Msi U230?

What really holds the u230 back in it's stock configuration is RAM speed on a single channel. RAM speed is especially important with shared graphics. You would notice a substantial performance benefit by running in dual channel, especially if it was possible to use faster RAM. The IGP does share more than 128GB, how much more depends on how much RAM is installed. 128GB is the minimum reserved, but the GPU has access to additional RAM for applications requiring texture or shading.

My default speed is 500Mhz as reported by GPU-Z, 200Mhz idle, but I usually game at 600Mhz-700Mhz depending on ambient room temps. Batman AA could be a PhysX issue. PhysX drivers must be installed even for GPU's that do not support it.

 

Yeah default is 500 BUT with powerplay on it does downclock to 200mhz in desktop, and 380mhz in UVD mode.

But using MSI Afterburner, i was cheking the graph, and while gaming, it does from 200 to only 380mhz, not 500.

Thats why i disable Powerplay, i get 500mhz 24/7.

 

Actually, I think GPU-Z is wrong. The default speed of an ATI 3200 IGP is 500Mhz, but upon closer examination I think that the u230 may have a 380Mhz cap. I'm not sure what "Powerplay" is, but if you're referring to PowerNow it only seems to affect the way Afterburner reports the GPU speed. It doesn't seem to have an impact on the physical core speed. The GPU will throttle to 200Mhz when not under load regardless of settings unless it is locked by AMD GPU overclock tool. Afterburner is just reading the default speed apparently, because in real time reporting by OverDrive the GPU never exceeds 380Mhz under load. I am curious if the system is supposed to run the GPU @ 500Mhz with PowerNow disabled and just doesn't for some reason.

If you get a chance, install AMD OverDrive and check your GPU status. See if you can duplicate what I'm seeing on my end. I get what you're saying about PowerNow, I just don't think that Afterburner is reporting accurately.

 

Its called ATI Powerplay, PowerNow is for the CPU.

And yes... it do a maximum of 380mhz while Powerplay is active, Sisoftsandra checks the Powerplay table writen in the bios and both UVD and high performance entrys are the same, 380mhz core.

But when i turn off the Powerplay in the CCC, the core goes to 500mhz.

What programs are using for the HD3200 overlock in Windows 7? AMD Gpu clock does not apply any changes in WIndows 7... it DOES in Windows XP.

 

Ok I see what you're saying now. Thanks for the tip. Did you have Powerplay set to maximize performance when plugged in?

PowerNow also slows system RAM.

AMD GPU Clock Tool will work with Windows 7, it just doesn't register the correct clock setting. You can verify the new setting with AMD OverDrive v.3.1.0. For some reason I couldn't get v.3.2 to work

 

I just got my Wind a few days ago and I love it. For some reason when I went full-screen playing HD 1080 I would get stutter. I had to turn off hardware acceleration in Flash. I bought DDR 800 and wish BIOS would either let the memory run at rated speed or at least use the tighter timings (CAS 5) that my memory can run when running at slower speeds. I've tried all the suggestions in this thread and I can only force maximum stock clocks.

 

I want to buy a cooling pad and some kind of travel sleeve for my u230. Does anyone have any suggestions for products that fit / work well with the u230?

 

Here's a Zalman that's on sale right now. Cool concept and it's a Zalman. How could you go wrong?

 

If you find a way to make it run at 800mhz please tell me.

What i found is that the U230 sets the ram to run at 800mhz, but then is undercloked using a ratio with the CPU clock.

Thats why we got a RAM using DDR2-800 clocks and running at a crappy 640mhz speed... that is nearly like using a DDR-400 memory.


What i did was, using spdtool to change the cas timming of the stock ram stick to cas 5 at 800mhz, thats causes the system to run using 667 timings (i have 2x2GB, the system goes back to 667 to keep the dual channel).

That sets the ram to run at a 640mhz 5-5-5-15-20.

Using AMD Overdrive i change it to 5-4-4-10-15.

Is still slower than a dual channel of DDR2-667 memory, acording to Everest...

The IGP overclock is possible using AMD GPU Tool 0.9.26.0


Using RMClock i undercloked the CPU to 0.8250v when running at 1600mhz, and 0.6625v at 800mhz.

 

What version of RMClock are you using?

 

Thanks alot. I can now overclock my IGP. I'm a little squeamish about using the SPD tool though. I think I'll harass MSI tech support about giving us a BIOS revision that supports proper DDR timings and speed as well as make the flash utility compatible with Win7 64.

 

Here's what I sent them. Maybe if others also put in requests we can get them to give us a BIOS update:

Memory support

Could you please release a BIOS update that allows DDR800 memory to run at rated speed? Right now you force memory to downclock to 640Mhz, hurting performance. You also force CAS latency 6. My memory can run CAS latency 5 when running DDR 667 speeds or lower. Just honor the SPD speed/timings that the memory reports and life would be grand. Could you also release a 64 bit BIOS update utility as well? Thanks.

 

The newer one, and the signed rmclock driver for Windows 7 x64.

 

Got it. Testing for stability @ .688V now.

[EDIT] Not stable. Hopefully better luck tomorrow.

 

Someone knows if a tv-tunner can be placed intro the free mini-pci-e slot?...
Something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Avermedia-A301-...cs_Video_TV_Cards_TW&hash=item5192594db7#shId

ive already tested that port using a second mini-pci-e Wireless card, it detected and installed ok, but i couldt find a way to activate it.

 

the mini p slot should run a tv tuner as that is what comes in that slot in the korean market stock, the external breakout cable slot is a plugged hole next to the audio ports in the US market models, in other markets that slot is filled with a wan card that ties to the sim slot but not here in the US

 

Thanks for the info

Is that IGP overclock completely safe?

and the mini pci is not under the main removable case is it? i have opened it once but i cant remember if a saw a mini pci there

 

Overclocking the IGP appears to be safe. I have had mine up to 700Mhz a number of times with no problems. After you remove the RAM/HD plate, you will see the mini pcie slot under the lip of the case (battery side). You will most likely need to take the system at least partially apart for install. I was looking at TV tuners myself, but haven't decided on the best way to route the antenna for good reception. I would prefer to run it up into the LCD bezel, but I believe that the aluminum plate in the battery compartment is fused to the body of the laptop making disassembly difficult. Please post back if you find a resolution to that issue. Other things I was curious about is wireless interference and impact on battery life.

 

Anyone know if that PCI slot is full speed or tied to USB........basically can a mini-pcie SSD be installed there and run full speed, or will it be gimped?

 

You run both core and memory at 700, or just the core?

 

The core. Wouldn't try to change the memory.

 

After checking system bus, it looks like there are 3 PCIe ports listed. Connected at port 0 is the wireless, and ethernet sits on port 1. Both of those ports are PCIe x1 (2.5Gbps). Port 2 is an x16 slot (5Gbps) and it's empty so that should be the free mini pcie slot. I've also considered an SSD here as well. Decisions, decisions....

 

hi all im using amd overdrive but ive had to try the one before vision at the newest wouldnt hold but now i cannot find the gpu overclocking bit on it .... can sum1 guid me please lol

 

hi all im using amd overdrive but ive had to try the one before vision at the newest wouldnt hold but now i cannot find the gpu overclocking bit on it .... can sum1 guid me please lol

forget that post please but .... in gpu overclock tool it show under engine 24 and when i change it up it and press set it goes back down to 16 then freezes im on single core 1.6 not l335

 

AMD GPU Clock Tool does not accurately represent clock speed. Manually type in whatever value you want in the core speed box then set your clock. You can then use OverDrive to verify that the GPU core clock has changed. Also, do not adjust the memory settings through GPU Clock Tool, perhaps that is contributing to your instability.

 

That slot is fully PCI-E capable, ive already tried to place a 2nd PCI-E Wireless Card (RTL8191SE) and is was detected and installed ok as a PCI-E device.

BUT i never found a way to "Enable" it.

About IGP overclock my CPU got to 81°C when playing some games with the IGP is at 700mhz.

BTW, about routing the tv-tunner antenna, what about using the taped plug hole next to the mic-in?

BTW2, if i install a TV-tunner i can use the 3G funtion key to enable/disable it?

 

81 is a bit hot. When my GPU is @ 700Mhz, the chipset is mid 70's and the CPU is only in the mid 60's. What are you using to monitor temps, and are your vents clear?

Pretty sure that's what the plugged hole is for.

Not sure about the Fn key, but that's an interesting idea.

 

Got it, is on around 70°C for core 0 and 74°C for core 1 now.

What program are you using to read chipset temps?

Someone made the Batman AA to run? i just cant.

 

I'm using HWMonitor to report temps.

What video drivers are you using to play Batman AA? I ran into some issues with catalyst 10.4, had to revert back to the MSI all-in-one chipset drivers from their site.

 

Are you guys submitting support requests (for the memory issue)? They responded to mine for more details, instead of giving me some stupid canned response

Also, when I OC GPU, it OC's my VRAM even though I don't change the default 400 setting. AMD Overdrive verifies the clock change.

 

It's a misread. I've noticed the change too, but the RAM is shared and all other utilities verify it's speed as 320Mhz. Seems to be a ghost clock since our IGP has no Sideport memory.

 

i dont bilieve you can use a mini p ssd in this model as there is no controller attached to the slot for it. most models that accept mini p ssd's are pre equipped with contollers specificly for ssd. so even if you can get it to work it wont be recognizable as a boot device. i may be wrong but i bilieve this is an issue with many netbooks not just this one

that doesnt mean you cant use a sata ssd to take the slot of the supplied 320gb it just means you cant have your cake and eat it too by having the 320 as a data drive and say an 80gb ssd running the os from the mini p,

 

I'm not sure that's true. if I remember correctly there is at least one mini p drive out there with the controller built into it which will work. if I come across the reference I saw, I'll post it.
seer

 

Several brands have mini p ssd's with on-board controllers now, but for the money performance would be better with a traditional SATA SSD.

 

I basically wanted to have the mini PCIE SSD for OS\Programs, and maybe 1-2 VM's and then use the regular SATA HD as primary storage.

 

Fudzilla - MSI's Wind U250 breaks cover

 

Ugh I just peeled off that silver sticker left of the mouse pad and its left a really big sticky residue behind that I can't get off? Any tips how to get rid of that stuff?

EDIT: Lighter fluid.

 

hmm..the cpu ghz is lower than the U230, but I've learnt to not always pay attention to the cpu ghz rating, often it is meaningless.

I wonder if it will come with the Radeon HD 4225?

 

NEW! The 2010 AMD Ultrathin Platform


The K325 will use the M880G chipset so should have either the HD4225 or HD4250. (not clear on if there's a difference yet).

Even though the K325 is clocked lower than the L325 the new Neo is a 45nm die, supports DDR3, has more cache and a faster memory bus so it should be a bit faster at a lower clock but consume less power and produce less heat.

 

The K325 will be a LOT faster, L335 is based on a cut down AMD K8. K325 is based on Athlon 2, with basicly is a cut down Phenom 2...

I hope they incluide sideport memory to the 880G I will most likely sell my U230 and buy a U250 next year.

 

I'm calling on your experience and taking into account the price, how do the following two configurations compare for running Windows 7 Home Premium and being used for basic tasks like browsing, YouTube, Windows Media Player, MediaMonkey syncing, and Photoshop?

MSI Wind12 U230 with an AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 (single core) and ATI Radeon HD3200 (£250 GBP)
vs.
Asus Eee PC 1201N with an Intel Atom 330 (dual core) and Nvidia ION (£400 GBP)

 

Acer Aspire 1551 - OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I faced the exact same decision as yourself not long ago, and trust me a fretted for a LONG time deciding between these two. The simple answer is though, the U230 w/ the L335, is a better option than the 1201n in nearly every way, but the U230 with the MV40, is not, and if the MV40 chip is the only option open to you, go for the 1201n.

Like you I also live in England, so it was not easy for me to get my U230 with the L335 chip, but I found a great website just across the way in Holland, that sold the U230 w/ the L335 for a very nice price with cheap shipping, here is the page for the site : https://maxict.nl/product/2536526/MSI_Wind12_U230-017NL

The u230 is lighter, quieter, sturdier, faster chipset, I think a bigger HD, much better l.e.d BACKLIT HD LCD (the 1201n comes with the old style TFT, which isnt led backlit, big difference), and it has a better mousepad and not a rocker button but 2 real buttons. The keyboard on the U230 is also better ergonmically designed and VERY pleasant to type on. Of course the L335 is FAR superior in almost every benchmark possible to the Atom thats in the 1201n (I researched this alot, the L335 is almost double the power and speed of the atom duo). Also the 1201n comes with a poorer quailty hard drive.

Saying all that, is the U230 with the MV40 is your only option, i'd get the 1201n.

 

It's 11.6 inch screen, imo too small, 12.1 inch is the lowest I can go. Small difference but a real difference to me, I dont know how people can use those 10 inch screens for more than an hour or two.

 

But is a Athlon 2 and HD4225 w/384MB of dedicated memory...

 

the U250 will have 512mb dedicated memory, and a bigger screen

 

Lets hope so

Still, HD4225 is no match for the ION2 paired with a CULV processor...

 

Don't get either and wait a week for the new Neo machines.

HP might start having the dm1 up as soon as the 19th. There's a new model number already up for it on their UK site.

Manuals for HP Pavilion dm1-2001au Entertainment Notebook PC - HP technical support (United Kingdom - English)

I'd say wait for the MSI U250 but MSI takes forever to release their notebooks. The U250 being shown at Cannes is still a pre-production model.

Yes it would be. It'd also be cheaper too.

 

Too early to make that call. IGP's rely a great deal on surrounding architecture to determine performance. Core speed, RAM speed, bus width, CPU, FSB, etc. all play a part. Take the u230 for instance, the Radeon 3200 isn't a great graphics solution (better than any Intel offering), but the 320Mhz shared RAM makes it perform significantly worse than it should. My wife has the same IGP in her HP dv4, and there is a noticeable difference between the two. Right now the comparison between an AMD 880G chipset and ION2 is premature until they are commercially released, hopefully on comparable platforms for a fair evaluation.

 

Thanks for the information, but I don't really want to pay £400 for a netbook that's smaller than my main laptop and is going to be used as a secondary machine. Surely the MV-40 and Radeon HD3200 combo can't be that bad for £150 less than the Atom 330 and Nvidia ION combo and compared to my four year old Dell Inspiron 6400 when using it for the basics. I thought it was a good price for what it is, taking into account the cost of some of the 10" netbooks and their specs.