Z840 "Smart Cover Sensor"

[g0tht3ch]

This is referenced in the manual/BIOS - but I can't find a part number for it, or board connector. Has anyone seen/got one/know the part number?

[frankr2994]

This is referenced in the manual/BIOS - but I can't find a part number for it, or board connector. Has anyone seen/got one/know the part number?

I believe what the manual is talking about is just a cover switch. It should create a time stamped log in the bios every time you remove the cover.

[frankr2994]

Screenshot_20230513-143521.png (388.26 KiB) Viewed 10001 times

[g0tht3ch]

I note that says "Factory Configured" and not an "Option Kit"

However this page (https://partsurfer.hp.com/partsurfer/?s ... xt=F5G73AV) shows P/N as being "638816-001" for a "Hood switch for lock sensor module" - but no comment on a lock sensor module?

[frankr2994]

It's going to be a part of the motherboard. Not a separate removable part.

[frankr2994]

Are you having any sort of issue or just learning your machine?

[g0tht3ch]

I have a habit of acquiring all possible upgrades (if I can), so was looking at this.

HP Performance Advisor shows it as a BIOS option, although I don't think it shows in my actual BIOS screen (not checked really) but wanted to know if it was a possible upgrade, or a specific motherboard iteration.

[EDIT]
Checking the doc you screenshotted, although it says "Factory Configured" it does also state (to the right) "Standard on all systems"....
(the Z4 also has similar)

Must be possible somehow

[g0tht3ch]

So, I think this may just be down to wiring trickiness.

This doc (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/104386.pdf) has the following text in it :

"Access Panel Intrusion Sensor Header" / "Yes, as part of Front UI (Control Panel) cable header"

So, the Front UI cable carries the signal, which implies that the sensor needs to be linked to the front panel assembly somewhere. Onward.

And looking at the power button/speak assy (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332629885816) there is an open connector there....
And this (the possible actual sensor : https://www.bol.com/be/nl/p/hp-638816-0 ... 044768661/) has what looks like the corresponding end for the open connector.

[stormsonweathers]

I have a habit of acquiring all possible upgrades (if I can), so was looking at this.

HP Performance Advisor shows it as a BIOS option, although I don't think it shows in my actual BIOS screen (not checked really) but wanted to know if it was a possible upgrade, or a specific motherboard iteration.

[EDIT]
Checking the doc you screenshotted, although it says "Factory Configured" it does also state (to the right) "Standard on all systems"....
(the Z4 also has similar)

Must be possible somehow

I know I'm late in this conversation, but from what I read in the options, the motherboard is equipped but it was never a option. Also, the only time you would need an intrusion switch is if total strangers have access to your system (Like in a business). The switch is a basic alarm switch that (depending on HP) should be a general HP part like it is with Dell. And even if you were to get the switch, the BIOS itself must support it (HP can enable/disable this).

I can understand being a completionist, but unless you're using this in an environment with a lot of strangers, it will have no bearing since you would also have to disable USB since it's a much dangerous vector than someone getting into the case. A reboot with a bootable usb thumb drive will make the intrusion sensor moot.

But overall, if you wish for the switch, I would suggest Ebay over HP for the switch since they are low requested items, but I don't know if the HP switches are interchangeable like the Dell ones.

[g0tht3ch]

Oh I know that the PC is in a trusted environment, but I do like the fact that if someone did nick it, it's another layer of stopping them getting at things (over and above what is in play).

I've:

a) had a reboot/look in BIOS, and the GUI option isn't there, however in HP Performance Assistant, I can see the option AND change it, and the changed setting persists between boots. So if it works (see point below) you would need to remove any admin password, change the setting in Perf Asst, and then reboot and replace admin password. (I set it to LOCK and NOTIFY USER as a test)

b) opened the side panel and removed the PSU and you can see the speaker and "open" 3 pin connector. There is also a slot in that housing for the sensor.

[EDITED]
So, assuming that the BIOS feature (which I presume is Featurebyte related) being enabled would mean the actual BIOS value is tested at boot (i.e. does it care if there even is a sensor) I can't test (without a sensor, or shorting the pins) is wether or not it's "active". If the sensor is "normally open" then enabling "lock" as I have would do nothing as it thinks it's locked. If the sensor picked up a case open (sensor plunger extends) and "closes" the circuit, that would be the test. If the BIOS executes the check regardless and is just hiding the UEFI GUI option, it might be viable

I've found a page referring to Z600 solenoid locks that states "The Hood Sensor does not require activation. It is recognized and activated automatically by the computer" - and another page (but didn't save the link) that confirmed the Z8xx series didn't have solenoid locks - so looks like the sensor only, and (in theory) activation on installation.

Judging by some of the later HP manuals I can see, the Z8xx series is quite "primitive" - it's a boot alert and/or a boot admin password requested to continue. Later ones have the option to "immediately power down" on open, and/or wipe TPM (!)

Anyway, finding part 628644-001 is a bit hens teeth in the UK (there are none) but I found an EU vendor willing to sell/ship for almost nothing, so will see what occurs and report back when it lands