Acer TimelineX 3830/4830/5830 T/G

Hmmm. When I force a multiplyer through ThrottleStop, my CPU Temps go well beyond 86C and even over 90C. Interestingly my rig never shut down. For now I stopped using ThrottleStop as the temperatures seem a bit over the top and I don't want to damage my laptop.

Right now I undervolt the GPU to 0.82V, which - unfortunately - does not solve the throttling problem. After just a few minutes of heavy gaming, the CPU throttles to 1300 Mhz (13x multiplyer, i3-2310). I should also say, that throttling does not occure in all games. For instance in League of Legends no thottling is happening.

I will try the modifications to the cooling system some time next week.

EDIT: As far as I can see, the CPU starts throttling when it hits 90C and keeps temperature at around 80C:

01/28/12 17:33:03 20.15 43.8 100.0 100.0 0 83 60 1.1809 16.2
01/28/12 17:33:04 19.62 26.5 100.0 100.0 0 84 60 1.1809 13.6
01/28/12 17:33:05 19.66 26.2 100.0 100.0 0 85 60 1.1809 13.5
01/28/12 17:33:06 19.99 34.6 100.0 100.0 0 89 60 1.1809 14.9
01/28/12 17:33:07 21.00 98.0 100.0 100.0 0 93 60 1.1809 22.5
01/28/12 17:33:08 20.31 70.5 100.0 100.0 0 86 60 0.9106 19.5
01/28/12 17:33:09 13.00 78.3 100.0 100.0 0 82 60 0.9156 10.7
01/28/12 17:33:10 13.00 77.9 100.0 100.0 0 81 60 0.9156 10.7
01/28/12 17:33:11 13.00 79.3 100.0 100.0 0 82 60 0.9156 10.8
01/28/12 17:33:12 13.00 95.1 100.0 100.0 0 82 60 0.9156 11.1
01/28/12 17:33:13 13.00 83.6 100.0 100.0 0 82 60 0.9156 10.8
01/28/12 17:33:15 13.00 75.8 100.0 100.0 0 81 60 0.9156 10.6
01/28/12 17:33:16 13.00 66.9 100.0 100.0 0 82 60 0.9156 10.3

 

You can't force your stock multiplier, your CPU will get too hot. That your i3 is going >85C and not shutting down the system is weird, but the point of using throttlestop to force a max multiplier is to force a lower one that the laptop will not overheat with, generally a multiplier of 16-18 will allow stable temps that are good enough for most games.

 

That's unfortunate. I am interested in this mod regardless though. Do you notice any adverse effects from the undervolt? I'd imagine this mod would increase battery life a bit, especially running Linux, where ironhide/bumblebee aren't perfected yet. When you get a chance, post your mod so that others can try it. =)

 

Can you put your modded bios? I see your post instructions in page 349 but RW file required .rw extension and your zipped file is a .rom.

 

any idea what today's bios update does?

Acer Global Download

 

Right now I run a BIOS with 0.76V/0.78V/0.80V for the respective P-States and I don't experience any adverse effects and up until now no crashes in games. But again I don't play the most advanced games. I will upload the different BIOS in the upcomming days, so you can try them. I will upload the 0.85V BIOS (1.07) today, since there are reports of other laptops running these stable. So most people should be save with those.

I haven't seen any increase in battery life (i didn't measure it, though), but then again I'm running on Windows, so the GPU is turned off almost all the time.

UPDATE: Here is the fist modified BIOS.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK! I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO YOUR LAPTOP!

• HAVE A ORIGINAL BIOS AT HAND IN CASE SOMETHING GOES WRONG DURING FLASH OR THE SYSTEM DOES NOT BOOT AFTERWARDS.
• COPY THE FILES TO A DOS BOOTABLE USB STICK.
• KNOW HOW TO FLASH THE BACKUP BIOS.

There's also a method to recover from a bad flash, when your system doesn't even come past the post screen: Undocumented INSYDE BIOS recovery method.

• file name from phoenixtool: P4LJ0X64.fd

 

Nope, but upgraded already. Here is a screenshot of the main BIOS page. Did the VBIOS version change?



Update: Seems like it throttles at the usual 85 C when running PRIME95 + FurMark

Yeah, that makes sense. What are the chances of you basing the updates on the new 1.08 BIOS?

 

Already done. Though, it is on 0.76V/0.78V/0.8V and I don't know wheter these are stable.

Here is a updated BIOS based on the new 1.08 version from Acer. I also lowered the 2D and low power 3D voltage to 0.8.

 

Nicely done. Worked on the first try on my 4830TG, checked it with NVIDIA Inspector and ran Furmark for a bit with no issues. When I get a chance I'll boot into Linux and check if battery usage is any better.

My P8 and P12 both read 0.83 V, though, not 0.80 V as you mention. Are these numbers a reading from a sensor? If so, it looks like there might be some variation from what is set and what is actually measured. Unless it was a typo

 

Is the throttling issue for the 5830TG exclusive to processors i5 2410M and i5-2430M?

Or will even a 5830TG with an i5 2450M throttle?

 

I just flashed the 1.08, and it shows 0.8 for P8 in NVIDIA Inspector, NVAPITest and GPU-Z. Try to validate with the tools from above.

If the reading is still 0.83, what's shown for P0? 0.98V? Does your GPU come with 2GB VRAM?

 

Yes, 0.98, I guess it didn't take after all. I've only tried flashing under Windows... maybe the DOS flash will make it take? Certainly odd. I flashed back and forth with the official 1.07 & 1.08 and your modded ones and the values don't change with GPU-Z or NVIDIA Inspector, even though the BIOS version string certainly does. But no, just 1GB VRAM here.

 

There are some more VBIOS files for different models of the GPU in the Acer BIOS and I only modify the one for my GPU. If you would post a GPU-Z screenshot, I could probably figure out which one is yours.

 

to All: Hi guys and girls, 30.01.2012 acer release new bios v1.08 (for all series timelinex 3830/4830/5830)

Changelog BIOS version 1.08 (release date 30.1.2011): in new version there is nothing written in changelog

Acer download central: link

 

Ah, must have a different ID for my 4830TG. Here's my GPU-Z screenshot

 

This updated version should work for your system.

 

I used Acer's chat yesterday and convinced their rep very easily to send me a battery for my 3830tg. I guess they don't know it's internal, will be interesting to see if they'll really ship it.

 

Any idea on the new bios changes?

 

Hello,

I am trying to do this http://forum.notebookreview.com/8032300-post3079.html , but I was not able to open my laptop. I have 4830tg I removed all the visible screws from the back, but I was not able to remove the panel and I quitted because I was afraid I will break the case. How do I remove the back panel to put the extra metal inside?

 

Worked great, thank you! Of course as you noted it does nothing for me as far as heat dissipation on my 4830TG, just less voltage used, but still a great mod.

 

I got them to send me one for my 4830TG, I just haven't gotten around to installing it yet. It's a Sanyo one.

 

Thanks gruenebohne, i try your bios with bad gamming results, I check GPU stability with FurMark without issues, it is stable at default and 750/1000 with CPU @2.4ghz and Linx running with low priority. But I have gpu issues playing BF3, it crashes at default GPU clocks. I'm not tried others games for now, but i think that BF3 can be special in this aspect.

 

Very interesting results. It would be greate if you could try some other game, to see whether it's stable there.
Maybe, FurMark isn't alle that realistic for stability testing after all. Though, it discloses the temperature limit.

I'm experimenting with 0.75V, and didn't experience any crashes till now. (Anno 2070, League of Legends, Need for Speed Shift)

EDIT1: Do you force a multiplyer through ThrottleStop? Also, do you have the latest Beta drivers from NVIDIA?
EDIT2: Downloading Crysis Demo, 3DMark2011 & Unigine Heaven Bennchmark to do more thorough stability testing.

 

Hi, I'd like to buy a 4830TG, but I really don't like its screen. I can see vertical rows of pixels on solid colors; horrible.

I was thinkng about buying a LG LP140WH2-TLA1, that is the same LCD mounted on my 4810TG, and put it on the 4830TG. It should be compatible, they both have a 40-pin connector.

I have already opened laptops in the past without any issue; is this 4830TG easy to disassemble?
Glad to hear your experiences.

 

The x830 are all very hard to disassemble. Most difficult of any laptop I've had in the last 8 years.

 

Is it possible to add a widi module to one of these? I have the 3830tg and when swapping a ssd drive with the hdd I noticed there was some spaces available for some type of upgrade..

 

You can definitely swap the installed wifi card for a WiDi enabled one.

 

This BIOS will work on 5830tg notebook?

 

That's not good, but if I want to replace the screen I only have to remove the bezel and disconnect a cable, is it right?

 

Quick question for you and Aviv, how did you manage to convince them to send you one? They want me to send my 3830tg in (which I know is the proper way) but I've already done that once and I can't really afford to lose my laptop for that time period.

 

What kind of caddy goes in the DVD bay?

 

This is great,
I'm having a bit of difficulty finding one though.. if you.. or anyone has any experience with this or has any good links it would be most appreciated.
Thanks

 

I just told them the battery was only holding a charge for (much less time than specs) and I wanted to get a replacement. If the rep budges, just call back/chat later until you get someone to ship one.

Here's a WiDi capable card -- it has bluetooth also, so you could remove your on-board bluetooth (if any, if desired). I got one from this seller a while ago.
Intel Centrino N 1030 wireless N adapter with bluetooth | eBay

There is also a 6230 here:
Intel (62230AN.HMWWB) Centrino Advanced - N 6230 Wifi Half Mini | eBay
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 62230ANHMW - XXG96 0XXG96 CN-0XXG96 | eBay

Something like this should work:
sata 9.5mm caddy | eBay

 

vacaloca.. thanks for the links.. pretty darn cheap too.. I don't have bluetooth so that will be great... one more question.. does it only work with the internal Intel video card or does it send everything including when I'm gaming with the nvidia gt540m card?

 

... my left click on the touchpad randomly became jammed (requires excessive force to register click) and doesn't give feedback (click) anymore. Does anyone have a manual on how to open up the keyboard side of the laptop?

Acer warranty requires we pay for shipping right? I don't want to pay $40-50 shipping just to fix my touchpad button..

 

If you're in the US, you can use flat rate postal shipping and get it there for less than $20. They will pay to ship it back to you Fed Ex ground. I would send it back. While they have your unit open, they will sometimes tweak your unit. They replaced an alps touchpad on my 3820TG with a far better synaptics unit when they were only working on a shorted webcam. The techs at the Texas Depot do a nice job.

 

unfortunately i live in Canada... and our postage rates are ridiculous

guess i will have to mail it in.

 

This might help:
Gaming laptop with Widi? Is it possible? - AnandTech Forums

Apparently there might be 0.5 sec latency.. so gaming might not make sense.

 

Can anyone speak on the turn around time for warranty service?

 

Hi,
I am also planning to buy this (3830tg) laptop.But just wnats to know whether the throttling and heating problem persist even while watching videos,performing stuff like programming and video editing.
And also how's the perfomance over the period of time,like after 1 year or so.

Please reply

Thanks,
Kamlesh

 

Thanks. I did not know that the DVD bays were all the sameform. Good to know. An extra hdd might be very useful if I travel and I need my work to be with me.

Unfortunetly yes. The problem should appear less often on the i7 cpu because it supports higher temperatures, People have been avoiding this by puttin less speed to the cpu which keeps the gaems playable and the temp constant.

I have a 4830TG and I will try to make some tests. I only have and I can only get the cpu temp and speed, but I can run programs which use cpu and the nvisdia card in the same time on the ondemand profile.

Edit: I am running some programs now and the temperatures are up 98 at cpu 100% use and runnin g a cuda program on the nvidia card. The speed of the cpu is at 2.7 GHz , I think th turbo bust comes and goes. But I have not notice throtling in 40 minutes at least. I have a 4830 tg with dual core i7 at 2.7GHz. I will let it run for a few hours.

 

Tried that one, it's the worst intel card ever, loses connection all the time.

 

The original files from the acer website have the same checksum, so
there shouldn't be a problem flashing the BIOS. Though, you probably
won't see any changes in GPU voltage, since your graphics card has
another hardware ID (I guess, i couldn't know for sure).
If you try, use the version that I modified to also work with the 4830TG.

 

Thw 4830tg is officially the hardest model to open. I am happy it still works after my try.

 

How hard it is just to open the black plastic cover? I want to remove the mesh and put some coins at the heat pipe

 

Easy. Just unscrew the one screw on the bottom cover and slide the back cover off.

I have a question for rbl_posse. I recently took apart my 3830tg and put on 3 heatsinks over the GPU and 3 heatsinks on the opposite of the heatsink facing the keyboard. I've also re done the thermal paste with MX-4. I didn't sand off the paint or add the heatsinks over the main part of the heatsink yet(still sanding).
However, I haven't seen much results. Compared to your sub 80C after an hour of prime95 at 2.9GHz, I've been getting ~81C just at 2.5GHz. Of course, my CPU is the 2450m which may have something to do with it, but I expected a bit more in terms of temperature drop. Could it possibly be the way I've applied the thermal paste, or simply just the type of thermal paste I've used?

 

I know I did it wrong, not much gain, and even a decrease with time, gotta repaste soon..

 

I've got a 6230 in my Sony SA and it's rock solid 100% reliable. I wonder if you might have had a bad one or a compatibility issue with a wireless access point or something,

The 6230 gets rave reviews from most users.

 

Hello, I bought recently the 3830tg model with ssd, i3 and gt540.
I have a problem when i close the display (also after I have upgraded bios, drivers and windows).
Instead of entering in sleep mode (or do nothing if I change the powersave configurations) the laptop power down immediately (it doesn't start the shutdown sequence).
So when i turn on again the computer i receive the message about the wrong way it was turned off giving me the choise between normal boot or safe boot.
Is that a well known bug and there is a solution? Is it only my laptop bugged?

 

Would you guys buy your TimelineX models again?

What's the most serious flaws in your opinion? Or what are issues that one has to consider before buying one?

Heat? Hard to work on or upgrade?

These are the ones I'm looking at:
Acer Aspire AS4830T-6401 14" 8hr - $688
Acer Aspire AS3830T-6849 Intel Core I5-2430M 4GB 640GB 13.3IN 9hr - $600*

Are those bad models for the price or?

Any comments/advice? Thankis.