which of these CF-52s is most desirable?

I have been offered one of many CF-52s to use for work at home - toughness isn't a requirement but it's what my company has to offer me. I'll be putting either Win7-32bit or Win7-64bit on it. I currently have 4GB of ram currently but will upgrade to 8GB of ram if I find out that my chosen model supports it (of course only applicable if I end up using Win7-64bit). I originally found this forum when trying to find out what the maximum ram allowable was on my CF-52, only to discover from reading on here that there are different Mks of CF-52. Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, etc. I am not sure which Mk or Mks I have available.

All of them have the 1024x768 touchscreen - I may change this out for a better screen (non touchscreen - I have no need for it) if it is economical.
All of them have a Core2Duo P8400

I have my pick of the litter. So far I have identified the following model numbers that I am able to choose from. There may be more beyond these that I haven't come across yet.

CF-52GUNBEAM
CF-52GUNBRAM
CF-52GUNBX2M
CF-52GUNBP2B

Are any of these significantly different from the other?

 

CF-52GUNBRAM would be my selection of those models.

CPU:
G - Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (Centrino 2) - 2.26GHz+802.11a/b/g/draft n
LCD:
U - 13.3" XGA Touchscreen + vPro
Hard Drive - RAM:
N - 160GB HDD and 2GB RAM
Integrated Options:
B - DVD Multi-drive
Wireless:
R - Gobi + Bluetooth (value model)
Operating System:
A - Win Vista COA, downgrade to XP
Geographic ID:
M-US

 

Those touchscreen models are a bit rare and coveted by some members here if in good shape. If you don't need a touchscreen model you might barter with someone here (e.g myself) for more features you do like, perhaps more ram and/or nice fast SSD.

 

Win7 32bit.. 4gb ram...SSD....runs VERY nice on a CF52Gxxxxxx..It's what I'm typing on right now..

zoom ...zoom

 

I assume there is a listing somewhere that you could point me to which indicates what each of the letters means (not just the ones you pointed out, but all possibilities).


Also can you clarify which Mks these are, since my original purpose in coming here was to find out how much ram I can install lol then I got sidetracked trying to find out which model is best of the ones I have sitting here.

 

They are all mk2.
The cf52 G indicates that. 4gb max ram

CF-52GUNBRAM
Status:
DISCONTINUED
MSRP:
$2,699
Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz, vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Multi-drive, Bluetooth, Gobi


Model Number:
CF-52GUNBEAM
Status:
DISCONTINUED
MSRP:
$2,539
Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz, vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Multi-drive, Bluetooth


Model Number:
CF-52GUNBX2M
Status:
DISCONTINUED
MSRP:
$2,529
Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz, vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Multi-drive, No Bluetooth, Toughbook Preferred

Model Number:
CF-52GUNBP2B
Status:
DISCONTINUED
MSRP:
$2,729
Description: WinXP (Win7 COA), Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz, vPro, 13.3" XGA Touch, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Multi-drive, No Bluetooth, Gobi, Toughbook Preferred

 

Site link

Panasonic Mobile Computing Configure Products

 

Panasonic Mobile Computing Configure Products

Put in the full model number, just as you have them listed in your original post, and it will tell you the configuration when it left the factory.

All CF-52G models are MK2. The first letter after the series number, eg 52, designates what MK it is.

Looks like Shawn and I were posting at the same time.

 

Yep,got one on the shelf right now.I'll trade you a CF52K with 130 hours on it..........

Nice machines,I also am typing on a 52G right now with a 1TB 7200rpm drive,it is beat to death and runs like a champ.

 

what do you make of this post where the guy claimed to be using (and recognizing) more than 4gb in his mk2? i see he didn't come back and respond to your question, but his post was pretty specific to be someone just blowing smoke.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/666394-cf-52-mk1-mk2-max-ram.html#post8670822

Also, if I replace the 1024x768 touch screen with a higher resolution screen (not sure what my options are yet, I saw 1900x1200 on panasonic's website and 1200x800 for sale in various places) do I need to replace the entire lid assembly, or just the screen and bezel (deleting the red LEDs)? I can probably answer this question myself when I get it apart, but I haven't taken one apart yet, perhaps this afternoon.

As of right now I have W7-64b on a 256gb SSD and W7-32b on a 160gb 5400rpm hitachi. both seem to be running ok but i haven't really had a chance to work them out yet. perhaps this weekend. obviously if i determine more than 4gb is possible, i will run 64bit to take advantage of that.

 

8 GB of ram is supported on the 965 chipset, I haven't personally tried it.

 

Make two more posts and I will PM you with more info on the screen swap .

 

I have swapped the touchscreen for a higher resolution display on a 52GUN and all you get is 1024x768, with bunch of vertical strips, about 1/2" wide, filling out the rest of the screen.

Shawn, if you know how to enable the higher resolutions on a 52GUN, please share.

 

It would be a lot easier to replace the top half complete,but....I don't know that it can be done because I don't know if the connections are the same. I'm sure someone here will,as for the 1900x1200 I am going to say no,you more then likely don't have the graphics onboard to run it,again I am sure those who know better will correct me if I am wrong.

You would be way ahead to just trade for a 52 with a WUXGA screen,that way you have what you want with no tinkering and you can get a faster CPU to boot at 2.4 if you get the right model.

 

cool i'll likely give it a shot, and i will report back

 

dos posts (omg post )

 

I just saw a 52mk2 on fleabay with 8gb of ram installed, the bios shot shows the 8gb total but it only sees just under 4gb being used.

 

Is this the one you are talking about ?? CF 52 Panasonic Toughbook 8GB RAM Dual CORE2GHZ Windows 7OPERATING Hours 1790 | eBay

 

Oops, mk1A. Yepper, that's it. I assume the ram is not being fully utilized, would that be correct?

 

Windows 7 32bit has an address space of 4GB. Part of that is used by system BIOS and graphics memory. Now put W7 64bit and you can use all 8GB

 

quick shot of that pic bios.

 

sooo, back from the dead with this thread.

I ended up getting a CF-52G w/ 1200x800 screen.

ADOR, what am I to make of that picture of the BIOS, that even though 8GB is installed the computer will only recognize 3.3GB of it? Or is it not that simple?

I currently have 4GB and W7-64 on my 256GB SSD, and it runs fine, no complaints, but if I can get a usable 6GB or 8GB setup I'd be happier. I popped 6GB and an SSD into my wife's slower dell, also w/ W7-64, and I am fairly astonished at how much faster her computer is, with a slower processor, the same SSD, the same fresh W7-64 install, and only 2GB more ram. Problem is that DDR2 for my CF-52 is SO expensive. DDR3 that I just put in my wife's computer was super cheap, not so with DDR2. Still not sure if I'm willing to spring the $175 for 8GB for my CF-52.

 

What is the full model number?

 

cf-52ggnbx2m

 

Model Number:CF-52GGNBX2M
Status.DISCONTINUED
MSRP:$1,729
Description: WinXP (Vista COA), Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26GHz, vPro, 15.4" WXGA, 160GB, 2GB, Intel WiFi a/b/g/n, Multi-drive, No Bluetooth, Lightweight BatteryToughbook Preferred

 

i've moved on from the original question in this thread. no longer wondering which is best, my choice of computer has been made and I'm now upgrading it to the extent possible. wondering now about the question i posed to ADOR.

 

If you are running 32 bit Windows it will only use 4gb of ram no matter what you have in it,to run 8gb you will need 64bit. Now someone else will need to confirm that the actual 52G cpu will run 8gb as I'm not sure. I think so.

 

I had to re-read the thread. If I remember right that is a screen shot of the bios on one on ebay at the time. Showing the 8gb of ram.



While I am at it on the Mk1/2 if you see the video ram listed (512mb) in the bios that means it has a ATI card in it, on the Mk3 up you have to use the configerator to show it.


So what are the new questions? lol.

 

I am fully aware of your new question... We still need all the information in order to give a proper answer. One letter different in the model makes a huge difference.

You will get more responses if you start a new thread of your own with the new question.

Panasonic lists the maximum memory as 4gb for any CF52G (mk2)

You "may" be able to get 2 4gb chips to work. It will not be cheap memory. It's going to cost $125.00 or more.
It may require trial and error with different memory chips to find out what is compatible.

This is what to start with...... 2X4GB SODIMM 667MHz 200-Pin PC2-5300 DDR2 1.8V Low Density 16 CHIP, Notebook memory modules.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/666394-cf-52-mk1-mk2-max-ram.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/752813-again-they-told-me-could-nt-done-lighting-strikes-twice-cf-30-memory.html

Yes I know the link is about a CF30.....It's still relevant..

This is what works in a CF30......$169.00

8GB 2x4GB Memory 512x64 PC2 5300 667MHz 1 8V DDR2 200 Pin So DIMM | eBay

My personal but usually unpopular recommendation is to dump the 64bit version of Win7. Go with the 32bit and 4gb.
It's what installs easiest and gives the best bang for the buck. I personally can't see spending $170.00 to gain a minimal performance increase that I will NEVER need or use ...Most software programs won't use 64bit or 8gb either

The CF52 BIOS's are whitelisted and locked down better than a CF30. It's much more difficult to "hotrod" a CF52..If anyone doubts me, try to upgrade the WIFI card in one....

"I can put aviation fuel in a 34 hp VW Beetle, but why waste my money?"

 

Okay, I thought I would put it in my old thread to avoid cluttering up the forum with a new thread that was an extension of my thoughts earlier in the thread. I wanted to make a new thread but I didn't know if that was frowned upon here not having much time on this forum.

I had seen that CF-30 thread but didn't know or want to assume that it was applicable to my CF-52, but it added to the general thought I have in my head that 8GB will probably work.

That said, you listed a specific memory module that is known to work. Am I to take that to mean it is known that there are specific memory modules which are known to NOT work? I've managed to find 8GB for $130 at the supplier the IT department uses at work (komputerbay), but that is still pretty steep. Decisions decisions.

Interestingly if anyone's interested, I have noticed about 25% increased battery life since I went to Win7-64bit as compared to Win7-32bit EXCEPT when watching streaming video (of which I do quite a bit), in which case the battery life is about 50% worse. Haven't figured that one out yet.

 

I agree with Shawn on this...that extra $170.00 spent would buy me another Toughbook :thumbsup: