Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820TG Owners Lounge

Is there any way to stop the throttling problems with the i5? Any time I try to play a relatively recent game (witcher, diablo 3) on low settings I get severe frame drops, fan speed changes, etc. Even after a fresh reformat this happens. I really would like to not have to spend 800+ on a working laptop if there's a way to fix this one.

Basically the two things I want to fix are:
1. Performance dropping to when it reaches ~90 which it's pretty much always at from startup on.
2. Force max fan speeds. I can't take this laptop anywhere since it annoys virtually everybody within earshot by it's constant fan speed changes. I'd like to force it at max speed.

I posted awhile back but nobody seemed to be able to help so I figured I'd try again.

 

I removed my left Ctrl key today because I wanted to remove some debris from the sides and underneath. In doing so I partially damaged the plastic clip underneath (the protrusion from the inner square that docks into the outer one. The key is back in but due to that slight missing support it's pretty wobbly, and as a result pressing the edge or corner (which I might do since my hands and fingers are small) may sometimes not depress the cup properly to register the keystroke.

Should I order a new keyboard or would it be possible to get a replacement key? I see a couple options, but I'm thinking $5 for a key is too much compared to $18 for a keyboard online. What do you guys think? It's something that's annoying me and I'll probably think about constantly while I type (or especially play games). Dammit why'd I have to be so curious?

 

just buy new OEM keyboard.

 

You shouldn't be at 90 from start up, sounds like you are having a cooling problem like I am at the moment, but my fan is constantly blasting at full speed from startup even if i dont boot into windows, with temps 90-100 whenever i try to do anything. Before I started having this problem I was idling round 40c and temps would only reach mid 80s after hours of gaming or HD video editing. No one here or any other forums I tried has given any advice on this problem but I'm assuming its a problem with the heatsinks on the cpu and or gpu, I'm going to trying replacing my cooling unit with a new factory one i found for $37 and put some good thermal paste on and check if that fixes my problems.

 

If you don't mind can you link me to what you bought? Never did anything like this before but it's out of warranty anyways and I figure I can learn what to do from the guides in the OP.

 

Is switchable graphics not working for anyone else since the Windows 8 upgrade? I'm forced into using the main graphics card rather than the battery saving Intel HD one.

 

I'm having the same problem with windows 8, is there already a fix available?

 

Having HDD issues...bad sectors that can't be repaired. Looks like I'll be forced to get a new HDD (or SSD) and do a clean install.

If I can I'd like to format my existing HDD and use that as a storage drive in the DVD-ROM bay, and use an SSD as the primary/boot drive. Or I can get a Momentus XT (maybe Black Friday will have good deals?).

 

Well, anybody else know how I can find the parts I need to replace the cooling unit? Laptop always at 90C+ so I guess that's the problem. :\

 

have you tried compressed air and reapplying thermal paste already?

 

I have an Acer 4820 T...which advertises between 8-12 hours of battery life... I have had the computer for two years and have NEVER got more than 2.5 hours of battery life. I have Norton installed on the computer. Turning off Wifi may save me about 30 minutes... I feel like there is something obvious that is draining my battery but I have no idea what it is... I am currently trying to calibrate the battery and see if that helps... I would love to hear any advice...Also I have bluetooth off...

 

Hi everyone,

I'm new on this forum, because I'm looking for a solution for my Acer 4820TG, which I've just updated to Windows 8 Pro.
But, I think that you know that Acer will not provide any drivers for switchable graphic card because of software incompatibilities.
Windows 8 Upgrade Offer 4820TG belongs to the ones who will not be supported by Windows 8.

So I would like to know if someone here find a solution to this big issue, share it !!

Hopping someone will

See you

 

Leshcat should work!

 

Thank you a lot Edgar83, I will try this !
Somebody have wifi issues since updated with Windows 8 ? As for me, sometimes wifi just switch itself to a limited connexion ... really weird !

[EDIT] That's working thanks man
But, there is a little problem :
The installation has activated the "Test Mode", so I always have the "Mode test Windows 8 Professionel Build 9200" on the bottom right corner
I've tried to remove it with this : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2421786/fr
but after reboot, the graphic card issue come back
Any idea ?
[/EDIT]

 

I see on the Acer Driver support page, there's a 9.0000 update available for the VGA/GPU drivers. Has anyone installed them yet?

 

You should read the original post again. Near the bottom it says something like, "My WCP Watermark Editor" which should get rid of it without using cmd prompt or anything similar.

 

Yeah great !!!
Sorry for lazy question That's awesome =]

 

I tried it. They are meant for Win8 though.

They don't seem to work under Win7. Tried "update", clean install, changing the mode from Switchable to Discrete in BIOS, all the usual stuff, but when you install the package and compare the actual driver versions, they remain the same.

 

Quick question, whats the latest AMD driver you're using? I recently did a complete clean install and I have the latest (2010?) GPU driver from Acer's website. But Borderlands 2 has been really choppy for some reason. FPS drops to 20-25 when before it always stayed above 30 FPS.

 

Thanks!!
Now, in order to install 12.4, what did you do? Did you go into Bios, boot with dedicated card only, and then install everything or just except for the new CCC version? Or did you install the driver from switchable mode?

 

Yes, that worked for me, "discrete" (AMD only) mode in bios, with drivers prior to 12.06 if I'm not wrong.

With newer drivers the only way is to use leshcat ones.

 

Err, what? Do you mean 12.6 and not 12.06?

Also, leshcat...?

Are you saying that beyond 12.6, the only way to update is to use special drivers from "leshcat"?

Such a shame that these drivers are so broken that one has to rely on third parties to fix them and make them compatible with one's system. No thanks to Acer.

 

So if I install the 12.4 driver, am I to install the whole package, including the new CCC? or everything BUT the 12.4 CCC?

 

Until 12.6 (yes, not 12.06 obviously) I used that procedure:

1)Start from acer "stock" drivers found on acer support website, installed correctly

2)Turn "AMD MODE ONLY" ON in BIOS (exact voice should be "discrete only")

3)Install AMD drivers (remember that the trick do not work anymore with newer drivers)

4)Revert to "switchable mode" in BIOS


That made it for me, but after 12.6 I switched to LESHCAT drivers, that are working flawlessy for me.


Sorry if I'm not so easy to understand but english is NOT my first language

 

Thanks Edgar! You're perfectly fine to understand.
But what I'm asking is that did you install the whole 12.4 package or did you have to adjust it so that you don't install the new control center software itself.

Edit:
For some reason, the driver update isn't working.
1 I have installed Acer's 8.84 version on my laptop after a clean install. I installed it in the normal switchable mode
2 Then I went to the AMD Old driver list and downloaded: 12-4_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc.exe (which is catalyst 12.4)
3 I restarted my PC and went to bios and selected "Discrete"
4 After the restart, I installed the 12-4_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc. I installed the whole package, and didn't leave anything out
5 Now, when I check the driver version, it says 8.84 still, not the expected 8.96 or whatever 12-4 updates to.

Any help? About one year ago, I installed the 11.10 Catalyst using the method described above and everything worked flawlessly. I'm not sure whats going on this time around.


FINAL EDIT
I figured out why my drivers weren't updating: I was an idiot
I tried getting the 12-4 update from this website: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownlo...px?os=Windows Vista - 64-Bit Edition&rev=12.3
and it wasn't working. Not even the 11-10 update which I had previously installed. And then it hit me. Those are the desktop GPU drivers.
If you want to update to 12-4, here's how:

Download the update here: http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/GR...ay-Driver-124-for-Vista64-Windows-7-x64.shtml

1- Install Acer's latest GPU driver.
2- Restart and from bios, select "Discrete GPU"
3- Install the driver that you just downloaded. Install everything, that's included in the package
4- Restart and switch back to "Switchable GPU" mode
5- Right click on "My Computer" and go to properties. Click on "device manager". Under "Display adapters", right click on the AMD Radion HD 6550/5600/5700 and click properties. Go to the "Driver" tab and in version, it should now say 8.961.0.0

Success.

 

This whole driver updating process is infuriating. A couple months ago I had issues not being able to change back to "switchable" mode.

I have driver package version 8.93-111205a-132079C-ATI and Catalyst version 12.1.

Can't remember if my last update was from AMD drivers or the Acer bundled ones.

So I should get the 12.6 drivers from AMD, install them in discrete mode, then update with the leshcat drivers?

Are all other OEMs this bad with drivers and instructions for how to update them? Seriously! How could anybody know to do this? F*cking ridiculous.

 

Too much of the white silicon based TIM usually causes crazy temps and I like this laptop enough to tear it open!

 

No, don't get 12.6.
A bunch of people from this forum, myself included, have found anything 12.6 and beyond causes the computer to constantly bluescreen.
Just completely uninstall your current GPU drivers from Device Manager.
Go to the acer website and install acer's driver from 6/2011. Don't get the version number 9.00.00 because that's for windows 8.
Then go to discrete mode and install the whole 12-4 package. Just look at my post that's right above yours. I've included directions and a link to download 12-4.

Edit:
Actually, so long as your switchable GPU is working, I think you can just install the leschat drivers from wherever. You can get the acer's 8.84 driver update, and then update that to the leschat version.

 

i already install 12.4 and its success using switchable mode (before this i use the latest from Acer). , not the discrete method.
ATI driver updated to 8.961-120405a-137225C-ATI,, but from device manager, my Intel HD still version 8.84
if i want to use that leschat driver, how to install that driver? should i revert my driver to Acer original driver or just instal that leschat while still at 12.4?
if i have to revert back to Acer driver, how to do that?

 

Perfect, I'm glad you finally made it :thumbsup:

 

The Intel HD doesn't affect your gaming. That GPU is actually found on the CPU and does light work when you're unplugged. Don't worry about updating that, as I doubt it'll make a difference. Your 8.96 comes from the AMD update of your GPU.

I haven't installed leschat, but I'll try to do it this weekend and I'll let you guys know the results. If you want to go and try, go ahead. One thing I'd suggest is creating a restore point. If you're not happy with the drivers, just restore your system to how it was before the driver change.

 

My friend just got a 3rd gen Core i7 HP laptop with 16 GB DDR3 1600 RAM. I tried it in my Acer 4820TG and the BIOS showed 16 GB of RAM.

The question is if I can upgrade to 16GB RAM since everywhere I have read the maximum RAM this laptop can take is 8GB.

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you.

 

what is the exact speed from HD 6550M?
from CCC ver 12.4 it said 600MHZ Core, 800MHZ Memory.
but i use other software (HWinfo 64), it said 100MHZ core, 150MHZ memory..

 

guys, what's the best amd driver for amd card?
i'm using 5650M by the way..
thanks guys..

 

Its 600/800

If youre gonna download AMD drivers, anything upto 12.4 will work. That is, versions 12.6 and beyond do not work on our laptops.
However, a non-oem driver will upgrade you to 12.10 here:
Catalyst 12.10 WHQL UnifL for AMD+Intel Graphics ← leshcatlabs.net

Just start your laptop up in "discrete mode" from the bios, and install the driver.

EDIT:
I should mention that most of us who are updating here have the 6550m version of the GPU. the 5650 should also work in these kinds of updates, since the 6550 is the overvolted version of the 5650.

 

I just don't understand. Why don't the 12.6+ drivers work on our laptops?

 

Not sure. I've read somewhere that since our laptops use an Intel+AMD GPU, the 12.6+ drivers aren't programmed the right way so it creates a conflict.
The third party drivers from leschat replaces the Intel drivers with the old ones that are compatible, while keeping the updated and latest AMD drivers.

One thing I've seen, however, is that my switchable GPU feature doesn't work anymore with the 12.10 leschat drivers.

 

Hi dude! I was able to install switchable graphis in my Acer Aspire 4820TG with Windows 8 Pro build 9200 64 bits.

Here are the steps:

1) Download the latest Windows 7 drivers for 64 bits (VGA_AMD_8.84.7.4_W7x86W7x64_A) from acer.com
2) There is necesary to install .NET Framework 3.5 from Windows 8 (Windows have to download it). For do that: Go to control panel > programs
and features > Turn Windows features on or off > Select "Net framework 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0). This steps will take some time. Grab some chips for you
3) Be sure the stay in Switchable mode. Install the VGA_AMD_8.84.7.4_W7x86W7x64_A downloaded from acer.com. If there is an error saying "card not detected", you can proceed directly with ATI 9.00 driver).
4) Download VGA_AMD_9.000.0.0000_W8x64U_A from acer.com (From 4820TG Windows 8 page). This is the only one AMD driver. Grab more chips for you
5) Change to discrete mode and install VGA_AMD_9.000.0.0000_W8x64U. Then was installed, please go to control panel > system > devices > AMD Mobility Radeon 5650 (Microsoft Corporation WDDM v1.20). Ok. We need to remove those Microsoft Crap. We will do in the next steps:
6) In that device, right click, then properties. Select driver tab, then update driver.
7) Select "browse in my computer for driver software" and point VGA_AMD_9.000.0.0000_W8x64U folder. Click "let me pick a list of device driver on my computer" (important).
8) Select the third in the list (second ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650). (important). then click next. The screen will blink twice
9) Reset 4820TG, change to switchable mode.
10) Repeat the steps: Install VGA_AMD_9.000.0.0000_W8x64U, reset, change from Mobility Radeon 5650 (Microsoft Corporation WDDM v1.20) to Mobility Radeon 5650 (without "Microsoft Corporation WDDM v1.20" crap). Select the third one. If you select the second one (with the same name), the lap may be stuck on black screen. Just enter discrete mode then reset to swtichable mode to get out of that mode.
11) Reset laptop.

Now you can see the "Configure switchable graphics" option when you right click the screen, and it Works flawesly.

Some notes:
a) The P button does not work for change, just the right click option. But wht blue led comes on when we're in Intel mode and comes of when ATI mode.
b) If you start some App with use GPU acceleration (like internet explorer, or chrome), and you try to switch graphics, you won't and there will not be displayed any message. Just close those apps and try again, it will Works.
c) Maybe it will be posible to update to newest catalyst versión, i'll try in the future.

I'm attaching a picture for show you it is posible. If you have any questions please contact me. (sorry for my bad english, i'm not english native speaker).

 

i have tried your steps but i am not able to succeed...the 3rd option that you are saying " second ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650" is not present at all in the options please help me by providing some screen shots of the process...

 

Do you mean you can't switch the GPU when in switchable mode?

Ugh. I hate drivers.

 

thank you very much dude.. really appreciate all the info..thanks again!!

 

Ok. I'll take some screenshots for you soon. Remember follow the steps, (control panel > devices > Radeon (with a yellow mark)) right click and select properties,then change driver, then use disk and allow me to select for a list, then should be displayed THREE radeons, one with microsoft label, the other two without. I'm saying about the last of this two list.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15-NOV-2012
-------------------
So if anyone is interested.. I bought an i7-620M and installed it. Laptop would not boot. I am unsure if there is anything else I needed to do to change the CPU or if I was just unlucky on Ebay and bought a dodgy CPU. I really have no way of testing it right now. I put the i5-460M back in, and with win7 x64, 8Gb RAM and a new 7200RPM HDD, I am really impressed by this aging laptop. playing an old favourite, Far cry, and really cant be more happy with it.

If any of you know anything I should have changed to install the i7, let me know. As far as I could see it was perfectly compatible.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18-OCT-2012
-------------------
I don't believe there is. And I would not recommend playing too much with the RAM. If you want read the following for a detailed description of my upgrade that made me love this laptop even more.

I have really loved this laptop, so after about a year I wanted to see if there were any benifits to upgrading components. short answer YES!

As one of the programs I needed to use was limited to Win 7 32bit, thats what I had installed. The first upgrade was RAM. I was at my local MSY and noticed that there was a 16GB kit available for notebooks. sweet I thought, so I grabbed the set of 2 chips, Patriot PSD316G1333SK. I am fairly certain this RAM MUST be used as a 2 chip set. It installed and detected fine, booted fine, with the usual limitation at 3.5GB minus the Video Ram etc(cant remember the exact usage now). So I was pretty sure the laptop liked it ok.

Fast forward to last week, and a new Hard Disk was purchased. I wanted more capacity than an SSD can provide without sacrificing the DVD Drive, so I got a WD 750 7500RPM drive. I was planning to install Win7 64 at the same time to get the RAM benifits. Thats where the fun started. Windows DVD, USB windows install, even Hirens would not boot. The instant it got to the windows animation it would crash. I thought actually the hard disk was the issue so I wasted days playing with formatting/partitions etc, I mean the RAM works, right? Just by chance, I was fixing another laptop that I suspected RAM, and as it was after hours, I thought I would test my RAM in it. well it crashed at the same spot. It was then that I thought the specs say 8GB limit for a reason, then read it was a limitation of the Arrandale CPU.

So down to the shop and see what RAM is there. Now there is some Kingston KVR16S11S8/4 1600 specced RAM and I could find nothing on the web to say if the laptop would work or not with it. So I got 2x 4GB sticks and also 2x $GB sticks of Patriot PSD34G13332S for the other laptop.

The kingston RAM would boot further, but crash alot, I mean alot. Not stable at all. So I put the Patriot 1333 RAM in and now everything is great. Not a single crash.

This is like having a new laptop all over again! I have just ordered a new CPU, I am swapping out the i5-460M for a new i7-620M. The i5 has been great though, no question.

The other laptop I am fixing needs a new CPU, and it is an i3 Arrandale, so I am buying 1 CPU to do a hand-me-down.

I use PassMark Software - CPU Benchmark Charts as a rough guide as it is good to see visually all cpus in one place, and I take into account the application and other system parts can affect the system, not just the CPU(before I get any replies about it).

scores....
other HP Laptop:
i3-370M 2,049 replace with my i5-460M 2,474 = nice upgrade.

My acer:
i5-460M 2,474 replace with i7-620M 2,474 .. well no change but I am hoping it improves something!

I think the index was 4.7 before I did the upgrade, but here is the latest figures. Sorry I dont use any other benchmarking progs.

windows experience index: 5.9
Processor: 6.9
RAM: 6.9
Graphics: 6.7
Gaming Graphics: 6.7
Primary Hard Disk: 5.9

Sorry if this post was too long but I like to give enough info so anyone having the same issues or want to try a simiar process can get enough without needing to wait for more details.

I will report back on the CPU upgrade, and also possibly going to SSD the System dis, move to an external BD Disk and add the 750GB as the second disk into the optical bay with an adapter.

cheers,
Brian

 

Is your bios up-to-date? Maybe that cpu is supported only b newer bios...


I have a i7 640M on my 4820TG as original equipment from ACER, so a i7-620M should definitely work!

 

for this laptop, we use DDR3 PC-10600 or DDR3 PC-12800?
are those 2 is the same as 1333 and 1600?

 

For this notebook you are using 1066MHz for all two core CPUs (regardless of what type of memory you use- limitation of the CPU) and 1333MHz for 4 core ones (Core i7 720QM).
Putting 1600MHz in will do nothing- it will go down to 1066MHz for Core i3/i5 and two core i7 or to 1333MHz for 4 core i7.

 

so, the 1066Mhz=DDR3 PC-10600 or 1066MHz=DDR3 PC-12800 ?

 

Neither. DDR3 1066MHz is PC 8500.

 

Hi guys,

I have the Acer 4820TG-6847 i5, I believe the HD 6550M version. I want to buy some RAM this Black Friday and upgrade it. Could you please tell me what RAM to look for and how much 8 GB or 16 GB? I am looking at the Tiger Direct deals at the moment but not sure if any of those are suitable for my laptop:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/sectors/campaigns/earlyBlackFriday.asp?

Thanks!