View Full Version : My sister's laptop
Hey guys! So my sister bought a new HP laptop for herself.
The specs are: i5 2,66Ghz, 4GB ram, 500GB HDD, Radeon HD6 (I don't know which card is exactly, I know it's from series 6).
I have a few questions:
- can laptop performance compare to desktop ones?
- W7 were already installed. should I leave automatic updates on?
- can it be overclocked? I looked in Bios, but couldn't find anything about frequencies and such
- I installed two games just for fun. First one was Dirt 2. When I reached the game menu it was completely unresponsive. Picture was barely moving. Then I tried with NFS: Shift. When I got into gameplay barely responsive! Shouldn't these two games play at least a bit?
- I have a few more questions, but can't remember them all now, gonna write them later :smile:
-first of all, this is a laptop gfx card benchmark chart - i should bookmark it really, because it's very useful -=> Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List - Notebookcheck.net Tech (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html)
-laptop vs desktop performance = depends what you're using it for - games? no. video/image/av editing (high end)? no.
-nothing wrong with win7 auto updates - what version of windows 7 did it come with though? there's a comparison chart here to check out the differences -=> Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare)
-overclocking depends on the manufacturer.
-no, those games won't play out of the box (perfectly), but there are many laptop gaming sites around (mostly forums) where people post gfx/texture/directx hacks to allow newer games to run on laptops.
hope this helps a little :D
Firstly congrats from my side to your sister on purchasing a new HP Laptop, I'm sure her money is not wasted. I'm also a proud HP Laptop owner :wsmile:
- Of-course you can compare Laptops with Desktops upto certain extends. Since laptops are meant to be portable which makes it be less of weight and easy to carry unlike PC which are little heavy.
- Windows Automatic updates I would say switch it off since it saves some amount of memory and increase the speed upto some extent and do an update whenever you are live on the net maybe once a week or so.
- Never overclock laptops its Ok to over-clock your PC but when it comes to Laptops they tend to behave unfair and might be costlier to repair its parts once it gets bricked due to overclocking. Repairing a PC even a intermediate lame can do.
- Before playing games and using other big applications remember to install/update your drivers. Installing your drives would considerably increase your games performances well as the over-all computer use-age.
Looking at your sisters Laptop specs I can guarantee that those games are supported on her system and could play considerable good if all the required installations are done which I mentioned earlier.
-_Feel free to PM me if you have any more computer related questions.
- W7 were already installed.
It is likely that the install is full of programs you'll never use and only eat disk space and resources. When I received my netbook I almost had a heart attack after opening the Task Manager - right after boot-up there were already 50+ processes using 75% of available memory.
You could try to "decrapify" it yourself, but it's much better to take note of which drivers you need and then just reinstall Windows 7 from scratch. You could use Master Razor's custom edition (send him a PM to get the links) or even Microsoft's official release - even that will be lighter than most preinstalled OSes. Do however make a backup of the current install (unless the laptop came with a recovery or factory reset disc) in case you ever need to go back for whatever reason.
As for gaming, generally that's a no-no on laptops, and you should definitely forget about it if the graphics card is actually an integrated chipset. Gaming-capable laptops (called "desktop replacements") do exist, though, but I don't know if your sister's is one. My advice would be to google the model name and see what people have to say about it.
with regards to what anon mentioned about the win7 installation, as long as you have a valid license, you could easily lay your hands on the exact same version of windows online, and use your legit license key to register/activate.
that's only necessary if the manufacturer has not provided you with clean installation disks - many companies now only bundle those restore discs which install windows plus all the junk the vendor bundled with it...
And how can I see this license key? I didn't get any kind of disc with laptop.
Any yea @anon, process are way to much, over 90 currently. The thing is since I don't know a thing about W7 I don't wanna mess something up, that's way I left everything as it is.
And I didn't really expect it be a game machine!
And how can I see this license key? I didn't get any kind of disc with laptop.
Try this:
Win keyfinder Product Key Finder For Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and MS Office 2000, MS Office XP, MS Office 2007, MS Office 2010 (http://www.winkeyfinder.com/)
Any yea @anon, process are way to much, over 90 currently.
90!? That's extreme.
You could try to "decrapify" it yourself
or use this free tool: Download | The PC Decrapifier (http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/download)
When I received my netbook I almost had a heart attack after opening the Task Manager - right after boot-up there were already 50+ processes using 75% of available memory.
I hear you, anon! The same here. I was just wondering if there is a list somewhere of what can be taken out safely.
I hear you, anon! The same here. I was just wondering if there is a list somewhere of what can be taken out safely.
This guy (http://www.blackviper.com/2010/12/17/black-vipers-windows-7-service-pack-1-service-configurations/) knows what he's talking about. You can set half of Windows 7's default services to either disabled or manual without problems.
Thank you for reminding! Black Viper has been around for awhile... I remember, when the site was down, I really missed him!
nothingbutupload
13.05.11, 02:23
Most of the time a stock laptop will not let you overclock. Sorry.
90!? That's extreme.
Tell me about it!
Try this:
Win keyfinder Product Key Finder For Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and MS Office 2000, MS Office XP, MS Office 2007, MS Office 2010 (http://www.winkeyfinder.com/)
or use this free tool: Download | The PC Decrapifier (http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/download)
Gonna check these two links!
I know there's a bunch of HP software on it, not to mention other stuff!
I'll try to help you to solve the gaming problem,
Radeon HD6 (I don't know which card is exactly, I know it's from series 6).
Do this:
Start -> Run -> Type "dxdiag" without the quotes -> Select the "Display" tab
and tell us the full name of the card.
- I installed two games just for fun. First one was Dirt 2. When I reached the game menu it was completely unresponsive. Picture was barely moving. Then I tried with NFS: Shift. When I got into gameplay barely responsive! Shouldn't these two games play at least a bit?
A Radeon 6 Series is considered "new" and should be able to run them with some speeds (Sure a laptop Radeon is slower than a desktop equivalent) but you say non-responsive ?!, this is strange.
Did you tweak the settings ? (Graphics options to Medium or Low)
Also Updating drivers could help:
AMD Graphics Drivers & Software (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx)
---
Finally, I agree paramour, never overclock the laptop and I doubt you can anyway :P
I'll try to help you to solve the gaming problem,
Do this:
Start -> Run -> Type "dxdiag" without the quotes -> Select the "Display" tab
and tell us the full name of the card.
It's HD6370
A Radeon 6 Series is considered "new" and should be able to run them with some speeds (Sure a laptop Radeon is slower than a desktop equivalent) but you say non-responsive ?!, this is strange.
Did you tweak the settings ? (Graphics options to Medium or Low)
Also Updating drivers could help:
AMD Graphics Drivers & Software (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx)
---
Finally, I agree paramour, never overclock the laptop and I doubt you can anyway :P
Gonna update next week when she gets internet.
And I honestly wouldn't even try to overclock it, she'd probably murder me if something went wrong! :D
Found the following, looks useful:
Windows startup programs. What are they? Are they required? How can I disable them? (http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php)
Sysinfo.org (http://www.sysinfo.org/)
As for gaming, generally that's a no-no on laptops, and you should definitely forget about it if the graphics card is actually an integrated chipset. Gaming-capable laptops (called "desktop replacements") do exist, though, but I don't know if your sister's is one. My advice would be to google the model name and see what people have to say about it.
While the thread has progressed quite a bit, I did feel the need to write about this.
Anon, don't talk shit, boy. While it is true that the mobility graphics cards that ati produces for laptops aren't as good as the desktop variants (only natural because power consumption, size, heat, etc becomes more important on a laptop), it's far from true that gaming is a no-no on a laptop. It's 2010 now and not 1999. I'm also quite confident that integrated chipsets these days are almost only found on netbooks, which aren't notebooks... And we are talking about notebooks here after all. No one in their right mind would try to game on a netbook, imho.
Myself and quite some friends have recently replaced our desktops by notebooks because mobility became more and more important. I do enjoy the occasional game, like my friends do as well. While a laptop with the same brute power as a high end desktop will cost you quite a bit of cash, that does not mean you can't game on a mid-range one.
I have bought a mid-range laptop (under 1000 euro) myself and I can assure you that my brother could even play Starcraft II on it on max settings. (I reference to this one as it was the last game i can remember that has graphics that good and has been on my laptop). While I haven't tried NFS Shift, I have tried NFS HP and that too works like a charm on max settings.
Anon, don't talk shit, boy. While it is true that the mobility graphics cards that ati produces for laptops aren't as good as the desktop variants (only natural because power consumption, size, heat, etc becomes more important on a laptop), it's far from true that gaming is a no-no on a laptop. It's 2010 now and not 1999. I'm also quite confident that integrated chipsets these days are almost only found on netbooks, which aren't notebooks... And we are talking about notebooks here after all. No one in their right mind would try to game on a netbook, imho.
http://www.sb-innovation.de/attachment.php?attachmentid=10789
SaintShaolin
15.05.11, 02:04
I don't have any idea for your issues.
But as for overclocking, I wouldn't do it with laptops,
especially since laptops are allergic to heat.
Unlike desktops, you can't have fancy cooling solutions in laptops.
is good to remember that if u are using 32b system u are already loosing 500MB RAM because 32b systems can only handle around 3.5G even less... to be more exact 3.25G
and if u are using x64 system.. yeah is heavier than 32b
i'm talking this because i did not see anything asking ^^
and is good to know... many ppl forget or don't even know that 32b only accept certain amount of RAM
i have mine x64 running with around 625MB
just follow anon's tip about black viper and u can gain a lot
for the card u can see the specs with GPUZ TechPowerUp GPU-Z v0.5.3 (http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/)
also for system specs u can try CPU-Z CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting (http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html)
is very important to know your system before make any overclock so i just thought that was interesting if u wanna know your system in simple way without install everest or something like that
u can find some useful info with those programs without install anything(they run without install)
another important thing is always... ALWAYS download the last drivers for your GPU for optimize their use
and probably if u not install anything there is a good chance that comes without a proper graphic driver i just something U have to do and the store most of the times give u just the basics....
hope it helps and congrats HP is a good lap
One more thing. I was playing Dragon Age last night for about an hour. While playing I had the AC Adapter pluged in so that the laptop wouldn't run on battery. Anyway, when I stopped playing the adapter was like super hot. I really burned my skin a bit. Is that suppose to be normal?
Burned your skin Oo ? well it's supposed to be hot. if it stop working just buy a new one. just make sure it's not near nitroglycerin.
Well I didn't burn instantly, but if you'd hold for more than 10s you can easily burn yourself!
One more thing. I was playing Dragon Age last night for about an hour. While playing I had the AC Adapter pluged in so that the laptop wouldn't run on battery. Anyway, when I stopped playing the adapter was like super hot. I really burned my skin a bit. Is that suppose to be normal?
i guess is not supposed to be SO SUPER hot
pay attention on that because bad energy can cause problems to all your system and maybe damage some hardware
i recommend u to call to store just to check or go to there and tell them the problem while u have warranty
hot is normal but NOT THAT HOT
i edited to say... don't worry if u installed some other software at least in my country the warranty is still valid because we all know that software can't cause the hardware to die or burn, well BSOD is a windows system native and don't count...LOL just kidding
so i guess this extends for all countries since there is no reason to blame u for install a game or a driver except if u install some overclock program of course but that's another case
One more thing. I was playing Dragon Age last night for about an hour. While playing I had the AC Adapter pluged in so that the laptop wouldn't run on battery. Anyway, when I stopped playing the adapter was like super hot. I really burned my skin a bit. Is that suppose to be normal?
As it's been said above, high temperature is normal.
On a sidenote: remember to remove the battery if you've plugged the laptop to a power socket. Modern operating systems will automatically switch to AC power only so you won't see a "100% charged -> 99% -> charging... -> 100% -> 99%..." loop, but I'd still recommend to do so.
Well I didn't burn instantly, but if you'd hold for more than 10s you can easily burn yourself!
I'm not sure you're supposed to put your finger on an AC adapter for more than ten seconds. :eyebrows:
Probably not, however, I'm surprised at how hot it is running. Mine's hot too, but it's still at the point i can hold it against my face for quite a while.
Maybe something to google to see if it's a common problem or just normal?
As it's been said above, high temperature is normal.
On a sidenote: remember to remove the battery if you've plugged the laptop to a power socket. Modern operating systems will automatically switch to AC power only so you won't see a "100% charged -> 99% -> charging... -> 100% -> 99%..." loop, but I'd still recommend to do so.
Didn't know that. Gonna try it probably tomorrow!
I'm not sure you're supposed to put your finger on an AC adapter for more than ten seconds. :eyebrows:
Why not? It can't electrocute me! :D
Probably not, however, I'm surprised at how hot it is running. Mine's hot too, but it's still at the point i can hold it against my face for quite a while.
Maybe something to google to see if it's a common problem or just normal?
Gonna see if it happens always, then I'm gonna google a bit!
Would you guys say hibernation is better on or off?
Would you guys say hibernation is better on or off?
Depends on if you use it or not. If you don't it's just a waste of disk space.
On a sidenote: remember to remove the battery if you've plugged the laptop to a power socket. Modern operating systems will automatically switch to AC power only so you won't see a "100% charged -> 99% -> charging... -> 100% -> 99%..." loop, but I'd still recommend to do so.
very good note i forget abt that
One more thing. I was playing Dragon Age last night for about an hour. While playing I had the AC Adapter pluged in so that the laptop wouldn't run on battery. Anyway, when I stopped playing the adapter was like super hot. I really burned my skin a bit. Is that suppose to be normal?
well i have a sony vaio and AC Adapter not get heat that high to burn skin but it's hot
my hibernation is off but is something like anon's said if u gonna use, keep it
in my case most of the times that i turn on that never get a change to hibernate because i use a lot so i turn off to save space
Would you guys say hibernation is better on or off?
I haven't shut down my laptop in 2 years. I always hibernate or reboot if I really have to. Not a single issue so far, the quick start up is completely worth it...
If I leave hibernation on, and if I want something to do that takes a lot of time, leave it over night, will it be doing it?
If you've hibernated the machine first, then obviously not. Otherwise, sure. Make sure the computer isn't set to sleep (which is a different concept) after X minutes of inactivity in the power settings.
If I leave hibernation on, and if I want something to do that takes a lot of time, leave it over night, will it be doing it?
I suggest to disable all automatic sleep, hibernation etc on AC mode. I guess it's okay to let it automatically do this on battery so you don't lose any data. Since that won't happen on AC mode, I have turned all those settings off (including when closing the lid etc). When I'm done with my work, I just manually click start -> hibernate.
I suggest to disable all automatic sleep, hibernation etc on AC mode. I guess it's okay to let it automatically do this on battery so you don't lose any data. Since that won't happen on AC mode, I have turned all those settings off (including when closing the lid etc). When I'm done with my work, I just manually click start -> hibernate.
:yup:
I suggest to disable all automatic sleep, hibernation etc on AC mode. I guess it's okay to let it automatically do this on battery so you don't lose any data. Since that won't happen on AC mode, I have turned all those settings off (including when closing the lid etc). When I'm done with my work, I just manually click start -> hibernate.
Where do I find this option?
Go to Start -> Run, type powercfg.cpl and press Enter.
I noticed that when I minimize some programs they "hide". Usually in XP you could see them in task bar, but here I can't see them, their icons. Can anyone plz tell if this can be fixed?
yoco, some of them can be found in the system tray (lower right corner), it's by design.
yoco, some of them can be found in the system tray (lower right corner), it's by design.
Thnx, and I actually meant that system tray and not task bar as I wrote (don't know why I did that??) :D
I noticed that when I minimize some programs they "hide". Usually in XP you could see them in task bar, but here I can't see them, their icons. Can anyone plz tell if this can be fixed?
read this and u will fix your system tray "problem"
show-more-all-icons-on-windows-7-system-tray (http://www.tothepc.com/archives/show-more-all-icons-on-windows-7-system-tray/)
Personally I make em all hide except for sound, dropbox and the clock. Looks far too cluttered if they're all showing imho
I have an embarrassing question. Is my sister's laptop i5 dual core or quad core???
I have an embarrassing question. Is my sister's laptop i5 dual core or quad core???
all i3s are dual cores.
all i7s are quads.
i5 can be either one. since i haven't seen you specify which i5 you exactly have, it's very hard to say.
I'm not sure but I think it's dual core. Gonna check it out when I get my hands on it :D
I thought that all i5 are quads! How do you even know the difference?
if I recall correctly, the i5-7xx are a quad cores, the i5-6xx series are dual cores (both with hyper-threading.)
Guys, plz help me find the right drivers for the laptops graphic card. As said before it's Radeon HD6370. I don't wanna mess anything up!
Can't you check the amount of cores using CPU-Z or something?
Guys, plz help me find the right drivers for the laptops graphic card. As said before it's Radeon HD6370.
Go to ATI.com and use the driver finder on the right :unsure:
Go to ATI.com and use the driver finder on the right :unsure:
Under Product Model, I don't know which one to choose! Not sure!
:frown:
Graphic Cards -> Radeon HD Series -> Radeon HD 6xxx Series PCIe -> Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit depending on what yours is).
And relax, in most cases if you've picked the wrong driver it will refuse to be installed.
You probably want this (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/radeonmob_win7-32.aspx) for 32 or this (http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/radeonmob_win7-64.aspx) for 64 bit.
If you don't know which, it's most likely the 64 bit. If you're running 32bit, the 64 bit will refuse to install so you can just try the 32 bit afterwards.
Graphic Cards -> Radeon HD Series -> Radeon HD 6xxx Series PCIe -> Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit depending on what yours is).
And relax, in most cases if you've picked the wrong driver it will refuse to be installed.
You forgot to note that he needs to take the notebook version ;o)
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