*HP dv6t & dv7t (70XX / 71XX series) IVY BRIDGE Owners Lounge*

So, what processor are you guys going for? I can't decide if the i7 3610 would be good enough or would if it would be worth it to upgrade to the 3720 for $170. Thoughts?

 

Ok now I'm really happy I passed on the msata and hdd upgrades. 256gb Crucial M4 ssd $199 Best Crucial M4 256GB SSD CT256M4SSD2 Deal | LogicBUY also available from Newegg and Amazon for the same price.

 

Just placed an order couple of days ago, I used cnet's coupon $400 off a 1399.99 for a total of $999.99 shipped to my door.

I got all the upgrades I wanted minus the mSSD Drive. Since I already have a Crucial M4 128GB SSD HD waiting for a clean W7 install.

Do you guys think this new dv6t laptop will accept the same hard drive caddy in place of the optical drive like the previous models? I still want use the 750GB HD for storage.

HP hard drive caddy dv6/dv7 $44.75

 

A lot people have asked about the msata SSD 32 GBP upgrade. It's not a HDD its a special cache module that occupies a memory slot, hence you can't customize the computer with more than 8gb of RAM and select the module.

An mSATA SSD resembles a piece of memory and attaches in a special slot on the motherboard, compared to a traditional drive that resides in a drive bay. The module speeds up Windows processes and boot time.

So if you plan on only having 8 GBP of RAM, for sure get the upgrade! You can still add a traditional SSD HDD for even better performance.

 

Well that's pretty wierd because that's not how it works with the Sagers that have a mSata slot- it's a dedicated slot separate from the memory.

 

I just hope there's a separate, dedicated slot for a mSATA SSD in the dv6t, so that I set it to be the boot drive in the BIOS and flash a Windows 7 image to it. I wonder if it is worth purchasing a non-HP-provided mSSD for this purpose.

 

The mSSD acts like system cash to speed up boot time and other processes. It goes in the 2nd memory slot, hence you can't have more than 8 GB of RAM to use it. It's completely separate from the HDD. So the mSSD paired with a SSD HDD will yield amazing performance!

 

It's no a HDD drive it's a cache module, you won't be able to do that. Not all SSD peripherals are HDDs

 

A lot people have asked about the msata SSD 32 GB upgrade. It's not a HDD its a special cache module that occupies a memory slot, hence you can't customize the computer with more than 8gb of RAM and select the module.

An mSATA SSD resembles a piece of memory and attaches in a special slot on the motherboard, compared to a traditional drive that resides in a drive bay. The module speeds up Windows processes and boot time.

So if you plan on only having 8 GBP of RAM, for sure get the upgrade! You can still add a traditional SSD HDD for even better performance.

 

Dude , 650M is not powerful enough to utilize 2 gb . If need arises the architecture will b bottleneck even before the entire 1 GB is consumed . So 2GB is a waste of money ...

 

In theory, because of the 128 bit bus architecture, this is true, but in our real world tests at work the 2 GB upgrade in DDR5 consistently has a ~17% increase in performance over the 1 GB counterpart. This was using Adobe media encoder.

 

Mayb for video editing but for games it won't help at all .

 

I skimmed through the article someone posted some pages back on this Intel smart response tech and I still have to ask: is the port the msdd is connected to a real mini pcie or a ram port?

Perhaps, but if he's going with the DV7-7xxx it's not like he has a choice: it's either a 650 2GB or a 630..

 

Except, HP won't let you order the mSSD and the SSD HD. And I'm not sure why the mSSD would significantly speed up a fast SSD HD, if at all.

"Selection caused conflict
32GB mSSD Hard Drive Acceleration Cache requires purchase of non-Solid State Hard Drive. Update Hard Drive Acceleration Cache or Hard drive."

 

Hey guys i just realized i'm gonna need a mouse with this laptop. I am gonna play games and use it for CAD and stuff like that, so i'm thinking i'm gonna want an extra button or two. So what would you guys suggest the Microsoft Wireless mobile mouse, or the Logitech m510. Any reasons you guys think i shouldn't get one or the other?

 

Wait a minute, I asked this question before and the reply was if I get an SSD main drive, the mSSD would be a waste of money.

Now you're saying that the mSSD option COMBINED with an SSD main drive will yield even better speeds?

Which one is it? I'm confused. Should I cancel my order and reorder with the mSSD option? I have an M4 256GB SSD sitting here waiting to be installed.

 

A cache SSD will do nothing to benefit a system that already has an SSD. It would probably be worse actually as most cache ssds are slower than your M4.

 

I got the Logitech m510. I really like the mouse. It doesn't work as great on different surfaces like it says it's suppose to though. So if you don't mind carrying a mouse pad around with it then get it. I also got the Logitech AnyWhere MX. It's a lot smaller. It tracks a lot better on different surfaces. The hyperscroll function of the wheel is nice but takes away the middle wheel button, if that made any sense.

 

Thanks Tony, yeah that's what I thought also. I was thinking the mSSD might be a bottle neck for my SSD.

 

Thx for the info. Is the 5th mouse button hard to reach on it? And can i get some examples of surfaces it doesn't work well on?

 

The m510 is marketed as a mouse that works on any surface. Pretty much any surface, other than a mouse pad, it doesn't track so smooth. But it only costs 40 bucks. The AnyWhere mouse cost, I think, 60-70 bucks. The ergonomics of the m510 is good. It's really comfortable and all the buttons are easy to reach. The AnyWhere mouse is smaller and may not be as comfortable if you have large hands. I haven't used either of the mice to play a FPS shooter though just RTS like Civ 5 and COH.

 

Guys an mSATA ssd usually uses SLC nand technology because its more reliable that MLC nand ,that's why its a bit more expensive beceause its more durable and able to withstand more reads and writes (caching in this situation).Also having an SSD as aboot drive and and Msata ssd breaks the point of Smart response technology as it will most problay slow down the performace of the main SSD.

 

hmmmmmm... even though I'm gonna buy a mouse pad, that bothers me a bit, and unfortunately i cant convince myself to pay more then 40 bucks on a mouse. I went to my local best buy today, and i felt both mouses. The m510 is big, i was really surprised on how big it was. It may actually be to big. But the buttons where great. The Windows mouse felt more normal, in my hand butto the button was hard to reach, and the only way to reach it comfortably was to have my finger tips overshoot the mouse a little.... =/

 

I'm going through an exchange for my previous (AMD/Intel) laptop and just wanted to ask, how is the build quality on this newer model of laptop or has anyone received it yet? Also, how is the Nvidia Optimus driver side of things? Last time I remember using Optimus, Nvidia had rolled optimus into their line of drivers, has this changed?

 

No one's order has shipped yet.
Anyways, the latest models of DV6TQE's and DV7TQE's have been pretty solid and well built.

The stereotype that HP has bad build quality blah blah is just idiots defending their super-expensive purchases with equal specs.

The Sandy Bridge DV6TQE that I owned before I returned it for this one was very well built, I used it on the subway, on uneven surfaces, on grass, etc.

The weight is very well distributed and is very lightweight, (ignore the review by Cnet Asia) the guy is a weakling if he thinks a 5.5lb laptop is heavy. It's overall a very nice laptop. Mine had the 7690m XT graphics card and it never got too hot that it became uncomfortable while gaming.

 

The build quality question is just a general one, and I haven't seen the CNET Asia review (nor do I want to, has CNET stopped sucking at Apple's teat yet, probably not) so i'm not biased or anything. I still currently have my AMD DV6tqe which I'll be returning monday and so far it has been a solid piece of tech (except for the locked down BIOS but that's another issue) I've even gamed for quite awhile with. As for the weight issue, I don't know how other such 15.6" laptops stack up but this laptop when I received it was surprisingly light, I carry it on my backpack from lecture to lecture and it hasn't bothered me.

Well, here's hoping we don't run into any build issues and that the GT 650M is just as good as I'm hoping it to be (got the 1gb version, I don't need the 2gb e-peen edition)

 

Just sent in my order. Thanks for answering some of my questions guys!


Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
3rd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3720QM Processor (2.6 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache)
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GT 650M Graphics with 2GB GDDR5 memory [HDMI, VGA]
FREE Upgrade to 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
750GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
32GB mSSD Hard Drive Acceleration Cache
Microsoft(R) Office Home and Student 2010
No additional security software
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery - Up to 6.0 hours of battery life +++
15.6-inch diagonal Full HD Anti-glare LED-backlit Display (1920 x 1080)
FREE Upgrade to Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner
HP TrueVision HD Webcam
802.11b/g/n WLAN
Backlit Keyboard
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

This statement is so true. Well said. I try to talk sense into Apple Koolaid drinking people all the time, but I just end up turning blue in the face. However, the people expecting pure PERFECTION with the dv7t and dv6t build quality should look elsewhere. But the build quality is good.

 

That 1080P screen is worth every copper cent over that atrocious standard screen. You will not be disappointed.

 

I hope I haven't stumped anyone with these questions.

Also I see numerous people are confused over the mSSD CACHE. This has to be coupled with a standard hard drive (preferably 7200 rpm for better performance, not a 5400 rpm). It can not be coupled with an SSD (solid state drive) and can not be combined with a Hybrid hard drive, which also has an SSD form of cache in it. This mSSD is a CACHE module, not a separate drive and can NOT be used as such.

 

I have noticed a few flaws with HP's build quality, like the plastic up by the speaker bar being slightly warped away from the aluminum and the plastic on the left edge not being perfectly flush against the body. These are very minor issues, but they would kind of prevent me from saying HP's build quality is perfect. Hopefully they've improved on this on these newer laptops. Unfortunately it's too late for me to upgrade to one .

 

Absolutely love the M510 mouse. I have two at home and have purchased several for Enterprise use... they have held up very well in the business environment. The Logitech mice with "Darkfield laser tracking" are more geared for use on Glass, etc.

 

What is that hybrid hdd .?
Is it equivalent to SSD .?

And can i purchase an SSD after market and install on the dv6 .? ( The default 160GB is too expensive )

Plz suggest whether to go for mSSD HDD cache or a SSD HDD .??

And can we install an SSD simultaneously along with the HDD in dv6 .??

 

if u can get a ssd aftermarket and put it in. i guess if u need 500+ gbs of space then go mssd

 

Several people have mentioned the Crucial m4 SSD. I think Amazon and Newegg are both selling a 256 GB for $200. SSD seems like the way to go IMHO.

 

Can we install the SSD along with the HDD in the dv6 .??

 

dv6 has 1 hdd bay dv7 has 2. u can install mssd and hdd if u need more space but go with ssd in main bay if u dont

 

There is however one other possibility I am having in my laptop.

It IS POSSIBLE to use 2 HDDs in dv6 models, in that case however you can not use DVD drive anymore. My configuration:

Internal HDD bay: Intel 520 SSD 120 GB as a system disk

Than I buyed THIS and installed also my 500 GB HDD instead of DVD drive for games, pics etc. Best solution for me!

 

oh yeah haha forgot about removing the odd. well i personally would rather just leave it if its in the machine just cause its made to be there. i wouldn't mind if i didnt have one but ya... for like sager/clevo its different because the odd can be replaced b4 its made so its not customized to the odd.

 

http://www.storagereview.com/seagate_momentus_xt_750gb_review

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/hybrid-hard-drive-flash-ssd,3116.html

Def. take some time and check out those reviews, they are worth the read.

 

Some recommendations for SSDs:
Best SSDs and Best HDDs | Hardware Revolution
although make sure you pick a 2.5" one

 

I purchased the last batch of dv7qte with the standard res of 1600x900 and thought the screen quality was excellent. I exchanged that one for the newest batch since I was still in the 21 day window and wanted to get the most for my money. After reading all the info on the web, it seems most people think you must be lacking a brain in order to NOT get the high def screen. So I started to regret my choice.. but I decided to do some of my own tests.

So I have a friend who has a sony VAIO with the "full hd" matte screen who brought over his machine and we compared a blu ray side by side. 1920x1080 and although the extra window space was nice I didn't see that much of a difference. The colors, gamma, contrast were about the same. The vertical/horizontal viewing angle was slightly better on his screen and I did enjoy the anti-glare of the matte but it made the picture look slightly "dull".

Where are all these people coming from that the other screen is VASTLY superior? Maybe this was true a year or so ago, im not sure. Any one have any valid reference to this claim?

 

Not all 1080p screens are the same.
You can't compare a crappy 1080p screen vs a good 900p screen.

Contrast, Gamma, color temp all depend on the screen brand. Why do you think that some 1080p screens look crisper than others?

I don't know about other people, but the difference between 900p and 1080p is noticeable enough in games, blu ray, and once you get to his price range, there is no point in having a screen that isn't 1080p.

 

I forget who all was asking above, but regarding msata vs hybrid drive options. The seagate hybrid drive is pretty impressive, but when it comes down to it, it only has 8gb (I think) of nand to write to. It would be a big help if you only had one slot and didn't want a full ssd due to capaticy or cost. However, since these new Pavillions have the option for an msata cache drive, I think that is a much better value, purely due to the capacity. They are both doing the same thing, one just has more space to store your most frequent data.

 

I thought people were more referring to the 1366x768 screen on the dv6.

 

carolina, do you know how the mSSD is physically connected? what port it uses, etc.. thanks!

 

Do we still not know if these come with optimus? It seems like it would be weird if it didn't but it's not in the specs anywhere.

 

I'm thinking of ordering this laptop today... before I do.. could someone please tell me their experience with HP trade-in and upgrade program. If you had a Sandy Bridge laptop and upgraded to IB, how much did they give you for your old laptop? How much extra did you have to pay? Any other info?

I just heard they have a good trade in program, but cant find any details..

 

Let me put this into perspective.

I have worked in I.T. for a while and have seen many types of monitors, etc.

My previous laptop was a DELL XPS M1710 which was a great laptop but based on 6 year old technology (2006).

The WUXGA Truelife (1920 x 1200) screen that it had blew the non HD screen on the dv7t-6000 series (which had the 1600x resolution screen) out of the fricken water.

Something is seriously wrong with that picture if a 6 year old laptop has a better screen than a shiny new HP with all the bells a whistles that is hot off the assembly line.

One of these dv7t quads I have is for me, and one I spec'd for my parents who are in there late 50's and even they thought that the non-HD HP screen was THE worse they had seen.

I haven't even touched on how I want to be able to see 1080P movies/video clips, etc in TRUE 1080P resolution which is going to take the 1080P screen, not a 1600x screen.

ALSO, if you are a multitasker and/or like spreading apps and/or information out onto your screen - 1080P it is.

I wouldn't even be able to FUNCTION day to day with the 1366x resolution on the dv6's.

As most of you can tell, I am DEATH on the non FULL HD HP screens. I don't think I would pee on one if I saw it on fire.

 

haha kinda harsh (im surviving on 1280x800 until i get the refrshed envy) but i must say they are bad considering they are from 2012)