Official MSI GX640 Owner's Thread

ok so i found out the problem with my speakers. The buzzing noise you hear aren't the speakers but whats on top of it. Its to loose if you press on it hard enough it stops. Any recommendations to fix it.

 

Use headphones.

 

hmm, that's weird, cause everyone else's gpu is running at around 60C when idle, and 90C under load. Are you sure you didn't get the heatsink upgrade or something? Also, what's your bios and vbios version?

 

Yes im sure. Im using the latest vbios Br35701.030. It's stock out of the box but I upated all bios and software from MSi's website.

Ok it's like this.. on battery the GPU is clocked at 300/400 and idles at 50c. Then when plugged in it clocks to 405/1000 and idles at 56c. But yeah under load my GPU would go high 70s

 

My 98 doesnt run that hot. IT runs more like the first numbers posted.

 

405/1000? Should be closer to 625/1000 for stock speeds

 

when did you get your gx640? you DO have the 260US version right?

 

ummm yeah, of course i DO. What's with these questions? see my thread here http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/498797-lagging-online-fps-games-gx640.html

 

I just rechecked, 405/1000 when idle, 625/1000 when gaming

 

when I tried to flash my vbios via the atiflash tool included in the zip file, it tells me that the file is incompatible with my 64bit OS. Has anyone found a 64 bit version of the vbios?

 

Whenever you flash any sort of BIOS, it's always safer to do it from within DOS. Create a bootable DOS thumb drive, copy over the vbios files, boot to DOS and launch the .bat file. Make sure the laptop is plugged in during this procedure. If power should fail or the OS crash before the bios is fully flashed, the video card will be as good to you as a paperweight.

 

hmm, so it doesn't matter if it's incompatible?

 

It doesn't matter what Windows version you're using, since you're flashing from within a completely separate DOS environment.

 

thanks dude, now that I have the vbios problem resolved, a new one surfaces: to keep the temps down I underclocked my GPU to 625/500 (for longevity's sake). But after doing so my computer won't turn off properly. It would show me a black screen but would not completely shut down. After poking around in the ccc, I found that inorder to get my PC to turn off normally the core clock and memory clock both have to be set to the stock settings. So for the past few days I've been setting my memory clock to 500 every time my GX640 starts up and resetting it to 1000 before shutting it down. My question: will this constant change in clock speed affect the lifespan of my graphics card?

 

I'm not really sure how temps can affect the lifespan of a graphics card. Unless you constantly exceed the hardware's TDP (thermal design point) I don't think that your graphics cards will crap itself and die for no reason. Post Xbox 360 trauma?

Low blows aside, I'd just use ATi's own PowerPlay. When you're idling or using non-GPU accelerated programs, like a web browser or Microsoft Word, PowerPlay should automatically downclock the video card to 150/100.

Downclocking the GPU really is about reducing heat output and extending battery life. I don't see how running the GPU at stock clocks could damage it. To satiate my unquenchable curiosity though, I must ask, what makes you think so?

 

LOL @ post Xbox 360 trauma
When running bad company 2 at high settings my GPU reached a scorching 92C on stock clocks. And people have commented that anything over 90C can cause "serious troubles " in the long run. I didn't really understand what they meant by "serious troubles" so I just assumed that they mean component failures.

 

unless you're getting to the point where ur getting hardware shut downs you should be fine.

 

Alright, 92°C is actually a bit high, but it's not critical. I'd look into the issue if the GPU reached 100°C under normal use. That's where I start seeing glitches and artifacts.

Make sure that the air vents under the laptop aren't blocked. Run Furmark and tell me if you see a difference after applying the vBIOS.

 

After smothering the GX640 with furmark for 10 min, the gpu reached 105C. I probably won't be running it again anytime soon. Saw no difference after I applied the new vbios. I have a cooling pad for my laptop so I don't think air flow is the issue

 

All the heat issues in GX640 and GX740 can be dealt with quite easily: take off the bottom cover, take out the fan, take off the GPU heatsink, remove thermal pads on the GPU RAM, apply some decent thermal compound on the GPU and RAM chips, put back the heatsink, fan, and the bottom cover. That's it. It will reduce the temps by 15-20*C.

My 5870 was reaching 85*C in Furmark extreme burning mode after the above mod. I modded the bottom cover as well, now my 5870 peaks at 73*C while running at 800MHz (but I also undervolted the card, from 1,15V to 1,03V).

 

wouldn't that compromise the cooling of the DDR5 memory? I mean, they put those pads there for a reason right? Also, what software did you use to undervolt your card?

 

I modified the card's original vBIOS using RadeonBiosEditor and atiwinflash.
The heat pads on the GPU RAM chips raise the heatsink a bit, so it doesn't make proper contact with the GPU core, hence the high temperatures under load.

 

Yeah, but the pads are there for a reason, aren't they? Wouldn't the pressure from the heatsink damage the RAM chips over time?

 

Without the pads, there is a microscopic gap between the heatsink and the RAM chips. The pads are there to fill up that gap, but they're too thick. That's where a thermal compound comes into action, and it does the job very well. On top of that, the heatsink makes proper contact wit the GPU core, which substantially reduces temps.

 

I see. Here's what I did, instead of removing the thermal pads, I added two copper shims to fill the gap between the heatsink and the GPU. However, my temps aren't nearly as good as yours. How do I achieve your level of greatness? Where do I drill them holes?

 

Have a look here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/457412-msi-gx740-5870-1gb-ddr5-116.html

"level of greatness" LOL

 

I have the -260US. I've read about other people updating their VBIOS and main BIOS. Does anyone know if the -260US already comes with the new BIOS versions loaded?

I just checked the versions and they are as follows:
BIOS: E1656IMS.10C
VBIOS: BR36533.010

 

Lol thanks.

Nope. My 260US has a build date of June 1st and the new vBIOS came out on the 21st.

 

If I get this model with a core i5 450M processor and a Radeon HD 5850 will I have to worry about overheating?

 

Same as my 260US
edit: How do I check my build date?

The 260US is the one with 450m+5850 combo. Im not worried about temps at all. But if your an "enthusiast" then you might want to do mods to cool it down better as seen here on the forums

 

i remember someone who did that *Cough Kosti cough* and he said the thermal paste didn't completely spread out on the RAM chips because the gap between them and the heatsink was too great for the paste to fill. And wouldn't ripping the pads out void your warranty?

Edit: whoops I replied to the wrong person, this quote is directed to Marecki.

 

My bad man, the build date is actually Feb 10, 2010. It's under the RAM/CPU/GPU cover.

 

Tim the Toolman Taylor?

Also, I am one of the many American (and Worldwide) lemmings that looks to HP (DV6T-SE/Envy 14) for my computing needs but the MSI GX640 - 260US has caught my eye. There is just too much to look at with Asus and Acer so I don't want to bother learning all about them. I am really looking for a good build quality first! I want a solid feeling laptop with a firm keyboard, little overall flex, and good thermal management. I dont want to open up my computer and mess aroung with as5 or anything like that and I think that finding a decently built laptop by manufacturer should be a reasonable request. Second, I want something that can play Blizzard games such as SC2/D3 at high settings with no problems and possibly some CS Source. (Of course I know that with MMOs in Giant battles settings may have to drop to medium in cases to prevent latency) Third (and pretty much not worthy of noting) I am in college and will utilize the computer for web browsing, Office documents (I have my own free MS Office from school) and things of that nature.

So my question is, will the MSI GX640 be able to satisfy the wants and needs I have listed? I understand that somtimes, hardware has issues and I may have to return or replace things(under warranty) once or twice before it is done right. Also with all of these BIOS Updates that have to be done manually and seem to be a main topic that I only see under MSI. Is this something brand specific or did I just overlook the large subject in the HP/Dell/Sony forums in the vast amount of posts? Once again, I just want to be able to utilize the technology that is avaliable and lazily let Windows handle the majority of my updates. Simply put, is the MSI subject to a greater need for user updates then say the Envy 14? I don't see why it would be but I just see a lot more written on the updating/flashing topics here in the MSI forum than HP.

Thank you very much in advance.
I am purchasing a computer most likely on friday and I have a custom build saved for both HP laptops mentioned as well as this one. All your input is going to assist me in making the right investment for the next 3-4 years and I appreciate it.

 

the GX640's Overall build quality is very good with the elegant brushed aluminum exterior. Performance in games is top notch thanks to its Radeon Mobility 5850, you'll most likely get 200+ fps in counterstrike source, SC2 and D3 should run fluently at high settings as well. The wet towel is that it's cooling system is poorly designed with only one heat pipe on the CPU and GPU and only one fan to cool them both. This is partially due to its small frame. The laptop will DEFINITELY last you three years because it comes with a THREE YEAR WARRANTY. I know it's a no brainer but I just had to throw it out there. Keyboard flex isn't that prominent on this laptop, then again I'm not one of those people who pounds on their keyboards like a construction work pounds on a nail. BIOS updates happen on all computers regardless of brand or type, the GX640 just REALLY needs them to keep the system cooler. The Envy 14 also generates alot of heat, although I'm not quite sure if it generates more than the GX640.

Edit: After running a 10 min furmark my GPU reached an insane 105C, just so you know

 

Thank you very much for the input, and yeah, everything sounds great and perfect for me save for 105 degrees Celcius boiling the blood on my thighs... I notice that people are having difficulties breaking 90-95C on the Envy14 while running consecutive Benchmarks... I mean I know these things arent "Real World" and I should never see a temp that high naturally but I know heat is a major factor in the deterioration of the lap's hardware and that is my main concern (I really wont be gaming on my lap... maybe some web browsing or hulu before bed) so with that use will it still be going above, say, 80C? Even with upgrading to the Diamond Thermal Compound? If this thing can stay semi-cool while running some basic programs then I'm so sold, if not, I might save a little money and get the SSD and touchscreen options of the HP all at the same time and have to accept that i'm more than likely going to be sending it back in at least once so they can "get it right"

 

Wow! If you don't mind me asking, are you using the most recent BIOS update, etc. and what is the environmental condition your system (hot room, office, etc.)? I just ordered a system from RK Computers last night, and in addition to the mirror finish and IC compound they'll be doing to my GPU and proc, they have assured me that they'll update everything, including the BIOS, etc. I already anticipate providing good ventilation and/or an active cooling pad for when I use this system, but I figure having a low base temperature at idle, normal and heavy load is where it all begins.

Or maybe I should just have asked above: what are peoples' average temps when they run the same test? I'm long-winded, I know

 

My ambient temperature is 29C, with no modifications to the heatsink whatsoever. I'm also using the latest bios and vbios (although i might need to flash the vbios again coz I don't think it's working properly)

Edit: The IC diamond and the mirror finishing will probably shave a few degrees off. If you have a really nice cooling pad, you'll probably be able to lower the temp by another 2~3 degrees

 

Okay, so my GX640 is due to arrive tomorrow and I want to make sure that I have all my information straight concerning getting setup and best configuring this laptop.

Win7 Install

Win7 will come installed from the factory. I don't feel that I need to do a clean install of windows right away, but I usually format every 6 months or so, and want to make sure I'm setup for that.

Is there a hidden partition with windows install files located on this computer? I'd rather get arid of that (if possible) and create my own install disc. I'm assuming I can follow this thread to make a bootable win7 install disc?

Video Card Drivers + BIOS

I'm getting a lot of mixed messages in reading the forums here. the main questions are:

1) What is the preferred video driver to install (10.4?)

2) Does the new VBIOS fix PowerPlay in all regards, i.e. adjusting clock speeds, hibernation mode black screens, etc... or are there still problems with PowerPlay? Do we miss features/functionality by disabling PowerPlay entirely?

I'm assuming I can follow information on this thread for proper instructions to flash the VBIOS.

Heat Concerns

Likwise, there is a lot of confusion regarding the temps peopel are getting. Some people have low temps, some high. Some have done their own mods to correct problems, some have not. Some mods work for some people, and not for others. It's a little confusing to say the least. So . . .

1) Adding shims under GPU . . . worth doing?

2) Alternatively removing the thermal pads on the GPU mem and re-thermal pasting everything . . . worth doing?

3) Do either of the above void warranty?

I know I'm asking many of the same questions, but the information on these topics is REALLY scattered across the MSI forum and there is quite a bit of conflicting information too.

I'd be happy to pull answers together with approtiate reference links in a new thread to help new GX640 buyers.

Thanks!

 

The really problem with all your questions is that almost everyone seems to be having different experiances with their 640's. No idea if this is due to quality control, or bad parts or whatever but the baselines for temps and what drivers to use vary so much.

 

I know the copper shim method doesn't void anything because you can just take it out and no one will know the difference

Edit: just flashed my vbios (again), and saw no difference in temperature. adding copper shims is no longer an option because I can't buy it from ebay or find it in any store in Toronto. Now the only option left for me is to remove the cooling pads and substitute them with thermal grease instead. If I kiss the cooling pads good bye will I also be saying adios to my warranty?

 

Your temps really dropped like that? That seems a bit extreme but I wanna try it . I looked at the heatsinks and they looked a bit intimidating to tackle. I will apply some as5 soon tho and see if that helps. Also...how do you undervolt; a program like afterburner? I think the voltage drop helped more than anything. Any pics?

 

I tried to undervolt yesterday but I saw no big difference, are you sure that undervolt works ?

 

the bigger the undervolt, the bigger the difference.
And yes undervolt does work, provided you didnt expect the temps to cut by 50%.

 

I have already done a cup undervolt in a T2400 and lowering 0.1 Volt make a huge differance. I tried to low 0.1V to the 5850 but nothing changed I have the same temps in furmark (99c° in 3 mins) and in Idle the temps are also the same.

I made a DOS-Flash with the bios (given by GPU-Z) and modified with RBE.

 

I ordered this a week ago and will be getting it this week or next monday.

When I get it, first thing I plan to do is swap in a OCZ Vertex 96 GB SSD and then run a heat test and see if I need to put that GPU Shim into the system (I ordered two from Ebay a week ago).

Having had a Dell XPS1710 that burned out a month ago (the GTX7950 Go in the card was HOT), I don't want to lose another laptop due to heat. I would like this thing to last for about 5-6 years as a game machine.

 

if you keep up with current games it wont last you any more than 3 years. and thats pushing it

 

That is what my desktop is for, which I upgrade every 18 months or so.

 

Undervolting worked for me. Running Furmark, I hit 99C in less than two minutes. After undervolting to 0.95v, temps were only at 96C after 3 minutes and 98C after 5 minutes before I chickened out and stopped it. When gaming, I had temps hit as high 98C, so far, I haven't seen my temps go beyond 95°C. Sure it's only 3°, but every bit helps. I ordered a laptop cooler and it should arrive next month. I hope it will be able to bring down temps by another 3-4°. If it doesn't, I'll try the copper shim mod.

 

Then why bother getting a gaming laptop at all? I'd say grab a thinkpad or another tank-like laptop and use it for the other stuff

 

You will not have any spectacular results with undervolting, unless the GPU heatsink is making a proper contact wit the GPU core. With the stock heatpads, or without a copper shim, this is impossible. Period.