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

wait, you only clean your screen 3-4 times in a lifetime??? why is that?

 

LOL I clean mine every few days. I use 1 spray of Windex on a paper towel and a couple of dry towels. I clean the display, making sure that no moisture runs down toward the lower bezel. Wipe clean with the dry cloth. Use air in-between cleaning to keep dust off.

Bronsky

 

I personally wouldn't go near the screen with liquids...I use a dust abosrbing microfibre cloth....the blue one that I think comes with the laptop, breathe a bit of hot air on the screen and hey presto its clean!

 

I don't have patience to clean with water all the time. Usually I use a clothe to softly remove easy dust.

Edit: Let me explain "patience", because I'm not lazy. I don't like to use any chemical product on my screen, including alcohols, chlorine, etc. since I already damaged a screen in the past.
Treated water in Brazil uses chlorine, so I have to make my own steps (usually desalination) to purify the water before rub on my screen.

I don't like to use clothes since they rub the dust against the screen, causing micro-scratches, so I use clothes very softly, like forensics using fingerprint brushes.

 

ahhh.

Thanks guys

 

hey guys, I just got my 3820 yesterday, it has the 6550, and I wanto OC it, does anyone have a link on how to do it for this gpu? is it the same as OC'ing a 5650? any help would be greatly appreciated

 

If I had money now... PNY 2x4GB just $52 after MIR!

 

Yea, someone should make a step-by-step guide on how to update the Catalyst to 11.2 and still keep switchable working. Would be greatly appreciated.

 

Would someone please give me a link to the " Realtek HD audio driver ".... Or tell me what the file is called, I can't figure which one to get.....

I also have a problem with my HDMI out-put. I have tried to connect my 3820tg to a coupe of TV's... Almost all of them works fine, but 1 or 2 of them don't get detected by my 3820tg?? The HDMI input on the TV works fine with a PS3 and Xbox360, so there is nothing wrong with the TV and it supports full HD. It's like the TV doesn't tell the laptop that it is connected, is there any way to force the HDMI-output on the ATi HD5650 card? Or any ideas to my problem?

 

Yep, it's the same as the 5650. But form what I've read here, you can OC it a bit more than the 5650. Check some older posts (for example page 960).

 

Maybe it's just me but according the AMD release notes, 11.2 is not compatible with the 6550 nor with switchable graphics
Anyway, it doesn't recognize my 6550. I can install Catalyst 11.2 with no problems and it will show me the new (working) CCC2 (so it appears to have been installed) BUT when I check the driver version, it's actually still giving me version 8.741.1.6000 instead of version 8.821. So the display driver itself did NOT upgrade.

 

Hello! Just like you, I'm a proud owner of a 3820tg (i5 430 + 5650). I've been very happy with this machine but there is one thing that's bugging me now. Yesterday I starded OCing my GPU (thanks to you!) and started monitoring my temperatures.

I've managed to squeeze 8900 points in 3Dmark with 670/1040 clock speeds. Unfortunately, with these settings I started seeing strange artifacts ("walls") in GTA4 after some playing time and DoW II on full HD caused my PC to shut down probably due to overheat after about 30 minutes - the whole notebook was really hot, but didn't notice it in the heat of the battle.

So, back to stock settings and started measuring temperatures using SpeedFan and GPU-Shark.

Idle:
CPU - 45-50C
GPU - 45-50C

3dmark:
CPU - max 90C (during CPU test)
GPU - max 82C

Furmark (1920*1080 running at 16fps):
CPU - dind't check exactly but was quite cool
GPU - 105C after 18mins (manually stopped it after that)

That Furmark result is really bugging me and would like to know what temps do you get. I'm a bit worried now, since these were stock clock speeds.

 

talking about temps,
is there a software (or some) that allows us to increase (manually) the speed of the GPU fan??
30% is not enough... (86°C playing crysis at 800-1000)

 

30% is not the actual value. It's constantly showing the same value on all systems with HD5650 even if the fan changes rpm which is audible.
In general it's impossible to find a software that allows to do what you're asking for.

 

Thanks a bunch

 

Yeah, for someone reason I just don't get how to upgrade that. I tried at one point but things went south fast, probably my fault, but it still does not seem easy to do the first time around.

 

Yours is a 6550 or a 5650? Because I haven't found anyone with a successful 11.2 installation with a HD6550 ...

 

So I posted a while back, and I ended up doing a clean install this morning, barely anything on my computer except WLAN, VGA, chipset, turbo, etc. drivers, office, msn, itunes, and ccleaner.

The reason for my clean install was my 175000ms boot times, and even with the clean install they're up in those numbers, with about ~5 degradations each time, for example: explorer.exe taking 2900 instead of 417, avgidsagent.exe taking 5000 instead of 1000, svchost taking 13000 instead of 7800, etc.

Just confused if anybody is having comparable times, and i'm just being a paranoid? or if something is wrong with my computer - it's really bugging me as I remember this computer being so fast at one point. -_-

edit: my boot times were around 60 seconds, sometimes as low as 45 seconds, then 5 hours later when i turned my computer back on after a few hours, they started to be >150s. Any ideas what this could be, other than a program I've installed? Or if this is a normal-ish boot up time for the laptop.

cheers.

 

ah, ok... it's strange that any software can't read the effective (real time) fan speed... cpu fan too...
ok, can you tell me, talking about SSD, if are there any difference(performance, durability, problems about degrading) buying a OCZ vertex 2E instead of a vertex 2???
thanks

 

Ohhh 5650.

Is that a manchester terrier, your icon?

 

I did nothing more than the usual:

1. Install latest Acer driver (8.752.0.0) for 5650
2. Switch to Discrete in BIOS
3. Install Catalyst 11.2
- I cant use the standard installer, it crashed (i think it's because of .net)
- I install it using command line (as Administrator)
o c:\ATI\support\xxx\bin64\ATISetup -install
4. Switch back to Swithcable in BIOS

 

After running a few benchmark tests, I found out that I get noticeabely different 3dmark demo results when running on the notebook monitor and on a full HD TV via HDMI (singlescreen). I'm running BIOS 1.19 and Catalyst 11.2 (5650).

Notebook: 7500 (no OC)
HD TV: 6800 (no OC)

Is this common and does anyone have a reasonable explanation for this?

And another thing, could you please post your Furmark temps. I got 105C after 18mins without OC, which is when I stopped it.

 

A while ago Bronsky and I were keepin an eye on a new 13" Sony VAIO S which could compete with our 3820TGs. It's probably been posted here but recently more details were released. Heres a link:
Sony VAIO S Series get an updated design, Core i5-2410M CPU and Radeon HD 6470M graphics -- Engadget
I can't say I'm impressed with the VIAO really. I'm sure it'll be over priced and the 3820TG (with some upgrades) would blow the thing away for the same price.

So far I upped my ram to 8GBs and bought an Intel SSD. I have the 5650 and don't overclock a thing. I game on this laptop and have vanished from this forum because of my gaming. I'm NOT overclocking this thing because it's not uncommon for me to have this thing running 8hrs straight and overclocking may affect its lifespan.

Although I do have an i3 in mine and am saving for a better one. I can't decide between an i5 580 or an i7 620 (both ES, no luck getting OEM). I'm thinking the slight increase in cache on the i7 might net me an additional 2 or 3 FPS. Nothing huge but would be nice.

Thoughts?

 

Damarious, do you use powerplay? Do you disable it while playing? What exactly do you do with it? Does it even matter if it's disabled or enabled, can it glitch while playing games and remain underclocked?


Thanks!

 

There's almost certainly something wrong with your cooling system. The most common failure is either a poor seat on a heatsink or a fan that's not working.

 

You solved the mystery of the disappearing TimelineX owners.

 

A)

I have the 2011.0104.2155.39304 version of Catalyst and no problems switching graphics. What's the latest version?

B)

FOR WHOEVER was the poster planning to install Bluetooth on here, please keep us up to date. I want to know how hard it is to do myself...specifically, how much of the computer you have to tear apart.

 

I'm having the same dilemma, although I'm leaning towards an OEM i5 560 just for the decrease in power consumption when compared to that of the i7. It is a tough call to decide between these though...

I for one disable PowerPlay. Just earlier today I started up a game of BFBC2 and while playing I noticed it was running slower than usual. I had just done a clean install of Win7 Pro and realized that I had PowerPlay still on and when I looked, the graphics card was still running at .9V. PowerPlay has never worked quite right for me but YMMV.

 

That's exactly how I did it as well and it does NOT work with the 6550.
BUT revisiting the Acer website, I just saw they actually updated their drivers a few weeks ago giving version 8.741.1.6000 now for the HD6550!!!
Feeling kinda stupid right now
(and yes, installing CCC 11.2 didin't give me any problems before, it just didn't update the driver ... so this should work just fine now!)

 

I have a problem guys...

I think my Wi-Fi has stopped working and it may be possibly broken. I am unable to view any possible internet connections. Also when I bring up the option of whether to enable Wi-Fi or not (by pressing Fn+F3), the wi-fi word, symbol, and its corresponding on/off icons are greyed out.

I an unable to get my Wi-Fi to work. Only by using an ethernet cable am I able to connect to the internet. I believe my Wi-Fi to be either broken or disabled somehow.

Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks.

 

So this was really really really stupid .... for HD6550 owners: just run the bloody setup in the link above and all works perfectly (no need to switch to discrete and so, just install!)

 

call me a noob but what is power play? I guess if its on by default then I game with it on but I can't be sure. I havnt thrown anything too taxing at the thing yet either. I just run fraps and adjust settings for a 60fps average. although I recently got metro 2033. I feel confident i'll hit 60fps on min even with my i3.

as for the i5 vs i7 I think i'll go i7 then. I have a friend coming from germany this summer so i'll get them to grab the (official) 9-cell. also, I leave the battery unplugged when i'm home. its ok for the laptop and battery if I do this right?


EDIT: metro 2033, med settings, solid 60fps, stock speeds = niiiice

 

You should use this one instead: http://www2.ati.com/DRIVERS/mobile/11-2_mobility_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc_ocl.exe
It includes the driver and works for my 5650.

 

Hmm I just saw today that my 3820TG came with 2x2GB Kingston 1333 CL8. Did the previous versions come with the same?

 

It's weird that AMD Catalyst 11.2 is giving you no problems when in the release notes it clearly states:

The following notebooks are not compatible with this release:

* Any notebook launched after this driver release
* Switchable Graphics enabled notebooks using Intel® chipsets.
* Toshiba® notebooks (please contact the notebook OEM for driver support for these notebooks)
* Sony® VAIO® notebooks (please contact the notebook OEM for driver support for these notebooks)
* Panasonic® notebooks (please contact the notebook OEM for driver support for these notebooks)

 

Hi anycolour

Believe him...(these are the first non-OEM Drivers that worked for me/5650 without any issues!)

I've done the update from the latest ACER Drivers, following the procedure as described in this topic.

Anything works like a charm, no significant Temps or Framerate increase noticable for me (neither at Standard nor gaming clocks 700/1000)

Hi,

when using the same resolution, results should be the same on internal and external devices.

Using the LCDs Full HD 1920x1080 instead the Laptop's native 1366x768, will result in dropping framerate of course.

 

My 3820TG came with bluetooth module, I was talking about soldering a wire in the 3.3v source, not soldering the module in the chassi.

I already found an assignment table which says pin 1 is vcc and pin 2 is gnd.

If you are using the same resolution (1366x768), don't forget to disable laptop's display first. dual view or clone modes can decrease your framerate too.

 

No, I hadn't had Kingston.

Every release note has this note, but they work.

You have to install the ACER one with switch support and overinstall the new one, It isn't allowed to deintall the Acer one, because you need the switch proxy driver out of them for the new AMD driver.

 

Mine was 2x2GB Hynix 1066MHz @ 7-7-7-20.

 

3Dmark resolution is the same, I'm using the demo. Windows screen resolutions are different though - native. But I doubt, that a different Windows resolution could have such an impact on the scores.

Regarding my temps, they are still too high. Prime95 after 3 mins 97C (M430) and Furmark 81C (5650) after 4 mins. All stock clocks. I still have the warranty, so do you think I should send it over for repairs?

 

Going To Buy The Acer 3820tg With An i5 480 and the 6550.

What is The Normal Overclock i Should Suspect on Cpu ? I Know they ar all Different !

And Is There Still A Loss In Gaming Perfomance While Overclocking The Cpu?

And is There Any Difference Between the 5650 and the 6550 except that the 6550 has 0,1 more vcore and slightly Faster? More Feutures?

Has Anyone Tried Putting Mx3 on the Cooler With any good Results? Any CoolingMod?

And Has Anyone Tried Change The Bios To faster Speeds at 3D and Lower 2d Clocks to Save some Energi Because I Heard There is No possibility to Send Hdmi Signal fomr the Integrated intel Gma?

Alot Of Question ! haha But ill Promise that When i get mine in a Month ill do a Cooling Mod, abnd Replace the Thermal Compound to Mx3 And Let You guys Know !

 

I'm going to upgrade my notebook this weekend (I5 480M will be replaced by I7 640M) and will use IC Diamond 7. While I'm at it, I'll change the thermal paste of the videocard as well. I'll post the results (that is: if I don't screw up the notebook) afterwards

 

I won't change my cpu but I want to change thermal paste soon. Please stress your VGA before and after your upgrade to let us know if it does worth. =)

 

Why Ic Diamond? is that the Thermal Compuond that is said to Be The Best?

Yeeh. Good Choice to Replace the Thermal Paste on the VideoCard Aswell.

Looking Forward To Se Some Results, If i Were You well this is what im going to do but a sandpaper or whatever you called it something like 2000 or 2500 to get the surface perfect then clean And Apply

Im Thinking of a Cooling mod on the Computer for cpu and Gpu..

I dont have mine Yet but.. When you remove The Screws for the Cpu/gpu Block is it with small Springs? Maybe There is A Possibility to put some Small hmm what is the Word in English, Tray/brick/bricks To get some More Preassure on the Core? Maybe You can figure something e\out when you take it appart.. Maybe Even Drill some of the hmm where the Srews attaches to the Board, lets say you Take A big Drill to Drill Exactly 1mm or Less of to get some More Pressure from the Screws?

Found a Picture of the Things Wich may be Able to Drill A little Bit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/kindan_online/4872466007/

And Where Did you by your Cpu and what Price?

Looking Forward for some Results !

And How About the 6550 you know if there is any Difference from the 6550?

Is Acer going to let out a Newer 3820 anywhere soon?

Thanks For Replying

 

One of these days I plan on buying myself a 3820TG, I found some nice deals at cyberport.de (the 3820TG isn't available in the netherlands) but I am still in doubt which version to buy.

So could someone explain to me the difference between the 5650 vs 6550 and i5-460 vs i5-480. Is it worth to pay the extra money for the higher specs? Because on reviews the difference seems marginal.

I'm really looking forward to holding the laptop

 

How many questions can one put in a single post?
IC Diamond 7 is one of the best out there (beats my previously used Artic Silver 5), hence the choice.
Lapping a CPU (with sand paper) comes in handy for (older) desktop CPU's ... look at the build of a (new) laptop CPU and think again
And what you're planning to do on the GPU ... OK, it's your notebook! This is however one step beyond my idea of what is acceptable in terms of risk. And for what cause? It never exceeds 90°C right now (not even when gaming or OC'ing).
Anyway, I'll keep you all updated on the results!

 

How much is the difference?

IC Diamond 7 lowered my I5-540M CPU temps by 10C and my GPU temps almost as much. There is a post with the SS from CPUz Hardware Monitor in this thread. I have found nothing that compares with it on my 3820TG. While you have the GPU fan assembly off, record the identification on your PLL which is under the GPU heat sink/fan assembly.


Bronsky

 

I'm using mx3 since 4 months on both cpu and gpu, idle temps for the cpu are at 40 °C and gpu at 50 °C, the max temps with max oc are at cpu 95 °C and gpu at 97 °C. This paste is doing well, maybe others are better but it could be applied easily and I've never had any problems with it.

 

The processors 130 Mhz in difference, 14 points in 3Dmark06

GPU: corespeed memoryspeed 3Dmark06
6550: 600 900 7143
5650: 450 800 6468

Is that difference worth the price? I especially wonder about the 460 vs 480. The 6550 seems a bit more of an obvious choice

 

If you are comparing 5650 to 6550 in 3820TG than your comparison is wrong.

5650 has 550MHz core clock (450MHz is used by Toshiba, Sony and HP as deliberate underclock)
Also 6550 doesn't use 900MHz memory- just 800MHz one just like in 5650.
Naturally the difference in benchmarks including 3D Mark 06 is smaller than the one you've mentioned.