HP dv6z-SE User Review

It's the 90W brick.

 

Thanks Prydeless, I think I for my uses I am sold on n930 over the i5 450M.

 

I was particularly sold on the n930 because of the cooler temperature range and the "bang for the buck" that Abbadon stated in his review. I might be losing out on the ghz but this is still the fastest computer I've ever owned (tells how old my computers are atm)

 

i am not sure if it's only me or not

but i think as of today, the base configuration for dv6z-se has gone down

because i tried to build the same spec as what i ordered 2 weeks ago ( which is at $884, with $50 Logicbuy coupon)

is now only 864 ( well i know it's only a mere $20 less )

but just good to know, so it's just like having a Free Upgrade for the N930

 

Have anyone across all the different games and applications you use had any problems with the switchable graphics? what about like photoshop, does it work fine with the ATI card? games find the right card? Also, how updated are the HP drivers in general? since.. It sounds like the dv6 series is stuck on hp releasing stuff? thanks

 

Thanks to all the information in this thread, I have finally decided on getting the DV6z-SE.

I looked around and didn't find any posts about the 9-cell battery. Has anyone tried it out with any success? In other words, is it worth the $30 upgrade?

 

yes it is! the 9 cells is 95wh while the regular 6 cells is 55wh, hi-cap 6 cells is 62wh

 

Afaik, the graphics can only be switched automatically if you set it to switch to the 4250 when running on battery otherwise you have to do it manually. All the games I've played use the 5650. As far as Photoshop, Adobe states that they've tested CS5 with the 5650, but I don't know anything else beyond that. We also don't have to rely on HP drivers since both graphics cards are AMD/ATi, we can keep using the AMD released drivers.

Only problem I've had with PowerXpress is I can't use my external monitor when running on the integrated chip.

 

I know this is the wrong place to post this but I did search the forums and I still didn't understand the 2009 version:

Can someone post a k10stat undervolting guide indepth because I tried working it and the temperature didn't change at all? I'm guessing the k10stat is associated with the AMD processors so that is why I ask.

 

thanks a lot!

I am looking at the i5 model where I believe the integrated gpu is from Intel though?

 

can any post pics of the underside of the dv6 pointing out the exhaust and intake vents.I thought I saw pics somewhere but now I cant find them at all.

 

Abaddon linked me to this guide. It was posted on these forums by the author too and saw it when I was a little confused. Is that the one you're having problems with?

Ah, then yes, you're probably stuck with the HP drivers although I think someone in the dv6t Owner's Lounge got lucky with the AMD drivers or found modded drivers. Might want to ask there if you haven't.

Grabbed them from Newegg. The vent blows the air diagonally so the side intake isn't recycling much hot air.

 

appreciate the pics man so the intake and exhaust are right next to each other? that seems a little odd to me.

 

yeah could seem like it will eventually take in hot air to blow out hotter air... circle of death?

 

the pic is wrong...there s no cooling system like that... they are both vents, only intake at the bottom

p/s: as reviewed, there is no overheating issues on this model

 

I only feel the hot air blowing from the diagonal vent so as far as I'm concerned, the other one is an intake

 

Prydeless is right, the one on the bottom is an intake and the diagonal one blows the air out on mine as well

 

Yes this is the guide I was looking at earlier however I'm not much of a computer tech so I'm a bit confused. I'm gonna attempt it again though so who know this time. However if there's another guide that's "easier" to follow then I'd love to see that one.

 

I think that's the only one. If you have any problems you can post here and either Abaddon or I could try to help. Abaddon's answers will probably be better since this is the only the time I've ever undervolted.

 

That is the only guide I know of but if you need help just ask, I have been using K10Stat for years

 

Hey guys, I was just wondering that b/c I created my recovery CD's, is it fine if I delete the recovery partion as I googled it and got instructions how to via HP offical site but do not know if it will be bad for the future


The website: Uninstalling or Removing the Recovery Manager HP Pavilion Notebook PCs - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

Hey guys, after being disappointed with whatever it is Dell has done to Alienware I ended up impulse buying the following today:

Hp DV6-3050US, 5.46lbs; 15.6" 1366x768 LED; AMD Phenom II Quad-Core N930 @ 2.0GHz; 4GB RAM; 640GB HDD; 802.11n + bluetooth; DVD burner; Win7; ATI Radeon HD5650 1GB (switchable); webcam; fingerprint, 6-cell battery; 1yr warranty

$719 after mail in rebate and $10 off coupon code from newegg

Newegg.com - HP Pavilion DV6-3050US NoteBook AMD Phenom II Quad-Core N930(2.0GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 640GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650

I think I did pretty good. However I am unsure if this model number DV6-3050US is the select edition with the backlit keyboard. No biggy but it would be a nice bonus.

Should I be prepared to format/install everything (ie, lots of bloatware?)

 

Congratulations. I purchased mine from Amazon when it was $775; $800 with shipping because I didn't want to wait a week. The laptop is a dv6z SE quickship model, but not configured with the backlit keyboard. I think it might be possible to change it yourself if you can find the proper one - HP's spare part # 597630-001 on the maintenance guide. The MR HD4250 was a nice bonus for me though since it wasn't mentioned in any of the specs.

I actually don't recall there being much bloatware, but depends on what you want to actually use. There's the usual stuff like Norton AV, MS Works, etc. I suggest making the Recovery DVDs (you'll need 5) and then play with all the software so you can decide which ones you'll find useful, then follow the guide stickied in the main HP forum.

 

I got my Dv6 se last night. It was the worst experience I have ever had buy anything online. First they tell me they don't ship where I live which is fine if thats their policy. I live in Puerto Rico. But i had my sister buy it for me and will have her mail it to me, no big issue there. They charged my bank account and even though they canceled my order. This is through HP direct.

They charged my sisters account as well yet the order status says declined. She called and got it solved according to them. Then she gets a call confirming the order and asking 1000 weird questions like how much is hey last digit of SS# plus the first digit??? Now they said they have to make a second phone call to fully confirm the order. I'm regretting buying this laptop but after reading all the reviews here and looking fwrd to the touchscreen I when ahead instead of the Levono y560 that was my second choice.

I really hope this laptop is worth all the trouble. I have bought from the net for years and never had a problem like this.

Here is my configuration:

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-450M Dual Core processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3 Cache)with Turbo Boost up to 2.66 GHz
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA]
6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
FREE Upgrade to 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
No additional security software
High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Widescreen Display (1366x768)
TouchScreen with HP TouchSmart's intuitive multi-touch applications (includes HP TrueVision Webcam)
FREE Upgrade to Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
Backlit Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Estimated build date: August 27, 2010

for $966.00 with internet coupon

 

I'm planning on buying a dv6-3064ca.
AMD Phenom II X4 N930
ATI Mobility radeon 5650 1gb
4GB Ram, etc, etc
rest over here:
HP Pavilion 15.6" AMD Phenom II Quad-Core N930 Laptop (DV6-3064CA) - Silver - Future Shop Exclusive - Future Shop

The two most important things that I want to know are, does the n930 come with switchable graphics (hd 4250) and how much battery life can I get with light web surfing and office.

 

Don't all the Dv6's have the 4250 for the switchable graphics? As for battery life, I am wondering that as well. I read one review on this site which stated the guy got just over 4 hours however a review elsewhere said 2.5-3 hours.

Okay stupid questions be prepared..the Bluetooth, is this bluetooth 2.1 or an older version? Also, does this computer come with one or two hard drives. I swear I read somewhere it has two 320gb hd's which would be amazing since I could easily swap one out with a ssd and xfer over my OS.

 

You would think so, but since it's not advertised in places like Amazon or Newegg, I don't give a definite answer to that for any model asides from mine.

As for the 2.5-3 hours battery, that was mine and I had the 6 cell battery. I believe the 4 hours was Abaddon's with the high capacity 6 cell. Haven't tested battery life since undervolting.

Device manager lists mine as Broadcom 2070 Bluetooth and Broadcom's product description vaguely says it's 3.0.

It also only comes with one 640GB HD.

 

How is this battery life in comparison to this....
HP 15.6" Intel Core i5-430M Laptop (DV6-3054CA) - Silver - Future Shop Exclusive - Future Shop

Its the i5 model in Canada

Sorry for going off topic but quick question as I need something with an i series processor (anything), a graphics card around gt330m/hd 5650, and a battery life of upto 5 hours with light web surfing, office and low brightness.

PS: NO MAC!!! (tried the MBP 13, too weak for my needs, and has only 2 USB ports!!!)

 

The i5 dv6 gets slightly better battery life than the AMD version, maybe about 30 minutes more under normal uses. For more battery life without sacrificing power the TimelineX 3820/4820TG and Envy 14 are both options

 

I think I saw a 12 cell battery for this on the Hp site for under $100 , just in case you are still looking at these Hps

 

First of all, is the 55WHr the high capacity or standard?

Envy 14 was just taken off the Canadian Market (bestbuy) a couple days ago for some unknown reason (either way it gets about 4.5hours which is about the same as a i5 dv6t if I've read everything right).

THe 3820/4820 models are available however without the TG (no 5650). THe 3820 and 4820 only come with integrated cards and the 5820 comes with a 5470. Any other thoughts?

(I considered the Gateway ID49C but Optimus isn't quite as complete as I'd hoped)

 

Standard capacity - 55WHr
High capacity 6 cell - 62WHr
9 cell - 90WHr (I think)

The Ideapad Y460/560 are both worth a look

 

Lenovo's been having some wonderful deals on the idea pads. Saw a Y560 with i7, 8GB RAM, Ati 5730 etc etc for $999 the other day. Knowing what I know now I probably should have hopped on that. Just hoping my Hp is a good one, sooo many problems with this brand.

Also, Optimus sucks. I don't feel that I should have to poke around the internet trying to figure out how to d/l a driver, then have to go in an mod inf files. I like the idea of being able to switch on my own terms with the ATi setup.

 

Well I just got it. Everything was going smoothly until I noticed the UPC code on the Hp box was half torn off. I called newegg and they went ahead and gave me a $50 credit since I cannot file for the mail in rebate. Sweet. I thought they were gonna give me problems. Now time to remove bloatware then play some STALKER.

 

Here's what I'm looking to buy:

# Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
# AMD Phenom(TM) II Quad-Core Mobile Processor N930 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache)
# 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 switchable graphics [HDMI, VGA]
# FREE Upgrade to 6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
# FREE Upgrade to 640GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
# Microsoft(R) Office Starter 2010
# No additional security software
# 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (over-sized)
# 15.6" diagonal High Definition LED HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
# No TouchScreen (includes HP TrueVision Webcam)
# SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
# Wireless 802.11b/g/n Card
# Backlit Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader

Current pre-tax price with HPA discount is $907.49

Would it be possible to haggle it down further? It's a little out of my financial aid budget range currently. I'd like to get upgraded to 8GB RAM, and I'd also like to mention the fact that the 512MB Radeon was standard a couple days ago, with the upgrade to 1GB only being $75, not the $150 it is now.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

Is there an instant rebate or coupon code available that you can add to the HPA discount?

 

There's already a $150 instant rebate attached. Most (if not all) normal coupons don't stack with the HPA discount, but someone in the dv6t SE thread was saying that HP sent him a 5% off HPA coupon, so I'm trying to get the code for that.

EDIT: After talking with a supervisor, I was able to end up with:

1124.99 - 6% HPA Discount - $150 Instant Rebate - $50 Discount = $857.49

Any thoughts on haggling possibilities? I'm trying to get it down to $800, or up to 8GB RAM. Alternatively, could I ask them to extend the warranty, or throw in a case/bag?

 

rather than going for 8gb RAM

i would save the money for SSD

put SSD into this laptop, and it will be a super sweet laptop that plays everything

 

$900 is pretty decent. I just paid $719 (newegg sale) and mine only has 4gb ram, standard 6 cell battery and does not have the backlit keyboard. So for less than 200 bucks more it's an okay deal. And def buy it from Hp. Mine has a factory defect in the bezel (top left), it looks like it is bowed out a little and I can see the plastic tab that connects the lcd panel to the bezel (at least I think that's what it is). Newegg does not allow for returns on this item and has offered me a $25 credit, which is insulting imo. Good luck!

 

Newegg is great when it comes to pricing and shipping but their return policy is less than generous. I prefer to buy from HP as well.

 

Would the 8GB make that much of a difference in gaming performance over the 6GB?

 

In gaming you won't notice a difference between 4GB and 8GB

 

Hey Abaddon (or whoever) how do I disable my touchpad? I think I did so by accident the other day because all of a sudden an orange light lit up in the top left corner and the touchpad would not work. I just want to make sure I don't do this by accident again.

And yeah, Newegg= good prices but sketchy return policy. I guess I will just keep it. Pretty sure newegg would expect me to pay to ship it back to them, then I would have to play the waiting game and hope I get a "good" one. At least mine has a good optical drive that doesn't get stuck on the chassis.....I'm to the point where I think it is nearly impossible to get a non-defect electronic device from online retailers. Since January I have ordered at least 5 pricey electronic devices online and all 5 had manufacturing defects. I have a theory regarding this but I shall spare you all.

 

Double tapping the top right corner, where the light is, enables/disables the touchpad

 

nvm, thanks, now just gotta get restore point to work, hp tech support blows in case you guys are not aware

 

When I plug in my laptop to the adapter while it's asleep and then later I try to get on again, the screen doesn't turn on, so I have to re-start the laptop. However, if I get the screen on before plugging in, I can then put it to sleep and later successfully get the screen on again. Is this normal? Any solution? Any buttons I should click?

Thanks

 

Got lucky and picked up a DV6-3050US for $680 from newegg (open box deal). Hacked MSI's Afterburner utility to allow unauthorized overclocking. Just benched with 3DMark06 and scored 8710 3Dmarks with the GPU OC'd to 760/960. Haven't found anything for the N930 yet, but I've only had my lappy for 3 days. Pretty sick little machine for the money!

I ordered a Seagate Momentus XT ST95005620AS 500GB HDD, should be here in a couple of days. Has anybody used a hybrid drive with any of the DV6's yet?

 

Does anyone know how to overclock the CPU? One of the reviews on newegg mentioned he overclocked the CPU to 2.5 ghz and had it running stable but did not mention what software he had used to do so.

 

ditto alemau, not sure if vig1lant3 is the guy from newegg. I hope he is still following this thread because I too would love a more thorough explanation of how he did this.

 

I recently bought this laptop from new egg on sale. Its a great deal for $729.99, but my question is why won't the laptop use the 5650 instead of the integrated card when I play street fighter IV.

I have it set to use the dedicated card, and I'm plugged into the wall, but I can't seem to get the 5650 to take over.

Cheers