AMD C-50 CPU and 6250 GPU performance(Acer 522 review)

64 bit can use 32 bit drivers 99% of the time.

 

I'm running Windows 7 Pro x64 on mine right now with the 4GB Mushkin ram I mentioned in a previous post. It runs good and all drivers were found inside the original driver folder(someone posted that folder on here for those that formatted before saving it). Inside each drivers folder there's 32bit and 64bit driver folders so that should answer your question.

 

Excellent! Many thanks. I will pick one up then!

 

Thanks all. This thread has been really useful to me and I'm sure to many others who got this device.

 

Hey what settings does it run at? 1066MHz?

Also, I thought I would mention that AMD-V works on this laptop and is enabled by default. I have CentOS running in virtualbox using AMD-V enabled.

 

(beta) system monitor released by amd.
http://sites.amd.com/us/game/downloads/amd-system-monitor/Pages/overview.aspx


FLASH gpu acceleration doesn't seem to be working. gpu load stays at 0% most of the time and spikes up every few seconds.

 

Alright.. So, Seagate Momentus XT (ST95005620AS) 500GB harddrive installed. New keyboard too (which was the best thing I purchased for this netbook. US English, how I've missed thee).

Anyway, here's the HD Tune report for the new drive.

 

Hello, new here.

I've just bought one today (with 1GB of RAM), thanks to everyone for providing some useful information. This is my first netbook, and I'm new to Windows 7, so I haven't many points of comparison with my old Dell laptop from 5 years ago running Ubuntu. Still, web browsing peformance seems on par, and I am pleased with the few 720p videos that I've watched.

I am considering upgrading the RAM, probably to 4GB.

I have a question to the gamers (which I am not):
is there a small possibility that I could run GTA IV on this one once the RAM upgrade is done

 

Don't know. CPUID doesn't support the chipset yet. The default kingston ram installed is pc3-10600/1333 though.

 

Those scores seem a bit off to me... Just ran HD Tune 2.55 on mine, with the stock Toshiba drive, and here's my results. Just comparing our results I'm a bit shocked really... I know your drive will get faster on multiple tries (as it learns what files to place in the SSD portion) but I'm also surprised the stock drive seems like a good performer!

What settings were you using? Stock?

 

Not sure, didn't bench it. Scores over USB2 wouldn't be overly accurate.

And yeah, no real tuning was done. Pretty much a stock install of Win7Ultimate cloned from the original hdd.

 

update:
The AMD system monitor shows the memory is running at 1066mhz. So if PC-8500 is cheaper, get that instead.

 

Hmm GTA IV will probably NOT run. It was not really optimized for PC. You can try but dont be hopeful that it will run smoothly.

And yes your browsing expirence will get better once you upgrade you RAM. 1 Gb is just BARE MINIMUM. I wouldnt recommend you stuck with 1GB of RAM with this machine

 

went to ncix today..upgraded ram to 2 gigs...runs so much better now!!! (win7 rating memory operations per second... default 1 gig = 3.9 before, 2 gig = 4.7 after)

crucial
CT25664BC1067
2gb
pc3-8500
ddr3-1066
204pin sodimm

on sale for $20.44

note:when pushing in the little tabs to release the keyboard...i pushed one in to far.... it went into body.... had fun time taking way more apart then i originally intended (all good now)

im still planning on upgrading to ssd but waiting on better sales.


note: after running for last hr or so...i notice fan runs more then before...im guessing the added ram increased temps a bit....anyone else notice this?

note: i should take my own advice...i had just removed mcafee using win 7 remove (control panel) yesterday...i just ran mcafee remove tool (i posted back a couple pages) and it removed itself completely (or at least then checking it did remove more items)...so if not doing a clean install...and you don't want mcafee (why anyone would use that pos is beyond me) then i rec you use the tool! (it's provided by mcafee..so legit)

 

Something didn't seem right after cloning the original hard disk and running that hdtune test yesterday so I formatted my machine and reran hdtune. Here's the results on a fresh install with only drivers installed:



A bit better, but not the slab of awesome that reviews I read suggested.

 

Thanks. i was wondering if it would be more worthwhile to get the 1333 with cl9 or the 1066 with cl7 so now it is obvious.

CL7 should slightly improve my cod4 performance with the shared memory Already getting 30-40 FPS at best at all lowered settings 720p. Any choppy slowdowns are obvious lack of ram.

This:
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=35903&vpn=KVR1066D3S7/4G&manufacture=Kingston

Can be pricematched:
http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/213704/Kingston/KVR1066D3S7_4G/

while bestdirect is still having that promo

 

Pretty impressed with the C-50 performance. That E-350 might make a good alternative to a Core i3 ULV with Intel HD graphics.

 

Can one of you guys play Hulu fullscreen at 720P with Flash 10.2 with Hardware Acceleration enabled and tell me the performance? Thank you much, +1 rep.

 

Any online store in Canada other than Best Buy where it's available? I just found out that a distant relative is coming here from Canada in a short while, and since my Fujitsu P1510D's keyboard stopped working correctly a few days ago, I could really use the Acer right now. Problem is it's marked as out of stock at Best Buy, and even though it's said to be available in the physical stores, I wouldn't feel comfortable asking that relative to go and buy it for me (I'm even uncomfortable asking for him to bring it; we're not very close). So I'd like to know if there's another place where I can get it so I could ask him if it's okay with him that I order it to his address so that he could bring it with him.

Thanks.

 

Has anyone tried Assasin's Creed 1 on the acer yet?

 

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
(Both Minimum and Recommended):

Supported OS: Windows® XP/Windows Vista® (only)Processor: Dual core processor 2.6 GHz Intel® Pentium® D or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 3800+ (Intel Core® 2 Duo 2.2 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ or better recommended)
RAM: 1 GB Windows XP / 2 GB Windows Vista
Video Card: 256 MB DirectX® 10.0–compliant video card or DirectX 9.0–compliant card with Shader Model 3.0 or higher (see supported list)
Sound Card: DirectX 9.0 or 10.0–compliant sound card (5.1 sound card recommended)
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0 or10.0 libraries (included on disc)
DVD-ROM: DVD-ROM dual-layer drive
Hard Drive Space: 8 GB
Peripherals Supported: Keyboard, mouse, optional controller (Xbox 360® Controller for Windows recommended)
Supported Video Cards at Time of Release: ATI® RADEON® X1600*/1650*–1950/HD 2000/3000 series NVIDIA GeForce® 6800*/7/8/9 series *PCI Express only supported

 

Acer 10.1" AMD C-50 Netbook (AO522-BZ499) - Black : 10" Netbooks and Larger - Future Shop

make sure the shipping info has his name not yours.

I can't watch hulu but it would probably be the same performance when watching youtube or any flash videos. around 20fps in fullscreen.

 

Thanks a lot!

 

just did a clean install of win starter...does make a nice difference in overall speed....

for anyone interested....(i have external samsung usb dvd)

dl legit win 7 here
http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=525X832&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net%2Fmsvista%2Fpub%2FX15-65732%2FX15-65732.iso&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.notebookreview.com%2Fwindows-os-software%2F428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

and tool to make so can multi version (so you can install starter version)
http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=525X832&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcode.kliu.org%2Fmisc%2Fwin7utils%2Feicfg_removal_utility.zip&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.notebookreview.com%2Fwindows-os-software%2F428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

make a dvd.....

now before you use dvd to wipe clean...make sure you backup drivers (i simply used acer built in tool and made driver and program dvd to external usb dvd)

next dl "abr" (use beta version for win 7)...this tool will make it possible for you to remake your fresh install legit (why you must install same version above...win starter)...read instuctions and save to usb
Installing Vista Clean, With No Crapware | directedge.us

-now install windows 7 starter....when it asks for # key just ignore
-now using your above usb key with abr on it....reactivate windows
-then install drivers (i installed in this order...and picked setup for each)
video,audio,lan,wireless (mine was broadcom),card reader,synaptic touch,launch manager....then in programs camera install
-now update update update
-i rec turning off almost everthing in performance options (keep smooth scroll,smooth edges,show thumbnails)
-now in backup in control panel...make system image and recovery dvd


now you'll have a speedy legit clean netbook!

 

LOL just tried to play Dead Space 2 ahaha it can play it but it wouldnt be fluid enough to run LOL

 

Really? Just registered on these forums because I'm interested in a laptop featuring the Fusion chipset.

Anyway, it surprises me that Dead Space 2 doesn't run properly. Tried it on my HP laptop last night, and it ran fine on my laptop which features a better CPU (Core 2 Duo) BUT crappier graphics (Nvidia 9200 GE). I managed to run it on medium @ 1024 x 768.

I would have thought it would be able to run @ 640 x 480, low with no problems. Any chance you can make a video?

 

Actually, the 9200m and HD 6250 are about the same:

HD 6250: AMD Radeon HD 6250 - Notebookcheck.net Tech

9200m: NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS - Notebookcheck.net Tech

 

Dead Space 2 is probably CPU limited, like DAO/ME2

 

Need some help. I've upgraded the RAM module but only two clips have popped back out. Do I just flex the body to get the other two to pop out? The ones above the F8 and DEL key are still inside the holes.

Thanks.

 

Yep:

Passmark:

C-50: 482

And even the really old C2D T7200 scores: 1,143

 

Yup DS2 was CPU limited using only 1 core. If it were using 2 cores then maybe it can be playable. but even then the 1.0 Ghz is suspect.

I have not seen any OCIng software yet so I will check if 1.6 Ghz will make it playable(it should be)

 

Okay, so I just got my ao522 today and did a clean install of windows 7. So freaking slow with 1gb ram. I'm definitely waiting until i get my 4gb ram stick in there before playing any games.

I tried minecraft and that was too slow...

 

When doing a clean install on Drive C: of Win 7 x64, will this actually remove the restore partition just in case I will have to eventually sell the unit (though highly unlikely)? How do I save this partition so that the restore procedure during boot up remains intact. Thanks.

 

When I did my clean install of Win 7 x64, i had to delete the restore partition or else it did not let me install windows 7. Kept giving me a "can't install system partition or find existing" or something like that. I had to get rid of everything in order to install it.

 

Thanks geo3tech! May have to do just that if there is no quick solution. It's likely a keeper anyway.

 

I was able to do a format and do a fresh install of W7 Pro x64 and kept the original restore partition. I did use an external DVD drive for the install though so perhaps that made a difference over, I assume, most people using a USB drive.

Also concerning Minecraft. I also tried that game but unfortunately it is a VERY CPU heavy game. It's programmed in java from what I recall. It runs and is playable but almost all setting have to be set to low and no sound. I loaded a bunch of old school games and it plays them all well though, but most of them play OK on a N450 even.

I didn't really buy this as a gaming rig but more for internet/general use. Works great for that and even was able to load my simulation/programming software on it and it runs them fine (bit slow on plotting/simulation but still really feasible!).

 

I installed Win 7 Ultimate using DVD Drive and it didnt ask me to delete the other partitions

 

same ones happened to me....the only way around is to unscrew the bottom screws (7 of them)...the one above delete was not to hard to put back...just open the the two plastic parts....i used a small thin knife and managed to push it back in...the one above the f8 is a real bugger...i used same thin knife and you must slide it in between plastic and medal edge of battery casing,then kinda trial and error.........to say this is poor design is understatement!

i use macrium reflect...it allows to image hidden partitions...if you ever have to get it back to default...just reimage hidden partition...then alt f10 (ive done it before on old acer one i had to take back,and works great! and this version is free! (im my option the best fastest imaging program out there)

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

 

shadow...im curious...as you didn't delete hidden partition are you still able to bring up hidden partition restore using alt f10? would not your win 64 ultimate not overwrite masterboot record thus making alt f10 unworkable?

 

My friend's HP have converted to 64bit by fresh install, yet he still have his recovery partition intake

 

yes hidden partition will still be there...but he can still boot from it using alt-f10? mbr should be written over by new fresh clean install of win 7 64

why i use reflect to backup hidden partition (it also backs up mbr) so if you ever have to put hidden partition back on you just boot from reflect and reimage and at part where it asks about master boot record,you just pick use default...then alt-f10 is good to go

 

Thanks for your responses people.

@Roscoojam, I'm afraid it's a bit too late now since I had installed Win 7 x64 on Partition 3 last night using an external dvd drive.

At least now I know about this imaging software. I've screwed up an older netbook's MBR too because I had created a new logical partition before.

During the clean install, I chose to reformat Partition 3 but yeah, maybe the MBR has been reformatted so not sure how to access the restore function in the future though I'm not keen on selling this machine anyway.

Disk 0 Partition 1: PQSERVICE 14GB
Disk 0 Partition 2: SYSTEM RESERVED 100MB
Disk 0 Partition 3: Acer 218.8GB

 

Roscoojam, if I wanted to do a clean install on my Asus notebook, what exactly are the steps do I need to make sure the MBR and hidden restore folder are intact? I plan to reformat C: since there is a lot of bloatware.

The Asus came with two logical partitions, C: and D:, which makes it easier for backing up files.

Thanks so much.

 

Do these Acers come with a French Canadian keyboard (when bought in Canada)? karmatose mentioned it here and saw another mention in another forum. How different is this keyboard from a US one? Would setting the keyboard in Windows to US allow using it as if it was a US one (assuming I don't look at the keys)? I just want to know if I have to buy a new keyboard if I buy in Canada. If so, where do I buy a US keyboard? (Edit: There are a lot of Acer 532 keyboards on eBay? Are they compatible with the 522?)

 

The French Canadian keyboard has all sorts of extra characters on it and the layout is quite different. Before I put the US keyboard in I was always stabbing the backslash when going for the left shift key. Same went for the odd enter key on the right. The keyboard I bought was for a 521 and it fits perfectly. I'll pm you a link to it.

 

Thanks for the link. It looks like replacement keyboards advertised for the 521 also fit the 533, D255 and D260, so I guess any of these will work.

 

K, I've done all the ones that are bolded, but how do you access the aero ect, win basic and win explorer file manager? Will installing cc cleaner make a huge difference? This is my very first netbook and I still have to wait more than 2 minutes from off to hearing the windows sound. Having it load within 35 seconds would be a dream come true. And what is this image using macrium? How do you access that too?

BTW, I do have a 2gb ram upgraded already, but still with the windows 7 starter.

How do you access and what specifically are the crap you disable from starting up the netbook? Mine seems to take forever to boot up.. =(

 

what i did

-ill start by saying i have a external dvd writer (samsung) so makes this easy...
-in acer recovery make both recovery dvd's (needs 3 dvd's) and driver and program dvd
-download free reflect software
http://www.macrium.com/ReflectFree.asp
-make reflect restore dvd
-using reflect,start make image section,check box to make image of pqservice (hidden partition) and make sure the image sections are about 4gigs each so can fit onto 3 dvd's
-now install windows,and you can delete hidden partition

note: if you dont have windows extra dvd and still want to do a clean install of windows 7 starter and have it activated dl legit windows below/tool to make windows multi version (so you can pick starter version/tool "abr" to backup your activation and then reactivate after windows is installed

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=525X832&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsft-dnl.digitalrivercontent.net%2Fmsvista%2Fpub%2FX15-65732%2FX15-65732.iso&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.notebookreview.com%2Fwindows-os-software%2F428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

http://go.notebookreview.com/?id=525X832&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcode.kliu.org%2Fmisc%2Fwin7utils%2Feicfg_removal_utility.zip&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fforum.notebookreview.com%2Fwindows-os-software%2F428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) | directedge.us

http://directedge.us/files/abr/ABR-1.0.exe

might try what ive said above...it will allow you to do a clean install of windows...

to turn off all the eye candy ...start/(in search type this) adjust...pick "adjust appearance and properties" custom and only pick (smooth-scroll list boxes,smooth edges of screen fonts,show thumbnails instead of icons)

you will now have borrowing old windows classic....but will be faster! (what a netbook should be)

 

Yeah, need to make the hidden partition active under Win 7 after install, so when he press F11 (on HP notebook) it would take him to recovery manager, otherwise nothing happened when the button are pressed

 

Got one of these last week and am pretty fond of the system so far.

Upgraded to 2GB and put on Win 7 Pro. However I'm noticing an issue that I don't know if it's driver related or if I have a video card with an issue. I'm getting graphical glitches every so often. Lines will streak across the screen a few times then stop. I opened a case with Acer, but i'm wondering if I should just bite the bullet and contact Amazon to see if I can replace.