Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820TG Owners Lounge

Well bit the bullet and purchased a 4820TG, as could not wait for mid-November for updated machines to be released over here. Need one soon could not delay anymore. Should be here Friday.

Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820TG, 5454G50Mnks,
Intel® Core™ i5-450M Dual Core Processor,
14" HD Screen,
Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit,
4GB RAM,
500GB HDD,
DVD Rewriter,
Dedicated HD 5470 Graphics

 

From Computeruniverse?

 

@ RobsTV

Mine is the same as yours.

 

I told you there was an overheating problem!

 

Anyone know if the refreshed ones will have USB 3.0?

 

They don't, they use the same motherboard. It's unlikely you'd see usb 3 without a model number change (like 4830).

 

Thanks. That rules that out for me.

 

Can anyone tell me what program to use to increase the laptop's fan speed ?

 

Nah UK supplier Simply Acer about $1300
Delivered tomorrow.

 

No tool is known.

 

Hmm... It seems that I've found a program which might be able to increase the fan speed. It is called EVGA Precision. I'm not too sure that it does the work but the sensors on GPU-Z are reading how much I've increased the fan speed on EVGA Precision.





So what do you think ?

 

The automatic fan control is not working well for you?
I think it is just right for best cooling with minimum noise.
But I like silent fans.

 

any1 owns a TimelineX 4820TG-8705 ..... does it have bluetooth?
would appreciate if any1 can confirm.
Thanks

 

Have a look at the backside and their labels

 

I can hardly hear any noise and I can't feel the heat being pushed out any further when i set fan speed to 100%. I don't think the program is making the fan to speed up at all .

Before I set the speeds in EVGA Precision, I saw that the fan speed was at constant 30% speed in GPU-Z. I don't see any increasing of speed. Not even to 31%.

I really don't know how to confirm that my fan speed is being controlled automatically since GPU-Z keep showing me 30% all the time.

Help ???

 

Sorry I'm not in a position to get my hands on it.
Any other way? ....

 

Thing is ... I'm concerned about my laptop shutting down by itself. I'm pretty sure it is heat related. It always shuts down when I play Dragon Age, I can play BFBC2 for 5 hours straight without shut downs. Last time I checked my CPU temp was about 96C and GPU at 90C, with Dragon Age and OC'ed before it shuts down. I was shocked.

I'm not sure why it does that... The only thing I can think of is, the shutdown may occur when nearing the cpu or gpu maximum temperature. Maybe it happens purely to prevent cpu & gpu damaging IMO.

 

Just look at the small side of the package, there is a label with all the specs. HDD,CPU and BT if it exist.

If you want to buy it online, call the service personal and ask them, let send you the information per mail.

 

Just use a system monitor tool, which writes the temperaturs to a log file on the HDD.

 

Hey anyidea why i always get a BSOD when i switch from dedicated to intel graphics after resuming from standby?

Like i have the laptop connected to the ac, i shut the lid, a few hrs later i open it up and when it trys to switch to intel i get BSOD. Using 10.7a drivers

some more detail.

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: d1
BCP1: FFFFF880086035F4
BCP2: 0000000000000002
BCP3: 0000000000000000
BCP4: FFFFF880086035F4
OS Version: 6_1_7600
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 768_1

 

Remember that there is only one fan in the machine, it is responsible for the cooling of both the CPU and the GPU. The symptoms you're seeing of a 30% fan speed (I see the same thing) are because the "gpu fan" doesn't exist at all - all work is done by the "cpu fan" afaik.

Now you're going to ask about how to control the cpu fan speed and best I can tell is it's not supported anywhere (even reading the speed). So you're stuck in the same situation, but now you understand why your readout of the fan speed never seems to effect anything.

Just_a_nick is correct, the best way to find out if you're shutting down due to heat is to run something like everest 5.50 and set it to log gpu/cpu temps and speeds every 5 seconds to a file. Then you can read it after the shutdown and see if it's shutting down at a specific cpu or gpu temperature.

The best way to help it run cooler is to increase airflow by elevating the rear of the system, try setting it on the spine of a hardcover book. Or look into a notebook cooler.

 

lol.. I already have a notebook cooler. The game that I'm playing (Dragon Age Origins) is really a big heat issue. I can play BFBC2 all day long. The only thing I can think of is replacing the factory thermal paste.

But, i'll monitor the temps and log it somewhere like you said, to check the overheating problem. Thanks for the tip ngaw & Just_a_nick.

 

Is there a public demo/beta of Dragon Age Origins available?
I haven't found any sources for legal stuff.

 

Hmm.. I don't think there is unless you wanna use torrent, but you can try the Mafia II demo via steam. Its still a good example of that problem of mine. Play it for about 30 minutes or longer and it will shut down, if you don't keep the temperatures in check.


http://www.2kgames.com/mafia2/demo/

 

I'm a 3820TG owner and would test my unit with the demo of your "problem game".

Mafia II works on my unit without problems.

 

The temps you quoted for BFBC2 in the 3820tg thread (96c cpu and 90c gpu) are with a laptop cooler? As the cpu would be throttling at 100c that pretty much means you'd be throttling or shutting down with bfbc2 if you weren't using the cooler if it's an effective one.

These temps are higher than most people see, at least with the i5. I'd strongly suggest contacting acer technical support and seeing about sending it in for service to see if they'll fix the problem.

I wouldn't suggest changing the thermal paste as a first step - if you have a defective unit is the first thing you want to do is invalidate the warranty? It is also not the easiest procedure in the world and damage can be done if it's done incorrectly - it might be a bit of a challenge for you. I saw one person in the 3820tg thread suggesting to you that you might see a 10c-15c temp reduction by changing the paste and I believe that's wildly optimistic. It might be worthwhile to do, but not as the first step if you're still under warranty.

 

Hmmm...Well, have you tried playing it without cooling aid ? (notebook cooler, air conditioner ect.)

Mafia II also works fine on my 4820tg, only thing is I have to keep it cool. lol

 

The high temps are known for the 4820TGs and it is not a case for the service.

And if any one posts this temps on the 3820TG thread without the note "4820TG" every one will cry, that is too hot.

 

I'm using just the 3820TG without any cooler or air conditioner.

 

The (96c cpu and 90c gpu) are for Dragon Age Origins, Not BFBC2. Temps are lower in BFBC2. I played all my games with the cooler. Unfortunately it isn't working for Dragon Age Origins. So.. if my temps are higher than most people see, what are the ideal temps ?

I don't think theres any warranty left for me as I already opened up my laptop. Damn.. It was foolish of me to do so. That time I was ever so eager to replace the thermal paste. But after finding out that I have to remove the mobo to reach the heatsinks, I just can't dismantle it totally. I fix it back right after I removed the bottom part. Regrets....

Do you think theres any services for Out-Of-Warranty products in acer ?

 

I would submit it anyway with a request for depot warranty service. If you haven't done anything radical, they might evaluate it. If they think you have a fixable problem and decline your warranty, they will likely provide you a price to fix the unit. Just because you opened your computer doesn't necessarily mean that your warranty is void.

Bronsky

 

Thanks Bronsky, it makes me feel glad to know that

 

Congrats to your new Acer! I can hardly wait to get mine...

I have two questions: 1) Where is "over here"? Are you located in the UK or US?
2) How do you know that the updated machines will be released mid November? According to the US press release there are available already - which they are obviously not. I have been following this thread for a while - did I miss out something?

Thanks a lot,
AceNic (US)

 

Can the i5-460M version's cpu be over clocked? depending on where I'm finding mixed answers. Hope it can, thats what I ended up with earlier this week =D

also when running amd gpu clock, is that only overclocking the GPU and the dedicated ram for it, or all of the ram? Is there any way to overclock all 4 gigs of ram if it is not?

 

Updated links on the first post. Added Frys.com for the 7805 model.

 

Why are site like Anandtech ( link to article) acting like the 4820TG and it's siblings are just coming out?

BTW got mine from amazon earlier this week. 4th from the last. It is exactly what I thought it would be . Basically everything that is good about my wife's 4810 but much faster.

edit: I do wish it had full depth USB ports as my low profile BT adapter sticks out more then it should.

 

When is the AS4820TG-7805 model released? How come only Frys has it and its at $830 + tax? And why is the i5 500gb hd AS4820TG-3195 priced at $639.99 ???

 

It's possibly only $639.99 because Microcenter may have put them on clearance to get rid of that model since it's the 3195 model with the i5-450m processor (with the 7805 having the i5-460m). I would totally go for that model if it wasn't discontinued (newegg also deactivated them). I could be wrong though.

From what I understand, the 7805 model got released afterward of course; with Frys only recently getting them. The sales rep told me that they only got them maybe a week or two ago, and they have already been selling like hotcakes.

 

AS4820TG-3195 was one of the first 4820TG models to come out in the U.S. It is discontinued and has been out of stock for a long time. The price tag of $639.99 means nothing right now. If you had brought it before, the original price would be $899.99 at Micro Center ($799.99-$829.99 for a couple of days on Newegg.com). It sold out rather quickly.

AS4820TG-7805 is the newest 4820TG model. Currently, it has been sold out on Amazon.com and Newegg.com. Frys.com is the only retailer that has the 4820TG in stock right now.

 

Anyone here knows how to use ATi Tool to find out their maximum core/memory settings ?

 

The 4820TG is fairly easy to disassemble.
If you had it opened as far as separating top from bottom, then the hardest part is over. Only a couple screws secure mainboard to chassis. The 3820TG is much more difficult to disassemble.

I would try it yourself. It sounds like that is the issue.

I followed this guide with photos for the 4820TG (Google toolbar translated)

http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=232&t=1504719&last=18724662

.

 

Ahh... I've been to that link before and its a good one too. Thing is, I'm still too nervous to open it fully. Afraid that I might screw things up in the process lol. Just need some time to get over this fear.

Btw RobsTV, will acer still cover anything if I opened my 4820tg ? Cuz theres a small round sticker which says "Warranty Void if Seal is Broken", located on the backplate of the laptop which opens to the ram and HDD. And I've broken that seal. Some people at the other forums say it is completely fine to break that seal and Acer will still honor the warranty.

 

Warranty is "not" voided by breaking the sealed sticker.

 

Pheeeeeww....... Thats a relief !!!

THANKS !!!!

 

I've read that a few people have switched out the wireless card for an intel 6200 or 6300. Is the performance difference worth it? and is it a fairly easy job?=]
Also if I were to switch out the odd for a second hard drive, what kind of performance would I get with it? would it be any different than hooking it up to a standard hard drive slot? thanks!

 

Bronsky,
I used your guide and successfully installed my new Momentus XT hybrid. Thank you for all of your help.

Now that I am up and running, and since I haven't gotten a new computer in half a dozen years. What sorts of things do you guys suggest I do to to maximize my computers usage? So far I am planning to install Firefox, openoffice, some free virus blocker, some spyware protection and peerblocker.

 

It is a question of your country law.

 

Glad it helped. Congratulations on your TimelineX.

Bronsky

 

In the U.S. at least, I believe the Magnussen-Moss Warranty Act would protect you in this case. It basically states, in part, that in order to deny a warranty claim for an act of user service/repair/upgrade, a company has to prove that something the user did or a part that the user installed caused the failure (for example, in the '70s, car manufacturers claimed the right to void the entire warranty on your vehicle if you did so much as replaced the radio). They might be able to make that argument if you took the whole computer apart, changed the thermal paste, possibly broke or didn't put something back together properly, etc., but for something like replacing the RAM or the hard drive, they'd have to show that the failure was related to the new RAM or hard drive. Of course, they could always just deny you coverage anyways and force you to drag them to court over it, in the hopes that most people won't.

I am not (yet) a lawyer, and you should probably go look up the actual law yourself to be sure.

 

How do i install the Intel Turbo Boost Driver (Manageability Engine Code) driver. I just did a clean install of windows 7 and now installing the drivers.