Official MSI GX640 Owner's Thread

Based on this it seems that power saver will set your PCIe to x1, and you'd need to restart in high performance mode to get it back to normal.

 

Hmm someone should try and overclock the pci bus, just to see if you can jump start it.

 

Anybody tried the AMD GPU Tool?

With the GX740, memory could be underclocked to 500Mhz with CCC, and fan kept @ low speed during idle and office/internet work. Can anybody try it with GX640?

 

If you want it underclocked just set it in power saver,

But i think AMD GPU tool will work fine.

 

I intend to use AMD GPU tool to go the other way and overclock my GPU.

Why would you want to underclock this powerful GPU?

 

Nope, not enough. Power saver/turbo battery mode just sets GPU clock @ 100Mhz, Memory runs still @ 1000Mhz and it's still too hot to let the fan work at acceptable noise. I need the thing to be quiet @ office/internet use @ normal ambient temps.

 

Hmm, then yeah give the AMD tool a try, can't you also ramp it down in CCC ?

Is overdrive still enabled?

 

someone was able to keep the bus at x16 by using the windows 7 drivers instead of the ati ones.

 

What the wddrm? (Or whatever it is.)

Isnt that like a stripped alpha version or something lol??

 

How fast does the Gx640 take to cool down, after a moderate period of gaming, where its bottom is cool to the touch?

My Envy 15 2nd Gen would take about 3 mins.

Thanks.

 

Well youl probably find anything under 70C is nominal on the frame,

Thats what it is on the 17 inch anyway, and that happens in like 1 minute or so,

Maybe its different for these ^^.

 

So, if I understand you correctly, your 17" laptop is cool to the touch on the bottom in about 1 min or so?

 

Yeah, im running twin eve clients now and its warm, its not even hot, frame around the heat out take is actually just slightly warmer then my own skin lol.

 

@mdsniper7
You ordered it from amazon; How's the gaming temperatures?

Can anyone who ordered from XoticPC or Gentech, etc... that lets you customize what thermal compound they'll have (Stock, IC-Diamond, Arctic Silver 5, Artic Cooler MX2) compare the temperatures with mdsniper7's ?

Is upgrading to IC-Diamond thermal compound worth it, or is it at least a significant difference over the stock thermal compound (That I assume, the Amazon GX640's have) ?

 

Hi there,

I know many will not like this question but is there any chance anyone tried to install XP in this laptop? I kinda need XP for my work. Is it possible? Also, that PCI-E x1 problem, is that easy to fix? What's the general word on this laptop? I can't find anything better for the price.

Thank you

 

Molius over in the review thread got 7069 GPU score (P) in Vantage at stock clocks, which is much more in line with my expectations. It seems he has a European GX640 and no issues with drivers or PCIe, but his PCIe is showing as 1.1 instead of 2.0.

 

You could always virtual machine a copy of XP...

 

If you're worried about temps you can check out my thread on using the 820qm. The 820qm will put out more heat than any of these i5s and I have IC Diamond applied. All temps look good, nothing over high 80s (max).

 

Thanks for the reference.

Do you have a thread which walks us through how to open up the GX640 and change out the CPU? Anything that points out the subtle pitfalls that we may not be aware about the GX640 in particular (e.g. the Envy 15 has 4 screws that are located under the 4 rubber pads at the corners of the laptop's bottom).

Thanks.

 

Well there's a couple videos on youtube posted by frosty computers, step-by-step on how to upgrade the cpu in the GX640 specifically. Just search GX640 and you'll find it

 

It's the easiest thing to upgrade , What suck in the Gx640 is that you will have to completely remove the whole heatsink ... Which means applying thermal paste everywhere (hate that part).

Don't forget some lint free cloth and thermal remover etc.. Or high percentage alcohol.

 

It's not easier than upgrading RAM or a hard drive

 

Yeah , the heatsink is a pain the the Gx Two piece would have been better. But still , all you have to do is turn a screw and lift .. pretty much straight forward.

PS: Don't use a big screwdriver like frosty ! :laugh:

 

haha yea, that screwdriver seemed comicly oversized

 

Thanks! Do you (or anyone reading this) know if the Gx640 come with thermal paste or a cheap thermal pad in its stock configuration?

 

I'm pretty sure it's paste, not sure though

 

Normally paste/pad configuration, pads tend to be on the memory but im not sure

 

Paste on CPU and GPU die and usually pads on the GPU memory. It's up to you what you want to do , either use the same pads (which is not recommended) or use paste instead of it (which i do).

EDIT: nvm , too slow cata beat me to it

PS: @ Banker , don't apply paste the way frosty does on its youtube video. Just put half a pea size in the middle of the core and screw down the heatsink.

 

I wish thermal pads had never been invented. It's such a cheap, lazy way to get around using thermal paste.

 

Using paste instead of pads works better .. Others you have tried can confirmed that too.

 

I can confirm thats better, i can't help but dream about dead2thworlds temperatures until i repaste my machine lolol.

 

Agreed. I cannot express in words how much I hate thermal pads....

 

I put a dab in the center then smooth it out evenly with my finger in saran-wrap. It comes out with a nice, thin, evenly distributed layer over the CPU die.

Is it possible to do the same with the GPU RAM, or should I just leave the thermal pads as is?

 

Well, here is my story so far with this specific laptop, in case someone experiences the same issues:

I had gotten mine saturday morning, and since then the laptop has been faulty. At first I thought it was just the driver thingy many seem to have noticed, but in my case, the screen turns black all of a sudden randomly, and never comes back up unless I force it shut off (keeping the power button pressed until if shuts off). This has been happening while I load the laptop, and the user screen asks for the password - it freezes for a few seconds and then the screen goes black. Or when I was just browsing the forums or opening control panel - same thing, screen goes black and I'm forced to shut it off, then turn it on again. It just happens anytime, anywhere.

This morning I called MSi per request of Amazon (they needed a case number in order to process my return) and at first, I followed the instructions the tech was giving, like disconnect batteries and power cord, then press the power button 10 times as quickly as I could then on the 10th press, slowly count 10 and then release the button. It had worked for a few minutes, I was able to install everything factory-like again. But then, as windows begins to install its critical updates, the screen blackens again!

I have been trying yet again to load, but as usual, the screen will go black and that's it. I called MSi again and this time they can't get it fixed so I requested the case number. I'm working on getting a replacement and hopefully, when I do get another one, it actually works and doesn't have this random black screen problem... because I'll tell you this has been a very frustrating weekend with this laptop.

I'm giving it another chance because I know it might just have been my bac luck - few months ago, I bought my first big tv (Panasonic 42" plasma) at best buy, and it didn't work, so I had it replaced and then so far my new tv has been the most amazing screen ever. I truly hope I'll get a good MSi GX640 in perfect working condition this time..

 

Yea sometimes it's just really bad luck. That's another advantage about buying from one of the smaller indepedent resellers. You can have them tested for you before shipping so if it's factory defect it won't make it to you

 

I wouldnt want to go through that... given that I live in Honduras... ugh...

I'll cross my fingers when I get mine...

 

What are some of those independent resellers?

I was going to get it again from Amazon, but the earliest they can give me one is June 18 -- 2 months -- because they are out of stock. I also have Navy training in June so I won't be here to receive the package and check to make sure everything is working properly.

So I have instead requested my refund. I however really want this GX640 (when it was working, it was an awesome, very fast machine). I hear you guys talking about this Xoticpc - is it what you call independent reseller? If so, is it a trustworthy place to order the msi gx640? Or any other places worth noting? It will ship to USA, KS.

 

I purchased mine from Gentechpc and some other good resellers are rk computers and xoticpc. Just get in contact with:
Gentech: Ken Lee
Xotic: One of the Justins or Joseph
RK: Rob M

and leave a comment in the comments box when you purchase that you want them to test the machine for you. You could even ask them to update drivers for you if you like. That way your machine is good to go when you get it.

EDIT: All the places I mentioned are very trustworthy. They're smaller than the Amazons of the world so they may be a bit more expensive (nothing crazy $50-100 at most) but that allows you to get better customer service and custom configurations if you so desire it.

 

I just received my GX640. Placed the order with Provantage.com on Friday. Received it 1 business day later on Monday. No, the weekend did not seem to last forever. I have a life lol!

I just got it out of the box and haven't turned it on yet. Just wanted to share my first impressions and contrast it with the Envy 15 2nd Gen laptop that I just returned. Thanks to HP's generous 21-day return policy with free return shipping, the FedEx person delivered my GX640 and picked up my Envy in 1 fell swoop.

My first thoughts: this laptop is gorgeous. No joke. I thought the Envy looked gorgeous too in its own way (understated, professional, serious). The GX640 is only missing a Ferrari emblem on its lid. The "Ferrari-red" trim looks great and is definitely much better than the pics suggest. The GX640 looks bold, exciting, and fun.

Picking up the GX640, I couldn't believe that it weighs 5.94 lbs. It feels much lighter. In fact, the Envy felt heavier, even though it weighs 5.17 lbs. I believe the magnesium alloy construction of the Envy gives it the illusion of weighing more, whereas the mostly plastic (except for the lid and palmrests I believe) construction of the GX640 gives it a lighter feel. Interestingly enough, both laptops feel solid enough, although the more metallic construction of the Envy resists denting under a death grip more readily (not that anybody would exert such pressure on their laptops).

The GX640 power bar is approximately the same size of the Envy's but differs in 3 areas. First, it is a little lighter (about 10%). Second, it has a green LED which indicates when it is plugged in. Finally, the power tip is "L" shaped, which allows one to better manage the power cord. I remember while reading the ASUS G73 boards that this was one thing that its owners wished that laptop had as well.

Dimensions: the GX640 is thicker by 0.2 inches, longer width-wise, but shorter length-wise, all owing to its 16:10 aspect ratio. After having used the Envy and its 16:9 aspect ratio for almost 3 weeks, it was a pleasure to return to the GX640's aspect ratio. First, when reading webpages or working on word docs or excel spreadsheets, I don't have to page up or down as often. Second, when killing noobs in Battlefield Bad Company 2 (BFBC2), it is so much easier to detect enemies in elevations above you (whether it's an enemy UAV or sniper).

Keyboard: bad news - yes, there is flex on the left side of the keyboard. Good news - it's not as bad as it's been made out to be. You won't even notice it unless you type in a single-finger-poking-as-hard-as you-can manner. Let me put it this way - when you use the W-A-S-D keys to play first person shooters, you won't even notice the flex. It's that minimal. If I get a free minute, I might consider utilizing the double tape keyboard fix, but chances are I'll just play BFBC2 instead. The keys themselves have a very nice press to them and are nice and quiet (no old school IBM clickety clack keys here). They keys are regular-style and not chiclet/island style. The Enter and Backspace keys are half the size of those on a regular keyboard (to make room for the number pad) but still very usable. Then Envy had a really nice keyboard (chiclet style, nice key press, no number pad) with no flex whatsoever. However, the keys were of a design that allowed dust and other particles to get in under them and inside the laptop. The only way to clean out the dust is to remove the keyboard plate of the laptop itself. Not good.

My only gripe about the GX640 keyboard is the switched positions of the Fn and left Ctrl keys, similar to that of the Lenovo T400 laptops. What are Lenovo and MSI thinking? Seriously, if it's an attempt to stand out from the crowd, they succeeded but in a bad way.

Touchpad: it's the perfect size. The surface is smooth with no nubs or bumps to impede a smooth gliding motion of your finger. It's large enough to get optimal mouse cursor movement, but small enough that your wrists and fingers don't touch the pad inadvertently while you're typing and cause the mouse cursor to move. The discrete touchpad buttons (left and right) have a nice press to them and make a soft, audible sound to provide feedback.

The Envy 15's touchpad was almost the opposite of the GX640's. It was large, so the cursor would almost always move as you were typing on the keyboard. The left and right mouse buttons were embedded within the touchpad along its bottom edge (under the surface of the touchpad). You couldn't actually see the buttons, but you knew they were there by touching them and pressing them. They had a nice press to them. However, the touchpad surface above the buttons was active and responsive to motion, just like the rest of the touchpad. If you didn't press down directly on the left or right mouse button, the cursor would move just as it registered your button press. This proved very annoying as I had to pay careful attention to how I pressed the touchpad mouse buttons. The only thing I liked was that its surface was silky smooth, just like the GX640's.

Finally, the left and right palmrests of the GX640 are adorned with so many advertising stickers touting the internal components of the GX640 that I feel like I'm walking down Broadway and gazing upon its marquis signs. It's a minor quibble, as these stickers can be removed. Still, I like how the Envy came to me in a clean, unmarked form factor. Using my racing car analogy from the first paragraph, the GX640 is like a F1 racing car adorned with all its sponors logos.

More to come as I turn the GX640 on and actually run some benchmarks on it, play BFBC2, etc.

 

I was unaware that Ken and GenTechPC.com sold the MSI line. I only saw ASUS laptops on his website. If I'd known he sold MSI, I'd have bought it from Ken as well.

Ken is the man. He will take care of you to ensure your complete satisfaction. If you haven't already, buy from Ken and GenTechPC.com.

 

Thank you very much, sir! I'm not too worried about spending the extra $50-100 if it means I'm going to get the machine working properly, especially since I,ve already wasted extra money for returning the malfunctioning one anyway.... might as well do it.

I actually feel better now knowing someone else will actually make sure everything is alright.

 

No problem, with big purchases like laptops you want to get it right.

Yea the MSIs are kind of hidden on the Gentech site for some reason, you need to do a search for them to show up.

 

I'm glad to hear you're happy with your GX640, bankergolfer. I should be getting mine tomorrow, and I can't wait.

 

Thanks Lackofcheese. If it weren't for you and a few others, I'd have been stuck with the Envy 15 2nd Gen (though there are worse fates to be sure)!

 

banker: now that you've seen the screen how would you compare it to the Envy? thanks.

 

Hi, I have a question about GX640: Is it able to switch between the dedicated and the integrated GPU? The GX640 have intel chipset HM55, that support switching graphic card, so I suppose it is possible. I just want to be sure .

 

No can do.

 

I just chatted with Joseph from XoticPC:

Ben: Well, my question is as follows...
I want to know what kind of pre-shipping tests do you guys make... since I've been reading that some people do have issues with this laptop, screen goes black, and so forth

Joseph L: If you make any customizations at all..even IC diamond or a wifi card then we put it through the full gammut of tests

Ben: oh Gee, thats just what i needed to read

Joseph L: wprime, prime95, hdtune,memtest 86, GPU benches
Ben: wow thats just awesome... would you guys update drivers too, if asked?
Joseph L: if asked yes
we have the newest catalyst 10.3 on a pen, we could also upgrade anything else that needed it as well
when you place your order you just have to request that next to my name in the comments box


Thats just cool!
I'm gonna wait up this week, and perhaps by next week I'll place my order...

 

Just got my GX640 today and it seems like an awesome machine so far. Ordered mine from GenTech and the only customization I made was getting IC Thermal Paste on the CPU/GPU.

GenTech was great to deal with and the shipping to Canada was extremely fast (UPS Expedited) so I'd definitely recommend them.

So far the temperatures I'm getting seem really reasonable. The CPU stays around 46C while idle and the GPU 56ish.

Under load the max the CPU got was 70 and the GPU 75. Seems like I've gotten lucky compared to some peoples temps?

Anyway haven't had time to play with it too much, its finals time unfortunately.

 

Ur temps seem about right for an i5