Acer Aspire 8942G Core i7 Owners Lounge

Please refer to my signature. My CPU score higher than yours. I believe the lower score because I have lower GPU than yours. I'm also performing CD benchmark. My scores does make sense. I don't know how Passmark calculate the scores but I only noticed poor performance when it execute 3D Dx10 benchmarking.

kizwan

 

Acer has announce the acer aspire athos 8943g and 5943g. it looks complete different!


http://www.electricpig.co.uk/2010/03...a-touchscreen/

 

Uggh, I have the i3-330m version of this and love it but have spent the last four days deleting, resynching, disconnecting, rebooting, replugging, reinstalling, cursing and retrying my ipod touch synchronization with this. I really implore Acer to fix their bios, in the meantime thanks for the suggestion on the left side USB ports.

 

Hello all and I am happy to be a new Acer owner
8940g 6683
i7 720QM
4GB DDR3
GTS250M 1GB DDR3 VID
18.4 inch screen 1080p
500GB HDD
Blu-Ray
8 cell li-ion battery.
I spent a few weeks looking for a laptop bag, found one at best buy but was for 19-20inch laptop. This thing was a friggin suitecase. Further research had me find one at Luggage.com (PON-303BK SUMDEX) Perfect fit with lots a storage.
I do have a question for the Acer , the media control keys on the right had a blue ring that lit up around the volume knob and around the play/pause button. The lights are not lit anymore, does anyone have any insight into this.
I love this laptop.

 

Hi everyone. I recently got a 8942G and am not happy.
Unhappy because I get choppy audio/sound playback on video/movie files/DVDs when I connect my notebook to my plasma tv via HDMI on extended mode. It's fine on its own when not projected to the plasma.

Has anyone encountered this or has a solution? Please help... I'm pulling my hair out... thanks!

Aspire 8942G-728G1.28TWn
• Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor
(1.60GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 6MB L3 cache)
• Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel® HM55 Express Chipset
• Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™
• ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5850 (1GB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM)
• 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1.28TB HDD (2X 640GB HDD)
• 18.4” Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD
• Blu-ray Disc™ Writer/DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
• Integrated Acer CrystalEye high-def webcam
• Acer Tuba CineBass booster supporting
low-frequency effects
• Dolby Home Theatre® audio enhancement

 

Ok here is an update, I have tried the left side usb port and I am unable to sync I get various errors from itunes and my ipod touch including "ipod has returned an invalid error" I'm really pissed and have now switched over to a netbook for itunes. My whole reason for purchasing this laptop was to have a multimedia laptop, I'm pretty annoyed.

 

Have you report this issue to Acer? Dell Studio 1557 also has the same issue (I'm guessing because of PM55 chipset. I'm guessing you have the same chipset too). After other owner who discover this issue complain/report about it, Dell release new BIOS update that solved it.

kizwan

 

Thanks i have reported it to Acer, no word back yet.

 

Hi Xeonexix:

I just connected mine to my samsung 42" plasma tv using the hdmi port, ran the displays in extended mode (notebook in 1080P and tv in 720p as that is all that tv supports) and then played a movie on the tv using windows media player (one has option of media player or the acer arcade software to watch dvd movies) and had no playbarck or sound problems at all.

I can also advise I have seen the 8942G used with another tv running a dvd recently (last week), and again it was doing so without any hiccups, and proper sound. It was a local homeshow, and I stopped to talk with the vendor simply because he and I had the same computer, and this model is still pretty rare. He also loved his machine as well and had not a problem with it to date.

So I regret no solution other then the fact it did not happen on mine, and I have a lower config of the 8942G then you. Could it be you might need to reinstall some drivers - maybe one of the sound or ati drivers has been corrupted for some reason?

I think I would be tempted to reinstall all the audio and video drivers, that cannot hurt, and may correct the problem. I would also suggest contacting acer for support.

I am envious of your configuration, you have a really loaded machine. I cannot even find 4gb ram chips for anything less then $200-$300 per chip. If you could open up your machine and advise what ram chips you have (name and model #) and their timing specs I would be most grateful.

I will post if I can find any other solutions to your problem, but to me it seems like it might be a driver issue.

 

i miss my old machine....i had a aspire 8930g fully loaded and sold it and got the 8942g fully loaded.... this wont work with itunes and damn acer wont come out with a bios update. It may be a really strong pc but since im not into gaming its only a pain in the

 

What version of BIOS does the 8942g have?

 

Hello all...

Just wanted to say that I've fitted a i7 920QXM into my 8942G and it works like a charm.

Everyday use is noticably better, and despite 3DMark06 showing only ~5% improvement in score - gaming is much better. Phew. I'm flying all across the map in C&C3, whereas before it was a slow movement.

I have much to do in the next few days, but I'll benchmark it throughly and upload results for you all.

Oh, and 334GBP it was...and no fun to fit.

 

@ErikO, you upgrade the CPU from i5 or i3?

 

Hi there.... I upgraded from i7 720QM, (same as in your Dell afaik). Boot time, and now Windows Update is noticably better too.

Worth the money? Well that is up to every individual, and depends on personal usage.

For me, I run our own in-house applications, they are java-based, memory hungry (oh, and I am constantly running out of memory), cpu hungry, and I have to run on average four instances of them, so the more I can get the better. If not for the fact Intel's X25-E is only 64GB, I'd be using that now too I promise you, as sometimes crashes require many reboots.

This laptop raises some eyebrows during airline check-in too, anybody else found that? I would up with a 'Beverly Hills Polo Club' leather bag, and it is BIG....

 

Bios on mine is:

Bios Name = PhoenixBios 4.0 Release 6.1
SMBios Version = V1.3109
Bios Date = 12/9/2009

on an ACER SM82-CP motherboard.

I have not checked for an update - anyone know if there is one?

Interestingly, my software is reporting that my current clockspeed is 1194Mhz although the max clock speed available is 2133 Mhz. Why is that anyone know? Are these shipped deliberately underclocked?

 

EDIT - OK here are my results:

 

Nice!!! At last, complete benchmark too (including CD).

 

Also, I just noticed my Windows Experience Index went from 7.0 to 7.3 too. And if you know anything about the WEI index, every point over 7.0 is a higher step, then say 6.1 to 6.2

(Same for Vista with anything from 5.0 to 5.9)

So at least the OS recognises it as a significant change.

 

Hi all - I've been having the same iPod (Touch) problems too - the front-left USB port is the only one that'll work, although even it is iffy, spitting it's dummy out regularly. I've contacted Acer support to inform them of the hardware problem that needs a bios update repeatedly and am consistently told it's a software problem and that I should call the premium (50p/min) support line, which I obviously won't do because it's clearly a hardware fault..!

Also, I've got the i7/6gb setup and have a Windows Experience Index of 4.6 - is that aroundabout what everyone else is seeing?

Thanks!

 

I think you misunderstand WEI. Significant system changes may benefit the system without moving the score. Then swapping a fast 7200 mechanical HDD for poor SSD creates a jump because the HDD was limited to a max 5.9 WEI score but the barely better SSD isn't.

 

After some tweaking...(but no overclocking as the bios doesn't support that), here are my final results.

When they make decent laptop memory (i.e. with good DDR3 timings) I'll buy 8GB, and resubmit and maybe be close to the top for my platform....

Picture attached.

And, here is my 3DMark06 results:

Your system

3DMark Score 8692 3DMarks
SM 2.0 Score 3294
SM 3.0 Score 3666
CPU Score 3460
Result name Untitled
Date Apr 30, 2010 **:**UTC
Pro user No
OS Windows 7
CPU Intel(R) Core(TM) CPU X 920 @ 2.00GHz
CPU Speed 1995 MHz
GPU ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850
Memory 4096 MB
Case Not specified
CPU Cooler Not specified
GPU Cooler Not specified
Case cooler Not specified
PSU Not specified

 

Did you ever get any solution on this? I'm currently having this same problem and it's killing me since I should be working with this machine.

The only difference in my problem is that I disabled finger check from windows (same place where I enabled it) because didn't like it. Next time I try to fire up my laptop, I'm stuck with password because I haven't ever setup any password.

 

The fingerprint protection sounds like a bit of a liability unless you really want your data to self destruct rather than be exposed. I tried it, read some horror stories along just these lines and immediately uninstalled the entire bio protection program.
(I am inclined at this point to have a brief rant about crazy designers and 'after sales revenue opportunities'. So I buy my smart new car with a smart new remote locking fob. Someone stands by it trying to unlock it with their fob 10times in a row (or maybe they have the same car and think it is theirs). Now my car is permanently locked and I can't get in even with the right FOB. Is this reasonable ??? You perhaps don't even have a clue how this thing happened !!! It is not right - not in my head anyway )

Is the DOS box giving you a random looking numerical error code (these are decodable to get an over-ride key but you still need to spend a bit of money).

If not you are looking at wiping the BIOS and perhaps doing a factory restore as well. You may have luck searching for a solution on the web but at your own risk. I am confident Acer could unlock it for a price but I think I would be saying a consumer product security system that cannot accept fiddling by husbands and kids without a lock-out is not fit for purpose. Just my view

If anyone thinks it is too hard to solve this in a consumer friendly way:

1) provide one more go with the 'right' finger each time the laptop is powered down and the adapter & battery removed (did you try this?)
2) Allow Bios access via supervisor password and permit reset of all other BIOS / PBA passwords from there
3) provide an override using a usb BIOS key created when fingerprint protection is set up (like windows password recovery - use the same USB)
4) provide an override using a key printed on a sticker that you remove to a safe place
5) provide an override using a key that can be bought from acer if after x days it has not been logged as stolen
6) etc
Consultancy support is available if this is beyond them !!

 

Ok, got it working again. Frustrated after couple of hours searching the web for answers. Opened the backpanel (hdd, wlan, bt, etc. below) and there it is, a small battery lying in it's cradle. I removed the battery for 15 minutes, put back in and start the machine - Starting Windows without any passwords..

I learned this trick like 15 years ago and I was sure it won't work anymore but it seems like the way to go - back then and today.

I'm still confused about password issue though. I went to bio protection settings and checked everywhere: the only password there is login passwd and it doesn't work for that 'dos' pass since it's just for logging into windows. I suppose machine was after bios passwd, it's still mystery since I have never setup any passwd to bios.

 

Glad you got it going anyway

 

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to say i have an 8942g-434G64Bn, has blu-ray, ATI HD5650 graphics card, Core i5 processor and runs world of warcraft in Ultra settings beautifully!! only downsides i've found so far, are catching other keys when typing, but as its a desktop replacement, i do use a normal usb keyboard which solves this... I also found it took me a while to figure out how to use bluetooth & wifi buttons, they do need you to press them for 2-3 seconds to activate. they are not simple touch on - touch off...

I bought my 8942g from Germany, I got an amazing deal !! almost half price, the cost was a £35 genuine backlit keyboard from Acer Spares which i fitted easily in minutes, and a german operating system....

I can use a 3rd party tool to install an english language mui, but it isn't fool proof, safe mode still has german language etc.

If anyone has an english version of the 8942g-434G64Bn, I would happily pay the cost of a set of the 3 recovery disks + postage so i can restore my machine to an english language... the factory image does not use your COA key on the bottom of the laptop, it uses a generic Acer key which is the same on all of the images, so there is no copyright or COA infringement.

(i have my own COA key on the bottom of the laptop also)

Thanks
josh1e

 

also, has anyone else had graphic corruption after using the fingerprint reader for boot up level protection?

thanks

 

what I dont understand is why you cant get the 8942 in the states yet?????

whats up with that Acer

 

hi,

iam a proud owner of a 8942g! Do you guys have some tweaking tips for me, new gpu drivers? etc

thnx

 

Thanks for the tip, you just saved my laptop a premature trip out the window.

 

does anyone know the difference between the Black & White mini-pci sockets in the 8942g?

I have a MC8780 mini pci card, it's a 3g modem with GPS. I have connected it to the spare white socket and the laptop won't boot.

If i remove the factory fited atheros wifi card and plug my MC8780 card into the black socket, it works. I can then put the atheros card into the white socket and that too works, but only if i tape over pin 20 on both cards to keep them enabled...

doing this prevents the wifi on / off button underneath the bluetooth button from working, but it didn't actually turn the card on/off either....

anyone any ideas? why would inserting the card into the white spare socket prevent it from booting?

Acer support said that any mini pci card should work...........

 

After some tinkering, I have managed to get the 8942g & MC8780 aircard 880U working...

The MC8780 is in the black slot and the atheros wifi card in the white slot. this means that the button on the keyboard now turns the MC8780 on & off. the atheros card has had pin 20 taped over so it is permanently on.

using a Usim adaptor, my o2 sim works perfectly for text messages and internet access, the link status shows 3g in low signal & HSDPA in high signal areas when connected to the net.

I haven't tested voice calls yet, that's next, but GPS works beautifully. I had some problems to start with but a dedicated £2 GSM antenna sorted out most of it, everything but GPS works indoors. GPS will only get a fix outside, it really is quite finnicky, but once outside and connected, it works fine.

I have a couple of flyleads with the sma screw connectors, which connect directly to the card's onboard aerial sockets. I might connect one and mount it on the side of the laptop and could then use a powered GPS / GSM aerial and revert back to the internal one i've bought when i'm in a higher signal area...

bit of tinkering needed to get it working, but definately recommended, facebook, google, ebay etc. all load pretty quickly !!

 

Hi all,
I i just got the Acer Aspire AS8942G-5679 from Staples Considering it has the same chipset as the i-7 models would i be able to upgrade from the i-3 to the i-7 ? Any help would be great. Also to note staples.ca no longer carries this model by the looks of it no longer listed on the website .

 

Congrats on your purchase! I also picked mine up at Staples back in December.

I am also thinking of upgrading to an i5 mobile processor as they have come down in price. Big question I have is whether the motherboard of this unit can take an i5 430M, i5-520M or i5-540M since the pricing on those has come down recently. I find the core i7 mobile processors to be very expensive still so was not thinking about one of them.

Does anyone who has expertise in the motherboards of these units know whether a jump from the i3 config (SM82-CP motherboard, HM55 Express Chipset) to an i5 or i7 is possible?

Thanks.

 

May I ask where you got it? I may be in the market soon. Also, did you get UK recovery disks?

TIA

norm

 

someone already tried 2 overclock the cpu or gpu??

 

@ shadow meister,Umbreon1960

it is possible to switch the cpu to an i5 or i7. according to the intel site the hm55 chipset is compatible with all i3 i5 and i7...even the extreme i7 940xm

 

i have succesfull overclocked my ati mobility 5850 ddr3..stock: 625,800 overclocked to 720,1050!!!!...my windows experience index also went from 6.8 to 7

also 3dmark06 score went up!!

stock: 8566 points
overclocked: 10354 points!!!

temp
stock: around 70 degrees
overclocked: 76 max

i think i cannot go any further because i started to get driver issue, and also the laptop case was getting hot!

 

I managed 720/1050 scoring a bit over 11.5K 3dmark06. Don't overclock gpu core too much! It is far more better to overclock mem. I am using AMD GPU clock tool for overclocking. What were you using?

 

hi icovac,

iam using modified rivatuner...your right was playing with the gpu core clock and it did not change that much, the mem gave me more fps. iam now also @ 720,1050 it gave me an increase of 7 frames.

i tried amd gpu clock tool but it did'nt work:S

 

Try this: AMD GPU Clock Tool v0.9.26.0 For HD 5870 download from Guru3D.com

It will work with 5850

It doesn't remember clocks though. What exactly version of modified rivatuner are you using? I tried a couple but didn't work with 5850. apparently 2.25 version will support 5850. Did you manually add the device ID?

BTW my 3dmark06 of over 11.500 was scored on old stock drivers that can be found on Acer site. Now with 10.6 I get around 10300 at 700/1050. Old drivers weren't so good with Tropico 3 so i updated to ATI mobility 10.6

 

with rivatuner it will keep the modified clockes, all you have 2 do is install rivatuner 2.24 go the the directory and open the file rivatuner.cfg as a text file. and manualy fill in "68a1h" in this line....RV730 = 9487h,948Fh,9490h,9498h, 68a1H

i also don't get the drivers:S how can a old driver perform better then the new one! loool...ati does'nt have good driver support like nvidia.

so have you not tried to go over the 1050mhz??
what about cpu overclocking? i stil can't do that

btw my wei went up to 7 for graphics:d

 

I can overclock to 1100 but it becomes unstable. 1060 is still ok. GPU core overslock can actually freeze notebook. Mem OC usually just resets the adapter. 700/1000 is stable for gaming - I tested it on TF2, L4D2, L4D and Tropico3.

I also tried msi afterburner (powered by rivatuner), but it cannot actually overclock, it just shows speeds that are set by amd gpu clock tool. The author is the same as rivatuner's, so I expect he will make rivatuner fully supporting 5850.

Yeah - drivers are weird - but I always prefer stability than speed. So 10.6 is simply better than the old stock driver (for example flash hd acceleration). But you can try and see if that old driver is faster for you in 3dmark06.

 

ok, good to know ...i have only tested the stability with furmark. but iam not sure how furmark works loool..wich program do you advice me to use? and how does it work?


anyway have you tried to overclock the processor?

 

Sorry for asking but isn't the 920QXM socket 1366 and the socket on the 8942G systemboard 1156? Are they interchangeable?

TIA.

 

Nowadays more and more people begin to use acer laptop, ACER TravelMate 290 laptop battery is absolutely a hot model of laptop batteries.
http://www.laptopbatteriesinc.com.au/laptop-battery/acer/acer-travelmate-290-battery
From this website, you can really buy good laptop battery at the best price, if you are in need to buy one, welcome to visit our website and I'm sure you'll get full satisfaction.

 

socket 1366 is desktop?! 8942g has socket 989 rpga

 

Billy - I think you are thinking of the i7 920, which IS a desktop cpu.

You'll note the 'x' in my model name, namely i7 920QXM, where it defines an 'Xtreme' version of a quad-core, mobile, i7, with an unlocked multiplier. And our cpu's are 989 pins, not 1366.

 

does someone know a program that can see how much power a laptop drains on full load?

 

CPUID Hardware Monitor