Clevo W860CU - graphic failure or something else?

After a few weeks I can again be on my laptop. I experienced a problem, and before shipping the laptop back to the store, I want to be sure, what to do.

The story goes like this.

I use the laptop every day, sometimes it's on even longer. When I used it and switched it off, the next day I could not start it up. I tried and checked various things.
Nothing helped. After a week, of leaving the laptop alone, I switched it on again. It was working fine for a couple of days. On another day, it started up with a black screen and the fan working. If I press the power button it normally switches off. Now, I don't have any external monitor to try. But my guess is the graphic card is playing up.

Video1 (behaviour for the first time, no luck of starting up): Fast, Free Video Hosting & Video Sharing - VideoBam
Video2 (black screen on starting it) : Fast, Free Video Hosting & Video Sharing - VideoBam


My question to you is. How sure can I say, it's the graphic card?
Has anyone tried to ask for a replacement or upgrade of the graphic card via the Deviltech company?

(subquestion... what is the best site for uploading and sharing videos without annoying adds?)

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Which GPU do you have?

Can you start it in Safe mode (F8 during boot), if so try updating the GPU drivers.

You can also make sure the fans and vents are clean and clear of any dust/dirt etc as the behavior does sound similar to overheating. But it should turn on more often if overheating was the reason.

 

HD 5870 1GB,
As I said, it starts normally and I have no problems using my laptop again. it was now for over a week.
I updated the drivers a month back. There was no or I don't see no problems with drivers.
I am checking it with Gpu-Z, the Temperature is on average 60°C.
I will go and buy new thermal paste tomorrow to eliminate overheating completely.

Nonetheless. I am thinking to complete my update of the laptop.
I have noticed the graphic card in a slot, so it can be upgraded. or not? If so, where to buy the card? Straight from the Deviltech , the laptop company? Or are there better alternatives?

 

HD 5870 1GB,
As I said, it starts normally and I have no problems using my laptop again. it was now switched off for over a week.
I updated the drivers a month back. There was no or I don't see no problems with drivers.
I am checking it with Gpu-Z, the Temperature is on average 60°C.
I will go and buy new thermal paste tomorrow to eliminate overheating completely.

Nonetheless. I am thinking to complete my update of the laptop.
I have noticed the graphic card in a slot, so it can be upgraded. or not? If so, where to buy the card? Straight from the Deviltech , the laptop company? Or are there better alternatives?

 

Sorry for double post, writing on mobile.

 

Repaste, dedust, clean and reseat the graphics card, ram, cpu, etc. Recently I had a similar cold non start situation that was cured by reseating RAM.

Also re upgrading the GPU it's not as simple as matching the slot, to get an idea of what will work and what won't, look around these forums to see what other w860 owners have tried

The cards themselves, you may find few resellers have stock for old laptops, you may find second hand ones around the place. Unfortunately things in old laptops tend to fail in clusters in close proximity when they reach a certain age (Clevos tend to last longer I remember the W860CU was one I looked at when buying my old old laptop in 09) so it's rarely worth buying any replacement part new especially a big ticket item like graphics card. I like to look for people selling busted units where it seems the problem is not with the part/s you want. They are usually very cheap and you have a pile of spares (or upgrades) for the next bit that goes pop. Bit of work to tear down though. Though if you want someone else to test it thoroughly and maybe be able to offer some limited warranty on it, getting it done by your reseller is a better idea.

 

Thanks. Will do this. Maybe it`s a minor glitch. I upgraded some parts last winter and I am willing to upgrade some parts this time to have peace for another four years. I keep the laptop super clean and don't travel a lot with it. The next big purchase will be a much lighter server station )

 

Remove the gpu and try to start the machine. If it does not cut out like that then the gpu has a short circuit (likely a dead component on it).

 

Hi again,

I've got some thermal paste and I checked/cleaned it up again. When I re-inserted the graphic card, it started to go into Windows, but would fail to load Windows. I uninstalled the drivers and now it's booting up normally.

So, it is the drivers, I have installed recently.

Please tell me, which ATI (preferably some latest) drivers are the best for this laptop model and the graphic card. Please, don't say that just the original drivers from Clevo work. :S

 

Install the originals and just double check they are fine, then install the latest over the top.

 

Now that you mention this, I can remember, that any time I tried some latest drivers from AMD, the drivers would fail to install. Could it be, that this graphic card (or drivers of AMD) are just "faulty" and I should consider an upgrade to a different card?

Can someone recommend an upgrade? Preferably with links, where to buy the graphic card. I am thinking to upgrade anyway, might as well look at the options.

Update: Can I kindly ask for a direct link to latest AMD drivers for this specific card? Thanks.

 

On my desktop i have an Ati Hd 4890, which is only one generation behind yours. I have not been able to update the drivers in a few years. The last few I tries refused to install properly, causing BSODs. Thankfully Windows 7's system restore worked every time until I stopped trying.

My suggestion is to find one set of older drivers, possibly the original ones, and try them out.

As a side note, yet another reason I am avoiding AMD/ATI cards. The 6 and 7k series seem to fail after about one year, whereas the older cards are completely unsupported by newer drivers. I am by no means an Nvidia fan, I remember the 8 and 9k fiasko they had...

 

Unless the card is on its last leg (or has kicked the bucket), installing a driver shouldn't fail. But then, AMD drivers are fickle. You may need to perform a thorough uninstallation, install the original driver for the card, and see if you can update it over that driver.

Use the 'Manually Install' option and go down each drop down list with the appropriate selections for your machine: Download Drivers (Not sure of your OS, otherwise I would have given a direct link.)

 

Well, I went with the original drivers and it was okay for a while. But then again, it is not working normally. It just switches off completely randomly. I am suspecting it cannot be the graphic card or at least it's a weird bug, if it is. I am looking more into the CPU.

I don't have anymore BSOD from ATI or Wireless, so it's even weirder.

Since whenever I tried to have more tabs open in IE or playing a movie, it would switch off.

I installed Real Temp and while the temps are under 70C degrees, whenever I try to test the CPU with Prime95, the computer just switches off instantly. No BSOD or anything. It could not be the power supply, it's working as it should.

Just for the info. The GPU-Z is showing GPU1 50C, GPU2 58C and GPU3 at 52C.

The last time I wrote here, I cleaned and put new fresh thermal paste on both, the CPU and GPU. So, this is now upsetting me, since I cannot work like this.

What in the world would cause the computer to switch off by itself and completely randomly? :S I don't want to spend money on a new computer for now, so please help me out here.

 

Prime95 tests both the processor and memory, so the shutdown is likely to be due to one of those two components. I think your CPU is the culprit. I had a similar problem on a desktop a long time ago. It turned out the CPU was causing the system to shut down whenever its MX instruction code was put to use.

 

If you are seeing 70C under idle then it probably is a CPU thermal issue. Once you turn on Prime95 it pushes temps much higher.

You mentioned you did repaste the CPU and GPU. Have you tried to repaste the CPU again? Too little or even too much can cause high temps.

 

Okay, I repasted the thermal paste. No improvement.

Just to recap. The computer is switching off randomly, even when I just browse.

Lately it does not want to even start up normally. (Again)

RealTemp and GPU Z photo: http://oi62.tinypic.com/15etxft.jpg

I tried "Launch Startup Repair", Safe Mode, Safe mode with Network, Disable driver signature... it always switches off, when loading the driver page or when the Windows 7 logo starts.

I will do a memtest to test the memory, but I also think it is not the graphic card, but the CPU... or could it be a motherboard part?

Is there any way I can test the CPU and graphic card separately? I don't have any other Clevo available... so I don't know how to test these two components. Kindly help me out.

 

URL1: Fast, Free Video Hosting & Video Sharing - VideoBam
URL2: Fast, Free Video Hosting & Video Sharing - VideoBam

Videos of the switching ON problem, if I did not post them yet.

 

It seems that from the last weekend I cannot switch my laptop on anymore. Every time I try, the same happens as Video URL1 is showing. Please, advise. :/

 

Might want to consider a new GPU, those four years would be doable then.

Unfortunately not, since your system (and my W870CU) do not support cpu graphics. Both are replaceable, however, so it's possible to rule out the cpu. Any Nehalem based cpu with µPGA 988 socket is fine and an i3-330M would set you back a mere $4 ...

 

Hi.

The thing is, I use this as a workstation as well as a gaming platform, when I am to tired or to lazy... and I love to watch movies. The FULL HD is amazing. I can't downgrade my laptop.

I want to make sure, it's not the motherboard. From your experience, can you tell me, if the Video URL 1: Fast, Free Video Hosting & Video Sharing - VideoBam
is really just from CPU or GPU and it is not the motherboard?

And, what upgrade do you recommend?

The processor is Nehalem, so these are the options, correct?
840QM, 820QM.

I have 820QM inside. On geizhals.at I cannot find any shop having 820QM and I found 840QM for 400EUR. That's a bit out of my budget.
Help is appreciated on this topic. I want to purchase from store for the warranty and support.

I have no clue about, where and how to purchase ... and which graphic card will fit into the W860CU. It is removable, so where can I find notebook gpu stores/resellers? I have to ask Deviltech?

I am willing to spend 400EUR max on CPU and GPU, if you advise both to change/upgrade.

Last, but not least.

I love your idea. Thanks. Since this would be shipped from abroad, I might as well get a much better thermal paste as well. Any recommendations on this?

All answers on solving this problem and ending my suffering of not being able to work on my WORKstation are really appreciated. Thank you, everyone, for trying to help me.

p.s.:Adapter, RAM, SSD were bought in 2013. I rule this items out .. of being a problem.

p.p.s.: Intel Wi-Fi Link 5300AGN Modul .... any recommendations on replacing this old thingy? ))

 

Myes, same here , lovely upgradable platform.

Your experiences would suggest an incrementally dying GPU:

Which isn't that unusual, considering its age and that ' build-to-last' is apparently deemed a quaint notion by today's Nvidia/AMD ... Anyway, no-driver means no-hardware-acceleration, so it may still post on basics-only, even if it's otherwise failing.

Try Meaker's suggestion; remove gpu completely and attempt to boot. Remove battery as well.

There's a few more and you can run the newer Arrandales too; complete list.

So, only a 920xm or 940xm would make some difference; the 820qm is pretty good as it is. Suggest to focus on the GPU for now and buy the CPU next year. Check ebay auctions or the FS forum to get a good price. Funny thing; the 330m is 2230/$4 = 558 points/$, that 940xm goes for 4064/$240 = 17 points/$, or 33x worse bang/buck. Same thing with all components, really.

Unfortunately you need a different heatsink as well (unless you're willing to dremel/saw ...). A 7970M is max. possible, though all the plug-and-play models don't appear available anymore. Could get a 6970M from Eurocom or the like, $420 is a bit expensive, but that's the price for warranty and support.

CPU air cooling; not toothpaste, apparently.

Don't bother replacing that unless it gives you issues. It may be old, but it's still N-capable (draft).

 

It shows me it will be 442EUR for the AMD Radeon Mobility HD6970M (BlackcombXT). Is there any European company/reseller? Preferably in Germany? Does Eurocom ship to small countries in Europe? What about Deviltech company, where I bought it from? I will send an email to check that, actually.

 

I sent out a couple of messages , let's see if there is any good reseller company in Europe. I had a spare laptop till now, but I miss my devil

 

Otherwise, a message. Hi to resellers of Clevo Europe in this forum. If you can help me in my search for the above mentioned graphic card upgrade, please feel free to drop me a PM. I would appreciate your helping hand to awaken my devil

 

Looks like the laptop is quiet robust. It was working fine for 4 years and a half and some extra days/weeks

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Deviltech-Devil-9700-DTX-ATI-HD-5870-Notebook.27382.0.html

 

442 euros seems a lot to invest in older hardware.

 

W860CU? Let me see...

You can provide:
HD 5870M or GTX 460M

 

Meaker, if it will last for another 4 years, 442eur is low price

I got recommendation to see and read the following threads:
Clevo w860CU HD 7970M/7950M upgrade?! am I crazy?
Blind-Flashing AMD 7970M modded vBIOS for Clevo P1xxHM Laptops

And it seems possible to upgrade this netbook to a new level of awesomeness
I have also read the 7970/7950 cost less than the 6970M.

So, I am either looking for:
a) AMD Radeon Mobility HD6970M (BlackcombXT) - I found this on the official Eurocom website.
b) HD7970M (I read certain companies provide BIOS flashed and modified heatsinks kit as such update... I do not know how much it costs though)
c) HD7950M

I would go for HD5870M if I cannot find any of the above.

So far I received two answers from two Clevo resellers. I have to do a larger research now as I didn't do similar modificiations, etc. for a very long time.

My only worry is that the Power Supply I have is not good enough, as per the two threads above. (Original 19V, if I am correct).

Where to get a stronger power supply?

 

What wattage is the power supply?

The value calculation is on you, but you can start getting systems almost as fast for that sort of money (which is kind of scary).

 

The value of this strong beast was also scary, 1500EUR at the time of purchase. And it was beating Alienware and Apple in TOP 10

The power is actually 18,5V 120W. I think I have to upgrade to 180W or something, have to read the above mentioned topics.

Anyone can help me to get one of the graphic cards mentioned above? Please.

 

Don't know if it'll help you but I have a full W860CU minus battery for sale in the marketplace. Only has a 280m though, but does have a 180w power supply. That way if another piece happens to die you have a replacement part ready augmented from this one!

 

I found a great deal for an HD7970M and will test the upgrade.

If it will not go well, I am upgrading to HD6970M (BlackcombXT) from Eurocom directly. The price difference between the original HD5870 and HD6970M from Eurocom is less than 100eur...

I think I need to buy thermal pads for this as well, not just the power supply for the laptop.
I am checking the power adapters and I would like to buy a good one, 180W or above... (No Targus or other multi-support). I have original 120W charger, but this will not be good. Can you help me with a direct link/purchase from ebay or amazon?

danyune, I am not that much on the internet. Are you still selling?

Anything I should check and modify, apart from vBIOS and heatsink?

 

Get a delta one of the right tip/voltage/power and you should be set.

 

I grabbed the following card :

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Rade...-Graphics-Card-for-M15X-M17X/32365802735.html

and it fits perfectly in my Devil 9700DTX. No grinding, etc.

I also received new termal pads and I put them on the parts, where they should be and used the thermal paste Liquid Pro on the GPU.

I just want to make sure I am doing everything good so far and if I missed something.

What is the next step?

Do I need to do something with the graphic card? Or is it okay to start up the computer? Should I grab an empty hard drive and check if I can run windows installation from the start, before I put my old (new) hard disk (which I use as primary disk) back in?

Do I need to do some modification of VBIOS, etc?

Can I test it out with my 120W power supply, before the new 180W arrives? Or should I wait?

 

I started the laptop up today with the new graphic card, still the screen is black.
So I am not sure, what is going on.

Is something with the mainboard or the screen? Cause I tried a different proc and graphic.

What should I do now? I want to get this up and running.

Update: Looks like the old video website is updated and videos are not available anymore.

 

Please, help me out. I would really appreciate some feedback.

 

The seller marked-out the specific vbios present on the card. You need a Dell non-Enduro version for this to work. Now, have several of those but you want to blind-flash the best match; make some photos of the card, including any stickers present.

 

I think everything is okay , apart that the screen is black. Is there any cable that I might have missed and should be properly attached in the laptop? I have taken the laptop apart, and put piece by piece together, switching it off every time. Sometimes it doesnt start up, but after one or two tries it switches normally ON, the fans start to spin , just not the monitor.... it is pitch black.

 

Wait for the 180W then; the inconsistent on/off behaviour would not be due to a vbios mismatch.