*HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2*

[2.0™]

HP HDX 9000 DRAGON OWNERS LOUNGE

SERVICE MANUAL: Service/Maintenance Manual: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01279508.pdf Service/Maintenance Videos (courtesy of Comptrekkie): HDX Vidoes pictures by comptrekkie - Photobucket HDX system schematic (PDF): 2122201-HDX Schematic.pdf

BIOS RECOVERY PROCEDURE: In the event that a BIOS update fails and bricks the HDX, the following link details how to recover from it. http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post6815103 The following external floppy drive has been confirmed to work: NEC USB UF000x Possible alternate method using USB Flash Drive(Thanks to Nando4); http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post7213514 Supplemental information: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Alternate method #2 (Thanks to Nando4) - Advanced level - if you know how to solder/unsolder, you can buy a preflashed EEPROM from GRAINS BIOS-Repair: bios-repair.co.uk | Preflashed HP Compaq BIOS Chips-EEPROM The BIOS Chip is a 25VF080B 50-4C-S2AF. It is located right next to the PLL (To the upper right.) See picture: (click to enlarge) It's lettering is upside down in the pic. It's on the topside of the motherboard so only the rear cover, top cover and keyboard need to be removed to access it.

BIOS WIFI WHITELIST REMOVAL: The HDX's BIOS is whitelisted to only accept the Intel 4965 WiFi card in the first mPCIe slot (original location of the WIFI card). The 2nd mPCIe slot (originally empty) is not whitelisted and can accept any mPCIe device. Many owners had installed the Intel 5300 or 6300 WIFI cards in the 2nd slot. It works well. However by doing so, the WIFI button on the top panel would not enable/disable the WIFI card in the 2nd slot. Nor would the HP Wireless Assistant recognize that slot. So to turn it on/off, one would have to use device manager or a tray app that could mount/unmount a device like USB Safely Remove. Poster TTAV134 from MyDigitalLife has successfully modified the F40E BIOS to remove the whitelist so that any mPCIe card can be installed in the 1st mPCIe slot. The WIFI button on the top panel will turn any WIFI card on/off now. And HP wireless Assistant will recognize the card for independent control of WIFI and Bluetooth. Poster Nando4 expanded on TTAV134's work and added the Dual IDA flag and SLIC. WARNING: Reboot so you have a fresh session of windows. Extract all the files into a directory. Make sure no programs are running (nothing on taskbar - In tray is OK) run update.exe as administrator Though many of us, myself included, have installed the BIOS without issue you would be advise to make sure you have a USB floppy drive handy in case it fails to install the BIOS and bricks your computer. Follow the recovery method linked on this page (which has been tested to work) to recover in case something goes wrong. Dual-IDA MODDED F40E BIOS with Whitelist REMOVED:: Download F40E Modified BIOS Allows NON-Extreme processors to add an extra multiplier for a 8-13% overclock. LATEST: Dual-IDA MODDED F41 BIOS with Whitelist REMOVED:: Download F41E Modified BIOS Allows NON-Extreme processors to add an extra multiplier for a 8-13% overclock. Note: These BIOS files are hosted on my MediaFire account. If they expire or file not found, PM me so I can re-upload them.

GUIDES, DRIVERS, SOFTWARE: WINDOWS 7 install guide, by poster Comptrekkie: *HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1* Official HP driver page: Software & Driver Downloads HP Pavilion HDX9000T CTO Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English) Official HP Software/Driver catalog (use to find any SoftPaq file): ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/ Nvidia Driver download: Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers Best Nvidia Driver is from Microsoft: 197.45 (Best visuals of any driver) Windows Vista and Windows 7 x86 (32-bit): http://download.windowsupdate.com/ms...e9d8874c88.cab Windows Vista and Windows 7 x64 (64-bit): http://download.windowsupdate.com/ms...387a79bd62.cab To install, use winrar or 7Zip to extract all files into a folder and keep the NV_WHQL.inf file. Delete the nv_disp.inf & nv_disp.cat file. Then run setup.exe as administrator. WinRar: WinRAR archiver, a powerful tool to process RAR and ZIP files - 7Zip:7-Zip NOTE: Drivers higher than 257.21 have issues on the HDX. Best to avoid them. Nvidia Official "Verde" 257.21 Driver: (Last useable driver on the HDX with Powermizer On) 32 Bit (Win7/Vista): NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.21 WHQL 64 bit (Win7/Vista): NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.21 WHQL Do NOT use the ION drivers found here: NVIDIA DRIVERS 257.21WHQL TUTORIAL detailing how to set up and use the latest Nvidia Drivers (>257.21): *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Better Tutorial concerning drivers higher than 257.21 (Thanks to rickiBerlin): *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* TO OVERCLOCK: Nvidia System tools : Drivers - Download NVIDIA Drivers Or Nvidia Inspector Tool. Full featured tool with graphs. (Thanks Ricki Berlin) OrbLog Blog Archive NVIDIA Inspector 1.95 – Tool Pics and sample instructions: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Nvidia PowerMizer Manager: (thanks to RickiBerlin): NVPMManagerUni-1.01.zip or PowerMizer Manager | Some More Bytes Alternate download from mediafire: NVPMManagerUni-1.01.zip Allows realtime control over Nvidia's powermizer. No need to reboot to switch it on/off. AUDIO Driver If using Windows 7 - see here for how to use drivers higher the 5607: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* ATI driver download (navigate from homepage): Global Provider of Innovative Graphics, Processors and Media Solutions | AMD Window's DriverStore Explorer - manage your drivers from here. Especially helpful in removing old drivers from Window's driverstore. Download: DriverStore Explorer [RAPR] - Home (Thanks to EdTittek) RAMDISK deployment (translated from German): http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post7192218

HARDWARE UPGRADES: CPU: The CPU can be upgraded. Best upgrades are T9300(2.5ghz), T9500(2.6ghz), X7900 & X9000(2.8ghz) SPECIAL: CPU's, from the Montevina platform with 1066mhz FSB, can be used in the HDX. But they require a CPU socket mod to change the FSB from 266mhz to 200Mhz. Best to use from this series is the X9100 which can be overclocked to 3.6-4.0 GHZ using throttlestop. See RickiBerlin's post on how to do the CPU socket Mod for X9100: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Temp comparison between two types of X9100's ("QHBQ" and "SLB48") in HDX: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Voltage requirements @ various overclocks: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Testing for overclock stability - Uses test such as Wprime, Intel Burn Test and Prime 95. Passing WPrime, both 32 and 1024 is stable enough for the majority of tasks. Passing Intel Burn Test would mean the system is very stable Passing Prime85 would mean super stable A note about X9000 - the only ES version worth considering is the Q174. But the Q174 can have little quirks such as only 1 core reporting temps or require higher voltage per overclocked multiplier than OEM version. Avoid ES versions of X7900 and X7800. The X7800, X7900 & X9000 can be overclocked in the HDX using a program called ThrottleStop. ThrotleStop, by Uncle Webb: Set up for Dual IDA overclock on non-extreme CPUs(gain 2 extra multipliers): How to Enable Intel Dynamic Acceleration (IDA) on Both Cores of a Core 2 Duo How to set up for Dual IDA overclock: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Set up for Extreme CPU overclock: How to Unlock the Core 2 Extreme Multiplier in Windows Results of overclock of X9000 by poster comptrekkie: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post6369663 *FSB OVERCLOCK* PLL TME-unlock for FSB overclock Which will overclock ANY CPU (not just extreme processors). [ADVANCED USERS ONLY] ....................{2.0™ is the first to do it. }................... Guide here: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Other type of overclock (FSLx) : Introduction: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Failed attempt: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Would need more voltage, but VID3 or VID4 +VSS won't overvolt levels 1.050v and 1.087v Best bet would be a voltage regulator mod: See an example here. OVERCLOCK LEADERBOARD: (Past confirmed overclocks done by posters.) Installed Processor Overclock Type Normal Speed Overclock Speed X9000 ThrottleStop 2.8 Ghz 4.0 Ghz X9000 ThrottleStop 2.8 Ghz 3.6 - 3.8 Ghz T9300 TME unlock PLL 2.5 Ghz 3.3 Ghz @ 245Mhz FSB T9300 Dual IDA 2.5 Ghz 2.7 Ghz T8300 Dual IDA 2.4 Ghz 2.6 Ghz T8100 Dual IDA 2.1 Ghz 2.3 Ghz GPU: If you have the Nvidia 8800M GTS, you can't simply swap in a new card. It's been tried (280M GTX MXM 2.1) and verified NOT to work by two posters without success. Two other posters claimed it possible (9800M GTX and 280M GTX) but did not provide adequate proof or details. The HDX's MXM implementation is proprietary. In theory, there's a way of doing it that requires advanced BIOS modification. Detail of theory and procedure. Triturbo has proven why the GPU CANNOT be upgraded to work with the internal display: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* If you have the ATI 2600XT (part #: 452322-001) , there are two possible upgrade paths: 1. If you have an HDX 9200-9400, then you have the proper motherboard. You simply need to buy the 8800M GTS from HP (part #454311-001). (You cannot use Any other kind since the 8800M GTS in the HDX is proprietary.) Use the service manual to install it. You will need to reflash the BIOS after you are done (whichever version you were on). 2. If you have an HDX 9000-9100, you will need both a new motherboard (HP part #464591-001) and the 8800M GTS card (HP part #454311-001). Also, you likely need a new heatsink since the first run HDXs were ATI only and the Heatsink may not work properly with the Nvidia GPU. The part number is 448176-001(ATI heatsink) or 531455-001(Nvidia heatsink). If you end up with a ATI heatsink, you can cut away the black film to expose more of the copper so that it properly mates with the Nvidia GPU's larger heat spreader. Here's a picture showing the difference between heatsinks (courtesy of Burke): *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* The difference is the ATI has more black film covering the copper surface of the heatsink and is missing the extended tab to cover the additional VRAM of the Nvidia GPU. RAM: Can be sucessfully upgraded to 8GB using PC2-5300 667mhz or PC2-6400 800mhz RAM (note: 800MHZ RAM will downclock to 667mhz). You will need (2) 4GB sticks. RAM modules have 200 pins. HDD: Can be upgraded to the latest 9.5mm height SATA HDDs of any capacity. Note: 12.5mm height drives will NOT fit. It has been confirmed. See HERE Can also be upgraded with 2.5" SATA SSDs. Best upgrade you can make. Looking for HDD Caddy for 2nd bay? HDX uses the same HDD caddy as HP Compaq 6910, 6910p, 8510, 8510p. Search ebay for a HDD caddy for one of those. (NOTE: this is NOT referring to the optical drive bay. This is a caddy for HDD bay #2 in the HDD compartment.) Optical Drive: Can be upgraded with Panasonic/Matsu.sh.i.ta UJ-220 Blu-ray drive (BD, BD-RE, BD-R, DVD & CD R,RW) (You cannot add a HDD using an Optical to HDD bay caddy because the BIOS will not allow it.) DUAL TV TUNERS: Can be upgraded to add a 2nd TV tuner into the HDX's empty Communication bay slot (where wifi card is). Proof of concept: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post7220353 DIY ViDock Setup: (Ability to add an external GPU to use on an external monitor). See here for discussion: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post6972458

GPU BAKING: In the unfortunate event that your GPU fails, be it the nVidia or ATI, you can possibly revive it by baking the GPU in the oven. There have been a few success stories with both cards from the HDX. There are various methods to accomplish this. Google "GPU bake" for Youtube videos. Here is one poster's account of success: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* Procedure: Remove the GPU from HDX. (Requires complete disassembly of HDX.) Preheat oven to 390-400 DegF. On a baking sheet, lay down two layers of aluminum foil. Put aluminum foil balls in the screw holes on the GPU board to act as feet. This prevents the GPU chip and RAM from making direct contact with any hot surface and allows hot air to flow under the board. Figure about 1 CM high feet. Place the GPU MXM card on top of the foil, GPU chip side down. Bake for 9-10mins. Take the GPU out and let it cool for 1 hour. Preheat the oven again at 390-400 DegF Repeat bake for another 9-10mins as before. take the GPU out and let it cool for another hour. Reassemble the HDX.

MAINTENANCE: CLEAN YOUR FANS! (Seriously, folks! ). Many a GPU failure has been due to dust and pet hair clogged up in the fan radiator grills. How to go about it: Remove the rear cover of the HDX. (See page 53-55 of the service manual) Don't forget to remove the little screw in the optical bay. Pry up the rear cover which has snaps, by starting near the hinge (either side of it). Use a vacuum cleaner of compressed air to get the dust out of the fan well and grilles. Use a toothpick or some other needle like instrument (e.g. Dentist's toothpick) to pry dust from between the radiator grilles. Use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean surface of fan blades. GPU fan (left one) is removable with a small jeweler's Philips screwdriver. Remove that to really get a good cleaning. POSSIBLE BATTERY RECONDITIONING METHOD: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2*

Link to Original Owners Lounge: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...rs-lounge.html

Link to Comptrekkie's illustrated HDX teardown: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-e...ml#post4684690

Link to a thread revealing the coming of the HDX: HP HDX gaming laptop, check it out!!!

[CompTrekkie]

WooHoo!! first post in new lounge,

[dv7t]

1st girl to post and 2nd member...

ya i go to the last page of part 1 and i was surprised until 2 said he would start another. phew! well i still don't understand about the loading times. i mean, mine is pretty instant, on a fast connection or even elsewhere on a slower high speed (384kbps)....it's not like all 1152 pages get loaded BEFORE the last page...so i dont get it, but no worries. its nice and tidy this way on the web end i'm sure.

[xanlexian]

Yay! New Dragon thread and I've got a post on the first page!!

Everything still working well on my Dragon. Especially since that video driver change that (somehow) fixed my remote control issue.

[kohai]

First question in the new thread. I just got another project Dragon, and the wireless network card won't turn on. It's orange on the console, unresponsive to touch, and the windows mobility center pop up shows a disabled button for turning it on. The device manager says it's operating properly. Any ideas? Just did a fresh load of Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate.

This HDX is strange. The outside shell looks almost unused, and the hinge is hard to operate, like it's only been opened a few times. Both the keyboard and QuickTouch board ZIF connectors were unconnected. When I realized this, I broke out the PDF manual and looked where they were and re-connected them. So far, the only thing I've needed from my parts Dragon was the twin 120Gb drives, and I could have gotten them anywhere. Sigh. Guess that one's next on the fix list.

[2.0™]

First question in the new thread. I just got another project Dragon, and the wireless network card won't turn on. It's orange on the console, unresponsive to touch, and the windows mobility center pop up shows a disabled button for turning it on. The device manager says it's operating properly. Any ideas? Just did a fresh load of Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate.

This HDX is strange. The outside shell looks almost unused, and the hinge is hard to operate, like it's only been opened a few times. Both the keyboard and QuickTouch board ZIF connectors were unconnected. When I realized this, I broke out the PDF manual and looked where they were and re-connected them. So far, the only thing I've needed from my parts Dragon was the twin 120Gb drives, and I could have gotten them anywhere. Sigh. Guess that one's next on the fix list.

Did you install HP wireless manager? You can probably turn it on from there.

[sammywantsya]

where can i find HDX i couldnt find it on official hp site

[2.0™]

where can i find HDX i couldnt find it on official hp site

You can't. It's been discontinued. A few pop up on eBay every now and again.

[kohai]

Did you install HP wireless manager? You can probably turn it on from there.

No I haven't. Is it on the softpaq page? I have that link.

You can't. It's been discontinued. A few pop up on eBay every now and again.

Yeah, somebody bought a pretty busted up one this AM. The specs were OK, and it was running, but the guy did a panic stop in his car, and the Dragon went flying. The display bezel is pretty messed up and he fixed it with super glue.

[2.0™]

No I haven't. Is it on the softpaq page? I have that link.

SP44700 is a version of HP wireless assistant that will work.