Intel-TongFang QC7 (Element/Fusion 15/MAG-15/Vapor 15 Pro)

Just got my dbrand skin today and I can confirm their skins will not cover the eluktronics name on the inside or the logo on the lid.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

Eluktronics needs to work on their branding. They should get rid of their name and ONLY use a logo.... And I'm sure they can come up with a better logo

 

Is it laser etched in both places? It looks suspiciously bright (compared to XMG) and Aftershock (which has similarly bright logo) seems to be just putting stickers on, as there are instance where laptop came without the logo and they sent the "logo" later...

 

It's not a sticker it's definitely laser etched

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

Well, they lost a customer right there...

 

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Bought eluktronics keyboard skin, and now I have a random cutout lol. Not worth it tho to buy another one but for maingear.

 

Did anyone update to bios .058? I don't want to update yet, till I know it doesn't break anything.

 

yeah, i was hoping it didn't have it too, i saw pictures with it, and without.. im fine with the logo, but the text is bleh

 

Hi Notebookreview people,

sorry I haven't been here for a few days. I switched to a new timezone now: welcome to CET, the timezone that is most accurate in Görlitz.

I'm not quite sure what you mean. Can you please rephrase this question? Are you on the latest CC 2.1.0.19 and BIOS 0058?

Depends on your config and many factors. Feel free to send me your order number via PM to get updates.

It's super easy. Instructions are in the printed user manual.

This is an NVIDIA issue that is the same on every laptop. The NVIDIA Activity Monitor only SHOWS that those apps are rendered on the dGPU when in fact they are not.
Yes, the dGPU is "ON" when you use an external monitor (because both HDMI and Thunderbolt are driven by the Pixelbuffer of the dGPU), but the rendering of the Apps is still up to your settings in NVIDIA Optimus / MSHybrid. Those settings don't change from switching to external monitor.

NVIDIA acknowledged this issue to me almost a year ago but never came back to me if they plan to implement a solution. It seems to be purely a GUI issue with the Activity Monitor which can be activated anually from the the NVIDIA Control Panel.

There is no reason to anticipate future driver incompatibilities. They fixed the root cause for all time.
You can rest back and always enjoy the latest Intel and NVIDIA drivers.

I don't have practical knowledge on this but other users reported very good performance. Your MSHybrid settings are probably off. Our own Linux-division is still working on official support.

Try a BIOS Reset (Load Setup Defaults), maybe update both your BIOS and your Control Center.

Yes.

I'm 99% sure it is 5V*3A=15W.

No, it does not matter.

If you mean gaming: that's normal. NVIDIA's Gaming Performance in Battery Mode has been problematic for years now because they don't have any granularity in their power modes.

If you have jumpy/laggy behaviour in Windows, it might be a different problem. Please update to the latest BIOS and Control Center and try again.
Also try to uninstall any 3rd party system monitoring/tuning software to see if it has any effect.

Meanwhile:

---

Latest Update from December 13, 2019

Control Center 2.1.0.19

This update is recommended for every owner of XMG FUSION 15 and other compatible laptops based on Intel QC71.

Instructions:
- Download Control Center 2.1.0.19 from our Download Portal
- Uninstall your current Control Center via Windows: Apps & features
- Install Control Center 2.1.0.19 and restart
- You can now also update your Intel and NVIDIA Graphics Drivers to the latest official versions

BIOS Update 0058

Installing this update is safe and very recommended. It can be installed in Windows (please close all programs before proceeding) or via the F7 Update Tool in BIOS-Setup.

Instructions:
- Download BIOS 0058 from our Download Portal.
- Follow the instructions in our PDF File.

Please follow our on-going thread on reddit.com/r/XMG_gg

→ XMG FUSION 15: Drivers / Firmware / BIOS Updates

This thread includes comprehensive changelog information.

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

So I just ordered my Mag15 from the Eluktronics website. What would be the first things you would do to put it through the paces to make sure there's parts that aren't lemons. Last time I bought a laptop was the Gen1 of Razer Blades like 8 years ago, so it's been awhile.

 

Not gaming, just using Google Chrome and surfing Facebook in particular. I do not have any monitoring/tuning software installed (never had any since the beginning). Am I able to use the XMG BIOS on my Aftershock laptop?

Another concern that happened literally just now. While typing something on Facebook via Google Chrome, my screen suddenly went dark --> black screen --> dark screen --> then went back to normal. It happened twice with maybe a 5-minute gap between each occurrence.

 

That to me sounds like you should use DDU (display driver uninstaller) and re install both your Intel and Nvidia drivers. Try using the stock version that came with your machine and then try updating to the newest version to check if it's a display driver issue (which is what it sounds like)

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

Where may I find this stock version?

 

Either on the manufacturer site where they provide the drivers OR you can check in the previous posts on this thread OR maybe @XMG can chime in with the exact driver version that came stock. I don't remember the exact version off the top of my head but if I get home before xmg replies I'll reply to you and let you know.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

To be honest, it sounds like a bit too much for a non-techie. I might end up doing something wrong.

 

Now this happened...

 

Please add more details, what game? Bios version? What version of command center? Is an overclock or undervolt applied? Nvidia and Intel driver versions?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

@gman29 Not sure what's up with your system, but it's probably not hardware-related. I'd say you format you SSD and reinstall Windows and use the drivers from our download page to start with a clean slate. Have a good Sunday everyone! // Tom

 

Game: Apex Legends
BIOS: 0056 (Can I install the XMG BIOS on an Aftershock laptop?)
Command Center: 2.1.0.19
Intel Driver: 26.20.100.7463
NVIDIA Driver: 441.66
Others: No overclock or undervolt applied, no 3rd party monitoring program installed

 

:

"
I am using i9-9900K with ASUS ROG NVIDIA 2080 RTX. Last stable driver (without that issue) is 436.48. Any newer driver, including 441.41 has the problem. Sometime you can play whole day without single crash, sometimes you get 3-4 crashes in a row. This problem was known to NVIDIA early this year when they develop 417-419 driver versions, thus imho they have introduced a regression after 436.48 that needs to be fixed in the driver. Just not sure why they did not fix it already..." https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Apex-legends-dxgi-error-device-hung/td-p/7435801/page/22

Just google it next it time. This is unrelated to the laptop, but rather related to apex.

 

Mine from Level51ByAftershock works well with the xmg bios (0058) ,currently for me there is no issue .

 

@XMG , Tom I placed an order for the Fusion 15 on the 6.12, but I think my bank did something stupid and I don't know if the order is still active. It still says processing when I log into bestware. My order no. is and I only saw what my bank did yesterday so I thought to ask you if this order is still on the way.

 

Hey Guys, I've been running into a frame rate issue on my Mag-15. It can usually be fixed by just restarting, but it just randomly happens when I boot up the computer. The frame rate just gets locked at like 40fps on any game I play no matter which CC setting I use. I can usually tell I am having this issue by pressing the windows key and seeing the start menu come up. If it comes up really jaggedly with a low frame rate it means the FPS issue is there. If it comes up smoothly then it's fine. Then I restart and and 50/50 it will be resolved. I am using all the latest drivers, intel & nvidia, and the latest CC. These issues were always present in my unit for the past month and a half through several prior BIOS and drivers. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this? I'm stumped because it only happens half of the time, and I'm always running the same programs and etc. Literally nothing is changing between restarts but only sometimes there is a problem.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-15-vapor-15-pro.830272/page-78#post-10964244

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-15-vapor-15-pro.830272/page-83#post-10965345

 

@XMG @Eluktronics is it normal for the fans to be on all the time when in gaming mode? I have it plugged into the wall and notice the temps on all the cores are below 50C (43C avg) and nvidia GPU never rose above 45C and even when it's inactive the fans are still on.

Current setup
1. Command center v2.1.0.19
2. Bios vQCCFL357.0056
3. I changed the power profiles in the registry to the following
Profile 1 P2G1F2
Profile 2 P2G2F2
Profile 3 P3G3F3
4. I have the following programs running
Riva statistics tuner (same results with it on or off)
HWinfo64 (same results with it on or off)
Throttlestop (same results with it on or off)

Is there a registry that is being read by the fan control that I can reset? as I was typing this message the fans finally turned off but for a split second they turned on and then off again, not sure if it's dancing with a 40C thermal limit before it kicks the fans on or what.

 

I have control center source code - it's managed bloatware. I'd already build an alternative that doesn't require that much memory and doesn't waste CPU cyles, but none of the vendors is willing to sell me the laptop, so good luck...

 

They already have the project aurora integration in progress, we are simply awaiting intel's blessing along with anyone else involved before it gets rolled out to the masses.

 

We are already well underway working with TongFang directly on lighting control support for Aurora.

 

I was not much interested in keyboard backlight, though. Custom microcode was/is still my goal to disable ME, etc. I looked at the CC sources real quick just to realize there is nothing of my interest.

 

What you have is likely a very old version, the new versions are a lot different.

 

Hm... what I have is 2.1.0.18, I don't know how old it is, but I've investigated it (and downloaded) few weeks back. I don't see any issues getting the latest version, though.
I did not debug the native binaries yet, only managed, as IL can be easily transpiled back to C#. We can get native API calls too, but most of it is done through WMI anyway...

 

This is a known issue. Intel has successfully reproduced it and is investigating the root cause.
According to my experimentation, the issue can be mitigated if you're having some GPU activity while closing the lid (aka "second screen only").
In a very minimalistic setup (factory state, BIOS 0058, CC 2.1.0.19), simply running testufo.com in Edge Browser before/while closing the lid enabled me to have smooth 60fps on the external screen after closing the lid.

Try it out and wait for our next update. When the root cause is fixed, we will post it into the permament changelog thread here: XMG FUSION 15: Drivers / Firmware / BIOS Updates on Reddit.

I have discussed this with Intel over a period of weeks. The final statement is this:

• This is not a bug, but a feature
• Automatically disconnecting the LCD (not only turning off the backlight) saves about 1W of power during usage with closed lit
• According to Intel, a lot of A-Brands (HP, Lenovo) have implemented the same behaviour

An obvious workaround would be to set up your 2nd screen as the "Main Monitor" in Windows. This way, your windows will not jump back to the internal screen when you open the lid. Instead, your main windows and the task bar will stay on the external screen.
Other than that, it does not look like Intel has plans to change this behaviour. For them, saving 1W in closed lid scenario is worth more than the convenience.

In the end, it's actually Microsoft's fault: why do they reset your "2nd screen only" configuration just because you are reconnecting your internal screen while opening the lid? Microsoft takes action where no action is due.

This conversation continues via PM.

Does this happen only when you have an external screen connected?
Or does it also happen while playing on internal screen without any external screen connected?

Sorry, no time for a proper answer right now, but please check this thread first.
The main question here: do you have elevated idle power consumption for some reason? Maybe permanent dGPU activity? This might explain your elevated temperatures.

I might have some small discount vouchers that I can give out for friends that I hold close to my heart. Nothing huge, but decent. Send me a PM if you are serious about buying XMG FUSION 15.

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

Sorry Tom, my responses were not meant to provoke a response from y0u, I was merely pointing out to another member that I raised this issue before you that you had responded and Intel is on notice.

Thanks

 

Everybody is welcome to elicit responses at any given time.

I actually welcomed the opportunity to inform you about the latest status of this issue. I just discussed this last week Friday with Intel over the phone and I reproduced it again today with a specific method on a fresh system. It's a very annoying issue and I'll press Intel to make sure they fix the root cause ASAP.

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

Any word on when thunderbolt 3 update coming out? Updated to latest bios and the phone doesn't receive charge or get recognized by the computer.

 

MAG-15 owners PSA! Battery draining quickly? Yup that happened recently. It’s still under investigation but today’s bios had a fix for battery performance. Be sure to update to it as well as the latest intel driver. All in their driver page here https://www.eluktronics.com/mag-15-drivers/

I went from a pretty consistent 7-8 hours down to 2-3 tops. Well, it’s back in the right place again.

 

do you recoomend to always update to latest bios versions or there's something like stable builds? I've hear stories when bad bios turns notebook into brick.

 

I was promised to get a new set of screws from XMG. Should have arrived by now. Let's see if they arrive this week.

 

I recommend forums like this just for that reason alone.

Sometimes there’s that Bios to avoid or one to stick with.

 

Could someone please post a calibrated icc file for the MAG 15 display- assume the panels are the same across models but just in case. Also state the manufacturer/part number of display just for thoroughness? Think this would help a lot of members get approximately where they need to be in terms of proper colors. I acknowledge that there is variance between displays but still.

Searched extensively and do not see that this has been done yet. Thanks!

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vscXdr3ujRYvRQucTyEXbrTaY8UVzTRO

BOE084D

 

Question - when you use the XMG BIOS does it change any "branding" on your Level51/aftershock machine in any way?

Also, is there any way to "back up" the existing BIOS version so that you can roll back if for whatever reason you find that the new BIOS causes more problems than it solves?

 

Thanks very much for this. Bob, can you confirm through your testing that the display shows no sign of PWM implementation? I think I've seen mixed messages for this particular panel, but when used in different laptops. Would probably put many at ease if you could confirm no PWM.

 

it still show Intel logo at startup

im not sure about it ...

 

@XMG so is it normal for the keyboard backlighting to turn off after a while of not using it? Is there a way to disable this feature when the laptop is plugged in? Also I noticed I'm getting studdering in league of legends again, I tried reverting GPU drivers for both intel and nvidia GPU and no dice. Still working on a list of combinations to see what works.... It MIGHT be a windows update (I doubt it'd be the bios update) or possibly control center but I'm still testing different combinations. Latencymon test still shows a spike in latency from time to time that I'm trying to get to the bottom of.

 

My MECH-15 does that in Linux and it's really annoying. After a period of inactivity the backlight turns off and stays off until I strike a key. I want the keyboard backlight to stay turned on forever when the laptop is turned on. I only want it turned off when the laptop is powered off. I can turn it off manually if and when I want it turned off. Any kind of dynamic behavior on a computer really pisses me off.

I think the problem is that no control center software is present. I do not have that problem in Windows, but the software is installed in Windows.. Do you have the software installed? If not, maybe that is the problem.

 

Yes I have command center installed on windows currently... Need to do more testing and get to the bottom of this. Maybe integration with the aurora project might give us control over this...

 

So it looks like I get slightly better performance with the original nvidia drivers that this laptop shipped with up to version 436.48. Anything past that and I see a 5 - 10 fps drop in frames (I have no choice but to live with it since I want to get the sharpness filter) and I still notice a micro studder that happens regardless which ever version of intel or nvidia drivers I am using. Tried uninstalling windows updates but I couldn't uninstalling 1 update so I decided to fully update windows to the latest version 1909 (build 18363.535) and still no dice. Latencymon appears to show that ACPI.sys is causing a little higher than expected latency but I don't think there's anything I can do about that (not even sure if that's what's causing the micro studder).

Keep in mind that I have used display driver uninstaller several times every time I was about to install a graphics driver version and rebooted. During all of this I did not have command center installed or any overclocking to remove them as variables to the problem.

@XMG do you know of any possible way to debug or check processes running while I play my league of legends game to check when the micro studder happens? I'm desperate to get rid of this issue as it was one of my biggest reasons for leaving my old laptop and I remember there was a time that this laptop didn't suffer from the same issue and I think it was a windows update that might have fixed it.

@B0B @Mr. Fox Let me know if you have any ideas how I can possibly debug this as I am open to any suggestions

 

Hi. I would recommend using HWiNFO64 in combination with RTSS and configuring OSD to screen output CPU core clocks and voltage, GPU core and memory clocks and voltage, as well as temperatures for both. This will allow you to witness CPU and GPU behavior in real-time on your screen while playing games. This can be very useful for troubleshooting. You need to be able to immediately observe the behavior of the GPU and GPU at the time micro-stuttering occurs. Without that knowledge you will have a difficult time determining what is causing it, or how to fix it.

You may also want to consider using ThrottleStop if you are not already doing so. Your CPU will run like a pile of dog poop without it. Max out the power limits to the highest values ThrottleStop will accept on the TPL menu, set your undervolt, and check the box labeled "Disable and Lock Turbo Power Limits" on the FIVR menu. When prompted, download the RwDrv.sys file and extract it to the folder where you have the ThrottleStop files.

Place a shortcut to ThrottleStop on your task bar and launch it immediately (within 1 or 2 seconds) upon reaching your desktop at Windows logon. ThrottleStop will kick in its settings immediately and prevent the EC from crippling the CPU power limits. If you wait more than a few seconds to launch ThrottleStop, the firmware cancer will intervene and lock the power limits at the sucky stock defaults and ThrottleStop will not be able to override them. The default CPU power limits are too low for the CPU to deliver full performance. The CPU should not have any and does not need to have any power limits. The CPU will never use any more power than what it is capable of using, so feel free to set the limits as high as they will go. Doing so will have no adverse effect on anything except for the naturally-occuring lousy CPU performance using the stock power limits the draconian stock firmware imposes to castrate the CPU.

My 9750H won't go above 75-80W under 100% load if I do not launch ThrottleStop immediately at logon. If I do, the CPU is able to pull over 100W and it never throttles, and never shows any performance limit indicators. If I do not do it, I see yellow and red limit indicators. ThrottleStop is an indispensable tool that @unclewebb has blessed us with.

I am not at my laptop. The screen shots below are from my desktop, but the yellow highlighted values shown apply universally to any system. Set yours to match.




@B0B @Prema