After waiting for this update I finally have it, This bios update is suppose ot support Intles new Merom chip within the dv8000t setup. If you can get to the CPU like I did to change it out than this is all you need to run the Merom chip on your Laptop.
After waiting for this update I finally have it, This bios update is suppose ot support Intles new Merom chip within the dv8000t setup. If you can get to the CPU like I did to change it out than this is all you need to run the Merom chip on your Laptop.
My question on this is, is it better to stick with the original duo core chip as an upgrade on the laptop? Or would it be better to upgrade to the Merom core duo2 chip? And is it worth the upgrade to a Merom rather than sticking with a higher end core duo chip? thanks....
As both Sledge and the AnandTech article that I linked to indicated (both on page 6 of this thread) it's typically not going to be worth it to upgrade, but it will be worth it to buy a PC with the new Core 2 Duo chip once they become available.
Someone probably did this earlier in the thread...but how about a simple direct link to a hard drive that is compatible with the dv8000t? I'm looking to add another.
Riddle me this: Are you looking to outrightly replace the HDD the DV8000T came with, or are you looking to use the second HDD bay?
If the former, the best idea would be to purchase one of these so you can hook it up directly to a desktop PC and copy files off in Windows Explorer. These are handy to have in case Windows ever crashes on your laptop; I'm glad I have one. After you've copied the files, you can simply replace the drive with the new one.
However if you're going to use 2 HDDs in your DV8000T, and you have the retention bracket for the 2nd HDD, simply add #2 and go.
The review was a great read and is much appreciated.
I've been kicking around the idea of replacing my desktop with a notebook and have been looking mainly at HP, Toshiba, and Dell. My desk has simply gotten too crowded even with a small form factor Shuttle XPC system. I have another notebook that is really designed for mobility, it weighs a little over 3 pounds with a 14" screen that I use regularly in the field in my work as a systems engineer. What I really needed was a desktop replacement notebook that would liberate some space on my crowded desk in my home office and would not be a chore to take on the road occasionally.
After reading the review here and seeing a HP dv8000t in person I decided to place an order yesterday. I sprung for the top end T2600 2.16GHz Core Duo processor, dual 100GB hard drives, and 1680 x 1050 Brightview display, Lightscribe DVD burner, Intel 802.11g w/ Bluetooth, and Targus leather case. I took the free upgrade to 1GB of RAM and ordered 2 x 1GB SODIMM OCZ 667MHz memory modules from Newegg. I also bought the xb2000 Notebook Expansion Base and 250GB hard disk option for it. I plan to use the 250GB drive as a backup-to-disk volume. The docking station may seem like a rather insignificant item...but its design most certainly played a role in my purchasing decision. Other vendors use simple port replicators, but HP has a true docking station that has excellent ergonomics. If you are going to use your dv8000t regularly as a desktop then you owe it to yourself to check out the xb2000 Expansion Base. It also comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
My notebook should ship by August 23 and I am very much looking forward to its arrival. Thanks again for the great review.
Anyone have any links to any bases that arent necessarily used for expansion ports....but will prop my laptop up so the bottom fan gets more ventilation, or even a cooling pad compatible with it?
Anyone have any links to any bases that arent necessarily used for expansion ports....but will prop my laptop up so the bottom fan gets more ventilation, or even a cooling pad compatible with it?
well i dont im kinda amazed at the fact the temps stay low with just 2 fans (one on the back and on eon the bottom)
mind u all i used was the GPU temp moniter but it was like the GPU never hit above 63C and the amba was around 47C Max the game i was playing as Oblivion for about 1 hr and the temps wher around that same area after playing 2hrs or so of World of Warcraft so while its no Hard Core torcher testt i will also note the fans weren't running on full speed like when you first turn it on;but they were running :P not that loud though
So does yours experience the slight hangups? Where the games seem to freeze for a split second every so often? Mine does, and I think it's being caused by heat.
I finally got my laptop the other day. After removing all the crud the pc came with, updating drivers, creating back-up disks, and installing all the software I needed on it, I was finally ready to give the dv8000t a test drive. So I installed Elder Scrolls oblivion and it runs flawlessly so far. I was amazed! Funny my friend has a desktop with a GE Force 6200 256mb overclocked video card and when he starts oblivion new and goes through the beginning cutscene, it screws up on him, runs ragged with different parts of the scene running at the same time and lagging. The gameplay runs fine, but whenever there are cutscenes it just won't run. So he was a bit upset seeing the game run perfect on a laptop!
Am on my way to ording 2 of the 1ghz memory modules to max out and getting the creative labs sound card for this too. Should be great until I decide to upgrade the processor to the t2600 if I ever feel like it.
So far this machine is outstanding, got a seperate mouse and keyboard to use while not traveling with it. Easier for me to type and move the mouse cursor around, plus save the laptop keyboard from extended use, etc.
the one thing i can't figure out is how to run the quickplay. I can start it with the icon on the screen, but when I push DVD or the quickplay icon buttons on the laptop, nothing happens? Any ideas?
To note your GPU is much better than the 6200 256MB card your buddy has... the 6200 is still pretty low end for games like Oblivion... your GPU is very much mid range as of now...
As far as Quick play works.. You have to set it up with the program you want launched when you hit the button. You might have removed the program when you were cleaning your computer.
TBH, I never use those features...I don't know why either:) but I do have them set just incase I feel like using them.
Yeah, I think I deleted the program by accident. Not sure I'd ever use either, but you never know. I'll have to find where to get the program from just to have it I suppose.
Will have to let my friend know about his GPU, course looking at spec requirements the geforce 6200 is listed as compatible, which is why I think he bought it. Obviously compatible doesn't mean high quality gaming haha.
Ya know, I upgraded the RAM on my dv8000t with 1GB of 667MHz OCZ memory and when I ran CPU-Z to see what speed the memory was running at, it said it was only doing 533. Plus, it says on HP's website that the dv8000t supports memory up to 533MHz. Unless CPU-Z is lying... When you guys run CPU-Z does it say 667 MHz?
Does anyone have any information about this? I am considering spending more to purchase some 667MHz RAM and want to be sure that it would be compatible with the dv8000t. Does this really have any performance implications versus 533MHz RAM?
Also, Sledge, would you say that contacting HP and getting their help on installing the memory is essential to keeping your warranty intact?
Does anyone have any information about this? I am considering spending more to purchase some 667MHz RAM and want to be sure that it would be compatible with the dv8000t. Does this really have any performance implications versus 533MHz RAM?
Also, Sledge, would you say that contacting HP and getting their help on installing the memory is essential to keeping your warranty intact?
My DV8000T I just got came with 1gig of ram, two 512 sticks and they are 667MHz.
sorry i never ran DD2 on a comp how do u figure out the mhz of it , when i run CPUZ my ram is saying my frequence is 332 O_o dont u multipy it by 2 or something ? (its PC5300 333mhz) which correct me if im wrong isnt that 667mhz :P
anyways if some 1 can get to me on that fine, my question is; is there a program out there that i can monitor my temp with, motherboard monitor dosnt support the dv8000t :L
I just purchased a CTO (configured to order) HP dv8000t from costco.com. If you are costco member, I would strongly suggest you get this from costco.com. It's exactly same as HP.com but a little bit cheaper.
It comes with the standard 1 year HP warranty but here is the thing - you are able to return it for any reason to Costco (any store or online) for a "FULL REFUND" during the first 6 months!!! I am not planning to return mine but I will consider it in 2 situations -
1. Price drops dramatically (like $300???)
2. Many problems occur with system
For CPU, everyone should consider getting the T2400 (1.8x GHZ) version.
T2050 (1.6x GHZ) and T2250 (1.7x GHZ) are both 533 mhz FSB.
And Intel doesn't even list these on their website!!!
Starting with T2400, the FSB changes to 667 mhz - this is what it should be for the Core Duo processor...
Also, there is no real need to go up to T2500 (2.0 GHZ) or the T2600 (2.1x GHZ). .2 - .4 GHZ is not going to make much or even any difference. Consider performance first then price difference - T2400 (1.8x GHZ) is your best choice.
For RAM, it comes with 1GB standard and you should be happy with that. Again, consider the costs and benefits. For most folks, the 1GB should be plenty. Games will work fine with 1GB.
For Video, it comes with the GeForce 7600. This is an excellent vid card. Some pre configured models come with GeForce 7400. Make sure you check this out since the 7400 does not support all of the dual display modes that the 7600 does... This is very important if you are media buff like me. I will connect this to my HDTV via VGA to watch movies (mostly avi)... If I share the desktop, then I could have the movie full screen on the TV and still use the laptop display for other apps. Or you could have multiple windows environments and move from one to another...
For Audio, I'm not sure what sound card it comes with but it's supposed to come with the altec lansing speakers. I checked it out at the store and it's not that great. I will be getting the XB3000 expansion base (Circuit City has it for $199 but you could search for a 10% coupon on google) so hopefully that will have better sounding speakers. If not, I believe the expansion base has ports in the back to support 5.1 audio - I'll just buy a decent speaker system and connect to it...
For Hard Drive(s), it comes with 80GB standard and you should be happy with that also. The bigger and faster the drive, the worse off your laptop will be. Keep the default partition as is with the OS and just install software to it. Occassionaly you should put other files on it but purchase an external drive and use it as your media drive (avi, mp3, photos, videos, etc...). External drives are so cheap and you can use it with any PC. I can't understand why people would spend $200+++ to get dual drives on these babies!!! These are laptop hard drives, they will fail a lot sooner than regular 3.5 inch drives...
HP Lightscribe is garbage. Do not get it even if the upgrade cost is only $20.
I don't know about you but I stopped burning things on media a long time ago. I keep everything on hard drives. Ooopps, forgot about those that copy and/or make dvd(s)!!! Well, you still do not need the Lightscribe. It's quality is not that great and you have to buy special lightscribe media - not worth it...
Extended Warranty!!! I would skip this but that's up to you. If there are no issues with the equipment for the first couple of months then you should expect it to last about 2 yrs. After 2 yrs, this laptop will probably go for $100 on Ebay so there is no real need to protect this investment for a long time. If you want a laptop to last a long time, go for a business laptop - not this one!!!
Finally for Audio!!! This is the unknown for me...
I'm not sure what sound card it comes with but it's supposed to come with the altec lansing speakers. I checked it out at the store and it's not that great. I will be getting the XB3000 expansion base (Circuit City has it for $199 but you could search for a 10% coupon on google) so hopefully that will have better sounding speakers. If not, I believe the expansion base has ports in the back to support 5.1 audio - I'll just buy a decent speaker system and connect to it...
Does anyone have this XB3000 base (not the XB2000) and is the sound good enough to watch movies connected to a large TV in a normal sized living room???
Depends on your processor. If you got the 1.6 or 1.73, then you are stuck with 533mhz RAM. If you got 1.8 or above, then it should have come with the 667mhz RAM already. If not, I would complain since my friend got the 1.8ghz version and he received the 667mhz RAM.
I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty. They will honor it as long as there is nothing extreme.
No you don't need to conatact HP to upgrade you're ram, justkeep the old sticks and if you have to send it in for repair just switch the sticks... there isn't anyhting HP can do to track ram unless you break the slots off the mobo
Depends on your processor. If you got the 1.6 or 1.73, then you are stuck with 533mhz RAM. If you got 1.8 or above, then it should have come with the 667mhz RAM already. If not, I would complain since my friend got the 1.8ghz version and he received the 667mhz RAM.
I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty. They will honor it as long as there is nothing extreme.
mm cool i got 667mhz :P , while its prob not as good as like OCZ ram meh im no tusin git for hardcore gamming, but does anyone know a good Temp Monitor for Laptops that supports the dv800t im not goint to overclock by any means im just curious about the temp :bigggrin:
Comments
After waiting for this update I finally have it, This bios update is suppose ot support Intles new Merom chip within the dv8000t setup. If you can get to the CPU like I did to change it out than this is all you need to run the Merom chip on your Laptop.
Bios Chip Version: F0.15
Model support: dv8000t CTO
Download: July 6th 2006 Bios Update F0.15
~This Bios update is for the DV8000T only~
My question on this is, is it better to stick with the original duo core chip as an upgrade on the laptop? Or would it be better to upgrade to the Merom core duo2 chip? And is it worth the upgrade to a Merom rather than sticking with a higher end core duo chip? thanks....
If the former, the best idea would be to purchase one of these so you can hook it up directly to a desktop PC and copy files off in Windows Explorer. These are handy to have in case Windows ever crashes on your laptop; I'm glad I have one. After you've copied the files, you can simply replace the drive with the new one.
However if you're going to use 2 HDDs in your DV8000T, and you have the retention bracket for the 2nd HDD, simply add #2 and go.
I've been kicking around the idea of replacing my desktop with a notebook and have been looking mainly at HP, Toshiba, and Dell. My desk has simply gotten too crowded even with a small form factor Shuttle XPC system. I have another notebook that is really designed for mobility, it weighs a little over 3 pounds with a 14" screen that I use regularly in the field in my work as a systems engineer. What I really needed was a desktop replacement notebook that would liberate some space on my crowded desk in my home office and would not be a chore to take on the road occasionally.
After reading the review here and seeing a HP dv8000t in person I decided to place an order yesterday. I sprung for the top end T2600 2.16GHz Core Duo processor, dual 100GB hard drives, and 1680 x 1050 Brightview display, Lightscribe DVD burner, Intel 802.11g w/ Bluetooth, and Targus leather case. I took the free upgrade to 1GB of RAM and ordered 2 x 1GB SODIMM OCZ 667MHz memory modules from Newegg. I also bought the xb2000 Notebook Expansion Base and 250GB hard disk option for it. I plan to use the 250GB drive as a backup-to-disk volume. The docking station may seem like a rather insignificant item...but its design most certainly played a role in my purchasing decision. Other vendors use simple port replicators, but HP has a true docking station that has excellent ergonomics. If you are going to use your dv8000t regularly as a desktop then you owe it to yourself to check out the xb2000 Expansion Base. It also comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
My notebook should ship by August 23 and I am very much looking forward to its arrival. Thanks again for the great review.
--Jerome
well i dont im kinda amazed at the fact the temps stay low with just 2 fans (one on the back and on eon the bottom)
mind u all i used was the GPU temp moniter but it was like the GPU never hit above 63C and the amba was around 47C Max the game i was playing as Oblivion for about 1 hr and the temps wher around that same area after playing 2hrs or so of World of Warcraft so while its no Hard Core torcher testt i will also note the fans weren't running on full speed like when you first turn it on;but they were running :P not that loud though
Am on my way to ording 2 of the 1ghz memory modules to max out and getting the creative labs sound card for this too. Should be great until I decide to upgrade the processor to the t2600 if I ever feel like it.
So far this machine is outstanding, got a seperate mouse and keyboard to use while not traveling with it. Easier for me to type and move the mouse cursor around, plus save the laptop keyboard from extended use, etc.
the one thing i can't figure out is how to run the quickplay. I can start it with the icon on the screen, but when I push DVD or the quickplay icon buttons on the laptop, nothing happens? Any ideas?
Craig
To note your GPU is much better than the 6200 256MB card your buddy has... the 6200 is still pretty low end for games like Oblivion... your GPU is very much mid range as of now...
As far as Quick play works.. You have to set it up with the program you want launched when you hit the button. You might have removed the program when you were cleaning your computer.
TBH, I never use those features...I don't know why either:) but I do have them set just incase I feel like using them.
Will have to let my friend know about his GPU, course looking at spec requirements the geforce 6200 is listed as compatible, which is why I think he bought it. Obviously compatible doesn't mean high quality gaming haha.
please post a list of your:
Add/Remove programs installations
currently running processes
services enabled/disabled
any special changes you made
...im trying to troubleshoot the slight hangups i am experiencing and this would help oodles.
Also, Sledge, would you say that contacting HP and getting their help on installing the memory is essential to keeping your warranty intact?
My DV8000T I just got came with 1gig of ram, two 512 sticks and they are 667MHz.
anyways if some 1 can get to me on that fine, my question is; is there a program out there that i can monitor my temp with, motherboard monitor dosnt support the dv8000t :L
http://www.costco.com/CTO/HPConfigurator.aspx?Prodid=10029570&search=990012&Sp=S&Mo=0&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Nr=P_CatalogName%3aBC&Ns=P_Price%7c1%7c%7cP_SignDesc1&N=0&whse=&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&Dr=P_CatalogName%3aBC&Ne=4000000&D=990012&Ntt=990012&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1&model=EX177AV
It comes with the standard 1 year HP warranty but here is the thing - you are able to return it for any reason to Costco (any store or online) for a "FULL REFUND" during the first 6 months!!! I am not planning to return mine but I will consider it in 2 situations -
1. Price drops dramatically (like $300???)
2. Many problems occur with system
For CPU, everyone should consider getting the T2400 (1.8x GHZ) version.
T2050 (1.6x GHZ) and T2250 (1.7x GHZ) are both 533 mhz FSB.
And Intel doesn't even list these on their website!!!
Starting with T2400, the FSB changes to 667 mhz - this is what it should be for the Core Duo processor...
Also, there is no real need to go up to T2500 (2.0 GHZ) or the T2600 (2.1x GHZ). .2 - .4 GHZ is not going to make much or even any difference. Consider performance first then price difference - T2400 (1.8x GHZ) is your best choice.
For RAM, it comes with 1GB standard and you should be happy with that. Again, consider the costs and benefits. For most folks, the 1GB should be plenty. Games will work fine with 1GB.
For Video, it comes with the GeForce 7600. This is an excellent vid card. Some pre configured models come with GeForce 7400. Make sure you check this out since the 7400 does not support all of the dual display modes that the 7600 does... This is very important if you are media buff like me. I will connect this to my HDTV via VGA to watch movies (mostly avi)... If I share the desktop, then I could have the movie full screen on the TV and still use the laptop display for other apps. Or you could have multiple windows environments and move from one to another...
For Audio, I'm not sure what sound card it comes with but it's supposed to come with the altec lansing speakers. I checked it out at the store and it's not that great. I will be getting the XB3000 expansion base (Circuit City has it for $199 but you could search for a 10% coupon on google) so hopefully that will have better sounding speakers. If not, I believe the expansion base has ports in the back to support 5.1 audio - I'll just buy a decent speaker system and connect to it...
For Hard Drive(s), it comes with 80GB standard and you should be happy with that also. The bigger and faster the drive, the worse off your laptop will be. Keep the default partition as is with the OS and just install software to it. Occassionaly you should put other files on it but purchase an external drive and use it as your media drive (avi, mp3, photos, videos, etc...). External drives are so cheap and you can use it with any PC. I can't understand why people would spend $200+++ to get dual drives on these babies!!! These are laptop hard drives, they will fail a lot sooner than regular 3.5 inch drives...
HP Lightscribe is garbage. Do not get it even if the upgrade cost is only $20.
I don't know about you but I stopped burning things on media a long time ago. I keep everything on hard drives. Ooopps, forgot about those that copy and/or make dvd(s)!!! Well, you still do not need the Lightscribe. It's quality is not that great and you have to buy special lightscribe media - not worth it...
Extended Warranty!!! I would skip this but that's up to you. If there are no issues with the equipment for the first couple of months then you should expect it to last about 2 yrs. After 2 yrs, this laptop will probably go for $100 on Ebay so there is no real need to protect this investment for a long time. If you want a laptop to last a long time, go for a business laptop - not this one!!!
Finally for Audio!!! This is the unknown for me...
I'm not sure what sound card it comes with but it's supposed to come with the altec lansing speakers. I checked it out at the store and it's not that great. I will be getting the XB3000 expansion base (Circuit City has it for $199 but you could search for a 10% coupon on google) so hopefully that will have better sounding speakers. If not, I believe the expansion base has ports in the back to support 5.1 audio - I'll just buy a decent speaker system and connect to it...
Does anyone have this XB3000 base (not the XB2000) and is the sound good enough to watch movies connected to a large TV in a normal sized living room???
I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty. They will honor it as long as there is nothing extreme.
--Jerome
mm cool i got 667mhz :P
HP needs to update that page because XB3000 does support dv8000.
See this page: http://shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/store_access.do;jsessionid=EWm7ck5UbJOOA2gssOb4OS349d1m0oJUYrQkfroiv0ENVQ1HVOtE!-54525505?template_type=product_detail&product_code=901592
lol i know hell i wouldn overclock a laptop anyways im just trying to find a program to veiw the temps for curiosity