*HP EliteBook 8740w Owners Lounge - PART 2*

I had my display changed recently due to some dead pixels.

I thought I would get another LP171WU7-TLB1 like the original. Using HWiNFO32, I found that the new display is "SAMSUNG 170CT12-001".
On the nvidia panel it no longer shows the display as "LP171WU7-TLB1". Now it just says "Display".
Looks like HP is not using LG panels exclusively.
I found one dead pixel on the new display. But I think I'll just leave it that way for now.
On a side note my tech broke yet another tab on the laptop. This time, it's the one that holds the upper right edge of the touch control panel. Worst part is that the tab is on the chassis and not just the control panel itself. So the only way to fix it is to replace the entire upper chassis.


Also, if anyone needs RAM, check this out.
SuperBiiz has Samsung 1x4GB 1333MHz for $69.28 after 10% off (max $20) coupon code VIDEO10.

That's almost as good as the what I paid for my OEM HP RAM.

 

This is good information Judicator, Thank you.

I noticed in several 8740w documents, including the "QuickSpecs", that HP offers the Intel Core i7-920XM Processor Extreme Edition for the 8740w yet it doesn't show up in the HP 8740w on-line configurator.

Is the Core i7-920XM Processor Extreme available in U.S. models? Is this a special order item only available through a HP rep? Cost?

 

March... My theory is if it ever worked it worked last in March, because by the time I tried using it in mid April, it wasn't working.

I agree with the sentiment. Its continued existence told me HP was open to negotiation so I got on the phone and kindly did so. I got a straight 25% discount. They added another 10% off ontop of that for the comically cumulative DC2 delays; so I'll never complain about the price I paid. I'll just continue to complain about not being allowed to change the order to include an i7-840 as they became available and keep my place inline.

 

If you are going to buy an 8740w/8540w, call the number they have listed on the configurator page -- you will be able to get a significant discount with minimal haggling. Don't settle for 18%.

 

Apart from HiddenUser, who managed to order one through a reseller in Spain, I don't believe anyone has bought an 8740w with an installed extreme processor. We're not certain of the reasons why, there are suspicions that although it is technically supportable, there are fears that in practice the extreme processor would overload the single fan/heatsink system. Also, perhaps HP was looking ahead to the FX5000, and its required heat debt along with the extreme processor would have been too much. Suffice it to say that we don't really know why, but the extreme processor has not been openly available since the actual release of the 8740w.

 

ok update and mini tutorial for those with Nvida Quadros.

If you have a FirePro - this doesnt apply

Tutorial for updating Video Bios for Nvidia Cards

1) download the bios version F.08 and run it. Select USB KEY

2) when the hp usb tool runs just close it - don't let it install the freedos sys files because they don't work on the laptop

3) download the win98boot files from here DOS USB boot drive - Vista Forums and follow the rest of that tutorial. the HPUSBFW is in c:\swsetup\sp50171\ run it with right click 'run as administrator'

4) on the newly formatted drive, you will need to go to c:\swsetup\sp50171\rompaq

if you are running F.08 go to step 6



5) YOU NEED TO UPDATE THE BIOS TO F.08 FIRST BEFORE RUNNING THE VBIOS UPDATE.

for this you need to copy everything over that is in the folder to the pendrive, then reboot to the usb drive by pressing F9 on the HP logo screen

press enter when you have the program open, and follow the on screen instructions.

let the computer power off and give it a few seconds (5-10 is ok) before restarting. then go back to Step 6.



6) IF YOU HAVE BIOS F.08 ALREADY - you need to copy everything over EXCEPT CONFIG.SYS that is in the folder to the pendrive, then reboot to the usb drive by pressing F9 on the HP logo screen

When that is done, reboot the computer and press F9 select your usb key as the bootable drive. it will flash up with a windows 98 splash screen (ah memories) then dump you to a C:\ prompt. Now for the important thing.

7) Now to update the Video Bios.

if you have an Nvidia 2800M (like i do)

type 'n 1.rom' (without the quotes) it will give you the current bios version with the new one. type 'y' and it will update. Skip to step 8

if you have an Nvidia 3800M

type 'n 2.rom' (without the quotes) it will give you the current bios version with the new one. type 'y' and it will update. Skip to step 8

if you have an Nvidia 5000M

type 'n 5.rom' (without the quotes) it will give you the current bios version with the new one. type 'y' and it will update. Skip to step 8

8) now press ctrl +alt + delete and let windows load. when it has done, choose shut down.

9) Turn on the pc again, and you will have a shiny new Nvidia vbios


it took me a few minutes to figure out why i couldn't update the vbios, but in the end i managed

The new Vbios seems to have stopped the lag timeouts on the PCI-E bus, which sometimes result in a random STOP 0x124 error.

I am surprised HP didn't make this a more known update, or at least make the damned thing work on all usb keys. The automatic run didn't work on any of the usb drives i had. i went from 256MB to 8GB none worked.

 

on the 920XM front, Judicator, you are right, HP actually advised me not to get a 920/940xm if i am going to upgrade to the 5000M because of the possible thermal problems. they told me that it wouldn't be an issue as long as i didn't run it on a bed or soft surface, but i would need to keep the laptop elavated slightly off the desk. but when i have both parts, i will let you know temps.

sorry bout the double post, didn't want to add this on the end of my tutorial page

 

I used the HP tool to create a bootable usb key.
It updated both the system and video BIOS automatically.
Initially I had some trouble booting from usb drive. I checked to see that "usb bootable" option was on and I also selected usb as "primary boot" drive.
Every time I press F9, the USB drive was not in the options, so it wouldn't boot from flash drive. Then I enabled "legacy devices" on the BIOS menu.
Once I did that, the USB flash drive showed up in the list of bootable devices after pressing F9.
I selected the flash drive and it started updating both BIOS.

The only thing I noticed is that the on the HP website it says that the new vBIOS for the FX 3800M was supposed to be: 62.92.BC.00.09
But when I checked with GPU-z, my new vBIOS shows up as: 62.92.C0.00.04

Maybe it was just a typo on the "revision history" tab in the website.

I think you said you had an FX2800M right?
When you updated the vBIOS, did it update exactly to 62.92.CO.00.03 like it says on the HP website?

 

hiya, yea, i put up the tutorial because my laptop refused to update the vbios. so it could be my card perhaps. hence why i put it up.

yes, my Vbios version is 62.92.C0.00.03. but all the Vbios files i looked at were at least 62.92.C0.xx.xx i think it was a typo because the version of the old vbios was 62.92.BC...

I just had massive problems with it updating the vbios from the usb - it would only do the bios itself.




This is the bench for the new bios. so a little improvement

 

I eventually bought this Active DisplayPort To HDMI adapter from Extron Electronics. This adapter is not cheap, it costs around 55€ through a reseller, including taxes and shipping (I'm going to pay dearly for the 8740w, not only an arm and a leg, but the full body LOL ). ETA is about 10 days. I'm planning to connect the 8740w to my HDTV (Pioneer PDP-LX508D Plasma TV) through HDMI using this adapter.

I think this adapter is top quality and, it's likely is one of the best in the market at this moment. It supports up to 48 bit color depth! Of course, it complies with 1.1a DP specification, so it should pass audio without problems.

@NotebookGrail: What do you think of this adapter?

 

If you search back to my August post, I think you'll find you made a great choice. The unit connected immediately and reported the specs of the HDMI HD screen. HD video and audio transmission was seamless.

Once again, as in my last post, a caution. The device does have integrated DRM protection, so, if you are transmitting a blueray movie, you must toggle off the 8740w screen [fn/f4] or the HDMI stream will be interrupted. It'll "think" you're trying to make a duplicate copy of the BD. Also be aware that if you connect a screen with less than FullHD resolution (such as 720p), it will automatically downgrade your 8740w to the same resolution. Once disconnected, though, the 8740w will automatically refresh to the FullHD resolution again.

Edit: Having both machines, I didn't realize my previous post was in the 8540w forum. It's post #1569.

 

Thank you very much. Yes, I pretend to play Blu-ray movies on my TV (FullHD 1080p BTW) using that adapter and an external Blu-ray burner (sold separately), and also use the computer with my TV as screen sometimes.

It's good to know the 8740w supports HDCP signals without problems, when reviews said the opposite

BTW, do you have the FirePro card or one of the Quadros in your 8740w? Mine will be the FirePro, I hope this card don't be a problem...

 

ATI all the way on all three new machines. No problems at all so far. Zips right thru Adobe CS5. Do not play games on any of these machines, though, so can't talk to that. Also, I continue to not be a big fan of the competing hardware. Trust takes a while to be regained after the "bump"y road they travelled.

Note that ATI (er, AMD that is) is uping the ante today on OpenCL support in its 10.10 drivers (for desktop back to the 4000HD series so far, though I will say that I haven't installed them yet on my desktop rig). Sooner or later, all good things hopefully will be added to the HP/AMD mobile drivers.

 

It looks like the same as i have except a different maker. So should be good to go. I haven't tried any blu-rays yet as i am waiting for a nice USB 3.0 blu-ray player to show up. But, i did try blu-ray rip (full quality) and it played fine. make sure you get a round HDMI cable. The flat one for some reason doesn't last long.

 

Yeah, that vBIOS update was not suppose to be for performance but rather to address existing bugs and or compatibility issues.

 

Ok, thank you guys (VisionLight & NotebookGrail). I can't wait for my 8740w anymore!!

 

yea i guessed that.

it has fixed the Nvidia timeout on the pci-e bug, as well as the pci-e downclocking bug, the powersaving on pci-e down to V1.1 from 2.0 when the card is idle. it also now uses more gpu for flash videos, but the most important thing i've noticed is i get 3DS Max 2011 support that works with the newest driver, and i get GPU acceleration in Adobe CS5 with CUDA and suchlike.

so i'm quite happy with the update to be honest.

 

One question to all current owners

Is the eSATA port on the 8740w hot-swappable?

Thank you, guys

 

Cool.
That's a nice bonus then.

 

e-SATA can be a bit tricky.

* Sometimes I plug it in when the laptop is fully operational, flip the switch on the back of my eSATA dock adapter, and the system quickly detects the new HD. I can unplug eSATA cable and plug it back in and once again it recognizes the HD.

* On some occasions, it won't recognize it, so then I have to go to "disk manager" and do an HD rescan before it becomes visible.
* But, if you have eSATA plugged in and the HD dock is turned on, before you start the laptop, then the HD is always recognized.

 

I did it . I have ordered one CTO 8740w. This is my configuration:

• i7 840QM
• 8 GB RAM
• HD 320 GB 7200 rpm
• nVidia FX 2800M
• Dreamcolor 2 w/ webcam
• Intel Ultimate-N 6300
• HP Bluetooth 2.1
• Backlit keyboard

I hope to have it in my desk in 3 weeks. It's gonna be a long waiting…

 

Wow, congrats. That is one decked-out notebook.

I just got an email from HP saying my order has been delayed due to a "material shortage"; anyone else experience delays with their 8740w order?

 

You're best bet is to call the 800 number that was listed on your order confirmation e-mail. This gets a customer rep in your corner and they can be very helpful. During the summer, many of us received the automated "material shortage" e-mail, some for bona fide reasons, but many not. On one of my machines, I even received one the same day that my customer rep had already told me the machine shipped that morning.

 

My HP was delayed due to a material shortage, and ironically, it was the lack of CPU's that was the problem, but they also are low on ram and gpu boards

 

Congratulations, countryman! I see you eventually chose the 840QM processor instead of the 740QM. It's the best quad core CPU choice IMO, because the 840QM has the same TDP than the 740QM (45W) and it's a bit faster

 

I'm planning to buy either an eSATA or an USB 3.0 Blu-ray burner. I have not decided yet. Hence my question. Do you think may I run into problems when (dis)connecting the drive with the operating system loaded?

Thanks again

 

As I mentioned before, sometimes you plug it in and it's automatically recognized by the system and sometimes it doesn't.
I would go with the USB 3.0 version.
Another thing to keep in mind is that although these laptops have two usb 3.0 ports, you cannot run both at full speed at the same time.
Try plugging two usb 3.0 external HDs and transfer some data. You'll see the transfer rates drop dramatically.
Transfer between eSATA and one usb 3.0 port is fine though.

Another thing I've noticed is that when I plug a usb 3.0 ext. HD to a 3.0 port and my mouse receiver to the other 3.0 port, my mouse has connectivity issues.
If I disconnect the HD or if I move the mouse receiver to the port on the other side of the laptop, it works fine.

So basically if you use both usb 3.0 ports at the same time, they'll be fighting for bandwidth and cripple the performance of devices.

If you guys are planning to buy a USB 3.0 card for your desktop motherboard, don't get the cheap x1 pci express versions.
Instead, get the x4 versions. They cost a little more, but they don't have to fight for bandwidth.
However, if you only need to use one usb 3.0 port at a time, then it doesn't matter.

 

@Charles P. Jefferies Thanks, I hope to enjoy this toy a long, long time.

I began a little frightened about the money, but at last I decided for this CPU, because it was not too expensive, and I expect it lasts at least 5 years, like my actual Toshiba M60 (and it was not so future proof as this).
Now begins the countdown

 

So, is this the way it has to be? Is there no solution for the bandwith fighting?

 

Hi everybody

is it true that its not possible to connect more than one external monitor on my Quadro FX 2800 M?

 

no its not true.

with a display port adapter you can have more.

i've managed to get 3 externals working - 2 on displayport via DVI and 1 via VGA. (plus laptop screen)

i didn't test the third, because i ran out of monitors to test >.>

this is my source

i have one of these puppies

http://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Multi-Monitor-DisplayPort-Expansion-Module/dp/B003GS7ILW

worked no problems.

the card actually supports 6 displays in total - according to the nvidia control panel.

 

Maybe that connecting an ExpressCard USB 3.0 host adapter and plugging the other drive in it, we could solve the 'bandwith fighting' issue, but I don't know for sure.

RampageII: What do you think of this?

 

My new 8740w is here! The DC screen is awesome. I have lots of stuff to do though. I'll be benchmarking tonight. Get your requests in. Also, I'll take some pics comparing the normal screen to the DC while I have both.

 

thats good news! congrats

 

I'm getting ready to buy a new 8740w. Just noticed that HP has added the Intel® Core™ i7-940QM Extreme Processor to the on-line configurator.

Now a couple of concerns I hope you can help me with:

(1) Which 256GB SSD does HP provide with the 8740w as an option?

(2) I have read several surveys that indicate that HP continues to have the worse product support and repairs of all laptop manufacturers.

- Is this true? Is this what you have experienced as 8740w owners?

- If so, should I select one of the optional service plans to protect me compared to the standard 3yr warranty?

Your feedback would be much appreciated before I make my purchase.

 

* Yup, it was only a matter of time before the 940xm showed up. Very expensive though. No surprise of course.

* Do not buy the RAM and HD upgrades from HP. You can buy those things from 3rd party for a lot less.

* I can't speak for their consumer line of laptops, but the business class service is excellent.
My tech guy is pretty good. I just wish he would stop breaking tabs on my laptop every time he has to open it up.
First he broke a tab on the touch control panel so he ordered me a new one. And now a 2nd tab, which is also for the control panel. The only problem is that unlike the 1st one he broke, this one is on the chassis. So the only way to fix that is to replace the whole upper half of the chassis.
The guy has been pretty cool so I don't want to complaint and get him in trouble. But, HP is probably not going to want to replace the upper half of the chassis just for a broken tab.
So now the top right corner of the touch panel is loose.

 

Congrats!
GPU benchmarks, PLEASE!!! (Vantage, 3DMark06, Tom2D, and the pro test).
Enjoy the new beast and the DC especially!

 

Yes.

I have an ASUS RIIX Mobo which doesn't have USB 3.0 ports. I was about to buy one of those 1x PCIe cards that have two USB 3.0 ports, but then I realized that 1x cards just don't have enough bandwidth to run two 3.0 ports at full speed. Really those 1x cards should only have 1 port because that's all they can handle.
What I did is I bought an ASUS U3S6 4x PCI3 card which has 2 3.0 ports AND 2 SATA6 ports and has a dedicated bridge chip to control traffic. Two extra SATA6 ports and cables for an extra $5... it's a no brainer.

I suspect our laptops have a similar setup, which is why you can't use both 3.0 ports on the 8740w at full speed. Hell, sometimes I can't even have an external HD and mouse receiver at the same time because the moment I connect the external HD, the mouse has connectivity issues. As soon as I disconnect the external HD, the mouse works fine. That whole set of 3 USB ports on the right side of the laptop is a big bottleneck.

 

Looks like there's a new BIOS update for the 8740w available now. Details listed in the HP support post are as follows:

Here's a link to the support notice, as I didn't see it linked from the main support page yet: F09 BIOS

I think I'll wait this one out until the time comes that I need any of those specific features.

 

Those surveys are for their consumer stuff. Their business support has been great in my experience. It took them 3 laptops, but it appears I finally have a fully functional 8740w. I got a few "minor upgrades" along the way so all the time and frustration has been worth it.

 

Sweet, I envy you. Mine is still in production.

As noted, the surveys are for the consumer-grade notebooks. If you're talking about that Squaretrade reliability "survey", it is such a biased sample it is hardly accurate, I would ignore everything about that survey. It is very difficult to find a survey these days that is statistically sound.

So far I have experienced excellent customer support via HP Small Business -- friendly, willing to answer questions. In the past I had good experiences with their consumer support as well.

 

Hey guys, I added a poll to this thread, hopefully we can find some sort of pattern in the 8740ws. Let me know if you think it should be different.

 

I like. No need IMO to include RAM & HD/SSD since that's the most likely to be altered/upgraded after purchase [?], but others may wish to see it. Perhaps choice of OS? ...tho I suspect Win 7 64-bit should easily be the run-away winner so that would likely be superfluous.

There are of course three groupings presently and one should only be able to choose one selection of each three. However I also know vBulletin limits the options/capabilities of a poll, so nothing that can be done about that. Hope people don't abuse the freedom of the selections.

There's a definite pattern arising here where many of us including me must have said "well, let me choose the much cheaper ATI card to help fund the DC2 screen ... and since I'm spending all this money lemme spend just a bit more and spring for the quad-core".

 

I have my new laptop updated. I'm about to start some benchmarks, but wanted to ask a few questions first.

1) Which display mode is "best" for a user that doesn't require color accuracy?

2) I see you can adjust lots of settings in the Display Assistant. Any recommendations?

3) Has anyone had prolems with their battery at startup? If I have my battery in, the computers goes tot he HP splash screen, then to a black screen with the following text:

No further action is possible other than powering down. Removing the battery allows normal startup. I hoped this would go away after updating everything, but no luck. I tried my battery from my other laptop and same thing. If I install the battery after booting, it is fine. It just won't boot with a perfectly good battery installed.

4) Where an I get some great images to compare the screens with?

Thanks.

 

Benchmark Running Tally:
740qm, FX5000M, 8GB, 7.2k HDD

3DMark Vantage
P7700
CPU: 10,980
Graphics: 7,015

wPrime
32M: 17.238
1024M: 525.713

Cinebench R11.5 (64bit)
OpenGL: 32.7 fps
CPU: 2.98 pts
CPU (Single): 0.86 pts
MP Ratio: 3.48x

PC Mark Vantage (I noticed it was 32 bit after it ran...I suppose I need to redo this)
6,054 PCMarks (no category scores, this was the trial version)

3DMark 06
Score: 12,967
SM 2.0: 5,569
SM 3.0: 6,107
CPU: 3,179

EDIT: going to bed, more benchmarks coming tomorrow night

 

The poll does say how many have voted. Currently it is at 12. There are 12 screens, 12 cpus and 12 gpus selected...so far so good.

 

Thanks for the info knight427, I feel better now about buying a "HP Business Class Notebook". Also, congratulations on delivery of your new 8740w.

When I started looking for a new laptop, I figured I'd spend under $2000. For example, the ASUS G73JW and Toshiba X505-Q898 looked great for the money. But then I made the mistake of finding the 8740w and now I'm hooked. How I went from spending under $2000 to close to $5000 is a mystery to me.

So now that I'm ready to buy, I need the best deal I can find. knight427, would you share your HP contact with me? I heard your HP rep gave you and others here a fantastic discount...which is just what I'm looking for.

I guess I'm too new here to send a private message to you, so please forgive my open plea for HP Sales help. My direct e-mail is [email protected]. Yeah, that's my real name too!

I see a loaded 8740w and empty pockets in my immediate future.

 

Nice! We can definitely see an improvement over FX3800M.




@Wizman,

Unless you absolutely need CUDA or are a fanboy of Nvidia - go for M7820, it will save you 2k

 

email sent

 

If color accuracy isn't what you're after, I'd probably stick with sRGB. Unless you're using an application that knows how to deal with color management, the graphics you see will be over-saturated if you attempt to use something like AdobeRGB or Full Color. The others are more geared to specific uses and wouldn't be as flexible as sRGB for day-to-day use. It can be entertaining, though, to turn on Full Color and surf around the web to see how the images look.

Other than Color Space and Luminance, you're not really likely to need to change anything other than perhaps the White Point/Color Temperature setting. Graphics professionals usually use 6500, whereas the normal "out of the box" setting that most people are used to is closer to 9300. Some people like the higher temps because we perceive more contrast in images displayed with that setting. In reality, that temp has a strong bluish tint to it. Sunlight is usually between 5200-5800K at mid-day, but if you set the color temp that low you're likely to have a strong yellowish tint that most folks find too "warm".

I would recommend against changing any of the chromaticity or gamma settings. Those would really only be needed for very specific situations.

As a side note, I still find that occasionally the luminance setting gets out of sync with reality. And I've seen a couple of instances where the color temperature suddenly moved itself to something like 3000. Not sure what caused it, but it definitely was noticeable. One other thing I've seen: if you try to type into the color temperature field too quickly, it has a mind of its own and there's no telling what you'll end up with.

I've never seen that, sorry.

Try any of the photo sites people use to post their images... pBase, smugmug, picasa, there's lots of others.

The graphics industry tends to use color targets that have well-established color patches that can be measured for accuracy -- and the images aren't very exciting to look at. Here's a couple that are a little less-boring than others:

PIMA
Common A4 Target

Have fun!