*** Official Clevo P650RG, P650RE3, P650RE6/Sager NP8658 and NP8657 Owner's Lounge ***

Whenever I use MSHYBRID, my charging stops at 100% and will not start charging again unless I hit my threshold (20%) and then it'll charge again after a few minutes on lowbat and when booting, it won't display the screen for a few seconds and it's flickering with some distortion (like pink colors, etc) then it'll go back to normal. This all happens when on MSHYBRID mode

 

I am using only mshybrid. But it stopped working just after the last Win10 update... :-/

 

Then it's related to the Intel drivers, try updating them.

 

They are actually updated to the latest. I can try downgrade them, but I dont think that should be accepted as solution

 

Why not? Newer is not always better with drivers, there may be a bug.

 

Okay so for the whole day, I was in DISCRETE mode. Then, Out of the blue, I tried switching back to MSHYBRID mode. Not a few minutes after, my laptop stopped charging, LED indicator from the charger turned off. Tried switching the cables, or using another socket, nothing worked. Switched back to DISCRETE mode and everything worked flawlessly again. Is there an explanation to this? And also, how come I'm getting more FPS with MSHYBRID than DISCRETE?

 

So, I have a Sager NP8658 (P650RG) which is still quite an awesome system and allow me to play most of my game with nearly "ultra" graphics configurations... but unfortunately, neither Sager nor Clevo have known plans to update the BIOS CPU microcodes to mitigate Spectre and Meltdown (a relatively big issue for me). And I did not want to upgrade my system until the cannon lake and ice lake CPU upgrades are available (no point in buying vulnerable hardware).

So I used my previously acquired BIOS modding knowledge (played around with SLIC mods back in the day) to see if I could patch the BIOS CPU microcodes from the latest available Sager and Clevo BIOSes. And a few tries later, I got it working. I now have a BIOS with the latest CPU microcodes that protects my system against all known Spectre and Meltdown speculation control attacks!

Code:

PS C:\Windows\system32> Get-SpeculationControlSettings
Speculation control settings for CVE-2017-5715 [branch target injection]
For more information about the output below, please refer to https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/4074629

Hardware support for branch target injection mitigation is present: True
Windows OS support for branch target injection mitigation is present: True
Windows OS support for branch target injection mitigation is enabled: True

Speculation control settings for CVE-2017-5754 [rogue data cache load]

Hardware requires kernel VA shadowing: True
Windows OS support for kernel VA shadow is present: True
Windows OS support for kernel VA shadow is enabled: True
Windows OS support for PCID performance optimization is enabled: True [not required for security]

Speculation control settings for CVE-2018-3639 [speculative store bypass]

Hardware is vulnerable to speculative store bypass: True
Hardware support for speculative store bypass mitigation is present: True
Windows OS support for speculative store bypass mitigation is present: True
Windows OS support for speculative store bypass mitigation is enabled system-wide: False


BTIHardwarePresent                  : True
BTIWindowsSupportPresent            : True
BTIWindowsSupportEnabled            : True
BTIDisabledBySystemPolicy           : False
BTIDisabledByNoHardwareSupport      : False
KVAShadowRequired                   : True
KVAShadowWindowsSupportPresent      : True
KVAShadowWindowsSupportEnabled      : True
KVAShadowPcidEnabled                : True
SSBDWindowsSupportPresent           : True
SSBDHardwareVulnerable              : True
SSBDHardwarePresent                 : True
SSBDWindowsSupportEnabledSystemWide : False

Anyway, I thought I'd share my success here. This is the list of changes...

Code:

LATEST SAGER BIOS 1.05.14

Disk Controller
     EFI IRST RAID for SATA     - 14.8.0.2377
     OROM IRST RAID for SATA    - 14.8.0.2377
Network
     EFI Realtek UNDI           - 2.035
     OROM Realtek Boot Agent GE - 2.61
Microcode
     1¦506E3¦36 (1,2,4,5)¦   88   ¦2016-03-16
     2¦506E2¦  14 (2,4)  ¦   2A   ¦2015-06-03

LATEST CLEVO BIOS 1.05.18 (https://repo.palkeo.com/clevo-mirror/P6xxRx/)

Disk Controller
     EFI IRST RAID for SATA     - 14.8.0.2377
     OROM IRST RAID for SATA    - 14.8.0.2377
Network
     EFI Realtek UNDI           - 2.035
     OROM Realtek Boot Agent GE - 2.61
Microcode
     1¦506E3¦36 (1,2,4,5)¦   9E   ¦2016-06-22
     2¦506E2¦  14 (2,4)  ¦   2A   ¦2015-06-03

MY MODDED/PATCHED BIOSES (SAGER 1.05.14 AND CLEVO 1.05.18)

Disk Controller
     EFI IRST RAID for SATA     - 16.3.0.3377
     OROM IRST RAID for SATA    - 16.3.0.3377
Network
     EFI Realtek UNDI           - 2.045
     OROM Realtek Boot Agent GE - 2.66
Microcode
     1¦506E3¦36 (1,2,4,5)¦   C6   ¦2018-04-17
     2¦506E2¦  14 (2,4)  ¦   2E   ¦2015-08-15

Essentially, I've updated the Intel RST storage controller ROM, the Realtek Ethernet controller ROM and the CPU micocodes using the AMI MMTool.

I've uploaded my modded and the original BIOSes packaged together along with the AMI Firmware Update Utility and Intel Flash Programming Tool.

PATCHED_BIOS_NP8658_P650RG.zip

To flash the original Clevo BIOS, you can use the AMI Firmware Update Utility. For ther modded/patched BIOS as well as the original Sager BIOS, you need to use the Intel Flash Programming Tool. Overall, I recommend just using the Intel Flash Programming Tool to flash ONLY the BIOS
Backup exisitng ROM:

Code:

 [FPTw.exe\FPT.exe] -D backup.rom -BIOS 

Flash a BIOS ROM:

Code:

 [FPTw.exe\FPT.exe] -F [FILE_NAME].ROM -BIOS 

Note: Use this at your own risk. While it does seem to work quite well for me, I am not responsible for any issue you may face if you use this. Always backup you existing BIOS. Remember to keep a copy of the official Clevo bios renamed as P650RG.ROM on an FAT32 flash drive in case you need to enter the BIOS recovery mode (FN +B).

 

@un49iven - I', not goint to do your work justice by commenting on it, this really isn't my area of expertise! But you might find this thread interesting:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/important-security-updates.811312/

 

I did read through that thread (briefly skimming though the pages). And I did read the suggestion in the first post about relying on OS updates for spectre/meltdown mitigation...
What I have realised is that while operating systems have included patches, true spectre/meltdown mitigation does require BIOS microcode updates as well. If you check the speculation control/use inSpectre, you'd noticed that it does mention that "hardware" level mitigation is absent and shows warnings that the system may not be fully protected.

I mean, it's not really complicated to update AMI BIOSes (AMI has MMTool... a GUI with the ability to replace microcode, but I of course cannot "officially" sign the BIOS).

So if I can't get official updates from Sager/Clevo, I decided to do it myself, and since I was able to do it successfully, I thought it was logical that I share my success.

 

Absolutely fine and I applaud you for doing the work yourself and posting it in public so that others can check see what you have done and learn from it

 

Hardware protection would require new silicon.

 

I know exactly what you mean... which is why I specifically quoted the word hardware (synonymous to air-quotes). I just called it that because that is what the Speculation Control script in Windows says... essentially, the BIOS microcode update provides a direct path to speculation bypass protection than just the Windows/Linux microcode updates beyond just a patched OS.

 

It's the same microcode patch I believe just it does not need to be inserted a boot so is patch/os agnostic.

 

What's the model of the fan for P650RE3? Mine's noisy already but idk where I can find one here. Tried going to a local technician and he said it's not a generic fan so he can't replace it

 

I'm looking for a docking station to use with my MP8658. Any suggestions?

 

Any usb3 dock should work, any monitors will be software render d of course but will be fine for 2d work.

 

I primarily use this machine for AutoCAD & SolidWorks, so 3d is something I'd require. Currently running a 28" Samsung 4k monitor and a 24" Samsung 1080p monitor, in addition to the notebook screen. I take my machine home from the office virtually every night so was looking for a good way to reduce the amount of plug & unplug motions that need to happen! Maybe just getting myself a second power supply is as far as I'll take it...

 

There is no way of getting accelerated ports to a dock.

 

Will this fit my NP8657? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New...ad20-41bb-9c1d-aca18e2f03f7&priceBeautifyAB=0

 

According to the listing it works on the RE.

 

I have the same issue. I have tried using the Fn+F10 shortcut but nothing happens for me. It worked before I performed a clean windows installation. I installed all the drivers recommended on the manufacturer's website, windows 10 is up to date (updated), yet the camera is not found. Additionally, when I run "Device Manager" there is no icon representing the camera, or webcam hardware. Please help me resolve this issue.

 

Have you installed the hot key driver?

 

Some of you may remember this post I made a while back showing how to manually change the fan offsets to manage fan curves on the P650RE.
I finally got round to building a user interface for it, and while it's still rough at this point, it should serve its purpose. I plan to expand it to support other clevo notebooks that aren't capable of fan speed adjustment in other software, however it would need other people willing to test on their own machines - so for now, it's just the P650RE that's supported.

The biggest issue with the default fan curve at the moment is the GPU throttles at 79C, and the fan speed maxes out at ~3700RPM. With even a modest offset boost of 25%, the fan reaches 4500RPM effectively preventing throttling from ever occurring.

This program uses RWEverything to work, so you'll need to get that first. Since this is going to write to the EC, I can't stress enough that you should be careful. I'll put more information on GitHub soon, however if you get a reading for the fan speeds and the CPU temperature you should be good to go.

ECFan on GitHub

 

Where can I get a BIOS update for my P650RE3?

Edit: I got it from Powernotebooks but they're out of business so idk where I can easily get the BIOS update

 

Contact our support team since it will be a sager

 

I actually contacted HIDevolution and they said I should contact Sager because they don't have the BIOS file. It's been 7 hours and I still haven't gotten any response

 

A BIOS update request without an existing issue would usually be looked at as a lower priority issue than say someone asking for support on a dead system. You can call if you think its urgent.

 

I am having bluescreen with WHEA error and hangs and reboots. Tested CPU w/ Prime95 and I hit 1 hour without any problems. I'll try updated the BIOS because its the only one I haven't updated ever since I bought this laptop way back 2014

Edit: I can't call because I'm not from the US

 

Did you make it clear in the request you are having issues?

 

I did give a follow up message saying I'm getting BSODs

 

Hi! I just noticed my 'W' key is sticking a few seconds after release. I can actually hear "stick", really subtle sound but it's there. By scouring this forum it seems to be a "normal" situation... What's the best course of action here? I'm a bit afraid of forcing the key out and breaking something beyond repair... Do I need a new keyboard?

 

You could try and fix it and order a new one if it does not work.

 

Being in Portugal, is there any official source I can get one? I don't mind buying from overseas, I just want it to get to me safely

 

Drop me an email I can source you parts.
We are Portuguese.

Sent from my MI Note 2 using Tapatalk

 

Best sourced locally if you can, look into the above

 

Quick question.
If I have a 1x16GB stick of RAM in one of these laptop and install a new 1x8GB stick. (Same manufacturer, same specs, just half the size). Will they still work in dual-channel?

Thanks

 

When I bought my P650RG I specifically asked to make a 2x8 instead of their optional 1x16. They said Ok.
Then I spent almost a year having BSOD's and putting the laptop back and forth to the warranty, because they kept saying it had no issues. I, ME, THE CLIENT, had to tell them how they should test the computer. I even went to the trouble of filming the laptop crashing into BSOD because they "couldn't believe".
Finally, they agreed it would be RAM related. Apparently the chip on my laptop doesn't deal very well with dual channel. Changed back to 1x16 and no BSOD's whatsoever.


So, yeah. There's a chance your laptop could be like mine. But if you already have the stick doesn't hurt to try, but I'd advise to run a game benchmark (Dirt Rally is great) during a few hours just to be sure. If yours is like mine, won't last 20min.

 

The chips should work (assuming single channel is not a problem on your particular mobo), but it is doubtful you will get them running in dual-channel configuration since there will be differences in the DIMM characteristics.

Some motherboards require Dual Channel Memory to match in:
Capacity, Speed, CAS Latency, # of chips per side, and rows/columns for memory addressing.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-channel_memory_architecture#Dual-channel_architecture

 

You will run in a hybrid mode.

The 8gb stick will interleave with the first 8gb of the 16gb stick. This will give you 16gb in dual channel. The last 8gb will be addressed last and give single channel performance. This is all handled by firmware/OS and you wont need to play with settings.

 

Thinking of getting a P650HP. Any opinions on it? How loud are the fans, is cooling an issue, does it still have same fan problem as my P15SM, where once temps hit 80 degrees, the turbo fan kicks in, sounds like a jet engine, and cant be turned off?

 

The fans ramp to about 80% normally with the manual max fan option.

 

Uh, what is this manual max fan option? The problem with my P15SM is that once the CPU hits 80 degrees, the turbo fans kick in and cannot be turned off even when the temps drop to 50 degrees. Was just wondering if the P650HP has a similar issue? Although I read that the P650HP has fan control software, so if true that shouldnt be a problem.

 

Press fn + 1 and the fans max out. Press again to go to normal.

 

Yes, but when the turbo fans kick in after the CPU hits 80 degrees celsius, the turbo fans will instantly turn itself on again if you try to use fn + 1 to turn it off. I remember posting about it here before and nobody could figure out a way to turn it off. Think Prema also said there was no way to get it to turn off. This is for the P15SM.

 

Hey guys and girls.

I have a Clevo P650RG and want to do a RAM upgrade.

Currently, there are 2x16 GB RAM modules installed. I want to add one 16 GB module now and perhaps one more a year or so down the line (budget constraints).

The laptop currently has these modules:
https://www.gskill.com/en/product/f4-2666c18s-16grs

Can I add this in there?
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/bls16g4s26bfsd

The reasons I'm asking are:
1. Physical Size (Not sure about this)
2. CAS Latency

I have also read that it's better to have 4 of the same RAM modules. Is this true/ false? Why/ Why not?

If I do upgrade to 64 GB of RAM? Would I have to re-buy the same 16 GB RAM module I buy now (aka do the RAM modules have to be matched) ?

I am also open to alternate suggestions for RAM modules which will work in my configuration and are cost effective.

Thank you in advance.

 

Try to keep questions to one thread.

 

How do you turn off the keyboard backlighting for the P650HP? According to the manual, the control center is activated with fn+esc but when i try that, nothing happens...

 

Section 1-14 of your manual, I'd advise reading it in full to familiarise yourself with all the features of your machine.

 

Hey guys,

I have a CLEVO P650RG with the following specs:

-15.6" 1920x1080 IPS FHD (16:9) LED Antiglare Matte LCD
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 8GB
- 6th Generation Intel Core i7-6820HK Quad Core Processor, 2.7GHz (Max Turbo Frequency 3.6GHz), 8MB Smart Cache
- Prema Custom BIOS
- Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra 100% Metal Thermal Interface on CPU, IC Diamond on GPU
- Corsair Vengeance 2x16 GB RAM (32 GB) - CMSX32GX4M2A2666C18
- Sandisk 1 TB M2 SSD
- Intel® Wireless-AC 8260 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n 2x2 NGFF w/ Bluetooth 4.2
- Genuine Windows® 10 Home, 64bit
- Full Range 200W AC Adapter AC-in 100~240V, 50~60Hz
- 1 x 4 cell battery - 60Wh (Internal)
- Onkyo Speakers x 2
- Customizable Gaming Macro Back-lit Keyboard

I'm attempting to sell it but am not sure what I should price at. Any suggestions?

@Ultra Male Would appreciate your help on this (since we're both in Dubai). PM me if possible.

 

That's what the members market section is for.