*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

I think this is what you're looking for:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=300221&page=501

 

Fast post too. You beat me too it Maybe you didn't see my question before, but I was wondering if you thought anything was better in the HDX18 than the Dragon since you sold your other Dragon? If its out of sync with the thread, if you could PM me that would be cool.

 

LOL. I think he forgot is old login info b/c he used to be cridgit001.

 

been gone on mini holiday and just got back. i figured as much, so i will probably hold off for now. i wonder what the next in ssd technology will be and when?

 

Thanks for the info. I assume you have checked your card out throughly to make it is not a knock-off and is the real thing. I admit I am a little concerned about purchasing from China.

 

100% the real thing. I've bought lots of tech stuff from Chinese vendors on eBay. Never had a problem. It's just the wait time of a week to two weeks that gets to me. But in many cases, China is the only place to get certain things from.

No worries.

It will be a little difficult to find s US vendor with the IBM/HP specific card.

 

Please stay on-topic and non-argumentative in this thread; I had to delete several posts. If you have any further comments/questions, pm me.

 

Anyone else had or have a problem with HDMI audio out? When I plug my laptop into my 42" Tv I get video, no audio just from the laptop speakers, when I check for playback devices I do not see any Nvidia HD audio HDMI output source.

When I reinstalled the drivers (factory and latest from Nvidia) in the select the software to install only lists Display Driver and no HD audio option, BUT I noticed in the driver's folder after its extracted there is an HDAudio folder in there.

Am I missing something?

also on an unrelated subject, anyone know where to obtain a second Hard drive bracket so I can put a second drive in? I cannot seem to locate a part number or the item itself.

 

You want "digital output device" for HDMI audio.

 

The bracket for the compaq 6520,6720, 6820 is the exact same one for the HDX.

For instance, here's one on eBay, $20 shipped:

http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-Compaq-6520-6520s-6710-6710b-SATA-Hard-Drive-Caddy_W0QQitemZ110404493621QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Drives_Storage_Internal?hash=item19b49ee135&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

 

so I did a clean install of the new driver.
It's still the same it won't pass the vs screen
and there's a message from the system tray saying something nv... file has been recovered...
I play around with the setting in the game and I turn off the Antialiasing
then it works!
but wth, I could turn on to 16x with the old stock driver?
is there something i'm missing here?


thanks in advance,
soda

 

I am not sure I understand this reply, could you expand on it??

 

Awesome I just ordered it thanks for the post

 

@ Eclypse3D

1. Right Click on the speaker Icon on the bottom right.

2. Click on "Playback Devices".

3. Click on "Digital Output Device (SPDIF).

4. Click on "Set Default".

Look at below numbered pic.

Should work after that. If the program is already open when you do this close it and reopen after (SPDIF) has been set to default or it will continue to use the device that was set to default when it was opened.

 

Thanks again. I have one on order. Did you use the driver from the Intel site?

 

thanks for the spdif procedure, but so far it doesn't work for me. this is the order i did things in.

-set it as default like you showed on the hdx.
-plugged in the hdmi cable from the tv to the computer
-turned on the tv
-set the tv to the hdmi port
-opened up windows media player and tried different song files
-tried to click on the volume icon in the hdx system tray and see if i can hear system sound when changing volume

no sound
-------------------
other question now. i have a 46" 1920x1080 tv, when i switched to hdmi on the tv, it automatically detected my hdx and the screen on hdx went blank, and the tv displayed my desktop (great).

however it did not display the desktop taskbar and other areas (assuming it's because it automatically set the resolution to 1920x1080 (which i confimed in display setting properties). why?

well i bypassed asking myself why for the moment and switched to 1680x1050 in the display settings, but it still didnt fit.

i finally chose 1768x992 and it all fit with a little black space around all sides.

regardless of the resolution whether it fit or not, the text does not seem to be 'right" parts of letters are thinner than others...just seems weird. it's on 32-bit color depth.

don't know what else this could be. please advise.

never actually successfully outputted it to large screen tv. i tried a very long time ago.
----------------------------------------------
EDIT: i found an option in the nvidia control panel that allows me to resize the HDTV desktop! bad news, text is still not as even or crisp as on the hdx. i have a new 46" 120HZ hdtv also. hmmmm....???

is setting the resolution to 1920x1080 and resizing to fit the hdtv make the 8800gts card work more than setting to 1680x1050 and resizing to fit?

Thanks.

 

also bought 2

 

hey this looks like a great spec laptop. opinions?

core2 quad core processor, 9800M GTS vid card (1GB), 4 speakers and 1 subwoofer, and more. Only $1500. would definitely get this before i get the hdx18. i have a few other hp laptops, but wanted an updated backup.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11336774&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|84|56670|78129&N=4033838&Mo=46&pos=1&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=78129&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10590-Cat56670&topnav=

or this for $400 more?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=11485637&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|84|56670|79295&N=4035047&Mo=2&pos=10&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=79295&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10590-Cat56670&topnav=

 

FYI, I've seen that Toshiba in person, and it wins the award for the ugliest, gawdiest, and most horridly juvenile design I've seen. Personally, I'd be embarassed to be seen with one, let alone have spend $1500 on one.

The specs aren't all that great, either. An HP HDX18 would be a much better choice, in my opinion, especially with the graphics upgrade available. Or, Gateway has a P-7805u FX that you can get (refurbished) at Tiger Direct that is a very powerful (gamer-wise) laptop for under $900. Link

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but looking at that Toshiba too long makes me BLIND!!!

 

noted. going to pass. did i understand that the HDX18 gpu is upgradeable?

 

Aye, your right, I kept getting sent on a round-a-bout trying to get my password reset because I forgot.

Anyway, things have been good 2.0, everything has been ship-shape computer wise. Could I get you to re-explain about which processor to choose. I read what you said but I didn't really understand.

(I talk a big game, but I don't really know anything when it gets down to the specifics.)

And my goodness it has been a while since I've been on here, I looked back to some of my old posts on the sub 100 pages. Truly ancient

 

Thanks for the response you actually answered my question the device listed as "Digital Output Device (SPDIF)" thats the HDMI source out then?

I was expecting it to say Nvidia HDMI or something related, Does this mean the audio is not going to be coming from the HDMI cable then, and that I have to use the port on the back of the laptop instead out for this? Because according to the properties of the port you are listed its the IDT audio not native HDMI coming from the 8800M card itself, which is what I thought it should show.

OR.... is the digital spdif out integrated into the HDMI port coming from the laptop. I am hoping not to have to run a second audio cable out to get sound for this as I am using it in my living room for the Blueray

 

^
this is exactly what i was wondering, since i am not getting audio out of my hdmi. fortunately i have a digital coax in the back of the tv, but as well is being used. but if that is the only way, least there is a way? im afraid however, as it was explained to switch to the audio, that it assumes it is through hdmi, otherwise he would have included that very very important info, that another cable is needed.

 

A retail, say X9000, will have the model numbers SLAZ3, SLAQJ.

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=34443

They will cost you north of $700 to obtain.

An ES, or engineering sample, with C0 stepping like the retail X9000, will cost you about 2/3 to 1/2 the price of retail. Their model numbers start with "Q." The only ES version that has the same stepping as retail has a model number that starts with Q174. It also reports its core temp like the retail one does. Here's an example listing on ebay for a very good price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Intel-CORE2-X9000-Q174-2-8-6M-800mhz-C0-stepping_W0QQitemZ260449973524QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca4073514&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

T9300(2.5ghz) and T9500(2.6ghz) also have both retail and engineering samples available. ES samples also start with "Q" for these. But you only want the ES ones with C0 stepping as they are the last "prototypes" before Intel went to retail with the chip. You can find both on ebay for less that $300 for retail and less than $250 for ES versions with C0 stepping.

X9000 is expensive because it is made with an unlocked multiplier. Meaning it can be overclocked to about 3.2Ghz-3.4ghz. BUT, that's only possible in other notebooks that have both BIOS support and an unlocked PLL. You can't overclock the X9000 in the HDX. So you will be paying for a feature you can't use.

 

It's integrated into the HDMI port. They are mixing nomenclatures of two different technologies with the labeling of the port. HDMI has digital out. I have a Sony XBR flat panel TV and have no problems outputting both video and digital audio via HDMI from the HDX.

 

Exactly what I was going to say. Funny I have the same TV and I love the picture on it.

 

Ah, now I understand. I appreciate your help. When/if I decide to replace my CPU, I just follow the manual right? I know this may sound like an obvious answer but I just remember back when you replaced yours and you said how you went about doing it. Not step by step but like what instructions you followed and precautions you took. Also applied some special thermal paste if I remember correctly.

 

3700M revisited -- despite the close 3DMark06 scores of the overclocked 8800MGTS vs. stock 3700M, the following should be noted:

:: 64 extra cores (total 128) = noticeable real world experience improvements as the GPU is able to handle more parallel processes in real time, something the synthetic 4-year old 3DMark06 does not test well.

:: More parallel processing power = much improved PhysX performance (Nurien, etc.).

:: 1GB GDDR3 RAM dedicated (instead of 512) = noticeable real world improvement in texture handling. Faster online 3D virtual worlds. Again the synthetic 4-year old 3DMark06 does not test well these aspects.

 

Since my cpu (T8100) is the bottleneck for the video card,
would overclocking the video card do any good?
If so, what was the program to use again?


Thanks in advance,
soda

 

I'm in your situation too with the t8100.

 

You need this:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvidia_system_tools_6.05.html

It will help a little (with the GPU). Don't go above 20% of the three original clocks and try keeping the original ratio between them.

My post above re the 3700M is only meant to correct a previous post of mine a few days ago on this thread in which I downplayed the gains that could be obtained by a (still theoretical) 3700M upgrade. My earlier post was definitely non-scientific, hence today's correction above.

 

Yup that did the trick, I would have already done that if I knew it was the same output for both sources =) but since it said nothing pointing it to HDMI nor Nvidia I ignored it =)

 

eclyspe in what order did you do these things to make it work? maybe i should have restarted the computer too.

 

So even if the BIOS was opened up and the unencrypted code matched each other or were similar that wouldn't make a difference in terms of knowing if you took a GPU from the one notebook and put it into another that it would work?

What would you say impacts video stutter..just whether you overclock the GPU or not? I'm thinking maybe updating software or something.

Wouldnt more steps mean it sucks the battery life more?



Not sure what you are asking here, but they share the same BIOS as far as code. Rare that an ODM switches from Award to say Phoenix or Insyde. They tend to stick with one BISO for long periods of time. They sometimes swicth for a custom job or for a better deal/fit for a new chipset. But not often.




LOL, you have to stop talking to these HP techs. They seem to be full of disinformation. Unfortunately, there is no switch on the board or jumpers for that matter like how you might find on a desktop's mobo.

Ok cool. I'll see if I can do something about getting you one. If I can I'll PM you.

Hulk smash..probably after 15 minutes Maybe Ill try it at some point, especially if I can have 2 HDXs on hand just in case I blow one up doing something stupid. If I don't know the parts really well..how would I label it.."the doohickey on the top right by the other round thingamajig"?

 

Nice. Thanks for the post Kindheart.

 

I didnt do any rebooting, the driver was already installed the entire time I just didnt select that one as the default output cause I didnt know that is what I was looking for.

 

audio still not working for me. i looked into properties of the playback spdif, and checked all options and stereo 48khz, but no go.

im using driver 5607. im assuming that is what we are all using for it to work properly or no?

 

If this doesn't belong here please just tell me and I'll get rid of it. I'm not really short on cash just have an unused awesome laptop.

hey, would anyone be interesting in buying an hdx?

I posted a long time ago about trying to get xp on my hdx (I think?) I bought an HDX one year ago when I had an intership and was moving between RI and WA a lot. I also had to bring it to my intership and back home and all over the place.

Recently I've finally settled down.

Anyways my hdx was fully replaced after waiting 2 months for them to fix the powersupply or something. They gave me the computer back with the wrong bios at 1st, which I guess killed the motherboard, and then they gave me back a computer with the wrong cpu,hardrive, and screen. As in they gave me a brand new hdx laptop, but instead of a 1900x1200 screen and a 2.5 duo cpu it was 2.2 and 1600x1080.

Anyways, now I have a brand new hdx coming in the mail, and I'm wondering if someone else out there would be able to make better use of it than just sitting on a desk all day long.

I was thinking about getting a desktop with 8gb of that new ddr3 ram, and a quad 2.2 processor, and use it for 3d rendering, and video stuff. I've gotten over gaming and such I wouldn't get anything more than a 7800 for real time texture in 3d max.

I just feel like this wonderful computer is going to go to waste and my new 600$ desktop does all my school stuff better ...

Well if anyone is interested, I figured this would be the place. Instead of selling to someone randomly on ebay or whatever, i thought I would 1st ask around here.

it's the 2.5duo cpu 8800m gt 4 gb of ram, 1900x1200 screen version.and like I said it's brand new.

 

You'd be surprised at how fast it'll get snapped up on Ebay. Dragons have been in demand since HP nixed the line almost a year ago. Hard to believe it's been that long.

 

No offense, but I'd be surprised if it was a "brand new" HDX Dragon. Probably a like new refurb, if that even exists. Hopefully for you though, I am wrong.

Welcome back bro...got your PM, but got sidetracked at that time and forgot to answer.

 

Yea one 2.8GHZ top of the line I had my eye set on getting got picked up for $3200+ this week!

http://cgi.ebay.com/FULLY-LOADED-GA...8623QQptZAUQ5fcompQ5flaptopQQsalenotsupported

She bought it for $4500 a year ago. Time flies..but is it heard of for a notebook to retain such high value like this? Hope HP sees the demand..yea right, what am I talking about.

 

hmmm... well he did say they would replace it with a "new" one. so what you said makes sense it's most likely not new, just new to me lol. Well, it is nice and shiny

woah, 3200$? damn I'm only one below that model...

and I was going to sell it for 1800$ 2000$ tops.

also I've never used ebay, is it safe? is selling to someone local in person safer? or maybe that would be bad considering the price...

oh man, this is why I came to this forum, I forget what it was I was asking about here, but I'm glad it's here. you helped me therough losing my sub woofer, damn audio drivers!

speaking of which, is it going to be a pain to get Win7 on a dragon without losing the speakers like in xp?

 

We'll hers was barely used, kept off most of the time, had a 4 year warranty, and was in mint condition/new. All other 2.8 top specs ones Ive seen on there sold for no more than $1800-2000. 2.5GHZ 9300s would sell around $1200-1600$ or so maybe more. I keep a look out for the 2.8 ones so I can't remember exactly what the price range is but its definitely below 1800. It's up to you. What she did was offer her Buy It Now Price then do the Make Offers option too. There are fees with Ebay and Paypal..which suck but if you sell it to a person with a confirmed address in Paypal you're covered with their buyer seller protection policy in case something happens. Be careful because if you're new to Ebay you will be a target from scammers with your high priced item.

 

well it doesn't have a warrently, but like I said this one I just got has only ever been turned on once so far. And I don't know what they are worth, I guess I'm kinda worried, I don't want to charge to much, and I don't want to charge to little. So I guess 2200$ starting price on ebay was too much >.<

Oh well I only set it for 3 days, so it will go down.

 

Hi guys ! I have bought my HP HDX Dragon 1 year ago, and was using it without any problems, until the both fans ( GPU and CPU ) started working extensively, and way too loud for my ears. Every program like Wmplayer or VLC make my fans go crazy. So i am wondering if there is any possibility to open the notebook to get access to the fans or clean them otherwise. What about the warranty after removing the bottom side of my Dragon ? Has anyone of you experienced similar problems, or tried to open up the notebook ? Thank you in advance

 

I'm literally floored that anyone would pay $3250 for that HDX!

Look at the specs--nothing in there is worth that much money. No SSD's, only 4GB RAM and even has only 160GB hard drives! The X9000, by itself, is worth a few hundred "extra" dollars, and the Blu-ray reader and WUXGA display are fairly commonplace these days, so to be honest, that HDX Dragon is neither "Loaded" or "The fastest laptop money can buy" (by a longshot). IMHO, it's really only worth somewhere in the low $2000's! I checked my previous purchases of HDX's, and back in Sept 2008, I bought a brand new, almost the identical unit (except had a T9300 2.53 instead of a X9000 2.8) but had the Blu-ray ROM and WUXGA for $1600!

The thing is, the guy (gal?) bought it back when they were really, really, expensive, and towards their EOL, they were practically giving them away.

Will HP even be able to fix the thing in 4 years, or instead, substitute something else because of lack of parts or replacement units?

I guess it's all in how you advertise it. The way his ad was worded, you'd think he was selling his mint, original, never driven '68 Mustang convertable!!

Oh well, someone got what they wanted, but really paid for it and this guy got VERY lucky.

edit: I just read the sellers response to a question on that auction...no wonder he got so much for it, it's 5.6Ghz!!! That's fast!
I hate how people add core speeds together, like somehow this unit is as fast as it if were running at 5.6Ghz....

 

The seller was a crook. The buyer, a fool.

Harsh? Yes. I hate to see people get ripped off. Especially when a tiny bit of research would have clued the buyer in.

 

Yep, just follow the manual or the links to the videos. Not sure where the video links are. could be page 100.

I opened up my HDX to replace the thermal paste but didn't replace anything. I did apply Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste. I can't remember what the precautions were. I just opened up the HDX last month to test out a video card upgrade theory. (Didn't work, BTW). One thing I do watch out for is the USB board on left side back near the GPU should be removed before putting the system board back in. Also, remember to take out the plastic expresscard from the slot.

Right, and lastly, make sure that the mini coax cable to the TV tuner is plugged back into the TV tuner card before powering up.

 

Did you set the Digital outpu Device as default? Make sure that you shut down any programs that are outputing audio before switching over.

 

You could try a Buy now with best offer. Set Buy now price @ $2200 and see what kind of best offers you get. You can set the best offer limits to reject any best offers under, say, $1750 and automatically accept offers greater than, say, $2100. You can also list as free shipping. Shipping to the 48 states will range from $35-$60 with insurance and signature confirm via UPS. Package will weight about 25lbs. All in all, expect to lose about $100-$120 between listing, final value fees, paypal fees, and shipping.

Nope, piece of cake. Works "right out of the box."