**OFFICIAL W860CU/NP8690 Owners Lounge**

What was the total price difference between getting the GTX 280M Vs getting the ATI 5870?

 

Hmm I also thought that they all had the 3.5G Module...do the Sagers (as opposed to other Clevo resellers) have it, or does that depend on specific resellers of Sager?

 

well, i think the usb stick is more convenient than opening the battery to put it in and take it back out.

 

well, you didn't supposed to remove the card unless there's some problem

 

I think sticking in the USB modem and pulling it out everytime you put the PC back into its carry case is way less convenient than simply putting the SIM card in the SIM card holder once and letting it rest in there for like ever...
Especially me, who already broke two of the USB modems. I like to simply put my notebook on the passenger seat...
So, any ideas? I contacted the german RMA company if they could send me the module... still no clue if it would work at all
My ISP (Vodafone) uses 1920,3 to 1930,2 MHz (uplink) and 2110,3 to 2120,2 MHz (downlink).

 

^Yup true on that, didnt know you leave the SIM card in there for a long time. Most people like me use it on the go for a quick browse.

 

uh, ah.. i see..
Vodafone gives you an extra card for data connections. i have one in my blackberry where i can "surf" for 30MB/month and one for the notebook with 10GB/month. Maybe this is some german speciality...

 

Hey guys,

I haven't posted in a while - what can I say, the computer has worked pretty seamlessly.

However, I have a few questions.

1. I have been getting a fair number of BSOD's. I am running Windows 7 64-bit. It is the "Memory Management" error. Anybody else had this? I did some Googling, but couldn't find much help.

2. How on earth do I tell whether or not I should update my BIOS? I saw a BIOS update on the Sager website and installed it. Maybe I shouldn't have. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

@Procarion
Yeah, it is not standard. Different networks use different tech so it would be hard to put a module in standard that worked for everyone. I am sure you can get one from your cell provider.. Just ask if they offer a mini-pci express card. It will look something like this:


@ajrayman:
First, that is not too normal to have many bsod's... I'd imagine that it is related to some software you are running with a memory leak... You might could figure out which by periodically going to the Task Manager, under the performance tab, and loading up the Resource Monitor. Watch the Commit(KB) reading in the Memory tab. If some program consistently increases it's memory use that may be your problem.

Second, updating your bios is rarely necessary unless there is a specific fix that you require. However, that bios on Sager's site is a bit old. You can check out the Clevo Bios thread for something more up-to-date or e-mail your seller and ask for the latest bios.

 

Just received my 8690 from XoticPC today! Wow, I'm even more impressed with the build of this system than I was with the 8662. Haven't had much time with it yet, but I'm sure I'll be up all night...

One quick question though, does anyone have a good suggestion on Audio cards that I can use with this, via the express-card slot? I'm less than impressed with the audio output, even with my Razer headset it's nothing to sneeze at.

 

I have no idea about audio cards but you should definitely give SRS Audio Sandbox 15 day demo a try out.

 

Hey all just got my NP8690. i7 720qm and a 280 gtx. I got 2 gigs of ram but something is bothering me. Why does Dawn of war 2 single player campaign stutter? Especially during audio. I believe i've updated all the drivers I know the nvidia is up to date. I got it put it Ultra settings. Any idea whats wrong with it?

 

1. only 2 gb of ram.
2. Nvidia cards are known for unstable frame rates.

 

just wondering, with i7 720,gtx 280m and 4 gig 1066 mhz, is my unit already past the mid-high class?

 

^with that graphics card and quad core processor on a 15.6inch, Yes.

 

Are there any certain notebook cooler brands you would suggest, that's compatible with the design of the NP8690?

 

The most often recommended is the Cryo LX something or other. If I ever buy a cooler it will likely be that one.

 

Cool, thanks for the input bro. Going to look into that brand and read reviews on it right now.

 

I use the Zalman NC2000, not that the laptop really needs it with idle CPU and GPU temps of 40C.

 

Where did you order your 8690 from; I know many retailers like PowerNotebooks and XoticPC.com have a free upgrade to 4GB 1333mhz RAM instead of 1033mhz if you had a QM CPU, which you do.

 

i'm from indonesia
it was sold as Forsa FS-8880 (local), which is cheaper than sager
because of tax thins etc, the sager NP-8690 went up to US$ 1900 at basic configuration inhere
the forsa was local manufacturer, so it got tax cut

 

Hmm I'll check this out also. How do like it and how is the size of it? Ya I'm pretty sure the 8690 doesn't really need one but it is always nice to have that extra piece of mind.

 

I've read around and it gets consistently good marks. The fans are at the back too, and I believe you can position them directly under the intake fans on most laptops including this one.

 

alright so there was two things going on, 1 i think i had the drivers for 32 bit windows whereas im running 64 bit.

2ndly -- i lowered the quality of the sound options in daw2

game is real smooth now !

so far DoA is the best looking game on my laptop, anyone got a suggestion for an awesome looking game?

 

Would anyone be interested in an 8690 user review complete with full HD video of things such as "fan noise, bench marks, in-game performance, real world performance, etc. etc.? I know there is an NBR review here but it is reviewed with a GTX285M and 920XM, which not many people here are able to afford/have.

 

Yes!! here too! :O:OO

 

^_^
will arrive in 1-2 days ^_^
the reseller said they've done with the setup etc, and 1 hours ago the notebook sent to my adress ^_^

 

spilled a crap load of water on the 8690 last nite, apart from some touchpad/keyoard driver glitching, it apparently has repaired itself by this morning.......PHEW!!!

 

^Lucky... Repaired itself? the water dried up maybe?

 

Wow, this is extremely useful insight for me. Given that my climate is tropical and Temps usually hover around 30~35C...

Glad to see that the Sager does an amazing job @ cooling!

Sager's now #1 on my list...

 

I would wait until its fully dry before turning it on

 

That, or it transformed and actually repaired itself. I wonder if my 8690 can transform into a woman...

 

Well, with an internet connection, kinda... yeah...

 

Everything about it is perfect for the 8690 but just make sure you get the NC2000 and not the NC1000. The size and position of the vents Vs the design of the laptop matches up well and there is no overlapping of the laptop when it is on the cooler.

Although it doesn't need a cooler, it does allow me to use my laptop on otherwise unsuitable surfaces such as the bed, fabric surfaces, couch etc. Even with the fans switched off, there are no problems because the laptop stays cool.

I have programs constantly telling me all of the temperatures in and outside of gaming.

I bet you will find about A 10C reduction in CPU temps if you remove the sticker. I removed both stickers and used MX3 thermal paste on my CPU. I idle at 40C for both CPU and GPU but my ambient is only about 21C. So far my CPU maxes out at 60C but I will see how it does after longer gaming with GTA IV. I also plan to use MX3 on my 5870.

 

Would you mind sharing the names of those programs your using to monitor the temps?

 

Is your 40C idle temp with Silent Mode on?

 

I was also wondering does anyone use a screen protector for their system? I'm thinking about getting a anti-glare/privacy filters but none of the websites I've been too seem to have our model notebooks. So would any 15.6" screen protector work, you guys think?

 

I use Rivatuner to display temps in game and RealTemp 3.40 to display CPU and GPU temps in the system tray. I also use the RealTemp plugin in Rivatuner to display CPU temp and Turbo Boost / Clock rates in game.

No, it is normal mode. At the moment my CPU is idle at 42C, some Cores 44C, some 41C so I guess it varies in relation to the ambient temperature as always. GPU is 42C.

I just enabled silent Mode and notice all Cores eventually dropped to 36C - 37C idle

 

Very nice temps. Your GPU idle temp at 42C is at stock clocks or is this after downclocking?

I'm trying to figure out why your notebook so much cooler than mine. I'm sitting in an air conditioned room and my CPU ranges from 46-51C, and my GPU is always around 58C...does the thermal paste really drop the temps by 10C?

 

any will do
as long as it's 15.6"

 

My GPU is at stock clocks but don't forget that I have the Nvidia GTX285M, my 5870 should be here tomorrow. Your CPU temps are probably higher because you still have the black sticker covering its vent on the inside of the backplate?
When I still had that sticker on, my temps were 10C higher.

Your GPU temp is higher most likely due to your clocks staying at 3D mode even when it is idle. Did you try out the steps in this guide?

Also check that WinSat is not stealing your CPU idle time.

 

No, I took the vent sticker off long ago. Only difference is that I am using stock paste.

ANd yeah, my GPU temps is at 700/1000 (stock). Which was why I was asking if the temps you mentioned was after you underclocked your GPU or not, but it looks like you did. Mine drops to 40s as well after underclocking.

Update: so after idling for more than a few minutes, CPU cores range from 42C to 47C. Normal mode, not Silent Mode.
GPU (300/300) at 47C. I guess my temps aren't as bad as I thought, especially considering the stock paste.

 

Yes, if PowerMizer did not work well on my Nvidia system, my GPU idle temps would not be anywhere near 40C.

It is a shame that the automatic downclocking of the 5870 does not work correctly on that laptop model. It looks like I will have to use the manual method after install but at least there is some kind of method I guess.

Edit: Yep, those temps aren't bad.

 

Yes, any 15.6" screen protector would work.

 

Ok thx guys.

 

What temps do you get under load during gaming for your GPU? Did you try out Furmark?

 

Just got my W860CU from RJTech and I think it still has the problem of 5870 overheating.

I already replaced the stock thermal paste with AC MX-2 but it still idles at 63-67C.

@sp-1

How do I know if it indeed has that problem of the GPU heatsink not properly flushed to the GPU core?

EDIT: Now it idles at 71C and when I do a stress test, it goes up to 100+ C in about 5 seconds or so!!!!!! It is very obvious that the heatsink is not doing its purpose since it is not flushed properly to the GPU core.

 

thats wut i did and thank goodness i did it

 

Hello everyone,

i received my w860cu (From malibal) a couple weeks ago with the 5870.

i bought the computer to do some modeling and rendering using rhino 3d.
(i was advise that the quadro was not worth the $600+, even though
is recommended).

i installed the driver for the 5870 that's on their website (8.683.0.0)
prior to installing the driver the modeling software was working. after
i updated it using their recommended driver it stopped working (all i get
is black view ports, then the program crashes).

i install sketchup, which is a mild modeling program, and it warned me
to install drivers with opengl support.

i'm not sure if the newer driver from the ATI website would work.
so i was wondering what driver are people using?

the only option catalyst has for OpenGL is whether you want to activate
triple buffering.

on the ati website it does mention that the 5870 supports opengl 3.2
but the driver update will available sometime in 2010.

 

The installation and or thermal paste application or quality is really off here. You might want to remove the heat sink and clean it and reinstall it with some high end paste and follow the screw down procedure.