At first I thought about buying a new MSI from the same class(EX) like my old one,but it turned out that there was a new contender for the title "Mah Laptop"... The COMPAQ 615.
At first I was a bit apprehensive,because I'm not used to buying a "brand name" computer, so when I saw this baby http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/bg/bg/sm/WF06b/321957-321957-64295-3955548-3955548-3958411-3958447.html?jumpid=oc_R1002_BGBGC-001_Compaq%20615%20Notebook%20PC&lang=bg&cc=bg priced at 919 BGN (or about 460Euro) I thought that there seemed to be either a catch,or it was just a typo... Well It wasn't, so now I'm writing this on my new Laptop and so far I'm pleased by its performance, so now I want to bring this little consumer review to the masses, because I couldn't find a comprehensible one when I bought it,so here are the basics:
Usability:
This notebook comes with a versatile TurionX2 Ultra RM-74 (the 65nm Lion Core) with 2x512 cache clocked at ~2.2 GHz, which I found sufficient to handle most tasks with ease. This coupled with the integrated HD3200 videocard make the 615 a jack of all trades in the world of computing, but although it'll be able to run most modern games,you'll have to forget about the
HighDef experience found on most Desktops and High-performance laptops like the Dell/Alienware rigs or the GT/GX series from MSI,but at least it's HD ready,especially if you get your hands on a addon expresscard or usb tuner, which'll utilise the 15.6'' Widescreen(in the classic 16:9 Aspect ratio) to the fullest. Also of note is the AMD M780G Chipset which'll let you pump the RAM at 400mhz and according to some sites it'll handle a twin 4gb DDR2-800 SO-DIMM config. And now the most important thing for a 'book - the battery. The most power-efficient config lives up to the 4hr mark,but at the cost of a turned-off WLAN card,SoundCard and etc. In the "Crap,I'm on a LowCost airline and I'm getting really bored" test - it managed to get me either 2:47 hrs of movies or 2:12mins of Mass Effect at a tweaked Performance power plan and a somewhat dimmed screen.
So here's the summary:
Pro's - Value,"Name/Pedigree", Looks(Stylish minimalistic black), Performance
Con's - Lack of a S-video out, A serious lack of x64 driver support for now from HP(but can be resolved by some googling and tinkering), A single underpowered speaker, Lack of a HD-in-use light,lack of a separate numpad
Result- A good balance between performance, looks and price, which'll get even higher marks after HP resolves the x64 issue and I get an usb Numpad,but still It's a good investment in a good machine.
Here's the stats from CPU-Z and the built in Windows 7 x64 WinExperienceTest for your consideration:
AMD Turion X2 RM-74
Windows 7 (6.1) Ultimate Edition (Build 7600) 
CPU Arch : 1 CPU - 2 Cores - 2 Threads
CPU PSN : AMD TurionX2 Dual Core Mobile RM-74
CPU EXT : MMX(+) 3DNow!(+) SSE SSE2 SSE3 x86-64
CPUID : F.3.1 / Extended : 11.3
CPU Cache : L1 : 2 x 64 / 2 x 64 KB - L2 : 2 x 512 KB
Core : Griffin (65 nm) / Stepping : LG-B1
CPU PSN : AMD TurionX2 Dual Core Mobile RM-74
CPU EXT : MMX(+) 3DNow!(+) SSE SSE2 SSE3 x86-64
CPUID : F.3.1 / Extended : 11.3
CPU Cache : L1 : 2 x 64 / 2 x 64 KB - L2 : 2 x 512 KB
Core : Griffin (65 nm) / Stepping : LG-B1
Freq : 2200.21 MHz (200.02 * 11)
MB Brand : Hewlett-Packard
MB Model : 308C
NB : AMD 780G rev 00
SB : ATI SB700 rev 00
MB Model : 308C
NB : AMD 780G rev 00
SB : ATI SB700 rev 00
GPU Type : ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
DirectX Version : 10.0
RAM : 4096 MB DDR2 DirectX Version : 10.0
RAM Speed : 400 MHz (1:2) @ 5-5-5-18
Slot 1 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : Kingston
Slot 2 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 2 Manufacturer : Kingston
If you found the review helpful,please vote bellow this post. And if you've got questions... Feel free to leave a comment. 
39 Opinions I don't Care About:
It is still rare to find a laptop without Windows (the 615 has a FreeDOS version - NX568EA), and AMD processors are relatively scarce too, so this might be one of the few laptops on the market combining the two.
This would make it ideal for people who use KVM/VirtualBox/Xen a lot. However, I'm still having trouble finding out if this laptop's BIOS enables SVM (AMD's virtualization extension). I know the chip supports it, but is there any chance you could look around the BIOS screens for a virtualization support option?
Thanks for the review, I'm pleasantly surprised that the battery lasts so long on what is essentially a desktop class machine.
I looked around the BIOS for you,but there isn't an SVM/Virtualization or similar in it and also according to the really helpful CPU Info tool, the SVM IS NOT supported by the Turion RM-74, so you could shop around for the Other AMD Cpu for the Compaq or for another machine which supports Secure Virtual Machines...
Hope this helped!
Thank you for the review :) I am going to buy this laptop next week. I am a bit concerned about the x64 driver :( do u think its wise to install windows 7 rc? would that fix the x64 issue?
Well,I'm using the x64 Windows 7 RTM,so the driver issues are still there,BUT let me clarify that they aren't showstopper problems - namely,you've just got to use the Beta ATI Catalyst drivers available at ATI and secondly to forget about using the BLuetooth module until HP gives the x64 drivers. BTW. If you're buying the laptop with =<3Gb of Memory just use the x86 Windows 7 and you'll get the whole package (just use the 32bit Vista drivers and you're good to go).
If you need some additional info,don't hesitate to ask!
Hello,
thank your for your helpful review about the Compaq 615. I own the same machine and I'm impressed about performance and quality, but there's one serious problem: the noisy fan. I've tried to reduce fan speed with the tool "speed fan" and "AMD overdrive" (there's an option to control the rpm of the integrated fans), but unfortunately both tool don't support the mainboard or the CPU. Do you know any helpful hints to solve the problem with the noisy fans? I use windows 7 64bit. Many thanks.
greets
robert
just one comment to Jim. My Compaq 615 has the X2 Athlon 64bit CPU. There's an otion in the BIOS to set virtualization on/ off.
@Robert,
So you're using the QL-64,not the Turion?
Can you give me a rough estimate on your battery life,because I'm thinking about swapping the CPU.
As for the fan,I haven't experienced something like that with my beast, but my last laptop suffered the same problem(Msi EX-610),so you've got 3 things to improve the efficiency of the fan and therefore no bring down the noise level-
1-Change your power plan to state a minimum processor state similar to that of Powersaver and a 100% at max.
2-If possible/confident remove the backplate of the laptop and lubricate the fan (i used petroleum jelly,but you can try also a silicone or a graphite based lubricant,but check the container just in case0
3-Elevate the back of the laptop when you use it on a desk - Either use a cooling pad(The right way) or my way - roll a typical magazine ( I use an issue of the Times), then loop it with some scotchtape to keep it from uncoiling and PRESTO - Better cooling!
Hope this helps?
BTW. Any luck with the bluetooth module in w7 x64
NEWSFLASH PEOPLE!
If you update to the F.06 BIOS,the Bluetooth will work in x64! Hooray!
Also after the update you can use AMD-V(after enabling it in the BIOS)
@bk109
Thanks for your hints - i will try them in the next days. You asked me about battery life. My battery is not fully calibrated, because my laptop is quite new. In my first tests battery life was about 3 h 20 min. I did some prgramming tasks in SSQL Server 2008 and modelling tasks. Due to HP battery life ist about 3,5 hrs. - i think it's a realistic assumption.
Greets
Robert
@Robert,
Thanks for the info,I was curious to see if the RM-74 really does have a bit better power efficiency,but apparently it's only about 40mins and that's at relatively strict powersaving mode,but in either case it's definately going to prove a nice purchase...
Hi everybody :)
I have also bought this netbook,everything seems to work great except...
...after leaving form sleep mode or hibernation the fan is spinning always at the same speed and its very loud,like there is no fan control at all to speed up or slower the cpu fan
After reboot all seems to work fine until you again activate sleep mode or hibernation and wake up the netbook again
Problem is not software related-is all the same on Windows Vista or Linux
I hope that HP will fix this soon with next BIOS release,fresh f06 bios still doesn't solve this
Is anyone have the same problem?
Well,I haven't experienced something like that,but on the other hand I seem to be the only one who's experiencing a self-waking event when I use sleep mode... You could always uncheck "always run fan on AC" and/or deactivate system cooling policy from the Power Plan settings (it's supposed to spin up the CPUfan before switching it to slow) so this might help. If this worked ... give me/us a msg! :D
Oooh, and one small thing - this baby ain't a netbook!! It runs Crysis!
Notebook it is-sorry for typo and crappy english :)
Are you using Win 7 or Vista?Maybe the problem is Vista releated,in Ubuntu Linux fan control seems to work fine after hibernation,but at suspend mode it's same as on Vista(Vista SP2)
I am using the latest BIOS release F06
Generally this laptop is relly great-definitely the best balance price-performanse :)
Np 'bout the English,it's just that I'm a bit touchy on the topic, because I almost bought an AspireOne (borrowed one for a couple of days to see if it's good) and found out that beside using the net the netbook is incapable of doing anything else. As for the fan issue - I'm using a Win7 Ultimate Retail x64 since I bought the Compaq and I managed to replicate your issue when I change from Performance to Powersaving mode, but the fan shifts to a lower speed after ~10mins or when It hits bellow 52degrees on the core.
Definitely hardware issue
Same thing on Win 7 rtm and XP :(
Luckily,I bought this notebook about 2 month ago,so I am going to use my warranty ;)
Beside that-Windows 7 really rocks!
It's booting and working much faster than Vista+all laptop hardware working otb :D
Thank you for all help and info ;)
i have finally bought the laptop :)
i was just wondering about the ati drivers, u said i should download the beta ones from the ati site? do i need to uninstall the previous catalyst control center and install the new drivers?
i upgraded the ram to 3 gigs but i noticed a slow down when using photoshop to do some editing. i am wondering if i need to update the gfx drivers? its using 8.6 version atm.
i like the laptop :) it looks extrememly stylish almost like a gun and the screen is nice and glossy :)
i just dont like the fact that vista takes up 1.2 gigs of ram :( iam not sure about upgrading to 7 yet bcos i need to go through all that hassle to get it from hp :(
i was also wondering if i should install the amd dual core driver for support for both cores? i use it for my amd machine at home.
ok i have installed the new ati driver and photshop works like a dream :)
Well,denver,I'm not sure about the AMD dual-core driver (Dual-core optimizer if I remember correctly), because it was released to solve some problems on the XP,but I've used it on Vista x64,so you won't be having any problems. As for the drivers,just get the newest ones available from amd.com. Also,I think they're out of the beta phase as of Cat 9.9,but If I've understood you correctly,it's not a problem for you because you use Vista (Cat for Vista was out of Beta back in '07). As for the style - YEP,Welcome to the club! :D Ohh,and don't ,mind the RAM in Vista, not all of the 1.2gb's used are really "used",some is just system reserved,but it'll be released if the system requires it, BUT if you have the option of getting the Win7 cheaply from HP, GO FOR IT!
@moonbeam_rider Well,that's what warranties are for... At least you got your one recognized ( A friend of mine got burned with an Acer, because a bolt left inside during assembly got stuck into the fan and totaled it,but this happened a couple of months after he bought it and they got off the hook, because apparently it was his duty to prevent such an accident... so he now's got a 600$ paperweight)
Thanx for the advice bk109 :) I just have a small query about the windows rating i get. Here is a link to the stats i get for windows vista - http://yfrog.com/5mstatswj
I get 3.1 and its because of the graphics card :( i installed the latest drivers 9.9. Is there something i am missing?
I am not sure if its because i have windows vista and not 7?
I'm not entirely sure,but I think that's caused by the Windows Vista system checker (it was a while back, but I remember getting similar ratings with both an HD2400 and the HD3200). Don't worry,It's the same performance( I think), just a different grade is shown on the two OS'. Still, the HD3200 is dependent on the quantity and quality of the RAM installed on the system. In my case it's a twin DDR2-800x2gb, but in your case it's 3gb at ... DDR2-633 or DDR2-800 ?
I installed a 2 gig DDR2-800 RAM module and i just checked the website that i bought the laptop from and it says it comes with a 1 gig DDR2 800 RAM module. I am hoping its DDR2 800 :}
At the moment it has 1408mb of dedicated RAM for the gfx card. Should i increase the amount of dedicated RAM for the graphics card on the motherboard by changing some BIOS settings?
I'm not entirely sure you could do that (1) and frankly, the actual ammount of ram the HD3200 is using is either 128mb or 256mb(512 is rarely seen)(2). As for the 1,3gigs your system reports,I'm unsure why Windows keeps reporting it as much. On my last notebook,EA's system info Proudly informed me that my humble HD2400(128mb discrete memory) had 1.89 gigs of available memory. I know that the 2/3k series use hypermemory (HyperZ or something like that),but not in that quantity. In any case,there will be NO improvement whatsoever if you pump up the shared memory even if you could.
PS. It might be a coincidence, but if you want - check (via cpu-z) the NB frequency (at the Memory TAB), divide it by the 400mhz you're DDR2 is running at. Now add 1 to the 4.5 multiplier you'd get and use it to multiply 256(real dedicated memory) = 1408. Spooky,eh?
GOOOD FOR YOUUUUUUUUUUU!
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hello!
I am from austria and recently bought the 615 (Athlon 64 X2 QL-64) - running on XP Pro SP3.
I also have the problem with the noisy fan that runs permanently. I only use it as a office notebook with the CPU running on 1000 MHZ (0,95 V).
I have found a thread in the hp-support forum:
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/psg/board/message?board.id=Hardware&thread.id=15255
I also wrote to hp support - there should be an option in the next bios to control the fan-speed (for example - the fan should start at higher temp). Until now, no satisfying answer (they gave me this link: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01657439&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN)
hello all!!!
problem with the fan is probably solved.I installed the new version BIOS F.OC and everything seems to be OK.
Oh wow!
Great news, I'm going to install this update so hard!
I tore apart the whole laptop to get to the fan and put razer oil in it and also changed the thermal paste on the CPU to make it more silently, which turned out to change nothing (I was pretty desperate)...
HP support ****** was clueless about everything (could have told me about upcoming F.0C)
This is how you can control the fan: http://www.hardwareluxx.de/community/showthread.php?t=679513
Unfortunately only in german...
Thank you everyone who posted that the BIOS now has a virtualization option. I got my 615 a week ago and have KVM running, which is great.
Ubuntu 9.10 wouldn't install on the laptop but 9.04 worked first time and that is good enough for me.
Now my only minor gripe is the fan noise, but I think someone has a video tutorial on replacing it. So much for the warranty...
That's extremely odd jim!I am running Ubuntu 9.10 x64 as my secondary OS,and after the initial tweaking process it works.The big problem is (at least in the initial release of Karmic Koala) is that after install you might lose the WLAN connection.I think I had covered this somewhere in this blog how to get it to work,but here's a slight issue i found -> After the most recent round of kernel upgrades the WLAN would drop the connection every 10 minutes,so i installed backports-karmic + b43-fwcutter and now it works. If you have any questions and/or tips... Go ahead and share them with the class :D
Anonymous said...
This is how you can control the fan: http://www.hardwareluxx.de/community/showthread.php?t=679513
Unfortunately only in german...
Yep,those 12 years of German keep coming back to haunt me :D Anyways, it should work,but on principle,I tend to avoid direct Windows dabbling to avoid frying the CPU/MOBO(Yep,I did it with the Coppermine back in the day :D ), but if the fan noise issue is not resolved with the bios update... if you feel adventurous,go ahead!
I also bought this ntb few days ago, and I can confirm that fan is really noisy. I tried to change Vista's power options, but without success.
after deeper investigation I recognized that fan speed depends also on HDD activity! Notebook's cooling system is made by air inputs from down side. There are openings for air in HDD area so I think this model is not designed very well. Input air is warmed when it goes around HDD so whole air temperature inside notebbok's body is hotter than air temperature in room.
And here is other solution - to use less-noisy fan (f.e. from older notebook...)
Well,that's an option,but you should really first check if you have the latest BIOS revision(which really helps with the ammount of FAN activity).Also,within BIOS you should mark "always run fan on AC"(or somethin' similar,i'm doing it from memory! Also,if you want to keep your warranty,you can always go with an external fan or cooling pad. I'm using an external fan(you hook it up to the radiator opening,and it extracts hot air faster,but I find a need for it ONLY when I play hardware-intensive games. (93*C is my record in Mass Effect 2 without it)
Here is "anonymous" once more :-)
Yeah, today I applied latest BIOS version and it helps! ;-) Perfect!
Glad to sorta help (more with preserving your warranty than fan) :D
Greetings from zagreb, croatia
i have 615 with turion rm-74 since october and fan it's still noisy after upgrade on new bios version, my cores is always warmer then cpu my record is 89 for cores, i dont know what i should do it to solve this prob ill try to buy some cooler,
and i have only 2gb of ram 800mhz and have 3.4 in windows 7 ultimate x86 6.1.7600 for aero, and 5.0 for gaming, should i need to upgrade rams to 4gb to reach 4.2 in aero and 5.2 for games?? tnx (sorry for my broken english)
Hi,Damir,
If you want to get to 4.1/5.2 levels in the graphics,you might have to add 2 gigs more of RAM, but unless you plan to play MW2 or ME2... You don't really need to do this.
As for the temperature after a BIOS upgrade, you might have to check you processor state levels(click the battery icon,then change plan settings on the active plan, then advanced >>> Processor power management). I'd recommend for AC use to select minimum 1, max 100 with active cooling policy and 1/50/passive for battery use (2-3 hrs with active WLAN and music playing from it). The other thing that you might want to do is to check if you have installed the ATI Catalyst drivers, because the videocard is the other heat producing thing in you laptop and if you're not using the Cat drivers, your card will be working at 100% all the time... That's why current Ubuntu Lucid Lynx users prefer the buggy FGLRX drivers to the open-source ones,because they control usage and temp.
Gimme a shout if ^^^this worked
Hi there,
I'm using a USB sound card and encounter a crackling (like scratched vinyl) in the audio. This comes and goes with each reboot and is pretty damn frustrating, seeing as I use the laptop for audio performance and can't have it screwing up on me.
I've tried absolutely every thing I can think of but just when I think the crackles are gone, they return.
Do you have any ideas as to what could be causing this? What I'm ending up doing is making a system change in XP that requires a reboot, because then the noise is gone once I get back into XP - at least until I reboot again. Then they're back.
Do you think a powered USB hub could work? It's my last resort unless you know of anything!
I'm not sure what causes the audio crackling in the Compaq615,but i've encountered it on the internal audio card and from time to time i encounter some crackling,mainly when plugging my speakers,but the only thing that helped me was to put the comp for a couple of seconds into stand-by and then wake it... Dunno what causes it,though,because both hardware (you're using an exterior USB card) and OS (Win7 Pro64 vs WinXP)... Sorry couldn't help. Also,I doubt that a USB hub will help.
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