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

Odd it is, you seem to be the only one who has those keys working. May i ask what driver packaging version shows on your ccc information center? Thanks!

 

Really?

So you claim that the majority of AUO screens on the 3820TG
exhibit graininess. A high percentage?
Was there research conducted, in the USA or globally, to verify that claim?
Or many Acer reviews alluding to this claim?

I'm just curious, because there should be threads,
criticism/complaints threads similar to the hinge problems of the M11x, by numerous
3820TG/4820TG owners if that is a common worldwide occurrence.

 

The brightness keys work properly while on Intel. On ATI the keys don't do anything... at least for everybody else who tested 10.10.

 

oh yea thats right they dont work on discrete, didn't check that. Well it doesnt rly bother me that much as u can change it right click on battery and adjust brightness. Apart from that any other issues with the driver?

 

For everyone making clean Windows 7 install....

Although I don't understand much about computers I formated the HDD in 3820tg and decided to make a clean win 7 ultimate install. I got good results.

1)Formatted HDD

2)Installed Win 7 Ultimate x64 via USB (Using Microsoft tool)

3)Win 7 did not recognize ethernet card so in order to connect via ethernet cable first I installed Atheros Lan driver from Acer Support.

3a) Win 7 Ultimate recognized all drivers except, LAN, wLAN, Bluetooth and HD 5650. I installed the chipset drivers for 3820tg anyway from ACER support, just in case. I don't know if this step was neccessary.

4)Since Atheros LAN is recognized the device connected to internet... Let win 7 do its upgrades... After upgrades Win 7 recognizes intel VGA somehow, and you can use the highest resolution.

5)Downloaded the latest AMD VGA driver from ACER's Support page (I did not want to install 10.10 since in its release notes there is a warning that the driver is not compatible with switchable graphics systems using intel chipsets)

6)Installed Atheros Wlan, Only there is driver left for bluetooth when I check the device manager... I don't use bluetooth.

7)Everything works proper now and fast... No problems with switchable graphics or FN and P buttons.

8)Because I don't understand much all about other drivers software and hardware I did not install these... which were also recommended in forums: AHCI drivers, AMT, Touchpad drivers, Realtek sound drivers, Launchmanager, epower

System seems to work find without all of these and I have no idea at all what benefits AHCI, AMT, Launchmanager and epower have.

 

Not just the 10.10 drivers.

Even when using the latest official Acer drivers, brightness keys do not work when bios is set for discrete.

 

replying now because run.dll again mentions how he installed Ultimate.

Microsoft was handing out Windows 7 Ultimate DVD's like candy in the months leading up to the launch. Anyone could attend one of the events or host a party and would receive a retail keyed NFR Win7 Ultimate DVD. I have 4 from such events. Then there was a bunch of technet and ACM deals as well, (Microsoft approved). where you pay a small fee (such as $19 for ACM) to join and then get dozens of keys from MS. And, plenty of MS bundles, where you get retail keyed DVD plus motherboard and CPU for next to nothing. Retail keyed allows you to install on other PC's as long as it is currently installed and used on only 1 PC at a time. Most of these free (or low cost) offers were posted at the numerous Hot Deal forums around the net. So no surprise to see people loading Ultimate. Not loading Ultimate would be a surprise.

 

I have an LG panel in mine.
I cannot tell if it is fully retrolighted or only on the top or bottom...
I have had no problems with my vision, etc after using this panel for quite long stretches of time (sometimes 6+hours in a row).

 

Cykotoxik, for the same reasons I stated before, this would be highly unlikely. To have anything but a fair comparison, each panel would have to be inspected by only one individual, or else what would be an objective test would become subjective to each person's interpretation of what a grainy panel looks like. Perhaps all the AUO panels are identical, which means they'd either be all grainy for some people or crystal clear for others

 

I hear ya. In fact, I run W7 Pro. We are all licensed through our office.

Still, I went to great lengths to keep the clean install portion of my guide limited to W7HP so that the moderators would not be concerned. The Acer Clean Install Thread has been so gutted that it is unusuable. Just thought a word of caution would be appropriate.

Bronsky

 

You can think of AHCI as a sort of performance patch for SATA interface. Native Command Queing is the biggest advantage of it. Win 7 has a MS created AHCI but Intel's Rapid Storage Technology driver is used better by hard drives SSDs, Momentus XT's especially. Usually Intel RST is installed during the Windows install but you can download an actual .exe from Intel's website and install it like a normal app.

Many times your touchpad drivers are what enable scrolling and more customizable settings. This is how it's worked for all my previous laptops though the drivers weren't needed for stability. Epower is an Acer specific thing it seems (I remember it from previous posts) and AMT is Intel Active Management Technology. It's something for remote access and you don't need to worry about it.

Realtek is the HD audio driver (so says the first page of this massive thread. Launch manager is an Acer thing that works with and lets you reassign commands for multimedia, switchable graphics and other buttons that aren't part of the normal keyboard.

 

Well, that's my point also.

Be it objective or subjective.....

How can you claim "all" AUO screens
are grainy without any verifiable evidence?

So in your viewpoint, the graininess experienced by some,
means every single AUO, or high percentage, is grainy.

As I said, where's the proof? Because that's a major claim
if you're stating "all", or high percentage, exhibit a negative quality.

An example would be a Samsung LCD TV.
Some people around the world experience some
kind of problem or dislike the screen. You're going
to claim "all" Samsung LCD TVs, or a high percentage,
have that same problem?

 

Also want to ask, has anyone connected (preferably w/HDMI) their 3820TG to an HDTV?

Are you able to blow up the picture on the tv to the television's full resolution or is it limited to the laptop's 1366x768?

 

The HDMI out can display FHD. I have not used it on a TV but I have on my LG monitor.

My $.02 on the AUO display:

AUO's quality control is clearly substandard. Far too many users are dissatisfied with the 3820TG displays because they are too pixilated. Enough anecdotal evidence, taken on its own, is sufficient proof of a problem. Most seem to forgo filing any formal complaint with Acer but there are far too many complaints of the same character. Acer will never voluntarily replace 5%-10% of its displays. That's why I suggest buying from a retailer with a decent return policy and look at the display as soon as the unit is delivered to determine if it needs to go back. If I was not satisfied with the display on my unit, I would spend the $$ to return it and try another.

Bronsky

 

Yep. 1080p on my LG HDTV, and audio was also beeing passed through as well. Note that it uses ATI gfx when on HDMI, so battery life is greatly reduced. I've also noticed that the laptop switchable graphics acts up after you remove the HDMI cable, but a quick reboot fixes the issue.

 

Nobody is claiming that they are 'all' grainy. You're reading between the lines.
It's known for a fact that some AUO panels are grainy. If you still want to discuss the matter, take it to PM. No need to pollute this already overly populated thread.

 

Just installed a Vertex 2 120 gb SSD.

Here are the the benchmarks, after tweak and before tweak ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m15x/533269-ssd-ocz-vertex-2-performance.html#post6885381):

 

Actually Fn + arrows will change brightness with all drivers in all modes.
Thanks to another poster much earlier for mentioning this. (Sorry I forgot who)

The trick is to turn screen on and off after using Fn+arrow for changes to take affect.
This can be done instantly by simply lowering then raising the lid.
Or, you will notice the screen brightness changed after blanking screen from screen saver.

It is not instant on-the-fly, like when Bios is set for "switching" under video type, (Fn+arrow not instant with any driver in discrete mode), but the screen brightness is adjustable using keys.

I just remembered after trying Fn + arrow this morning with Acer official drivers (and Bios discrete), and seeing no change, an then just now moving mouse to bring screen back from screen saver and seeing a very dark screen. Fn + arrows, lid down then up, and fully adjustable brightness with keys.

 

Oh really, now my statements are pollution. And your statements aren't?

You claim a grainy display (AUO) to you, might be crystal clear by another person on the forum.
You're implying a person stating an AUO display is crystal clear is considered grainy to you. You're just switching
words around.

You claim there are display issues. Your statements generalize "all" AUO displays.

"Almost everyone has got one", "Usually the screen is grainy". That's not a statement that a high percentage of AUO screens are grainy?

Where in your posts does it mention that there's a possibility it's just a random defect / bad batch? Only when I mentioned those possibilities
did you reply and repeated what I wrote about a random defect / bad batch and that "some" not "all" AUO screens are grainy.

I definitely agree with Bronsky about substandard quality control at AUO
and a consumer should have the opportunity for an exchange if encountering a bad AUO LCD
on an Acer laptop.

I'm not an Acer employee, definitely not an AUO employee. I'm a consumer,
that wants to get his moneys' worth. I'd be one to join a group to criticize
something, just like the Alienware M11x hinge issues, if there are verifiable
evidence.

 

What's all the fuss about anyways? You just quoted a bunch of people, but I'll let that slip. Start a new thread dedicated to the panels if you think it's worthwhile. Lets keep the owners lounge clean.

Anyone been able to relate video performance with bios version? I'm on 1.17 and can't OC over 900 mem with the HD5650. I'm wondering if any of the others with poor overclocks have noticed changes between BIOS's.

 

So you mean you've had better results with previous BIOSes? That would be interesting.

 

Why should I start a thread?
It's your generalization that "all" AUO displays are grainy.
If it makes you feel better, you start a thread
and state "all" AUO displays on Acer laptops are grainy.

Your statements and from one other person.

Yeah, that's quoting a bunch of people.

 

No, I haven't attempted to OC with the previous 1.13. However I have noticed that almost all who report good results have claimed to have done so on 1.13. Just poking around trying to see if this is a software issue...

 

This thread is moving from interesting and informative to annoying.....

Edit: That was in reference to the AUO/display argument.

Question though....for those that are unhappy with their display....is there a replacement LCD available?

 

Gary,

I've looked into it. LaptopScreen.com has replacement screens for the 3820TG, in both Glossy and Matte. They don't disclose who the manufacturer is however. But seeing they offer matte as an option, it's possible that it's neither AUO or LG. These panels are pretty generic from one laptop manufacturer to another so it could possibly be a panel that doesn't ship with factory models.

 

Looks more like lack of luck on your part
Different memory chips would be my first guess however there's supposedlt only one mobo for this notebook- 55.4HL01.171G that is equipped with Hynic VRAM.
It's still possible that that has changed since I got this info- i.e. for the lack of Hynix memory chips.

 

The Travelmate 8372 has a matt version of the Timeline display. That might account for the availabilty of a matt replacement display.

 

I've sent in a inquiry to LaptopScreens.com about the manufacturer of both the matte and glossy screens. Will post when I get a reply.

 

Just did a benchmark of my ocz vertex 120gb. Got around the same results as you.
Did the tweaks as describes, even though I haven't got the slightest clue as to what it does to my system and why
Reran the benchmark and got similar improved results as you. Pretty great stuff!
Thanks for posting this!
Ohh and if you have any more information about what I just did to my computer, please post it here

 

Anyone have constant grinding/noise from the stock hard drive? It's a WD5000BEVT according to device manager. It is *constantly* winding up, winding down, grinding and just all around being noisy. I mean, I'm just sitting in Firefox reading a webpage (like this one) and the in-use light is constantly popping on and off and there is a ton of noise coming from it. There's nothing being downloaded, I have no background programs running, and it's a fresh install of Windows.

At first I thought I had a broken fan because I kept hearing a whirring-up and whirring-down, but then I stuck my head near the right side and saw the HDD light was coinciding with the noise, and realized it wasn't a fan but the disk itself. Can anyone help?

 

Just wondering, but is anyone have troubles with Ventrilo?

I can use my mic perfectly for other programs like Skype, but I can't seem to get it working under Ventrilo no matter what settings I use.

 

I remember being able to overclock to at least 950 on mem but that was before I went a little too far with the eng overclock and now...I can't overclock anymore for more performance and stuck with using stock values. That was when my BIOS was still 1.13.

 

Jabberwhacky, there are known Head Parking issues with the Western Digital drives [ Edit: Possibly same issue with other manufacturers], however it's more of a consistent 'click' sound then a grinding one. In a nut shell, to reduce power consumption, the drive head will be parked after 8 seconds of no drive use, causing that clicking sound we hear. However, it's unnecessary wear and tear on the drive and the power savings is doubtable.

Give this a try: QuietHDD

It's a little 60kb utiliy that you can drop in your systems Startup folder, and it increases the idle timeout for the head parking, thus reducing noise and wear on the drive. Leaving the app at its default settings has helped the noise issues on my 3820TG

Let us know if it helps.

 

I would suggest to just replace it with an ssd or a momentus xt. I've had the same issue before and it loads every program 50% slower than my xt now. My stock hdd was toshiba, and those random ticks and clicks were so darn annoying. Now i only use it as an external hd for storage and it's doing its job pretty good.

 

Already got a reply back from LaptopScreen.com concerning the raplacement panels for the 3820TG (As advertised on their site: Acer ASPIRE 3820TG-434G50N TIMELINEX)

Both the Glossy & Matte screens are manufactured by LG Phillipps.

Possibly a solution for those with AUO screen issues.

 

Had my 3820tg for 2 days and im hearing that clicking thing, sounds like the HD is doing it as well. Oh well hopefully on blackfriday there will be some good deals on SSDs.

 

I have an AUO screen, and doesnt look grainy to me maybe I got lucky and got a good one, but the glossy finish is killing it for me. Im using my work lenovo t410 next to the 3820tg.

The 3820tg looks crisper but the glare is a little annoying. Maybe Ill get one of those screen protectors that makes it more matte finish.

 

@MarcMTL - thanks for the LaptopScreens.com info!

 

Yeah, thanks a bunch! It is pretty interesting. Even more so if someone had experience with the matte version.

 

Any of you guys considered ditching the stock bilingual keyboard for something like this?

New Acer Aspire 3820 3820G 3820T 3820TG US Keyboard BK - eBay (item 310265692783 end time Nov-26-10 08:48:02 PST)

I'm sure it's not difficult to remove and install the keyboard as well..?

 

yes many of us have changed the stock bilingual ketboard out. it isnt dffucult to do at all. you just need something to push back the locking tabs on the keyboard tray to remove it.

 

Anyone know why I get hiccups that last anywhere from half a second to like two when I play video games? I also notice it happening when I'm in class typing notes.

 

Why do you state only AUO screen issues?

You're unable to stay objective and state something like

"Possibly a solution for those with screen issues."

There aren't problems with screens from other manufacturers?

Your statement is implying the screen replacement is only for
Acer owners with AUO screens.

If you're going to advise people, at least try to be unbiased.

Oh yes, I forgot, this is coming from a person that claims "all"
AUO screens are grainy.

 

After reading through this thread I've decided to get this notebook. I've never owned an Acer before and I was wondering what unnecessary programs I can uninstall or if a fresh install of windows would be simpler and if so, is there any tutorials on how to do a fresh install?

 

I have this notebook, it is great but I only have one problem with it.

I experience lots of little freezes during games or windows applications.

but in games it is even more disturbing... since it is way too often in the middle of the action

I realize that hdd s blue light goes on during freezes

Any way to fix this ? Or do I have a faulty unit ?

 

I've noticed the random "pauses" when typing in Microsoft Word as well..

 

If it is a possibility do a clean install. Bronsky made a great guide for doing just that, you should be able to find a link to it in the first post of this thread.

 

It makes the hidden advanced processor plans visible, which is the ones changed after the registry is edited. So it makes this visible:
•Proc. performance increase threshold
•proc. perf. decrease threshold
•Proc. perf. decrease policy
•Proc. idle demote threshold
•Proc. idle promote threshold
•Minimum processor state
•Proc. performance core parking overutilization Threshold
•System cooling policy
•Maximum processor state

See more in this thread: Link

 

Both of you need to run quietHDD and go to Settings > Misc Settings > Uncheck "Enable APM Control" and "Enable AAM Control". The WesternDigital HDD in these laptops has very aggressive energy saving features and that's why you see that stuttering as the drive needs some time to spin up.

 

Thank you m8!