*** OFFICIAL GIGABYTE AERO 15 OWNERS LOUNGE ***

You are not alone. I have been experiencing the exact same behabiour with my Aero 15X v8 and I am quite concerned because this is the fist time I read anyone talking about it.

I'm runing the copy of Windows 10 which came with the laptop, in addition to the latests Nvidia and Intel drivers. I still didn't have time to revert to the suggested ones to test if the same applies.

As you said, it happens just by switching between the laptop monitor and an external one, in this case through HDMI, being both 1080p pannels. See the example screenshots and note the difference in GPU usage and framerate drop:

• Internal 1080p display
• External 1080p display

The same happens with all games and benchmarks I've tested. I'll have the machine running in dual channel in a cuple of weeks so I'll see if this is somehow related to that.

 

Thanks for the screenshots. Wow, I guess I'm not the only one after all? I'm also running the pre-installed copy with latest drivers. However on my last notebook I had the same issue and that one had Dual Channel Ram and Win7 installed many times over, so i don't think its related to that.

It's crazy that nobody talks about this, but then again I don't know if this is an isolated problem. I posted the same question on reddit and only one guy replied, saying he only sees a ~10% FPS difference between internal vs external display ( Link)

 

Looking at the screenshot, I think you may need to explore Intel IGPU setting. Your GPU is bottlenecked on Internal Screen (GPU load is not 100%)

 

That's a good point, but I already run it with the port set up as a PC port on my Samsung TV. Without it the sharpness and screen latency are not suitable too well for working or gaming. And to be honest I just follow the advice that I read on Rtings for my TV's model, as I trust them and too lazy to benchmark the connection when it's not setup as PC.

 

PSA: Gigabyte Aero 15 screen might be prone to white spots

This laptop may be susceptible to white spots especially at the part near the logo due to thin aluminum chassis cover used for housing screen. The chassis is prone to bending and is not as thick as those used in the Dell XPS and the Macbooks. It might me due to the groove on the lid that houses the lighting element for the logo scratching the backlight diffusing layer of the screen. Here are photos (The spot is near the center, not that visible in full brightness):



This might be due to habits. I have owned the laptop for a year (bought it last December in Canada). The affected portion of the screen is where the laptop is in contact with my back when it's inside my backpack. That might be the cause. This is also just a sample size of one and this issue is not unique to this particular laptop as other laptops also have this issue after a long time of use such as Asus, Lenovo and MSI laptops (which in some cases also use thin aluminum sheets and plastic reinforcement for their lcd chassis).

Here are also some teardown photos I have found from the net that might be useful for other owners:


It might be best to get a laptop messenger bag or just not store it in our backpacks.

 

Other Aero 15 or 15X Teardown photos:

 

How long are people getting out of the battery(power icon on taskbar)?

Got throttlestop at -100.6mV for the cores, turbo disabled and clockspeed locked at 40% in the power plan (0.79GHz),Power saver plan and Battery Saver but I'm getting a ~4 hours estimate from 100% on a laptop with under 10 charge discharge cycles, used to get more before(varied like crazy).

 

That's about right I think. I use batterybar, seems more accurate than Windows battery bar.

 

My battery life has been hovering in the 5-6 hour range when constantly streaming youtube and browsing.

The estimates are usually more generous than what I get.

 

I remember seeing 7 hours plus when the laptop was new(after installing some programs), I'm usually just browsing the internet and listening to Spotify. It's pretty disappointing to the XPS 15 I had

 

Well, XPS 15 is totally different beast. Actually there is a post that say you may increase the battery life by reducing the 144hz to 60hz on iGPU ( it can't be done on 4k model)

About 3 hour running, still got 50% battery life.

 

I tried disabling the dgpu in device manager and I'm getting a flat 2W Package TDP in XTU, where as before I'd get spikes to 6/8/9W TDP.

I'll try that app since the windows estimate is 1 hour flat at 25% battery :/
*EDIT*
If there's a temperature instead of idle in the smartmanager dashboard does it mean it's being used? Still shows a temp despite being disabled

Is there a way to disable hyperthreading/cores on this laptop? I could remember I could disable HT on my XPS

 

Have you tried opening the lid? I'm curious if you can change the gigabyte LED to RGB or something

 

Props to GenTechPC and Gigabyte. My son's Aero15 had an issue with a key that stopped registering. GenTechPC was kind enough to get the RMA setup and approved. Gigabyte was pleasant to work with as well. Emails were promptly returned and even with a part that was out-of-stock, it took about 3 weeks and appears to be working fine. Best I can tell, keyboard and keyboard buffer were replaced/repaired. Notebook was within warranty and repaired without charge (other than one-way shipping to California). Thank you @GenTechPC and Gigabyte.

 

My display on the Aero 15v7 is now showing up as above instead of how it's supposed to be (model number I believe), so my smart manager is no longer showing the different colour profiles. Has anyone experienced this before?
I tried uninstalling the device/driver but it did not help.

 

There is a chance that it still on, try to use HwInfo (just run the sensor) and check the dGPU section, it will show 0watt if it is not running
AFAIK, you can't disable hyperthreading, the bios is too sparse (maybe if you pay for unlocked bios then it is possible, but with it's own risk).

edit: Apparently you can change hyperthreading, it is there in the bios, just press f2 and explore not much setting there.

 

Does the USB backup utility let you reinstall the OS to factory new after a secure erase? I'm returning this laptop in the next few days

Any idea how to do safe erase with the MTE510T drive? Didn't see a secure erase option in the bios of f9 recovery options :/

 

I get between 6-8 hours of battery life in MS Office use.

 

After reporting here before, I want to report about how it went further with my Aero and the problems. As suspected when I send the laptop back to repair (in Germany) the message was that the new memory I had bough was faulty. When the laptop came back it had a new hard disk inside, so my previous install was gone and I had to re install my settings (special settings to be able to use Merging Pyramix with native audio workstation) again. I installed my new extra 1TB Samsung EVO and continued to use the laptop. And I send the extra ram back to the supplier with an RMA. Finally today I received a new returned RAM (the same spec) and proceeded to install in the Aero. First undid the battery and used the on button to drain any remaining power. Then took out the original ram and installed the new one in the same slot (opposite from the battery close to cooler) and replugged the battery and started the computer. It started normally just as with the original supplied memory. Good news. Then again undid the battery after shutting down, and added the original supplied memory to the other slot. Again replugged battery and started again. It took a little longer, but started OK to windows. Result! I am very happy that it went so smooth in the end, and the dual memory now working perfectly as far as I can tell. I am very happy that Gigabyte had taken back the laptop and replaced the broken hard disk and confirmed that the type of memory I had bought should work, but that this component was most likely broken. They were right and with the replaced new RAM it is working like it should. I have no other problems with the laptop, although I cannot say that with how Pyramix runs on this, as that workstation is very unstable still. Seems like a combination of hardware (drivers with asio for IFI DAC) and windows 10 with Pyramix. It crashes at the most unlikely moments. Looking forward to trying now with the extra memory and hope for an improvement.

 

I reformat my drive externally and then reinstall using the USB backup. The original oem recovery in my case doesn't work at all so have no other choice.
Just a reminder, check the website for smart backup tools repair, after update 1803 the oem recovery kinda f*** up.

Nice, I choose the expensive way by buying 2 kingston dual channel.

 

Unfortunately I don't have access to hardware to read ms drives

I'm thinking about just filling the drive with a file full of garbage if there's no way to secure erase otherwise, sent transcend an email but I doubt they'll reply

Had 18 BSODs/random restarts in a little over a month :/ Least stable PC I've ever used lol

 

I’ve been having this issue for a bit now where only in game everything will freeze for up to 1s. Not sure when or why it started but did not always do this.

When it freezes, I am unable to do anything as well as sound will stop until the freeze has stopped. Once done if I moved my mouse/keyboard it will jump to where I would have moved it.

 

Sounds familiar to what what happened to me in Euro Truck Simulator 2, when I plotted Thermal Throttling in XTU I could see it activate when I had the spikes. Might be something else though idk

 

Which windows build number and drivers do you have?

Happy Trucking. That game relaxes me

 

I went back to version 1803 build 17134.523 (form the gigabyte support page) to try and fix the issue but didn’t work.

As for drivers: got the latest chipset, iGPU and NVIDIA drivers

 

Thanks you too It's a bit less relaxing when the truck rubberbands at the freeze points though

 

The first time I got this laptop, it bsod literally everyday. Format and ddu and reformat and ddu, and I decide to wait for next Windows update. It doesn't solve the issue fully but bsod are a bit less than before (driver_power_state_failure). Seems Windows 10 kinda messed up the Optimus system, especially if you run for longer than 8 hour daily.

 

There was an update for windows that improve Optimus, but I cant rememebr if is in the 1803 or the 1809

Thats sound more like a hardware issue then a software one

 

I thought I'd throw this out there because it sounds like several people are having BSOD issues... Since getting my laptop around the end of November, I haven't received a single BSOD. I did not re-install windows, I just uninstalled any bloatware I didn't want (I didn't really have much on mine, I'm not sure what others are referring to). I use Throttlestop, and the latest Intel and NVidia drivers via GeForce Experience. I always keep Windows up to date. I have also put in 2x8 Gb of Corsair Vengence RAM in, without unplugging the battery internally, which were immediately recognized without trouble. I use my laptop frequently all day for work, and then play Overwatch, Battlefront 2, AC Origins during evenings and I've been pretty happy with its performance through all of this. 6-8 hours of battery life during typical work workload when unplugged.

 

If the keyboard wasn't so bad I'd probably try reformatting and stuff. I don't think it's just Windows 10 I haven't read about other similar laptops BSODing so much lol, I don't know who thought selling a laptop that BSODs so much was a good idea. For the price it should at least be stable from factory. I'm happy you guys found ways to make it so

I thought about replacing it with the newer Y9 or whatever but it doesn't seem like they changed anything other than made advanced throttling software

 

Hi Aero owners,

I'm having display difficulties with my Aero 15 2018, when I connect my laptop to the external monitor via hdmi, the screen flicks or doesn't display the laptop's display. I've temporarily resolved the issue by reducing the screen refresh rate from 60hz to 30hz interlaced. I've formatted the laptop, reinstalled the drivers and purchased another hdmi 2.0 cable and yet the problem still remains.
Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

Try again with the latest drivers from Intel and Nvidia

Intel: 25.20.100.6519
Nvidia: 25.21.14.1735

You can also try with DP instead of HDMI.

 

Just noticed the new Aero 15-X9 review up on Tom's Hardware: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gigabyte-aero-15-x9,5684.html

At first I thought I might have wished I waited for the refresh, but looking at the gaming benchmarks, initial battery life tests (looks like they might have had a bug with Optimus?) and the price difference, I'm happy with my choice. I already think the laptop's performance is mostly thermally constrained, so it is not likely to benefit much from an i9 and the RTX cards that have higher TDP. Looking forward to seeing if we can get that Microsoft Precision touchpad driver to work with our machines...

 

I got myself the Aero 15x December last year, got a free AMD Freesync Monitor with it too here in Australia. I got the i7-8750H with the 1070 and 144z Panel instead of the 4k one cause I do mostly engineering and CAD modeling with casual gaming. This thing is a beast. I've undervolted to -.150 and since had no issues, play stuff like overwatch all the time. I have upgraded to 32 gigs of ram and another 500 gig SSD. I'm happy with my purchase and the freebie i got as well. Its a total steal ! I recommend this to anyone looking for a great laptop with superb battery life.

 

Guys,

Is it possible to disable SmartManager's power profiles?

Every time when I plug in/plug out power supply cable - this terrible application installs 3 ugly profiles.

These profiles don't use "Intel® Speed Shift Technology", and in each profile, the CPU frequency freezes at the certain hardcoded value.

Why gigabyte developers so stupid?

 

I don't understand what you mean.
Smart Manager just acts as a switch between - or shortcut to - the Windows "power saver", "balance" and "high performance" power plans. It doesn't have its own specific profiles.

Talking about SM v7.4.5 on Aero 15v7.

If SM v18.0.3.2 behaves differently on Aero 15 v8 I can only remind all people here once again that you should really put your configuration (Aero 15 v7, 15X v7, 15 v8 or 15X v8) in your signature to avoid any confusion. With the v9 coming soon and obviously with different hardware and software versions, it will still be worse if people don't want to share their configuration.

 

I have added configuration to the signature.

I am talking about SM v18.0.3.2.

After the first installation, SM installs three power plans to the power management. If you delete these power plans by yourself - after plugin/plug out power supply cable they appear again.
The big problem that these power plans doesn't use SpeedShift technology which is much better than configured in these power plans.

 

Gigabyte Aero 15 Review - NVIDIA RTX Laptop

 

I know there have been a lot of issues replacing/upgrading the RAM in the Aero 15X. Just wanted to let folks know I replaced my stock 16GB stick with 32GB (2x16GB) of Crucial RAM, part number CT2K16G4SFD8266. (I have the Aero 15X i7-8750H).

I didn't disconnect the battery, just swapped the RAM. After swapping and turning on the display was blank. I let it sit for a few minutes then forced a reboot (held the power button). It automatically rebooted and was blank again. Waited another few minutes and forced a reboot. This time it booted right up and has been working wonderfully since. CPU-Z shows 32GB of 2666 (JEDEC) RAM in Dual Channel.

 

I thought DDR stands for double data rate. Since there are 2 data transfers per clock, CPUZ should be showing actual frequency 1333mhz which means effective frequency will be 2666mhz.

Does your CPU-Z show 1333hz in dual channel or somehow showing 2666mhz? Thanks, would you be able to post a screenshot? Or does yours look similar to mine? Just wondering if my set up is not working correctly.

 

The frequency is 1333, but effective frequency 2666. CPU-Z shows the original frequency, NOT effective...

 

You are correct. CPU-Z shows 1333 in Dual channel, effectively 2666. I guess I should have clarified. Your RAM is configured/working properly.

 

Hello guys,

I want to inform you, that Gigabyte Control Center, which is replacing SmartManager for the aero 15xV9 - working properly for me, and it is much better than ugly SmartManager.

 

Thank you

 

Awesome! Have you also played around with some of the new tools/buttons in there? What is Killer optimise and some new ones that aren't in the older smart manager?

 

That is what I did.
I had the v7 and was happy with it but then the v8's 8750h been so tempting. So I was traveling overseas with my gf who was gone shopping for useless stuff like clothes, I got bored and looked at local electronic shops and ended up buying a v8.

It was on special, few hundreds off and we also get tax back when traveling between NZ<>AUS. So pretty good deal.

Back to topic, I ordered to upgrade the RAM to 32Gb and explained the issues we've been seeing on this thread and the shop said don't worry they'll do it right and I ended up with a Crucial stick + the factory one. Seems to be working fine.

 

Thanks.
- So there's no "change plan settings" button available for the Gigabyte custom plans?
- What if you try to select default Windows plans instead of Gigabyte's ? (so not using Smart Manager but Windows control panel)

 

After switch off/on of power supply Smart Manager automatically selects smartmanagers plan.
In any case, as I mentioned above - Control Center has no such problem with power manager profiles. All new profiles are using SpeedShift technology.

 

The killer option will be enabled only in the case when you have killer wifi card installed. All other options are working as expected. For me, the main feature that the power plans are using Intel Speed Shift instead of a fixed frequency.

All that you need it just remove Smart Manager, Fusion, download Control Center here and install it.

This is suitable only for 15xV8.