Did u install the HP Bluetooth Manager? Pls check the first post for the link under drivers for Vista

Not sure cos I havent really looked into it. The interface is quite cool though.

Yup. Everthing should be installed. Vista and drivers CD should be provided too.

Card reader utility, Modem, Wifi, LAN. I have updated the first post for the list of drivers needed for Vista 32bit. Pls check it and download the drivers.

How bout the noise? Is it the same?

Which driver? Can you list them out?

Btw, for those using 4GB RAM and Vista 32bit can you report the amount of RAM usable? eg 3.25GB or 3.5GB

Did you install HP BT Manager?

You are correct. The usable amount the most will be 3.75GB max depending on hardware configuration.


I have read somewhere that you need memory stick of same capacity for dual channel. So using 3GB will become single channel. Btw, I ordered a DDR2 800 2GB. I will test whether 3GB supports dual channel or not.

What resolution u r using? I tried FIFA 09 at highest resolution and medium settings. Playable but a bit laggy. I think need to lower down settings and resolution. I prefer to play games at native LCD resolution though.

CPU is possible but the fastest u can upgrade is to Turion Ultra series. I dont think its worth it because the generation is already slow and you wont get more than 20% speed boost even by getting the fastest Turion Ultra.

Graphic is soldered on so its not possible.

Nice

Btw, it seems the chipset runs optimally with DDR2 800.

Max is 4GB. HP published it wrongly. The optimum speed is DDR2 800 but HP installed only DDR2 677. Maybe want to clear stock.

Btw, I ordered two 2GB DDR2 800 sticks. Waiting for it to reach so that can test it out. Now in dilemma whether to switch to 64 bit cos some of my hardware is not compatible with 64bit.

You can find in HP Malaysia's online store. Yup, HK version comes with Turion X2 Ultra and WIFI n. Honestly, the performance difference between Turion X2 RM-70 2.0Ghz and Ultra ZM-80 2.1Ghz is less than 10% even with double amount of cache. AMD CPUs dont need big cache because of integrated memory controller. The architecture is old so in terms of performance and power efficiency, even the first gen of Core 2 Duo smacks Turion Ultra.

I just got my first 2GB DDR2 800 stick. Put it in and mix with my 1GB DDR2 667. Tried some benchmarks, and the scores are pretty much same like 2x2GB DDR2 667.

After that, I removed the 1GB DDR2 667 stick. With single 2GB DDR2 800 stick, the system boots faster and feel more responsive. Tried benchmarks and its faster than DDR2 667 especially in latency. Cant wait for my 2nd 2GB stick tomorrow.

HP did the wrong choice. Should have bundled the system with DDR2 800 sticks. I will post some benchmarks if I'm free tomorrow.

Nope. The RAM compartment is easily accesible. Just make sure u keep the original RAM stick for warranty purpose.

GDDR2 running at 500mhz = DDR2 1000.

I dont think can overclock the GPU. There is no overclocking options. Vista rating is 4.0.

I think so. Not sure but better be safe.

320GB 7200rpm. As long as its the standard SATA 2.5inch HDD can support.

If u have money add few more hundred and get CQ45 with Core 2 and 9200M GS. This notebook is good but battery life is terrible.

Btw, I got my 2nd 2GB DDR2 800 stick today. I've tested DDR2 667, 800 single and dual channel RAM sticks on my system. Tested using Everest 4.6. Here are the results:

RAM sticks used:
Qimonda 1GB DDR2 667 CL5
Mushkin Basic 1GB DDR2 667 CL5
Transcend 2GB DDR2 800 CL5 (2sticks)

From the results, it seems 780G chipset runs best on DDR2 800 RAM. Using two sticks boost memory copy score. Latency is lower with DDR2 800 sticks too. Btw, of 4096MB, only 3068MB is recognised in Vista 32bit

For AMD chipsets, not only same speed but same capacities are also required for dual channel. Not like Intel. From my testing, SC and DC's difference is not big so I think the optimum config for this model is 2 sticks of 1GB DDR2 800 or 1GB+2GB DDR2 800. DDR2 667 is really slowing down things.


Yeah. Well Intel system is worth it because Core 2 is much more snappier and longer batter life.

Radeon HD 3450 is fast only when paired with a Core 2 CPU in Centrino platform. 9200M GS with a Core 2 will definately beat HD 3450 with Turion. Turion is really slow and limiting the Radeon IMHO.

Few days never checked this thread so many hot topics came out

1) HDMI - no drivers are needed. Just install ATI Catalyst drivers and IDT HD Audio and you are all set. Get a HDMI cable, plug to LCD or plasma and comp should be able to auto detect external display. Can support up to 1920x1080 and 5.1 sound. I have tried with my LCD TV. Play HD video damn nice. Video and audio all in one cable.

2) Ready boost - If you have 2GB and above, you will notice not much difference or I would say no difference. If you still want to get, I suggest you to get a Class 6 SDHC card. Ready boost can support up to 4GB only. So if u get more than 4GB, u can allocated up to 4GB for ready boost and rest for storage. Since RAM is cheap nowdays, why not upgrade to 3 or 4GB. Much faster than Ready boost.

3) RAM upgrade - The system comes with 1GB of DDR2 667 RAM. If you are planning to upgrade, get another piece of 1GB or 2GB DDR2 667 RAM. DDR2 667 is not the optimum speed so if you have extra cash, remove the 1GB get 2X1GB or 2X2GB DDR2 800 RAM. Your system will be snappier. I've tried and benchmarked this.

Yup. Its removable. I have tested the comp with one stick and two sticks. Two sticks is faster little bit. Yeah if 32bit OS out of 4GB can use 3GB only. 1GB is missing.

Nothing can be done with the heat. The case and ventilation design is pretty bad because no vents above the CPU and GPU. HD 3450 makes things worst. If you mix 667 and 800, it will run at 667. Later u can add remove the 667 and add 800. For catalyst, u can use HP's drivers or AMD's. HP's is outdated. AMD driver needs to be modded so you need to get Mobility modder from driverheave.net

HP's drivers also works. But if you want latest drivers, download from AMD and mod using Mobility Modder.

I dont think HP will exchange if 1 pixel but you can try your luck. Your seller should change the notebook though since within one week.

You need a HDMI cable. Just connect to LCD and laptop will detect external display.

No esata for CQ40. Only CQ45.

Actually u should find the distributor of your laptop, not HP. Distributor normally have stock so they will change straight away. If HP, they will ship from Singapore so takes time. To check your distributor, see the stickers on your laptop's box. Mine is ECS. I think there are 3 main distro in Msia.