HP dv6z-SE User Review

The latest version of HP's mainstream 15.6'' notebook has two versions; one which uses the new Intel processors and one of which is equipped with the new processors from AMD. Well, technically there are four versions because each processor variant has what HP calls the "Select Edition" -- which can be equipped with a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, quad-core AMD or Intel processors, a touchscreen, and comes with a metal chassis. I went back and forth between both the Intel and AMD options, as well as the Ideapad Y560, but eventually decided that the dv6z-SE was the best option. Are the new processors enough to get AMD back into the notebook market? Read on the find out.

Specifications

• Processor: AMD Phenom(TM) II Quad Core Mobile Processor N950 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
• Graphics: 1GB DDR3 ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics (ATI integrated 4250)
• Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Screen: 15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
• Memory: 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• Storage: 500GB Seagate Momentus XT SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• Optical Drive: SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
• Wireless and Communications: Wireless 802.11b/g/n Card, Bluetooth 2.0
• Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with HP TrueVision Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
• Battery: High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions: 14.8'' (W) x 9.4'' (H) x 1.24''-1.26'' (H)
• Weight: 5.36 lbs

Build and Design

Every part of the notebook, other than the bottom, has an etched metal finish that makes the notebook feel very sturdy. There is very little flex. The palmrests are strong, the hinges are tight enough to keep it shut when held upside down, and even moderate pressure to the lid does not cause the screen to distort. It takes significant pressure to twist or bend the display. The only slight flex that I have found is right below the optical drive but one has to exert significant pressure to experience it. All in all, the notebook feels very solid. The only flaw in the build is that the battery, whether it is the high capacity or normal version sticks out of the bottom ever so slightly when the notebook is held in the air. The battery fits in perfectly but when the notebook is picked up the bottom slides out a fraction of a centimeter. It is a more of a cosmetic problem, though, as the battery is in no danger of falling out. Other users of the dv6z and dv6t have reported the same protrusion.




Screen and Speakers

The 1366x768 resolution, which is the industry standard for <16'' notebooks, is disappointing for what is supposed to be a premium notebook. It is hard to fault HP for the problem, however, since very few manufacturers offer a higher resolution screen for mainstream notebooks and the ones that do charge an arm and a leg for the upgrade.

Compared to other notebooks I have recently used, the screen is average to good. Colors are crisp and bright with no wash out that appears on a lot of notebook screens and viewing angles are very good vertically and average horizontally. Brightness is excellent at high levels (<60%) and average at anything lower. Like almost all notebooks, the screen is glossy so using the notebook outside can be problematic on all but the highest brightness levels.



For an entertainment notebook the Altec Lansing speakers are good. Sound quality is good but they are not quite as loud as some other notebooks I have used recently, such as the Dell Studio 15, and they don't compare with premium notebook speakers, like those on my previous generation dv6z.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The previous generation of the dv6 (dv6-1260se) was equipped with a number pad on its keyboard but that has been removed on the new dv6. It has been replaced with quick launch keys on the left hand side (calculator, printer, internet, email, and HP MediaSmart) and more space between the keys. The keyboard exhibits absolutely zero flex that I have been able to find, even pushing down very hard on the edges, and is great to type on once you get used to everything being slightly to the right because of the quick launch buttons. The backlight is even and illuminates it enough to be used fine in a dark room. Looked at from an angle there is slight bleed through under the "Tab" key.



The best word to describe the touchpad is "huge". It measuress 4.4'' x 2.75''. With the two finger scrolling you can go through the entire NBR forum front page without having to pick up my fingers, even more impressive considering the small amount of vertical pixels In terms of usability the touchpad is good. The finish has a smooth, almost chalk-like feel to it that can start to irritate one's fingers after extended use but it is very responsive. For users that use two fingers to work the touchpad, one to navigate and one resting on the clickpad, there might be a problem because the clickpad is integrated into the touchpad itself so having your finger or thumb resting there will cause the cursor to jump around.

Ports and Features

Port selection on the dv6z is average for an entertainment notebook. On the left side you find HDMI, VGA, ethernet, E-SATA/USB, USB, audio jacks, and card reader and the right has x2 USB ports, AC adapter in, and the optical drive. Two of my personal favorite ports, firewire and an expresscard slot, are missing but it seems like they are becoming less and less frequent on all notebooks.



The dv6z is equipped with a fantastic webcam. It tracks movement as well as I have ever seen in a notebook webcam and pictures turn out fine in any decently lit room. Resolution is only 640x480, though.

The fingerprint reader built into the chassis of the dv6 Select Editions is a nice feature but I do not find it as useful as some. By the time I pick up my hand and swipe my finger I usually could have typed in my password when I login to Windows. It is more useful in web browsing when you first log in to a site after logging out and you have to type in your username again.

Performance

3dMark06 (Stock clocks of 550/800)


3dMark06 (GPU OCed to 650/100)


Cinebench R10


If anyone has any specific benchmark request(s) then let me know.

As far as gaming goes the 5650 and quad core rip through everything that I play with ease. Call of Duty 4, Mass Effect 1 and 2, Dragon Age, and Left 4 Dead 1 and 2 all play fluently on high settings. Even with the integrated 4250 enabled I can play every one of those games on lower settings with around 30 FPS. The 4250 maxes out the older games I play, like KOTOR 1 and 2 and CS:S as well.

Battery

I purchased the dv6z with the high capacity 6 cell battery (62 WHr) and it is what I used for these tests. When the battery is drained from 100% to shut down with the 60% brightness, wifi on, continuous web surfing with medium to heavy flash, and Balanced power profile the notebook was able to squeeze out 4 hours and 2 minutes before it shut down. When I ran it from 100% to 5% sleep I get an average 3:40 +/- 10 minutes. The Power Saver profile with brightness at 40% and wifi still on nets 4 hours and 17 minutes before sleep.

With the standard battery (55 WHr) the battery lasts about 12-15%, just like the capacity would indicate. On balanced mode with the screen at 60% and continuous web surfing the notebook puts itself to sleep after 3:10 +/- 10 minutes and when drained all the way to zero and a shut down it lasts 3 hours and 27 minutes. With power saving features enabled and light web browsing without much flash it lasted slightly 3 hours and 41 minutes until it put itself to sleep at 5%.

Heat and Noise

This is after 5 runs of IntelBurn Test and one run of 3dMark06 in a 73F (23C) room. Pre-undervolting


Even though the temps were fine I then undervolted and ran IntelBurn Test 5 times in integrated mode.


Then I switched to the 5650. These are the temps after running 3dMark06 twice, Cinebench R10 three times, Passmark's performance test, playing KOTOR at max settings for an hour or so, and then running IntelBurn Test five times with an ambient temperature of 77F (25C). I think that this is as hot as they are going to get.


The only parts of the notebook that are warm are the left palm rest, slightly, and the back left by the vent. The entire right side stays very cool and the bottom isn't even warm, except by the vent. These are amazing results for a quad core, much lower than Intel's quad cores. They are lower than the Intel counterpart, the i5-520/540M, to the N930 as well.

Under normal use the noise is barely audible, actually slightly quieter than my dm4t, but under heavy load the fan starts spinning extremely fast to keep the notebook cool. This is to be expected with any entertainment/gaming notebook under load, though. I have said it before and I will say it again, better for it to be loud and hot by the vent when under load then quiet and hot internally.

Conclusion

Starting at $50 cheaper than its Intel counterpart the dv6z:SE is a viable mainstream notebook with a lot of power for what you pay, the quad core N930 configuration cost $30 less than the i5-430M and from early benchmarks the N930 is as strong as the i5-520/540M. The build quality and extra features separate it from the mainstream notebooks of competing companies and I would definitely recommend it.

Pros:

• Build quality
• Optional upgrades (BL KB, touchscreen, fingerprint reader)
• Good power to price ratio
• Runs cool

Cons:

• Low screen resolution
• Subpar battery

By Zachary Harvey, last edited 1-28-2011

 

You should run 3dMark06 and 3DMarkVantage.

 

Added some benchmarks.

 

Nice review. Thanks for the info.

 

nice... great to see huge improvements from HP and AMD

 

wow temps are awesome considering my i7 is 10C warmer on load. I also want to try and undervolt my cpu. Did you use RMclock?

As for the DDR2 yeah its strange. My HD5650 idles at 150mhz ???!!! I'll post some gpu-z. btw man how did you show thumbnail images on the review using imageshack?

 

I used K10Stat but I don't think that the Intel core-i processors can be undervolted, don't quote me though.

So is yours listed as (G)DDR3? And to thumbnail on Imageshack click the "Share it" icon next to the image and one of the options is a thumbnail. Copy/paste the whole thing into your post.

 

yeahs its DDR3 ram

also the gpu idles at 150mhz and loads at 550mhz (although not shown in that image)

 

Yours is also listed as PCI-E 2.0 while mine is only PCI-E. You have a different BIOS version as well, according to GPU-Z. I think it must be a sensor mistake on my end, though. I have looked through ATI website and they only make the Mobility 5650 with DDR3 or GDDR3 and it is listed as PCI-E 2.1. We also have the same bandwidth according to GPU-Z, meaning they are using the same type of memory. 3dMark06 scores are also basically the same (non-CPU) and if this really was using DDR2 yours would be noticeably higher.

Edit: Don't know why I didn't just check before but it is PCI-E 2.0 and DDR3 memory according to CCC. Updated to 10.6 but BIOS version is still different for me, though.

 

fair point. looks to me like a bios error. According to notebookcheck.net the hd5650 only comes in DDR3.

Btw didnt realise that 3dmark06 was so cpu biased to intels.

 

The 5650 in my Gateway shows GDDR3 in GPU-Z and idles at 100 core 150 memory.

Edit: I wish my lappy had switchable graphics. But even without them I still get about 3ish hours of battery life in Balanced mode with the wireless radio on, Aero effects on and screen brightness at... actually I'm not sure how bright it is, I've never felt the need to change it from default (but my eyes are pretty sensitive to light, I had my old eee PC netbook set to 30% brightness for most of its existence).

 

What are your 3dMark06 scores, synaesthetic, and what are your heat outputs? Just out of curiosity.

They really aren't, the 620M is just better than the Phenom II N620. The processor in this is roughly equal to the i3s and i5-430M.

 

Nice review abaddon!!!! which one did you like better though ? i am planning to return DM4t to get dv6se (for 5650).. what do you suggest?

 

Depends on what you want. I gotta admit that I have been using the dv6z over my dm4t since it got here but that might just be because I have been testing it. It has graphics power, heat management, and a backlit keyboard going for it while the dm4t has more portability and battery life. I am seriously considering returning my dm4t and getting a dv6z with an AMD quad, though. I called HP and convinced them to give me an extra week on the return policy for my dm4. I just told them that it was shutting down an random times and I couldn't figure out why but that I would try restoring to factory defaults and testing it for the next few days. I have until the 25th and if a coupon that puts the config for the dv6z I want around $800 comes out then I probably will get it. The lowest I can get it down to right now is $881 after tax with N930, backlit keyboard, and high cap 6 cell battery. I might just buy this from my brother for $750, which $60 more than he paid during the 25% BCB, because he can't resist any type of profit.

NOTE - My dm4t is actually working fine.

 

Very nice review. I am sure your brother will like it so much.

Thanks for sharing fella. ^_^

 

how does the intel intergrated graphics compare to the ati integrated graphics?

 

I haven't bother to run any benchmarks with the integrated graphics enabled but I imagine that the ATI would be slightly ahead.

Edit: ajn, if you get the chance would you mind trying to download and run AMD GPU Clock Tool from TechPowerUp so I can see if it is just me that it won't work for? You don't have to overclock or change anything I just want to see if it works at all for you. Every time I try and start it no window opens but it is listed in the "Processes" tab of Windows Task Manager and taking about 50% CPU to boot.

 

Thanks Dude!! nice inputs.. Let me know what you decide. I got mine on 17th so still have some time. wish i had a dv6 too compare. mine DM4t is working fine too. plus i got that 200$ coupon + 80$ . will try few things out this week and decide.

 

Okay here's what I've got:

Dv6zse
2.0ghz Phenom II Quad Core
4gb ram
500gb hard drive
ATI 5650
High capacity 6-cell
Backlit keyboard
5.45lbs

$939.99


Dm4t
2.26ghz Core i5-430m
4gb ram
160gb SSD
ATI 5450
No backlit
High capacity 6-cell
4.4 lbs

$994.99


What should I go for? I'm going to be using this in college... I'm not sure how much I'll be taking it to class, but more portability will always be a plus. The Dm4t is smaller and much lighter... but you've apparently not liked it as much as the Dv6se? I'm quite unsure at this point, but the Dm4t deal is amazing, an SSD that is practically free with the coupon. If the Dv6 has less problems.... I'm unsure. I will be using Photoshop, and do some LIGHT gaming, and I simply want the fastest and most mobile laptop with the least amount of problems.

Abaddon.. can you use both comfortably in your lap while doing normal tasks, like Word? This could be a deciding factor.

 

^ very clever bundling there.

but with your work, it'd have to be Dm4t.

 

Did you use use this coupon on the Dv6z? Another $100 off.

$150 off + $100 Coupon HP Pavilion dv6z Select Edition AMD Laptop | HP dv6z Select reviews & coupon - LogicBUY

 

The thing is that neither one has any real problems so it comes down to what you want. The dm4t is more than powerful enough for your needs and that config will be light, fast, and get you around 5 hours of battery. The dv6z is going to be more powerful, both CPU and GPU wise, comes with free blu-ray right now, probably run slightly cooler internally, and gets around 4 hours of battery life. If you want the most mobility go with the dm4t.

I can use both comfortably on my lap with no heat problems when doing normal task. Heck, when I go into a cool room I can crank them up to high performance and still be comfortable because the metal chassis attracts the cold temp of the room I am in.

 

Hmm.. well I went to Costco today just to check out some machines. The Dm4t seems really nice and light, but it does look slightly pink to me at a few angles. Don't really care though.

After probably a whole day of being on, the Dm4t seemed to be blowing cooler air than the Dv6. But both seemed cool to the touch...

The Dm4t felt a good deal lighter, though it didn't have a battery in. Didn't check the Dv6 battery.


The only thing I found odd was that the Dv6 had a smooth bottom, whereas the Dm4t felt rougher to the touch. Not a huge deal.. would you say that the Dm4t feels rough on the bottom?

My deal on the Dm4t just got even sweeter.. $30 off configured today!

Dm4t
Intel Core i5 430m
4gb ram
160gb SSD
512mb ATI 5450
Intel Wireless-N
High-capacity 6-cell

$969.99!!

 

Yeah, the finish in the bottom of the dv6 is smoother than it is on my dm4. Just to let everyone know I am probably gonna buy the dv6 from my brother and send my dm4 back tomorrow. I like the dm4t a lot but I don't need the portability and battery of the dm4 as much as I want the power and backlit keyboard on the dv6

 

Would the quad core N930 get very hot? And does the high capacity 6 cell battery make a difference? This is a very well-rounded laptop, especially for the price.

 

It has the same TDP as the N620 so it shouldn't run much hotter, if at all, but I am not gonna be the one to test it unless a coupon or 25% BCB comes out before the return period on this one is up (July 8th). I'll be happy with buying this one from my bro for $750.

Note - TDP is not an exact indicator of how hot something will run but it is a good way to make an educated guess.

 

Awesome. Does anyone know how long the $150 instant rebate and free blu-ray drive deal will last? I'm trying to get this on next month's bill.

 

wow i took a look at NEW! The 2010 AMD Mainstream Platform and see the P920 even has less TDP than the N620 and N930... expecting a super cool dv6z

 

The P920 is running at 1.6Ghz though. It will take a performance hit running single threaded apps compared to the higher clocked CPUs. the Only review i've found so far is here: Notebookcheck: AMD Phenom II X4 P920 Notebook Processor

 

If I was going to buy a new one instead of buying this one from my brother I would definitely upgrade to the N930. It is only a $20 upgrade and the P920 will perform below the N620 in the one I have now, and probably get less battery life.

 

yep, i second that

 

hey abaddon,

the images of AMD GPU Tool as you requested:

Stock settings:


Current Overclock to HD5730 Mobility Spec:


As we have previously seen me and you have different drivers of the HD5650.. maybe thats causing the stuff up?

 

yeah i also prefer the N620 but HP excluded the option in the 6zse... can only find it in the 6z"normal"
so confused, i wish time can turn back to just a week

 

Yeah they changed it so you can only get the quad cores with the SE. Glad I ordered already, too, because I don't think I need the quad core and it would take away battery life.

Edit - Thanks, ajn. I wonder why it won't work for me but it is handling everything I throw at it at stock so I guess I am fine.

 

Bing Cash Back is at 25% for HP laptops. Good time to go shopping if you're considering the Dv6z SE.

 

Damn. Now I have to decide if I want so return this and spend $60 more for blu-ray, 500GB hard drive, and the N930. I will never use the blu-ray, though it increases the resale value I guess, I don't need that much internal storage space, and I assume this version gets better battery life because HPs battery life estimate says 4:45 for this and 4 for the quad core.

$60 more for 25-30% better performance, ~50% bigger hard drive, blu ray, and 20% less battery life. Decisions, decisions. I suppose I could always order it, wait until it gets here (build date is the 30th and my return is good through the 8th), and test it out myself side by side.

 

yeah.... damn HP, please make the dual core option available

 

Abaddon, the Dv6z has switchable graphics right? Have you tested the integrated card? How do you switch between that and the dedicated card? Thanks

 

It has the ATI4250 Integrated and to switch to the 5650 you just right click the desktop or the Catalyst Control Center icon and go to Configure ATI Power Xpress and switch between High Performance GPU or Power Saving GPU. And I have not gotten around to testing the 4250 yet, probably gonna do it tonight or tomorrow.

Edit: Just ran 3dMark06 with the integrated graphics and got 2020, not bad. I can play older games (KOTOR, CS:S, etc) on it easily and ME, CoD, and L4D all work fine on low-medium settings.

 

how does the dv6se compare to the envy 15?

 

Abaddon, would you mind posting pictures comparing the size between the Dv6 and the Dv4?

 

Sorry but I decided to go with this and returned the dm4 earlier today.

 

Were you keeping the AMD dual core or did you plan on getting the quad?

 

Gonna keep the dual core. I'll take this level of performance, 4.25 hours of battery life, and a 66C max temp over 25% better CPU performance, probably about 25% battery life, and probably higher heat (though it shouldn't be much). The blu ray and 500GB are extras that I don't need, and that I could always upgrade to later if I really need them.

 

@abaddon4180:

I am curious, can you overclock the processor using AOD?
My tigris laptop was out of luck in AOD.

 

Seems to install and load up just fine, gonna try some test tomorrow.

Edit: Every time I try to apply a change AOD freezes up and more than half of the sliders are greyed out and unusable anyway. AOD is meant for desktop processors, though, so I am not really surprised.

 

How accessible are the internals of the laptop? Are there covers for the hard drive and memory on the bottom?

 

One big cover for the RAM, hard drive, and WLAN card.

Edit: So after reading about the quad core N930 here I couldn't resist and ended up buying one. It is estimated to ship on the 2nd so I should definitely have it by the 7that the latest (I got my dm4 and dv6 3 and on the estimated shipping dates, respectively), and my last day to return this is the 8th. If the quad gets almost the same battery life and heat output is almost the same I am gonna stay with it and return the N620, and if not then I'll just return N930.

 

great review. thanks for all the info. can you please tell me the difference between the dv6t and dv6z.
i know that the t is for intel core i series and the z is the amd. i just want to know which one would have better battery life, heat output, which is better bang for the buck, and how does the amd compare to the core i5-430M?
i would either get one of the amd or the i5-430. which do you guys think is better?

my main use is for internet, video watching, word, some photoshop (extremely little though, as in once every 3 months), and light gaming (games such as borderlands, L4D 1and 2, team fortress 2, portal).
also i was going to get the 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5470 switchable graphics. i believe this is good enough for me.

i'm also really worried about heat because my mom's hp g60 series runs hot and has shut down before because of it. i see from this review that the amd does not run hot, but i am just a little skeptical and worried.

 

The AMD processor is more than enough for you.

And wow, you were able to play COD4 with the integrated graphics card? That's awesome. I hope they use that same integrated card in the Envy 14 but I doubt it since it has an intel processor.