nVidia Class Action Fairness Hearing is Tomorrow - Almost time to make a claim!

It's important always to face facts and tell the truth:

We wuz skunked when we made our original HP or Compaq purchase.

Now we're getting spanked by nVidia with the delay.

There is so far a lickin' being delivered here with all the punishment coming our way. The only recourse remaining to us will take the rest of our lives to deliver. It is the forswearing of HP and nVidia products. Period.

This will hit 'em both where it hurts . . . the same place they have gone after us so successfully . . . in the pocketbook.

There are other, very fine, manufacturers out there. Don't support, comfort, and fund your self-evident enemies.

 

oh jeez, I just talked to my friend from school who also went for the asus than the compaq, and millburg ordered him the compaq instead and now he has to wait 10 more weeks to get the correct asus instead

 

I successfully upgraded the CQ56 with an AMD P340 2.2GHz dual core CPU and 8GB of RAM.
I followed 80% of the service guide
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02657369.pdf

I did modify the procedure a bit.
The service guide said to remove the display assembly and heat sink before replacing the processor. But I was concerned about breaking the led flex cables as aw614 mentioned earlier. Therefore I only detached the LED display from the main unit(just remove the 4 screws on the top) and leave the flex cables attached to the mother board. I was then able to detach the MB, raise it by 90 degrees and loosened the heat-sink assembley enough to replace the CPU. HP did put some good amount of thermal paste on the V140.
I had to clean up the old thermal paste on the used P340 using an alcohol-based wipe, then reapplied a new layer of arctic silver thermal paste.
(The cleanup is not necessary if you buy a brand new chip)

I did update the BIOS from F.06 to F.17.
Most noteble differences are the Virtualization Support option (Disabled by default) and Active Function Key Mode(Enabled by default).

Virtualization Support is needed if you plan to use it with VMWare or Microsoft Virtual PC. The active function key mode will enable the F1 -F12 function keys without having to press "Fn" at the same time.

I will post the performance numbers and test results. Overall for $26(CPU) and $55(8GB PC3-10600) I think the upgrades are worth it. However, for what we use it for the CPU upgrade is probably unnecessary.

I can't say anythig about the reliability as it takes time to discover.
But the build quality overall is quite good especially for a $300 PC.
Performance is good as long as the bloatware is removed/uninstalled.
With 8GB RAM and single core, I was able to multitask with malwarebytes scan, windows update, and playing 720p HD video on youtube.
It might have made the windows update slower but my Youtube video ran very smoothly. I also tried 1080p HD video, that was not something this laptop could handle well.

My biggest complaint is surprisingly the keyboard. They put 5 quick buttons on the left hand side which changed the standard layout quite a bit and I frequently hit the wrong keys. Also the touch-pad "bar" is awful but that can be easily fixed by using a USB mouse. I consider the touchpad issue a minor one as I had the same amout of touchpad trouble even with a Dell Latitude E6400 which is a business laptop.

 

I found WEI tend to give more consistent results.
I also tried passmark but the results for the same hardware seem to change
by 10-15% every time.

Windows 7 Experience Index
Original(V140, 2GB) V140+8GB P340+8GB
Processor 4.3 4.3 5.3
Memory 5.5 6.3 7.1
Graphics (Windows Aero) 4.1 4.1 4.0
Gaming graphics 5.2 5.3 5.2
Primary hard disk 5.9 5.8 5.8

 

Test Name: This Computer
CPU - Integer Math: 114.3
CPU - Floating Point Math: 572.5
CPU - Find Prime Numbers: 274.9
CPU - SSE: 2.9
CPU - Compression: 798.8
CPU - Encryption: 3.5
CPU - Physics: 46.1
CPU - String Sorting: 555.1
Graphics 2D - Solid Vectors: 3.6
Graphics 2D - Transparent Vectors: 3.5
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors: 81.0
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text: 74.7
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface: 43.1
Graphics 2D - Image Filters: 120.8
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering: 209.5
Graphics 3D - Simple: 130.1
Graphics 3D - Medium: 52.2
Graphics 3D - Complex: 15.4
Graphics 3D - DirectX 10: 1.0
Memory - Allocate Small Block: 2831.8
Memory - Read Cached: 992.3
Memory - Read Uncached: 900.5
Memory - Write: 964.8
Memory - Large RAM: 2482.4
Disk - Sequential Read: 79.5
Disk - Sequential Write: 78.9
Disk - Random Seek + RW: 2.7
CPU Mark: 801.2
2D Graphics Mark: 390.2
Memory Mark: 962.5
Disk Mark: 582.4
3D Graphics Mark: 121.0
PassMark Rating: 556.7
(Overall PassMark was 506 with 2GB. Main difference is a boost in Large RAM scores with 8GB for obvious reason.)

 

Test Name: This Computer
CPU - Integer Math: 219.3
CPU - Floating Point Math: 1058.3
CPU - Find Prime Numbers: 406.8
CPU - SSE: 5.7
CPU - Compression: 1489.6
CPU - Encryption: 6.7
CPU - Physics: 83.9
CPU - String Sorting: 1066.4
Graphics 2D - Solid Vectors: 3.4
Graphics 2D - Transparent Vectors: 3.3
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors: 74.2
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text: 68.1
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface: 50.5
Graphics 2D - Image Filters: 103.2
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering: 189.3
Graphics 3D - Simple: 128.9
Graphics 3D - Medium: 52.7
Graphics 3D - Complex: 15.9
Graphics 3D - DirectX 10: 1.0
Memory - Allocate Small Block: 2760.7
Memory - Read Cached: 922.9
Memory - Read Uncached: 823.7
Memory - Write: 861.7
Memory - Large RAM: 2232.8
Disk - Sequential Read: 75.6
Disk - Sequential Write: 56.6
Disk - Random Seek + RW: 2.5
CPU Mark: 1462.5
2D Graphics Mark: 368.8
Memory Mark: 877.9
Disk Mark: 487.3
3D Graphics Mark: 123.0
PassMark Rating: 692.6

I also did a gaming benchmark using Dynasty Warriors 6 benchmark tool. The result was 41 FPS for both AMD V140 and AMD P340. I have 133 FPS with I7-920 and ATI 4850 512MB so I think CQ56 is limited by the weaker graphics card for gaming. Dynasty Warriors 5 PC is playable at High and the V140 CPU was not even fully utilized. (bottleneck at graphics)

Still, since most class PCs had the NVIDIA Go 6150, gaming experience with the CQ56 should be better due to the ATI 4250 being a newer and better chip than the 6150... Of course that does not apply to class members who had dedicated NVIDIA cards.. If you want to play games with CQ56 though you should upgrade to at least 4GB ram.

 

Where'd you get 8GB of ram for $55?

 

Anyone Know How Many Areas Inside Or Outside The HP Compaq Presario V6000 That Have Identification (serial numbers) ??????

Hopefully Someone Who Has Torn One Apart And Knows For Sure

Any And All Comments And Help Would Be GREATLY APPRECIATED !!!!!!!!!

 

I wonder if the touchpad buttons can be cut into with a dremel tool to make them easier to click on the CQ56?

 

Isn't it written into the BIOS, visible on boot?

 

Haha, no, that wouldn't work. They used a center post to hold the buttons, the only parts that click are the outer edges. I don't know why they designed it like that, I think it made it less likely for the buttons to break or malfunction. The gateway laptops are like that, it's very annoying, but I guess it's something we can get used to after a while. You could put a sticker to make raised bumps, kind of like on the home keys of the keyboard, so you know where to place your finger when you click. I think that's the best option. Or maybe put something in the center, so you can feel when your finger isn't pressing over the correct area.

 

asus eee pc 101tm37 (no high performance) 313.7

Benchmark Results
Test Name This Computer
CPU - Integer Math 46.1
CPU - Floating Point Math 201.8
CPU - Find Prime Numbers 108.2
CPU - Multimedia Instructions 3.4
CPU - Compression 1517.4
CPU - Encryption 5.5
CPU - Physics 34.9
CPU - String Sorting 844.2
Graphics 2D - Solid Vectors 0.9
Graphics 2D - Transparent Vectors 0.9
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors 20.5
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text 17.3
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface 10.6
Graphics 2D - Image Filters 78.7
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering 75.6
Graphics 3D - Simple 161.3
Graphics 3D - Medium 17.4
Graphics 3D - Complex 2.5
Memory - Allocate Small Block 610.3
Memory - Read Cached 747.1
Memory - Read Uncached 664.9
Memory - Write 688.2
Memory - Large RAM 94.5
Disk - Sequential Read 72.9
Disk - Sequential Write 59.0
Disk - Random Seek + RW 4.1
CPU Mark 712.5
2D Graphics Mark 105.0
Memory Mark 200.0
Disk Mark 491.7
3D Graphics Mark 77.3
PassMark Rating 313.7
System information - This Computer
System Summary
PerformanceTest 7.0 1022 32-bit
Windows 7 (32-bit)
Intel Atom N570 @ 1.66GHz
1014 MB RAM
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
233GB HDD

System Information
System Name: MORPHEOUS
Operating System: Windows 7 (32-bit)
Motherboard Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
Motherboard Model: T101MT
Motherboard Version: x.xx
BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Version: 0901
BIOS Release Date: 02/18/2011
Memory Information
Total Physical Memory: 1014 MB RAM
Available Physical Memory: 427 MB RAM
Slot 1: Not populated
Slot 2: DDR2, 1024MB, 667MHz
Virtual Memory: C:\pagefile.sys (1024 MB)
CPU Information
Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Type: Intel Atom N570 @ 1.66GHz
Number of CPU's: 1
Cores per CPU: 2
Hyperthreading: Enabled
Measured Speed: 1841.6 MHz
Multiplier: 10X
Bus Speed: 167Mhz
Front Side Bus Speed: 167Mhz
L1 Instruction Cache: 1 x 32 KB
L1 Data Cache: 1 x 24 KB
L2 Cache Size: 1 x 512 KB
L3 Cache: (N/A)
Disk Information
Drive Letter (Number): C (Physical drive 0)
Model Number: WDC WD2500BEVT-80A23T0
Disk Size (Free space): 100.0 GBytes (79.3 GBytes)
Disk Cluster Size: 4 KBytes
File System: NTFS
Drive Letter (Number): D (Physical drive 0)
Model Number: WDC WD2500BEVT-80A23T0
Disk Size (Free space): 117.9 GBytes (102.6 GBytes)
Disk Cluster Size: 4 KBytes
File System: NTFS
Video Adapters
Description: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
Chip Type: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
DAC Type: Internal
Memory: 256MB
Video BIOS: Intel Video BIOS
Driver Provider: Intel Corporation
Driver Version: 8.14.10.1929
Driver Date: 9-23-2009
Monitor 1: 1024x600x32 60Hz (Primary monitor)

PassMark(TM) PerformanceTest 7.0 Evaluation Version ( PassMark Software - PC Benchmark and Test Software)
Results generated on: Sunday, May 29, 2011

 

asus eee pc 101tm37 (high performance) 364.3

Benchmark Results
Test Name This Computer
CPU - Integer Math 50.7
CPU - Floating Point Math 224.1
CPU - Find Prime Numbers 120.2
CPU - Multimedia Instructions 3.7
CPU - Compression 1679.8
CPU - Encryption 6.2
CPU - Physics 39.0
CPU - String Sorting 946.4
Graphics 2D - Solid Vectors 1.0
Graphics 2D - Transparent Vectors 1.0
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors 84.9
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text 22.8
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface 13.5
Graphics 2D - Image Filters 96.7
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering 93.8
Graphics 3D - Simple 180.4
Graphics 3D - Medium 18.9
Graphics 3D - Complex 2.7
Memory - Allocate Small Block 871.9
Memory - Read Cached 831.3
Memory - Read Uncached 747.5
Memory - Write 778.1
Memory - Large RAM 106.5
Disk - Sequential Read 71.7
Disk - Sequential Write 62.1
Disk - Random Seek + RW 4.3
CPU Mark 786.1
2D Graphics Mark 146.3
Memory Mark 233.3
Disk Mark 499.6
3D Graphics Mark 85.7
PassMark Rating 364.3
System information - This Computer
System Summary
PerformanceTest 7.0 1022 32-bit
Windows 7 (32-bit)
Intel Atom N570 @ 1.66GHz
1014 MB RAM
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
233GB HDD

System Information
System Name: MORPHEOUS
Operating System: Windows 7 (32-bit)
Motherboard Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
Motherboard Model: T101MT
Motherboard Version: x.xx
BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc.
BIOS Version: 0901
BIOS Release Date: 02/18/2011
Memory Information
Total Physical Memory: 1014 MB RAM
Available Physical Memory: 388 MB RAM
Slot 1: Not populated
Slot 2: DDR2, 1024MB, 667MHz
Virtual Memory: C:\pagefile.sys (1024 MB)
CPU Information
Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Type: Intel Atom N570 @ 1.66GHz
Number of CPU's: 1
Cores per CPU: 2
Hyperthreading: Enabled
Measured Speed: 1841.6 MHz
Multiplier: 10X
Bus Speed: 167Mhz
Front Side Bus Speed: 167Mhz
L1 Instruction Cache: 1 x 32 KB
L1 Data Cache: 1 x 24 KB
L2 Cache Size: 1 x 512 KB
L3 Cache: (N/A)
Disk Information
Drive Letter (Number): C (Physical drive 0)
Model Number: WDC WD2500BEVT-80A23T0
Disk Size (Free space): 100.0 GBytes (79.4 GBytes)
Disk Cluster Size: 4 KBytes
File System: NTFS
Drive Letter (Number): D (Physical drive 0)
Model Number: WDC WD2500BEVT-80A23T0
Disk Size (Free space): 117.9 GBytes (102.6 GBytes)
Disk Cluster Size: 4 KBytes
File System: NTFS
Video Adapters
Description: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
Chip Type: Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
DAC Type: Internal
Memory: 256MB
Video BIOS: Intel Video BIOS
Driver Provider: Intel Corporation
Driver Version: 8.14.10.1929
Driver Date: 9-23-2009
Monitor 1: 1024x600x32 60Hz (Primary monitor)

PassMark(TM) PerformanceTest 7.0 Evaluation Version ( PassMark Software - PC Benchmark and Test Software)
Results generated on: Sunday, May 29, 2011

 

that's what i figured.

 

EVERYBODY go to the link below and submit a brief but concise news tip CNN. Remember news networks profit from traffic and ad revenues. Some reference to "Keeping Them Honest" may be helpful.

CNN.com - Contact Us

 

That type of touchpad (seamless one-piece bar for left and right button actions) sucks about as much as the buttonless MacBook touchpads do. While the concept seems to be popular with OEMs for modern computers, it's a very poor design. You almost need to use fingers on both hands to operate a touchpad with this idiotic setup... One hand for mouse movements and the other to press buttons... Or, you have to stop using the tracking surface to press extra hard on outer edges of the buttons in order to click. Even the simplest and most mundane games, like Solitaire, FreeCell, and Mahjong, are unpleasant to play using the touchpad because of it.

My Alienware has a one-piece touchpad bar and the only part of my Alienware that I hate is... you guessed it... the touchpad. I've tried since September 2010 to get accustom to this type of touchpad and still find it less than pleasant to use because of the amount of deliberately placed pressure required to execute a simple mouse click.

I think that placing an adhesive anything on the buttons would make it suck even more, because it would look really ugly on top of not not being pleasant to operate. I also doubt that anything with adhesive would stay put for the long term due to frequent contact with the warmth and oils from your fingertips. If you can find something that would stick well enough to be considered permanent, it would rapidly deteriorate and become even more unaesthetic due to wear and tear.

My suggestion is to get a wireless mouse for your CQ56, because you'll probably never learn to appreciate it.

 

now that the holiday is over i wonder if more will be shipped on Tuesday? This better be my week to get mine.

 

Sorry, I must've said it wrong, you could put the tape in the center, so you can feel where you shouldn't click. Add a physical button divider, since there isn't one there.

 

If you have the CQ56, would you mind sharing the CPU temperature using tools like CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting
I found mine to be 43-45 celcius with low workload, 45-55 with medium workload and 58-63 with heavy workload. That's significantly higher than the P8700 in my Dell Latitude E6400, which is usually 8-10 degrees lower and cools down extremely fast..

Thanks in advance.

 

HP just announced another massive laptop battery recall. Sure hope I can at least hit 'em up for a new battery. Have not yet checked to see if I'm included. But I did not send in my battery. And for sure, if I can get a new one from HP I will. Anything that'll cost 'em money works for me. They got me good selling me a junk laptop. And I'm looking to get even, legally, regardless it might be necessary to do so incrementally.

HP Battery Recall List: Covers Most Laptop Brands

HP expands recall of batteries - More complaints | TechEye

HP Notebook PC Battery Pack Replacement Program

 

It was a Newegg shell shocker with 15% off coupon. Current price is $65 with coupon EMCKEGJ32 (May require e-mail subscription)
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBSQ

 

Two 1GB sticks plus lots of bloatware. Basically every program that contains the keyword "HP" can be removed from Control Panel - uninstall programs. The performance can be improved by removing those and set "optimize for best performance" in advanced settings.

 

Now the price is $81.99, $17 off with the promotion, dam you got a great deal, which I'dve known sooner.

 

has anyone tried the CQ56 with Netflix, photo editing with large photos, and video editing yet? I have a Dual Core desktop that struggles with Netflix and can't do HD videos on Netflix. I'm curious how this CQ56 would hold up.

 

What graphics card do you have in the desktop? It probably has more to do with the GPU than the CPU. The ATI 4250 in CQ56 should work fine with photo editing provided you upgrade the RAM to at least 4GB. I tested 720p HD video with youtube while on single core and it ran flawlessly. CQ56 could also run dragon age 2 demo in "low" settings(4GB and 8GB ram). The GPU stopped working temporarily when I bumped it to "medium".

Update: I tested Netflix HD with the upgraded CQ56. It ran fine but both cores of the AMD P340 was frequently at 100%. I think ATI 4250 depends a lot on the CPU. When I play it on my desktop with ATI 4850 and I7, the CPU utilization was always < 12% and usually stays below 10%. 4850 is a mid to high-end card so....

 

Thanks. That's helpful to know!

It was naive of me to hope for a single 2G stick, but I'm a hopeful kind of guy and was thinking of a (relatively) inexpensive upgrade to 4G.

But of course they took the cheap way out. This means selling the two 1G sticks which I'm sure is doable . . . but from where I'm sitting it's just a darn nuisance.

On, well.