ZD8000 processor upgrade...success

Hey all,

I'm sure this has been posted a thousand times or so (about the fact that you can upgrade the processor), but I can tell you it's rather successful.

I purchased a ZD8205 from Circuit City for $1299AR a few weeks ago, and it came with a P4 520 (2.8GHz 1M). Overall, I was pretty happy with it, as I upgraded the drive and maxed the memory out. Heat wasn't really an issue, and I could play games with little to no problem.

However, after tweaking, etc I wasn't truly happy as it wasn't as "peppy" as I had hoped. So, getting the service manual and picking up a 650 from newegg, I was able to upgrade the processor in about an hour (taking the whole thing apart is not for the impatient).

Of course there is a question about the new 65n chips coming out soon, with lower wattages, less heat, and more performance. I'm wondering since they will be in the same form factor (LGA775) if I would be able to put in one of those chips. Thinking BIOS update, but even so, wondering if a BIOS update would really be necessary.

Yes, the question is somewhat rhetorical since the chips are just being produced, but it's good for some discussion, no?

 

Oh, one other thing...if anyone out there decides to do this, I do recommend getting the 180W power supply from HP. Even though I have heard people using the 135W with success, I can't imagine the stress on the power supply, especially playing 3d intensive games.

 

How much did the chip cost you?

 

Nice job, glad to hear that you did it successfully! I've heard of other users doing the same as you did.

I'd agree with the larger power adapter - 135W seems very small for a 17" P4 notebook. That power brick on the zd8000 is huge!

What do you get in SuperPI for 2M digits?

Chaz

 

Took 1 minute 27 seconds total for 2M digits.

The chip cost about 270 not including the arctic silver. Things are pretty stable, but I would expect that since the laptop supports the chip.

 

Wow - that is a very fast time, I am impressed.

Yeah - the laptop would definitely support it because the 650 is an option.

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the notebook.

Chaz

 

I'm quite pleased with the zd8205. Now, I read on every single forum P4 this and battery life that, but it does exactly what I want it to do. It's fast, and does everything I throw at it...video encoding, games, mail, web, watching movies, etc. Just finishing Battlefront II and about to play Battlefield 2 on it.

Do I recommend it for the road warrior? Not really. Do I recommend it as a desktop replacement? Absolutely.

 

Yeah same here, I have had the zd8000 for months now, no problem at all running games like BF2 or half life 2 or even FEAR. Battery life shouldnt even be a complaint with a desktop replacement laptop, in almost every case, its always going to be plugged in. I dont understand people who complain about the weight or that it gets warm either. Its a DESKTOP REPLACEMENT. Its going to be heavier than a Sony Vaio!! If thats not your thing, then dont buy it, but dont complain about these things like its some sort of flaw. Its just stupid.

 

You got a point there Cleric1986. I guess the only complaint I'd have about the ZD8000 is that it would have a better GPU, like at least the X700 instead of the X600. I mean, the HP DV4000 is a mainstream notebook but it has a better GPU than a desktop replacement?

 

Could the ZD8000 support an X700 without degrading more precious battery life?

I think it was more an engineering decision than anything else. With a P4 in there, putting an X700 would have probably required an even larger power brick...