*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

Hello,
I just bought my HDX fairly cheap in Australia ($2ooo Australian) and it arrived yesterday. It's a beast of a machine and I really love it sofar, although that VistaUltimate installation as it comes outta the box is a bi pile of ... (will have to go through that nice SetUp Thread here)

I did order the HDX9000 and they accidentally send me the HDX9200 I guess. The only difference I can see so far is that the one I ordered has the T8100 proz in where as the one I've got has the T7700. On a first sight the numers are 2.1ghz vs. 2.4Ghz which makes it seem like I got a good deal, however I think I'd prefer the T8100 as it is a newer generation with less power usage and increased performance. I don't care that much about battery life as I am not gonna use it much on the road and the processor speed is almost equal - if I am right?!?!?

However I was thinkin the T8100 would be better as it is a newer generation AND - that I am not entirely sure of as of yet - the board it comes with would be newer and therefore better for later upgrades?!?!?!?! Can the CPU be exchanged on the HDX's or are they onboard? (not sure if I wanna take mine apart if I wanna give it back and exchange it).

Does anybody have recommendations on if I should keep the 9200 over the 9000? Apart from the processor all other specs are the same after all.


And since HP seems to have more highResScreens, can those be exchanged easily at a later stage?

cheers for ur help
Rodpacker

 

hi
tanX for your info
but it is EE and this is the link:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/me/e...770865-1770865-1770865-80247430-82005775.html

 

Interesting how things work out in the end, eh?


Which unit did you have Tinman? The less res screen?

 

Hi, i've noticed that HP have a updated BIOS download -

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...&cc=uk&lang=en&os=2093&product=3550156&dlc=en

The new version is F.36E, is this any good?, do you recommend installing it?

I have a HDX9095ea running Vista 32 bit.

Thanks

 

Hi,

In the service manual on page 8 it says the graphic board is a MXM module. I currently have the ATI board. Is it possible to switch it for the newer nVidia 8800 board?

Secondly, the new Montevina processors are Socket P. Does that mean that they are compatible with current Santa Rosa chipset in the HDX?

Thanks,

 

It might be possible to switch video board modules. But HP may be using different motherboards (and BIOS) for each. So that means in addition to just buying a new video module, you might have to buy a new motherboard.

They're actually Penryn processors. And yes you can use any Penryn (socket P) processor in the Santa Rosa platform. (Montevina is a chipset platform due out next month.)

 

T7700 is actually a better CPU as it has 4MB L2 cache v. T8100's 3MB. Not to mention that it faster than the T8100. Only bonus of the T8100 is that the fans probably would have run less.

You can upgrade the processor with any Penryn processor later if you like. The Santa Rosa motherboard you have is socket P. In fact when the quad core QX9300 debuts later this year, you can go ahead and drop that one in.

 

It sets the system fans to always run. Is that something you would want? They would probably always run on low unless you were doing something CPU intensive like gaming. The unit would run cooler which means increased system life. Cooler is always better. But the tradeoff is noise. Will low speed fans always running annoy you or is it something you can live with? Do you use the HDX for long periods of time?

 

Good news! Persistence and patience paid off nicely. Best wishes.

 

Hey guys, guess what... I WON ONE OF THE DRAGONS from the 31 days of the dragon competition!!! It's a beast! I am in love with my FREE DRAGON!

Please if you don't hate me too much for that, help me out, what is the most recent RELIABLE graphic driver for a HDX with GeForce8800 & Vista64?

Should I remove the old ones before I install the new ones?

While making the recovery disks I noticed the PC erased and wrote over the original recovery partition. (it's a copy of the disks then!) what happens if I decide to do a system recovery? Will I get all the bloatware as well, or just system files? How about my settings, desktop background, fingerprints and the stuff in my user folder?

 

@ 2.0

Thanks a lot for this info. If I can upgrade the CPU as you say, I am definately gonna make this a keeper This sounds wicked!!!

I hope you don't get me wrong on this and I am not saying I don't believe you, but do you happen to have a link where I can read up on this?

And where do I find the CPU in this laptop (couldn't find any reference on that in the manual or online)

thanx mate,
help REALLY appreciated !!!!

cheers

 

We had the WUXGA display on the 2 that went bad. The last one they sent us was the WSXGA display. When I asked about the UXGA. The CM said they can't get them anymore. But the interesting thing is. The display is still listed on the build page. The bottom of the SXGA display does not seem to get as hot as the UXGA. Unless they replaed the power inverters with a new brand on this one.

Yes, Interesting how things work out. I wonder what the bottom line cost wise ended up being.

They paid for shipping 7 times. So that was I guess $700.00 Then building of the 4 machines. Quantum return charges. etc..... CM time.

I wonder if HP made any profit at all with me. Guess in the long run they did. Becuae they got a happy customer out of the deal.

Guess they had to live up to their warranty policy.
They could have just said give the guy his money back.

The interesting thing is. Every one of the 4 HDX's i have gotton. The warranty started over from the date I activated it online. In other words. The last one I got started the 1st week of May.

We are already having some fun with it. Skype is working great for us now.

 

First, here's a link to the HDX service manual: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01279508.pdf

Download and save it.

See pages 75-78 for the specifics.

On page 77 you will see a list of all the compatible processors at the time of printing. They are all socket P including the extreme CPU's denoted with an X prefix). The new quad core is also socket P as all Penryn's are.

From Digitimes:

When and if you do upgrade, be sure to use thermal heat sink compound. I'd recommend Arctic Silver 5.

 

@ 2.0 :

Mate, u made my day!!! Read into it a lot in the meantime but the official HP PDF u linked convinced me completely!!!!!!!!!

This is perfect and even though the T7700 does't have SSE4.1 as the T8100 ... I WILL keep my new best friend as it is

Seriously, u really helped me!!!
Thanx!

 

WOW congrats! which site did you win one from?

Most stable versions for 64bit vista are: 167.43, 163.75, 163.69. They all also include a MS WHQL certificate.

But you'll have to try each to see which is best for you as far as performance and perks.

Also since you have 64Bit Vista, read this thread first:

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=18585

 

You're welcome. Glad I could be of some help!

 

Thanks man

Found this on page 19 in the service manual.


(13) System board
(includes power connector cable, ExpressCard assembly, and replacement
thermal material)

For use in computer models with ATI graphics 448145-001
For use in computer models with either ATI or nVidia graphics 464591-001


So there is two different system boards. One which is compatible with both ATI and nVidia. I bet i got the one compatible with ATI only.

Anyway, i am going to open it up and see what's inside. Maybe the part number is printed on the board.

 

Any of you gamers?

I am playing Age of Conan with my HDX with most of the features all turned on high. Runs surprisingly well.

 

Thanks! I won it from jkontherun.com - Actually I am quite proud of the fact that it wasn't at all a matter of luck, I just managed to be the only one to answer 10/11 questions! (the last one was nearly impossible) -

The driver I have listed in my control panel is the 7.15.11.6753 the last 5 numbers make me think it's right in between the two you are suggesting, am I right?

Also what codec should I use to play AVI? (sorry about all these questions I am overwhelmed by the fact of finally changing PC after 8 years on a PIII 600!! )

 

More performance!!!

Anyone know how much is gained by slipping in a pair of these things into the Dragon?

http://laptoping.com/kingston-hyperx-667mhz-so-dimm-2gb-khx5300s2llk22g-4gb-khx5300s2llk24g.html

and I found a X9000 processor for $500 is that a good price?

Thanks,
Daniel

 

That's some feat. I looked at the questions and gave up immediately. Good job!

As to the driver, yep, that's right. Last 5 numbers denote the actual version.

As far as AVI file codec, Quicktime seems the likely choice.

But you can try this open source one:

http://www.codecs.com/download/Vista_Codec_Package.htm

I've used the XP version of it with excellent results.

 

Concerning lower latency RAM: Not much of a noticeable gain. It'll be nominal and not worth the price premium over normal RAM. If it were possible to go to 800MHZ DDR2 RAM that'd make more of a difference. But Santa Rosa can only utilize 533mhz and 667mhz RAM.

Concerning the X9000, you won't be able to overclock it with the HDX as the BIOS doesn't allow for that. But that's a good price for it. Or you might want to wait for a normal Penryn 2.8Ghz which will be out in a few weeks. Or the 3.06Ghz X9?00 due out in about a month or two.

Or the Quad Core, due out around late August/ early September.

 

THANKS! I confirm that CODEC appears to work very well also on VISTA 64!

I am still taking my time regarding the Graphic Drivers, I have a few glitches actually with the original driver, like occasionally drop down menus appear temporarily darkened, and while playing Heroes of M&M 5 the graphics keep reverting to a low definition (but that could be a problem with that game or its compatibility with 64) -

I am waiting for someone to confirm that a 17*** driver works well before switching (but I can change my mind when I feel more comfortable with vista) -

 

With Vista x64 SP1, you will only be able to use the WHQL signed drivers. So far, the highest signed driver is 167.43. Highest unsigned (for those who are using workaround for RTM Vista x64) is 169.12.

So you'll have a while to wait before the signed 17x.xx's hit the streets.

As for your game problem, are you running as administrator? That sometimes fixes the niggles.

 

hi
I'm in Iran
my HDX have Windows Vista Home
how i can find a windows Vista Ultimate for HDX (like recovery disk...)
in here there isn't HP Company
tanX

 

You can't. Requires a new license. However, you can buy a retail version of Vista Ultimate. All the drivers you would need either come with the HDX or can be obtained from HP's website in case you switch from 32bit to 64bit.

 

tanX for your answer
2.0 please read my posts in HDX Build Quality, and answer me
tanX
other thing is: in my HDX Box, there isn't any CD or DVD
is it normal?!

 

Yeah it's normal. What you have to do is burn them using the recovery disc creation utility. Besides, they work better than the one's you would purchase from HP.

Also, save this directory to disc: C:\SWSetup. This is where all the drivers are located and other programs.

 

The new highend Penryns have the new 1066MHz FSB. Even though they are Penryns i really doubt that they are going to work with the older 800MHz Chipset (Santa Rosa). Historically this has never happened and i don't think it will this time either. But i hope that you are right and i am wrong.

Still, i can hold out for a couple of weeks before buying the X9000.

 

Socket P processors are capable of throttling the FSB anywhere between 533-1066 MHz as necessary.

So say that you put a 2.53 ghz processor in it. It'll most probably read in the BIOS and run as 2.5 ghz in a Santa Rosa based motherboard since the chipset itself runs at max 800Mhz.

I know what you're thinking. The Pentium 4 M's generations had 3 different FSBs yet same socket but were incompatible. That's because of a difference in voltage and TDW (thermal design wattage). Socket P is designed with a singular voltage and in the case of the HDX, a max 45 TDW.

Other sticking point is that the HDX9000's BIOS may not report the correct CPU as far as the quad core is concerned. And it's not like HP would issue a BIOS update to correct the possible reporting error.

 

any news on when the new HDX is coming out yet?

 

Hi, first of all id like apologize for my ****ty english (im spanish). ill try to explain my questions

im interesting in this fabolous notebook since i knew it a couple months ago. i need a notebook with good hardware which could work as a desktop too.

i wanted to buy it online, so i saw hp(spain). the problem is that in this web they offer only 2 configs of the hdx:

- HDX9350ES, with t8100, 4gb ram, 8800gtm, and wxga (not 1900x1200 ><): 1900€, aprox 30xx $$
- HDX9130ES, t7500, hd 2600, 2gb ram, less hdd (this option out)

i continue reading about hdx series and i found that there are another configs with better cpu and monitor. i visit hp.com (the usa hps web) and for 3.1k$ i get t9300 and the wxga monitor full hd with 4gb ram, and the hdd 7200 rpm.

the question is: can i buy things from the american web to spain? how much it could be the delivery and customs cost?

thank you

 

Nope. Nothing yet. But DV5-1000 (15") , DV7-1000 (17") and TX2500 (tablet)model numbers and specs can be found on various HP websites around the world by googling them.

Might have to wait until Computex next week before any news. Or worse, until the QX9300 2.53 Ghz Quad core is released in August for a new HDX model. I could see HP possibly wanting to do that. But then again, the Core 2 extreme X9100 3.06 GHZ CPU will be out in late June/Mid July and that may be all that they are waiting for. Then the options would be 2.53, 2.6, 2.8, 3.06.

 

Can't be done from USA website. You can try to ask them Via Live CHAT if they can do this. Odds are probably against it since a non-certified configuration may be illegal for export outside the United States.

Then there's warranty issues to worry about.

 

thanks 2.0, ill check here again in a few weeks.

 

Hello to all Happy owners of an HDX!!

I am one and have been for a few weeks. Found this site looking for a bag and have been through almost half the pages so far.....

Have also called HP support to see about upgrading to Blu-ray from HD-DVD since no movies can be found except open/used. No help there yet but was able to get California number and case manager that has record of calls.

Yes Indian support can stink , but it also probably keeps costs down. Imagine how much they would have to pay an American geek that knew what he was doing and could solve most problems in less than one minute of listening...... WOW the consumers would buy from THAT company over and over....LOL

Anyway well done 2.0 for all your informative posts/replies even though some here could do a little more research first....hehe

Brad from Bremerton

 

Valmon and Tinman- Great Job also with help to others and general posts.

BTW I got my HDX9010NR for $935.00 at Staples where I work. Had to drive about 60 miles but it is on Final Clearance price and mine was open box with another 15% off. There are like 12 left in the country. 2 in Oregon as of last week. Price check shows it was $2999.99 when it came out, but the model at Staples is an early model though well equipped. For about $1000 great portable desktop.

Does anyone know for sure how to figure out which socket one might have or does it not matter? I have t7500 probably socket P and want to possibly upgrade if/when there are good prices on higher speed chip. And can I go to an extreme chip?

 

Hi can I suggest to make a post sticky regarding the basic info a new HDX user (like me) should be aware of? And a brief checklist of things to do once we get on? The info should include:

1) Correct way to make a system backup (that is a basic one but believe me people don't realize you got to do that when you get a lappie)

2) Also make a backup of C:\SwSetup (2.0 just brought that up, lucky for me because I didn't know that)

3) A suggestion of codecs to download (the ones 2.0 suggested seem to work really good both for his 32bit system than for my 64bit one)

4) the best part: Expert suggestions on how to go about tweaking the system (could be specific HDX tweaking or basic Vista stuff people are not aware yet ) -

Hope someone more skillful than me can start that (thanks)

 

I'm also from Spain, I've sent you a private message.

 

Black Knight

4) the best part: Expert suggestions on how to go about tweaking the system (could be specific HDX tweaking or basic Vista stuff people are not aware yet ) -

Try TGTC-by Koroush Ghazi. His XP tweak guides are amazing. I've just started going through his Vista guide. TGTC is a .pdf file that you can download and refer to for whatever you wish to do. www.tweakguides.com

Also www.tweakvista.com


Brembrad
HDX9010NR

 

Guys, have any of you had problems with the bezel surrounding the screen starting to crack at various points? Mine has and I don't abuse it at all. All of a sudden I started noticing. I wonder if the hinge is causing pressure at some points on the screen bezel. Let me know if you hear anything similiar to this problem.

 

Hello,

I just plugged in my New Dragon via HDMI cable to my Samsung 40 inch TV.
I got the sound to work. But the pictures comes up with the top, Bottom, left and right sides cut off a little.
I did a search here and the net. This seems to be a common problem.
But the solutions I found. Turn off HDCP. So can't use BD's

I also tried to download the latest NVIDEA drivers from their web site. But the installer says. It could not find the correct hardware card.

Are there some other drivers beta or whatever to fix this?
I read that this is an overscan issue left over from the analog days.

I have no way to adjust my TV's overscan.

Does anyone have a solution for this issue?
or a link to the latest drivers.
The drivers HP installed are 6 months old. Back from december 2007.
There must be new ones someplace?

The video card is the 512 8800 GT.

The dragon is model 9300

Thanks

 

There are newer drivers but if you have Vista SP1 64bit, then you're stuck with only using WHQL signed drivers. Pre SP1, you could override x64's unsigned driver installation prevention. SP1 ended that. The only work around is hitting F8 every time you boot and choosing to allow unsigned drivers.

If you have 32bit Vista, then you won't have any problem installing the drivers.

That said, laptopvideo2go has drivers for your setup.

For 64bit Vista: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/drivers/vista64

For 32bit Vista: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/drivers/vista

Don't know if any of them fix that particular issue though.

 

Thanks,

But no joy!. You would think someone at Hp would know about this issue since it's been around for about a year.

The VGA ouput works fine. It's only the HDMI port with the problem.

It is a driver issue. NVIDEA admits it and says they are working on a FIX in the next driver release.
What I don't understand is. Why did they remove the adjustment options from the drivers in the 1st place? Almost a year ago, the option was removed.

 

Got it to work with the help from Samsung support.

My Tv is a 61 inch 6189S.

I had called Samsung up to ask if there was a way to turn off overscan in the service menu.
He said no. But followed up and asked me why I wanted to do this?
I told him. He then put me on hold for about 5 minutees and then transfered me to another person.

Guess what? He knew all about this problem and spent the next 45 minutes on the phone helping me set the correct settings for the TV and Nvidea card.


Anyways. It turns out that you should not mess with the Nvidea settings. keep them the way HP ships them out of the box.
The only thing we had to do is change the TV settings.

1 - Make sure power is off on TV.
2 - Make sure power is off on Dragon
3 - Plug HDMI cable into HDMI3/DVI plug on the TV. You must plug it into this jack.
It will not work if you plug the cable into the HDMI1 or HDMI2 jacks.
4 - Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the Dragon. Do not turn the Dragon on yet.

5 - Now we had to rename the the Source input on the TV from HDMI 3/DVI to "PC"
The procedure is on page 27 of the Samsung manual.
You must change the name of the source from HDMI3/DVI otherwise all the PC resolutions will not be found by the TV.

6 - Once the source is renamed to PC. Exit the menu.

7 - Turn on the Dragon and then select "HDMI3 PC" as the source using the remote's source button.

8 - When Vista loads to the Welcome screen. The screen will display on the TV just fine.

9 - Once you get to the desktop. You will get the box that asks you if you want to use a single display or clone the desktop to the TV.
If you have a blank screen on your TV try using FN-F4 keys. I did not have this problem. Like I said it worked just fine.


10 - If for some reason Your picture is still cut off. Press the p.size button on the bottom of the TV remote and select "Wide PC" instead of "Wide TV'.
I did not have to do this. It had already switched to wide PC for me.

One more Note:
The audio works fine though the HDMI cable. All I had to do is change the Sound device to SPDIF as the default playback device. The sound comes though the tV just fine.

To recap:
You need to make sure you use the HDMI3/DVI jack on the TV.
You must rename the input source to "PC" for the HDMI/DVI jack.
Use the FN-F4 key just incase your TV does not see a signal.


Anyways. There is a problem with NVIDEA 8800M drivers but. The Samsung HLT6189S works fine once the above procedure is followed.


Update:This procedure also works on the Samsung 6187S. Crysis looks fantasti too.
The trick is to make sure you use the HDMI/DVI port and make sure you rename it to "PC". At least on the Sami's

I wonder if this procedure will fix the same problem that people have been having with the Sony laptops????
Could be why NVIDEA has not bothered to add the overscan ajustment back into their drivers. It's not needed anymore.
Could be we just let the genie out of the bottle? hee hee.


PS 7 Months and 4 HDX's later. HP has a happy customer.
This is what I wanted to do 7 Months ago. It's very interesting how HP rather then giving my money back or telling me to go to Hell. Built 4 Dragons for me until they got it right. Guess this is why they are rated number one in customer service. Once you get past the robots to a case manager. They seem to want to work with you.

I guess I will continue to buy Hp products.

 

Just a heads up for all. I just got done with HP service claims. The bezel around the lcd on my Dragon has a small crack above the webcam. Was going to send it in for repairs, but was informed they cannot get the parts to their repair facility due to recent disasters in the region of their suppliers. They are going to replace my unit with a NEW upgraded Dragon. The funny thing is that I have the HD writer that I was trying to get replaced with bluray, which they refused to do but now, with the new build it will come with the bluray as HP no longer offers the HD option.

 

Glad you solved that problem Tinman.

 

Picture of HDX at computex. Listed by VR-Zone as part of Centrino2 platform (Montevina). But it's the same old HDX so I doubt that this is the updated one. And there's no sign next to it that says "Centrino 2 inside). Not only that but HP showed off some special edition DV6000. That model number is to be discontinued and replaced by DV5-1000. So it's all old gear that HP brought to the show.


http://www.vr-zone.com/articles/Computex_2008:_Centrino_2_Montevina_Laptop_Roundup/5838.html

Scroll down. It has Stars Wars Empire at War playing on it.

(Credit for the find: my bro.)

 

2.0,

Don't know if you saw my post asking about the processors that could be swapped out in an HDX. I am curious if a 45 or 65 nm proc can be inserted into same MB? And also if you know if an "X" extreme prco can be popped in also.

Thanks,
Brembrad

HDX9010NR

 

Any processor that supports socket P can be used. That includes X designated types.

List of compatible processors:

Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme processors (800-MHz front side bus [FSB], 44-W):
● X9000 2.8-GHz, 6-MB L2 cache processor
● X7900 2.8-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor
● X7800 2.6-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor
Intel® Core Duo processors (800-MHz FSB, 35-W):
● T9500 2.6-GHz, 6-MB L2 cache processor
● T9300 2.5-GHz, 6-MB L2 cache processor
● T8300 2.4-GHz, 3-MB L2 cache processor
● T8100 2.1-GHz, 3-MB L2 cache processor
● T7700 2.4-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor
● T7500 2.2-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor
● T7300 2.0-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor
● T7250 2.0-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor
● T7100 1.8-GHz, 4-MB L2 cache processor


Plus all the Montevina Centrino 2 CPUs that are due out next month.