ok, I'm quite sure this question has been asked to death, but I figured it'd be easier if I asked this myself.
Anyway, I have an HP 8750c and it freezes several times a day, usually when browsing online and downloading. I've upgraded the ram and replaced the fan, but that didn't solve the problem with the lock-ups. Then I read something about the motherboard being the source of the problem. My question(s) is:
in order to fix this, do I have to replace the motherboard? If, so, which model/type/whatever do i replace it with? And is this all that needs to be replaced or are there other things that need upgrading?
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This model has the MEW-AM motherboard, which is one of several known to have this problem. The fix is to replace the motherboard with an updated version; I don't recall the number but Dr. Beg probably knows off the top of his head since he's been involved in this one before. I would look for one on Ebay or ask on one of the want-to-buy places on the net. Wherever you go make sure you get a non-DOA guarantee & verify that it's the most current update. You shouldn't have to do anything other than replace the mobo.
You could also replace the board with a different one but your recovery discs wouldn't work; if you replace with a MEW-AM update, your discs will still work if you have an emergency & need them.
there is also the 5184-4777, this is a lower rev than the 5184-9628, however i have yet to see it cause lockups as much as the 5184-9628, but hp has it on the list of motherboard to have updated to the latest rev
For everyone as unfortunate as I was to have bought the HP 8750C, I want to say that after two years of ownership I have finally solved the problem of the computer locking up. Evidently, the Intel 810E chipset is incompatible with the motherboard. The chipset steals memory (11mb) from RAM in order to power the video graphics. However, after scouring the internet and reading reviews and suggestions, I decided to purchase and install a Geforce2 MX200. The installation was a breeze. After installing the new drivers, I disable the Intel through the device manager. Now, not only am I able to surf the internet (and any other program without lockup) but I am also able to switch screens 3 times faster as the Geforce2 provides 32mbs of specific video SDRAM. This truly is a life send for me as I have come close to throwing this computer out a window on numerous occasions.
Just to set the record straight with respect to motherboard versus graphics card replacement solutions, I tried 3 different PCI graphics cards before I replaced the motherboard, and none of them had any affect whatsoever on the hang problem. It hung with ATI as well as NVidia.
Replacing the graphics card will not solve this problem.
Replacing the power supply will not solve this problem.
Replacing the mother board WILL solve this problem. No doubt about it. And if I can do it, anyone can.
I have the 8660C which has a similar mobo, and had similar problems. I did a memory upgrade, video card replacement. But that did not fix the problem.
Finally, I fixed it by replacing the existing PIII 533 MHZ processor with an Intel celeron 850 MHZ, 100 MHZ FSB. No problems after replacing the processor.
Replace the video card. It does indeed solve the freeze problem on the HP. Get a cheap card like the Geforce2 MX200. The solution worked for me. Good luck.
Hi I run a small shop I am now working on one of these units now. I have found that when I use Mozilla Firefox instead of Intearnet Explorer. The problem of freezing up stoped. The unit has been running three days now with no freeze ups. Try this it's chepper than a motherboard.
Using Mozilla Firefox is an interesting possible solution to this problem. Had I not already fixed it with a new motherboard, it is definitely something I would have tried had Firefox been available at the time. Given the degree to which IE is tied to the Windows system, it makes perfect sense that swithching to Firefox would "untie" the browser to the system and thus possibly eliminate the lock-ups. Firefox is also a great browser. I use it from time to time myself.
As for Bejamin and Nick's previous suggestions to replace the graphics card to solve the problem, I must amend my somewhat obnoxious reply earlier which categorically refused to accept replacing the graphics card as a possible solution. The fact is I never tried solving the problem with a Geforce PCI graphics card, so what do I know? These guys both substantiate that a Geforce card can solve the problem, so I believe it can. What I don't believe is that an ATI All-In-Wonder card will b/c that's what I tried to use and failed.
Depending on what you intend to do with the machine, Sreenivas Illa's replacing the processor is an interesting idea. I for one could never live with a Cerelon with or without screen lock-ups, but--again--it completely depends on the type of things you intend to do with your "refurbished" HP.
Good luck solving this one everybody. It's a bear, but when you do resolve the problem, I think you will find your old HP was definitely worth salvaging (even though you've probably thought more than once or twice about throwing it out the window).
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