Acer TimelineX 3820TG Owners Lounge. Info, benchmarks, tweaks, mods and upgrades

I have my old backlit KB on without the power. That feels much better.

Bronsky

 

Bronsky,

Any imperfections or defects in your unit?

Is it as perfect as can be seen by the naked eye?

 

Yes ... there are no flaws that I can see. Pixels are 100%. The display is beautiful. No imperfections anywhere.

I forgot how beautiful these notebooks are.

Bronsky

 

Thanks for the tip.

But, still same results.
7.2 memory score after running a fresh WEI.

 

Get the 5650 so you can't regret in the future.

 

3820tg testing result of Dragon Age. It is a very good RPG game released in 2010. Kind of demanding game. Puts pressure on CPU seriously.

Results:

It runs smooth... x8 AA Highest Settings

The game's loading time is not different than my desktop pc with 1333MHZ ram with i5 750 processor and hd 5770.

CPU went up to 66 Celcius after 15 Minutes testing. This game is very CPU hungry.

GPU went up to 57 Celcius

Specs = i3 370m, 3gb ram, hd 5650

Excuse for bad english

 

good to know, i plan on playing this soon. Thanks.

 

lol, i just tested it too off my steam account, and it runs smooth as butter. any game that runs on the unreal tournament engine (gears of war, rainbow 6 vegas 1 and 2 , etc) should be fine on this laptop.


minecraft is heavenly!!!!!

 

Going to get a 4820T - hopefuly - tomorrow, so if anyone still hesitates I can post pictures comparing sizes and display.

 

GTA IV is more demanding on the CPU, cores reach 80/84 C.

Mafia II pushes the CPU to 73/77 C.

Anything under - let's say - 87C is OK for the core i5s.

 

i5 treshold is higher for temperature but I use i3 and it seems I may need an extra cooler for the summer if I am going to play games. Since i3 can take up to 90 C... Bronsky mentioned about this and warned me but where I bought the computer strangely there was a huge price difference between i5-460m and i3-370m

I won't play every game. I just plan to play heavily diablo 3 in the future. I guess this machine will handle it without problem.

For now I only play:

Starcraft 2
Dragon Age
Civilization 5
Half Life 2 series

So far I only tested Dragon Age with this machine.

--------

About temperatures I checked intel's site

for i3 370m it says : 90°C for rPGA, 105°C for BGA (What are rPGA and BGA ? )

for i5 460m it says : 105°C

 

The PGA is the socket in the 3820TG. It is a wire-pin socket, with a clasp on it that holds the CPU inplace. CPUs in the PGA socket are easily replaceable. The BGA socket is a ball-ground socket where the CPU is soldered directly into a mount on the motherboard. Most UM arrandales are mounted in this fashion. That is why they can not be easily replaced. That is also why the max temp increases on the I3, its ability to dissapate heat is enhanced.

Bronsky

 

I am particularly interested in how you like the larger display with the same resolution as the 13.3". What prompted you to get another unit? Did you get rid of the Latitude?

Bronsky

 

Back again as I got my machine back from the service. Really haven't read what has happened here. So so many pages of new text here.

My problem was apparently the CPU itself! Hadn't see that coming,
as it did memtest and some cpu load tests without any problem.

But as Acer is offering those new bluetooth drivers. Has someone managed to install them and how?

 

That would be awesome!

Having photos of the 3820TG and the 4820TG
alongside each other will be very helpful.

I've always wondered the size difference between these models.

Is there any chance you have an M11x to compare sizes
with the 3820TG & 4820TG? Hehe!

I've been using a 4820TG for a couple of weeks.
The 14" screen feels just right. The 1366x768 resolution is fine at this
screen size. The screen is great for general usage (applications, web browsing, videos, etc.)
and definitely for gaming. No squinting and no major eyestrain.

I'll be waiting eagerly for your 3820TG/4820TG comparison photos.

 

Latitude is still up and runing, my girlfriend uses it for/at work. I used a Vostro, Inspiron before, all in all, the Latitude line is reliablée, and well built IMO, bit pricey, but worth it.

A friend/colleague of mine will work in Ireland for a year, and needed a notebook. When I bought my unit my first intetion was to delay this purchase as long as I can, get the most powerful unit that's available, and give my current unit to my friend - even though he wanted something with an integrated ODD....haha .
Since the fastest stock CPU that's available in the region (460M) is not "that" faster compared to my 430M IMO, integrated ODD my friend gets...be it.

The main preference was to get at least 4-5 hours battery life and an ODD, decided to pull the trigger on a i3 350M IGP unit.

Anyways, are there any particular setup (sample picture/wallpaper) You'd like to see camparitive pictures taken of?
If so, let me know.
Going to use the 4820T till Friday.

Again, same thing here. Any particular setups You'd like to see pictures taken of, let me know.

Sorry, I can't get a M11x in two days. Even if I ordered one today, they probably couldn't deliver it in time.

The truth is I was thinking of getting one with 640UM, but than again - no offense - it looks so bulky, and don't know how it would fit to "office/bussines" standards.Yet againb, it's an alienware, quite rare in my country...

 

Odd you have or had a 3820TG right? Why would you want the extra .7" and 1 cooling fan less?

 

I just bought the newest version of the acer 4820tg.

However, i'm having an issue with the "h" key, as in it is squeaking whenever i press it.

This is highly dissapointing as that I just got this laptop

Is there anyway for me to fix this myself. (As in, is there a special method to take off the key?)
And if i really have to send it to get repaired, how much would it cost?

 

The older latitudes are far better built than the current breed. The precisions are the really well built Dells ATM.

I have been impressed with the I3-370M so far. But to be honest, I haven't done much with it.

@hendrickson ... you're a purest.

Oh and kiskapu, I always use the Rock Island in the middle of the Water as my display background on all of my computers so I can compare them. That would give me some point of reference.

Bronsky

 

Don't take off the key ... it will never go back on right. They always tilt to one side. If you can get some spray teflon, twist the cotton at the tip of a Q-Tip long so it can fit under the key. Spray a smidgen of teflon on the tip of the cotton and get it onto the spindle without getting it on the keys. That should solve the problem after a few uses. Don't use WD40 or silicone. If you can't do it without getting crap on the keys, the KB probably has to come out and you can get access under the keys that way. Worst come to worst, you can order an new KB for > $50. Acer probably has them in stock by now.

Your other option is to send it to the Acer repair depot in Temple Texas. They'll fix it good. You could also probably send it back to the store where you bought it. You will probably need an RMA from the retailer and, in some cases you'll have to pay the shipping.

Bronsky

 

Hmmm, how about both models using the same web browser, opened to the same website that has lots of text.

Everything else, with photos of various angles of the screen lid up/open are fine.

Thank you for offering this service.

As for me, I mentioned the M11x because I'm on the fence deciding upon the 3820TG/4820TG and the M11x. That's why I need a size and screen comparison.

 

The new BT driver for the Broadcom models are working well.

 

This looks like an interesting way to improve sound quality on the Acer Timelines. http://forum.notebookreview.com/6851956-post1962.html From our brethren in the 4820TG thread.

Bronsky

 

Hi guys!

Today I received my 3820TG-545432Gn and am thrilled to be a part of the family ^^ Hopefully you'll bare with me as I will now be asking my first question, which is the same as what mmmw was curious to know on the front page of this thread (post #10):

I've done a clean install on a fresh Seagate HDD (7200rpm) and am currently trying to figure out just which drivers to download I've got FIVE different ones just for installing WLAN and haven't got a clue which one to pick? The one from Atheros, Broadcom or one of the three drivers provided by Intel (6250, INT6300H, and simply "Intel").

How am I supposed to figure this thing out? Same goes for the Bluetooth drivers where I may choose between four different ones - two of them being supplied by Atheros and the other two are Broadcoms'.

Cheers!

 

Well, besides opening up the bottom part and doing a visual inspection, you
can do a quick inspection on the stickers.

On mine (4820TG), there's a large Acer sticker with various symbols,
the model number and Mfg Date. To the left of it, there's a smaller black sticker, that says
"This device contains WLAN module...".

Not sure if it's the same on the 3820TG. You can just check all the stickers,
if there's something similar to what I mentioned.

Good luck on your drivers installation.

 

Whoa I can't believe I didn't figure that one out myself. Never bothered reading the stickers since I didn't think they'd provide me with any useful information ^^' Thanks man, now I should be able to wrap things up here!

Oddly enough though, it says I've got a Foxconn BT module but I can't find any drivers for something like that @ Acer's website :S Guess I'll just try and Google it.

Edit: what about the touchpad, btw? Does it matter whether I choose to install the drivers provided by ALPS or Synaptics? Any limitations to how I can use the touchpad depending on the drivers?

 

I finally get my 3820TG on hand. It felt really good after first several days use. My biggest complaint will be the keyboard. The left SHIFT key just does not cooperate. I have to hit it right in the middle to get it to work.

Now my questions:

1. How can I get my battery to 100%? I charged it up and turn on the computer, and there it is, 98%. How did I mess that up?

2. Does anyone have recommendation on the memory brand to upgrade?

3. Any recommendation for a sleeve?

Thanks.

 

1) It's a battery wear saving feature. Perfectly normal.

 

hi peeps, anyone can help here?

 

Your computer is more powerful than your friends so you need a 90 watt brick. There is a slim 90W model that was posted a wekk or so ago. You should be able to find it on a search.

Bronsky

 

jeez thats an insane good price if you got a ati 5650, if its a 5470 maybee not so good but still good enough! Id keep it!

 

Amazon.com: AcBel Ultra Slimmest & Smallest 90W Laptop AC Power Adapter NoteBook Charger for Acer Aspire TimelineX 3820TG 3820T Series NoteBook PCs (Worldwide Safety Certificate with 3 years Warranty): Electronics

 

I've only done a Windows 7 clean install on a 4820TG.
Only one Touchpad driver is listed for the 4820TG.
That installed properly for me.

For your situation, the fastest method, since only 2 drivers listed,
definitely try the process of elimination method. Hehe! Try each driver and see if it installs and functions properly
or an error occurs.

Or a more time consuming method with a driver update application like DriverMax,
which has an option to identify unknown hardware.

Or did you install both drivers already and both drivers installed error-free with
no errors in Device Manager?

After you've successfully installed drivers for all the devices,
definitely make certain there aren't anymore exclamation points in Device Manager.

I only mention this because I encountered a problem after installing
all the required drivers.

I had an exclamation point with PCI Simple Communications Controller.
I'm unsure if that problem is encountered with a clean install on a 3820TG.
If that problem is also encountered, I'll give you a link to the solution.

Good luck!

 

Thanks... Does the i3 mainboard in our 3820tg accept i5 processor for future replacement ? Or do they use different mainboards ?

 

Same PGA 988 socket. You can upgrade up to the I7-640M.

Bronsky

 

Bronsky do you need to buy SetFSB to OC?
Did you OC CPU yet? How far did you get?
Thanks.

 

AFAIK, Broadcom drivers is needed for Foxconn BT module.

 

no you dont need to buy it. its shareware/freeware. however if the clock gen isnt supported you will have to get the programmer (his name is habo) to support it.

 

1. it's a battery wear thing, don't worry. BTW there should be a new bios about this.
2. you can buy almost anything. The usuals are corsair, adata, ocz, geil, etc...
3. I'm in love with la robe be.ez sleeves. They are very well built, very nice to look at and they are made with a hurt-absorb cool material. Amazon.com: Be.ez 100571 LA robe Sleeve for MacBook 13.3-Inch (Black/Pumpkin): Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

 

No I only picked one of them at random and since it seems to be working just fine (scrolling and using two fingers to zoom), then I guess I don't really need to ponder any more about it!

Yeah this is the onyl problem I'm currently having, everything else has been installed correctly by now - except for the WLAN which I assume is connected to this problem since it's a Communications Controller?

Thanks that did the trick!

 

I do have it. The 4820 would be for my colleague/friend. He needs an integrated ODD.
If there were units shipped with 540M stock, I would have bought one of those, and gave the unit in my sig to the colleague of mine, not mindif his need for an integrated ODD.
The fastest stock unit is the 460M ATM, that's not significantly faster than my 430M, that's why I don't mind getting him a 4820T. (I need the warranty, so no CPU swapping for me ATM).

My 3820TG stays.

 

Got my SetFSB key from Abo. Playing with the I3 this morning, I had it OC'd stable at 3.06ghz and could reach 3.1ghz before hitting terminal instability. I didn't have any CPU temp monitors installed yet so I didn't want to keep the CPU at that level, but it looks like this unit OC's very well. No problems at all with the G73 clockgen. Even Abo says it's a good match from the diagnostics capture.

Bronsky

BTW, I used Acer's registration app. How do I know it was registered ... I did't get any feedback from the software. Do I just have to wait for an email to come from Acer?

 

A newbie question about battery

The battery is fully charged and the 3820 is plugged in. Should I remove the battery when it is plugged in ? Or can the battery just stay always attached to the machine ?

I read somewhere that when I use the computer plugged in, I should remove the battery, but does this make sense at all ?

 

The first thing you should do is let the battery go through a few deep discharge/full charging cycles. That will help condition the battery.

As far as leaving it in when plugged, it will probably help increase the life span a bit. I don't bother becuase I don't like the feel of the laptop without the battery.

Bronsky

 

Does anyone know what the PCI Simple Communications Controller is? Its showing as not being installed in my device manager.

 

Install the Intel AMT Driver.

 

A few observations while OC'ing the 370M. I can't use the ultra setting like I did with the last Clockgen. If I use the ultra setting with the G73, it sets the initial CPU clock at 175, the display goes black and the system shuts down. That's why it was doing it initially. I was using the SetFSB from my old 3820TG and that clockgen required the ultimate setting to be enabled. Odd.

The other thing is the I3 is struggling with the heat at a steady 3.0ghz OC. My CPU fan is on constantly. The fans were hardly on with both of my I5's, even at a high OC. It will be interesting to get some monitors installed and see what is going on. I've not had the first hint of throttling, even at 3.06ghz and the fans going full blast.

This unit only needs an I5-540M, IC Diamond and a Backlit Keyboard to be perfect. I'm still going to wait a few weeks to see if anything happens with my other motherboard but I can envision swapping the USB port board from the old unit (KB wires), putting in the BT Module, changing the CPU, adding good paste and installing a BL KB. Then I might consider loading the AMD Firepro drivers for the GPU and flashing the voltage up to HD5730 settings from the bios to have a true 13.3" workstation. So much for not modding this one.

I added the color profile for the display. Not much change. I think the colors are better on this display than my original one but the vewing angles are much narrower and I think the other monitor is a hair sharper in contrast. Considering all of the qualities, I think the display on my first unit was marginally better.

Bronsky

 

Ok so how do we flash a higher voltage on the GPU or higher clock speeds?? Did I miss this? Got a guide somewhere?

 

I get a message saying an error occured while registering one or more components?

 

@ConraDargo Hehe! Glad to know you got the Touchpad driver issue resolved.

@ConraDargo You have a problem with your WLAN driver installation, or just
with the PCI Simple Communications Controller in Device Manager?

@ConraDargo & @dbaby7

The PCI Simple Communications Controller in Device Manager

in this particular situation, it's the
Intel Management Engine Interface.

MiloFoxburr is correct, just install the Intel AMT Driver.

I noticed in Acer's 3820TG Driver section,

the drivers are properly labelled
as AMT | Intel | Intel iAMT Driver

and when uncompressed, it's conveniently arranged
to just click on Setup.exe to start the installation process.

In the 4820TG Driver section,

it's labelled as

Turbo Boost | Intel | Turbo Boost Driver (Manageability Engine Code)

When uncompressed, the same files are buried underneath some subfolders.
So for 4820TG users, to search for the same Intel AMT drivers, it's labelled differently
and when the file is uncompressed, it's buried underneath some subfolders. Sigh.


If there are errors encountered, then do a manual driver installation
and direct the search to the folder where you uncompressed
AMT_Intel_6.0.0.1179_Win7x86x64, then subfolder Drivers, then subfolder MEI.

For example...

Windows key + R -> devmgmt.msc -> Other devices ->
PCI Simple Communications Controller -> Right click and choose
"Update driver software" -> "Browse my computer for driver software" ->
then select the folder you extracted AMT_Intel_6.0.0.1179_Win7x86x64.

Or whatever method you access Device Manager and into the specific device.


Good luck on your installations!