TONGFANG GK5CN5Z / GK5CN6Z / GK5CQ7Z / GK5CP0Z

Beautiful - just ordered a stick. Also, what are the screws for backplate, heatpipes, and trackpad? Phillips/Torx? I saw someone mention here they ordered new screws after they stripped them. Could someone provide a link to that? Thanks.

 

That specific adapter only supports 42x22mm and 30x22mm (the half and mini sizes as per the M.2 NGFF spec). Basically something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-256GB-MTS400-Solid-TS256GMTS400S/dp/B075P1JSGL/. I like to completely isolate my OS / boot files from my /home so I'd solely use this tiny one as my boot if I can (and then Linux data on NVM slot 1 and Windows data on NVM slot 2). This is all theoretical of course, it would work obviously but I don't know how and where I would mount it yet.

 

They are all different size phillips ph00 -ph2 iirc

Edit:

You could just wrap the drive in Kapton tape use double sided tape to mount it.

 

Ah, but only for a screw hole. What i was trying to point out to you is that: You can in fact adapt the adaptor, so that it may take longer drives (like the 80mm standard size). So long as you can get around that short standoff location. Probably by just insulating it with some plastic electrical tape.

You don't need a screw hole at the 80mm mark if you can keep the thing firmly together by other means. Usually that means wedging against other chassis and / or wrapping the whole thing in more tape. YMMV but that's what I would do. There are a variety of ways to achieve this.

 

Oh yea, of course, I just don't know how much room there is to add a 80mm drive. I was just gonna get a dirt cheap 42 to test it first ... obviously the adapter will take a while to come from China / HK.

 

I was able to get 2500MB/s write and 3000MB/s read on the NVMe only slot. So I guess the that slot is 4x. I'm using overpowered 15+.

 

Neat, the manual was stating that it's 2x *shrug*

 

Getting ~3300r / ~3500w using a WB Black 1TB in the NVMe only slot. Have an 860 in the m.2 SATA slot, so can't test NVMe with both. The NVMe only slot is 100% 4x, unsure of shared lanes when using an additional NVMe drive in the NVMe/SATA combined slot though.

 

I put my 950pro in the same slot the SSD came in that shipped with the laptop, so I think it's the SATA + PCIe slot. Getting ~2500r / 1500w which are the specs for the 950pro. I would think it would drop to ~1800r if it was a 2x slot.

 

When I am starting up sniper elite 3, my 1060 is not turning on and only the on board intel graphics card is working. I'm using the laptop screen. So my frames are around 20 fps. Anyone else have this issue?

 

Did you set it to use the 1060 in the nvidia control panel?

 

I'm not sure if I did. I hit optimize settings. It says it is using optimized settings.

 

This is usually caused by power profile settings. Make sure the OP Control Panel is set to "Gaming Mode" under the fan control tab and "Equilibrium Mode" under the System Monitor tab. Then, make sure "Balanced" is set in the windows power settings.

Make sure you set those options in both the OP Control software AND Windows itself. Once you've confirmed those are set correctly, check again. If it's still giving you issues, post again and I can offer some additional troubleshooting steps. There are program specific options and system wide options for selecting which graphics card to use, but the settings referenced above should take care of things for you.

 

Open your OP Gaming Center.
On the first scren (EZ Switch) scroll down to "Other Settings"
Discrete GPU set to Enable

Another way is just to right click the program you are trying to run and select "Run with graphics profile" then "High Performance NVIDIA processor"

 

[edited for better read-ability]

So to summarize, here are some of the remaining challenges for this laptop. What you all have been trying to collectively work upon:

* Still cram in 2x SATA ssds , after doing the battery upgrade.

Ideas are to remove 2.5 inch ssd from its casing, or to bodge a small m.2 to sata adapter. Need to find empty cavities, or other things to remove (such as speakers, etc.).

* Mod bios to unlock 2nd advanced hidden menu

Saving error. Individual really requires a hardware flasher CH341A and a SIOC-8 clip, for these type of experiments.

* Way to fill in and smooth out the OP Logo. On the lid surface, before covering with 3M DI-NOC vinyl sheet.

Perhaps something like car body filler? A simple solution.

* Get Hackintosh working, due to display going through Intel Graphics.

Is this because of optimus, isn't it? Isn't that not possible, without a hardware mux to do the switching? Well this laptop does not seem to have a hardware mux as far as we know.

* Way to obtain the better German XMG keycaps internationally.

Perhaps they are exclusive to the XMG reseller? Have we seen those keycaps on any other reseller machines in other countries?

Maybe we can make it like a little Trophy / achievement awards. By listing them as open challenges on the 1st post front page.

Please feel free to identify and list more as-yet unsolved challenges.

 

I was already in those settings. I'm reinstalling the nvidia drivers now. I also tried the EZ switch mentioned above.

On a side note is there anyway to use the 1060 when connected to a tv? Didn't someone mention earlier that you have to use on board when connecting to a tv?

 

Back in action the driver reinstall fixed it. Does anyone have nvidia control panel. Mine doesn't come with that. Bare in mind I did a fresh ISO windows install earlier.

 

Totally agree with these objectives, especially custom BIOS (is custom splashscreen possible, by the way ?) and hackintosh ( GK5CN hackintosh reddit topic here).

I would add:
* Way to obtain silent keyboard ("brown switches") internationally and individually.
Some ressellers offer it, some other dont. We would like to buy it individually (I mean the whole keyboard with switches already installed, and maybe even caps). It seems relatively easy to replace it - just need to take off every things and screws inside the laptop. By the way guys from PC Specialist recently told me that they will provide the silent keyboard from about march/april but you will have to send your computer back to them.
* Better/Custom/alternative to Gaming Center that allows:
- fan control
- lightbar and keyboard backlight control
- enables function keys (I dont remember if the corresponding service is installed with Gaming center or separate)
- enables/customize fan boost button (next to the power one). Maybe only a BIOS option is enough ?
- without messing up performance and power plans and XTU profiles and so.

 

Tried to download Nvidia control panel manually and it gives the error "not compatible with this version of windows" and says to use geforce experience. Was anyone able to get the Nvidia Control Panel?

 

I had the same issue, What I did with my fresh Windows install is not connect to Wifi so that windows cannot automatically install drivers. (Ofcourse I downloaded all up-to-date drivers before and put them on my 2,5” HDD) after I installed all my drivers I connected to Wifi to setup steam etc.


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Did you install all of the drivers on the OP 2 package?

 

Cannot reproduce this with my Medion X6807. I waited for my power supply drop to 37% and then started Intel XTU benchmark. The cores still rose up to 2,200 Mhz, temps up to 45 degrees centigrade (overall score was some bad 720, but on battery this was no surprise). After I plugged in the 180 watts brick, I immediately rerun the benchmark twice, and the cores did speed up to 3,700 Mhz with a score of 1422.
When the notebook is cold, booted up and the XTU benchmark is performed, the score even runs up to 1522.

 

My laptop seems to enter 800MHz throttling zone between 25%-30% remaining battery. I just did another test. Upon plugging in the computer, nothing happens. Changing power modes has no effect. Rebooting the computer fixes it...

 

Have you found a way to effectively remove the "Overpowered" branding located on the upper left of the keyboard?

 

Crosspost from the 17" inch thread.

After exhaustive testing with OP Gaming Center 1.2.2.8 and MyAPP 1.6.1.0 and 1.4.11.0, I wanted to post information about my findings. If you are happy with the lighting and fan controls of your current Control Center/Gaming Center, then disregard this post.

Using MyAPP lighting and fan control software on Tongfang GK5CN4, GK5CN5Z, GK5CN6Z, or ZGK7CN6S model laptops:

MyAPP is a lighting and fan control software designed for previous generation of Tongfang laptops, but I find it superior than later Control Center / Gaming Center programs that are distributed by various companies such as Eluktronics, CyberpowerPC, OVERPOWERED, etc. It has a cleaner, lighter user interface, and simplified controls which accomplish everything I need. Caveats of using this software include: no lightbar control with MyAPP and dedicated fan control button will not work (cannot find fix besides using using other software).

SPECIAL NOTES
-Lightbar settings must still be controlled with OEM Control Center / Gaming Center. I have not found a way to control my lightbar with MyAPP. This is "set it and forget it"; you may set your preferred lightbar color in the other software, save, then reboot and it will stick forever. [EDIT: some users are reporting success with lightbar controls using MyAPP, but you must still keep Control/Gaming Center installed]
-It is recommended that you disable Control Center / Gaming Center on startup. There will be a duplicate "OEM" task on startup you can disable.
-OEM Control Center / Gaming Center normally runs with higher privileges than MyAPP. Thus you will encounter issues when running both simultaneously.
-You must save after each change you make to "lighting effect" and "welcome effect". The most recent save will stick through reboot, regardless of which lighting program is used.
-Use version 1.6.1.0 or later. MyAPP version 1.4.11.0 will work with the Tongfang laptop models listed, but has issues:
- User mode lighting is missing several keys (they will not illuminate)
- Color calibration is off (orange looks yellow, yellow looks green, etc.)
- Fan smart mode seems to run at higher fan rpm's on idle

Download link to ZIP file (of MyAPP version 1.6.1.0)

I have the Tongfang 17" so if someone wants to test this method on a 15" that would be great. [EDIT: tested and working, thanks @ZaiArgylle]

 

Thanks! Will check it out ASAP

 

I went ahead and ordered the replacement battery which obviously eliminates the hdd. I have replaced the stock ssd with a high performance nvme...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BRCLMTS?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Any suggestions on a cheaper 2nd ssd for the open slot? I don't need high performance but would like something at 1tb.

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No, I used BTO (dutch retailer) drivers and the latest Mechrevo Gaming Center. I have the Recoil II btw.


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Do you have a tutorial on changing out the battery? Or is it pretty striaght forward? I have built desktops before but want to make sure when I replace my overpowered laptops battery, I am doing it right? Is there any other places to get a great quality battery you know of, currently it sounds like they are sold out...

Also I was thinking of trying out the Getac B010-00-000005, 4ICP5/63/117 15.2V 4900mAh original battery instead.

 

I tried this out, and after some tinkering I can say it worked even better than anticipated, so much so that I can even make use of all the programs functions, including light bar control. The interface is much cleaner and even the color configs seem to crisper and better integrated with the boot up system, since they have completely solved my BLUE light problem, even when the programs startup is disabled (it seems to alter even the "default" backlit mode, that the Control Center doesn't seem to touch)

If it were only for light and fan control I could even completely do away with the Control Center and only use this, the problem is the program doesn't come with an integrated on-screen display that serves as heads up for toggling other functions (for example, turning on num lock, or showing a bar that indicates current keyboard backlight intensity), so I'll continue to use Control Center and make the MyApp settings match it light color wise, to get a smooth transition.

Now this poses a new question. How do you get WHITE RGB color from My Gaming Centers config? MyApp includes it in its color bar, but its nowhere to be seen in the Gaming Center. I know you can turn it to light blue and it'll somewhat resemble it, but the WHITE setting from MyApp is so much brighter and cleaner...

 

MyApp rocks! As a Mech 15 owner it’s fantastic.

When the Mech 15 was released they had both MyApp and GC for their fan/rgb color options.

MyApp was a CLEAR winner after trying them both out extensively. Not long afterwards GC wasn’t even available for the MECH 15 on their download page.

I didn’t even think to try that for these OP laptops. It’ll be nice to get a proper white rgb again!

Thanks guys, good work!

 

Itll would be awesome to compare MyApp vs. GC performance wise. Maybe MyApps fan settings won't throw off the machines performance as much as GC's infamous "Office Mode"....

 

Glad it’s working for you.

[edit: ignore next paragraph]
You aren’t seeing white as a keyboard color option? Strange, because I have white in MyAPP v1.6. And I also don’t have color options for my lightbar! I wonder if the software behaves differently on each chassis. Are you using v1.4 from Eluktronics? It does not have the option for white. The file folder I uploaded to my Google Drive has v1.6 in case you missed it.

If anyone can find a later version of MyAPP than v1.4 with the installer I would be grateful. One issue is that I don’t know the Tongfang or Mechrevo model name for the Mech-15. Mechrevo has drivers posted on their site.

Oh, and I already tested the auto fan settings. Thermals are fine in Battlefield 1 and Titanfall 2. And no funky power limits either.

Also... those on-screen notifications are unneeded in my opinion.

 

I'm not getting a white RGB option in the Control/Gaming Center program. MyApp has full functionality, including user set custom configs, white RGBs and Lightbar config (small "setting" option next to the light bar on/off toggle in the main window launches the bar config). I'm running 1.6 installed per your tutorial in OP N.1.05 BIOS

 

Roger that, thanks for testing it out! I must have misread your earlier post to be about MyAPP instead of Gaming Center. The absence of the color white in Gaming Center is definitely annoying. Changing colors in MyAPP feels easier too.

And holy crap, we DO have lightbar controls!! I completely overlooked that.

Next time I’m at my laptop I’ll try tweaking process priority levels to see if we can get the MyAPP lighting working while Command/Gaming Center is running. That would be the best of both worlds.

 

Thanks for this! So I recently purchased this beauty of a laptop with the intentions to make it my dream travel hackintosh. So far I’ve run into little problems and have installed high sierra on its own 250GB SSD even got it to boot into clover EFI. I currently ran into an issues with... Dsdt extraction - Graphics (Both on board/and Nvidia) - power management and I’m sure there will be more things to tweak along the way. I’m trying to get this thing running as stable as possible. If anyone is up to the challenge and can help me achieve this it would be greatly appreciated!

 

Always. Thank you for bringing the application to attention.

 

Pardon my ignorance but I can't find an installer app (install.exe)

 

There is no installer for what I uploaded, I don’t have it. You can install a previous version and copy the new files over, or just launch it directly from an the MyAPP .exe included.

 

Got it figured out...thanks

 

I will do it in the weekend

 

Repasting with MX-4 dropped temps by only 2-3C, testing with AIDA64 stress test for 30 minutes before and after. The heatsink assembly screws were really tight from the factory though. I stripped one and might have slightly bent the pipes in the process of getting it out. I went ahead and ordered some Conductonaut. Hopefully, liquid metal will drop the temps even more.

 

That would be great!

 

Could people share what is the hwinfo64 sensors PL1 and PL2 values?

I have two 15+, both Oct build date, same bios/EC/GC but one is 45/56 watts and another is 55/65, and of course the one with pl1/pl2 55/65 out performs the other one

Any input or thoughts?

 

55/65 here. Odd that they would be different...

 

Just install Mojave 10.14.2, put the EFI in, and you are done.

I wouldn’t use it for travel though, the battery is too limited.

 

It should be settings.

 

2nd advanced hidden menu? How do you get the 1st?

 

I found the culprit behind the down-clocking to 798 MHz while on low battery! It was MSI afterburner all along! Disabling it removes most of CPU throttling on battery and the laptop becomes usable once again, no stutters and even 1080p YouTube works fine!

Edit : This is until battery saving mode kicks in at < 20%, where it goes back to 798 MHz, however, this much more tolerable.

Edit #2: This gets weirder and weirder... at 15% the throttling is suddenly gone once again. I'm not even going to try to understand this any further.

 

I was full of hope, but:
- v1.4.11.0 work as expected
- v1.6.1.0 do not. I followed your guide twice (after uninstalling Control Center), and the app don't open at startup. More exactly, I do not see the icon in the task tray. However I can see InitMyApp and TODO: xxxxxx process in the task manager. I can run the app with the .exe but it's verry laggy and it still does not open after a new reboot, which means blue backlight I cant turn off until I relaunch the .exe. Precision : I did reactivated launch at startup.

For now I'll stay with Control Center 1.2.2.8 from OP

[EDIT] for people who want last Control Center 1.2.2.8 without OP logo and annoying animations, here is the "modded" installer
I updated the link in the mega post as well.
...but I still would be very happy to get rid of Control Center for something lighter and less intrusive.