HP Spectre x360

HP Support Assistant popped an HD Conexant Audio update today. i7 Skylake Spectre here.

 

I have been having audio issues when my Spectre (15" 6560u Iris) is plugged into my TV through HDMI ... It will play fine for a period of time, but there are popping sounds that occasionally happen, and sometimes the audio cuts out on the TV after one of the pops. The color on the screen will also randomly turn pink. The audio issue doesn't go away with a restart either if the laptop is plugged into the TV during the restart, though the pink screen returns to normal.

I've tried switching out cables, but it didn't make a difference. All drivers are up to date as well.

Anyone have any input?

 

Anyone know what the top CPU option on the x360 13t actually is? It surely can't be the i7-6500U, so I'm hoping it's the i7-6660U or i7-6650U now...

 

Try running the latest Intel beta drivers direct from the Intel website. They are around 3-4 versions newer. Sounds like Surface Book owners had a similar problem which were fixed with the latest Intel drivers.

You can customise the first Spectre here to have a i7-6560U with Iris graphics. I also think that the top of the line option that allows for 16GB of memory has a typo. It must also be a 6560U or similar because the 6500U does not have Iris graphics.

Also, I should mention, I don't know how valuable that higher processor will be - my Skylake Spectre suffers from power limit throttling or thermal throttling where after some time the CPU will throttle down to a 9W TDP. Here is a graph of it occurring which I posted on another thread (left is MHz of CPU and bottom is time in MM:SS format) - undervolting does help somewhat but performance still suffers. I assume you want the Iris graphics because you are thinking about gaming or using CAD software - be prepared for the CPU to severely throttle itself down on load to below 15W.

 

I'm gonna be ordering it next week, so I'll let you know when I find out unless someone else does first!

 

I was impatient to wait around for a new variant or the new macbook pro, so finally got the Spectre, opted for the Core i5-6200U version since I figured I don't really need i7 performance advantage.

Here goes, my beauty and the beast


So far satisfied with my purchase, build quality is great. Much better than my older Envy, really changed my perception about HP brand. I am glad they still use the spelled out "Hewlett-Packard" branding, good thing the split happens after the release of this laptop, I noticed the 15 inch version use the usual hp logo.

 

Thanks for your answer! Unfortunately it doesn't work. The TV doesn't even appear as a playback device, and it seems impossible to get the computer to recognize it without restarting the computer.
I will play around a bit with intels drivers (I guess, since it is hdmi audio..?) and see if it gets better.

 

That is very strange.

My Skylake has had 100% success rate in picking up the HDMI audio since I got the computer (whether with Intel's drivers or HPs). The only other thing I might suggest is fully uninstalling all of video/ HDMI audio drivers and reinstalling them (or it might be that you have Broadwell).

 

I have Skylake, and a two year old Samsung TV. It doesn't happen every time, and I haven't tried another computer enough times to rule out a problem with the TV.
I guess I have some testing to do

Thanks so far!

 

The 15 in is beautiful! I saw it today at Best Buy. Wish it had thunderbolt 3 though so that gaming could be a possibility in the future via e gpu. Deciding between this, xps 15 and zen book pro.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I'm curious to try the 15" in tablet mode -- I'll have to swing by a Best Buy and check it out! If things go the way I hope, my college-bound kid will inherit my 13" x360 and my aging eyes will gain 2 more inches of precious real estate when I get a new 15"! If I end up with 8 hours of battery and ~4lbs, plus a larger screen, I'll call it a fair deal.

-Matt

 

HP Support Assistant posted an Intel WLAN Driver for MS Win10.... 13" Skylake i7 here

 

OK, so hit Best Buy last night and spent several minutes playing with the new 15" x360. A few impressions (forgive me -- do we have an owners' thread for the 15" version?):

- As I suspected, the 4lbs is a non-issue. Probably wouldn't ever use it like a true tablet (i.e., hold with one hand while touching/navigating with the other), but it's as easy to hold/manage as the 13" when it's on the lap or table surface. That's a win.

- Sadly, the extra mass of the screen means, presumably with the same hinge as ours, that it wobbles quite a bit more with touch in stand mode. Can't break physics, though I suppose they could build a stronger/stiffer hinge.

- A little disappointed that they didn't go for the full-width keyboard with numpad. The tradeoff is you get the built-in speakers on the keyboard, but yeah I'm the guy who always plugs in headphones and *never* uses the stock speakers. So no major benefit for users like me.

- Also disappointed (more than a little) that the designers fell back to the old-school HP branding -- I really prefer the more classy lettering on our beloved 13" model.

- Interestingly, the Windows hard-button we have on the side of our 13" model is lacking on the 15". I thought maybe the HP icon at the base of the display might also be a capacitive button but nope. Not a biggie, as there are lots of other ways to gain that function when the screen is tilted.

- Noticed the USB-C port. Nice. Can plug my Nexus 5x in with the stock cable!

- Also has the full-size HDMI + miniDP ports. The miniDP is awesome to see, but TBH I haven't used mine once in almost a year. *sigh* Maybe someday.

- In contrast to other nearby machines, like higher-end Dell, Toshiba, Acer, and Samsung ultrabooks, the x360 has a noticeably cooler palmrest area.

Really looking forward to seeing the price drop a few dollars in the next few months.

-Matt

 

And WOW that didn't take long:

http://bensbargains.com/bargain/hp-...e-i7-uhd-15-6-touch-laptop-1147-at-hp-168133/

A 15% off code = $1147 for the i7/16GB/256GB with the UHD display. So tempted...

-Matt

 

Yeah this laptop is nice. I just wish it had a thunderbolt 3 capable usb c. I was hoping that when they add the oled option they might sneak in that feature but prob wishful thinking.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

BTW did you figure out which machine you'll get?

 

Leaning towards the xps 15, i7/16gb/512gb/4k. On ms with student discount it's a pretty good deal. But I'm waiting it out still to see what hp does when they add the oled option.


Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

Remind me when the OLED model is slated to launch...?

EDIT: just did a quick scan of the last 30 days of news and didn't spot anything fresher than CES January. Not calling "fake" yet (how many companies tease at CES and then repeatedly push back the release date?) but since it's May and (1) HP's new, high-end item, the Spectre laptop, is IPS and (2) there's no hint on HP's site of an upcoming OLED x360...I'll try not to hold my breath.

-Matt

 

Does anyone else's screen flicker constantly? It's the most noticeable on a darker colored background. It also goes away when I select the maximum performance setting. I have a skylake i5 full HD unit.

Also, here's a small negatives/con list for anyone looking to buy this laptop based on the 1 week I've been using it:
- This laptop has a very annoying scrolling issue where it doesn't remember the scrolling settings you select, and if you reverse the scrolling from what's default, it reverses it for all programs but not for anything from Microsoft (for example explorer, or the start menu).
- There's also this screen flickering issue, which might not be limited to the Spectre x360.

 

We've discussed the touchpad issues here off and on. I have to confess -- even having seen it firsthand myself -- that I don't fully understand what's going on, but my impression is that it's a pervasive issue found across a wide range of laptops (and brands) running Windows 10. My other impression is that for a while, it seems the user sets things where he/she likes them, and then a sleep and/or restart takes the settings back to a default. And then...it stops. I'm guessing that it involves some mixture of people manually installing a Synaptics driver versus something comparable happening automatically through Windows Update, but either way I've seen the problem vanish after a few days on mine machine.

Can't speak to the flickering issue -- I'm on a Broadwell i7 and haven't noticed it.

Matt

 

As for the trackpad issue, this was a 2 part problem:

• MS had a bug where it interpreted scrolling direction in the exact opposite of everyone else. This is fixed in the latest Windows 10 Build 10586.318 (and has been for around 5 or 6 builds now) - try windows update.
• HP's customised Synaptics driver was based off an old and buggy build that did not remember scroll settings. This is fixed with the latest HP customised Synaptics driver (v 19.0.12.107) and the Synaptics driver (no idea of version number) available direct from Synaptics website (which includes some other fixes). I would not recommend using the Synaptics direct driver though, it does not disable the trackpad if you use the laptop in tent or tablet mode.

Screen flickering should have been mostly fixed in the latest Intel direct beta video drivers for Skylake. Unfortunately, Intel has had a heck of a time trying to get properly functioning and stable drivers for Skylake (moreso than previous generations). The HP drivers have always been and remain around 2-3 versions out of date.

 

@illuzn you always give such helpful responses!

Sadly, this option is out of reach for me -- in my case, I'm running a copy of 10 Pro that's on a work-related site-license, and for reasons I don't comprehend, we are still stuck on an earlier version and have not updated. Regardless, as I mentioned, my settings have stuck for quite a while (driver version 19.0.12.98) and while I have the "backward scrolling" problem, I rarely use native Win apps (e.g., Edge) or access system settings.

I like your answer much better than mine!

-Matt

 

You are probably on Windows 10 Current Branch for Business - if you run "winver" you should have Windows 10 Version 1507. This release ring is delayed by around 8 months from the normal Current Branch release ring which is what your ordinary home/ small business users are on. So when we are rolling out the Anniversary Update (Windows 10 version 1606) you should start receiving the November Update (Windows 10 version 1511).

Either that or you may have accidentally configured windows to defer updates for you - see the tick box here where you may have accidentally done so. I doubt it though - most likely your workplace has enforced this restriction on you through Mobile Device Management (which paradoxically includes laptops).

 

Thanks, just checked -- it's actually Enterprise (edu copy), version/build 10240. I seem to recall seeing an announcement a while back that Enterprise had been updated, but my university is woeful about distributing updates. Or maybe I misread the update announcement? Either way it's all good.

EDIT: ah OK there it is...I did remember seeing that there was an Enterprise update to 1511...

https://social.technet.microsoft.co...o-version-1511-10010586?forum=win10itprosetup

 

Oh okay... didn't realise you were running Enterprise. That probably means you are obtaining your updates via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and because of that your University has 100% control over which updates you do and don't get (including those mission critical Adobe Flash updates).

I'd highly recommend disabling flash in both IE11 and MS Edge in your use case. You may very well still be exposed to this Adobe Flash vulnerability which came out a couple of days ago and is being exploited in the wild right now.

 

Hi guys,

Since some time my HP Spectre x360 13-4000nc suffer from non-paged pool leaking in Windows 8.1. After I red how to track non-paged pool memory allocations in drivers (e.g. via build in verifier.exe application, or with poolmon) I found that igdkmd64.sys (Intel GPU driver, ver. 10.18.4139) cause this. Do you have anyone same problem?

I attached more info in already existing thread at Intel community forum.

 

I have a problem with wifi and bluetooth connectivity on my laptop. My wifi signal would drop intermittently when connected to bluetooth peripherals. Say signal drops from 4 bars to 1 bar.. goes up to 4 bars again, then down to 1 again, and goes on like that every few seconds, until bluetooth turned off, then back to 4 bars constant. I tried using the latest driver from Intel, no dice. Anyone has this problem and know how to solve this?
I am using older wireless N Cisco/Linksys router, anyone that has this problem, has the problem been solved if you switch to 5Ghz wireless AC bandwidth?

My skylake i5 with fullHD screen does not have the flickering issue you mentioned.

 

Very strange, I don't have the same issue that you have at all (and I use a 2.4Ghz network). While Bluetooth is in use my throughput will significantly drop (when measured unscientifically using windows file copy) but I still have the same signal strength.

Is it a Cisco router or a Linksys? There is a huge difference in build quality. If it's a Cisco, I suppose you've probably already tried changing the channel that it runs on - technically this shouldn't be a problem but I would recommend trying channels 1 and 12 in particular because Bluetooth spends less time broadcasting on those channels.

As far as I'm aware Bluetooth doesn't use 5Ghz so that should be a no-brainer fix - that said, I can't test it here because my wifi works flawlessly. Note that you will sacrifice signal strength with 5Ghz (for me, 5Ghz barely is able to penetrate 2 concrete walls) when I am around 10 metres away from the router.

 

It seems to be a part of the power-saving measure. I've noticed that it occurs on Balanced or Maximum Battery Life profiles in Intel Graphics Control Panel. Backlight dims (not very smoothly) when darker colors are on screen and returns to normal brightness when lighter colors are displayed. I found it annoying so I turned it off like you did. Doesn't really seem to affect battery life.

 

Yes it is weird issue, luckily i don't use bluetooth that often. I noticed it when I paired my apple magic mouse to the computer, but then the same thing happens when I use my bluetooth speaker. Now i just use logitech mouse with dedicated unifying receiver.

My router is older X3000 model, when Linksys routers were branded as Cisco. I just checked, and I am using channel 1.

 

Prepare to be disappointed - the Spectre x360 13t with 16GB RAM doesn't have Iris graphics.

 

I have the same problem with wifi, but it seem here only if I use my lap with the AC plugged in.
When I'm on battery the wifi works really well.
I've read on other forums that someone opened the lap and the wifi card is not mounted really well, and touching some cables and contacts solve the problem,
I don't want to open my lap, it's one day old. Anyone got other solutions?
Thanks.

 

If you have the right Torx screw head, it's very, very easy. The only (very minor) caveat I would offer is to lift the back lid gradually, and distribute force evenly as you pull it up. Since it's thin aluminum, you don't want to put too much pressure on one point.

But I'll repeat: it's easy and most importantly, the lid lifts right off once you begin to lift it (it's easy to separate from the tabs that hold it in place). There's no silliness needed as far as a credit card or special electronics pry tool to get it going.

http://www.laptopultra.com/guide/hp-spectre-pro-x360-disassembly/

-Matt

 

Source?

 

I didn't go all the way through checkout but it looks OK from where I'm sitting.



-Matt

 

There's no such thing as an i7-6500U with Iris Graphics 540. I have confirmed that Spectre x360 configuration doesn't come with Iris graphics - it is actually an i7-6500U.

 

The i7-6560 comes with iris graphics, not the 6500.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

Do you have this configuration or is that what customer service told you?
Seems odd to pair the highest RAM configuration with 6500U rather than 6560U; figured it might be an error on HP's website.

Guess I'll find out for sure when I receive my laptop Tuesday.

 

Please *do* update us. It's a curious thing. To be fair, I've seen HP botch their generic spec lists more than once (IIRC, a recent example was whether the speakers are in fact branded as Bang and Olufsen), but I've never heard of someone who bought a system that didn't arrive as listed. It's possible, though hard to believe, that a component mix could make it all the way to a verified purchase and include that significant a mistake.

-Matt

 

There's a "convenient error - convenient for HP" in the CPU selection.

It shows the 6500U as having a 540 iGPU, and it doesn't, it has a 520 iGPU.

And, HP tries to make you think the 6500U is better by charging more, when the 6560U is a new/better CPU/iGPU.

When the 6560U became an option on the 15" earlier, it was $100 more than the 6500u

Get while the gettings good, and order it with the 6560u for $30 less than the 6500U, and get the 540 iGPU, and add the +8GB/16GB SODIMM yourself later (verify it has a socket for the 2nd SODIMM)

http://ark.intel.com/compare/91163,88194

 

Thanks, I follow all of that. The part that throws me is whether the 520 is/has the Iris, or if only the 540 does.

EDIT: Ah, ok, I'm starting to grasp this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_HD_and_Iris_Graphics#Skylake

Strange indeed.

-Matt

 

It's the EDRAM in the Iris Pro that makes the performance difference

That EDRAM benefit also helps with some CPU operations, my 5950HQ performance was much better than previous 47xxHQ CPU performance due to that EDRAM. The EDRAM also helped with other performance measurements.

It's still a 2 core 4 thread CPU, which isn't going to compete with a 4 core 8 thread CPU, but it's as good as you can get in the U level parts right now.

HP will likely realize the pricing error soon...you do still need to pay extra for the bump to 8gb to 16gb on top of the CPU selection - even if it's included - I'd still go with the 6560U

 

Sorry, I'm not understanding this... isn't the i7-6500U $150 less than the top spec'd CPU? (Granted you cannot have 16GB of ram with that spec).

If you order the top spec and didn't get the iris graphics, I'm pretty sure you are entitled to return it for a full refund. I don't think there is any conspiracy theory or convenient error happening here at all.

I suspect that they use a different mainboard for the 16GB configuration (since ram is soldered).

N.B. Buying 8GB and upgrading to 16 GB may not be viable because:

1. My 8GB unit is configured as dual channel (2x4GB chips) - at least according to CPU-Z. I'm not game to open up my laptop.
2. The RAM is soldered down, so you need to be fairly bold and confident with a soldering iron to solder/ desolder RAM.

 

That's what I'm pointing out, HP is charging more for the lesser CPU - 6500U, and less for the better/newer Iris iGPU 6560U.

Still a better deal to get the 6560U and get a 4GB+16GB memory configuration.

Opening the laptop isn't tough... there are videos most likely already to view the innards of the x360 for upgrading.

Either way, waiting should solve the problem, HP will fix the configuration errors, and offer the 6560U + 16GB option.

You could also call in and ask to configure on the phone, pointing out the error on the webpage, and get the 6560U+16GB.

When are they going to offer 16GB+16GB=32GB as a factory build?

 

It's also offered with the 6560U, which does have the Iris 540.

 

That's also what I'm pointing out, the top spec must be a 6560U CPU - given that they represent it as the Iris 540 GPU (if it wasn't I'd return it).

So my point is that the extra $110 ($30 for CPU and $80 for RAM), gets you a 6560U CPU and the upgrade from 8GB to 16GB of RAM.

Edit: I mean that the reference to 6500U with Iris 540 Graphics is a typo. You are reading it as 6500U with HD520 Graphics. I am reading the typo as 6560U with Iris 540 Graphics.

 

That's it

The highest cost entry is a typo, should be 6560U, $200 more than base, and the 16GB memory is another $200 more than base configuration. You have to select both options in 2 different sections.

http://store.hp.com/us/en/Configure...-1&storeId=10151&catEntryId=983652&quantity=1

That's why it's important to post the URL as well as a screenshot.

Spoiler: If you select as is, your configuration will have a 6500U in the build list

If you are going to order, I would call first, and point out the error. No sense getting an order on the books that shows a 6500U spelled out on it, even if it says a 540 iGPU as well. It's likely going to be a confusing mess best avoided.

 

I repeat, the 13" machine with 16GB RAM has the i7-6500U. It does not have the i7-6560U.

The mistake is the claim that the laptop has Iris graphics - it does not.

So,

The board with the i7-6560U only has 8GB RAM soldered on. There is no i7-6560U board with 16GB RAM (yet).

You're going to be returning it then.

 

Where did you get that information @neothe0ne?

Not doubting you but it would seem contrary to common sense since those who want the most RAM are probably power users who would also want the best processor.

 

I can confirm @neothe0ne is correct.
I ordered the top configuration listed as "6th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6500U Processor + Intel(R) Iris(TM) Graphics 540 (For 16GB memory)."
http://imgur.com/X9cgMjO
The laptop I received today has the 16GB RAM and i7-6500U (which we know doesn't have Iris 540, but rather Intel HD 520). http://imgur.com/oEl43JR.
See screenshots for specs.

Doesn't make sense to me why HP would pair i7-6500U with 16GB instead of the better performing i7-6560U, perhaps cost though I, for one, would be willing to pay another $50 or so for Iris graphics. Who knows if HP will ever offer that option with 16GB RAM and/or OLED (which should have been out by now).

Anyway I have more use for more RAM than better graphics since I don't game (other than the occasional SCII), so I'm going to keep it. However since HP did advertise falsely and I paid for a machine that's supposed to have Iris 540, I'm going to ask for $100 store credit - will see how that goes.