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

Dimming is fixed! Power setting in Intel setup.

 

I'm just wondering is anyone else's notebook having the GPU fan constantly on while on the Intel Graphics? Lately been using my laptop in quieter environments and noticed that while on the integrated graphics, the GPU fan always runs at a set speed, never higher or lower. I'm running BIOS 1.19 and the stock ATI VGA drivers from Intel. This does not make sense to me because it is unnecessary noise that seems like it should not be happening.

 

If you was before on the AMD one or just boot up the laptop and switched to the Intel one, the AMD fan will cool down the AMD one and switch of after a while.

But it could be really 5-10 minutes.

 

From opening up the notebook I understand the gpu fan also cools the chipset. Could it be your chipset that the fan is cooling?

 

No, the GPU fan is not controlled through the chipset temperature.

 

Where is the Touchpad delay setting (the one that disables the touchpad for a second when you're typing). I know I had my old unit set up like this but I forget where the setting is.

Bronsky

 

control panel>mouse>tapping

also lengthen the delay time

EDIT: probably wanna turn off unused gestures as well.

 

If you're talking about the Synaptics touchpad program; you can change the sensitivity under "PalmCheck".

 

The fan runs no matter what I come from. I just woke up my computer from a 9 hr sleep and the fan instantly starts up. It never stops running. Whether I use the laptop for 5 minutes or 2 hours.

EDIT: The fan also never stops while on the ATI card. My idle was 53 or so a while back but now my card stays around 45 because the fan is constantly on.

 

I'm having an issue with a game. World of Tanks. Crysis runs well on my machine but the game World of Tanks is running horrible. Really low FPS. I fear it may be trying to use the integrated graphics or something. I only play with the laptop plugged in and with the graphics switching set to the 5650 but the game just doesn't run well. I looked at the resource monitor and my i3 hovers around 30% use while the HDD has spikes which cause issues with the game but my main concern is the FPS in the game. It freezes and gets laggy.

Suggestions?

EDIT: On that note is there a simple program similar to fraps but monitors GPU/FPS, CPU and HDD and can display it while in game?

 

So I took a few runs with 3DMark06. With stock clocks I got a score of 7701. After raising the clocks to 680/1050 I got a bit over 9200 marks. I'm going to push this further after I buy setFSB to oc the CPU. I ran a quick test with GPU core clock well over 700, can't remember the exact score but it was still under 10k. Temps were not a problem, I took the notebook to my balcony where the ambien temp was -25 deg celsius (-13 fahrenheit). GPU temps never went over 70 deg celsius.

Just have to comment on the screen on this unit; it sucks. Viewing angles are really bad. My panel is LGD023F. I installed the ICM calibration file found earlier in this topic, I reckon it was done with a different panel but nevertheless it seemed to improve the blacks a bit.

 

Hello to you all!

After a very long time following this thread, I finally decided to get 3820tg and today it has arrived. So far I just love it, only problem is getting used to this keyboard - the structure is not the problem (it feel quite good to type on), it is just that it is with a different layout.
I just wanted to say thank you to you all (and especially Bronsky), who kept this thread updated with news and tweaks and problems. Nice job everyone.

Oh yes, the specs: Core i5-480m, AMD 6550M, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 6-cell battery.

 

Seems that the 1.19 BIOS is back up, just FYI

 

Well congratulations . I've got the exact same machine only difference is the HDD, mine's 750GB.

Have fun overclocking the 6550, it's a monster for that sort of thing. Just watch the temps - see my previous postings.

Good luck! Any questions don't hesitate to ask .

 

Hi All,

I've had the 3820TG (i5 460m, 5470, 4g, 500g) for a few days and everything is perfect except for a little bug that really starts to annoy me. Here is a description of the problem:

When I play video games or online videos from Youtube, I experience random audio skippings. It's like a bad track on a CD. The audio will buzz for like half a second. The pause might be too long to call a "freeze". But again it's extremely annoying.

First I thought it's the WD HDD issue that a lot of users have reported to cause gaming pauses. So I got QuiteHDD and turned APM off and set AMM to fastest. But the problem continued to happen. I tried CrystalDiskInfo to control APM/AMM and it did not help.

I wonder if other people have the same problem. And I wonder if it is just an audio issue, or could it be a HDD issue?

Any feedback would be of much more help than what I got from the tech support of Acer, who said he never heard about this issue.

 

Has Bios 1.19 some advantages/ disadvantages for user ?

 

I thought the LG models were the nicer ones and the AUO were the bottom of the barrel? Got a link to the calibration file?

Have fun! I got mine recently as well. Love the thing so much I still use the cloth between the keys/monitor and I also put it in the thin white cloth sleeve while transporting in my laptop case

danke schoen!

 

Sorry for double posts folks, check the times, I was editing the last one while this guy posted

I have the same issue. I think it's related to the HDD because if you monitor resources the HDD maxes out from time to time. My CPU floats along at 33/34% yet the HDD spikes and causes the same freezes/pauses.

Honestly I think it may have something to do with the page file system (or virtual RAM). Most all laptops come with a small default and I maxed mine but after a few days I don't need it at all. I'm going to turn it off completely and I'll let you know the results in a bit.

 

I have the same problem and I ve got OCZ SSD drive :-(

 

^ Oh noz. I have an intel x25m on the way so I wasn't to concerned about it. I've disabled virtual memory and have mp3s running through the network so I'll wait for a freeze and see if the music continues to play fine. it's stupid little tests like this that'll help us all solve it.
Eidt: I also have new memory on the way and will be replacing the 4GB with 8GB. i'll wait to test the HDD before I install it.

 

I believe the 1.19 bios will let the 5650M show as an 6550M, other than that I doubt it.

 

Yeah, I'm afraid so.

It's not that big of a flaw I couldn't live with, I barely use the bent key, plus I managed to bent it a bit back, but it's definately bent.

Well, it'll be on the repair list once I can let go of the notebook, or any major flaw comes into play.

Thanks for the info anyway!

 

That s it? Nothing else? No fan/power settings adjusted? No performance or using comfort increase ? If so, then I suppose to leave my default bios version, right ?

 

Come on folks, call Acer and let them know it's THEIR problem. The guy I talked to today said he had never heard about such complains.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Will try your method. Most people said it's a problem with HDD APM and it's good to hear a different theory.

 

Is that sleeve made of cloth? I believe it's recyclable paper.

 

Stock original Bios will also, as mine changed to 6550M with stock Bios and latest Acer ATi video drivers (installed manually in device manager, have disc, etc). Only shows as 6550M when Bios video is set as dedicated. When switchable video is enabled in Bios, it still shows as 5650M..

 

Interesting.
However, I cant recall anyone stating that the fan/power settings etc. had been changed, feel free to correct me though.

 

It's a cloth.

 

Disabled virtual RAM (0MB), still having the same issue.

 

I have OCZ Vertex 2 80gb and I don't remember having this issue... This was clean install with most drivers downloaded separately from component manufacturer's website (LAN, WiFi, chipset, cpu graphics) and rest from Acer. I haven't done any tweaks for SSD. Running v1.19 bios.

I didn't really play much with it though, so maybe that is why I haven't seen it? Can't test now as I've sent laptop to Acer for http://forum.notebookreview.com/ace...und-acer-notebook-acer-aspire-1410-1810t.html

I did use it on Ubuntu 10.10 for quite a while and didn't have any issues whatsoever.

 

I heard from other people that changing the HDD to some other brand resolve this issue once and for all.

 

Hey guys,
Not sure if this has been posted but for thos of you with a Seagate Momentus XT there's a new firmware release, SD24 available here: Momentus XT Firmware Update

 

I guess still no way to make the wifi and the touchpad automatically stay off after a computer reset

 

Sorry, don't know what you mean by fan/power settings and how they relate to old stock Bios and latest Acer ATi drivers? Just pointing out to someone that mentioned newer bios might make video card appear as 6550M, that new Bios is not needed for the 3820TG to be seen as 6550M. Original v1.13 also shows as 6550M with latest drivers.

I see some people mention GPU fan on a lot, but stock bios (v1.13) with latest Acer ATi drivers, and fan very rarely turns on. Power settings all work correctly, no flickering, except brightness hot key requires lid close/open for instant change when using Bios display set to dedicated.

 

Someone asked if there where any reports of changed fan/power settings in the 1.19 bios. I guess the question was asked since there was a lot of talk about a less aggresive fan profile in the 1.17 bios causing the gfx to run hotter than on stock bios (if I recall correctly). I was simply saying that I dont recall anyone talking about this or something similar on the 1.19 bios.

 

I am hoping someone can help me with an issue I am having with Launch Manager.

My model does not have Bluetooth. Therefore when I pressed the Fn key to shortcut the WiFi on/off, the WiFi would simply turn on and off.

I recently installed a third-party external dongle (Asus) and now when I hit the Fn-WiFi key, it brings up toggles for BT and WiFi.

I just want it to go back to the way it originally was. Does anyone know how?

 

Does the PCI-E issue fix itself? Or do we still have to manually follow these steps to fix it?

"Poor 3d performance / PCI-E runs at only x1 not x16. Installing the latest ATI Catalyst drives fixes this. See below:

Installing the latest ATI 5650 catalyst drivers. First make sure you install the stock Acer ATI vga driver. And then Intel HD Graphics driver. Then go into the systems bios (F2 on boot) and set the vga mode to discrete in the second screen. (See screenshot below) Install the newest ATI driver over the top of the existing and then reboot the notebook. Go back into the bios and change the options back to switchable."

 

Its been quite a while since I last saw a post regarding this old issue. Running everything stock has never caused problems for me at least. I would be surprised if this was still an issue.

 

You're unit will come with the updated drivers. It won't be a problem. Getting excited about your new unit?

Bronsky

 

Nice, thanks. Hehe, yea it's exciting that having a 3820tg will finally become a reality.

By the way, is this still the only way to permanently overclock the GPU? http://forum.notebookreview.com/ace...rks-tweaks-mods-upgrades-116.html#post6432896

 

Sorry for my english, it's not my native language)

My laptop configuration has not bluetooth inside.
I've bought bluetooth module with cable on ebay ( link )

When I install module in laptop, nothing happened. Pressing Fn+F3 (or any other key) also not working. I guess it may be incorrect pin order on cable.
Could somebody check pin order on your bluetooth cable?

Thank you.

 

No you can use MSI Afterburner which is arguably much better since it can have auto-detect 2D and 3D profiles for overclocking.

 

These things have become scarce.

Just when I decided that I wanted one.

 

It doesn't auto-detect. It builds a list of installed software and compares it to your running programs.

 

Cendirect in Canada claims to have the 3820TG with an I5-460M and the HD 5650 GPU for $771. A couple of units have been ordered already and we are waiting for them to be delivered before updating the North American Purchase thread. Here is the link. LX.PTB02.235 Acer Aspire AS3820TG-5464G50nks 13.3`` LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-460M 2.53 GHz 1366 x 768 WXGA Display - 4 GB RAM - 500 GB HDD - Bluetooth - Webcam - Windows 7 Home Premium - 8 Hour Battery - HDMI - Cendirect Canada

If you're interested, as soon as the guys on the purchase thread confirm that it is the HD 5650, I would not wait.

North America finally gets the I5/HD5650 a full year after the notebook was anounced. Nice going Acer.

Bronsky

 

3820tg-5464g50nks

This site lists it as having a 5650 and i5-460M.

 

Yeah, everywhere I've found that model number it's associated with the 5650 and i5-460M. I'm one of the few who's ordered it from Cendirect. It's just made it into the states, according to tracking, shouldn't be long (no estimated arrival date).

 

Hi Folks,

A quick question, I accidentally uninstalled the Acer e-recovery management software. Where can I get it or how can I do a system recovery without it?

Thanks!

--- Resolved with a system recovery.

 

Hey,
Have any of you had any experience with the crucial c300 256gb ssd? Im thinking of getting one for my 3820tg. They seem to be good and I can get one on ebay for €370 which is quite good. I think 256gb is about as low as I could go storage wise as I use a few os's and virtual os's etc.
Thanks