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

I agree it makes no sense. Alas, I have solved the riddle.

There's a setting in msconfig/Boot/Advanced - "Number of processors". If this one is activated and set to "2" it kills Turbo Boost. This is a tweak I've been using for years to improve startup times, apparently, not a good idea with i5s Appears I set this up just before I installed the Turbo Boost driver, both in the original install and the fresh, new one. Never struck my mind that this "old and trusted" setting could cause problem. I am probably a retarded, but I blame it on the summer heat and a mind in vacation state.

Now, onwards to battle the glue-effect-in-games-issue and see if I can find a solution to that one too. My apologies if I came across as harsh or rude earlier on. Was just frustration.

Mac

Edit: Spelling-nazi

 

Mac, glad to hear you have fixed one issue.

Sort of on the topic, do you have a program that lets you control the threads and undervolt etc similar to a software I used on my core 2 duo?

As it seems to me you commented about controlling the threads etc?

 

It's not currently possible to under-volt the core i processors, as the thermal management is totally integrated into the CPU and out of reach from the BIOS \ OS.

Quoting one of the CpuGenie mods:

 

The only way to undervolt it is a very complex hardware mod.
I know nobody who do it on the notebook. I have seen a "reference" design on a desktop mainboard but nobody want do it at the home pc.

 

Typical low-end. I've had an 1.3mp "Crystal Eye" webcams on my last three laptops and they work, but nothing to drool over. Dunno if they are all the same sensor, but looks like it.

Mac

 

My setting is 4... since the device manager lists 4 cpus. I've got no problems with tb

 

I'm use the same setting. No, problem with Turbo Boost.

 

Yup, works fine with "4". D'oh, could have saved myself a lot of work if I had just thought of that at once We live to learn!

Now for something completely different.

The "glue" effect. It's still evident with the newer 1.2.0.1002 Turbo Boost driver when clocked. Also, after a really long and intense gaming session with the fan openings partially closed (on my lap), it started to appear in a game even when not clocked. I guess that indicates it's thermal throttling of some kind. Highest temps recorded for that period of time though, was 87 for CPU and 81 for GPU (clocked to 666/1050). I do however not think it's GPU related as I haven't clocked the GPU at all when I've experimented with OC'ing earlier on and got this effect.

Now I get curious about BIOS versions, mine came with 1.13, but you guys that clock successfully with i5's, whats your BIOS version?

Mac

 

This thing you are talking about, increasing the number of cpus of the PC's boot. I changed it recently to 4 (why is this available as there are only 2?). I don't know if the CPU is running at max all the time, but it seems like that, as I was only able to get about 3-4 hours of battery life from full charge, with intel's GPU, balanced mode, medium-bright to full brightness on screen. I'm using 6-cell battery. Yesterday I got about 6 hours I think with the same setting. So this must be the issue. Thank you Mac

I'm a noob when it comes to benchmarking and checking how the computer is running and I would love some tips how to receive info of how the PC is running. I considering to start using the AMD clock tool to get some improved speeds in games

 

I had been thinking it sounded like thermal throttling when you mentioned it before but it was hard to really say. For what it's worth, my i3 4820tg is getting throttled as well when my cpu core temp hits 86c according to cpuid's hwmonitor. You should leave cpu-z running while you're expecting the "glue" to happen - when I hit 86c it shows my cpu frequency changing from 2.2ghz down to 900mhz and causes an almost immediate 10c drop in temps until it switches back to 2.2. Should be easy to spot if it's the cause.

edit: my bios rev is 1.10

 

Would make sense if they use more or less the same throttle for same gen CPUs on different models. If we're getting throttled around 85-86c it means we haven't got the same headroom as we thought temperature wise, or it might be my unit have a sensor thats out of wack/not properly calibrated.

Hmm..wonder if I'm able to reproduce it while not in a game and actually "see" the downclock. This might mean I should get serious with the plans to strip the laptop down and get some proper thermal paste where it belongs to improve heat transfer, maybe "win" a few degrees. Anyone made a full teardown video yet?

Mac

 

The service manual that I got has a very nice teardown sequence with great color photos. If you pm an email address I will get you a copy as soon as I am back near my desktop.

Bronsky

 

Okay, on thermal throttling.

I let wPrime with 4 threads run the 1024m and blocked up the CPU fan vent opening on the left side of the chassis. Managed to get it up to 96c while closely monitoring the clock with CPU-Z and Everest. I see slight jumps between 2527Mhz and 266Mhz (max Turbo Boost speed on the 450), but no evidence of heavy throttling.

I'm still at a loss to explain this glue effect in certain games. The fact that it only happens in certain older games also hint at other causes than throttling, unless it's somehow related to core utilization/affinity. Another explanation might be that the BIOS takes both CPU and GPU temperatures into account, I'm just throwing out a wild theory.

Mac

 

Holy Crap ... just found a source for an I7-620M OEM (not ES or QS) for $339, less than 10 miles from my house. Intel® Core? i7-620M Processor 2.66ghz OEM SLBPD - eBay (item 180527791630 end time Jul-31-10 04:57:54 PDT) As soon as my 3820TG gets here, I can have it in less than 48 hours. It is so close, I could probably go pick it up. 'Bout time I got a break. Now I have to find a place to order a few of the BT cables. Oh, and of course, I have to actually get my computer.

Bronsky

 

Congrats, it's a great CPU for sure, especially if you're gonna use the extra 0.5MB of cache per core

Aren't there BT cables @ ebay? Another option would be checking their part number on the manual and googling for it.

 

Hello,

is there a way do wrote a script, which switch to ATI GK if I launch a game?

 

Hi there,

Actually I'd asked the retail shop assistant the same question when I bought my 3820: why a 5400 rpm drive in this current age? He replied, it's due to heat issues, which I found it to be an acceptable point

 

Hi, I'm not sure if it's really linked but when I first bought my 3820TG a week ago, I could see 9 hrs when I moused-over my battery icon. Then I did 2 things thereafter:

1) Changed the number of processors to 2; and
2) installed the new realtek drivers

And now my battery never shows beyond 5 hrs when I moused over it.

Do you think my battery problem could be caused by either of the above actions? Thanks!

 

I guessed I replied my prev post too soon; just saw yours. So you got back the initial number of hours after switching back to 1 processor? Thanks!

 

uuhm, i thought this laptop is only available with i5-450M ? ( from Acer SG website )

 

The I7-620M is offered in all of the TimelineX series. Good luck finding them. There were a few of the 13.3" I7's sold in Singapore. I think you can still get them there. There is an I7 4820TG sold in Germany called the Il Diavolo. There will be an I7 5820TG sold in the US.

Bronsky

Found a few cables on ebay, maybe one will work. Also read a lot of complaints about DHL Mail from germany. Looks like it takes at least 16 days and sometimes more to get apackage from Germany. Just like my package, it looks like they sit in Frankfurt for a week or so. Oh well 12 days down ... a week to go.

 

Hi everyone! Just picked up the i5 430m w/ the 5470 at a local staples. So far everything is great, awesome little laptop; however, one thing is really bugging me! Most if not, all laptops now sold here comes with a bilingual keyboard =\

So i read all the postings on this thread and noticed a few had swapped the keyboard for the 3810 backlit one (with some mods as it was thicker)

Now my question is, is the 3810 (non-backlit version) have the same thickness/connector as the 3820? I see them quite cheap on ebay and hopefully this would be my best solution!

Can anyone also post some pics for taking the keyboard out if this is the way to go?

Thanks!

 

congrats on your purchase

Yes.

same as backlit version

http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/491169-acer-timelinex-3820tg-backlit-keyboard-mod.html

 

thanks for the quick reply. Just one last question...

It seems like the function keys are different for the 3810 and 3820, am I able to remap these keys to their respective functions? (eg fn+f3 is wifi on the 3820 but it doesnt seem to be on the 3810 at all?)

 

Up to what Mhz does the i5 get from a turbo boost? (i.e. based on not oc'd cpu clocks)

 

my i5 450m is 2.4ghz to 2.66ghz turbo boost on (430m is 2.26ghz and 2.53ghz)

 

The backlit keyboard i use doesn't have the F3 wifi/bluetooth on off logo. But of course Fn +f3 still works just fine if thats what you were asking.

 

Oh thanks. Are those the values that appear on cpu-z? Does it go beyond that?

 

Just in case anyone is interested in an i7 one:-

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2824014

Dunno if he will ship overseas tho

 

I have my unit since friday. AND I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IT .
This is really a great Notebook. The bulid quality is really good and it is so silent. I can only hear the HDD, which i will replace with an SSD when the next generation of intel SSDs shows up.
I really don't know why so many people are concerned about the screen. Ok... it is not a macbook screen, but it looks like any other notebook screen. It is bright and the colours are absolutely ok.
And the Ati 5650 is so strong, i played a few games and the performance is just awesome. And the key board is also not so bad. I have no flex, while typing this.

I was really concerned about getting an acer, because i never had one. But now i think it is the greatest notebook on the market .

Edit.:

I had some issues with the sound. When i connected the acer to my speakers the sound wasn't very clear. But after switching off the dolby sourround sound and dolby enhacer it was much better.

 

Does this mean no smart cache for the I5-450M? Intel® Core™ i5 Mobile Processor - Specifications

Bronsky

 

apperantly in the hp 14 envy thread they say that the 450 doesn't have smart cache

 

It looks like a typo to me. Anyway, the 450M is faster than the 520M and 540M(!) in the PassMark list, thanks to its faster DMI speed, even at stock speeds:
PassMark Software - CPU Benchmarks - List of Benchmarked CPUs

I think we might overclock it to 620M speeds (12% difference only), but then, even the 620M could be overclocked. 450M is the reason I am waiting for getting this laptop in Hungary, and that's why I skipped the free 3 year warranty for TimelineX in June. Anyway, I think Acer really tries to prove it's quality with things like giving away 3 year warranty for these new models.

 

Just a lol for the shop assistent.

It is with Smart Cache. The 450M is only a faster version of the 430M with the same technical facts.

Intel wants only earn a few coins more for a processor and push up the frequency.

 

Yes, but look at the DMI bus speed. It's almost double... It's not just a simple multiplier but a kind of newer generation in the core range.

 

I don't put much stock in the Passmark figures.

Bronsky

 

This was posted by me on the Backlit mod section ... it might be of interest here. Has anyone tried to ship to the US from Amazon.de?
____________

Anyone considering purchasing this model from Germany might want to email them this chart.

: International Express-Delivery

Amazon DE uses UPS international shipping. It costs 30E and delivers the goods in a few days. I really don't undertand why this can't be done. I have been reading about the DHL International shipping and there have ben a lot of customers wondering where their packages are.

BTW, Amazon.De has the 3820TG. http://www.amazon.de/Acer-Aspire-382...8335566&sr=8-2 Does this mean you can order and ship it to the US?

After 3 days off, I'm starting to feel human again. One more day before I have to go back to work. Temps here are about to climb over 100F for a few days. It's going to feel like Hendrickson's neighborhood.

Bronsky
__________________

 

I just contact Intel, letzs wait on an answer.

I think it's a typo because all the technical paper for a 2,5GT/s DMI

 

This was really weird, I just changed back to 1 from 4, rebooted, discovering that there was no change in the ETA of battery, and I could no longer change numbers of processors again. After another reboot, I could swich back to 4. Going to test soon if my 450 is running in turbo mode constantly soon. What application do you recommend?

 

at least u could change to 4; i only had 2 as a choice... But after changing back from 2 to 1, my battery life when moused over the icon is slightly better

 

Congrats on your purchase, it's indeed a terrific little notebook .

Also yeah, those Dolby enhancements on such tiny speakers don't really make it better. On my 4810TG, at least, make it sound a bit weird x)

 

Might be a bit longer wait than we first thought. Retailers selling out their stock with 3 Years Warranty, I think the 450M should arriwe till mid August.

I still haven't decided whether to upgrade thwe CPU later, the 430M seems to be fast enough for office work and gaming, even with mine scoring less points in 3DMark06 and WEI, I'm not sure wheter anything else than the i7 series would give a noticeable gain (not talking about benchmarks here).

Also note that HUF is doing more and more terrible very day, only "on stock prices" are guaranteed, the refreshed models might cost significaly more, plus if You buy the additional warranty, the price gap could rise to a level that would not be worth the performance gain.

Wait till Bronsky gets his 450M and does some real life test so he could tell You to wait or not.

Memory and/or SSD upgrade seems to make more sense ATM.

Other question: Anyone have experiences about Apacer or Kingston 64 GB SSDs?

And another one: If I refresh the Acer TurboBoost driver, do I need to refresh anything else as well?

 

Does this notebook attract many fingerprints? It's become one of my pet peeves (call me OCD) with so many laptop brands. I can't stand it.

 

For me, it would be the only reason why it's faster than the 540 in PassMark. Even if PassMark is not a really good test, there must be some reason why a slower processor is doing better then a faster one with bigger cache.

 

BTW, this guy seems to know more (from the 450 vs 520 thread):

 

A. I'm suggesting another ... bad test protocols. If you look thorugh the Passmark scores, there are a number of results that make no sense and are not supported by observable results. The is the definition of an unreliable test result. Compare the I7-620M and the I7-720QM. Really?

B. My experience has been "garbage in ... garbage out". You can't get reliable information from bad data. Have you looked at the Passmark protocols? When faced with inconsistent data and conlusions that do not translate to 3 dimensions, "Occam's Razor" normally tells us that the testing probably sucks or the wrong conclusion is being drawn from the data. It makes no sense to me to say that the test might be suspect but we should still give some creedence to the conlusions drawn from the data. That just makes no sense.

Bronsky

 

More than who?

 

More than us, I mean we don't have any facts about the Smart Cache and the DMI speed, till we get a response from Intel.

Anyway for us, it would be more important to look into the possibility of unlocking the BIOS for more processors in the, I mean what happens if Acer will never add support for processors like 560 and 640. Given the good thermal characteristics of the machine, we could even try plugging in a QM, if we could somehow let the bios recognise it. How long is a product cycle at Acer? Is there any hope that they will just add BIOS support into this model when the newer models became available?

 

Whoa, what a lot of developments in this thread! Bronsky is right, you lot are doing all the hard work for those of us going the German import route!

If it's possible to order from Amazon.de with UPS, that's probably by far the better option. According to DHL Track & Trace my 3820TG is still sitting in Frankfurt (since the 24th). I've been recommending to curious friends and coworkers that they get an Envy 14 and save themselves the heartache

I took advantage of the Steam summer sale and bought a bunch of games my current computer can't run...now the damn thing HAS to show up!

 

I couldn't get the amazon.de to work. It said it could not be shipped to this address.