K53TA.. The best deal ever... could be!

So from what I have found for a fix (so everyone says it works):


(This most likely requires the LATEST bios available)
1. Go into BIOS --> System Configuration --> Change Switchable Graphics Mode from Dynamic to Fixed
2. Open up Catalyst Control Center and then go to switchable graphics
3. Now you can manually set GPU

This fixes a lot of people's problems so I'm sure it will work but I can't test till my PC is fixed.

HP pc's have the same issue as they often use AMD GPU's which in most cases happen to be the same as ours

Edit: so atoneapone was right about the OpenGL part but it sure seems like all games I play go with OpenGL since my discrete never worked

 

ok so i made a new folder in bf3 and changed the name to cfg.user beside that it says CFG file. When i nclick on that file it takes me to notebook and shows me what i typed in earlier which was that world render thing you showed me. Then i saved it and started up bf3 and the performance was the same. I know i did something wrong and I knowthis is simple stuff for you guys but i have no idea what im doing.

 

Well THE #1 best thing you can do for fps is make certain that you have 2 identical sticks of ram preferably same model #, so you can take advantage of dual channel mode gave me 7 fps in bf3 straight up. Also the new 12.1 catalyst drivers are out.

I got 2x4gb@1333mhz(9-9-9-24 timing) sticks on a newegg special for like $28 total. and then i sold the original stick on ebay for like $10.

I also have a very slight processor overclock so that it is exactly twice my ram speed, when on full load. here is the k10stat timings:



P.S. Is any1 else having horrible audio issues with BF3?

 

Another thing about the info you found is that it refers to Intel laptops with radeon dedicated gpus, but not our AMD llano laptops with radeon dedicated (dual gpus).
See links below about all this :

Code:

[url=http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c02948560]HP Notebook PCs - OpenGL Applications Cannot Be Configured to Use the Discrete GPU - c02948560 - HP Business Support Center[/url] --HP fix for Intel + radeon gpu laptops
[url=http://www.frictionalgames.com/forum/thread-9942.html][AMD+Intel HD] Laptop OpenGL Troubleshooting Guide[/url] --other laptop brands are not addressing OpenGL games on their Intel + AMDRadeon gpu systems. (solution->always go with Nvidia + Intel)

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_OpenGL_programs]List of OpenGL programs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url] --list of OpenGL games that may only run off integrated graphics (6520g or 6620g)

<--only HP has addressed OpenGL problems in their INTEL+ATI radeonGPU line laptops, while all other companies haven't come up with OpenGL fix for their Intel+radeonGPU line of laptops.
So if you get an Intel laptop, make sure it has Nvidia gpu and not Radeon gpu.(unless it's an HP which the fix above addresses.)

It's uncertain and doubtful if this fix will work in HP "AMD llano APU+GPU" line of laptops or if it will ever be developed by AMD for other brands like our Asus llano APU + GPU laptops.

 

Are you saing that there is "BIOS --> System Configuration --> Change Switchable Graphics Mode from Dynamic to Fixed" in your K53TA BIOS? What version of BIOS is that?

 

In my bios I saw the option to choose Dynamic or Fixed and I was using Bios version 207.

Well yes I know that this is HP but we to have the option between Dynamic and Fixed. I have searched around the web yesterday and have found other people (with our computers) that have stated this works for both. It's not official but it's sure worth a dang try


Read here:

 

Do you need 207 to do this? ; I still have 206 since I've heard it was a quieter driver with less fan speed. Also how do you get into Bios? do you have to press delete or F2 at startup? I'll see if I can find it once I know how to get into the Bios.

update: I tried it by pressing F2 bunch of times--and after getting into Bios, there was no option like that (no system configuration) in my bios. Eyeguy616 says it isn't in the new bios either, so not sure. Someone else with bios 207 needs to try.

you sure about it being in the bios? maybe you forgot precisely where you saw the dynamic and fixed graphics setting...I'll wait for you to get your PC back from repairs first before trying any more.

 

He must not have a k53ta specifically, because there is no option for setting fixed graphics in the bios, even with the 212 bios from the k43ta. It's either escape, f2, or del keys to enter bios, have to be fast and just keep pressing them (what I did anyway, but I do think it's escape key). There isn't any section marked "system configuration" in the bios though, so I wonder where he's seeing this.

 

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

well I was able to ship my box out today so I can't test for another 2 weeks or so... I have a A53TA but it's the EXACT same as the K53TA just with a different letter for selling purposes.

I honestly don't remember which option I tried when I found it. It is quite possible that I actually did it on the default bios but I hardly think so since I update my computers pretty fast before doing anything else.

Not entirely sure if I pressed Esc, F2, F8, F10, or Delete. It's in the Display section and it should be like this photo I found on google only it will be a little different because we have our very own BIOS. It should be in the Bios menu though because I remember finding it while looking around in the Bios Menu.

I would have a picture but my PC is in RMA at the moment but I know for 100% that there is an option for it as I have seen it myself but currently I have no choices of viewing it.

Like I said I will figure it out but it's gonna take me a few weeks to get my computer.

 

The A53TA is not exactly the same, comes with dual-core A4 apu instead of the A6 quad, but it does seem to use the same k43ta207 bios as listed on asus' website (from here: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download A53TA since it doesn't seem to get listed normally).

Interesting if it does give the A53TA this option... it'd mean a clever person could potentially unlock that feature for everyone if it does exist. Anyone know of other A53ta owners to ask?

 

well that explains everything, it's a completely different motherboard and cpu, so we are still stuck on the llano A6 & A8s with openGL games. I knew it looked too good to be true.
I guess we can all cross our fingers for a clever person to crack this in the future.
The A4 apu also has a slower integrated HD 6480G. So those who own it better hope the fixed gpu bios adjustment works. But on our A6 & A8 systems, for the latest games we can select the high performance gpu perfectly fine most of the time for non OpenGL games. But not sure about the performance of some older games (eg. directx10 SaintsRow2 etc..).

 

that sreen grab looks like from HP DV6 llano as asus does not have dignostics tab on bios, i might be wrong though, cant check right now

 

Title "InsydeH20 Setup Utility" cannot be in AMI BIOS setup utility

 

For a start we can ask for it on Bios Mods -The Best BIOS Update and Modification Source

 

+1 for audio issue

 

Completely wrong. The A53TA that I have and a few others who have purchased is EXACTLY the same. It has quad core a6-3400m 1.4ghz with 2.3ghz boost. Has the Radeon HD 6520G + 6650M. The BIOS is actually most likely the same exact BIOS as well. I have done my research and the only difference between these two computers is their model number. All but 1 A53TA's don't have these stats but this specific one IS K53TA and even when I did my RMA this computer registered as a K53TA since it still basically is.

There is a slight possibility that this computer does in fact have a different bios since this was released a few months after the K53TA. But as I said they are basically the same thing.

K53TA:
Newegg.com - Refurbished: ASUS K53TA-BBR6 Refurbished Notebook AMD A-Series A6-3400M(1.4GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 500GB HDD AMD Radeon HD 6650M

A53TA:
Newegg.com - ASUS A53 Series A53TA-XE2 Notebook AMD A-Series A6-3400M(1.4GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi AMD Radeon HD 6650M

 

sorry to not take you more seriously (I forgot there was 2 or 3 different variations of this laptop by Asus) . Your laptop sounds great (almost a perfect clone) and I hope they repair your laptop to function for years to come; the only other difference on yours is a 7200rpm 500GB HD. Maybe this model is the key to get us all what we want-and that is the Holy Grail to perfect fixed discrete gpu selection on "all games" including openGL ones. Or atleast to once and for all know if it's even possible. Maybe the bios mods guys can make the bios for us.

 

nope. fixed graphics is not possible.

i have given up hope already. Fortunately, all the good games only use directx.

only crap games like Rage still use opengl

 

Here is the fix
If your audio cuts certain things out during playing, like firing your weapon, engine sounds, your own footsteps, follow these steps for a fix:

1. download a hex editor such as Notepad++

2. Open Windows Explorer, go to C:\Users\<your user name>\Documents\Battlefield 3

3. open PROF_SAVE_profile with Notepad++

4. find "GstAudio.AudioQuality 0" (up near the top) and switch it to "GstAudio.AudioQuality 4"

It just changes the software audio processing priority.
BTW I prefer wartape GstAudio.YourSoundSystem , or in bf3 audio preference
credit goes to
Sound Cutting Out Fi - Forums - Battlelog / Battlefield 3

 

Well regardless of people losing hope or not you can always just go in device manager and turn off the integrated GPU to force it to use 6650m or do the same through BIOS.

Still wouldn't be as nice as Fixed though but no worries people it's not a big deal and once I get my PC back I'll do some testing and tell you all what's going down. Hopefully they don't touch my bios, I don't wanna have to flash a new one >.<

 

Will definitely be trying this...... I read about it & this fix in the BF3 forums but thought it might have been something with our computers LOL. Glad to see it being brought up on here! So frustrating! Recently it's gotten worse.. I lost all the sound (usually comes back within 30 secs), and it wouldn't come back until I died.

 

I would not recommend disabling the IGP through device manager which may force your to reformat the whole pc in case your display goes blank.
As far as i can remember the 6650 works through the same bus as 6520, in high performance mode,the dedicated card only called to assist 6520 in rendering.
As all games see the 6520 as primary graphics adapter.
Thats why fixed mode switching is still a technical nuisance for both asus and amd.

 

Ya should have just said Bios since there are a few steps doing it through device manager without issues.

Well I'm gonna just watch posts for now while I wait for my computer to return to me. You'll hear back from me if anything interesting goes on or/and when I check my bios.

 

no. you can't just disable the igp through device manager. it will always cause issues no matter what steps you take.

windows still won't see the 6650m, and your screen will go to low resolution, as though there is no graphics driver.

all of the graphics tweaks mentioned in all the previous posts are just impossible.

 

Just picked up this laptop not too long ago in Thailand and looking for a nice notebook cooler to go along with it, anyone have any recommendations?

 

Regarding the discrete gpu-integrated gpu discussion, fortunately I don't play any games that give low performance running off integrated gpu; so I've been very satisfied with this laptop so far. There has been a few emulators (FuturePinball Pinmame, N64) which I wish would run a little better, but atleast most of the new PC games run great! So if we happen to find a miraculous fix to always being able to select the discrete gpu, then it will just be a nice bonus to an already great laptop.

try a cooler master- it was discussed on and off from post 2129. With all decent coolers, you should get between a 2C to 5C improvement.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/601808-k53ta-best-deal-ever-could-213.html

 

The way the plastic cover is done, your cooling pad won't be really efficient. There's no hole directly over the cpu neither the fan. I was able, with my coolmaster cooling pad, to lower the temps for like 1-2C approx. I'm still waiting for my parts to start my cooling mods like gumpa or whatever already did.. I've ordered them on ebay the 25dec and it's still not here *sigh* -_-

 

So far so good for now! thks!

 

Can someone please help me out? When I try to put in my charger cable into the charger jack it keeps coming out and my laptop won't obliviously charge . Can I do anything to fix it?

 

anybody have tried or get a friend who tried this Notebook Laptop VACUUM USB CASE COOLING FAN COOLER PAD | eBay before? Do you guys think it really helps?

 

that should help a little bit.

if you imagine, that makes your heatsink/fan a push/pull setup, like those huge dual fan heatsinks in desktop computers.
internal fan pushes heat out, external fan pulls.

 

yeah but its only a 5v fan.. idk if it's gonna be enough.. they should make 12v usb port and put everything to 12v like in a car

 

then you'll have to find out how much CFM it pulls. because if it doesn't pull as much as the internal fan blows, it will be useless, and actually a bottleneck.

I don't like external fan accessories, mainly because they are useless.

I always tell people to just clean out the dust from the heatsink to improve cooling.
many people do it backwards- Their fans are clogged with dust, and they go out and buy a useless laptop cooler pad to blow on the plastic underneath.

 

Just found this:

Revolutions per minute
-
Approx 1500 - 2220 RPM (Varies based on USB power provided)
-
-
Fan Type
-
Cyclonic Vacuum Suction
-
-
Airflow / CFM
-
3 - 7 (varies depending on USB power available, and air flow restrictions)
-
-
Cable Type:
-
Retractable USB
-
-
Maximum Fan voltage
-
USB 4.75 Volts to 5.5 Volts DC @ ~ 0.32A (max recommended)
-
-
Power plug type
-
USB Plug; powered from USB port or any mains adapter with USB ports.
-
-
Number of blades
-
Approximately 32 blades
-
-
Size of the fan
-
8cm x 2.5cm x 6cm
-
-
Length of cable (fan to plug tip)
-
71cm (Retractable)
-
-
Weight of each fan
-
Approx 58 grams including cable and plug
-
-
Noise level
-
Generally quieter than traditional fans. Beware noise myths (see description above)
-
-
Fan Colour
-
Black and white with silver lining
-
-
LED Colours
-
Each fan has a blue LED

There is not enough CFM. As you said it's gonna bottleneck. But, it was a good and easy idea! Maybe I'm gonna one just for fun to try lol

 

this seriously needs to be added to the 1st post in all k53ta threads

 

Good to know!
I don't have this problem, but since others are having this problem then this info should be helpful to myself & everyone else if the problem occurs later.

 

This happened to me after I dropped it on the jack plug, if you look inside the hole you'll notice the dc jack is not where it should be;

I opened mine up and luckily the dc jack is not soldered to the mobo but merely in plastic housing with wires leading to the mobo, I moved it back into place and used some electrical tape that had a strong grip and tightly taped the jack into place.

there's guide to opening a similar model to this one somewhere on these forums. I can't find it at the moment but, opening your laptop will void any warranties you have so do so at your own risk.

 

Check this out
All Slics 2.1 (Modded Bios List) - Note: For requests use 'Bios Mod Requests' section - Page 955

I have flashed this modded BIOS but see no difference (at least it didn`t ruin notebook).

Looks like it is all about SLIC 2.1 modd of the BIOS...

Edit: Looks like it is all about activation of OEM Windows versions...

 

Thanks for the info =). I moved it back up, by getting a flat head and gently sliding it back to the edge, and it works. Only problem is, I have to get something kind of heavy to keep the plug in the dc jack. I'm not confident with opening up my laptop at the very moment, so once I find a good guide on how to do so, this should be fine until then.

 

Ok maybe this is going to be helpful for someone starting with k10stat. I did a chart this afternoon with different configuration of frequency and voltage, and I wrote my max temps. Here we go:
Freq. Voltage Max oC
2.30GHz @ 1.0750v - 79C then fan kicks and slowing CPU freq.
2.20GHz @ 1.0500V - 76C
2.10GHz @ 1.0250V - 72C
1.95GHz @ 0.9875V - 67C
1.80GHz @ 0.9375V - 66C
1.70GHz @ 0.9125V - 61C
1.60GHz @ 0.8875V - 59C
1.50GHz @ 0.8650V - 59C

This chart was done using Prime95 In-place Large FFTS(MAX Temp and power) 10mins testing, stable.

So maybe it's gonna work on your laptop, maybe not. I didn't test these for a long time neither so it may not be 100% stable.. but after a minute, if there's no error, it should be fine.

 

What mode are you running k10stat in ganged or unganged?

Before I did a cooling mod on mine with with no gpu overclocking; I was hitting 2.66 easily

but then again I did and still do have a straw underneath my laptop on the left side to prevent hot air coming out from flowing underneath the lappy to be rebreathed into the new hole i have directly by the fan OR the normal intake vents in the front.

Sounds like your not using my permanent solution. mine works fine its just a question of if your under warranty or not. I suggest you either ship it to get it fixed or fix it.

 

I'm in unganged mode

 

anyone tried the 212 bios version from the k43? any news about the unlock of our bios?

 

I posted on the 212 bios a few pages back. Gist: nothing new. It seems safe to flash, though do have a method of bad flash recovery when attempting as always. I used the winflash program to flash it, as it seems pretty safe to use and normally prevents flashing older bios files.

Maybe if others flash, they can find something different. I did not poke around too much in the bios screens, but did not see any new options in the main sections.

 

Do all asus laptops come with warranties even if you didn't buy a warranty from best buy? If not, then I will open up my laptop and fix it, but if I am under warranty I'll just ship it to them to fix it.

 

It's not 3 months w/ Bestbuy and 1yr w/ asus?

 

I purchased from BB also and I think there is no warranty from BB unless purchased Geeksquad or other. It only had a 14 day return, after that you have to use the 1 year warranty from Asus. To get the 1 year warranty from Asus you had to register it on the Asus site with the purchase date, serial number info, vendor, etc. Not sure if there is a time limit to register it; I would think it's ok to register late, but it will always be 1 year from purchase date. Also invoice receipt is required for proof of purchase date, if we ever use the warranty service. So it's just a 1 year warranty from Asus.

 

I called asus and they told me I was $h!t out of luck, since I dropped it.

Opened it up with a screw driver and some electrical tape fixed within 15mins; instead of 15 days.

but if the jack plug had been on the mobo like most lappys I really would have been Out Of Luck.

really wish more lappys charger connectors were like macs.

 

Couldn't help but post but... I wonder if you have the warranty with Accidental damage or not.

In the warranty info it specifically lists drops under Accidental Damage which they cover in some warranties. Otherwise you're boned. By the way it's always good to call multiple times because you mainly end up on the phone with people that are clueless.