TONGFANG GK5CN5Z / GK5CN6Z / GK5CQ7Z / GK5CP0Z

Could this be related to the Speed Step issue I posted a few comments ago? Seems to be disabled.

 

Yeah it's from PCP, undervolting is done via ThrottleStop. If there are no problems from other retailers then maybe they run a different bios. Hardware is exactly the same so it's all down to the software. In the UK I thought only PCP sell this model

 

Just cancelled my order of an P751TM1 to get this notebook instead. Don't like the CPU limit while dGPU is active. Well, once I have the notebook I´ll hunt for the latest BIOS.

 

If you do find it do follow the included instructions to the latter.

Oh, and backup your original BIOS if possible first, so that you have something to go back to if anything happens.

 

I sent eiraku the firmware with the highest limits before the review, so the results you see there in his review should represent that...

 

Actually, I didn't review it with the "best" BIOS, @Prema, I reviewed it on stock. It wouldn't be fair otherwise to test a retail device with an "aftermarket" BIOS (in that sense), but I did include info that things will be improved in the upcoming updates (which it has).

Data I got afterwards with "that" BIOS will be posted here if someone specifically asks and marked as such TBH (the Cinebench results were from stock, for example), as are my experiences with it as I've stated above (no CPU throttling when GPU is on and stuff).

Can I post the link to the BIOS backuper archive though, just for safety purposes?

 

The backup is unique to your system and contains it's serial numbers, mac address etc and should not be used on others systems or they will loose their unique features.

 

Is there any chance you could send it out again for a donation?

 

PCS have been known for their bios issues before. Even when contacted they've refused to release updated bios to customers. Mines gone back for repair and I added to the return that I'd like the latest bios.

 

It's an official firmware update, which is currently being tested by the ODM.
It should come to all vendor automatically...

It doesn't remove throttle entirely but it's a step into the right direction.

@eiraku maybe also post your result with it so user get an idea of what is possible and about to become standard.

 

Alright, will do. As much as you hate Furmark I have before and afters for my Furmark and Prime stress tests.

Oh, and about the archive, I wanted to share the link to the software (you gave me) that backups the stock BIOS, NOT my stock BIOS backups specifically.

Is this okay, @Prema?

 

Post some AIDA64 combined load tests if you have...

Those files can do too much harm if not used properly and then it becomes my problem, so please don't post them.

 

Alright, that's why I had to ask.

Sorry, folks, please wait for your respective BIOS updates to hit, as I can't do anything here TBH, out of respect for all the good that @Prema has done.

Please do understand.

Anyway I'm Aida benching my latest BIOS/EC Onyx now, do gimme a bit of time for the results.

 

Yep, mine's from PCS. I undervolt via throttlestop (have it set to launch at startup). To be fair, even with 3ghz limit 6 cores more than make up for that handicap, though it would be nice if I could lift it up to around 3.5Ghz whilst gaming.

 

To be fair, none of the other CFL-H thin-and-lights (GS65/Aero 15X v8) seem to be able to go that high sustained either (1.9Ghz and 2.8Ghz respectably), at least not during a full on stress test (check NBC).

Which leads me to believe that there are actually other limitations at work here on CFL-H, rather than pure heat throttling. Maybe it's hitting the limit of the 150w adapter (which is wierd as I actually use 180w units), or the power rails.

And unfortunately, apparently even with the newest BIOS, the CPU seems to still be limited to 3Ghz while stress testing (Aida64 GPU engaged), though IINM I've seen it spike higher (3.2?) for a bit during Fallout 4, which is wierd.

Will share the graphs once I'm done with a proper 30min run with and without the GPU active.

 

Make sure to undervolt the CPU (125mV-ish) ...stock voltage is too high for stock clocks and since the multis are locked anyway no need for that.

 

Sound advice I'll be repasting mine and undervolting as well. Arriving tomorrow I'll throw up tests an a bit of a review once it's here

 

I'm doing -120 across the board right now as it seems that Windows starts doing weird ghosty things with folders if I go to -125 on mine.

Yeah not much a lottery winner it seems like for me.

Now waiting for the non-GPU Aida stress test to complete 30 mins... and honestly the CPU isn't going THAT much higher lol.

Is it just me or did TongFang set 80c as the limit celling with the GK5CN? Which is funny as with the GPU engaged, it went to 85 fine and still didn't go to full boost.

 

Anyway, here's the benches.

First up, with the GPU:


Next, with no GPU:


Yeahhh. Not much real difference (besides that 0.2-ish GHz), and that "throttling" text without any real throttling actually happening is a bit fishy as well (not to mention the temps in the non-GPU test being nowhere near throttle territory).

Also, yeah, this is both on the latest BIOS/EC, and the proc UVed with TS to -120mv across the board.

 

Is that with OTP power level set to high?

 

Yep, and I checked... twice. Windows and Command Center profiles set to High Performance too.

I wonder how its gonna be on the lower OTP settings.

 

Loosing only those 200Mhz (on 'high' / 55W) is actually pretty decent for any manufacturers stock firmware these days.

IIRC 'low' would be 35W and just like the older shipping BIOS default.

 

Yeah, considering how the rivals did under similar stress testing, I'd say it's pretty good TBH.

Just wondering what it would take for it to be able to hit and sustain higher boost clocks... although I do agree its a pretty pointless exercise lol.

 

I had it happen too. It'll throttle at a temp that it thinks your processor has as a throttle point, regardless of actual throttle. I've had it throw "throttling" at 97c on my 7700K despite it never actually throttling for the entire test. I know the 7700Ks need to hit 100c before it'll throttle.

 

So it's just AIDA then? Hmmm.

 

Yes, AIDA being AIDA.

 

Oh well. Then it's should be fine.

 

I'm a bit lost now to whether or not this machine is worth it then?

 

I'm going to be keeping mine, if that's any indication. Besides the overly clicky keyboard, the unfortunately slow internal memory card reader and the meh initial BIOS, its still a very good device in my books TBH.

And yeah, its performance under load, while not being entirely examplary due to the weird reluctance to keep higher turbo clocks, is at least better then it's contemporaries (GS65/Aero).

So yeah, it's worth it for me.

 

I did want a more portable laptop but I want one with performance that will last me a few years at least. Limited bios is an annoyance. Then again the machine cost £900 which is way lower than rival machines

 

This! I been looking out for Aero 15 and GS65, but here they booth cost 2600 Euro, while this cost 1400 Euro, with almost same specs.

 

PC Specialist just added a driver today:

GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® AC-9560 M.2 (1.73Gbps, 802.11AC) +BT 5.0

If anyone is interested.

 

Can't doubt the value of the machine from PCS just hope they get the issues with drivers and bios sorted. I will be using throttlestop for undervolt. I'll be happy with the machine if it performs well stays cool and lasts me longer than my octane from them did.

 

For me personally, this currently represents the best bang for your buck if you're after a compact 15incher. Yes it has a few flaws, but so do most of the competition.

 

Yeah after looking at the competition it really does beat them for price quite convincingly. Mine arrives today after a day or so with it I'll know if I'm keeping it.

 

Keep us updated please! The shop here imports the notebook from PC-specialist as well. It will take a few more days to arrive.

 

Will do. It's arriving this afternoon. Should have it up and running asap

 

I've done the same tests with stock BIOS and undervolting both cache and core by 125 mV. My CPU is topping out at 3492 Ghz with just the CPU running, while with both CPU and GPU I'm getting similar results to you. The temps are the only notable difference as mine runs cooler with the GPU+CPU test, topping at about 80-81 celsius. I also don't have that weird throttling alert.

 

Nah that's probably just ambient temp, running bg software and silicone differences, though we've also established that the wierd throttling alert might just be AIDA being daft.

Good to hear you're getting such a good result off the stock BIOS nonetheless though, as it was a bit worse then that on mine on stock.

 

Well I've got mine. First boot up. I'm windows and fans are really loud cpu at 60 idling? Great.

 

Sounds like a repaste is in order. My fans do not run at all until I start benching / gaming.

 

I'll repaste but it's a bad start. Latest Nvidia drivers worked though. Gonna benchmark it before and after

 

Ahh I'll have to order some Gelid Extreme before it arrives then...

 

I've got some kryonaut grizzly here. I'm just going through 3DMark tests.

 

Anybody know any US vendors of this? I know Eluktronics will have it, but it voids warranty if you repaste

 

Hello everyone ! I have been following this thread for quite a long and I am really considering to get this laptop from PCS. Thanks for all for all your contribution so far, it was very informative!
I would like to know more about the keyboard.


Is the noise that clicky and that bothering ? (And cannot really figure out from the youtube video).
Can the noise be a problem when it comes to talk in teamspeak/discord while gaming?

I see that there is also a num pad. Is the space between each keys comfortable enough ?


Thank you for your help ! Sorry btw for my English, I tried my best.

 

Hello Kenral,

I actually quite like the clicky noise, gives a nice feedback for button presses. Even though the mic seems to be right next to the webcam, I can still imagine the mic picking up the keyboard noise as it's rather loud. I don't consider it a con though, as if you plan to game on these laptops, you will have to wear a headset for 2 reasons: 1. The mentioned keyboard click, on a decent headset you can set up the mic so it won't pic the clicks up 2. If you run a demanding game, the fans tend to get quite loud, so again, the built-in mic will most likely pick that up + if you have headset that fits around your ears properly, you won't hear any of that fan noise. Just my two cents.

Also, has anyone been bothered by the fingerprint magnet properties of this laptop? I'm hunting for a coating for it that will help with this, anyone ever used something similar?

 

I've coated my lid and palm rests with translucent Carbon Fibre vinyl, which helps bit (ok, a LOT actually) with the fingerprintiness.

Needs a bit of DIY though, unless you have a place to go to that does laptop wraps.

 

I've used mine this morning. The keyboard is very clicky and the positioning is taking some time to get used. Forgot to launch TS then ran State of decay on Ultra the CPU got up to 90 degrees. I've yet to repaste the machine. Just typing this paragraph has taken far longer to type than it really should have.

Anyone know how to get Throttlestop to start on bootup?

 

@\Eiraku have you repasted your machine? also got any pics of the vinyl wrap?