HP dv6/dv7/Envy 17 Intel Sandy Bridge Discussion

@ Bravoexo

Can you post a pic of the bottom of the laptop please? I want to get a cooler for this laptop when I buy it next week and I can´t find a pic anywhere.

Thanks a lot.

P.S. What´s the supported voltage in AMD Gpu Clock Tool?

 

So may I ask what is so special about the sandy bridge?

 

Why is it cheaper the buy the new dv7tse laptop from Wal-Mart?
If I price them out with the exact same options....it is much cheaper from Wal-Mart....even with the instant rebate and my company (or alumni) discount.

 

Does the AMD 6570m on the dv7tqe have DDR3 or DDR5 memory? It doesn't specifically say on the website when I configure it.

 

They still have it in the specs there!
BTW, I'm new to this forum and i want some feedback and suggestion before i buy my sandybridge hp laptop!

Okay lets begin from my requirements, i want the HP Sandybridge specifically because i want the Touchscreen thing. ( quite fascinated about it! ) So that specifically cuts my options to HP only and dv6 only.
As @Bravoexo got a dv7 with sandybridge, i would like to know your view points on this dv6 with almost same config as yours. I might end up buying it from HP online shop for 1300usd around. Is it worth?

Dv6tqe series with Intel Sandy Bridge
----
Pros :
- Size and weight - i feel 15Inch is better than 17inch in terms of portability
- Backlit Keyboard
- Touchscreen Option

Cons :
- Resolution - 1366x768
- Normal Audio instead of Beats Audio
- Online prices are high as compared to Micro center dv7-4290us prices
- Needs around atleast 2 weeks for delivery


Dv7tqe ( dv7-4290us ) series with Intel Sandy Bridge
----
Pros :
- Resolution - this thing is making me lean towards ditching touch screen
- Beats Audio
- Will get in 2-3 days

Cons :
- Weight & Size
- Num pad on keyboard - i personally don't like it
- No Back lit keypad - This thing makes me return back to touchscreen


Everything else is almost the same, heres my customization,

@Bravoexo, considering your experience with dv7 and configuration above, what would you suggest? Should i ditch touchscreen for that resolution? And if not, is there something that is missing on the spec sheet above that i should add? Any feedback would be highly appreciated!

 

It has DDR5 memory which is a massive improvement.

 

Bravoexo, can you give others benchs in games??

 

Hasn't anyone else bought it? ha ha... I just flew back home and I start back to work tonight.

@alstrike.... it's the same with any dv7-4xxx series. Even the 2nd hdd cabling unit for it from newmodeus is perfect for it. I will check out that GPU Clock tool... only have been using GPU-z

@ghostbusterin, personally I'm coming from a Gateway FX laptop...massive 17inch screen, dual hdd, gaming gpu, etc... so the dv7 is a perfect little upgrade...

I have this company laptop, a T61 and I think that has that resolution... (or probably smaller) and it's not that satisfying... touchscreen vs 2 hdd (ssd for example) hmm... thats probably a personal preference.

NOTE: If you plan to game with this notebook, you probably want a ms wireless x360 controller...

 

HP appears to have some pride with the new dv7tqe. The warranty is 2 years on it standard. (At least configured on HP's site.)

I just want to play Bad Company 2 on the road, I don't want a 768p display, and I don't want to squint on a smaller LCD.

 

HP dv6 and dv7 SB editions have HDMI 1.4 and that is really a cool feature allowing 3D output so the upcoming envy 17 must also have it.
Sadly they have missed out to add USB 3.0 ports, As now even thumbdrives are also coming with USB 3.0.

 

What is the point of having HDMI 1.4 in a dv6 or dv7 if you can't even play a Bluray 3D? Kinda wasted feature on them. I am waiting for the Envy 17 3D like many of my fellow HP peepz. Plus, you can't even get a 1080p on the dv6 or 7, bah

KJ

 

It is not exactly a waste as my dv6 with HDMI 1.3 can output 1080p on to my 32' Full HDTV (1080p), But sad that I don't have bluray player to enjoy full capability.If someone has a TV with 3D capability then HDMI 1.4 coupled with a Bluray drive is really a cool feature.

 

Lack of 1080p screen on DV6/DV7 is a deal breaker for me. HP is kinda forcing you to go for the high end Envy 17.

 

Since I was already on 1920x1200 on my older gateway fx p-7805u and it was hard on the eyes. This res (1600x900) is much better and sharper than a non native res forced on a high res screen.

 

Bravoexo...
Can you tell me if the dv7-4920us came with DDR3 at 1333? Or is that something you did yourself?
I would like to assume it is at 1333, but I can't find it in the specs for the DV7....

Thanks...

 

Yes it is using DDR3 1333 or PC 10600 in the other nomenclature...

 

The chipset is HM65 or HM67? The Hp specs say is HM55 but that is wrong obviously.

By the way the memory can go up to 1600/12800 (HM65/67).

 

One other note - I tried applying the new Intel IGP drivers when they were released online yesterday. It said my hardware did not meet the requirements - I guess IGP is disabled for the DV7-4290US. Bummer.

I read somewhere that WiDi is part of the Bluetooth adapter, but I don't have a WiDi adapter to test this with.

And finally - I can confirm the chipset is the HM65.

The Intel IGP driver does not work for the 4290US, unfortunately. The only drivers that were updated since I purchased mine were the chipset and WiFi.

 

Yeah... I'm still trying to find the best deal.
Either Wal-Mart ($1099 + tax), or Microcenter ($1150, + $20 shipping, but no tax and a $50 rebate).

I'm in the process of sending another email to HP to what kind of deal they can offer me since I ordered my DV6 with a $500 off coupon last week.

I'm still torn between the dv6 and dv7. If both come with SB i7's and 6570's...it is really hard to make a case of one over the other.

 

So what's the general consensus on the dv7 in terms of gaming? I'm looking at retiring my desktop and plan on gaming in the living room with the wife

Overall it looks pretty good, but I haven't gotten anyone else's responses.

With EPP, I can get the model off the HP website for $986 after tax with free shipping. Doesn't get built until the 20th it looks like though...

 

Would also like to know this, and whats the difference between the Envy 17 with sandy bridge? Is it just the screen?

 

According to the press releases, Envy 17 will be given CoolSense as well, which (if I read in between the lines) implies a better controlled fan, additional vents, and a cooler case. I'd also expect an upgraded GP. why I personally favor the Envy over the dv -- the display is capable of the entier sRGB color space (dv7t screens are not)

 

Notepal U3. Perfect size for this laptop. I'll take some pics in the morning of it and the bottom of the laptop.

 

BC2 (envy 17 3D) gets around 25-50fps on all medium settings, 2xaa, 16xaf, all in 2d mode. I put everything on low to get the minimum framerate up, it helped some, raising it from 25 to 35fps on average. I forced DX9 and 120hz in the config file and that helped even further, getting 40-70fps on average now.

All at 1080p res BTW.

config file in...

C:\users\(username)\Documents\BFBC2\Settings.ini

 

Thanks a lot!

I have mixed feelings about the IGP, it really doesn´t bother me but some way or another it will end up being annoying.

I guess we´ll have to wait for a BIOS update.

 

w00t! congrats.

What are you using? Coolsense (HP Thermal Assistant) or Win7's? I turned it to maximum cooling... so it's pretty much on all the time.

In my old Gateway FX, the temp trigger was 50C... but since these sandy bridge pretty much stays above 50C, I can't tell if it's really temp triggered or based on something else.

Now I'm in an AC room, where the temps go down to 45-47C, I can probably tell now when it triggers. (But haven't done so sine my Notepal U3 is working under there too)

 

Yup, have that as well. 3 fans are sweet. And the U3 and this laptop fits (sort off in the targus 17 messenger too... just the butt end of the notepal has to extend on the top)

 

I can't tell from your response if it sounded like a good deal or not lol

All the Instant Rebates for today are so tempting...

Here is my current rig (the main parts), how do you think it'll compare:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
EVGA GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3
Some HDD's

In all honesty, besides the lower CPU frequency, it seems like it'll run better than my current desktop, and the new architecture and it being quad core might actually help push this CPU to being close to the same?

I can get the stock version on the HP site for $986 after tax with free shipping. Should I bite!?

 

Sorry about that... the jury is still out on gaming on the HD6570 since AMD's latest drivers don't identify it correctly but it won't have the bugs of the stock but older version drivers that comes with the laptop out of the box.

The problems I've seen could be PowerPlay related...but that's just my experience so far.

I will try to roll back drivers just to test it out.

 

Are you configuring on HP's site? If so, are you using any coupons? I used this coupon today when I bought my Sandy Bridge Dv6:

Coupon Code "NB5321" (no quotes): Up to $350 off $1299 on customized HP Pavilion Laptops after HP Coupon NB5321 [Exp. 01/16 or 1160 uses]
* $200 off with coupon + Instant Rebate (up to $150 depending on model selected)

 

Can't use any coupons with EPP.

 

I have EPP too, and it was cheaper using the coupon instead.

 

I did a clean install of Win7, so I'm using the standard power management schemes. My understanding was Coolsense was only available for the Envy? I backed up the original files so if it was in the SWSETUP directory, I can probably reinstall it if Coolsense is available.

The only thing difference I've spotted power management-wise was the HP Recommended configuration - Win7 only has Power Saver/Balanced/High Performance as the options. Can you confirm Coolsense (or some other HP power management program) is on your laptop?

Also, I'm using this laptop without any extra pads/coolers - it's for work and I've had no issues with heat. I haven't really tried any benchmarking or temperature monitoring so far, and probably won't be able to with my schedule.

 

I thought I read a post in the drivers forum that said that the 6xxxM series will allow you to install the stock drivers from AMD's site, but that you could not for the 5xxxM series? Anyone know?

I'd prefer to just update graphics drivers from the AMD/ATI - I really liked being able to do this with my previous DV7-Gen1 for my nVidia 9600GT-M. Here's hoping ATI will be just as easy...

 

Yeah, we have Coolsense (named HP Thermal Assistant). I don't think it's in the Software updates though...

I was able to update my driver to 8.801, but it sees the gpu as a HD5700 series ... but at least Dirt 2 and Grid are playable. Either that, or me tweaking the power profile via Coolsense or PowerPlay got me to play my games without stuttering

 

did you ever run 3dmark06? I know its an ageing benchmark but ive run it on so many computers and curious what it gets for overall and CPU score. My new gateway scored P1191 on 3dmark11 performance

 

Yup, check pages 3 & 4 on this thread.

 

At least it's sloppy bragging about it while outing the distributor. They could be destroyed if Intel unleashes its layers against it. And not because it's expensive but because someone did violate the NDA.

 

$1299.99 - $350 = $949.99

My build ( I didn't really customize anything) came to $930.99

Granted, only $20 more and I could get $150 worth of upgrades.

 

Not to go against HP in this HP thread, but I saw this and was looking at going for it:
Xplorer X6-9500 Notebook

I can get it down to $844 by removing the OS install and a $30 off coupon ($39 shipping though )

Since I'm trying to get one for gaming, what are your opinions on that laptop?
The main differences are:

Any insight or your thoughts would be great.

 

you have accelerometer based position sensing that applies power managemet profiles based on the physical orientation of your dv7?

 

That's what I thought CoolSense was. Not a power setting, but I could be completely off.

 

Coolsense is both a hardware and a software solution. my question to Bravoexo was to gently challenge the "we have coolsense" statement, which at this point I believe to be incorrect for the dv7. where does it come from that HP Thermal Assistant = Coolsense?

Coolsense is conspicuously absent from the press release announcing Sandy Bridge Dv7's and quite obviously included in the description of the Sandy Bridge Envy 17.

HP CoolSense Technology

 

I just called HP...they told me the dv7t was DDR3 with that GPU, and not GDDR5.

 

Yes, it has two settings to configure... one was when it's on a desk. one if it's on your lap. Each has three settings from coolest to max battery.

I'm at the office on a t61 but I will get you a screenshot later...Unless my co-dv7 owners here can provide one ahead of time.

Edit: oh wait, there it is in the video from dlleno's link. It's just like that. It has that program. So if the software is there... then we have to find out if the hardware is there, right?

 

yea. I'm out to see if the cooling they touted for Envy 17 in the press release, is actualy (silently) added to the dv7s! that would be a nice bonus A couple of things to check;

1. how does it know if it is on a lap versus a desk? by the power connection or something more sophisticated? Will your laptop ever think it is on your lap if it is plugged in to a power source?

2. are there any indications in the support materials that an accelerometer is present, or that any additional vents have been added? (calling for Dv7t photos both previous and SB... )


I'm wondering if teh Dv7 received a subset of Coolsense or the whole enchilada as described by that link

 

Hey Bravo...

Do you have any way of proving/showing it's GDDR5? I called HP and they said it was DDR3, but then again the guy said technology beyond DDR3 doesn't exist...(I then told him it does and that I was looking at one right now, and he said well for HP they only go up to DDR3).

 

Well, I know the thermal assistant is not even mentioned in the product spec sheet on HP.com (which finally had the spec sheet up and public btw).

And I know the fans definitely changed intervals when I changed settings here. If someone know the device manager item name for an accelerometer.. then I can easily check for it.

But all that's got to wait, til I get home from work.