TONGFANG GK5CN5Z / GK5CN6Z / GK5CQ7Z / GK5CP0Z

I tried it for a few days, and still the computer hangs when stressing both CPU and GPU.
This notebook with 1060 need 180W adapter not 150W which is standard.
There is also a newer version of Game center. http://driver.tongfangpc.com/d.mechrevo.com/driver/GamingCenter_1.1.15.10.zip

 

In idle and during basic task fans are turned off, so totally quiet. if you do heavy tasks/gaming in a class all will turn and look you.

 

Which power adapters are small with at least 180W?
The only one with right plug I found was this: Chicony A190A005L
Do you have other suggestions?

 

Ok, thanks a lot

I will not use the GPU while in public places, only the CPU will suffer, I hope it will be okay

 

I have incredible high temperature using OTP at high, i reach 90° in benchmark and cpu freq is stuck at 2.20 GHz :|
It looks the latest bios is worse then the PCSpecialist one for me, idk why.
Before on cinebench i reached 1000 point, now 700.
I think the main problem is the PSU

 

My cinebench score are best while setting OTP on Low. I'll try to find a 180W adapter and redo all benchmarks.

 

I have both an Asus and a Lite-On 180w adapter. Can confirm that both work fine with the GK5CN, as long as you get the proper (MSI/Clevo/Asus) head.

Both are slightly bigger then the Chicony 150w I'm provided with, but the Asus does seem a bit... lighter. Its also... pretty... for a power adapter (seriously).

And thanks for the reports on the latest BIOS. I think I'm just gonna stay with what I'm on.

But if this "needs more then 150w" business is true, dang I'm probably cursed with ending up with power hungry laptops.

My MSI GE40 used to sing the same exact jazz (provided with a 90w adapter, needs a 120w to perform properly).

And, according to Notebookcheck, Eurocom is doing the same thing with the new Q6 too (150w provided, needs more)

 

I have made a backup of PCSpecialist bios but i can't flash because i have "Security verify fail". Is there a way to skip this security thing?

 

Not sure because I've never restored a backup thus far.

 

Tuned a bit TPL and setted OTP at medium. The clock now can reach also 3.5Ghz during benchmark. This evening i'll tune a bit much more. The 1.10 bios can do much much more than the stock one from PCSpecialist, i'm sure it can reach 4GHz also during benchmark.



(With OTP at high and without tuning TPL i reach 1050pts in Cinebench)

 

Interesting that performance is higher on Med than on High. Are you on the 150w adapter BTW?

I'd say run AIDA Benches on both (with graphs set to mixed) and We'll probably see what's actually being limited TBH.

Though at this point I have an inkling that it's actually power throttled/limited by the AC rather then heat throttled in any way.

 

I'm trying to decide between one of these (PCSpecialist Recoil ii) and an MSI GP63 8RE (180W adapter).

Any thoughts?

 

​

My personal opinion is we don't need a 180W adapter. With a good tuning i resolved problem of Power Limit throttleback. Now in benchmark it reaches 3.8GHz and the laptop scores 1245 points without temperature throttling that is a more then the other i7 8750H (+- 1150 points).
Just switch to Mechrevo Bios and you are okay

 

Good work! How did you tune it? My best score is 1170 in CB15
XTU shows that my notebook is power throttling while running benchmarks. At least the cooling is good cause it has not thermal throttle yet.

 

How much does a 150w adapter weigths vs an 180 adapter?



Enviado desde mi ONE A2003 mediante Tapatalk

 

I've been thinking of flashing that new BIOS but the results don't really convince me. I'm having 1195 points with stock BIOS at -125mV cash and core(could do lower but the increase in performance and the decrease in heat isn't significant, so I prefer stability). Can you please give me some details on what is different between your BIOS and the stock PCP one?

 

The main thing is playing with "Turbo Boost Short Power Max", "Turbo Boost Power Max" on XTU for increasing performance. On TS you have to play with "Core voltage offset", "Cache voltage offset" in FIVR for decreasing temperature (this will decrease a bit your performance)

I advise to unistall Throttlestop and XTU, load "Optimized value" in BIOS pressing F3 and then start changing values. Start first XTU and save the default values, then change everything.

As an asshole i didn't save my settings and in OTP at medium now i go in Temperature Throttle.

With this settings i reach 1210pts in Cinebench and OTP at low.
XTU:
Turbo Boost Short Power Max: 70W
Turbo Boost Power Max: 44W

TS:
CPU Offset Voltage: -125W
Cache Offset Voltage: -125W

I'll update you if i recover the setting at MEDIUM otp

The weight depends, but it's quite similar
We don't need 180W adapter. If you load stock Turbo Boost Short Power Max and Turbo Boost Power Max in XTU there is no Power Limit Throttling, but you have a super Thermal Throttling. So my personal opinion is don't wasting money buying something unuseful.

I have only the EC release note (open the spoiler)

*********************************************************************************
GK5CN EC RELEASE NOTE
*********************************************************************************

Spoiler

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/25 EC Version 1.22.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed sometimes not enable battery boost at 61/6z

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/5/24 EC Version 1.21.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.support battery boost at 61/6Z

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/25 EC Version 1.14.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. modified thermal patch
2. Fix S4/resume show Caps Lock OSD issue.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/20 EC Version 1.13.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. modified fan user PL2 again
2. modified Myfan2 CPU releasing temperature again

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/19 EC Version 1.11.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Add "ECVER" signature for BIOS dentify EC bin file version

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/19 EC Version 1.10.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. remove "add Yantao rule at warm boot@AC mode"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/12 EC Version 1.08.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed power LED not breath at S3 mode

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/4/12 EC Version 1.08.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.fixed power LED not breath at S3 mode

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/30 EC Version 1.05.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Fix S3 LED behavior at 61 project

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018/3/14 EC Version 0.27.09 Owner: Mike Tsai
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File name: GK5CN_02.709
1.fix 10709/10777/10873:文件夾誤報
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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

​

 

Maybe once people have had the machine for a month they could give it a rating out of 10 with pros and cons.

I watched a video review and the clicking wasn't quite as noisy as my old IBM AT keyboard.

Sent from my Lenovo K8 Note using Tapatalk

 

DESIGN: 8.5/10pts
The GK5CN6Z offers a particularly modern design that does not resemble the classic gaming computers too much. We find a row of front LEDs that give the computer a unique touch that can be turned off. Strong point is the 15 "display inserted in a 14-inch frame cataloging it in the department of ultralight PCs. In photos it doesn't seems thick, but the thickness is just a bit over 2cm.
It fits in 14 inches and macbook pro bags without any problem.
The computer is made totally in aluminum and the bottom part is in plastic.
The "display part" does not bend particularly if moved, transmitting a feeling of strength.
The bottom part (there there is the hardware) is in plastic and a bit cheap.
It's lightweigh, just 2.2kg if you use an sshd + ssd.
Small note. The design is very "angular" and many times you will find yourself slamming your wrist like a little finger hitting a table.

DISPLAY. 7/10pts
On my unit the display is a 15.6-inch Full HD 60Hz IPS unit. The borders' display are really slim, only 7mm. The display offers very clear and defined colors. It is by no means one of the best, but far superior to the average of laptops. My sister has an asus x570ud (850€ laptop) and the display is worse than the tongfang's one.
The display does not flex particularly, nor does it create bubbles when pressed, it is very solid, but it "swing" much more then other laptops when you open the display. (I removed 1 point from review for this thing).
I love the laptop can be opened only with one hand (as on macbook).
Above the display we find a 1mpx HD room of mediocre quality, but who cares.
PS: my unit has a little problem, some brightness light get stuck and I have to increase brightness and reduce it to turn them on.

KEYBOARD 6.5/10pts
The keyboard is a full mechanical QWERTY, with a compact design. At the beginning is a bit strange to use, but after few hours you learn it. The INSERT,DEL,HOME,END,PGUP and PGDN buttons are in a strange position, a lot of time I pressed INSERT button instead of DEL (happened twice writing this sort of review). Each button needs a weight of 50g to be pressed and produces a clicky sound, it's not loud as written in other reviews, but there is a risk to create embarrassing situations in the library or in particularly silent places. I like that metallic sound, it gives a good feedback, but someone will surely hate it (just for saying, my girlfriend doesn't want to study with me if I'm with this laptop).
The backlighting is not in zones as on computers of other competitors, but with a button, so every single button can have its own color modifiable with the appropriate tool.

TOUCHPAD: 8/10pts
Nothing to complain about the touchpad that is average, enough precise and pleasant to use. It "wobble/swing" just a little little but I also used other touchpad that are much less stable (ex acer f5). Small note. On the top of the touchpad there is a small hole. This if pressed, deactivates the touchpad.

BATTERY. 5/10pts
The battery is only 48Wh, unfortunately a compromise that must be accepted to have this design. Battery life is not as bad.
The battery management software does a great job, each mode is set ensuring the best performance for what you want to do.
If you want just to study/web-browsing there is the power safing mode that ensure 4-5 hours of battery autonomy.

TEMPs & BENCHMARK & FANs NOISE: 8.5/10
There are two fans. One for the CPU and one for GPU
The temperature are really good in my opinion, with a low-weight use (as web browsing) temperature are 39-42° and fans are always turned off, so it's very very quiet. Just for saying the asus x570ud (i7 8550U) has always fans turned on.
With my XTU (intel extreme tuning utility) and TS (thermal stop) tuning my laptop scores 1210 pts (I reached much more with my old setting, but I overwrited it as a d*ck). The laptop goes in throttling at 93°.
In full fans are very noisy (less then clevo P950), but there is an i7 8750h, it's normal as thing.

GAMING.
Look every review of i7 8750H and GTX 1060 laptop, the performance are really similar.

PERSONAL OPINION:
I love this machine. it's really really good looking, the border-less display make this laptop very modern. It's really fast and the little dimension doesn't reduce performance or ruins dissipation.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XTU-TS setting I used

 

Thank you! Looking at it, I get the impression they are working on stability rather than performance. I'm tempted to flash it but I can't be assed to play around with power settings. Guess I'll wait a bit longer before I flash anything. Keep us updated about the system!

 

Just hit 1208 in CB15 after tuning.

 

Thanks Sr. for review lKinder_Bueno. Help a lot because I am considering buying this laptop in pcspecialist with 144hz screen

But...GK5CN6Z with 3 fans?
I have seen many videos on YouTube and I only see that it has 2 fans the model GK5CN5Z
But I have never seen a single video of the model GK5CN6Z

so:
GK5CN6Z = 3 fans inside
GK5CN5Z = 2 fans inside

right?
I would also like to see it compared in size with a 17-inch notebook to compare sizes visually
++
++
spanish
Gracias por tu comentario. Ayuda mucho ya que planeo comprar este portatil en pcspecialist con pantalla de 144hz
entonces:
GK5CN6Z = 3 ventiladores dentro
GK5CN5Z = 2 ventiladores dentro
++
Estoy en lo correcto?
Tambien me gustaria verlo al lado de un portatil de 17 pulgadas para comparar tamaños de forma visual

 

Yeah the GK5CN that I have only has 2 fans, and AFAIK the 5Z/6Z designation only denotes physical finish differences (finishing, keyboard key type) and not actual build differences.



Maybe it's just a typo though.

 

What language is the BIOS?

 

English.

 

http://bit-tech.net/reviews/tech/laptops/pc-specialist-recoil-ii-review

 

@eiraku You still ok to upload your vinyl customisation pics?

 

I was totally wrong. Also 6Z has two fans. I don't know why i wrote that ********. Mine is Recoil II with 60Hz screen and 1060

 

It actually looks pretty amateurish so I'm a tad embarrassed heh. If you guys don't mind my shoddy work I can post though.

 

PERSONAL OPINION:
I love this machine. it's really really good looking, the border-less display make this laptop very modern. It's really fast and the little dimension doesn't reduce performance or ruins dissipation.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the review.

Sent from my Lenovo K8 Note using Tapatalk

 

I'm just after an idea of how it looks mate.

 

You know I'm of the same mind now. At first little niggles annoyed me. But now after a few weeks with it I've realised that it really is a great laptop. Things like the aluminium cover and the mechanical keyboard (even the clicking isn't as annoying) the screen is good quality the power is great (even undervolted) everything runs fine on 1080p game wise. Running work software is a breeze no lags or complaints. It's almost silent even under a certain load. All that and it's 2kg and the battery will give you 2hrs with intensive use with a few changes.

My other machine is a p775dm3 and believe me lugging that about was causing back pain. This slides into my work bag.

I've yet to repaste either which I know will improve temps.

My only negative is the software availability/setup

Oh and I got all this for under 1k GBP

 

Personally I would rate this machine a solid 8.5/10. The only bits that annoy me somewhat are its trackpad and weird battery power optimizations (sometimes usage goes way up, with cpu and GPU doing nothing and a reboot brings it back to normal). Havent tried new BIOS yet, maybe that will improve things. Ive got used to the keyboard and can type quickly and accurately on it now provided trackpad is disabled as it has no palm detection at all.
On performance front this thing is pretty amazing - no or very little throttling, great cooling, fans are not as noisy as some of my previous clevos. Would love for the larger battery to become available, but for now I can squeeze out 6-7 hours of word processing with a few optimizations, which is pretty decent considering the spec.

 

It wasn't with my review but me saying thanks to IKB.

I was having doubts about buying one but now I am starting to think it's the right laptop.

Sent from my Lenovo K8 Note using Tapatalk

 

np Sr.
Thanks for your explanations
++
++
no se preocupe Sr.
Gracias por tus explicaciones

 

The 150W adapter is no longer tripping on newer firmware because they added battery boost, which essentially uses the battery for additional power once the the AC Adapter capacity is exceeded.

It's every ODMs last resort if they sell with a too small capacity PSU, because it causes the battery to age rapidly and doesn't handle long sessions very well due to loosing charge.

 

That's good to know, thanks for sharing. I'm going to flash the new BIOS for sure.

 

See this worries me because PCS just don't release the newer firmware

 

Any chance you'd be doing a firmware update for this? Sure it would be more popular than the ones from other sellers.

 

I just emailed PCS about the firmware and PSU issues with a link to this thread. Hopefully someone there will read it and consider what best to do.

 

if you know chinese language...you can download drivers here:

http://official.tongfangpc.com/servicelink/driver_download.aspx

 

I contacted them about 2 weeks ago too, requesting updated drivers and BIOS update on their website. At first the support assistant was being difficult, saying that I should have the latest drivers coming with the laptop anyway, because they install it for me. I told him that I did not order it with Windows and I had to format and install mine anyway, so now I'm relying on some of the drivers they have on their website. He told me that the drivers on the website are the ones they get supplied on a disk from the manufacturer and I told him that all I'm asking is to make contact with the manufacturer and inquire about new drivers/firmware and update the ones on the website. He said to leave it with him and he'll contact me. Well, nobody contacted me yet so I don't know what to make of it. I'd be more comfortable installing a BIOS update they provide over downloaded drivers from some Chinese website. I like the laptop but these guys need to get their driver support right.

 

I've seen this website before, but when I try to find my laptop, via search or via browsing through devices, I can't find any GK5CN or GK5CN6Z.

 

I wouldn't hold your breath mate with my p775dm3-g I asked repeatedly they said we don't supply updates and wouldn't release them either. It's a bad way to be really when the bios has important updates in them

 

They're mainly worried you'll brick the machine and then send it back demanding they fix it. They should just make them available with a warning to customers. No beginners are asking for updated firmware we know the risks

 

Exactly. Put a warning up and if you flash the new firmware and it bricks, send it back for repairs but they will charge you. Honestly, if I flashed the wrong one and bricked my laptop and couldn't recover it on my own, I wouldn't mind paying for repairs. It's called learning money.

 

I would just like the most recent versions. If we didn't need them on our machines then why would they be getting made?

That said I'm still happy with my machine. Gonna be really hate getting up to date software when PCS aren't interested and the website for tongfang is in a foreign language and full of malware

 

Well, I installed the beta bios on my PCS Recoil II and so far everything is much better now. Mousepad works better, fans are way better, and there is no more power shortage while benchmarking. I really enjoy this notebook now. The only downside is that Windows 7 will not work. Since there are no Win7 USB3 drivers for HM370 chipset as well as Serial IO drivers.

 

http://tieba.baidu.com/p/5726872551 Is this the BIOS you're using?