Generally, yes, though the driver differences mean that frequently the professional GPUs are optimized for OpenGL and other apps and not so much for gaming. If they had all of the latest game code optimizations in the Quadro drivers it might help, but there may be some BIOS level tweaks as well to improve certain tasks.
When it comes to the Quadro, its drivers are certified to work with the big pro apps (Solid Works, etc etc). These drivers are typically slower, but more stable.
But they still run consumer stuff just fine. You can load standard drivers onto a machine with a quadro and get the speed bump though.
when DDR3 came out it was a bitch to find 4GB modules; as in all DIMMs they finally ramped up production and 4 GB DIMMs are a reality.
My concern is who is the MOBO maker? I have a MSI MOBO on current desktop and the plastic clamp holding the DIMM into its slot FELL OFF...so it will not hold my 4GB DIMM into its slot. and it would not boot that way. So, beware of the MOBO that a maker or you use to shave a few bucks... As in everything like that poop happens...but it bends me when a few bucks is shaved for lesser quality. MSI one of the companies that shaves for the $ advantage. IMHO.
i like it. seems like two of my biggest complain has been fixed (or mitigated) 1. the volume bar is now button operated. this will be light years better than before. 2. apparently they re-sized keyboard to be more track pointer friendly. now if they can fix the driver so it behaves just like thinkpad.
Thinkpad W520 literature says it uses NVIDIA Optimus and will be available with either Quadro 1000M or Quadro 2000M.
Doesn't Optimus copy the discrete graphics card results back into the integrated graphics device memory? If that is true, then it might use much more PCI bandwidth, so it might have lower performance than driving the screen directly from the discrete graphics output.
As I understand, Optimus is only implemented for Windows 7. IF the notebook manufacturer takes advantage of Optimus to omit the wired connection from the discrete GPU to the screen, and omit a switch/mux between the integrated graphics output and the discrete graphics output, THEN it may be impossible to use the discrete GPU in any other operating system besides Windows 7.
1920 is just too high a resolution for a 15.6" screen, IMO - I have one right now, a Lenovo, and while the extra resolution is nice for work, it's also tedious on the eyes, and I really prefer the lower resolution of my old Dell.
That said, it's too bad they don't offer a 1600x900 IPS display option. If they did I'd sell my 6-month old Lenovo i7 laptop and get an HP in a heartbeat. (I may still switch and just get the 1920x1080 HP, since I find the color quality of the lenovo display to be absolutely awful - but I'd need to see the HP in person first).
i believe up coming lenovo finally understand there is a market for good screen. the x220 will have IPS option so you don't have to have a tablet in order to get it. they may just flow that trend to their T and W.
you must be quite blind, my dear. My laptop is a 17" 1920*1200 and I've had it for three years.. Look up dell vostro 17" .. or just about any decent 17" laptop with a screen option.
There will NEVER be anything in technology that apple offers and others do not, that would be against the laws of the universe.
I like the general direction they are going with the machine, but I am a bit dismayed that they switched to a 16:9 aspect ratio for the displays. On a productivity device, I expect everything to be conducive to being, well, productive. Removing some of my viewing real-estate is counterintuitive to being productive; the more lines of code I can see the better. Having said that, the rest of the build looks great and I'd love to put one through its paces.
Also, to the commenter above me: they don't have SSDs for the same reason you don't see Thunderbolt: the technology has not sufficiently proven itself to be adopted by businesses en masse, yet. I've never seen a server with a primarily SSD storage solution.
HP BL490c G6 and G7 - both use SSDs for local boot storage. (dont even offer a traditional hard drive) HP also offers SATA and soon SAS based SSDs in the standard 2.5" ProLiant drive caddy that are compatible with almost every model of ProLiant servers from DL to BL to ML and even the new SL.
I wouldn't read much into the lack of mention of an SSD option in the article. Laptops use 2.5" drives. SSDs are 2.5" drives I would expect to see at least 1 if not more options on the CTO (Configurable) page for an SSD once these machines launch. Keep in mind it said May so there is still some time left.
I've done a lot of support for a lot of people I know, and man do those HP's go in RMA often.
Seriously, this is a tech website, with techies reading, It would make sense if you could all share your experience with HP prebuilt stuff.
Because so far, I must say I've been impressed with how bad HP stuff could be (seen quite a few laptops with dead fans or other major RMA-requiring problems within their first year or just after the warranty expired).
I've never used an HP desktop system that wasn't trash. Their entire consumer line is glossy garbage with barely adequate internals. I'm talking loading the rig up with a C2Q Q9500, 4GB of RAM, and then topping it off with a 200W power supply. That lack of overhead bothers me and might have something to do with the unexpected reboots or memory dumps. Not had one long enough to completely die on me, though.
I've used the low-end business desktops, and they generally have fidgety power switches. They are, however, much more stable.
On the portable side, the only consumer-grade devices worth considering are the ENVY line. HP choosing to remove some of the high-end options that made them worth their small premium just reeks of a money grab. And then there's the overheating and metal warping issues I had with the 17" platform.
Their business line is their only saving grace. Using a 15" EliteBook two generations removed, it's been fantastic. Can't fault much about it other than being a bit on the chunky side. I can't speak to the lower end models, though.
What a big fat disappointment with the graphics cards. No AMD/ATI FirePro M8900 option. Not with the 8560W, nor with the 8760W. What about letting the customer decide which manufacturer. Boo and shame on HP. manufacturer.
Lenovo is even worse, no AMD/ATI card options on the W520, and no W720 announced.
Let's hope for everyone who is purchasing a SNB Elitebook workstation from HP or Lenovo, that NVidia doesn't crap up this time and keep silent about. How can HP put so much fait in just one
If Dell's M4600 or M6600 come with a FirePro M8900 option, my money goes there. When not, waiting for the next refresh.
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29 Comments
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douglaswilliams - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
The EliteBook 8560w looks like a sweet spot. How many DDR3 slots do they give to get to 32 GB?Maybe four slots by 8GB? Do they make 16GB SODIMMs?
GeorgeH - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
According to the HP website, quad-core models come with 4 slots, dual core with 2 slots.AstroGuardian - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
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DanNeely - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
They don't even make nonECC 8GB dimms yet. 16GB dimms are at least a die shrink away.GeorgeH - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
From what I can gather:8460W:
M3900 ~= 6470M
8560W:
M5950 ~= 6770M
1000M ~= GT540M
2000M ~= GT555M
8760W:
M5950 ~= 6770M
3000M ~= GTX560M
4000M ~= 485M
5010M ~= 485M
I know at least half of those are wrong, though. If anyone has a better idea of the rough consumer equivalents, I'd be grateful.
(And yes, I know the differences between Quadro and GeForce, so there's no need to drag that pony out of the barn.)
ImSpartacus - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
Professional graphics can still run consumer applications like video games, right? I admit I'm rather under-read on the subject.JarredWalton - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
Generally, yes, though the driver differences mean that frequently the professional GPUs are optimized for OpenGL and other apps and not so much for gaming. If they had all of the latest game code optimizations in the Quadro drivers it might help, but there may be some BIOS level tweaks as well to improve certain tasks.Stuka87 - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
When it comes to the Quadro, its drivers are certified to work with the big pro apps (Solid Works, etc etc). These drivers are typically slower, but more stable.But they still run consumer stuff just fine. You can load standard drivers onto a machine with a quadro and get the speed bump though.
enbeuu - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
when DDR3 came out it was a bitch to find 4GB modules; as in all DIMMs they finally ramped up production and 4 GB DIMMs are a reality.My concern is who is the MOBO maker?
I have a MSI MOBO on current desktop and the plastic clamp holding the DIMM into its slot FELL OFF...so it will not hold my 4GB DIMM into its slot. and it would not boot that way.
So, beware of the MOBO that a maker or you use to shave a few bucks...
As in everything like that poop happens...but it bends me when a few bucks is shaved for lesser quality.
MSI one of the companies that shaves for the $ advantage. IMHO.
kenyee - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
Kind of useful information w/ laptops, no? :-(jrocks84 - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
8460w: Starting at 4.9 lb8560w: Starting at 6.69 lb
8760w: Starting at 7.66 lb
source: HP website
seanleeforever - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
i like it.seems like two of my biggest complain has been fixed (or mitigated)
1. the volume bar is now button operated. this will be light years better than before.
2. apparently they re-sized keyboard to be more track pointer friendly. now if they can fix the driver so it behaves just like thinkpad.
time to talk to my IT and update my 8730W.
jrocks84 - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
Know if these laptops support Optimus when paired with the Nvidia offerings? If so, I will seriously consider buying one.JarredWalton - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
I don't believe anyone has done Optimus with Quadro GPUs... they're more worried about 100% stability and compatibility with professional programs.Roland00 - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/nvidia-debuts-n...Lenovo ThinkPad T410s has the NVS 3100M in optimus
The upcomming Lenovo Thinkpad W520 will have the NVIDIA Quadro 1000M in optimus
gc_ - Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - link
Thinkpad W520 literature says it uses NVIDIA Optimus and will be available with either Quadro 1000M or Quadro 2000M.Doesn't Optimus copy the discrete graphics card results back into the integrated graphics device memory? If that is true, then it might use much more PCI bandwidth, so it might have lower performance than driving the screen directly from the discrete graphics output.
As I understand, Optimus is only implemented for Windows 7. IF the notebook manufacturer takes advantage of Optimus to omit the wired connection from the discrete GPU to the screen, and omit a switch/mux between the integrated graphics output and the discrete graphics output, THEN it may be impossible to use the discrete GPU in any other operating system besides Windows 7.
<pre>
iGPU
| \
RAM switch----Screen
| /
dGPU
iGPU----Screen
|
RAM
| (pci)
dGPU
</pre>
CList - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
1920 is just too high a resolution for a 15.6" screen, IMO - I have one right now, a Lenovo, and while the extra resolution is nice for work, it's also tedious on the eyes, and I really prefer the lower resolution of my old Dell.That said, it's too bad they don't offer a 1600x900 IPS display option. If they did I'd sell my 6-month old Lenovo i7 laptop and get an HP in a heartbeat. (I may still switch and just get the 1920x1080 HP, since I find the color quality of the lenovo display to be absolutely awful - but I'd need to see the HP in person first).
Cheers,
CList
seanleeforever - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
get the IPS. it is way to go.i believe up coming lenovo finally understand there is a market for good screen. the x220 will have IPS option so you don't have to have a tablet in order to get it. they may just flow that trend to their T and W.
drajitsh - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
when apple can make 1920 x 1200 17" macbook pros why can't pc makers do the same thing.:-(
L. - Friday, April 15, 2011 - link
you must be quite blind, my dear.My laptop is a 17" 1920*1200 and I've had it for three years.. Look up dell vostro 17" .. or just about any decent 17" laptop with a screen option.
There will NEVER be anything in technology that apple offers and others do not, that would be against the laws of the universe.
Spartacus00 - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
Did I miss it, or was there no mention of SSD hard drives. Seems a bit backwards to have high powered machines like these and not have an SSD.von Krupp - Thursday, April 14, 2011 - link
I like the general direction they are going with the machine, but I am a bit dismayed that they switched to a 16:9 aspect ratio for the displays. On a productivity device, I expect everything to be conducive to being, well, productive. Removing some of my viewing real-estate is counterintuitive to being productive; the more lines of code I can see the better. Having said that, the rest of the build looks great and I'd love to put one through its paces.Also, to the commenter above me: they don't have SSDs for the same reason you don't see Thunderbolt: the technology has not sufficiently proven itself to be adopted by businesses en masse, yet. I've never seen a server with a primarily SSD storage solution.
purrcatian - Saturday, April 23, 2011 - link
I think you are wrong about the SSDs. Previous HP Workstation models has options for SSDs.Casper42 - Monday, April 25, 2011 - link
HP BL490c G6 and G7 - both use SSDs for local boot storage. (dont even offer a traditional hard drive)HP also offers SATA and soon SAS based SSDs in the standard 2.5" ProLiant drive caddy that are compatible with almost every model of ProLiant servers from DL to BL to ML and even the new SL.
I wouldn't read much into the lack of mention of an SSD option in the article.
Laptops use 2.5" drives.
SSDs are 2.5" drives
I would expect to see at least 1 if not more options on the CTO (Configurable) page for an SSD once these machines launch. Keep in mind it said May so there is still some time left.
L. - Friday, April 15, 2011 - link
Well,I've done a lot of support for a lot of people I know, and man do those HP's go in RMA often.
Seriously, this is a tech website, with techies reading, It would make sense if you could all share your experience with HP prebuilt stuff.
Because so far, I must say I've been impressed with how bad HP stuff could be (seen quite a few laptops with dead fans or other major RMA-requiring problems within their first year or just after the warranty expired).
von Krupp - Friday, April 15, 2011 - link
I've never used an HP desktop system that wasn't trash. Their entire consumer line is glossy garbage with barely adequate internals. I'm talking loading the rig up with a C2Q Q9500, 4GB of RAM, and then topping it off with a 200W power supply. That lack of overhead bothers me and might have something to do with the unexpected reboots or memory dumps. Not had one long enough to completely die on me, though.I've used the low-end business desktops, and they generally have fidgety power switches. They are, however, much more stable.
On the portable side, the only consumer-grade devices worth considering are the ENVY line. HP choosing to remove some of the high-end options that made them worth their small premium just reeks of a money grab. And then there's the overheating and metal warping issues I had with the 17" platform.
Their business line is their only saving grace. Using a 15" EliteBook two generations removed, it's been fantastic. Can't fault much about it other than being a bit on the chunky side. I can't speak to the lower end models, though.
IntoGraphics - Sunday, April 17, 2011 - link
What a big fat disappointment with the graphics cards.No AMD/ATI FirePro M8900 option. Not with the 8560W, nor with the 8760W.
What about letting the customer decide which manufacturer.
Boo and shame on HP.
manufacturer.
Lenovo is even worse, no AMD/ATI card options on the W520, and no W720 announced.
Let's hope for everyone who is purchasing a SNB Elitebook workstation from HP or Lenovo, that NVidia doesn't crap up this time and keep silent about. How can HP put so much fait in just one
If Dell's M4600 or M6600 come with a FirePro M8900 option, my money goes there.
When not, waiting for the next refresh.
Casper42 - Monday, April 25, 2011 - link
I was really hoping to find Quad DIMMs on the EB s-series review AT did a while ago and was disappointed when I found they were all 2 DIMM models.How does one get a crapload of memory without being forced to buy advanced graphics and IPS displays?