TONGFANG GK5CN5Z / GK5CN6Z / GK5CQ7Z / GK5CP0Z

TONGFANG GK5CN5Z
i7-8750h+gtx1050ti
Review
http://zhongce.sina.com.cn/article/view/8457/
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/8022714






Videoreviews






TONGFANG GK5CN6Z
i7-8750h+gtx1060
Review
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Tongfang-GK5CN6Z-i7-8750H-GTX-1060-FHD-Laptop-Review.331426.0.html
https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.p...7-das-neue-xmg-neo-15-im-ersten-hands-on.html
http://www.sohu.com/a/227607842_404443
https://post.smzdm.com/p/683749/
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Schen...-GTX-1060-Full-HD-Laptop-Review.315660.0.html

Videoreviews



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdn8GzeuNfg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q13t_r8o4rY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HubbDiz0nsc



Tongfang GK5CP0Z
i7-8750h+rtx2060



Tongfang GK5CQ7Z
i7-8750h+rtx2070 Max-Q


Resellers
http://sklep.hyperbook.pl/hyperbook-pulsar-z15-gtx-1050ti-p-26443.html
https://www.illegear.com/laptops/onyx/
https://www.fortunetechnology.com/notebooks/11811/
https://www.mysn.de/xmg-neo-gaming-laptops/xmg-neo-15
http://www.raiontech.com/prodotto/raionbook/gaming/raionbook-gi5/
https://syspack.com/b-notebook-bare...DD-Sata-2-M2-GTX-1060-6GB-156-FullHD-IPS.html
https://shop.obsidian-pc.com/en/home/gk5cp.html
https://laptopparts4less.frl/15.6in...1060-6Gb-Coffee-Lake-game-laptop-samenstellen
http://www.hidevolution.com/new-lap...s/17-inch-gaming-laptops?dir=desc&order=price
http://www.eluktronics.com/MECH-15-G2
https://www.walmart.com/ip/OVERPOWE...-128-SSD-1TB-HDD-8GB-RAM-Windows-10/682079574
https://www.walmart.com/ip/OVERPOWE...256-SSD-1TB-HDD-16GB-RAM-Windows-10/510869060


Usefull videos













Mods
DISCLAIMER:
Opening your machine, tampering with hardware in any way, using different bioses from other Resellers may VOID your warranty. It's all up to your skills to continue from here and you must take responsibility for all the potential damage it may occur .

Bigger Battery ( @david04 tested it on a GK5CN6Z )
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ongfang-gk5cn6z.815943/page-103#post-10802420


a @B0B's video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leC11QhFNNQ

here just a copy and paste of the guide made by @Blebleuh
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ongfang-gk5cn6z.815943/page-109#post-10809196 !!!!!!!ONLY for GTX versions!!!!!
None of the methods, software or tips explained here is absolutely safe. Be sure of what you do, and do it at your own risks !


[ANNOUCEMENT - 4th of december, 2019] Most parts of this guide were written when only the GTX versions of GK5CN and GK7CN laptops existed. Now that this thread also covers more recent GK5CQ7Z and GK5CP0Z, and that there is a dedicated thread for the 17" versions, some information in this post may not be relevant for your laptop. Please just read carefully

Also, HERE IS A LINK TO THE WHOLE MEGA FOLDER CONTAINING MOST FILES (bios and utilities) LINKED BELOW - for backup purpose.
---------------

Hi, I tried to compile here every useful information I found about GK5CN laptops. Many thanks for the work accomplished by people on this forum and elsewhere ! I hope you can find answers for most questions about GK5CN here.
I'll try to keep this post up to date as much as I can by watching this thread and others.
Please tell if you find missing or irrelevant information, as well as missing download links (especially GK5CN5Z BIOS and EC).

/!\ BE CAREFUL /!\


######## Videos about GK5CN are aggregated here (more reviews, teardowns, ingame tests, keyboard and fan noise tests, tutorials...) and there (especially performance tweaks, tests and explanations, by @B0B )

######## Keyboard
There is two kinds of keyboard for these laptops. The "classic", clicky, "blue switch" one, and the silent "brown switch" one. Blue switches is known to be very clicky and causes sometimes multiple actuation. Thanks to @lKinder_Bueno for his videos
- Keyboard chattering fix - Against undesired multiple actuation, set the value to 100-150ms. Info found here
- Video : DIY silent brown switch mod (semi-destructive way) + sound comparison
- Video : DIY silent mod (very destructive way)
- Some proper options exists (see next links), but are not publicly available yet
- Exetrnal topic : Illegear (Malaysia) sells blue (clicky) and brown (silent) switches with 2 different caps layers, for the moment only to their clients.
- PCS sells a 17.3" GK5CN (Recoil II) which seems to have the exact same keyboard as the 15.6", but with silent switches and sober layout. Replacement keyboards with brown switches will come soon !
- XMG also sells the laptop with the sober keyboard layout (but still clicky switches)
- Still waiting for a way to get the silent keyboard for people who buy their laptop to resellers that do not offer it...

There seems to be several versions of each kind of switch:

######## Battery
A bigger battery can be installed at the cost of the 2.5"" disk emplacement, increasing autonomy of about 40 to 60%
- Link to bigger battery - worldwide shop (Hong Kong)
- Link to bigger battery - european shop
- Another store selling it (Germany)
- Eluktroniks (DE) also sells it to anyone
- Successful mods from small to big battery on GK5CN6Z by @david04 here and by @99-0 there

######## Miscelanious parts
- Stickers / Skin : (good if you want to hide ugly branding) Ebay link, - pictures of one from AliExpress - more pictures here
- Back plate / Bottom cover replacement part: here on Taobao
- Screws kit: here (Micro Center) and there (Amazon)
- Charger / AC Adapter: several solutions (angle or straight connector, 180W or more, sizes...): see this post from @ezradharma
-You can find in the image below part number of most spare parts of this laptop. Comes from this page.

######## Noisy fans
Fans can be normally or abnormally noisy. You can see this video (done by @lKinder_Bueno ) to get an idea of what should be a "normal" noise.
If you think that your fans are abnormally noisy, you maybe have :
- Turbo fan mode turned on : turn it off into the Fans settings tab of the Gaming Center (switch in the upper right corner), or via the dedicated fan button next to the power button of your laptop
- Gaming fan mode turned on into the Fans settings tab of the Gaming Center. This mode can be a little bit noisy. If you don't need a lot of power, switch to way quieter Office mode. Keep in mind that it sets CPU power limits at 35W instead of 55 and 65 in Gaming mode.
- a mechanical issue that can be solved by opening your computer and carefully disassemble and check the fans. Also, have a look at "Fixing the hardware issues" rubric.
- a laptop running too hot, because of dirty fans, badly thermal pasted CPU and/or GPU, or weird performance settings.

######## BIOS + EC
BE CAREFUL
check this post http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...ongfang-gk5cn6z.815943/page-109#post-10809196


For the warranty point PCSpecialist let you flash any bios (ex. mechrevo bios) without ruin warranty, but if you brick the laptop flashing the BIOS the warranty end

HOW TO FLASH YOUR BIOS/EC ?
There is two main methods.
- Easy but risky: using automatic batch installer.This method is depreciated: you might brick your laptop. To proceed, first close all apps, unplung every external device, except power adapter, then run F.bat and follow instructions.

- Tricky but safer: EFI boot an USB stick and install from here. See instructions below :

EFI boot installation instructions:

Spoiler: EFI boot installation instructions

You can also follow these instructions on this video, thanks to @lKinder_Bueno for the tutorial

0. Download & unzip the firmware and copy the 3 folders on USB stick.
0.5. Power on and tap F2 key repeatedly. Bios will open up. Go in Security > Secure Boot > Disabled. Press F4 for save the changes and reboot.
1. Power on and tap the F10 key repeatedly as soon as you turn on the system. This will bring up the boot menu.
2. Select USB flash drive from the boot menu and press [Enter] to select this option.
3. This will open the EFI Shell. At the top of the screen, your drives are listed under ‘fs#’, where # is the drive number. Please find the drive number associated with your ‘Removable Drive’, it will be described as a USB Device and should be the bottom most option on the list.
4. Type the following commands, pressing [Enter] after each and substituting the ‘#’ with the relevant drive number. (ex. FS2: )

Code:

FS#:

CD EC

F.NSH

the laptop will shutdown and update the EC.

5. Power the system back on and tap the F7 key repeatedly while laptop boots to re-enter the boot menu.
6. Select USB flash drive from the boot menu and press [Enter] to select this option. Type the following commands.

Code:

FS#:

CD BIOS

F.NSH

the laptop will shutdown and update the BIOS.

7. Power on and tap F2 key repeatedly. Bios will open up. Press F3 to load Optimized Value. Go in Security > Secure Boot > Enabled.
Press F4 for save the changes and reboot.

DOWNLOAD LINKS
(Downloads are classified from most recent to older EC versions, as resellers might use different BIOS versioning. So for example BIOS 1.03 from XMG is not necessarily older than 1.04 from PCS)

For GK5CN:
- BIOS 1.09 - EC 1.38.09 - XMG - Download link (BIOS auto batch, EC need to be used in addition with EFI boot)
- BIOS 1.09 - EC 1.37.09 - XMG
- BIOS 1.05 - EC 1.35.09 - OverPowered - GK5CN6Z / OP-LP2 ( Auto batch)
- BIOS 1.02 - EC 1.33.09 - OverPowered - GK5CN5Z only (auto batch - no EC upgrade !)
- BIOS 1.00 - EC 1.33.09 - OverPowered - GK5CN5Z only ( auto batch - no EC upgrade !)
- BIOS 1.16 - EC 1.33.09 - Mechrevo - GK5CN6Z ( EFI boot install or Auto batch)
- BIOS 1.03 - EC 1.29.29 - XMG - GK5CN6Z (EFI) - Apparently the most power saving
- BIOS 1.04 - EC 1.25 - PCSpecialist - GK5CN6Z (EFI)
- BIOS 1.06 - EC 1.24.09 - Illegear - GK5CN6Z ( EFI boot or auto batch) and GK5CN5Z (EFI boot or auto batch)

For GK5CP0Z:
- BIOS N153 and EC - EFI boot install
- BIOS N151 and EC - EFI boot install
- BIOS N102 and EC - EFI boot install

BONUS: GK5CN EC Release note (up to 1.33.09) !

Spoiler: GK5CN EC Release note

*********************************************************************************
GK5CN EC RELEASE NOTE
*********************************************************************************
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/8/23 EC Version 1.33.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified CPU release temperature
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.33.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.33.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/8/21 EC Version 1.32.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified fan table for IDz
2.for thermal required, modified thermal spec
3.add FN+3 for select gaming or office mode
4.modified not clear office mode flag when fan boost enable
5.not clear office mode when non-S0 mode
6.modified to read GPU temperature and avoid temperature is error
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.32.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.32.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/8/6 EC Version 1.31.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.sync ID-X for LID open will sometimes be flash
2.mofified fan pwm is smooth from high-temperature to lower temperature again
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.31.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.31.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/8/6 EC Version 1.30.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified 4z/5z/6z fan table again
2.mofified fan pwm is smooth from high-temperature to lower temperature
3.EC code sync "20180713_VGA_OFF_LoadDefault_T"
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.30.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.30.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/7/12 EC Version 1.29.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.for thermal team required,modified 4z/5z/6z fan table
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.29.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.29.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/7/12 EC Version 1.28.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.co-work with BIOS for default gaming/office mode
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.28.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.28.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/7/2 EC Version 1.27.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified office mode table
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.27.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.27.39" for Haier

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/7/2 EC Version 1.26.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified Myfan2 default office mode
2.co-worked with BIOS for select gaming/office mode
3.also support Workaround for 61/6z 180w
4.remove silent fan table
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.26.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.26.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/6/22 EC Version 1.25.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.Workaround for 61/6z 150w
2.add for Fn key change for F1~F12 hotkey
3.modified for can't charge when battery is full
4.fix d-state at commerical
5.code downsizing
6.remove PL3 setting
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.25.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.25.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/6/1 EC Version 1.24.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.disable hybrid WA at not support hybrid project
2.update ec code "Update 2nd ME KB to add KBID support Everlight Matte LED"
3.change light bar showing mode at s3 state
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.24.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.24.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/30 EC Version 1.23.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed battery not charged after fully charging.
2.fixed sometimes fan boost will auto on after s3 resume
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.23.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.23.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/25 EC Version 1.22.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed sometimes not enable battery boost at 61/6z
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.22.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.22.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/24 EC Version 1.21.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.support battery boost at 61/6Z
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.21.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.21.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/23 EC Version 1.20.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified for only calibrate battery Zero I at S0
2.modified for clear light bar RGB value at S3
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.20.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.20.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/18 EC Version 1.19.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.sync code 2018/5/17 "Update 2nd ME KB modified Fn+Insert"
2.fixed light bar have no welcome light when power saving mode
3.modifed 2nd ME KB drop speed
4.code downsizing
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.19.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.19.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/10 EC Version 1.18.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed welcome light will be off at restart
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.18.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.18.39" for Haier

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/8 EC Version 1.17.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified QKEY behavior
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.17.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.17.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/8 EC Version 1.16.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.system will return to default mode when reboot or power on.
2.add fan table at business machine
3.QKey is changed gaming or office mode at business machine
4.No thermal patch at business machine
5.modified protect and release temperature at office mode at business machine
6.changed battery 4S1P ivan rule setting as 3S1P
7.modified office fan table rule at business machine
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.16.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.16.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/27 EC Version 1.15.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.modified ivan rule
2.modified user mode release temperature
3.modified user mode will keep 35w(Pl1/PL2)
4.modified fan is smooth at user mode
5.modifed fan duty at user mode
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.15.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.15.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/25 EC Version 1.14.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. modified thermal patch
2. Fix S4/resume show Caps Lock OSD issue.
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.14.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.14.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/20 EC Version 1.13.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. modified fan user PL2 again
2. modified Myfan2 CPU releasing temperature again
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.13.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.13.39" for Haier

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/20 EC Version 1.12.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Add fan user mode will adjust PL1/PL2
2. modified thermal test mode
3. modified Myfan2 CPU releasing temperature
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.12.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.12.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/19 EC Version 1.11.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Add "ECVER" signature for BIOS dentify EC bin file version
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.11.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.11.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/19 EC Version 1.10.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. remove "add Yantao rule at warm boot@AC mode"
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.10.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.10.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/19 EC Version 1.09.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. modified ivan rule
2. fix fan noise when trigger thermal patch
3. modified SMBUS
4. add Yantao rule at warm boot@AC mode
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.09.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.09.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/12 EC Version 1.08.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed power LED not breath at S3 mode
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.08.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.08.39" for Haier

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/12 EC Version 1.08.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed power LED not breath at S3 mode
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.08.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.08.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/12 EC Version 1.07.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.Add EC update "Tim AP warning function"
2.modified Haier Light bar breath mode (speed, brightness)
3.add Fn+HOME: SysRq
4.add FN+END: ScrLK
5.add Fn+1:fan boost for Haier
6.add Fn+2:turn on/off Light Bar for Haier
7.add Japanese KB "change/not change"
8.modified solution "plug out HDMI cable not send Q76"
9.add EC update "support thermal test mode"
10.modified 51 thermal patch
11.fixed 61 power LED not turn on when resume
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.07.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.07.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/30 EC Version 1.06.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Fix charging finish not turn off charging LED at 61 project
2. Fix Pixart TP can't change status in Korean OS.
3. modified compensate of battery
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.06.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.06.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/30 EC Version 1.05.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Fix S3 LED behavior at 61 project
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.05.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.05.39" for Haier

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/28 EC Version 1.04.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Fix S4 resume show Numlock OSD issue.
2. modified full charge LED rule
3. modified fully charge current tolerance to 600mA+20min
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.04.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.04.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/26 EC Version 1.03.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.for HW required, 5z follow Yantao rule at restart
2.for HW required, modified EDP sequence again
3.enhanced kb transfer framework
4.discussed with thermal, remove "Release Throttling Delay 10sec"
5.fix "RGB light bar power saving mode not support welcome mode"
6.adjust 5z/6z/61 Ivan rule table
7.enhanced to turn on kb back lite at resume or boot on
8.modified battery mode power consumption at S3
9.delete some useless GPIO setting
10.modfified one key no output at Japanese kb
11.remove to monitor EC 0x1304 bit0 whether be hi or low
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.03.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.03.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/20 EC Version 1.02.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_10.209
1.for Thermal team required, modified 5z thermal patch
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.02.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.02.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/19 EC Version 1.01.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_10.109
1.modified battery SMBUS sequence again
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.01.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.01.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/19 EC Version 1.00.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_10.009
1.solution for Zero I is irregular
2.modified 5z/6z ivan rule
3.for HW required, enhanced to turn off LVDS power at s3/s4
4.modified charging timeout,charging LED not change
5.modified fully charge current tolerance
6.modified battery SMBUS sequence
7.enhance 6z throttle mechanism at restart
8.code downsizing
9.for HW required, be able to read MPS version
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 1.00.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 1.00.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/14 EC Version 0.27.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.709
1.fix 10709/10777/10873:¤å¥ó§¨»~³ø
2.for Sir required, change light bar level from s3 resume
3.verified MPS chipset updating function, currently is disable
4.enhanced fn+f2 will have debounce time
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.27.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.27.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/13 EC Version 0.26.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.609
1.for HW required, modified when throttle,PL4 change to 70w at AC mode for 5z project
2.Add shorten solution for Wlan abnormal after S3 S4.
3.press fn+f2 will send 0xa5 virtual scan code to AP
4.fix VGA can't shutdown can't throttle
5.for thermal team required, support_New_Fan_rule
6.modified thermal table
7.for HW required, add mechanism at restart for 6z/61 project
8.fix bug id 10929: '\' key is enter behavior
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.26.09" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.26.39" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/8 EC Version 0.25.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.500
1.Support AP turn on power_usb function
2.Add EC update 20180301_2nd Generation ME Keyboard_Support PCBA v1.4(Update02 for KeyboardID)
3.Add EC update 20180305_EC debugIO set to 6E6F
4.add the flag of touchpad is ps2 or iic
5.delete a invalid gpio and fixed LVDS_VIN abnormally at power off because PCH electric leakage
6.add fan not boost after s4 return to s0, if fan boost is set
7.Support AP turn on power_usb function
8.code downsizing
9.delete ZeroI limitation
10.support Japanese 2nd keyboard
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.25.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.25.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/1 EC Version 0.24.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.400
1.modified fan boost when s4 return to s0
2.adjust 4z/5z/6z ivan rule parameter
3.disable 0.23.00 "reset LPC when boot on"
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.24.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.24.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/2/22 EC Version 0.23.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.300
1.for thermal team required, 4z/5z PL1 changed to 45w at thermal patch.
2.adjust 4z/5z ivan rule parameter
3.reset LPC when boot on
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.23.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.23.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/2/10 EC Version 0.22.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.200
1.for HW GPIO changed, A_Cover_PWM_LED from GPA7 to GPJ2
2.support MyFan2
3.support TP TDA9860 8pin
4.fix issue for after press f3/f4 key at startup menu, sometimes system not boot on
5.set aside a bit of code
6.Add EC update 20180129_2nd Generation ME Keyboard_Support PCBA v1.4 update 01
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.22.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.22.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/2/5 EC Version 0.21.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.100
1.enable WA3081
2.for pixart required,TP GPIO set Input
3.adjust 4z/5z ivan rule parameter
4.when Fanboost closed,drop to thermal table directly.Not smooth.
5.for 6Z EE required, add power noise GPIO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/1/25 EC Version 0.14.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_01.400
1.for thermal required, update 5Z thermal patch
2.code modified for FanBoost and UserFan control flag
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/1/24 EC Version 0.13.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_01.300
1.modified 61/67 daughter board LED definition.
2.disable LDN05
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.13.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.13.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/1/22 EC Version 0.12.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_01.200
1.fix the issue for after resume, Light bar will be darkly sometimes.
2.Add SMBus error bit patch code
3.Modify Ivan rule
4.modified thermal table for 5Z/6Z
5.Modify power on sequence(PM_RSMRST#/SCI)
6.Update Keyboard ID & scancode 500us for 2nd ME keyboard
7.for power team required, adjust battery percent for Ivan rule at 4z/5z
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.12.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.12.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/1/16 EC Version 0.11.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_01.100
1.modified RGB Light bar
2.for HW required, MEKB power always set high
3.modified LED GPIO for 61 project
4.4z/5z ADP defulat set 120w,6z ADP default set 150w
5.add on key press function
6.support Ivan rule2 throttling mechanism
7.co-work with BIOS for ADP re-define
8.Support ME unlock
9.power sequence add timeout mechanism
Note:
Release Formal version "GK5CN 0.11.00" for Standard
Release sub version "GK5CN 0.11.30" for Haier
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017/12/13 EC Version 0.10.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_01.000
1.support Light Bar
2.add Caps LED on/off
3.modified fan table
4.modified fan from PWM rule
5.add ¤G¥NKeyboard power at S3 mode
6.for HW required, fine tune power sequence
7.modified GPIO for 61 project
8. adjust ¤G¥NÁä½LÃѧO¹qÀ£

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017/11/22 EC Version 0.02.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_00.200
1.battery spec 1.2 modified
2.change fan1 and fan2
3.support Pixart toggle key function
4.modified APC watts
5.support Optical Keyboard
6.follow GE project for eDP panel sequence BL_ON delay 2000ms only for S3
7.co-worked with HW for power sequence
8.support fan boost
9.Add ¥þ°Ï¥|°Ï¨SAP®ÉEC±±¨î10¤ÀÄÁÁä½LI¥ú Function
10.modified device status.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017/10/12 EC Version 0.01.00 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_00.100
1.First release for A SMT

HOW TO UNLOCK THE BIOS ?
Yes, BIOS provided by manufacturer or assemblors are "locked". Fortunately, Lost_N_bios made us a guide on win-raid forum, explaining how to unlock tons of features ( some might brick your laptop, you have to know what you do by going this way). Thanks to @nimaim for his work on this and his annoucement post here that you have to read before starting:



######## Gaming Center / Control Center / Alternatives
(from most recent to older ones)

Gaming Center U -
- 1.0.0.17 from Eluktronics

"Gaming Center 2 - made for RTX Tongfang models but seems to work with 1050Ti and 1060 versions. Updated and darker interface than the v1 serie with some little improvements. According to @stesteste : Selecting Game mode doesn't automatically change the keyboard lightning layout, screen settings and lock windows key, there is a dedicated button to do it. LED light bar settings issues are solved so you can change settings for both "plugged in" and "on battery" while being always plugged in or on battery. Game Mode for fan settings is now hidden, you have to activate turbo mode then it will appear and you can select it. Seems quicker and more responsive. Performance are really good: on CB15 I registered an average of 1270 with a peack of 1278 in respect to 1250 scores with Mechrevo's GC 2.0.1.1 with same configuration and settings)
- 2.0.1.3 - from Eluktronics - not branded and modded with no animation
- 2.0.1.1 - from Mechrevo - branded

"Gaming Center 1 - made for GK5CN5Z and 6Z"
- 1.2.3.4 - from Mechrevo - modded with classic icones, no animation, no welcome splash with music, and english as default lang.
- 1.2.2.8 (from OverPowered (compatble with Windows 10 1809) - modded with classic tray icone and no animation)
- 1.2.2.2 (from Mechrevo - branded)
- 1.2.2.1
- 1.2.1.6 (from BTO - branded)
- 1.1.16.4
- 1.1.16.1 (from Mechrevo -branded)
- 1.1.15.12 (from XMG) - no xtu service - Modded installer with regular skin and no animation
- 1.1.15.3 (from PCS) - no xtu service

How to disable animations ?
There is two ways. One applies before installation, the other can be done after installation (depreciated)
Before installation (best way) :
- Find setup.ini in the unzipped archive you got from the download
- Open setup.ini with a text editor
- Locate the two lines beginning by "Animation" and "ShowAnimation" and modify them as following:
Animation = 0x00
ShowAnimation = 0
- Save and close the file then run the installer
If you didn't followed these steps before installing Gaming center, you can still disable animations by modifying the registry so way is depreciated.
- Open the registry editor (push Win Key and type "regedit")
- Go the following path: \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\OEM\GamingCenter\Animation
- Edit Animation entry by double clicking on it, set the value to 0, then press OK.
- This will be effective on next reboot

How to change Gaming center's appearance ?
Some GK5CN sellers provide customized versions of the Gaming Center with a branded skin.
You can find proper images in a clean version of the Gaming Center, as well as you can create your own if you want \o/
Simply replace image files found in logo folder situated:
- Before installation: in the archive you downloaded
- After installation : C:/Program Files/OEM/GamingCenter/logo
- New images have to keep the same name, extension and dimension as the ones they replace
- Most of the time you only have to replace img-edm.png as well as some .ico

Is there any alternative to Gaming Center ?
There now two ! The most exciting one is called Rev.Center, developped by @lKinder_Bueno especially for us and source code is available on github. Last version is 1.65 (27th february 2019) and download is available here. More details on this post:


The second one is called MyApp, a kind of simplified Control Center made by TongFang for previous chassis but still GK5CN compatible.We don't exactly know how it interacts with Control Center, which still has features MyApp dont have. See this post and following pages. It seems to cause troubles with some anti-cheat securities from some games.
Download link:
- MyApp 1.6.1.0
- MyApp 1.6.0.0
- MyApp 1.4.11

Okay thanks but I'm looking for something lightweight to CONTROL THE FANS ONLY. What should I use ?
@lKinder_Bueno also developed Fan Control, available here :



WHAT IF I WANT TO USE THE MEDIA KEYS WITHOUT THE Fn KEY ?
@ditchmagnet did a pretty good work/script/tutorial here about how to do this.

######## Drivers links
- OverPowered support page : OP-LP1 stands for the GK5CN5Z and OP-LP2 for the GKCN6Z
- Mechrevo support drivers download page: Hoover the links on the right side and check the file's name to know what you're going to download
- Eluktronics support drivers download page
- CyberPowerPC driver page and BIOS page (look for NB-408-111 as GK5CN6Z or NB-408-110 as GK5CN5Z)

######## Fixing some hardware issues
Some issues (erratic on/off and behavior) regarding the keyboard, its backlights, and fans have been fixed by carefully checking mobo connections to these components and/or wiring management, as some wires might be jammed by a screw.
Some touchpad erratic behaviors have been fixed by applying a bit of pressure on the touchpad part that face to the battery (behind the battery).

How to get better / louder audio ?


How to get better screen refresh rate ?
It is possible to increase a little bit refresh rate of the screen. Instructions in this link. @lKinder_Bueno went from 60 to 64Hz, and some other went from 144Hz to 156Hz on another laptop that use the same 144Hz panel.

Working touchpad in Linux
Solutions to get the touchpad working under Linux have been found here.
- For a Linux distro with 4.15 Kernel : download patches located here and run them. You may need to re-apply a few of them (especially linux-image-unsigned-4.15.0-34-generic.deb) after a system update.
- For a Linux distro with other kernel : more info and source can be found on original page
or in the following tutorial:

######## How to get a working Linux
Just look at this post (working touchpad and Optimus, Linux Mint 19.1 with 4.15 or 4.19 kernels)
There is also an "unofficial control center" made to control keyboards RGB lighting that you can find here on Github. (Thanks @LeoniePhiline to point this out).


######## How to get a working Hackintosh
That's possible too, but you wont be able to use the dedicated Nvidia GPU. Wifi and Bluetooth also need to be replaced to work. A working EFI folder can be found here. Clover and some kexts are outdated now, but it should still work. Simply install using this EFI folder then update everything. If you're not familiar with hackintoshing, have a look at this subreddit.


######## Performance
In-game video performances can be found in this youtube playlist, thanks to @lKinder_Bueno, and some other on @B0B 's youtube channel

Know problems
Some people noticed processor performance issues (low clock rate, power limits stuck at 35W, Thermal throttleling...), resulting in a Cinebench score under 1000, FPS drops...
Concerning v1.2.2.2 (might be the same - or not - for older versions) : it appears that the Gaming Center (or Control Center as logically called by XMG) is changing CPU power limits depending on the FAN mode :
- Gaming mode : PL1=55W and PL2=65W
- Office mode : PL1=PL2=35W
Performance modes changes minimum and maximum CPU speed as and Windows power plans (known as My******* in Windows Power Option configuration panel).
As far as we know:
- Game and High Performance modes set CPU speed to full speed (between 3.8 and 4.1GHz)
- Equilibrium Mode : variable CPU speed (up to 4.1GHz theoretically)
- Power Saving Mode sets maximum CPU speed at 2.2GHz
- Single RAM channel can become a bottleneck on some CPU intensive games ( see this video for explanations)

Tips to solve CPU power/performance issues, in order of troubleshooting :
- Plug your AC adapter in !
- In Gaming Center, switch to Gaming mode in the fans settings, and to Equilibrium mode in the the System Monitor tab. Performance modes "High performance" and "Game mode" just constantly max out CPU frequency, which is useless and seems to give worst perfs, as i7 8750H and i5 8300H are made to fastly change frequency by themselve.
- Update to last BIOS, EC and Gaming center versions. So far (january 2019) the combination of most recent versions of BIOS (1.05 from OverPowered), EC (1.35.09) and Gaming Center (1.2.2.8) seems to be a solid choice. See above ######## BIOS + EC part for download links and instructions.
- Obviously, check for drivers and Windows updates
- Give a try to OEMSev, as some laptops might be sent with a firmware power limitation that doesnt fit the used AC adapter. Furthermore, a BIOS/EC update can reset this setting, so you might need to use OEMSev again after BIOS/EC update, especially if you have GK5CN6Z with 180W power adapter. Instructions below.
- Try to undervolt CPU core and cache offsets of around 125mV with Throttlestop. You should notice slightly lower temps and better perfs. A 2017 Throttlestop guide is available here while the thread with download links and a lot of useful information is there. Information about undervolting under Linux can be found here. A tutorial video specifically made for GK5CN laptops by @B0B is available here !
- 35W limitation when in Office fan mode (as well as default 55 and 65 PL1 and PL2) can be overriden in ThrottleStop by toggling "Disable and Lock Turbo Power Limits" into FIVR window, then set proper values in TPL window (such as 60 for Turbo Boost Long Power Max and 70 for the Short Power Max).
- Go dual channel RAM ! Best is to buy 2 exact same sticks, but differents might also work.
- It doesn't have to be necessary but it helps anyway: replace stock thermal paste under CPU and GPU heatsinks with higher grade and thick thermal paste. Conductonaut is best but very tricky to use as it is liquid metal (can easily break yout laptop). Kryonaut and Noctua NT-H1 are not good choices (even if they're good for desktop PC) because they're too thin and pump out easily. Gelid GC Extreme or DC Diamond are good. Just in case, here are picture and details about thermal pads, if you want to replace them as well. @ditchmagnet got better results by adding a foil under screws of the heatsink in order to get more pressure and it seems to work.It seem to avoid big temp differences between cores (might also hapen because of a thin paste pumped out).

OEMsev : "A tool to flash your system when changing adapter and other components."
Found on this forum by @steberg LINK TO FILE (for GK5CN5Z and GK5CN6Z)

Furthermore, a BIOS/EC update can reset this setting, so you might need to use OEMSev again after BIOS/EC update, especially if you have GK5CN6Z with 180W power adapter.

/!\ Benefits and risks of this tweak are still uncertain /!\
What to do :
- Download the file and open the correct folder regarding your laptop version
- Open F.bat with a text editor
- Find the following line : OemServiceWinApp.exe AdpType /Set #
- Depending on your AC adapter, replace the # at the end by : 1 (?W adapter, maybe 230W?), 2 (180W adapter), 3 (150W adapter), 4 (120W adapter)
- Save the file and run it as administrator
- Reboot and you're done

If you want to play with other settings:
********************************************************************************
* Uniwill OEM Service Application - Version 00.01 *
********************************************************************************
=>Help : Print all command sets.
=>RWBlock0 : Reada/Write Block 0 data.
=>MeUnlock : UnLock Intel ME region.
=>RgbLb : RGB LightBar Configurations.
=>AdpType : Adapter Type configuration.
=>NbType : Notebook Type selection.
=>HiddenPage : Enable/Disable the Hidden Page in BIOS Setup.
=>LOGO : Dump/Load Logo data.
=>SubWoofer : SubWoofer configuration.
=>SetApCtrl : Set AP support control.
=>RgbKb : RGB Keyboard configuration.
=>OCValue : Nvidia OverClocking configuration.
=>SWBID : SW Board ID configuration.
=>KBLBID : Set KB Board ID configuration.
=>OemTdr : OEM TDR configuration.
=>LEDKB : LED Keyboard configuration

######## Battery life / Unpluged performance
As this laptop is, well, a laptop, a lot of people expect from it to get correct lifetime when unpluged. Here are a few tips:
- Maybe you will need softer undervolting settings when your laptop is unpluged if you want to avoid crashes. You can do it in Throttlestop by setting a battery profile and specifing it in the Option window (toggle "Battery profile" and set the number of your battery profile. If you use high TPL values for when your laptop is pluged in, you might limit current drain when on battery by decreasing CPU core IccMax values (and maybe also PP0 ?) in FIVR window for the battery profile.
- Several users experienced excessive power drain from the deditaced graphic card running even when not needed. It seems to lead to a PKG power of ~12W when idle, which is undesired. To avoid this, make sure you didnt force your internet browser to use your dGPU. If you use MSI Afterburner, make sure that "Apply overcock at system startup" is NOT toggled, as it automatically turns the dGPU on just to apply your OC/UV settings, even if you dont need it. Also, @arcticjoe made a script that turns off the dGPU when the laptop is unplugged, forcing any app back onto iGPU (unless the dGPU is needed, ie for external monitor use):


######## What are remaining challenges for this awesome laptop ?
A lot! Here is a list summarized by @dreamcat4 that can be found here. Feel free to share your suggestion !



####################

I'll try to keep this post up to date as much as I can by watching this thread and others. Please tell if you find missing or irrelevant information, as well as missing download links (especially GK5CN5Z BIOS and EC).

Spoiler: [EDIT] 27/12/18

added 1.2.2.8 Control Center
added BIOS 1.05 - EC 1.35.09 from OverPowered
added OverPowered support link
added few informations regarding dual channel RAM issue
added YT channel of @B0B
added working tutorial for installing Linux

Spoiler: [EDIT] 04/01/19

added modded (no brand and no animation) Gaming Center 1.2.2.8
added link to CyberPowerPC drivers
added sub-chapter about MyApp + download link
added remaining challenges chapter

Spoiler: [EDIT] 05/01/19

added BIOS 1.0.0 and 1.0.2 from OverPowered for GK5CN5Z
sligtly modified BIOS/EC update instructions
sligtly updated and modified Performance chapter

Spoiler: [EDIT] 25/01/19

added Misc parts chapter

Spoiler: [EDIT] 16/02/19

added Battery life / Unplugged perfs chapter
updated Performance chapter
added Rev.center to Gaming Center alternatives
added Gaming Center 1.2.3.4, 2.0.1.1 and 2.0.1.3
added BIOS 1.09 - EC 1.37.09 - XMG
updated Fixing some hardware issues chapter
added various other informations

Spoiler: [EDIT] 25/03/19

added EC 1.38.09 - XMG
updated Rev.Center topic with v1.65

Spoiler: [EDIT] 04/12/19

added Fan Manager 1.0
added BIOS N102, N151 and N153 for GK5CP0Z
added Linux RGB controler
added GamingCenterU1.0.0.17 from Eluktronics an MyApp 1.6.1
added some context, and a link to download everything I uploaded on MEGA, for backup purposes.
added script to use media/function keys without using the Fn key
added Hackintosh section
added link to unlocked BIOS

[/QUOTE]

 

Yes! But there are companies which already have stock, so please add the others to the OP like Dream Machines in Poland and Illegear who have stock already

As mentioned, our version has a different keyboard and sandblast aluminium finish...i can't say more until we release our version, but this will be in a couple of weeks.

 

I'm probably getting one of these soon, will post more details when I do.

That said, I have spent some time with a sample unit though so these are my initial thoughts.

PROS:

1) Runs quite cool for a 1060 "thin-and-light", even at full loads - bottom part gets around 45 degrees at the hottest point, after 20-ish minutes of Furmark (tested with an IR Thermometer). Fan curves seems not bad too, plus there's always the "panic-button" (the full fan override button) if things ever get too hot.

2) Sturdy build (A and B panels are metal, lid cover considerably sturdier then the MSI GS series or the Clevo P950 series).

3) 60hz screen is the same panel used on the Aero 15/15X Mk 1 (at least on the unit I tested). Not a bad panel (though not the best either).

4) The thin bazels are deceptively sturdy, feels better then what the GS65 has (but probably worse the Aero 15's full laminated, Macbook-style screen, even if those are a PITA for maintenance).

5) Very easy to get into for maintenance / upgrades (a few bottom screws and you're in). Also none of that upside down motherboard silliness that the equivalent MSIs have.

6) Possibly external G-Sync capable (as the HDMI at least runs off the Nvidia rather then off the iGPU).

7) 2x M2 NVMe slots + 2.5 SATA bay for a whole host of storage possibilities.

8) Runs at about 40-ish dba at full (Furmark) load (tested with a phone app with my phone mic put 5cm from the right / left vents). Also, adjustable fan curves FTW.

9) "Mechanical" KBB feels awesome to type on, but IS considerably "clicky-er" than the KBB on the GS65 (which feels mushy in comparison). However, it's an Alienware type aka "old-style" type KBB (NOT an island or chiclet type like on most other similar notebooks) so it might take a while to get used to for touch-typing.

10) Lots of ports (3x USB 3, 1x Type-C, 2x MiniDP, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, seperate Mic/Audio Jack's), BUT...

CONS:

1) ... no TB3 (yep, unfortunately).

2) Card reader is of the "half-in" type and only runs at USB2.0 speeds.

3) 3-4 hour battery life (with the current battery config, supposedly an optional config is coming that sacrifices the 2.5 bay for an extended battery).

4) Point above is made worse by the fact that the Nvidia (rather than the iGPU) runs the HDMI connection so if you plug a HDMI screen / projector in, there WILL be higher than expected battery drain (but hey, if you're plugging it into a monitor / projector you should have a plug close right?). You do get the possibility of External Gsync out of this compromise though (see Pro #6).

5) No Clevo-style "Flexi-Charge" (user configurable battery charge limits). At least not yet.

6) TBH, its sliiiiiightly thicker then the Aero 15 / GS series / P950, by a few CMs (due to the rubber feet at the bottom of the case)... if that's important to you.

7) Also, C panel is NOT metal, though the bottom fan vents are (it's like some hybrid build). I do like the plastics used though (more the GE63's textured, durable feeling material then the smooth, flimsy-ish stuff on the GS43).

So yeah, initial thoughts. Will go even deeper once I get my unit for a full review.

And what's an "initial thoughts" post without some teaser pics (of the sample unit, not mine):

 

https://www.xmg.gg/xmg-neo-15-gaming-laptop

- available with 144Hz screen !
- extra batttery capacity !

 

Ooooh!

@XMG send a unit to NBC to be reviewed, STAT!

I mean, I will run my own in depth review on my "version" once I get mine, but I'm thinking that this little thing deserves all the coverage (and hype) it can get, under whatever name.

Also, nice smooth finishing and concave key caps! Gives a nice touch of character to the XMG unit to be honest, a shame you guys are half-way across the world from me.

Finally...

... oh yeah some confirmation at last re: External G-Sync.

Yep, quite possibly the same AUO 144hz IPS/AVHA panel used by the Asus Strix and the GS65 (and hopefully not the LGP one on the Aero v8). The big battery option is nice too - though being the media black hole that I am I've opted for the 2.5 bay + smaller battery combo for my own unit.

 

Hmm looks interesting. I also bet this is AUO panel and as i suspected the 2.5 bay is sacrificed in favor to bigger battery.

The KB is little strange though. It feels like mechanical but there is extra spring there which looks like it is supposed to make only clicking sound (it can be seen when you remove keycap). The KB isn't like any other laptop mechanical switches i had experienced (for example MSI GT75 or HP Omen X feel better). It might be some membrane/mechanical hybrid (i would have to destroy KB and this i can't do).

I agree with most points made by eiraku. For more well i'm waiting for retail laptop.

 

I think buy this laptop but I would like to know if a 144hz screen is really useful with a 1060 graphics card and also if the additional capacity of the battery is really interesting in terms of autonomy.Thank you

 

Look forward to seeing your review!

We will have one with nbc as soon as we've finished our tweeking!!!!

 

Review of the 1050TI version:

http://zhongce.sina.com.cn/article/view/8457/

Gaming part:

http://zhongce.sina.com.cn/article/view/8459/


A bit discouraging that the official Tongfang website is malware infested though...

 

There's a pretty in depth review of the 1060 version out as well, albeit in a striking shade of silver (ugh):

https://goo.gl/aRrHnf (direct link untranslated)

But yeah, TongFang's web presence is pretty iffy. It took me the LONGEST time to get ANY info about them at all while searching for details on this particular laptop and the previous TongFang barebones my local folks brought in.

@Legion343 Yeah, they don't really feel like other "mech keyboard" types but I'm chalking that up to the in-house tech they're using, which doesn't look like Cherry or Kailh or whatever - because they don't feel like membrane (or even a mech/membrane hybrid) to me either, at least in consistency of travel and response.

Maybe it's a scissors type mech switch, I know Kaihua was working on those since last year (though it was subtly different in form)... maybe TongFang got... ehem... "inspired" by those. Or, maybe it's just something else entirely.

@bubuch Unfortunately, no, a 1060 (and maybe not even a 1070) is probably not enough to max out a 144hz screen, except maybe for some older (and "eSport") titles. But AFAIK you CAN set the screen to refresh to 60hz if you wanted to, or you can simply go get the 60hz screen instead, which isn't too bad.

Also, the extended battery should be good for an additional 1-2 hours minimal over the basic version, which is a decent trade off IMHO if you need the battery life.

 

Thank you Eiraku, I had forgotten that we could switch to 60hz...
I read the test and if it’s right temperatures are very correct!
3 hours battery life, 4h expected with the modification. Pretty nice

 

With the extension, probably more like 5 hours, maybe 6 if you're lucky.

Me? I'm gonna see if I can at least eke out 4h 30m out of the small one lol.

 

Watching this system closely...

 

I just took delivery of mine, gonna spend some time prepping it up for normal use and for the review.

And yeah, it's a pretty nice little machine indeed... but it's not without its rough edges to be sure.

 

https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.p...7-das-neue-xmg-neo-15-im-ersten-hands-on.html

 

Another teaser, while I'm setting up and benching:

 

These Kailhs look like the switches that the keyboard uses. The clickbar seems like a horrible option for those who are in college using it at the library or classrooms.

 

Looking at that metal bar thingies and the internal spring, it very much does, though the switch block itself (the blue part) looks subtly different.



And yeah, I do agree that they should have opted for the less clicky switch (or somehow tuned it to lessen the sound a bit more). The current one - while EXTREMELY satisfying to punch a thousand word essay on when you're NOT trying to keep it quiet - is a complete PITA when you ARE trying to be discreet.

At least the switch is not built out of a rubber dome like with the Aero 15 lol.

But you do get the impression that unlike the GS65 and the Aero 15, TongFang really didn't have "non-gaming use cases" (aka "work use") in mind specifically when designing the GK5CN - hence the decision to go all clickilickilik with the KBB.

Which is a shame as with the light bar turned off and the the RGB lighting lowered to minimum, it does look understated enough to pass as "work" device lol.

 

Spoiler

 

Holy mother of God. Is that what I think it is?

 

Check your mail.

 

Will do Capt'n!

You've got return mail with questions though.

 

Captain, explain please!

 

Nah, just the latest EC/BIOS from Mechrevo/TongFang for the Z2 - which now has a BIOS switch to choose between zero (or at least, very low) throttling (at the expense of more heat and louder fans), balanced throttling (med heat, med noise) and cool running (least heat and fan noise, most throttling, probably best battery life).

A bit of a bummer you can't switch between these setups from within windows but hey, at least you get a choice.

And yeah, apparently the files are cross compatible across all GK5CN versions (of the same GPU anyway) - if you don't mind getting your boot screen logo turned into a MechRevo one (which actually looks pretty cool) and your PC data in BIOS changed to the MechRevo/Z2 (from whatever your OEM/Assembler has put in).

 

How much does one of these cost?

 

Mine was a shade less then 2000USD + taxes, but computers aren't cheap where I am lol.

That said, expect it to be cheaper by few hundred USDs worth compared to the GS65 / Aero 15 (1060 versions) whereever it's sold - except maybe if those two are on sale or something.

Here's a little keyboard glamshot to show off that Per-key RGB:



You know, just to keep things from getting too quiet in here.

 

Just FYI guys Mechrevo laptops are slowly appearing here. CyberPowerPC used to be the only ones with any, but Eluktronics just picked up a Mech-15. Debating getting my hands on one. I think that’s the Mechrevo X8Ti.

 

Keyboard sound and Fan Boost (forced full fans) test. Do excuse the background static and the fact that the laptop is put on a rather flexible surface (an empty plastic container) which explains the wobbly-ness when I punch the keys harder.

And no the fans aren't like that all the time either.

Also, there's that Windows "ding" right there in the middle for sound level reference.

 

Woah XMG beat me to the punch for the disassembly vids.

Guess I got caught up on Fallout 4 so much I didn't do much myself lol.

 

I was almost sure to wait for the dell xps 9750 until I found this thread...
Have you experimented any throttling?

 

If you mean throttling as in not sustaining full Turbo Boost, the GK5CN sustains 2.8Ghz (-ish) during my Furmark + Prime stress test (well, more like torture test), so yeah it doesn't get full Turbo Clocks (no CFL-H laptop does, unfortunately).

If you mean dipping below base clock (2.2GHz), it doesn't.

 

Thanks for your answer and sharing your experiences!

Have you tried Cinebench single core? (to see if it can reach a full turbo boost...)

 

Run something more RL test like AIDA64 combined load...
Furmark should never be used as it is being limited anyways by the NVIDA driver since GTX4/5 generations and would just kill these small systems with the limiter removed.

 

CB Single Core score is 170CB.

Just to confirm, in a repeated loop Multi-Core test (to test throttling), it performs similarly to the Asus Zephyrus GM501 (as tested by NBC), with a sustained score of about 1050, so it's not all bad (the Aero and GS65 has worse loop scores IINM).

Well, I ran Furmark + Prime because that's what NBC does for "torture testing" so that it would be a valid (well, acceptably valid anyway, considering the multitude of other variables in play) point of comparison against other similarly tested units... that's all.

And yeah, I do understand that both Prime and Furmark isn't optimal benches on their own to simulate RL loads (hence the fact that someone even called them Power Viruses... I think it was Nvidia). But again, I'm only using them to generate comparable data (against NBC).

That said, I will run that AIDA test later just to see how the GK5CN fairs, though I'm currently knee deep in FO4 right now so it might be a while.

 

It's an old bad habit of NBC which should have been dismissed a long time ago when NVIDIA put the brakes into their firmware.

 

Well, that much I'll have to concur with, but unless a more viable "detailed" review site comes along that doesn't so this, it's pretty hard not to have to do it to a new notebook for comparative reference data generation.

At least for a few runs. After which I myself don't want to touch those two again for the foreseeable future lol.

But yeah, will report later once I've done the AIDA test and we can see how the GK5CN does.

 

@eiraku have you tried both keyboards out there? I´ve seen the keys in your Onix but did you tried the other one (like the one is in the XMG)?
I imagine both are noisy but is one more confortable to type than the other?

 

Unfortunately no, I have not tested both types, but I'd say the XMG/Z2 certainly looks like it'll be easier and more comfortable to type on, if not for the spacing between and the concave shape of the keys alone.

Which reminds me, @XMG any way you can make the keys alone (if possible in US configuration) available for sale? If you sell I'd probably buy one set for myself.

 

@eiraku we usually have around 15 keyboard language options per chassis, including US International. As our version of the chassis isn't released until the end of May, there will likely be more language options available closer to that point. I don't have firm details atm, but we are starting to use our in house laser machine to burn different language keyboards and this will give much more flexability for all the models that we sell

 

Nice.

So, any plans to sell JUST the complete set of XMG keycaps? I'd buy for sure if you guys do sell, long as you guys ship to Asia.

And I believe there will be others who would do the same (considering varient of the GK5CN with the flat-capped "Onyx-Type" keyboard seems to be more prevalent amongst other resellers), so I'd say that the market DOES exist for your, rather awesome, caps.

And as you are already able customise your machine to the point of the sandblast finishing, I'd also say you have a rather cosy relationship with TongFang, so it's not entirely beyond the realm of possibility that you can ask them to include sets of unmounted keycaps in your consignment, right?

Say, for on-site repair purposes *wink*

This, of course, all depends that the keycaps CAN fit across versions. If not then, yeah.

Also, you might want to keep the caps as a "brand-exclusive" customization, and I can totally understand that.

 

@eiraku I wonder if you are a photoshop user.
There is a real world benchmark (none of the syntetic benchmarks help to know the real performance) made by these people:
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...otoshop-CC-Benchmark-1132/#comment-3894578322

Don´t know if you are able to make this benchmark to see the real performance of the 8750h in low threaded (low gpu usage) apps like PS

 

I used to be, but nowadays I just do my raster edits in Paint.Net mostly, and my photo edits in Luminar so I haven't installed PS in a while.

So yeah, I'm not sure I can help. But you can probably guestimate the performance level from the Cinebench scores for Single (1114CB) and Multi (170CB) + the GPU scores (111.07 FPS).

Compare that against a 7700HQ equipped 1060 laptop, and you should be able to extrapolate the increase (or decrease) in performance level.

 

And yeah, my first revision of the Illegear Onyx (aka GK5CN6Z) full review is out: https://goo.gl/u71dSt

Please be gentle on me folks.

 

Thanks!
Waiting for the reviews of the XPS 15 and decide between this and the pcspecialist here which is already available

 

Interesting laptop, at first I thought I must be some sort of Clevo/Sager rebrand but it’s not is it?
Great review eiraku. Best part is the easily accessible parts for cleaning,Ram or storage upgrades.
Seems like a pretty good laptop for the money , any known resellers in the USA?

 

Yeah it isn't. That's what a lot of people thought first too, and I had to open a Reddit AMA to clear up the air a bit because everybody kept posting about "That New Clevo" over there lol.

As for US resellers, I'm not too sure unfortunately. At least none of the big names have signed up AFAIK, so maybe some of the smaller players?

Thanks for the compliments on the review though, much appreciated.

That said, if you do plan to buy and disassemble one later, do refer to the brilliant set of disassembly videos XMG has got for their Neo 15 (there's not much difference between the many GK5CN brothers so it's applicable across the board).

 

Very interesting chassis, but sad that only with mechanical keyboard.
I wish it has a centred scissors style keyboard, like in Dell XPS / MacBook Pro.

 

There's a possibility (more like a rumor) that Illegear (the folks I've gotten mine from) might be looking into a membrane version of the GK5CN keyboard.

But yeah, it's hearsay at this point so take it with an entire bag of salt.

 

@eiraku did you run AIDA64 test to see if throttling happens when stressing only the cpu or both cpu+gpu?