3820TG Owner's Lounge - Part Two

If someone likes playing, here is an interesting project (finally!):
Modified ATI Catalyst 11.2 Switchable Graphics Driver - Guru3D.com Forums

I personally have given up on switching, I use BIOS switching now (with the Intel menu).

 

What's BIOS switching?

 

Install the tweaked BIOS, or enable the Intel menu using SYMCMOS, then you can select between:
- Intel only
- Discreet only
- Switchable

So now, I'm not using Switchable at all, just Intel only when I don't need the 3D, and Discreet only, when I need the 3D. This way you can uninstall all Acer nonsense and just use the newest official drivers from Intel and ATI.

 

That sounds very tempting! I wish there was a way to make the switchable graphics application stop auto-switching to discrete graphics when I plugged into mains power though.

Rebooting each time I want different graphics sounds ok though, boot times are much quicker with my new SSD

 

Hello everyone, I just bught my bluetooth module from USA and i'm having trouble installing it. Does anyone know if anything special is required? I think right now the problem is I cant get the usb port to power up.
Did you have any issues when you reinstalled your old module in a non BT 3820TG Bronsky?
Cheers

 

No. Plugged it in and launch manager recognized it right away?

The only thing I can think of on the USB port is that when you replaced the board, you didn't get the ribbon plugged in again. Did the BT plug fit in the MB socket?

Bronsky

 

I am assuming you have already tried Fn+F3 hotkey and it didn't work.

Acer seems to use inverted Bluetooth connector. Some BT modules work, while others do not.

Code:

The connector looks like this:
 _         _         _         _
  [0 0 0 0] with pins [1 2 3 4]

But your BT module could be expecting the connector to be of type:
 _         _         _         _
  [0 0 0 0] with pins [4 3 2 1]

Since you cannot plug the connector if you turn it upside down
(note that plastic "stoppers" don't match (one up, one down))
                     _           _
  [0 0 0 0] with pins [ . . . . ]
  ^       ^

You will need to cut off the plastic "stoppers" on the side so it
looks like this: [0 0 0 0] and you can safely plug in your BT module.

I hope you will excuse my ASCII art. I don't have any pictures

 

Anyone? I still can't get it to work...

 

Yep, everything fitted perfectly, is there actually a GUI for launchmanager? because I am getting the icons popping up when I change volume and caps lock, but when I hit Fn+F3 it only seems to switch wifi. I think I read about someone with a similar problem... and they had to power up the USB port for the bluetooth module inside launch manager however I can't figure out how to even do that!
Just for reference I am running the version of launch manager that you uploaded on mediafire and have tried to install the bluetooth drivers (broadcom) however they say the device is not detected (because port is powered off)
I can confirm the port works as I opened up the 3820TG and during POST the port was powered. I would assume the module is in working condition since it is brand new.
Thanks for replying so fast as always Bronsky

Tom

 

Hi Prikolchik, Thanks for the diagram, I may open it up again later today and try swapping the pins rather than having to cut the connector.
I would assume since the module was advertised as being a model specific one (made for the 3820tg) that it would be wired correctly, im still thinking the issue is that I am unable to power the port for whatever reason

 

Use the windows flash tool.

 

@Bronsky and Prikolchik
It turns out the pins were reversed.
I'll be sure to let the seller know so no-one else has this trouble.
thanks for all your help with it
really enjoying the free usb ports and BT mouse

 

I was interested in purchasing this laptop, but I can't find it for sale anywhere. Is there a newer model # or something?

 

Does that mean you have to enter BIOS whenever you want to switch GPU? Or is it possible to change between the 3 modes (Intel/Discrete/Switchable) in Windows?

 

Hi everyone
I'm a proud owner of a 3820TG since 12/2010
It is the i5 460/hd5650/750GB version. I've been pretty much satisfied so far but there is only one big issue about gaming.

As you may know Source engine is not perfect in terms of optimization.

Here's my problem: loading times in Team Fortress 2 game are SLOW: on my desktop pc (Phenom II X4 955, 4GB DDR3 1333, Caviar Black 1TB) it takes about 30 sec to load the first map and then it is about 20 sec for the following ones.

On my 3820TG it takes sometimes as much as 4:30 mins (!!) to load the first map but the following ones are usually fast (~30s) to load.

Fellow TF2 (or other Source based games) players, have you had the same problem ? The only main difference I see between the 2 computers is the hard drive but the practical difference seems huge and as far as I found on the Internet, I don't see many people complain about that.

Any help would be welcome ! Thanks in advance.

PS: Acquiring a SSD is out of question for now. I think the issue is elsewhere.
PS2: Please apology for my bad English.

 

This is definitely not normal! TF2 should not load that slow on any machine.

Does it happen with other Source engine games as well?
What about other games that are not on the Source engine (download a demo from STEAM on both machines and test)
--------------

Post your location and we may be able to help you. It's still available, the 3830TG (replacement) is not yet available.

 

Although I don't play much other Source games, the issue seems to be similar on CS:S.

edit: I remember there is a defragment tool inside Steam, I might want to see if running it helps.

 

Everyone says that but I don't want to because it's bricked many motherboards, including one of my own motherboards (previous experience). DOS is the safest way, and so is programs like ASUS EZ Flash, but such things don't exist for this laptop.

 

Is there a place with a particularly good deal on the i5, HD 6550 model?

[edit]Could any of you guys try PCSX2 and/or Dolphin at native resolution, with AA and texture enhancement on?

 

Yes, I go into the BIOS and switch whenever I need to. It is really not a big thing, as when I would like to game, it takes just 3 clicks. And this way I have stable Intel drivers (no DXVA bugs or flash player green screen), and 11.2 ATI driver from the latest official mobility release. Windows switching might be possible in the future, there is a talk in the tweaks thread about it.

 

I would strongly advice against BIOS flashing from windows, in general. And in the case of 3820TG it has never even worked for me.

Just use my HP flasher + DOS files, I have been using them for years and they are 100% sure to boot to DOS on the 3820TG.
request download ticket | ifile.it

If they don't boot, then it's the USB flash disk. Not every flash disk is bootable! Just try it with an other one.

 

I've been reading about this 3820TG for a few weeks because I need a new laptop under 13" that can handle games but the LCD on this series seems bad from reviews.

Samsung just released their 9 series 13.3" ultrathin laptop and apparently it has an awesome LCD with 400Nit and great contrast. Would it be possible to swap LCDs on these? I guess we will have to wait to get the exact model number from someone with the 9 series.

I'm probably going to get the 3820TG but I'm trying to hold out until the Alienware M11X R3 specs are revealed since that's probably the only other laptop that could trump the 3820TG in 3D performance.

It's such a shame that Acer ruined the 3830 with the single fan design

 

Hey folks,

I've got a 3820tg-3022 and I've been thinking about performing the mini-pcie mod and trying a compatible SSD card before replacing the HD for a SSD. I wonder whether has anyone tested a SSD such as the new CoreStore MV on this computer. Any feedback would be great greatly appreciated.

On another subject, I have been using a patched version of ATI's FGLRX driver, with VGA_SWITCHEROO, to get the best GPU performance possible while having the possibility to switch back to Intel's integrated graphics. Unfortunately, It is not possible to switch automatically for the ATI library searches for VBIOS ram signature at the same location used by Intel when both are activated. Therefore, I can only use the FGLRX driver with discrete mode activated via BIOS but whenever I need to use Intel , to save battery for instance, I just need to switch between xorg.confs tailored for each GPU and boot scripts switch off the discrete card power via VGA_SWITCHEROO.

I have been using Catalyst version 10.12 and the patch was found in a forum about the driver (not my authorship).

The script can be downloaded from ati_vgaswitcheroo.patch - download now for free. File sharing. Software file sharing. Free file hosting. File upload. FileFactory.com and applied manually.

I've obtained typically 60 fps running FlightGear. The typical performance measured using fg_glxgears and glxgears can be seen below.
fgl_glxgears
Using GLX_SGIX_pbuffer
4162 frames in 5.0 seconds = 832.400 FPS
4915 frames in 5.0 seconds = 983.000 FPS
4601 frames in 5.0 seconds = 920.200 FPS
4348 frames in 5.0 seconds = 869.600 FPS

glxgears
23264 frames in 5.0 seconds = 4652.655 FPS
23634 frames in 5.0 seconds = 4726.622 FPS
23559 frames in 5.0 seconds = 4711.769 FPS
23548 frames in 5.0 seconds = 4709.433 FPS

I have also just uploaded the results of a Linux-System test suite using Phoronix Test Suite. If anyone is interested in seeing the results, please follow Phoronix Global - Fedora 14 on Acer 3820tg-3022 Testing

Cheers

 

Crazy problem with my WIN+P. After hibernation, once in a while the computer awakes with black screen. I tried different things, just to get to know what was wrong. Restart would solve it, but the other solution was easier and time saving.

WIN+P, two arrows left and enter. Bang, the computer now had disconnected the projector.

Why do the computer "attach" a projector in hibernation?

 

I have a similar problem occasionally too. When waking from sleep OR hibernation though, I sometimes get a black screen. Closing the laptop lid and opening again seems to solve it though, so might not be the same problem as yours

 

Unless the m-pcie card is designed to specifically work through the mini pcie channels it will not function in the slot as it does not have sata channels. there was talk of there being a second set of sata pads somewhere on the MOBO but you'd be getting into some serious modding there.

If the SSD is designed to work with a standard m-pcie slot I can see no problems other than the fact that I don't think the 3820TG will boot from m-pcie cards

Tom

 

Upon plugging/unplugging to/from a power source windows pops up with the screen that asks me if I'd like to switch. I'll search around to see if there's a method to change this, but I'm guessing at one point you selected Change AND "don't ask me again", and I don't believe you can undo that.
I remember before my clean install it used to do it automatically, really annoying when you shut the computer down plugged in, and rebooted it unplugged, or vice versa, and it just flickered a few times upon loading.

 

Sounds like exactly what I was looking for. Can you tell me what you did to make it work? A short guide would be just perfect! Then I could actually make use of ATI card.

If you do want to write a guide, please post it here

So what exactly does this patch do? Could you post a link to the forum where you found it? Do I apply it against flgrx driver from ATI website?

It took forever to download that patch from FileFactory, so I am uploading it as an attachment.

If you want to continue this discussion please do so in 3820TG mod thread

 

I'll give it a try again then. The first time I did it, I was able to boot up into DOS but no matter what I did, DOS couldn't read the BIOS file or something. I followed the instructions right to the dot too.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ace...rks-tweaks-mods-upgrades-501.html#post7219182

 

Just copy all the files to the root of the USB disk, then you can just type: flash.bat. Tell us what happens.

 

Just got my 3820TG, i5-450, HD5650M, 320GB and 1333MHz RAM. OC on FSB is max 167MHz, then the RAM is doing 1334MHz on CAS7, which is amazing. I will have a go at Thaiphoon and do some SPD modding to set CAS 9 all through, should give me some more headroom. HD5650 max out at 670/1000MHz, so so.

 

Got it working. Did as you said and just put it in the root of the USB instead of in a folder. Now it's time to flash the modded BIOS. Maybe I won't do it in class though... I updated my BIOS in class and people looked at me cus the motherboard was beeping.

 

hey all. after 2 months of contemplating which notebook to get, i was finally forced by gf to just pick one so drove down to ncix to get it. managed to get price matched as well. model number is 3820TG-6829 with the i5-480M and AMD 6550M.

i understand that the 3820 comes with 2 diff GPU. the 6550 and the 5650. are the both the same? currently the laptop is next to me. gettin it set up with the windows etc but seems to be taking forever. currently stuck with "installing windows live essentials". is that normal?

 

The difference is minimal. The 6550 is maybe 5% faster stock. They both overclock hugely.

Windows setup is only trumped by creating your recovery discs for things that take an interminably long time. It honestly took less time to resize my partitions and install Ubuntu than it did to get the windows setup finally finished.

 

Thanks Sxooter. Yeah. it finally finished installing 10 minutes after my post i think. My main concern now is the damn keyboard. looking for a canadian supplier for the US keyboards and this is what i could find :

Acer original keyboard (US English, black) for Aspire 3820, 3820G, 3820T, 3820TG, 3820TZ, 3820TZG, 4551, 4551G, 4553, 4625, 4625G, 4741, 4741G, 4741z, 4741zg, 4745, 4745G, 4745Z, 4820, 4820G, 4820T, 4820TG, 4820TZG, 5332 Part: KB.I140A.229 - Acer Sto

don't know why its so long but hope it links. Is that the correct keyboard? Plus, i'll most likely also do a clean install. seems like there's a lot of bloatware.

 

Well I think I'm down to this or waiting for the alienware M11X R3.

Supposedly the R3 has Intel Core i5-2537M, Core i7-2617M and the Core i7-2657M for options.

No info on the GPU yet so I'm left wondering if it's going to beat the 6550M.

It also has the benefit of Sata III for a 500mb/sec SSD.

Do you guys think the alienware will end up being better or should I just pull the trigger on the 3820TG?

 

That looks like the right KB. The bi-lingual KB really sucks.

Bronsky

 

Yeah. i agree. i find the biggest issue is the shift key cause i game quite a bit and the left shift key being that short/small just doesn't cut it for me. apart from that is the huge and tall "enter" key. I'm going from Asus M50SV-A1 to the acer 8130TG so its a bit different. My only concern now is tryin to find out which seller i should get the US keyboard from to ship it over to Canada.

 

Has anyone got vertical scrolling on the touchpad working with firefox 4? I installed the latest alps drivers but still no dice. When I install the synaptics ones it works but clicking using the touchpad is a disaster so clearly its the alps ones I need....just wondering if anyone has this problem?

 

how does the trackpad button feel? is it very hard to press? I saw motherboard pics and acer uses the horrible design where the buttons are physically attached to the motherboard. once those buttons go bad you need a new motherboard or someone who can remove them and replace them

 

Yeah its very hard to press. Thats only when I have the synaptic driver installed though. The touchpad works fine with the alps driver. The problem is scrolling doesnt work in Firefox 4 with the Alps driver only the Synaptics one! Very annoying!
-----------
Ok so Firefox 4 scrolling now works and so does clicking. I got the latest Synaptics drivers from here Drivers | Synaptics.
Bronsky maybe you could change the ones on the first page as these ones seem to work better? Thanks

 

I have successfully unlocked the hidden Intel menu by using the modded BIOS

One thing I did notice is that on first boot, Windows had to reinstall the drivers then restart the computer. Plus I had to redo the colour calibration. It's like Windows is recognizing this as a completely different kind of Intel GPU or something.

 

So you can disable either GPU completely now? does the laptop run cooler and is battery life better?

 

I will prepare a guide and upload it as suggested. As to the source of the patch, I found it at Re: [Hybrid-graphics-linux] RadeonHD+IntelGMA switchable.

The patch registers the card via switcheroo enabling selection and power control features via /sys/kernel/debug. You can see the dmesg output below showing the handler and switch state. I am not an expert so I cannot shed any more light .

[ 14.075175] fglrx: module license 'Proprietary. (C) 2002 - ATI Technologies, Starnberg, GERMANY' taints kernel.
[ 14.075182] Disabling lock debugging due to kernel taint
[ 14.165486] [fglrx] Maximum main memory to use for locked dma buffers: 3479 MBytes.
[ 14.165933] [fglrx] vendor: 1002 device: 68e0 count: 1
[ 14.166561] [fglrx] ioport: bar 4, base 0x2000, size: 0x100
[ 14.166581] pci 0000:02:00.0: enabling device (0104 -> 0107)
[ 14.166589] pci 0000:02:00.0: PCI INT A -> GSI 16 (level, low) -> IRQ 16
[ 14.166594] pci 0000:02:00.0: setting latency timer to 64
[ 14.166765] [fglrx] Kernel PAT support is enabled
[ 14.166788] [fglrx] module loaded - fglrx 8.80.5 [Nov 25 2010] with 1 minors
[ 14.166812] [fglrx]: probed device: 1002:68e0(1025:365)
[ 14.166814] [fglrx]: registering first device with vga_switcheroo
[ 14.166843] VGA switcheroo: detected switching method \_SB_.PCI0.GFX0.ATPX handle
[ 14.166845] vga_switcheroo: enabled
[ 14.166992] radeon atpx: version is 1
[

Thanks for the heads up about the lack of sata pads. That is why I am checking if anyone has tried any mini pci-e SSD. According to Super Talent's datasheet, the Core Store MV has a mini PCle interface instead of IDE/PATA or SATA.

 

That isn't the latest driver. The latest driver is v15.2.11.1 from here.

 

Hi!

I'm about to order a 3820TG, but need some advice in order to choose which deal to pick.

For the same amount of money I can choose between 3820TG with i3 380 and Radeon 6550, or one with the i5 450 and Radeon 5650. Would vey much appreciate some input and pros/cons to help me choose which one.

Benefits of i5 as I understand it:
Max temperature 105 C instead of 95 before throttling (but it might not be of significance thanks to the double cooling?). i5 450 has turbo boost and a bit higher clock (2.4 - 2.66, vs i3 380 @ 2.53). Are there any drawbacks to either model, common issues et? Will the i5 lower battery life compared to the i3?

Graphics, 6550 vs 5650:
according to notebookcheck mostly a name change, however they list 6550 @ higher clock and with a bit better in benchmark tests. Perhaps this is insignificant if you can OC the 5650 to and equivalent freq?. However, I have never OC'd anything before, maybe it's a piece of cake but would be nice not having to think about it anyway.

Would be very grateful for clarification on these two points, so can I place an order soon.

 

I would choose the 6550 because I play fps games like section 8 which are more graphics intensive than CPU intensive. I have a i5 460M/5650 4820TG and while the 5650 is overclockable by a fair bit, the 6550 is even more overclockable. But the difference is minimal, I doubt you'd see a big difference playing crysis on either.

The i3 should get slightly better battery life. I get 4.5 real hours on my 4820TG with the ATI off and an i5. If I could get 5.5 I'd be all kinds of happy as long as it gamed ok.

You can change the CPU at a later date, but you're stuck with the GPU you buy today forever until you replace the motherboard.

 

Did anybody try to peel of the Acer Logo? it feels like its welded on the aluminium plate or if its one piece.

i really hate the look of that logo and didnt found a decent sticker to cover it

 

Cool thanks. I see there's new Alps ones on that website too maybe they work with the latest Firefox
Edit: When I went to try the Alps ones from that site it says they're the same as I already have so trying out the slighty newer Synaptic ones....

 

I bought the 3820 with i5-460 and 5650 last week here in germany. It was around 80 € cheaper than the same CPU with 6550. I wouldn't pay that price for a ~0-5% fps increase on stock. Maybe the i3 is a different case