The noise emissions are a weak point of the Pavilion DV3-2390eg. With or without a dedicated ATI GPU, the fan is never quieter than 34.1 dB (A). It never goes off. If one continually leaves the dedicated GPU running in network operation (default for network operations in each power mode), they will even experience a fan that never gets quieter than 36.5 dB (A).HP 455804-001

Based on this already clearly audible level, short multi- or single-core processing functions don't really faze the drone of the fan. The noise level rises to a maximum of 39.6 dB (A). Only when we run the laptop at full load (stress test, Prime95 + Furmark) does the dv3 reach the maximum possible speed: 47.4 dB (A). This is extremely loud and reminds us of gaming laptops. However, the speed is constant and there are no annoying fluctuations.HP 460143-001

In the gaming tests and the 3D-benchmarks,HP 462337-001 the volume rises to 42.1 dB (A). This also applies to the applications which put a great deal of demands on the GPU.When HP's 13.3 incher doesn't have much to do (idle), then the temperature of the working area stays at an average of 27 degrees Celsius. Things aren't much worse on the base plate where it is at its warmest 34 degrees. Surfing with the HP Pavilion dv3 can be done safely on one's lap.HP EV088AA

During the stress tests (two hours), the area around the air outlet (bottom) heated up to 51 degrees, limiting its usability on one's lap. The air intake opening definitely shouldn’t be obstructed. The temperatures on the palm rest remain pleasant at all times, whether under load or at idle. We measured a maximum of 34 degrees (stress test).HP EV089AA

The best thing about the HP-dv3 2390eg acoustics is the simple regulation of the sound level via the illuminated touch panel above the keyboard. The volume can be adjusted with a striking motion or a gentle tap on plus/minus. The mute button ensures an immediate silence.HP EX940AA

The two stereo speakers rest just above the keyboard under the black grid. The Altec Lansing logo doesn’t do what its name promises. The sound is too pronounced in the mid-range and we couldn’t detect any bass with our ears. The best sound we experienced was achieved when the sound options of the Virtual Surround and bass are turned on.HP EX941AA

But it worked with the volume. The tiny membranes aren't distorted when working at the highest level and it can even fill a small room with sound. The HP dv3 delivered good results when external loudspeakers were hooked up. Even with a low sound level applied to the 3.5 millimeter headset output, the sound delivery of the speakers remains rustle-free after multiple amplifications. We tested this with two powerful Yamaha speakers (YST-M20SDP).HP HSTNN-C17C

The dv3 is perhaps interesting for mobility fans as it can switch off its mid-range graphics HD 4550. Could it deliver decent run time even without having Nvidia Optimus in play? Can this be true? HP HSTNN-DB31

We measured the runtimes with an active Intel HD, except for the load test. With a 55 watt hour battery (5,100 mAh) score, the dv3 achieves good, but not outstanding runtimes. In a continuous web-surfing session with wireless enabled, the multimedia subnotebook managed three hours (186 minutes).HP HSTNN-DB32

Thrifty people might be able to raise the battery life to five hours (305 minutes) (BatteryEater Reader) on maximum energy saving settings. Like with Wi-Fi surfing, the DVD film runs for three hours (184 minutes). When the processor is under heavy load (BatteryEater Classic Mode) on active HD 4550, the runtimes dwindles much faster and is done after 92 minutes. HP HSTNN-IB31

The runtimes don't appear to be particularly strong for a 13.3-incher. With the same CPU, the 14-incher Acer Aspire 4820TG-434G64Mn manages 300 minutes (66 Wh) and the 15.6-incher Acer Aspire 5820TG-434G32MN manages 299 minutes (66 reps) in the WLAN test. Also, the sister model HP ProBook 6540b with an identical configuration achieves 252 minutes (55 Wh).HP HSTNN-IB32

On the other hand, there are also 13.3" competitor models such as the Packard Bell EasyNote Butterfly s (49 Wh), which with a Low Voltage i5-520UM also only achieves 205 minutes (WLAN test).HP HSTNN-IB42

Those looking to upgrade the dv3 to its highest possible energy saving potential should permanently deactivate the dedicated ATI HD 4550. HP HSTNN-LB31 The difference between Intel and ATI HD is relatively significant at four to six watts. The current consumption at idle is 16 watts (Intel HD) and 22.3 watts (ATI). The latter is a very high current consumption at idle. To compare: 16 and 15.6 inchers like the Toshiba Qosmio F60-10H (i5-430M) and the Sony Vaio VPC-EB1S1E/BJ, both of which have non-switchable dedicated GPUs, require much less energy (EB Vaio 16.8 Watt, 15.5 Watt F60 ). In short: No matter whether with or without a dedicated GPU, the dv3 uses too much energy at idle when doing nothing.HP HSTNN-LB42

When the HD 4550 is very hard at work, the operating power increases to 58.6 watts (3DMark06). We achieved the maximum possible current consumption using the Prime95 and Furmark stresstests. Our multimeter showed 69.2 watts. Knowing that, the 90 watt power pack is more than adequately dimensioned.HP HSTNN-OB31

The HP Pavilion dv3-2390eg (VY336EA) is a small entertainer in a handy 13.3 inch package. Although the high-gloss Mini is very heavy for the subnotebook class at 2.380 kg, it does still have the kind of performance worthy of a middle-class multimedia notebook. This is thanks to the potent Core i5-430M and fast 7,200 rpm hard drive. But its gaming performance can’t compete with the rest of the middle class; the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4550 (DirectX 10.1) with 3449 3DMarks06 is just simply too weak.HP HSTNN-OB42

A potentially useful feature, and for some the main reason for purchasing, is the touch panel. With the finger (but not with the stylus pen or other objects), Windows can be administered quite well. Whether or not this results in a completely smeared glare panel is dependent on the buyer and his individual use of it.HP NBP6A48A1

The battery life of three hours is quite OK (WLAN test), but even some 16-inchers with more potent HD 5650 last significantly longer. The ATI graphics, which can be switched off, did reduce its appetite for energy. The current consumption is nevertheless over the level of frugal 15.6-inchers without hybrid graphics.HP Pavilion dv3500 Battery

The poor contrasts and unstable viewing angles of the display did not give an impressive showing in our rating system. Additionally, there are the consistently and clearly audible fan as well the very high noise levels under load. Sensitive people will be disturbed by the hard drive, which also transmits a constant droning to the tabletop.HP Pavilion dv3500t Battery

HP EV088AA , HP EV089AA , HP EX940AA , HP EX941AA , HP HSTNN-C17C , HP HSTNN-DB31 , HP HSTNN-DB32 , HP HSTNN-IB31 , HP HSTNN-IB32 , HP HSTNN-IB42 , HP HSTNN-LB31 , HP HSTNN-LB42 , HP HSTNN-OB31 , HP HSTNN-OB42 , HP NBP6A48A1