*HP Zbook 17 Owner's Lounge*

If you look over in the Zbook 17 G3 Owner's Lounge, someone reported that his machine came with the HDD Bracket Kit, so you may be good to go. I am not sure if he custom ordered the machine from HP or purchased one of the preconfigured models but you may get lucky and not need to get it as a spare part!

 

I read that post a few days ago and sent the poster a P.M. concerning his review, but haven't heard anything. (his last activity on the forum was the day he posted) I would want to confirm with H.P. that the HDD bracket kit was included at the time I place the order.

The guy who made the post says he removed the 1TB HDD that was factory installed in the primary drive bay and replaced it with his own 2.5" SSD. He had made a Windows 10 recovery USB drive and used it to install Windows on the new SSD. I'd like to do basically the same thing, but move the 1TB HDD to the secondary drive bay and reformat to use for storage. If I buy the O/S recovery DVD from H.P., can I use it to reinstall Windows on the new SSD I install in the primary drive bay? I've read posts in one of the Zbook 17 threads that some posters were having trouble doing clean installs from recovery media.

 

A clean install should be possible if you use Microsoft's recovery media creation tool. It will get the correct OEM installation media for you which should automatically activate using the key stored in the machine bios. All drivers for all hardware is available on HP's site, so a recovery done this way (vs. using HP's media) usually ends up with a bit cleaner installation.

 

Thanks, I will look into using the media creation tool.

 

Just ordered my Zbook G3 17in today. I forgot to ask the rep if the DIMM of ram that ships with the laptop is ECC. Does anyone here know?

 

One problem zBook 17 G2 and win 10:

The Intel HD4600 drivers a crashing very often !!

I did a clean install and use all HP Drivers.

Tried to install Intel WHQL Drivers and the lastest drivers from station-drivers manually (but there did not install because they are not newer).

Another thing i wonder:

Why i cant set the Intel memory not higher then 256MB !?
There is NO option - only 256MB RAM.

On my zBook 15 G1 i can rise the Intel HD4600 RAM to 512MB RAM and i think that i could avoid these crashes.

BTW: did anyone installed the Bios 1.14 ??

i use this one - but wonder why the download links shows still version 1.14 !?
(its only included in the win 8.1 download links and not on win 10)

Fixes:
- Fixes an intermittent issue where a system running Windows 10 does not power on (boot) properly after the hard drive is encrypted.
- Fixes an issue where the HP Notifications application displays a message that the 200w adapter does not provide full performance to the computer.

 

anyone here has got thunderbolt networking working for them? it seems that the chipset for thunderbolt in the 17/G2 has very limited connectivity.
so far I haven't been able to connect to QNAP.
the only devices that had been able to connect are
1) apple's firewire adapter
2) lacie PCIe SSD
3) akitio dual HDD
3) via apple's firewire, phaseone IQ180 and h4D, h5d hasseblad.
4) dell 2713H
5) z27x screen
6) daisy chain 2713H
7) Black Magic BMPC 4k
8) intensity shuttle

NVM firmware 21.
unable to update to NVM 30

 

I managed to update to nvm 25 using z840's firmware. still no luck enabling thunderbolt networking. anyone able to do so?

 

after being in contact with HP and the upper technical management people. it is confirmed that G1/G2/G3. thunderbolt networking was left out of the implementation phase. the same drivers are able to enable thunderbolt networking on z840 workstations. but for the current G1/G2/G3 zbooks. thunderbolt networking is not possible nor will it be possible in the near future. it seems that the thunderbolt chip is at fault. thunderbolt for the zbook was half implemented. and therefore doesnt not comply to intel spec for thunderbolt.

 

That doesn't sound right. The specs for the ZDock which plugs into the thunderbolt port has ethernet.

 

Hello my friends,
I would really appreciate your recommendations.
I received a brand new zbook 17 laptop as a replacement a year and 3 months ago. I have loved this machine!!
Last month I began to have problems with display issues, First it had some vertical and horizontal lines on the start up screen with progressed into blotches as well. Then it started to have blotches and missing pixels on video play back and it was sluggish. I called in they decided to replace the video card, mother board, and the heat sync as it was also running a bit warm.

Tech visit #1 (Not an official HP employee but a contracted tech)
Replaced the video card and the heat sync but said the motherboard was DOA as it wouldn't start up and gave error codes.
The display worked for 3 days and then went black.

Tech visit #2 (not an official Hp employee but a contracted tech)
Replaced the display
He attempted to replace the motherboard which he said was also DOA.
The display would only show a white screen so he established the display control board and wiring also needed to be replaced. He ordered parts to replace.
He returned the next day and replaced the motherboard which again he said was DOA
Replaced the parts to the display but not the display itself and at this point I discovered the display they sent out was a 900x600 instead of a 1920 x 1080 anti glare FHD display
Then the number board, delete button and back/forward arrows no longer worked.
Machine still sluggish.
I ordered all inoperable parts and waited.

Tech # 3 The W O R S T of them all from World Wide Tech again not an Hp employee but a contracted tech
Tore the machine apart like an amateur on crack. He put out a piece of paper and drew a grid while nervously taking out screws and placing them randomly in the circles. I asked him if he had worked on these machines before and he said he had. I should have known.

He replaced the mother board, the display panel, keyboard and the hard drive.
The display seems to be bright and clear.
The keyboard works accept the rubber mouse doesn't work.


When he was finished I looked on the table and there were 2 left over screws. He assured me he replaced all the necessary screws. I said apparently not, this is not a box of ikea furniture now please find out where they belong.

He tore it apart again all the way to the motherboard and somehow managed to put them into some spare holes.

I reinstalled windows and the machine was still sluggish and I got an error the 32gb ssd hyperdrive was not compatable

Tech #4 A real honest to goodness Hp employee
Replaced the part and the error message went away.

As I continued to work that day it was still very sluggish. I called in and they had me do a systems check to find out the video card wasn't working. So, Hp official tech returned the next day and put in new video card and in the process discovered nightmare tech #3 had damaged the motherboard by breaking off clips that held in the keyboard cable as well as removed the screw and lost the washer to the heat sync. Additionally the wrong motherboard had been installed.

So then next day he arrived to replace
Motherboard with correct board
Heat sync

In the end the machine is still running slowly on start up and between pages, They are loading fine but scrolling is sluggish and I can tell it's just not quite right.
This morning I woke up to an email offering me a refurbished laptop but I am not nexessarily happy about a few things.
My current laptop is a ZBook 17 with the following.
Operating system
Windows 7 Professional 64 (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8 Pro)

Processor family
Intel® Core™ i7 processor

Processor
Intel® Core™ i7-4700MQ with Intel HD Graphics 4600 (2.4 GHz, 6 MB cache, 4 cores)

Chipset
Mobile Intel® QM87

Memory
16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (2 x 8 GB)

Memory slots
4 SODIMM

Internal drive
750 GB 7200 rpm SATA

Optical drive
Blu-ray R/RE DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL

Display
17.3" diagonal LED-backlit FHD WVA anti-glare (1920 x 1080)

Graphics
NVIDIA Quadro K3100M (4 GB dedicated GDDR5)

Ports
3 USB 3.0 (1 charging); 1 USB 2.0; 1 Thunderbolt; 1 DisplayPort; 1 stereo microphone-in/headphone-out combo; 1 AC power; 1 RJ-45; 1 docking connector; 1 secondary battery connector; 1 VGA

Expansion slots
1 ExpressCard/54; 1 Secure Digital; 1 Smart Card Reader

Audio
DTS Studio Sound HD audio (Windows operating systems only); Integrated stereo speakers; Integrated microphone (dual-microphone array when equipped with optional webcam); Button for volume mute, functions keys for volume up and down; Combo microphone-in/stereo headphone-out jack

Integrated camera
720p HD webcam

Wireless
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 Combo

Power supply
External 200W Slim Smart AC adapter; HP Fast Charge

Battery
8-cell (83 WHr) Li-Ion battery

They are offering me
HP ZBook 17 G2
W8.1P-64
i7 4610M 3.0GHz
1TB SSD
16GB
BluRay Writer
17.3FHD DreamColor
WLAN BT
K5100M
Cam Rfrbd NB PC

Firstly I'm not happy about a refurbished product.
Secondly it only has a 4610M duel core not quad so only 16gb mem not expandable to 32 like my current machine is with the added memory.
I realize there are upgrades on the machine they're offering but I would really like to know your opinions about this because I am really reluctant to accept and what are your recommendations?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my tale of woe!!

 

First of all, sorry about all your hassle. Its tough to deal with having to have multiple repairs for the same problem, even ending up creating more problems when you started with.

Now, as far as the exchange, these refurb machines that they are offering come from HP business outlet. HP has all of them listed for sale on their site, and the price for the one you listed is $3599. I also saw a Zbook 17 G2 with a 4910MQ, but K4100M instead of K5100M, otherwise very similar to the one they offered you. The ID number of this unit is 764091R-999-FY84, and they have it listed as $3499. You could ask them if it would be an acceptable replacement, its worth a try!

Oh, and all of the replacement parts are refurbished too, so by now your current machine is more or less refurbished...

If the replacement were to arrive with a worn palm rest or keyboard, or damaged casing, I am sure they would have no problem replacing those for you with new parts.

 

Thank you for the sympathy and the reply!! ;-) I went ahead and accepted and will soon see. Man I really like this machine. I hope I don't have any issues with the replacement. Cheers!!

 

http://h20566.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/...2574_1909154_DesktopsWorkstations_critical__/

SUPPORT COMMUNICATION - CUSTOMER ADVISORY
Document ID: c05168245

Version: 1

Advisory: HP ZBook 15/17 G1 and G2 Mobile Workstations - May Have No Hybrid Graphics with Specific Configurations
NOTICE: The information in this document, including products and software versions, is current as of the Release Date. This document is subject to change without notice.
Release Date: 2016-06-08

Last Updated: 2016-06-08

DESCRIPTION
If an HP ZBook 15/17 G1 or G2 mobile workstation is configured with an HP DreamColor panel, the Hybrid Graphics Option is not available in F10 BIOS Setup and the Device Manager will not list the Intel HD Graphics under Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

SCOPE
Information in this document applies to the following:

Systems:

• HP ZBook 15 G2 Mobile Workstation
• HP ZBook 15 Mobile Workstation
• HP ZBook 17 G2 Mobile Workstation
• HP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstation

Operating Systems:

• Non-OS Specific

RESOLUTION
This works as designed. When the HP DreamColor LCD panel is included as a part of the system configuration, the system relies exclusively on the discrete graphics card. For this reason, the Hybrid Graphics menu in BIOS is purposefully disabled.

 

We all got that email. Everyone who bought a Dreamcolor ZBook already knew that. I don't know why they felt they had to send out an alert.

The question is though in the Zbook G3s with Dreamcolor can you choose to use either the Intel GPU and/or the Nvidia/AMD discrete GPU or are you stuck with only discrete GPU still?

 

Just a quick post/review on this. I own the 8760w with Dreamcolor and the Zbook 17 with Dreamcolor with a K5100M.

I am also the OP on this thread.

Both laptops have been amazing and I still use both for 3D modeling, painting/drawing, and photo editing as well as gaming. The Zbook 17 is really quite durable and a true workhorse. No issues at all since I got it.

The Zbook is more durable than the older 8760w, where I have dents in the corners from just carrying it around. I do prefer the keyboard of the older model over the Zbook.

It currently has all drive bays mounted with Samsung 1TB SSD drives as well as the mini PCI with 32gb of third party Gskill Ripjaws.

If anyone has any questions with this setup, let me know.

 

I could solve the problem - if i installed the HP driver i'am not able to install newer drivers.

But you have to complete remove the HP drivers and then you are able to install the newest Intel Drivers.
Same for the Nvidia drivers - no problem since months!

 

I think that the new panels are 8bit (WLED), where the old ones were 10bit (RGB LED). The Intel GPUs couldn't deal with 10bit displays, that's why you couldn't use the Hybrid graphics (since the signal goes - dGPU -> iGPU -> (ColorBoard (but that's not of importance here) ->) display). With the new panels I think that it would be possible. Sadly 10bit panels are gone

 

Are you sure? That can't be right. It doesn't make any sense to use 8-bit panels in a display that is as wide gamut as the Dreamcolor displays. If you use 8-bit panels then there will be big mismatches between accurate colors and the displays would be of little use to movie studios and photography professionals. I can't believe they would be that stupid.

 

Well it covers 100% aRGB, I guess that's OK for them. Older panels went beyond that, actually covering ~85% of Rec.2020 and that was since 2010 with the introduction of DreamColor in notebooks with the 8740w. The actual panel is designed 2009, well before Rec.2020 was even a draft and the technology is even older than that. Shame really. When one thinks that technology progresses, manufacturers tend to prove you wrong. Then again, you'll have to buy the new "OMG REC.2020 IN A LAPTOP" model, so I guess it's just business. If you got a Rec.2020 display now, what's the reason to upgrade? It's not like CPU power is progressing with the pace it used to a decade ago. There are GPUs, but these are (for now) upgradeable (of course not many would go through the hassle).

 

The point is that when you have a wide gamut display that covers aRGB or larger you NEED 10-bits per color or there will be holes in what the display can cover. That's why Apple uses 10-bit displays in their new iMAC which can do DCI-P3. Do you have a source or link that says the Dreamcolor G3s are only 8-bit?

 

Firstly - I understand the point, that's why there's - FRC. Secondly - I said I think. So far there are three known panels that are 4K and two cover 100% aRGB B173ZAN01.0 and N173DSE-G31, the third is the one that DELL uses, stated as IGZO most likely Sharp (since they are the only ones who do IGZO) with unknown specs (as in color delivery and bit depth). HP can order a custom one like they did before (one and only 17" 16:10 IPS in 8740w, the 16:9 panels were used by both HP and DELL with different tune I would guess, but the panel was the same), even though seeing how the industry is going I seriously doubt it. There's also the possibility that the new iGPUs can handle 10bit, but I can't find a definite answer on that as well. After all the 4K DreamColor is yet to hit the market, so the display might not be from the readily available ones. Feel free to draw your own conclusion and research on top of what I did

I would like to see a link about the new iMac. They never had 10bit display before.

 

Has anyone gotten RAID working on the G3 with non-HP drives? I have a pair of Samsung 850 Pro drives and I get the error "An unknown error occurred during the volume creation process. Please try creating the volume again." when I try and make a RAID volume with the intel tool.

 

I need a modded inf for amd firepro m6100. My alienware m15x doesn't show up in bios at post. Currently using radeon hd 8950 drivers?

 

Hey Everyone I am new here completely. I was wondering if someone in their spare time could go through some upgrading with me.

1. Ram under keyboard ( back door ram is installed)
2. I have the k2200m and want to either install the M5000m or if that is not possible the k5100m ( will i need a heat sink for both of these or will the k2200m heat sink work)
3. I also ordered the better IPS screen UWVA (80/80/80/60/60) mine is smelly and a WVA 1080p ( is it possible to slip a Dreamcolor monitor onto this system)
4. I want to upgrade the storage to SSD everything single drives no RAID what is the best config for this?

 

Here is a link to the Zbook 17 G2 Service Manual. On page 60 there are instructions for replacing the ram. I would suggest using as blunt a screwdriver as you have that can fit through the hole to pop the keyboard loose. If its the first time being removed it can be very hard to get the keyboard loose without damaging it.

I think someone else said that M5000M will work, but may not with Dreamcolor. The machine needs to use the vbios built into the bios in order to correctly initialize the Dreamcolor display when in dedicated graphics mode. You will also need to order a MXM 3.0b heatsink part number 735373-001 for your upgrade, as the K2200M is actually MXM 3.0a and uses a different, smaller heatsink.

I believe the mainboard uses LDVS for all screens on this model. You also need a LDVS signaling board to upgrade to the Dreamcolor screen from a regular screen. Its part number 741282-001. It interfaces with the panel and allows you to store calibrated profiles as well as doing a hardware transform to get the signal to actually output 10-bit color to each channel.

There is another thread here about upgrading storage on the 15 / 17 G2 models. I think there are a couple fast / cheap M.2 PCIe SSD options now. You can fit the large 850 Evo / 850 Pro SSD's in the 2.5 inch bays if you like. You can also replace the optical drive with a third 2.5 inch drive, too.

 

Wow thank you very much for the excellent reply. Is there a part number for the dreamcolor screen or anywhere I can get a used one?

When you said I just needed to add the LVDS can i slip that on the normal WVA and cancel the other UWVA IPS

 

I have a new Zbook 17 G3 with a Dream Color display and am running Wiindows 10 Anniversary edition. What Windows and HP apps did you remove because they were bloatware?

 

Hey milesc would you be able to check the part number for your dream color please

 

Sharp SHP144C

 

any ideas if there is a size restriction, I think the website says 512 but ive heard of people put 1TB in.

 

2TB should work. 4TB should too. You will need to be in EFI mode for GPT formatting though if you want to use a large drive like that as a boot disk.

 

I am just trying to get large storage ssd if its even worth it I don't know. Ill be booting from the PCIE I think.
I am guessing there is no such thing as a 30 to 50 pin converter to use a dream color display which is a bummer the only option is a "IPS" has anyone got a side by side with the regular TN(1080p) and the IPS?

 

I think the most cost effect SSD is those Sandisk Ultra II 960GB, which do work in the Zbook 17, and you can put two of them in if you like as well. They are ~$250 each in the USA.
As far as a dreamcolor upgrade goes, I think the mainboard has both a 40pin LDVS and 50pin LDVS so either display can be used (not 100% sure on this). If you buy the dreamcolor display from HP, their part includes everything: raw panel, lid, antennaes, display cable, ldvs signal board. It can be installed / removed as a unit which makes it much easier. Unfortunately HP wants $1471 for that part, so its not a very cost effective upgrade. And, I think it is only covered for 90 days even if your machine still has a couple of years warranty remaining, and availability is very scarce so it may take months for them to actually fulfill an order. You could also get the panel through ebay possibly, but you would still need the ldvs signalling board, 50pin display cable, and the thicker lid to house the dreamcolor panel. It's sad to say, but it may just be easier to sell your current machine if it still has some warranty left, then buy a model that already has a dreamcolor panel included.
If you are just looking for a nice 17 inch IPS business grade notebook, then there is the Zbook 17 G3 / Dell Precision 7710 / Lenovo P70 available with FHD IPS panels. They even get better battery life because they can run with the Nvidia / AMD card disabled.

 

I'm not sure I can afford the cheapest version even. I am selling this one for 1500 on craigslist and I have a spare 600 aswell so 2100.

if anyone has a dream color that they would like to sell me for that price then ill buy it.

as a side not if i put 4TB SSHD in each bay and again in the multibay and the 512 in the m.2 (2260) would that work out properly?

 

This model on ebay has the dreamcolor screen, 4710MQ and K1100M for $1289. If you want a K5100M and faster CPU, you can probably find one with a Dreamcolor screen and those parts (and still be under warranty) for $2100 or less on ebay if you wait. I would highly suggest doing something with a warranty as I have already seen a couple of the Dreamcolor panels die, and if it happens that way you either can get a replacement screen (if they are still available) or HP will send you a Zbook 17 G3 with the new Dreamcolor panel instead.

 

How can i do something with the warranty lol. It would be nice to get the dream color g3 off them but I wouldn't ave the first clue how to.

 

If you have a machine that came with the Dream color panel under warranty and it needs repair, they will either put a new part in, offer a refurbished replacement machine with similar or better specs, or build a new machine with similar or greater specs. However the second and third option is something they will only do if they can't get a replacement part in a reasonable timeframe.

 

@win32asmguy Nah this didnt come with the dream color just the second option screen not even IPS but 1080

 

Probably your best bet is to sell it and get one with a better screen that is under warranty. The one I linked to on eBay is a pretty cheap way to get a 17 inch dream color screen that's under warranty.

 

I was looking for something with a better card to be honest but I am thinking now my best option is cheaper by just getting the regular IPS not the dream color and the LVDS cable and buying an ebay MXM card.

 

What does your Zbook 17 have right now? 1600x900 SVA or 1920x1080 WVA? The only IPS for it is the Dreamcolor panel, but the 1920x1080 WVA is definitely better than the 1600x900 SVA for color and viewing angles.

If you end up upgrading to a better video card I may be interested in your K2200M. Let me know if you decide to sell it.

 

@win32asmguy it is the 1920 X 1080 but when I was speaking to tech support they mentioned I was able to upgrade the screen the UWVA IPS screen not the DreamColor. The only reason for this is because they have the color panel attached.
I think I will be definately be selling this k2200M send me PM or jump onto skype with me.

 

The dreamcolor panel is different and requires an extra decoding plate. The only way you can replace with the DC2 is to replace the whole top part.

 

Is there anywhere you can link me to one? I can pay upto 600

 

I think there is a typo in their parts database that may mislead the tech to thinking it can be upgraded. 784206-001 is listed as UWVA IPS (raw panel) but its actually the entire Dreamcolor panel top assembly but without a webcam. They have to have two separate parts for that item because the Dreamcolor panel comes as the entire assembly as a part.

 

Hmmm interesting but after looking for the price i think you are all right and I can't afford either of the new model or the screen I guess I am stuck with just this and an upgraded card haha

 

Ok, for a video card upgrade, you have a few choices:

• K5100M / K4100M: Work 100%, including dedicated graphics mode only selected in bios
• 980M / 970M: More performance, but dedicated graphics mode only won't be usable
• Mx000M: Should work, but dedicated graphics mode only likely will not work. This is only a good option if you need a more powerful Quadro card

For the MXM 3.0B cards (everything listed above) you need to buy a MXM 3.0B Heatsink for the Zbook 17 G2. Its part number 735373-001, and costs $81 + shipping from HP Parts directly. The K2200M you have is actually the smaller MXM 3.0A form factor, so the larger Heatsink is required if you upgrade (unless you got a 965M, M1000M, or M2000M, but those are all about the same performance as the K2200M).

Personally, I would do either the 980M or 970M. Best price for performance, and you can get the card from @woodzstack here on the forums. Another member here put one in his Zbook 17 G3 and it worked great.

 

It turned out that it is 10bit BTW I didn't mention the LP171WU5 (8bit, RGB LED, TN) series used in various workstations/high-end machines, and the best version in the 8730w DreamColor. Check this article, if you are interested, or skip to this particular display. It is regarded as the highest gamut display available as of the writing of the article.

 

I had a HP higher level tech support guy come out to me and he was amazing. He explained alot to me and told me that the dreamcolor monitors need to have a system board attached to them which has the 50 pin connector.

He is still in contact with me and going through a whole lot more and left 2 guides with me for upgrading the laptop if I wanted to do it myself, Other wise he said he can come and do it anytime if I call him and he isnt busy

a gen in the sea i call it.