Pavilion zv5000z (DP523AV) AMD 64 Problems!

Hi, I have been using this notebook for a little over three years and have not had any problems with it. No problem with the power adapter plug being loose (big headache for many people) or anything like that. Just the other day, I was browsing the internet when the display started showing vertical rainbow lines in certain places. After trying a few things, I decided to shut down and hope the problem would go away at startup. But it didnt.

Now, the operating system won't start and it goes to a blank screen. I can only get to the HP logo and esc, f10, f12 prompt but then it goes blank. Even if I press any of those options, it just goes to a blank screen. A couple of times, I got it to show the BIOS settings, but there were green vertical bars from top to bottom all over.

After looking around the internet, I've come to the conclusion that its more than likely the video card that is shot. I was thinking maybe cmos battery, but I wasn't having any issues with dates resetting, etc.

So, here are my questions:

1) Is my video card integrated on this particular model? It has an Nvidia sticker next to the keyboard, so I'm thinking maybe its not integrated.

2) If I want to upgrade the entire motherboard from the current AMD 64 version to a Intel P4 that other zv5000 models have (sorry, I dont have the mobo model #s), can I just buy the mobo+cpu and install it to my existing peripherals? What should I look for in compatability? I'm pretty sure the notebook casing can handle it, unless someone can disagree on that also.

Here's the notebook that I have: LINK

Here is the type of mobo/cpu I want to upgrade to (cpu not shown): LINK



I've searched around the forums for an answer but after a long search with no success, I was forced to start a new thread. Thanks for your help in advance!!!

 

1) It is integrated in the sense that it is soldered into the motherboard, even though the card is dedicated.
2) I think so, but the port layout and physical dimensions of the two models would HAVE to be IDENTICAL. Ports must line up in location and number, internal connectors aligned perfectly, etc, etc.

Personally, I'd say buy a new cheapo notebook. They're more powerful and more convenient than the older P4s. It might even cost you a bit less than doing a motherboard swap.

 

Hi Greg, thanks for the valuable info. It sucks thinking about buying a new notebook because I'm a student and dont have the funds. I can get the same motherboard on Ebay for about $200 (minus processor, memory, etc) but the chances of the video card frying again seems pretty high (lots of other complaints). So that's why I was thinking about upgrading to the p4 motherboard because it seems to have less problems.

It looks like the video card swap seems out of the question.

Does anyone know if the Intel motherboard will work with my notebook casing/peripherals?

 

I strongly advise against swapping in the P4 motherboard, even if it will work. P4's run insanely hot. The AMD boards were far superior to the Intel boards in the zv5000 series.

Unfortunately the graphics RAM chips on those AMD boards are prone to failure, especially after the CPU heatsink gets clogged with dust and system cooling degrades. You can try cleaning your heatsink out, which is surprisingly easy to do with the zv5000 series, on the outside chance it'll help at this point. Get the service guide from hp.com and follow the instructions for replacing the heatsink in order to find it (no need to actually remove it). Don't forget to remove the battery before taking apart the notebook.