*** Official Sager NP8170/Clevo P170HM Owners Lounge ***

The only CPU's that can be overclocked are the XM models (2820/2860/2920XM). The QM models like the 2630 are multiplier locked, and cannot be overclocked even on chipsets where it would otherwise be supported.

 

Ah, Thanks.

Doesn't really bother me, just wanted to know if I was missing out on overclocking

Cheers!

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MALIBAL Satori P170HM (Dec. 2011) | 17.3" Glossy 1920 x 1080 | i7-2630QM 2.0-2.9 GHz | Radeon HD 6990M 2 GB GDDR5 | 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM | Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 | 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD | Blu-Ray ODD | 7.1 / THX TruStudio Pro | Approx. Total Cost - $1500

Acer Aspire 8930G (Dec. 2008) | 18.4" Glossy 1680 x 945 | Core 2 Duo T9600 2.8 GHz | GeForce 9600M GT 512 MB GDDR3 | 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM | Intel WiFi Link 5100 | 320 GB 5400 RPM HDD | Blu-Ray ODD | 5.1 / Dolby Home Theater | Approx. Total Cost - $1200

Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit | Logitech G930 Wireless Headset | Logitech MX518 Mouse | Seagate 1.5 TB USB 3.0 Portable HDD | Approx. Total Cost - $500

 

I hate to quote the words of others, but temps over 95c for long periods of time and your card won't last a year. (I have no proof, but that seems to be the general idea I get from people on more than one forum)


But, now that I have my temps under control, I have been playing with GPU overclocking all afternoon, and have a few questions. As long as I don't mess with the voltage and keep the temps down is there any risk to my hardware?
I am trying to increase my clock speed on my 485m to 631MHz and the shader speed to 1240MHz just to see what I'm missing out on by not having the 580m and it seems to be pretty stable so far. I still can't get my temps over mid eighties after running furmark for 30 mins, so heat is NOT a problem.

nice little fps increase so far

Also if someone else has or has not overclocked I would like to know what fps you guys get in furmark (and I also want to know if I effed something up, and my card performance is suffering )

I'm getting around 20 fps in furmark 1.9.1 in
1920 x 1080 anti aliasing off
dynamic background
burn in

let me know!

 

What do you all use to clean your laptop?

 

A simple microfiber rag does a great job at cleaning the screen and the rest of the chassis

 

I thought I needed something else for the metal part (armrest/touchpad) and keyboard...

Thanks for clearing that up! (Pun somewhat intended)

 

I use Cottonelle wipes for those areas. They work quite nicely.

 

Thanks I'll try that.

Also, does anyone know if there's a way to set the CPU/GPU on max even when on battery? I know it won't last long, but I'm playing an MMO where I need to login to check the market and the game just tanks when I'm on battery.

 

You won't be able to. The battery just can't run the CPU/GPU on max power settings. Part of the reason it has to clock down is just due to the fact that it requires more power than you can get without using AC.

 

I just bought my 8170.. How do my setup look?

I ordered the Crucial m4 separate and will install it myself on Xmas. Can't wait to get it up and running..

 

Looks good for starters

 

That's pretty much my setup sans the wifi setup. You should be pleased with that setup. Just be sure to get the newest gpu drivers before you benchmark or run any games.

 

Ok so before I play any games I need to get online and download/update the drivers for the 6990.. Will it prompt me to do this during the setup process or will it be on me to get onto the website, seek out the driver and get the ball rolling?

This will be my first laptop bootup in about 7 years. ;p

 

Nah if the os is installed your first boot up will be just like a normal boot up.

Umm... best way to do it:

Go to the AMD website and download the newest driver.

Uninstall the old driver through programs and features.

Then install the newest driver.

Viola :yes:

 

Thanks man.. I read your review on the 8170. Very nice breakdown... I can't wait!

 

Has anyone run Simraceway online racing? I run it at 1920x1080 with all the eye candy set at max.? With FN+1 I hit 160 degrees F, or about 70C. Is this ok?

 

70C is nothing to worry about. Remember that the "danger zone" is 95C and up, you have a ton of headroom there. Temps in the mid 80's or lower are definitely not worth worrying about.

 

Okay, is this an obvious question but it needs to be asked:

Why should you have to download the latest drivers when ordering a BRAND NEW laptop? Shouldn't the company BE installing the latest and best drivers when they put it together? If it were me, I'd demand it. Sheesh, just my opinion...

 

Yea thats why we maintain our own driver database and do our own validation of drivers. We use drivers that are far and away more updated than the basic clevo drivers.

 

A new beta driver could be released literally a day after your new laptop ships Its also one of the easiest things to do. So it depends, but really if it was a big issue you would want to talk to your reseller to see whats on there when it ships.

 

If you ordered yours w/o an OS, that will be a little tough

 

Can you or someone provide me a link to NBR's driver database?

 

I normaly use this thread for up-to-date drivers :

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/573379-clevo-driver-thread.html

 

The primary reason is to keep the testing platform known and level [same OS/drivers image] during the quality assurance process of the system builds (regardless if a OS install is sold or not). This allows the QA techs to ensure all is well in a faster manner and this also helps isolate any potential system issues more efficiently.

Factory compiled OS images are updated on a regular basis, but not as often as the individual drivers may be since default system testing needs to be confirmed before any updated OS images are typically certified and released to production. Trying to keeps the images updated on a daily basis while ensuring reference testing levels are maintained would not be feasible without a significant increase in logistics and personnel costs.

Scott-

 

We have a next gen build system that isn't image based (besides the windows install it-self the drivers are separate) allowing us to test things much faster so we are able to normally approve non-video drivers in a day or two and video drivers in about 5 days. Its not too bad to keep up with, the entire driver database isn't that large

 

Interesting. Thanks for the insight on how you are doing it.

Scott

 

Yea its really neat, allows us to when we build the recovery image for each machine, it really is for each machine as its a recovery image built for your individual machine so if you ever have to restore you don't have the same "no driver no nothing" after reinstall.

 

Very true, never thought of that aspect!

 

no shortage of replies on this question!

As someone who had an AWFUL experience updating a SINGLE driver on this machine, just one, I have absolutely no confidence now to do so without a step-by-step walkthrough.

I did an nVidia update that removed my sound from my speakers. (I think the driver number ended in .26) - There wasn't any warning or information that said to do a 'custom' install and only select certain components, or it would update my sound as well -- and people must admit that when one sees an update for a VIDEO CARD DRIVER, they do not think audio will be touched.

I'd love to have the latest updates, but without breakdowns/pitfalls and hazards being listed and easy to find, I haven't got the ballz to do it.

I spent two days getting back my sound because a driver roll-back and a system restore didn't return my sound. I can't even recall what I did to return it (must have blocked this incident from my mind...).



I see there ARE stickies - now I'll go hunt and see if there's one for drivers!

Does this forum have 'stickies'? I haven't seen them, I must check. It would be a great spot to keep a list of drivers :-D

 

I see that there are stickies - now I'll go hunt and see if there's one for drivers!

 

(Like I replied 5 posts ago, lol) You should check this thread to hunt for up-to-date drivers :

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/416916-clevo-bios-thread.html

 

Depends on your reseller though; some insist that you get at least Home Premium though

Same here; did'nt expect the Nvidia driver to be part of the sound driver as well (custom desktop user here)

 

Well at least it is a relief to see that I was not alone in having sound affected.

 

At least we learnt something out of this!

 

I have a couple of overclocking questions:

1)What software are you guys recommending for overclocking the Nvidia GTX 580m? Still using the NVIDIA Performance Group (v6.05.26.05) add-on to the NVIDIA Control Panel?
What about the EVGA's Precision utility 2.1.1?

Is there software to overclock the i7-2760QM?

 

Hello guys, I have some problem with the audio in MALIBAL satori P170HM.

All the speakers are working fine when in stereo mode and stereo plus (fn + 5) mode and the sound is very clear.

Now, when I switch to 7.1 mode in realtek, there is horrible distortion on right speakers. Is this common?

I just received my laptop back from MALIBAL after a thorough quality check. I think the speakers are fine. Is this something to do with the 7.1 mode in realtek? I have the latest drivers.

Thanks.
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MALIBAL Satori P170HM (Dec. 2011) | 17.3" Glossy 1920 x 1080 | i7-2630QM 2.0-2.9 GHz | Radeon HD 6990M 2 GB GDDR5 | 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM | Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 | 500 GB 7200 RPM HDD | Blu-Ray ODD | 7.1 / THX TruStudio Pro | Approx. Total Cost - $1500

Acer Aspire 8930G (Dec. 2008) | 18.4" Glossy 1680 x 945 | Core 2 Duo T9600 2.8 GHz | GeForce 9600M GT 512 MB GDDR3 | 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM | Intel WiFi Link 5100 | 320 GB 5400 RPM HDD | Blu-Ray ODD | 5.1 / Dolby Home Theater | Approx. Total Cost - $1200

Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit | Logitech G930 Wireless Headset | Logitech MX518 Mouse | Seagate 1.5 TB USB 3.0 Portable HDD | Approx. Total Cost - $500

 

The first question is a matter of preference. EVGA, MSI Afterburner, nV addon yea those are all good.

The second part, nope if it doesn't have XM in the name you can't OC it. Its locked by Intel

 

Thanks for the tip.

Another question.
Where can I get the optical drive bay caddy so I can convert it to HDD bay... cheaper than $40? This is for the P170HM.

 

If you want one that works well in these systems and has the ability to put the right faceplate on the caddy then thats the price you'll have to pay.

 

I bought mine off of ebay. Just make sure when you look at the picture, all the holes match, position of connector etc etc. I got mine for $10 out the door. I don't remember the company. The only thing about getting one from "our" distributors is that the face plate will match if you want to swap them. Its called an OBHD caddy. I did not do the swap and it looks just fine, nobody even knows its there. And having 3 drives - priceless

This is what i got and where:
http://stores.ebay.com/JacobsParts-Inc

SATA Hard Drive Caddy to Optical CD Bay Adapter (140596245669)

 

Hi guys.
I'm new to this forum here (couple of minutes old.)
I'd like to know if Reflexnotebook reads posts in here?

I have a huge issue on my laptop.
I have a 8170, and two days ago I noticed my CPU temperature went wacko.
My GPU temperature was normal though. I launched Starcraft 2 as usual, and played for a bit. Suddenly, my laptop froze and I forced it to turn off. I tried turning it back on, but there is no display. The screen definitely lights up, but there is no picture appearing. I was able to hear the windows and skype sound upon startup.

My problem is, I ordered it from Mucro asia, but is it possible for reflex to fix the issue for me? I am currently in Canada, so I wouldn't wanna send my notebook all the way to singapore...

Thanks
Regards,
Keen

 

They do read forum posts, I see them post every once in a while, but you'd probably want to send them an email if they don't respond to your forum post.

 

You might also want to check it out yourself. If you've got an external monitor, see if you can get a picture on that. If that works, then you may just have a loose cable going to your screen. That happens to be a pretty easy thing to check if you're comfortable opening the machine up, or can't send it out.

 

Hmm, I'll try hooking it up to a monitor, if I can find any..
I don't see how it will come loose when playing a game..
I have emailed reflexnotebook, hopefully I get a reply soon

 

I don't know, I thought you must contact Mucro instead?

 

I just bought a Sager NP8170 via XoticPC. Hasnt got here yet but pretty excited so this is like a shout out haha.

 

Mucro replied my email saying I can contact Sager service partners in Canada. They cc'ed the e-mail to Sager techsupport, but I received no feedback from them.

 

Just recently I paid for an upgrade to the 70% color gamut screen from sager. They changed the screen and sent the notebook back to me, but in the past couple of weeks I have noticed three little grey smudges that seem to be under the screen and are only really visible with a white background.

Should I send it back for a replacement? It has been about 5-6 weeks since the change, but will they replace it for free if something is wrong?
I like my screens pretty and clean and little things like this bug the $#!* outto me

 

Sighs, I guess contacting Reflexive is the only thing you can do; I hear that contacting Sager direct is not very efficient

 

Anyone know what service would be suitable for me to send it back to Sager?
They replied to me and told me to ship with any courier.
Anyone know if Canada Post is safe to ship it to Cali? Fedex/ UPS/ etc are quoting me over 150 dollars..
I'm worried if I have to pay for both ways too. Anyone confirm this for me?

I'm sorry I am being annoying, but its so frustrating to have a busted laptop and forced to cram in a library packed full of people to study...