Blackvoid's M15x journey from begining.cc

Hello everyone again. After first fight with M15x i decided to restore whole factory default to be sure that all is under control and i hope you will not mind if i will use this topic to share with you all of my actions from begining so I can with your help figure out if there is something wrong with Laptop or if that first problems was my mistake.

Firat of all i noticed after restoring of factory seting is that there is another partition on my computer, its FAT32 500MB space, all full. I don't realy want it in here so i hope there is way to remove it and add this space to my current partition. It keeps spaming me in main toolbar that i got Low space on hard drive-annoying.

Bluetooth buttom is working fine.
Volume is working fine.
Wireless is on but when i try to press it it is not doing anything.
And the two last buttons are off and its doing nothing when i try to press it.
(By the way could you please tell me what are these buttons for and what does mean please?)

I just instaled Mozzila Firefox 3 and waiting for all updates to come.

Edit:
Laptop configuration:

CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T8100 @ 2.10GHz
System Memory: 2x2048MB
BIOS Information: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.1
Video Adapter: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
Hard Drive: ST9120823ASG (120GB)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

 

That 500MB partition is the turbo memory. I don't know how you can get rid of it really. Maybe another system restore will help.

 

geez... the Touch Control buttons are explained in the handbook, and on AW's website. the one farthest to the right activates Stealth Mode (not that you'd know what that is i suppose), the space ship opens the AlienFx editor (and you probably don't know what that is either, am i right? ).

the partition you mention is probably the system restore partition, and trust me, you'll want to keep this (especially you).
EDIT: ElSayed says it's the TM, which would make sense, seeing how the TM module contains a 512mb flash card. this doesn't deduct anything from your HDD space, so don't worry about it.

out of interest, what logic led you to your configuration? e.g. why did you choose an overtly weak CPU, a teensy hard drive, a useless amount of RAM, an underpowered GPU, a display with such a high resolution that most games don't even support it, and the highly questionable turbo memory?

PS: for a just a few dollars more, you could've had 2Gb RAM, WXGA+ display, and the 8800m-gtx (which, lets be honest, is the main reason for even considering the m15x).

PPS: i know the above post may sound agressive or arrogant, but i have the feeling you had no idea what you were buying in the first place. just my 2c worth.

 

Partition is called NVCACHE and only one file is in there ReadyBoost.

Don't tell me there is no way to get it away or atleast hide it somehow so it will not annoy me all the time with no space.

 

you won't get it away, it's definitely the TM module. it won't deduct from your HDD space anyway, so might as well leave it.

hmmm... unless it's a copy of the data on the TM module... not so sure here.... in any case, 512mb isn't a lot. restrict the space Vista has for restore points, and you'll get that space back tenfold.

 

hi again Blackvoid
can you post your specifications here so we know what youve got on your computer.

i dont understand this bit. if youve done a factory restore your harddrive should be empty except for all the programs and vista. that partition is there for a reason and even though its quite small if you delete it it could cause even more problems.
the 2 touch buttons at the top are the stealth mode and bluetooth. stealth lowers all the workings of the computer.it makes the fans quieter and the battery last longer. to get these working again you might need to load the drivers again from my hive.

 

Sometimes when restoring the m15x, the turbo memory "partition" appears as a full hard drive with 512MB of full space. I had that problem; I don't quite remember how I got rid of it. Maybe I did a clean restore...

 

Well i know what is AlienFx for you already explained me a bit about Stealth Mode so im a bit in view, but not much. System restoration partition may be handy but the annoying message spaming me all the time is not realy something i would like on my computer.

And about logic which makes me comes to my configuratin i can try to explain of course. I checked test about this Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T8100 @ 2.10GHz and in my opinion its not really overtly weak CPU and i din't wanted to spend another 161 pounds for the 2.5 one.
I got two 320 usb external hard drives so i don't realy need waste 65 pounds for 40GB of space, its a bit expensive for not realy much space.
I did want to have anough Ramm because 2GB was just geting low on my old computer and i didn't really know that Win Vista 32 is not supporting more than 3Gb and if i did i would expect AW to let me know about it or offer me some solution.(Not sure is 64bit Vista is ok with it and if it is i could get that one maybe?)
And that 8800GTX realy makes me cry but i haven't enough money for it so i planed to buy it later and change 8600 for that one. And i didn't even expect that 8600GT will be runnig so slow.
Dispay with such a high resolution i did pick because there is no way to change display as far as i know and it was not so expensive to buy the better one.
And about turbo memory i didn't really know much so i just hope it will add some speed to system.

Yes to be honest i could make better configuration of system if i did spend some time checking it first, but im not realy much knowed about Laptops and its configuration. But even if i did my mistake it should not matter that computer will crash me every 30 minutes in game and it will run like 10 FPS all the time, should it?

 

depends on your drivers and settings, really. which drivers have you updated so far?

 

Im not updating anything. Im just waiting for windows update to end and im dowloading 3d Mark 2006 meantime. Going to download Nod32 and Kerio Personal firewall and install it.

 

Which parts of M15x I m able to upgrage? Graphic card, battery and CPU?

And do you have any idea why that AlienFx button is not working?

 

You can upgrade all of them

 

how long (and how) are you pressing the AlienFX button?

 

Use must press Fn-F11 to alter AleinFX on or off.
The Fn button id next to the windows button.
I don't know why everyone thinks vista is bad, I think it is easier and faster to use that XP, Once you know all the little tricks.

 

When i press FN+F11 tahn its working, its just not working when i press that planet button. And i tryed to press it for a different period of time and it was alway the same.

Im just done with instaling 3d mark 2006 and Warhammer Online.

When i try to start Warhammer it will comes out with this error.

War.exe - Unable To Locate Component

This application has failed to start because d3dx9_34.dll was not founf. Re-installing the application may fix the problem.

Today many people told me that i don't need to bother with DirectX but last time i had to install DirectX 9.0c to pass tru this error. Going to check out 3dmark.

Anyone have idea what to do with Warhammer?

 

Well another thing happened, i don't know why but its probably because of change of resolution but now when im changing volume or anything else what have that icon on display that icon is visible just from part, not whole. So when im changing volume i just see the volume text, icon but don't see the moving bar. Same with all other, they are all visible just form part. It hapened after i changed resolution and will not change back to normal when i change resolution back.

 

I just started 3d mark06 and it tolds me that i need to have instaled DirectX 9.0c and if i want to install it now. So i let it instal it because ot will not probably let me start tests if i will not do that. So that will probably start warhammer working aswell...lets see after testing.

So far i just instaled:
Firefox Mozzila 3
Kerio Personal Fireawall
Nod32
And now DirectX 9.0c

 

So i just did run first 3dmark06 test with default drivers, it pass through whole, but just 3244 score. Thats not realy good..but i will try it later with another drivers. Now going to check if Warhammer will be crashing again and tempreature of system when i will play.

 

that score is good for the 8600gt methinks. I mean, my 7950gtx only gets like 5400. i figured the 8600gt would get under 3k. Also, please do NOT try to run games at native res. the low 128bit interface will not do well at higher res.

 

Oh man...have to buy 8800GTX soon than, this is terrible.

 

Warhammer was not runing, same error again so i instaled DirectX from Warhammer CD. Lets try it now.

 

Okay dude honestly please read posts. You're laptop shouldn't score higher than that, it isn't spec'ed that well.

Other people have the 8800GTX card which will get you ~9000. You are not going to get more than that with the 8600GT. You could have gotten 2GB of ram, no turbo memory, a 1440x900 screen, and then have purchased a 8800GTX for a little more.

 

Yea i see now, i just want to avoid crashing computer, which hopefully not begins as soon as i will get to game.
I really had to buy that 8800..

Do you think tht Warhammer will be runing better uner WinXP? And about that 3gb memory max. I need to have 64 bit operation system to be able tu use all 4Gb right?

 

Whats the name of laptop version of 8800GTX so i can take a look how much it cost?

And anyone have an idea how could i get off that additonal partition?

Does it worth to trying ti get 64bit vista for memory?

I know im so annoying, but thank you.

 

If you put in 4GB of RAM, then yes, your system will only be able to utilize 3GB of RAM unless it's a 64-bit operating system. There are still benefits, however, in having 4GB of RAM instead of just 3GB.

Though it is not necessary for you to have 4GB of RAM (since a computer cannot utilize that much memory anyway unless the operating system is 64-bit), it is recommended to have two matching sticks of RAM (matching as in capacity, speed, and number of chips and sides) for the best compatibility in a dual-channel architecture.

Regardless of which, the performance of dual-channel is generally better and more stable than single-channel. That is, having 2 x 2GB RAM (with only 3GB of RAM being utilized) is generally better than having 1 x 1GB along with 1 x 2GB of RAM (3GB total). This is because a dual-channel architecture addresses the issue of "bottlenecks," ("Increased processor speed and performance requires other, less prominent components to keep pace." [ 1] When the other "less prominent components" cannot keep pace, the flow of data is "impaired or stopped entirely...there isn't enough data handling capacity to handle the current volume of traffic." [ 2])

I've been a little sleep deprived in the past few days (I need a new mattress) and have been feeling really exhausted lately, so I decided to copy and paste most of what was said above from my own guide. I wrote most of it, so it's not plagiarizing (that is, unless you count me copying my own words, then fine, whatever.)

Hope that helps on deciding whether you should get 4GB RAM or just 3GB RAM. If you do decide to install 4GB of RAM, make sure the two sticks are exactly identical in capacity, speed, and number of chips and sides. I know http://www.newegg.com sell packets of RAM (with 2 identical sticks) so if you're looking to buy 4GB of RAM, make sure you're buying it from a packet because it makes things a lot more easier than just buying those RAM sticks separately.

Now I'm not going to get into which RAM is the best for your system or what brands to buy. I'm sure you can do that by doing a search on the forums for that or perhaps even someone here can assist you with a choice of RAM.

Hope that helps.

 

not really available on the free market. give AW a call.

do you not read the other posts? the additional partition is either the TM module (which you won't get rid of, short of physically removing it), or the system restore partition, and trust me, you especially will really want to keep that.

depends on your rig. with your 8600m, a big no.

 

wait, did u even get the smart bay battery or the backlit keyboard? If u didnt, there was no point in you getting an m15x. You should got a dell m1530, if all u were getting was a t8100 and a 8600GT (is that the first time someones got that)?

 

Return the computer blackvoid if u are inside the 2 weeks return window, and then post your budget and needs here on the forum so people can help you with what specification your computer should have. From the sounds of your responses and your needs this is the best course of action you can do right now as your computer specs are just completely messed up for what you need.

 

out of the mouths of infants.

 

You do think there is a way to return in and ask them for small reconfiguration? At the end of long fight Warhammer is not crashing me with newest 178.13 drivers. Im playing it with low details but framerate seems to be fine. GPU is geting up to 65C when im ingame but for two days it didn't crashed.

Im considering to change GPU for 8800GTX as soon as i will have money for it, but true is that i should take 2gb memory and lower resolution display and pick that 8800GTX...

 

And yes, im still in two weeks period.

 

just ship it back, get your money back and place a completely new order.

 

How about ship it back, take the 15% restocking, and then get a Clevo / Sager ONLY BECAUSE you are on a budget and I think you can get more power from them for less green.

Sorry for the caps

 

Will there be any problems with it or i will just call than that its not working as i expected and that i would like to remake my order?

They will probably hate me...

 

Well if i send it back and will cause a troubles for my stupidity than i would like to byt Laptom from them to pay money to them. So i will probably go for another M15x just with better configuration.

How does this kind of recalamation works like? I never did it before.

 

you need to get your priorities sorted. and now, box that thing up and ship it back. that is an ORDER.

and then use the money to get either a smart config (as mentioned above) or get a clevo. one tip though: post your config here before you buy. or else this will all start over again....

 

Yes i will do it tommorow

 

Do i have to pay them something for sending it back? Or do they send me money back without problems?

 

And what setup for new M15x would you recomend me for like 1500£?

 

nope. call them and they'll send a label for shipping it back. at least that's how i think it works.

Here's an idea of what you should be aiming for:

upgrade the RAM yourself to 4Gb and save about 200 pounds. upgrading RAM is easy, even you should manage

EDIT: price of that order would be 1,467 pounds in the UK store.

 

try not to make 3 posts one after another or you will get a warning from the mods.

firstly which website did you order it from.
if it was the uk site you wont be charged but if it was the american site you will be charged a 15% restocking fee.

you need to ring AW first thing tomorrow and explain what your intentions are ie, you are not happy with the laptop and you would like a refund.
they will give you an RMA number that has to be stuck on the outside of the box. you should have a white sticker that is in your binder that you can write the RMA number on. they will also send you an email with all the instruction on what to do next.

 

Do you think that 1gb ramm will be enough for start?
What about Intel Turbo Cache memory, does it worth to buy it?
Thank you MrDJ, will do it this way.

 

vista will use almost 1gb ram on its own so you will defanately need more.
if you decide to buy another m15x they charge wayyyyyyyyy to much for their ram so buy it with 1gb and then upgrade it yourself. 4gb is best even if you are using vista 32bit. you will only be able to see or use just over 3.1gb but its always better to have more than less.

turbo memory is a total waste of time especially the 1gb card that AW sell. there are now 2gb & 4gb cards out but for what you want your computer for i would save your money and put it towards a better graphics card.

 

no. 1Gb will not be enough. which is why i wrote that you should by 1Gb from AW, buy 4Gb separately, upgrade yourself, and save 200 pounds. geez...

 

Where are you located?

IF YOU ARENT IN THE UK YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY 15%. Just making that real clear so you don't lose that and then wonder why you did. If you are over 2 weeks forget about it.

 

Im living in London so no problem i hope. And laptop came to me at 24.9.2008 so its just few days.

 

Alright then ASAP return the laptop and you will not have to pay a restocking fee. I will (and the rest of the members) will remind you to make a new thread when you are almost ready to order the new laptop so we can critique your order so you get the best system possible.

 

Yes i will deffinitelly make new topic and will let you help me with configuration. Anyway thanks a lot to all of you for your patience and help

ps: If i would know about this forum when i was ordering Lapto i would deffinitelly ask you to help me, but i did find it out when Laptop came and start crashing.

 

How mcuh does ussualy cost 4Gb or Ramm to this kind of Laptop, i did try to find some and it was like 60£, is it possible or did i found wrong one? Because i did bough mine from AW for like 230£.

 

pleasse dont make a new topic! geez, just conitnue on this one!

and please, stay away from alienware! if u need to replace the RAM yourself, who knows what damage you might cause to the internal components...

just get a clevo, buy from killernotebooks and get the hamadashi, aka np8660.

here look, i configurated one for u:

Intel Core 2 Duo p9500 2.53ghz
9800GT DDR3 (better than 8800 GTX)
4GB ddr3 Memory
4GB turbo memory
WSXGA+ (1650*1050) Resolution
DVD Burner
320GB 7200RPM
Vista Ultimate
Bluetooth
Shipping to Europe (LOndon)

all for 2776 dollars, which is 1556 pounds

PLEASE DONT GET ANOTHER m15X, RETURN IT ASAP