The highly rated HP Pavilion Slimline PC thread

Ok, I realize there is a slim chance anyone will know, but taking a shot anyway:

I have an s3300t slimline with an nvidia 8500GT (geforce) low profile. It came stock with the little 2 wire cable from the 3 pin SPDIF_OUT2 header on the mobo to the 2 pin header on the 8500GT. The audio chip is a Realtek ALC888S.

Recently I updated (purchased) a replacement motherboard (HP Irvine-GL6E) to fix a power-up issue. It is very hard to pinpoint when exactly something changed because I don't look at the audio playback devices often, but I believe it is the new mobo that doesn't seem to output on the SPDIF_OUT2 header.

In Vista, I know for a fact that I used to have 3 things show up in Audio Playback Devices:
1. Speakers (this just goes out the green jack as 2ch analog if enabled)
2. Realtek Digital Output (this goes out the SPDIF RCA coax port in the back if selected)
3. Digital Output Device (SPDIF) (this one goes to the HDMI port on the 8500GT if selected).

I always have the SPDIF coax (option2 above) selected as the Vista output device. Now, a side effect that the family has grown to enjoy is that when playing a 2-channel source (like music), it sends the same signals out the HDMI to my TV, and my TV forwards as 2ch analog back to the receiver for my Zone2 in my backyard. So I can play music in both zones or independently.

Now, I only have #1 and #2 show up in Vista anymore. I have updated Realtek drivers and also tried rolling back. Still only those two show up. I ordered a new little SPDIF cable for GeForce cards, incase my cable was hosed. No luck. I have looked in the BIOS for something like "enable SPDIF onboard header" but all there is is onboard audio enable/disable.

One thing I notice is that my BIOS software version is 5.12. I cannot check my old mobo's version because that system won't power up. What BIOS revision do others have on an Irvine-GL6E where the HDMI audio is still working?

[By the way, I have been working on a Win7 build on this system and it also does not find a second SPDIF output, just the same "speakers" and "realtek digital audio". This is why I don't think it is drivers, but rather a motherboard/BIOS setting. ]

Thanks!
 
"In a world without Windows, fewer people will be tempted to jump out of them!"

After being led around in circles (until I'm dizzy) with my XP and multi-booting problems by MS Support in India, I've decided to S-CRAP the entire issue, including my XP OS. Life is too short to waste it in the endless pursuit of an elusive solution to my multi-booting problem(s).

The Good News is that I'm starting the new year with at least a dual-booting system, a sparkling new SONY hi-speed Optical Drive and I can still access all of my XP data! :)

Maybe in the distant future, MS will design a simple and fool-proof :)rolleyes:) multi-OS booting solution - but I'm not gonna hold my breath waiting for that! :eek:
 
SlimKiwi said:
"In a world without Windows, fewer people will be tempted to jump out of them!"

After being led around in circles (until I'm dizzy) with my XP and multi-booting problems by MS Support in India, I've decided to S-CRAP the entire issue, including my XP OS. Life is too short to waste it in the endless pursuit of an elusive solution to my multi-booting problem(s).

The Good News is that I'm starting the new year with at least a dual-booting system, a sparkling new SONY hi-speed Optical Drive and I can still access all of my XP data! :)

Maybe in the distant future, MS will design a simple and fool-proof :)rolleyes:) multi-OS booting solution - but I'm not gonna hold my breath waiting for that! :eek:
Click to expand...

Vista/7 departed from the BOOT.INI file that XP and previos systems use.
 
daemonic said:
Ok, I realize there is a slim chance anyone will know, but taking a shot anyway:

I have an s3300t slimline with an nvidia 8500GT (geforce) low profile. It came stock with the little 2 wire cable from the 3 pin SPDIF_OUT2 header on the mobo to the 2 pin header on the 8500GT. The audio chip is a Realtek ALC888S.

Recently I updated (purchased) a replacement motherboard (HP Irvine-GL6E) to fix a power-up issue. It is very hard to pinpoint when exactly something changed because I don't look at the audio playback devices often, but I believe it is the new mobo that doesn't seem to output on the SPDIF_OUT2 header.

In Vista, I know for a fact that I used to have 3 things show up in Audio Playback Devices:
1. Speakers (this just goes out the green jack as 2ch analog if enabled)
2. Realtek Digital Output (this goes out the SPDIF RCA coax port in the back if selected)
3. Digital Output Device (SPDIF) (this one goes to the HDMI port on the 8500GT if selected).

I always have the SPDIF coax (option2 above) selected as the Vista output device. Now, a side effect that the family has grown to enjoy is that when playing a 2-channel source (like music), it sends the same signals out the HDMI to my TV, and my TV forwards as 2ch analog back to the receiver for my Zone2 in my backyard. So I can play music in both zones or independently.

Now, I only have #1 and #2 show up in Vista anymore. I have updated Realtek drivers and also tried rolling back. Still only those two show up. I ordered a new little SPDIF cable for GeForce cards, incase my cable was hosed. No luck. I have looked in the BIOS for something like "enable SPDIF onboard header" but all there is is onboard audio enable/disable.

One thing I notice is that my BIOS software version is 5.12. I cannot check my old mobo's version because that system won't power up. What BIOS revision do others have on an Irvine-GL6E where the HDMI audio is still working?

[By the way, I have been working on a Win7 build on this system and it also does not find a second SPDIF output, just the same "speakers" and "realtek digital audio". This is why I don't think it is drivers, but rather a motherboard/BIOS setting. ]

Thanks!
Click to expand...
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...c=en&dlc=&cc=us&lang=&os=2100&product=3659715

is the latest BIOS verson for Irvine. (Vista x64, however)

Is the output option inside the realtek drivers?
 
Hi to all,

I'm not a computer whiz or anything, but I checked everything carefully before buying any products and I followed all the instructions for installing everything. Yet when I turn on my computer, I just get a blank screen.

Here are the specifics:

- My computer is an HP Slimline s3400f
- My monitor is an LG Flatron W2252TQ
- My graphics card is a GeForce 9600 GT Low Profile
- My supplemental PSU is a FSP X3 Booster

I've been reading this thread for a while, which is why I bought these stuff in the first place.

I also made sure I got everything connected properly. I compared it to the pictures I saw here. So I'm not sure if anything is defective.

The fan on the 9600 GT is running fine and my FSP X3 also has it's blue LED's on.

ANY help would be greatly appreciated! (Hopefully I'm just an idiot and missed something very basic)

I just went into the computer setup (F10) and I changed my Primary Video Adapter setting from "PCI" to "PCI-E." The only other option is "onboard" graphics. When I did this and connected my card to my monitor, I still couldn't see anything, but I heard the windows start up sound. Is there some other setting I could change?

Here are the pictures:

slimlineinside1.png


slimlineinside2.png


Thanks
 
Welcome to the [H]!

Does it work without the 9600GT in it?

BTW, the 9600GT still may draw most of it's power from the PCIe slot (95W total drawn power is the spec).
 
Greetings,

I have been reading this thread for a couple of weeks trying to figure out what a good upgrade would be for my s3200z. After all this, I have come to the conclusion that I am probably better off putting the money into a new machine and selling the s3200z.

I do like the new 5000 series slimlines and have also considered building my own slim
micro atx machine.The one problem with the home grown approach is that I am not finding any cases that I like. Some that will work but they are all sort of ugly.

The question I have is this: Given the increase in size of the 5000 series vs the 3000's, would it be possible to fit a second 3.5" HDD into the case? An external via usb will not work.

Thanks
 
jeremyshaw said:
Welcome to the [H]!

Does it work without the 9600GT in it?

BTW, the 9600GT still may draw most of it's power from the PCIe slot (95W total drawn power is the spec).
Click to expand...

Yes, everything runs fine with or without it. Currently it is still in there as I am typing this, except that I'm using my VGA cable to connect my computer to my monitor. If I try using my DVI cable, I just get a blank screen.
 
I have run across offers on eBay selling Windows Vista keys after doing an upgrade to Windows 7. Are these legitimate? I was of the impression that the upgrade key nullified the Vista key.
 
Hello there,

I am currently looking for a video card for my Hp slimline s5150t. The only thing I'd want a graphics card for would be to make watching videos, especially HD ones, a little smoother than with the integrated card. I do play games, but they are all mostly obscure and 2d so I don't need something thats going to play the newest FPS or anything, although I'd like a card that can play something like the Sims without a problem....
Also, I want something that is practically silent. I know a passively cooled card would be best for that, but I'm afraid it would get too hot in a small case like that. I've looked at these two but I'm afraid of them overheating. Lastly I don't think I'd be able to install a new PCU without messing something up, so I'd like a card I can use with the 250watt limitations....
I've been looking for a card for a week now and I'm really confused and not sure what to get. I dont want to end up damaging my system...if anyone could help that would be great!
 
Testosterown said:
Yes, everything runs fine with or without it. Currently it is still in there as I am typing this, except that I'm using my VGA cable to connect my computer to my monitor. If I try using my DVI cable, I just get a blank screen.
Click to expand...

When using the DVI cable, have you made sure your monitor is set to use the signal coming from the DVI port?

*EDIT* nvm, I forgot that these Galaxy 9600GT graphics cards don't have a VGA output.

Are you using a DVI to VGA adapter, or are you plugging your VGA cable into the onboard VGA port for the integrated graphics?


@ Kairi10116: The new 5000-series Slimlines have much improved cooling/air flow. Graphics cards are designed to withstand higher temps than normal (although other electronics around it may not be as immune). Bottom line: Either one of those cards should work fine. If you want to, you can attach some silent 40mm fans to the back of your case to further ensure adequate cooling.
 
Last edited:
kairi10116 said:
Hello there,

I am currently looking for a video card for my Hp slimline s5150t. The only thing I'd want a graphics card for would be to make watching videos, especially HD ones, a little smoother than with the integrated card. I do play games, but they are all mostly obscure and 2d so I don't need something thats going to play the newest FPS or anything, although I'd like a card that can play something like the Sims without a problem....
Also, I want something that is practically silent. I know a passively cooled card would be best for that, but I'm afraid it would get too hot in a small case like that. I've looked at these two but I'm afraid of them overheating. Lastly I don't think I'd be able to install a new PCU without messing something up, so I'd like a card I can use with the 250watt limitations....
I've been looking for a card for a week now and I'm really confused and not sure what to get. I dont want to end up damaging my system...if anyone could help that would be great!
Click to expand...
Welcome to the [H]!
The most capable card would be the HD4350, if all you wanted is just HD video and light gaming (for reference, it makes the 8500GT serve it breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
I don't like the HD4550, because they are all a bit more expensive than their intended tasks ask of them. The HD4350 does just fine at even light 3D gaming @ 1080p.
The nvidia camp has released a G210 with somewhat similar capabilities as the HD4350, but not recieved as well in online reviews (price/performance is horridly low).
The HD4350 has been, for a bit of time, the most capable HTPC slimline card avalible.
It is also present in passive versions, because of the extremely low heat output (and low power draw), and the passive cooler makes it absolutely silent.
I know they can be frequently found for 20usd, but I would recommend spending a lither more (same price in most B&M Frys/Microcenters!) for the XFX version.
The warranty, service and support, make it the ultimate choice in the ATi cluster.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150335
the only problem of this specific XFX card is the lack of a HDMI port.:mad:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814999010
10usd adaptor will convert the DVI to a fully-fledged HDMI port (audio, too).
 
Last edited:
cephusjed said:
I have run across offers on eBay selling Windows Vista keys after doing an upgrade to Windows 7. Are these legitimate? I was of the impression that the upgrade key nullified the Vista key.
Click to expand...

It's not nullified, but it is illegal to use.

MS isn't going to come chasing after you (at the moment), but you never know...
 
Testosterown said:
Yes, everything runs fine with or without it. Currently it is still in there as I am typing this, except that I'm using my VGA cable to connect my computer to my monitor. If I try using my DVI cable, I just get a blank screen.
Click to expand...

can you use the HDMI port?
Have you tried another DVI cable?

Are you running it at a high resolution, and using a single-link instead of a double link cable?
 
jeremyshaw said:
Welcome to the [H]!
The most capable card would be the HD4350, if all you wanted is just HD video and light gaming (for reference, it makes the 8500GT serve it breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
I don't like the HD4550, because they are all a bit more expensive than their intended tasks ask of them. The HD4350 does just fine at even light 3D gaming @ 1080p.
The nvidia camp has released a G210 with somewhat similar capabilities as the HD4350, but not recieved as well in online reviews (price/performance is horridly low).
The HD4350 has been, for a bit of time, the most capable HTPC slimline card avalible.
It is also present in passive versions, because of the extremely low heat output (and low power draw), and the passive cooler makes it absolutely silent.
I know they can be frequently found for 20usd, but I would recommend spending a lither more (same price in most B&M Frys/Microcenters!) for the XFX version.
The warranty, service and support, make it the ultimate choice in the ATi cluster.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150335
the only problem of this specific XFX card is the lack of a HDMI port.:mad:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814999010
10usd adaptor will convert the DVI to a fully-fledged HDMI port (audio, too).
Click to expand...

That information is really helpful! Thank you so much! :D
 
yeah, I use the 1GB version of the XFX HD4350 card (only card I could get at the time). It cost a pretty penny at the time (60usd) at Fry's, but the warranty/customer support makes it worth every bit.

On the ATi side, nobody comes close to XFX.

On the nVidia side,
BFG (all cards), eVGA (some cards - the highends), XFX.

Are the top companies because of:

Lifetime warranty (2x lifetime, for XFX, because they will honor re-sold cards, too).
Extremely capable and understanding customer support.
 
Halsey said:
When using the DVI cable, have you made sure your monitor is set to use the signal coming from the DVI port?

*EDIT* nvm, I forgot that these Galaxy 9600GT graphics cards don't have a VGA output.

Are you using a DVI to VGA adapter, or are you plugging your VGA cable into the onboard VGA port for the integrated graphics?
Click to expand...

Hi,

I'm not quite sure what you mean. I have to set my monitor to use the DVI port?

My LG monitor has a VGA and a DVI port. Currently I've got the VGA cable connecting to the onboard port and my monitor. I have also connected one end of my DVI cable to my 9600 GT, and have left the other end hanging over my table, as nothing shows up on my monitor when I plug it in.

Thanks for your help
 
I have an LG, too!

Do any other computers work with the DVI input?

I know mine takes a while to "sense" the DVI input, and switch over to it.

and I posted this:
can you use the HDMI port?
Have you tried another DVI cable?

Are you running it at a high resolution, and using a single-link instead of a double link cable?
Click to expand...


earlier, nestled inbetween some monster sized posts.
 
jeremyshaw said:
can you use the HDMI port?
Have you tried another DVI cable?

Are you running it at a high resolution, and using a single-link instead of a double link cable?
Click to expand...

I currently don't have an HDMI cable to test

I haven't tried another DVI cable yet, but I have tried a DVI/VGA adapter and that doesn't work.

I'm not quite sure what you mean, but my monitor resolution is 1680 x 1050. And my cable is a DVI-I 24+5 cable. How would I know if it's single link or dual link?

Thanks
 
jeremyshaw said:
I have an LG, too!

Do any other computers work with the DVI input?

I know mine takes a while to "sense" the DVI input, and switch over to it.

and I posted this:



earlier, nestled inbetween some monster sized posts.
Click to expand...

Haha, you're too quick! I saw your post, but I figured I should do some research on single/dual link before I answered. So I answered the other on first.

Is it a possibility that my DVI cable is the problem? It was a cheap one I bought on eBay and I don't have a way to test it with another computer currently.

Thanks for your help

EDIT* Just checked the Wiki page and I guess mine looks like a single link.
 
Sorry, I blame this all on posting latency, due to my internet connection, and my abyssmal typing speed.

Single link will not limit your resolution (it works @60Hz upto 1920x1200).

Either:

bad cable

or

bad card

is to blame.

The Card's fan has a bit of dust on it, so I assume it's used?
 
jeremyshaw said:
Sorry, I blame this all on posting latency, due to my internet connection, and my abyssmal typing speed.

Single link will not limit your resolution (it works @60Hz upto 1920x1200).

Either:

bad cable

or

bad card

is to blame.

The Card's fan has a bit of dust on it, so I assume it's used?
Click to expand...

Haha, no. Actually I got it new on NewEgg a few months back. It didn't work back then and I didn't bother to try and fix it for a while. So its been sitting in there with only the fan running these days.
 
Well, then I would recommend getting a new cable, testing it on another monitor, THEN replacing the card.

Galaxy only has a 1yr warranty, iirc, so act fast!
 
jeremyshaw said:
Well, then I would recommend getting a new cable, testing it on another monitor, THEN replacing the card.

Galaxy only has a 1yr warranty, iirc, so act fast!
Click to expand...

So you think that the cable is causing the problem? And if so, where would you recommend for me to get a new cable (if it has to come down to that)?

Thanks
 
Well, I am only recommending checking the cable, since:

it's typically the cheapest component, and the most likely to fail


it's the cheapest component.

Look at a local:

Fry's
Microcenter
Radio Shack

or someplace similar for a DVI cable (iirc, Walmart has them, too).

Someplace where you can return it, in case if it's not the problem.
 
Testosterown said:
Hi,

I'm not quite sure what you mean. I have to set my monitor to use the DVI port?

My LG monitor has a VGA and a DVI port. Currently I've got the VGA cable connecting to the onboard port and my monitor. I have also connected one end of my DVI cable to my 9600 GT, and have left the other end hanging over my table, as nothing shows up on my monitor when I plug it in.

Thanks for your help
Click to expand...

I'm guessing that different monitors have various methods of selecting an input, but for what it's worth, in my (limited) experience (w/ my HP monitor) I have to press a 'menu' button on the monitor, and select 'switch video input' before I can use DVI instead of VGA (i.e. when both DVI and VGA are connected). According jeremyshaw, it sounds like the LG monitors do this automagically, so thats likely not the cause of your problem.

jeremyshaw said:
Well, I am only recommending checking the cable, since:

it's typically the cheapest component, and the most likely to fail


it's the cheapest component.
Click to expand...

Haha, yeah, I was suprised at the (low) quality of the DVI cable I picked up at my local Radioshack (gigaware brand, i think). I mean, it works fine, but it (mainly the pins) just looks like it could fail or break at any moment. I would not be suprised at all if the cable was the source of the problem.
 
New AMD for 149. Might buy one to build up with a phenom Quad...you can pay that much for a case.
 
John777 said:
New AMD for 149. Might buy one to build up with a phenom Quad...you can pay that much for a case.
Click to expand...

woah!

I'm loving this!

150usd is...

is...


awesome!


It looks like, after the s3430f, HP has not yet had the guts to cram a quadcore into one of these systems, again.


Also:

The lowest RAM configureation uses just 1 2GB ram stick - excelent for upgrading on the cheap.
 
HELP!

I just threw a ASUS EAH4350 into my S3100n and took that opportune time to install windows 7. The drivers for everything seemed to work except for the sound card and the NIC card. Does anyone have these drivers or can point me in the right direction?

I tried to fix it by using the HDMI and got sound, but if I put the video to 1080 60hz it cuts off the edges of the picture. If I set it to anything the picture is smaller than the TV. I guess if you could fix my HDMI problems that would work, but I'd prefer to go the VGA route.
 
RodShaft said:
HELP!

I just threw a ASUS EAH4350 into my S3100n and took that opportune time to install windows 7. The drivers for everything seemed to work except for the sound card and the NIC card. Does anyone have these drivers or can point me in the right direction?

I tried to fix it by using the HDMI and got sound, but if I put the video to 1080 60hz it cuts off the edges of the picture. If I set it to anything the picture is smaller than the TV. I guess if you could fix my HDMI problems that would work, but I'd prefer to go the VGA route.
Click to expand...

If you have 7x64, then the vistax64 drivers will work fine (I had a s3120n).
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3440586

With Win7, there should be no need for finding drivers automatically, because we both have basically the same setup, and it worked automatically for me.

The overscan issue is with older ATi drivers (heck, newer ones have this issue, too) not picking up the EDID data from the HDMI connection properly. You can force the CCC to try and make the screen "fit," but it will not always work beautifully (like on my Panasonic DLP, none of my graphics cards work well with it - nvidia or ati).
 
jeremyshaw said:
If you have 7x64, then the vistax64 drivers will work fine (I had a s3120n).
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3440586

With Win7, there should be no need for finding drivers automatically, because we both have basically the same setup, and it worked automatically for me.

The overscan issue is with older ATi drivers (heck, newer ones have this issue, too) not picking up the EDID data from the HDMI connection properly. You can force the CCC to try and make the screen "fit," but it will not always work beautifully (like on my Panasonic DLP, none of my graphics cards work well with it - nvidia or ati).
Click to expand...
"your system doesn not meet the minimum requirements for this update. Update has been cancelled. (9998)"

I tried disabling the ATI one and that didn't work. I tried installing Realtek's drivers from their site, that didnt work. ATI's audio driver is the only one that shows up under device manager. If anyone has any ideas, I'm completely out. I even tried talking to HP tech support.
 
Last edited:
use 7zip, and extract out the files.

Then run the installer from inside (or use Device manager to search that directory to find the drivers - fool and fail-proof).
 
jeremyshaw said:
use 7zip, and extract out the files.

Then run the installer from inside (or use Device manager to search that directory to find the drivers - fool and fail-proof).
Click to expand...

How do I use Device Manager to search that directory? I don't see the Realtek HD audio controller in Device Manager. Does win7 even show the devices without drivers?
 
RodShaft said:
How do I use Device Manager to search that directory? I don't see the Realtek HD audio controller in Device Manager. Does win7 even show the devices without drivers?
Click to expand...

It does not show the realtek device.

I didn't have to get the realtek HD Audio driver, the last time (about... last week:p) I finished a fresh ATi install.

HDMI audio still worked fine for me.

The difference is, the custom Realtek control panel (which is rather decent).
 
Just a question, but If i have an AM2 board that normally takes te 65w cpus, if my ps is upgraded, what would prevent me from using a 95 or 125w cpu as long as it was socket 940?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top