have my HDX 9008 and it is running well. no major issues whatsoever except for one dead pixel on the upperleft hand corner of the screen

SC II runs pretty well on this machine

 

Does anything special need to be installed to get the remote to work with Windows Media Center?

 

Thanks for the advice kohai. I was really after a way to use it form another room without an additional computer. Now I am considering getting a HDMI extender with an IR transfer so I can use my Logitech Harmony from the living room and control the HDX for simple things (Boxee, etc.) Really wish there was an easy way to hook up an additional keyboard and mouse though. No SC II on the plasma I guess

 

Hi, please can you dell me, is this drive OK for HDX 9000? WD blue 1TB WD Scorpio Blue 1 TB SATA Hard Drives ( WD10TPVT )
Thanks.

 

The width and height both look too large, but 2.0 could probably tell you for sure.

 

OK, interface, yes.

Size, to be honest, it LOOKS like it's too big, but no one has actually tried to fit one in there. I thought about getting one..... REALLY HARD. But I never got around to getting it.

I did get around to getting measurements on the drive bay for the Dragon, and the measurements say that it could fit without a drive caddy, but that is taking a big chance.

It's not the height that's the issue, it's the width. Standard width for laptop HDDs is 2.5" (9.5mm). That drive is 2.76" (12.5mm). There are reports and reviews on other laptops being able to fit it... barely.

 

Thanks for doing the drive bay measurements. That whole without the caddy thing just doesn't work for me, though. That one little captive screw keeps the drive nice and securely plugged in, and relatively immobile. I'd be afraid it would either back itself out, or worse, move WAY too much and ruin the drive socket on one half of the bay.

I think you probably could mount it, but one of the most important lessons I've learned in life is the difference between can and should. If you really need extra space when you're mobile, just throw a USB passport style drive in the pocket of whatever bag you're carrying the Dragon in. If you want 1Tb on board, mount twin 500Gb standard size notebook drives.[/my2cents]

 

I would like to share with you my newest findings on HDX BIOS analysis. It looks like the algorithm has been found. Application is called ADDCC. That software is really working as after BIOS file decompression I was able to open nVidia rom file in nibitor and it was read succesfully Unfortunately the program has been created to white list devices and create correct BIOS checksum for HPQFlash.exe flasher, it means there is no compress back option as far as I can see. Here is the forum link

 

When I saw the old thread was dead I freaked OUT. I'm so glad all you people are still there (or here now) New bookmarks right away.

New problem..I broke the fingerprint scanner on my HDX in cleaning it. Now it keeps trying to load and hogging up all my cpu. I've tried device manager, programs and features, msconfig, everything I could think of to stop it permanently from trying to load. I can shut it off temporarily in devices but it tries to reload at next boot. Any sage advice out there...Thanks in advance,...David

 

Well there is always the option of buying the external version of that same drive. Western Digital initially released it as an external HDD.

 

LOL. Too funny.

$200 for a used T9300? All good as long as it's not an ES version. Stick with SLAYY or if it doesn't list it as SLAYY as long as it doesn't say ES. Generally speaking, these couldn't be overclocked so you won't have to worry about them being on their last legs.

Mad props if you're going to install it yourself.

On win7? No. Just about every feature of the remote works.

9.5mm and 12.5 is the metric height specification. Look at any notebook drive spec and they will list it as either of these heights. 2.5" would convert to around 60mm metric.

 

Cheers, everyone! Glad to see that this thread continues. Don't post much, but I do continue to follow things here now and then when I have time. I am amazed at what some of you have done with your rigs. Cool to see the love for this beast continue.

 

Cool deal. I hope compress is planned

 

One question, i have 4 gb of Ram, can i upgrade it to 8 gb? because the specifications says that you can upgrade it to 4 only. If you can do it could you send me a link for the right memory for the upgrade, thanks. Sorry for my english i'm from Argentina.

 

Yes you can. You will need to buy (2) PC2-5300 667Mhz 4GB RAM modules.

G.Skill's F2-5300CL5D-8GBSQ is a preferred choice among owners. But any RAM will the above specs will work.

Uninstall digital persona software.

Then in device manager, right click the fingerprint reader. Select uninstall and be sure to check the delete driver box.

Then before rebooting, right click on the fingerprint reader in device manager and select disable.

If this doesn't work or for a surefire solution, see page 57 of the service manual to disconnect the FP reader cable. Tap the end of the cable with electrical tape as a precaution. It will only require removal of the keyboard (pages 51-52) to get at it.

Link to service manual on page 1.

 

What if you went back to Vista?

 

Don't know. Never used it with Vista. But can't imagine anything else being required. Are you having issues with it?

 

Thank you for putting my mind at ease! I think I need a little more now - I noticed at times that the screen flickers. Maybe there's something loose somewhere? I can't duplicate it by tapping the lid or the computer itself though...

 

That could be a bad LCD cable or one not seated properly.

When does this occur? Anytime and randomly? How about when you adjust the screen at the hinge?

I had this problem with a DELL Inspiron years ago and a replacement of the LCD cable cured it. It would flicker when adjusting the monitor, tapping the table it was on, or randomly all by itself with no physical agitation on my part. But it was like that for almost 2 years before I got around to replacing the cable.

 

Is this significant in terms of being able to edit the BIOS and what, make things that may not be whitelisted, become whitelisted.. and or something else?

 

Thanks 2.0, you're always the definitive answer. Worked well without getting into hardware. Thanks again....David

 

Primary purpose of that software is to be able to whitelist devices but you are not able to edit BIOS settings with that