2013 Series 7 chronos / Ativ Book 8 15" owner's lounge (NP770Z5E / NP780Z5E / NP870Z5E / NP880Z5E)

Use intels DRIVERS ONLY package 6235 drivers, they work best right now.

 

I bet im not as super pro tech pc guy as you! so would you have tried to find the 8870? or just run with the 8770. I read everywhere that 8870 is a must.

 

Thanks John - nada in event viewer. Windows apparently stayed off during that time. I reset the bios to optimized defaults to see if that helps. Weird thing in windows, whenever Windows boots or wakes up from sleep, it defaults to the power saver profile, in spite of my having had it set for high performance. Will continue to monitor.

Edit: checked out the other post and I have experienced the same difficulty. I get my laptop to work, open it up and see that message (no boot device, press F4 for recovery, etc...). Strange. Between the power off/boot issue and the power profile not sticking, everything else is working fine.

 

The issue in the other thread has now been fixed by resetting UEFI to the defaults.

Give it a try.

John

 

Hey Guys,
So I have had this for a couple of days and it has been doing well. I followed this thread closely, especially concerning the SSD swap.
Today, when I tired to shut down the laptop, It hanged on "Preparing Windows Configuration, please do not shut down". I waited for 2 hours but then had to force the shut down since it was taking too long. The boot afterwards took about 10x more time than the usual. I tried the automatic repair and there was nothing. There was one important .NET update in Windows Update that failed because of internet issues which I guess is the reason why the shut down took too long, but why is the boot time now taking this freaking long? I am scared I might have messed up something.

 

In the USA the 8870M model starts at 1700 USD. Its not work the 500 dollar increse when you can overclock for free.

 

@Ghastn: Sounds like Windows updates gone bad. Some updates need multiple reboots and a lot of time to finish running in the background after installation. I've had a windows installation mess up due to interrupted .NET updates, and had to restore an image backup. If it's a new install (I seem to recall it is) I would just factory restore again - or go back to a system restore point before the update.

 

Hello zlThomaslz
Can you do a guide on how to perform a good overclock on a 8770m gpu.
Please.

Thanks

 

I have the 8770m version, and I can't get any overclocks to stick with MSI afterburner. I remember a conversation a while where several other users shared the same problem.

When overclocking, the gpu would bounce between the OC freq and some lower than stock freq resulting in very minimal if any performance gains. This is likely because the option to change the power going to the gpu is unavailable in afterburner for the 8770, like it is for the 8870. (you would probably put +20% on your 8870 for the OCs to work). I've messed with all the settings in afterburner to no avail, but if someone found a way to make it work for the 8770, I'd definitely like to hear!

 

How's the hinge on your laptops holding up? I bought mine almost a month ago on black Friday at best buy the hinge seems a bit loose compared to my sisters macbook pro, its nothing too bad but if its on a table it wiggles a bit. Maybe its just me but I want to know your thoughts.

 

Bought mine a couple weeks before you and mine tight. You can return to Best Buy until January 15th..

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

 

Look in the OP, and scroll down a bit, it will tell you, but I also cannot change the power options on mine. It bounces because of AMD's GPU Boost

 

Hi Dannemad

which would be the correct installation order in a clean install?

 

Concerning 13.12 WHQL drivers from AMD I can confirm switchable graphics are there after installation.

I had to return my previous Ativ 8 due to screen backlight bleeding that was getting worse with time (!). I got a new one, there is still some minor backlight bleeding but hugely better than my previous one. I had however to re-setup everything from scratch, open up (again) the bottom cover, install SSD, etc, etc... I went from stock drivers to 13.12 directly and everything went smoothly. However I didn't see any performance increase in 3dmark11 (compared to 13.9), although I'd like to later test with a game or two to see. It seems you can go to 13.12 without hesitation.

 

Would like to see some feedback about gaming performance with those new drivers. Also, which ones have you used? Could you please provide a download link? Cheers

 

Hey Guys!
So it's OK to update to 8.1(driver wise)?
Also happy holidays to You all!

 

I really need help.

When i play ghosts, the graphics are really bad, it slows down and will just crash... I thought it was just the game so I uninstalled it... I installed GTA IV and the same thing came up, the graphics were really bad and slow.

I started doing some research then i found out that my ATIV 8 has 2 display adapters, AMD Radeon HD 8800M Series and Intel HD Graphics 4000. I'm thinking the AMD has higher specs so i disabled the intel 4000... When I tried to load the game it said it has a "EFLC FATAL ERROR", it said it was unable to create depth render target and i had to check if my video card exceeds the minimum requirement. I showed the specs of my ATIV to the guys from the shop where i bought the games and they were really impressed. They had no clue why my laptop can't run it...

I dont know much about PCs that's why i really need some help. Thanks...

 

Hey There!
Check out the first post of this thread
There is tutorial how to use dedicated GPU with applications

 

The order in which SW Update installs them (as I recall also the order it lists them, though I'm away from my PC now, so I can't verify).

I generally recommend to let SW Update install most drivers, except those specific ones you want to control manually or where you want a different driver (such as WiFi). The benefit is it installs them in the right order, and saves you a lot of reboots.

If you want to install manually (which is ok, of course) I posted a Win7 install guide (also covering Win8 ) where I listed a recommended order. I'll find it for you...

Edit: This Windows install guide has the recommended driver installation order

 

I just wanted to point out that this post was from November 2nd. has it been 1-2 weeks yet? Is Samsumg still saying a couple weeks?

 

Hi folks - I could swear that the SSD I installed after first getting my NP780Z5E is giving birth to partitions.

My setup is - Windows 8 updated to Windows 8.1 updated to Pro using my own Pro key.

What partitions do I absolutely need for Samsung recovery to function properly and for Windows Recovery to function properly?

Thanks folks!

 

You're right, that is very odd. A lot of them are normal, and should not be messed with. In order from left to right on the disk display (lower part of Disk Management):

0.5GB Windows RE Tools
300MB EFI System partition (ESF)
100MB Windows System reserved (MSR) - hidden but likely there
453GB Windows & data
(4 inexplicable 350MB Recovery Partitions)
20.4GB SAMSUNG_REC2 (Samsung Recovery Data partition)
1GB SAMSUNG_REC (Samsung Recovery Boot/software partition)

I honestly don't know what those four 350MB partitions could be.

If this was my PC, I would go nuclear:

1) Backup all data (which I keep on a separate partition) to an external drive

2) Backup all data to a secondary drive (in case 1st backup fails when restoring to the wiped HDD)

3) Create an image backup of the Windows partition (using Recovery or a 3rd party tool) to an external drive

4) Create a Bootable factory Image backup to a 32GB USB stick. Test that it boots alright

5) Use Recovery (F4) to perform a factory restore with Partition Setting enabled (to re-partition the disk)

5a) If this doesn't cleanup the disk and get rid of the odd partitions, use USB stick to re-image

6) Restore Windows partition from image backup (if it's worth restoring)

7) Restore data from data backup

Or you could clean install after the factory restore/re-image. Just format the newly created Windows partition (don't delete it or other partitions) and install on that.

I'll be very interested if you find out more about what this.

 

Where can I download the 13.12 WHQL drivers?

 

You can get them here:

http://www2.ati.com/drivers/13-12_win7_win8_64_dd_ccc_whql.exe

I didn't have a lot of time to do extensive testing (demanding baby at home , preparations for family dinners, etc....), but I quickly tested Saints Row IV, which had issues with ATI cards and it seems to run faster now. I could make it run fluidly on FullHD, High settings, no AA (who needs it with such pixel density ). I don't have FRAPS to give hard numbers, but I can definitely see the difference. Very happy with this improvement. I will also have a look at Metro last light, later today (hopefully) (it was also quite demanding).

According to the release notes there are some improvements in the folowing titles as well:

"New AMD Enduro™ Technology profiles for the following game titles:
​XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Need for Speed Rivals
Total War™​: Rome 2
Battlefield 4
Saints Row 4
Splinter Cell Blacklist
FIFA 14"

 

I'm trying to run a test with 3DMark 11 to see my score before updating the drivers, so I can easily tell if there is any improvement. I can't find how to force the ATI card to be used for the test! It stays on the integrated graphics and the score I get is obviously terrible. How can I do?

 

What windows are you using?

 

Thanks for the tips. In the midst of doing it now. You know, Recovery may not have a lot of the bells and whistles that Acronis has, but it sure works pretty well with Samsung notebooks for free. I'm restoring the factory layout and will report back whether it deletes those partitions. At the outset of the recovery it did say that it would delete the extra partitions so I am hopeful.

Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk

 

Hey guys, I'm sorry to intrude here, I've posted this under the Trackpad discussion also but since it's been inactive for the past month or so and my returning window is closing, i've decided to post it here as well.

I'm new to this forum and this is sort of my last resort... I recently bought an Ativ Book 8 and since then, the one I currently have is my fourth! The reason for that is that I've been experiencing a nerve racking issue with the touchpad and already returned 3 laptops. Basically every once in a while it goes crazy on me and starts to move erratically.

I found a video on youtube of a dell laptop that has the exact same issue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y79H00oicFE
The thing is, it's impossible to work with and after paying over a thousand euros for it, I guess I was expecting a better touchpad... Since all the notebooks I've received so far had the same issue, I figured it would be something commonly discussed in reviews and such but it's been impossible to find a solution online.

So far, i've basically done everything I think is possible in terms of driver updates, windows updates, etc. including reverting the Elan driver to the default one, which only took away the functionality leaving the problem.

I really enjoy everything else on this laptop and in my opinion it's the best for this price range right now on the market and I don't want to have to return it. Any help would be appreciated.

Great forum by the way!

 

All is well - that was a bizarre situation and the only thing I can figure out is that it was caused by the Windows 8.1 upgrade experience or something I messed up when I installed the SSD months ago. Thanks Dan - see attachment for a more sane HD layout.

Happy holidays everybody!

 

1.Right click somewhere on your desktop (not over an icon)
2. Select "Configure Switchable Graphics"
3.Click "Add Application"
4. Browse to your 3dmark installation folder and select 3dmark11.exe
5. Set it to High Performance

Then you can run 3dmark and enjoy "proper" 3dmark scores!

 

Win 8 Pro x64 (not 8.1)

 

does anyone know which memory voltage (1,35 or 1,5) and latency (e.g. CL11) is appropriate for this notebook? I want to upgrade memory for my NP870Z5E but heard that some people had their memory clock speed go down to 1333 instead of 1600 after installing some incompatible memory types (although 1600 and and DDR3)? An advice on which manufacturer to chose would be highly appreciated! too Many thanks!

 

They arent the mobility one's and it wont find my hardware

 

Excellent, good job. That looks more like it.

You have a wonderful Christmas too - or Holiday, whichever you prefer. All of you

 

Hi, thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately, 3DMark 11 has been set on High Performance since it was installed. I already double checked its settings and it was on "High performance". Any other suggestions?


I'm also thinking of updating the graphics drivers to the latest working ones and try some overclock. I pushed to 850/1250 with 120% power limit, and with the stock PSU it seems to be working fine. No clear signs of improvement, tho. Temps are ok. How can I go further? I'm at the end of the OC bar and can't put any higher value.

P.s.: I think the drivers section in the first post should be made a bit clearer. I'm so confused about the best driver to install to try and get some more FPS from my games. 13.10 seems to be the most stable one, but I'm reading 13.12 WHQL are out and someone has installed them. So what should I try? I don't want to make the situation worse and break some features like switchable graphics or metro apps.

 

What are the characteristics of the current memory? CPUID or HWiNFO should be able to tell you.

In theory, the BIOS should be able to figure out the fastest settings supported by both the on-board RAM and any module in the slot. However, since the BIOS on my X4C no longer recognises 1.35V RAM (it used to before BIOS P09ABK) then it is possible that this bug also afflicts other Samsung notebooks although the notebooks in this thread are a newer family.

I can't think of a good reason why the RAM isn't running at 1600MHz unless the on-board RAM is only 1333MHz although the impact on performance would be difficult to observe without benchmarking.

John

 

Hello guys. I am about to purchase NP870Z5E and I will install fresh Windows 8 on my SSD drive. Are there any problems with drivers on a clean installation? I really hate all the crapware that comes with new laptops. I do know that I shouldn't install 8.1 update, I won't do this

 

I found the 13.12 MOBILITY Drivers, and after installing them I can confirm that switchable graphics is there.

Specs:
Specs: Samsung ATIV Book 8
2.4Ghz Core i7 3635QM (Turbos to 3.4)
AMD 8770M 1GB GDDR5 OC 950/1200
8GB Ram
1TB Hard Drive
Windows 8.1 64Bit

Proof: http://imgur.com/vJ1Ojjl

Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2_NEwk1MVjeQmZ1N1hOdnJXSE0/edit?usp=sharing

 

Thanks for your reply Oeselian

I downloaded AMD Catalyst 13.1 and its worked with GTA IV whenever the battery is set at High Performance. But every time I try to play Call of Duty Ghosts the graphics is still bad, like nothing changed.

Did I do it right? I just downloaded the 13.1, is that enough or there are other stuff I should do? Thanks again...

 

It actually works very good Thanks!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!

 

Cool, I found the same package on google a few days ago, just compared it to your screenshot and they are the same. It works well so far but I want to overclock my GPU as well

ps for those who have trouble downloading 13.12 drivers, here's another link (directly form AMD)

 

I dont know why 3d Mark 11 says that my gpu is 8750m not a 8770m !!!!
What results are getting you with the performance test?
Im getting 2310 with overcloking is bad or good?

 

Hmm
Well did you try to set Ghosts .exe in high performance in catalyst control centre
Here's screenies for you:


Edit: by 13.1 you mean 13.11 v1 right?

 

I have installed 13.12 but unfortunately 3d performance is suppressed now. Even I changed the setting on Catalyst center for 3DMark to run as high performance, max FPS is locked around 54 on each test. With 13.10 FPS was around 300 Is there any one experienced the same ?

 

Are you on windows 8 or windows 8.1¿ ??

Thanks

 

Windows 8.1 64bit, it says it at the end.

 

Hi,

Currently I have my Chronos 7 ( 780Z5E ) running a Dell 24" monitor at 1920x1200 via HDMI and a Sony 17" at 1280 x 1024 via VGA, simultaneous with the built in touch screen at 1920x1080. The VGA output from the 780Z5E is quite poor quality, but otherwise it works OK, and the two external monitors have nearly matching PPI which is nice.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a single 24" monitor (the new Dell) running at 3840 x 2160, but I don't know if the 780Z5E can handle this via HDMI - others have reported getting 1440p working at 41hz; I will be OK with 3840x2160 at 30hz which is the max refresh on the Dell when using HDMI.

Has anybody tried the 780Z5E with a 4K monitor or TV?

Thanks!

 

I honestly would have preferred the 8870 to the 8770, but as I am in the US there wasn't a 15" 8870 model available at the time that I bought mine (approximately 9-10 months ago). The only 8870 option that we had was a 17" model, but I didn't want such a large device.

Is that an option now in the US? I would have gladly paid a couple hundred more for it, but not $500 unless it included something more than just the faster GPU (supporting 16GB of RAM would be a start). Where is the 8870m model available in the US? I can't even find it on Samsung's site.

 

Thank you for confirming that you are able to run 3 simultaneous monitors on this model (internal + HDMI + VGA). Earlier models were not able to do this, except those with DisplayPort (such as NP700G7C and NP700Z7C).

As for running 4K (3840x2160) on an external monitor or TV, users of the newer Ativ Book 9 Plus have confirmed that to work at 30Hz (see this), but other than your own post from March I have not seen any mention of this by Series 7 / AB8 owners. I wouldn't be surprised if it works, but I would love to hear confirmation.

BTW, I took the liberty of moving your post to here from the pre-release thread, which is mostly dormant now, and better left that way.

 

It was on NCIX, but now it is gone and not sold anymore.