Looking at a used EliteBook 8770w - question

Hello everyone,

I am considering buying a used EliteBook 8770w locally for personal use. Based on my initial research, looks like this model came with two motherboard options, one for Dual Core and the other for Quad Core processors. Based on that notion, I am only interested in this unit if I have the option to max it out to the highest specs that the 8770w line can take.

The laptop comes with an i7-3520M, which according to this is a Dual Core processor.

I am confused, because I read somewhere that you can only upgrade to a faster Quad Core CPU if the unit came with a Quad Core from factory. Also, on another site I read that the Quad Core mobo comes with four SODIMM slots (I only see two in the picture below, perhaps they are stacked).

So my question is: do I need the laptop to come with a Quad Core CPU from factory in order to be able to upgrade it to the max Quad Core the 8770w line supports, or as long as it's an i7 I'm good, even if it's a Dual Core i7?

Based on the blurry pics and specs that the seller provided (see below), is this a good candidate? Any additional information, words of caution or advice in general will be welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance!







In case the above images aren't visible, here are the links:
i.imgur.com/1wjnUaU.jpg
i.imgur.com/n3HAzd9.jpg
i.imgur.com/UVbCrrZ.jpg

PS: last but not least, I see this link posted a lot over online Forums, but the server seems down for me. Does anyone have a mirror to offer? Would love to be able to download the manual: http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c03429986/c03429986.pdf

 

No you don't need to buy with i7 quad core. I bought with i5 processor

 

Thank you for responding. I'm pretty sure the ones that came with i5 have the Dual Core motherboard, however. Would love to be sure before I buy the one I'm considering, it would be a pity to pick it up only to realize I can't max it out to the full potential.

 

The same thing for the Zbook 15/17 G1/G2. Some were configured for 32gb due to the quad core processor and 16 for the dual. The difference between the two boards is the other RAM slots are under the keyboard for the quad.

The dual core version has only the solder pads for the slots on that side. So you can only populate those ones under the maintenance door.

I looked at the SKU number and it's given me some hint it's not the one with the 4 SODIMM slots. Only 2.

 

Thanks for the info, this is exactly what I was looking for.

So, just to make sure I understand you correctly: if the unit I am considering has the SODIMM slots under the keyboard then it's the Quad Core version that can be maxed out with 32GB RAM, top processor and GPU for that model etc, correct? That is the easiest way to confirm, yes?

Last but not least, could you tell me how you would compare the Zbook line to the 8770w? What appeals me about the 8770w is the build quality and expandability, would the Zbook be a better choice for someone like me in the market for an older laptop that - if maxed out - can be a respectable workstation today? Does the Zbook line have good cooling design?

Thanks for the help.

 

The i7 is a quad core, where did you read that its a dual core?

Any modern 6/8 core Intel or Ryzen laptop will stomp that laptop, HARD, also, they will have battery life over 6h easily, while the 8770W might give you 2-3.

Unless you are thigh on money, a used 8770W plus all the upgrades will end up being more expensive than a brand new laptop, and you will still end having less performance.. At least go for a 8th gen Z-Book with a 6 core CPU.

What software do you want to run?

 

There were dual core i7s in the first and second gen. The 620m and 640m were both first gen dual core i7 chips. The 2620m and 2640m were both dual core i7 Sandybridge chips. Haswell and Ivybridge both had dualcore i7s too.

 

I stand corrected then.
Didn't notice that Intel kept doing that after the sandy bridge ones.

 

I have two 8770W's. Both have 500gb SSD's and 16 gb ram. The 3rd gen I7 quad core runs way hotter than the 3rd gen I5, dual core. Hot enough to hit 102C when transcribing video with all 8 strings running at 95% plus. I cooled the I7 down with an OPolar laptop cooler to 84C with the cooler registering 128F.
Doing the same thing things with the I5, although slower, yield only 68C with no need for an external cooler.
Instead of lugging that 230W brick for the I5, around, I tried a 90W brick from an 8470W. I get the power message, but it runs fine with all 4 strings running 95% when transcoding and the battery still charges, slowly. The brick does get a bit warm, indicating it is being pushed hard. I next tried a 135W HP brick for an unknown model and I still get the power message, the brick barely gets warm, charges the battery and seems to be happy. So when I have to lug my I5 somewhere ( the I7 stays at home) I am using the much smaller and lighter 135W brick.