Unofficial Gateway P series 6831/171S/171X/171XL Lounge

I did nothing but put copy and paste link all credit goes to the people who did the reviews/created threads/wrote instructions. I was just tired of searching around for things. If anybody wants me to add or remove a link let me know. I'll try to keep up with this. Enjoy

DO THIS FIRST BEFORE ANYTHING THE CD IT CAME WITH IS JUST THE OS
Vista Recovery Disk Backup Guide(Backup App and Drivers)
A quick one from Snowsurfer Post#312
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=2891094&postcount=312
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206261&page=32 (Top of the page)


Nice place with PICs for upgrades and swap outs
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread212385.html


LCD Swap
M3lvn Notes/Instructions - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=227463


Reviews P-16831 FX
Bwhxeon Review - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206261
Lewdvig Review - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=209623


XP Installation
Bwhxeon - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=214385
Hahutzy - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=217666


8800 GTS BenchMarks
Canix BenchMarks - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=211604&highlight=8800+gts
Narsnail BenchMarks - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=217805


CPU Upgrade Guide
A quick one from Snowsurfer Post#584
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=2932178&postcount=584
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206261&page=59 (Half way down)
Leehblanc CPU Upgrade Pic http://www.flickr.com/gp/23708977@N03/SQ2Je5


HD install Guide
A quick one from Snowsurfer Post#316
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=2891280&postcount=316
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206261&page=32 (Middle of the page)


Overclocking Thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=212959


FX WallPaper
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=215968


BackPack Suggestion
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=215832


Issues/Problems
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=214260


Notes/Suggestion
*Make a Recovery CD before blowing away the OS
*If you don't like best buy prices right now check Gateway. Call and talk to a sales person, they can generally give discounts. I've seen 10-20%. Looks like they're not as generous anymore, but try anyway couldn't hurt.
*P-171 FX Editions are slated for ship date of March 6 2008
* Only the "FX Editions" have the 8800 GTS. I'm not positive about the Pre-Order models but that seems to fit the info Gateway has sent out.

 

The cheapest of all models, P-171 FX, doesn't seem to display that it has an nVidia 8800 GTS in it (e.g. in the description page of the model) but the other models such as the S and X models each have the nVidia logo and 8800 GTS description in the features description page (but again, not in the spec page).

So is it indeed true that the 171-FX LACKS an 8800 GTS? It would make sense because as of now, it's only $999 on the Gateway website and that price for a 17" 8800 GTS equipped laptop (that's upgradeable) is ridiculously cheap.

 

Only the FX edition has 8800 GTS, It has to say "FX Edition" next to the model#.
http://www.gateway.com/systems/series/529598006.php

I believe the NON FX versions have the built in Video Cards from Intel. I can't remember what the Video card model was.

 

AT $999 P-171X (not in the FX Line) The P-171S FX is the cheapest with an 8800GTS at $1600. I don't think the $1000 laptop comes with a 8800 but it is certainly strange of Gateway not to put any information about the card in the specifications.

 

can I possibly make it any clearer for you guys??

 

bwh, that's the Intel chipset (e.g. the motherboard). All of the models have GM965.

You're confusing yourself with Intel X3100, which is Intel's onboard graphics card and if a notebook has the X3100 obviously it won't have the 8800GTS. Again, the X3100 is not mentioned in the specs of the 171X.

Intriguingly, the 171X description page says that that laptop has 'powerful graphics'.

 

NO they do not all use Gm965 chipsets. Gm965 is used for systems that don't have a dedicated graphics card. All the the models with the 8800m gts use Pm965 which is used ONLY for a dedicated graphics card system. Think what you want buy a 171x and then come back and post about how you think you where ripped off.

 

lol.....I was just about to say that.

 

Looks like I mis-glanced the specs.

Wow, take a chill pill - no need to be offended so dearly. I'm not going to buy a 171x and "post about how I think I where ripped off".

EDIT: To show a point, some Toshiba X205 (with dedicated 8700M graphics) users have shown that their lappies are running off of GM965, not PM965. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=2499137

 

Plus it only comes with a 90watt power supply http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/gm965/index.htm

 

I used the Intel chipset ID utility on my 6831FX and it said I had a GM965 chipset. I thought this was strange as GM chipset uses an integrated video solution. I used it on Xp.. Thought it was weird.

okiprec

 

well since the 8800 is Soldered to the board rather then slot style with MXM it can technically be called "integrated"

 

no, not really. There is nothing integrated about it; it is still a discreet chip, no matter where it is connected. Integrated is truely that, built into something, not built on it..

 

Neat little thing I found in the manual. You can hit Fn+F1 to turn of all the status LED lights including the orange media control lights.

 

The chipset tool doesn't work properly.

 

I took some pics and did a Flikr set of the CPU upgrade, should anyone be interested. Feel free to add it to the list

http://www.flickr.com/gp/23708977@N03/SQ2Je5

 

woooo!!! LOVE MY FX 6831

 

Damn Skippy

 

Does anyone know if the SD slot supports SDHC cards?

 

I second that emotion with mine as well. I cannot believe the performance at hand with it. Not to mention, it will cost me even less once I have my Dell 9300 sold..

 

Lights, please place this under CPU upgrade. The pictures are excellent with text pop ups when you mouse over them.

Tia

 

Already done

 

haha my AC adapter was screaming last night!

anyone else have this? I was not overclocking either by the way, just finished playing Dark Crusade.

 

Nope, you may want to get that AC adapater changed. Don't want to have problems with it now...

 

nope, not at all, might invest in a new one, apparently they are only $40.

 

At this point they should be free? Call Gateway, they should ship you a new 120 watt adapter.

 

Here are some more How-to guides with picks. http://www.notebookforums.com/thread212385.html

 

I found the Targus cooler mentioned in the guides. It's on sale at BB for $30.

Unfortunately I had to swap big rubber pads from bottom to top to get the 6831 to sit without rocking. After 10 hours listening to the high pitch fan whine, I broke down and returned it today. Your audio threshold may vary

Shame, if low speed fans were used, I could have lived with it. I found a cool little four port Targus Micro hub at CC on sale for $15. I'm also back to using a quite box fan to blow air under raised laptop from the back. Maybe one day I'll find the perfect under-laptop cooler.

 

I have a question for those of you who already have in their possesion a P-171S FX Edition, P-171X FX Edition, or P-171XL FX Edition.

I have had a Gateway® 8510GZ for 2 1/2 years. I want to graduate to the P-171XL FX Edition. The 8510GZ tends to run really warm on the left side palm rest. I see that the optical drive, which on the 8510GZ is under the keyboard on the right on been moved to under the palm rest on the left side on the P-171 Series. I am hoping that this change will keep the palm rest cooler which leads to my question. Is my hope a reality?

 

The chassis on the 6831 is reported the same across he board, so yes, you can move the drive over. This would put the drive under the touch pad.

My palm rest is warm but have not operated in summer heat. At the moment my HD is 35C but I have seen it up to 44C after extended time.

 

Hydra, what program are you using to see your internal temps? Thanks

 

Everest Utimate from our IT guys.

After some encoding for 2 hours;

--------[ Sensor ]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sensor Properties:
Sensor Type HDD, CPU
GPU Sensor Type Driver (NV-DRV)

Temperatures:
CPU 40 °C (104 °F)
CPU #1 / Core #1 36 °C (97 °F)
CPU #1 / Core #2 40 °C (104 °F)
GPU 50 °C (122 °F)
WDC WD2500BEVS-22UST0 45 °C (113 °F)

Voltage Values:
CPU Core 1.16 V

 

I have been searching everywhere for some of the upgrades mentioned in the various threads spawning from this thread to no avail.

Where on earth can you order a T9300? No local retailers have them (in the Austin area) and no online retailer that I can find has them listed?? But people appear to be ordering them from somewhere.

Another question is where do you buy these LCD screen upgrades? People have made mention to 1920x1200 LCD's for ~$250 and I have found LCD outlet stores online that have them for ~$500. Do you have to go direct to spare parts with your notebook manufacturer (or compatible manufacturer)?

My notebook is the Gateway P-6831 FX from Best Buy. It's great but I really want to upgrade the processor and possibly the screen. The real trick is I'm having a terrible time finding laptop processor. Even things like a T7500 don't appear to be readily available. It's nothing like shopping for desktop parts =/


To recap:
1.Where do you buy laptop processors (T9300, etc...)?
2.Where do you buy lcd replacements cheaply?


Thank you for any help,advice, or comments.

 

I can't help you with the LCD (other than to suggest maybe eBay?), but you can get processors from NewEgg.com (at least the T7500, which isn't a bad upgrade for a 30% speed increase and double the L2 cache for $250) or Google "T9300 cpu" and click "See t9300 cpu results available through Google Checkout" at the top left of the screen. They run about $340-$375. Hope this helps.

 

I got mine here; http://www.lagoom.com/INTEL_CPU_CORE_2_DUO_T9300_2.50GHZ/BX80576T9300/partinfo-id-579832.html

 

Thanks a bunch for the tips.

Yea, hydra, I saw the T9300 on lagoom the other day. It was the lone T9300 that I could find scouring all over the internet haha I wasn't sure though if it was reputable and worried about ordering from there as I'd never heard of the site. I imagine the laptop modding community is just now coming into adolescence and so we are still finding it difficult to get parts? Obviously local retailers are not stocking (I'm pretty sure) because the demand is still quite low for laptop components.

Thanks again guys.

 

Hi Guys - sorry to post a REALLY noob question - im ok swapping out all the parts etc but one thing ive NEVER done b4 is applying / removing thermal paste from the CPU and Heatsink.

Is it possible any of you could possible illustrate how one would go about:

1) removing the paste - best way, solvent, tools etc
2) applying new paste - how much, smooth it out, leave blob? best tool to use etc

again i apologize for the noob question but seeing ive never don this before, id like to gauge the best practice from you seasoned vets.

If someone would post pics also - i'd be MOST APPRECIATIVE

Thx for reading guys

 

I use 99% Rubbing Alcohol on a cotton ball to remove the paste from the bottom of the heat sink and the top of the CPU. It should dry extremely quickly. DON'T use Acetone as it will leave a thin film of residue on the top of the surface. As for application, One small glob and smooth it out with a credit card. Don't use your finger(s). You want a smooth layer of compound on top of the CPU (don't apply it to the ceramic) that is slightly darker than the point of transparency.

 

Here are some good instructions if using AS http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

It is the same for all i believe, and yes just use a good quality rubbing alcohol to remove the old paste.


P.S. I got my laptop today, wow it is a beauty what a work of art.

 

Just want to mention I got the Slappa Velocity Spyder Bookbag... It's awesome.... If you are looking for a book bag consider it. However I'm not to find of the looks but as far as everything else goes I'm happy.

 

Venkol, Papi4baby - thx so much for the info guys - im getting my PX 2morrow then im gunna do the RAID and Ram first.

i'll then have to build up the courage to do the CPU pretty sad, i work in IT but never ACTUALLY built PC from starting point of mounting CPU - that part was pre-done

idk if this is off topic - but out of the box, how does the PX standup in games like:

company of heroes
bioshock
COD4
Sins of Solar empire
Supreme commander
dare i say ; crysis

thx again guys

 

Unless otherwise noted, I ran all these games at 1440x900 and with a stock unit save for using a Hitachi 200gb 7200rpm Hard Drive.

Company Of Heroes (demo) - All Settings Maxed, no drop in frame rates.
Bioshock - Haven't tried
Sins of a Solar Empire - All settings maxed, some stuttering when you have a ton of units, say 300, on screen duking it out. Upgrading the CPU would probably fix that.
Supreme Commander - Haven't tried
Crysis - I run at 1280x800/DX9 mode with all settings on high and nature mod 2.0 installed and get about 17-25fps. Very playable.

Some others
----------------
Command and Conquer 3 - All settings maxed, no slow downs.
The Witcher (demo) - All settings maxed, no slow downs.
STALKER: Shadows of Chernobyl - All settings except AA maxed, no slow downs. Haven't tried bumping up AA so I don't know what the impact would be.
Call of Duty 4 (demo) - All settings maxed, no slow downs.
Half Life 2/Source Engine Games: All settings maxed, no slow downs.

There is a thread in the gaming forum where some guy posted a bunch of screencaps of various game benchmarks running on an upgraded 6831fx.

 

wow dude that sounds AWESOME, Crysis manages to bring most systems to its knees i bet !

from what ive read on mulitple posts the bottleneck is the CPU (but hey we are paying approx $1100 for a 8800GTS). What do u think is the best choice - t7500 is pretty good value ($250) but is the step really worth it since the cache is only 4mb, whereas the t9300 ($350 - more expesinve than x360 ) but has 2.5ghz and 6mb cache and 800mhz, however is teh heat gunna be a problem for the PX ?

by all accounts it appears the PX CAN cope with the t9300 due to the "beastly" cooling unit it has, what do u think?

 

The T9300 should actually run cooler than a T7500 due to the die shrink. For the best price, you can try ebay. I got real lucky and won a t7700 off ebay for $170 but I decided not to upgrade my notebook for now since it runs everything I throw at it; I ended up selling the it for $230. The difference between the t7500 and 9300 tend to show up in 3dmark scores but not very much in games (maybe 2-4 fps in crysis). You'll see bigger gains in RTS games like SupCom and Sins of a Solar Empire since those are more CPU dependent.

A CPU upgrade is the only real upgrade that is somewhat required for this unit, either now or later, so I'd say go ahead and drop $350 assuming you won't look to upgrade again when the next, hopefully compatible, Intel chips come out. Just remember that it won't be significantly faster than the t7x series today, just a bit more future proof, produce less heat, and improve the battery life; although I don't think that is much of a consideration with this laptop.

 

wow thats interesting to hear you refrained from installing it - nice to know the stock unit is handling everything.

wonder how gears of war runs?

 

Hey venkol, wat 7.2k HDD did you use for the PX ? In regards to upgrading to 4GB of memory - would i be required to drop a Santa Rosa CPU in there such as the 7500 or 9300 and then the full 4GB would be recognized with Vista?

 

32 Bit Vista cannot recognize 4 GB of RAM regardless of the hardware configuration. I tried the RAM upgrade (went to dual channel 4GB PC667) and it provided me absolutely no game or even 3dmark score improvement. I went back to the 3GB stock and ended up selling the RAM on here. As for the hard drive, I use a Hitachi 200GB 7200RPM drive.

Newegg Link to the Hard Drive

The computer feels a bit zipper overall. Windows loads a faster, explorer windows populate quicker, and programs and games load faster. I doubt it has had any impact on my FPS though. I think picking up another WD 250GB drive and running in RAID will provide the same benefits at a cheaper cost and a 50GB increase in capacity. I might have gone that route had I not been able to pick up the Hitachi drive for about $110. I keep the WD in the second bay as a dump drive for my movies, music etc and install all of my programs on the Hitachi.

If you want to setup RAID with two other drives, then I'd go with this: 2.5" 320GB Hard Drive for $150 assuming you can find them in store. Just crack the enclosure open and take out the drives. You can stick your old 250 into one of the opened enclosure for an instant self powered external Hard Drive. Don't forget those 10% off coupons Best Buy sends out.

 

Thanks dude, u provided the link as well dude you're a star !!! yeah im torn between RAID 0 on two Scorpio 250 GB 54s or reformating for two Hitachi 200s 7,2s

Glad to know about Vista 32, i thought it was hardware specifc, glad to know its also OS bit related. 64b OS may be an issue due to yet still, lack of drivers across the board

 

Check out the WD 320GB drives I also linked. The higher data density of the bigger hard drive will make up for the slower rotational speed. Plus 640gb is always more fun then 400gb.

 

..or find a WD passport on sale. The case opens up (easy) and inside you will find the same (on late models or just return it) Scorpio SATA drive. In some cases it's cheaper than the bare drive with same 5400rpm mechanism, go figure. I put my old drive back into empty case. This works with WD drives, not tested with others.

Sale on the 320 at BB http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8621397&type=product&id=1193234237337

Dang it, sorry venkol, I just saw your earlier post