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

Wrong its on the first post, download setfsb and try it and let us know.

Thats right, my Ram with overclocking is running over waaaay over the rated speed spec. I think the ram is failing on overclocking. Thats why I have ordered 2 x 2GB OCZ 1333Mhz sticks to see if it makes a difference or not. And just how far my i5 450m can be pushed. I will let you know my findings next week when I get my RAM, If it makes no differences it will be returned.

@Brosnky - If you do get a O/C motherboard (Fingers crossed) I hope to see what a OEM i5 540m can overclock to on our TimelineX's. The alienware guys push them over 4Ghz. But my i5 450m is back in and I will not upgrade to a OEM i5 540m unless I see someone push one with nice overclocks.

But I fee the higher the default multiplier the less room to O/C. The i7's are proof of this. Could also be the extra 1mb cache.

 

I'd like to upgrade from 450m to i7, but i'd like to see how this upgrade improves lets say bad comapny 2 gameplay. I mean it plays very nice with 450m on small areas but once more is going on it slows down (not terribly just a bit). I checked CPU metters while it happens and CPU goes to 100% with large areas, so its safe to say that CPU upgrade would help with large areas of battefield right? Also does 1mb cache speeds stuff up ?

 

Nice video, Nick. German girls are hot (especially that blond one). The guy looks little like a DB though, LOL!

The video played perfectly with my integrated GPU in both Internet Explorer and FireFox. No artifacts at all.

Adobe Flash Player version 10.1.82.76 (same as yours)
Intel GPU driver version 8.713.3.3000 (stock OEM driver)

FYI - I was told that the VGA-ATI on the Acer drivers page is the only one you need. That driver also as the integrated GPU driver within it. The VGA-INTEL driver is supposedly for the 3820T only. In other words, I only used the VGA-ATI driver from my backup Drivers CD and it installed both the ATI and integrated GPU drivers.

 

Where in CPU-Z do I need to look while the CPU is under load?

 

I mean start a prime95 1 threaded and look at the Memory page in CPU-Z for MHz values, when overclocked.

 

hey all,

I'm a student in Norway, aka I have no money what so ever since this is one of the (if not the) most expensive countries in the world.

I do need a new computer though, and I was hoping to get a more business oriented machine (buildquality, matte screen etc) I will have to set for cheaper alternatives as I kind of need it asap (my old one broke).

The uni I attend is a VERY bright place (modern building, lots of glass etc) so I was wondering how this would affect my work at uni with the 3820?
I've tried searching for those Anti-glare films but I can't find any in Norway (Unless it's the same as Privacy Filters which I assume they are not).

Also they keyboard; it kind of worries me that the keys aren't sunken down or more protected from dust/muck. Is this a big problem?

I was thinking about getting this one or the HP dm3 but after reading about the dm3 the heat issue seems to be too much of a problem. I assume (not having read much about it) that the 3820 is a cool machine?

Thanks for the help guys!

 

I was looking at CPU-Z in the SPD tab. I noticed that the Samsung 2GB RAM stick had 4 JEDECs, while the PQ1 2GB RAM stick only had 3 JEDECs.

Does this mean that the PQ1 RAM stick is defective? It was the free stick of RAM that PCHome gave me as part of the 3820TG sale.

 

Ok, I did it. OC my CPU with 164.3 BCLK, 3287 MHz speed.

CPU-Z Memory tab is showing DRAM Frequency at 657.4 MHz.
FSB: DRAM = 4:16
CL 7
tRCD 7
tRP 7
rRAS 20
tRFC 60
CR 1T


When running at stock CPU speeds, I get the following:

CPU-Z Memory tab is showing DRAM Frequency at 532.1 MHz.
FSB: DRAM = 4:16
CL 7
tRCD 7
tRP 7
rRAS 20
tRFC 60
CR 1T

I have a 2 GB Samsung RAM 1066 and a 2 GB PQ1 RAM 1066 (total 4 GB RAM).

So, when OCd, the RAM speeds increased by 24% (532.1 to 657.4). The total CPU speeds increased by 24% as well (2660 MHz to 3287 MHz).

 

BFBC2 is a very CPU-intensive game (unlike most other First Person Shooters).

Getting a more powerful CPU will definitely help it run smoother.

Why you would still want to play a game that's lost so many players in such a relative short time is another matter altogether. I hardly play BFBC2 anymore.

 

I don't know the answer to your question, but I just wanted to let you know that it's PQI, not PQ1.

 

LOL! Thanks.

 

My mistake.

You should update your OC post.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/6523078-post2486.html

I think we all know now that i7-620m don't OC all that great. You wouldn't want someone to read your post and get the wrong impression.

 

OKAY ... now what does this mean?

Had some time to kill while while listening to someone drone on about their lives (just kidding ) and started reading up on the SetFSB issues and Pin Mods. Figured that if I was taking out the MOBO anyway, I might try to OC it with a mod. So I'm reading up on this issue and I read this ... http://forum.notebookreview.com/har.../429717-rtm875t-606-info-gathering-ocing.html
Following Step 1, I find out that I have a "0" in Byte 09h bit 6. The guide tells me that I don't need a pin mod!! So I started to load the RTM clockgens one at a time and one of them actually went through were I normally got the PLL error.


When I push SetFSB, only the CPU slide stays hilighted and the memory slide looses its highlight and the system jams. I'm starting to think that this MOBO is OCable afterall, using one of the RTM clockgen defs.

When I have a few extra minutes (and I'm not at work ) i'll try them all to see if anyone can set the FSB without locking up my unit.

Interesting stuff.

Bronsky

 

Sweet! Hope it works out!

 

Has anyone seen Lastdon? If you do, please give him a big hug for me!

Just got the following email from Acer Customer Support:

Dear [BankerGolfer],

This email is to confirm that your Acer product's warranty information has
been updated. The warranty period for this product is 8/11/2010 through
8/11/2011.


Lastdon's method worked! The best laptop in the world just got better with a 1 year warranty for those who imported it to the US! Any repairs will be performed at the Acer repair facility in Temple, TX!

No shipping my 3820TG to Asia for me!

Thank you Lastdon!

 

how so ? Well i havent played in a while but what happened that many players have left? Im really curious to know whats worng..

 

I think I got it working.



Does this look right? I am able to push SetFSB and I don't get an error. The SLG505YC56DT clockgen seemed to do the trick. Take note all you computeruniverse buyers. This has all been in the diagnostics mode. I guess I need to go back and do it for real and what happens?

Bronsky

 

The only difference for me using the ASUS G73 clock generator is that the slider to the left of the "Set FSB" button is grayed out and can't be used. I'm not sure what that slider is for.

 

Hi Bronsky sounds good. But its reporting incorrect BCLK values (Base clock 263!!). It should show as 133. I remember I tried every clockgen on my old one and had no luck. Some will detect the FSB correctly but lock up when you touch setFSB. I even brought a copy of Abo. If you hit set FSB it just locks up. Abo gave me the same story its not overclockable. But if you did find something best of luck to you !

 

Lack of new maps
lots of new players who don't know the meaning of teamwork (makes Rush mode unbearable)
Hit registration better, but not perfect.
questionable weapons damage (people with shotguns outsniping snipers, etc.)
Lack of ongoing support (DICE has moved on to MoH).

 

Yep hence why I got some 1333Mhz ram on the way. I think the ram is failing on us before the CPU. We could push into high 17x BCLK range with good ram?

 

Again;

1) How does this laptop fair in bright enviroments? (My UNI is VERY bright due to alot of glass etc)

2) Build quality - I have heard mostly negative stuff about ACERS. Main concern is the keyboard (dust, crumbs etc piling up under)

3) Heat; From the reviews I've read this isn't much of a problem, but I've had alot of problems with it with my last comp so Ill throw it in anyways.

 

I can push setfsb and it does not lock up. That's some progress anyway. Who knows if it will actually work. Something to play with.

Bronsky

 

Hey guys, I've got a weird question regarding my 3820TG. I just recently noticed that I no longer get any visual bar appear on screen when I make adjustments to the volume or brightness level using the "Fn" and arrow keys. Any idea why it's not showing up for me? I uninstalled a bunch of the default programs, could that have something to do with it?

Thanks.

 

Yeah, that has got something to do with it You have to reinstall the application called "Dritek Launch Manager". It's listed on the download page for the 3820TG, either under the driver tab or utilities. Not sure on that one. Good luck!

 

@hendrickson

Loaded clockgen # SLG505YC256BT and it reports base clock at 133. I might be getting closer. No freeze when I hit set fsb. Progress?


EDIT: Ran through all of the clockgens. Only SLG505YC256BT and SLG505YC246BT give me a 133 base clock and no PLL error when I hit SetFSB. The settings seem to be identical between those 2 clockgens. Where is the OC Freak when you need him.

EDIT2: Dam. When I set the SetFSB in diagnostic mode everything is fine. When I switch to control mode, I get a freeze. Soooo close. There is no question that my clockgen is OC'able, I just think that he has not developed the right clockgen for it yet.

Bronsky

Bah - time to go home. I guess the Acer is coming home tonight.

 

os!

Well, any recomendation for a different shooter? I'm thinking about installing classic BF2 as every1 seems to love it to bits. Cant stand mw2, liked cod4 but got a bit boring, might go for cod world at war..

 

But my Launch Manager program is still installed...

 

did you disabled Launch Manager from startup?

 

First I was thinking about why are your two rams so different, then you explained it. For any serious use, you should never use different RAM's in DDR configuration! Once I even had problems with quality Kingston RAMs because they were not matching pairs. There were problems in programs, but only a 24 hour long memtest revealed it! No sign of problems in the first few hours!

And, as you can see, the stock Samsung ram is capable of running at 2x685 = 1370 Mhz! Even faster than the ones you are ordering! The PQI could only do 1210 Mhz!

Two general rules:
1. For a performance oriented system, always use matched pairs (that's what you can buy as "kit")
2. For testing overclocking, take out the PQI and only use the Samsung to find the hightest stable clock.

 

With DDR rams, you should just multiply it with 2x. So you are running your rams at 1314 Mhz! The Samsung could work, but the PQI is possibly producing errors! Take out the PQI and find your max stable clock with only the Samsung in. The PQI is not bad, it's just not made for these speeds. And the number of SPD values has nothing to do with the RAM. It's just a little text to help your BIOS find what your RAM is capable of. Think of SPD as a certified label burned in the chip.

I think the kit you ordered is very good idea for your system, but once you get them run a 24 hour long memtest86+ to check for errors.

 

How are you able to tell that the Samsung RAM will run faster than the G. Skill RAM that I ordered? I don't have any data yet on the G. Skill RAM.

The PQI came free with my laptop.

Thanks for your help!

 

ATi 10.8...

https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/674/920...mobile/10-8_mobility_vista_win7_64_dd_ccc.exe

 

So is what they said about the i5-450m only capable of handling RAM speeds up to 1066 MHZ false?

I thought I read that the i5-450m downclocks 1333 MHz RAM to 1066 MHz speeds.

 

By default, i5 450M only able to use until 1066MHz, but not with the case when overclocking...

 

So, buying 1333 MHz RAM is a good thing then? No disadvantages (except for cost!)?

 

Well, that's what Hendrickson trying to figure out

 

Okay ... I think I have it running now.



It is in control mode and I am able to alter the settings with the setfsb. I have some questions. Do you have the ability to set the lower slide? Banker says his is greyed out. The bar sets the DDR, PCIE & PCI frequency settings. If yours are unadjustable, what are they set at?

If you bought a unit from Computeruniverse and it was not OC'able, you might want to look at this.

Bronsky

 

For me it's greyed out and it's set at "nothing" - you can't tell what's it set at

 

I try to upload a picture for you

 

Mine has no setting (there are no numbers in the " / " field).

 

I had it at 3.1 ghz (x20) and then pushed it too far. But my unit is def. OC'able. With all of the values being adjustable I pushed the lower values all the way and then moved the slide up top. It went to 3.1ghz stable. I think if I adjust the lower values, I can push the top speed a more.

Bronsky

 

Nice! Good luck!

 

Congratulations!

Does this mean you're not going to get the mobo and i5-540m now?

 

how do i OC mine? do i need to donate to setfsb to get full version? I can set the lower bar.. its grayed out

 

Part 14: How to get a 1-year warranty for your 3820TG in the US.

There is no doubt that the Acer 3820TG is a fantastic laptop. My only concern about purchasing it is that it didn't come with a warranty. This is because the 3820TG is not sold in the US. As I purchased mine from a Taiwanese retailer (PCHome) and had it shipped to the US, my 3820TG was not covered by a warranty. Still, I believe the 3820TG is a great laptop and definitely worth the risk.

That all changed about 2 weeks ago. All the credit goes for Lastdon for being the first to figure out a way to obtain a 1 year warranty for free. However, I will take credit for being the first to codify the process.

Use the following procedure to obtain a 1 year warranty for your 3820TG, effective from the date of purchase. This works for those who live in the US, but purchased their laptops from a foreign country.

1. Have your 11-digit SNID ready (should be on the bottom of your laptop).
2. Have your 22-digit Serial Number ready (should be on the bottom of your laptop).
3. Go to http://support.acer.com/ and register your laptop. You will need to first register for an account with Acer.
4. Wait about 2 hours for your account to get updated in Acer's customer service system. It may not register by then, but it's still better to give it a chance to do so.
5. Have your purchase date ready, along with your Purchase Receipt / Bill of Sale.
6. Call 866-706-2237 (Acer customer service).
7. Politely explain to the Customer Service Rep (CSR) that you just purchased an Acer laptop overseas from [the country you bought it from and the retailer]. Politely ask the CSR to help you activate your 1 year warranty for your new laptop.
8. The CSR will ask you for your SNID and / or your Serial Number. Give it to her.
9. Tell the CSR that you registered your laptop. She will check for it in the system. If it's in there, great! If not, don't worry.
10. The CSR will ask you to FAX in your Purchase Receipt / Bill of Sale to 254-298-4233. Also include on a separate page your Name, Phone number, mailing address, email address, Serial Number, and Date of Purchase.
11. Keep in mind that sending a FAX over a VOIP line can be challenging. Also, they cannot accept emails with attached scanned PDF files.
12. Wait about 4-5 business days.
13. You should receive an email stating that you are now covered by a 1 year warranty, effective from your purchase date.
14. Call Customer Service to confirm your 1 year warranty and its coverage dates. Confirm that all repairs will be done in their Service Center in Temple, TX, USA.

That's it. Follow these simple steps, and you too can join the ranks of new laptop owners with warranty coverage.

Enjoy!

 

I'm at least going to change the thermal paste. The CPU fan was pushing a lot of heat even though my temps were 61C. The CPU would have heated up under any significant use. I think I'm tempted to swap it for a better I5 anyway. I'm going to wait to see what happens when Hendrickson gets the OCZ memory.

I haven't really tested the OC for stability yet. I'll let you know later about the board.

Bronsky

 

Yes, you do need to donate 500 yen via PayPal. The "Donate" button is on the programmer's website (left hand side of the page).

Before you do though, I would email the programmer. Tell him that you're looking to OC your laptop. He'll ask you for your SetFSB ID number (which you can get when you first run the program and that little window pops up; the ID number is in the text above the yellow input field), your motherboard, and chip (which you can get from CPU-Z).

After getting that information, the programmer will tell you go go ahead and make the donation.

Once you do and he verifies it, the programmer will email you the Activation Key.

Hope this helps.

 

Good plan. I'm tempted to just keep my 8 GB of 1333 MHz RAM, but sell off 1x4 GB stick. I believe my 3820TG should still work fine with 1x4 GB 1333 MHz stick of RAM in it.

 

The picture on the right means that your Samsung ram is actually a 1370 Mhz RAM, but is running on lower frequencies.