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

This is the third report of a problem with an 8GB module in the past two weeks. One of the others is here and another (which involves the same Kingston module) is here. Samsung seem to have broken something in a recent BIOS update.

What is unclear is whether the problem affect all 8GB modules or just this Kingston module. I wonder if it is the latter because I would have expected more reports if all 8GB modules have been affected.

John

 

My no longer recognized memory module was made by Crucial.

Amazon.com: Crucial 8GB Single DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory CT102464BF160B: Computers & Accessories

 

Rather than being an incompatibility with specific brands of RAM, could it be a failure in the new BIOS of handling dual-channel setups? The reported cases all had an add-on stick in the second slot, meaning they switched from the default single-channel access of the onboard RAM to dual-channel.

Of course I am not suggesting that this is merely a failure to run dual-channel, since you would still see 16GB running single-channel in that case. But maybe the new BIOS sees the add-on stick and intends to create a dual-channel setup, then fails to sync up the two blocks, and falls back to just the onboard block. Maybe it wants the add-on block to have very close timings to that of the onboard block.

It's just a thought, since this would be common to those cases that have the problem. For those who updated to the new BIOS AND have add-on RAM that's still working, it would be great if you can post the specs and timings of your added RAM.

 

Also, the RAM voltage.

My NP900X4C developed a dislike of 1.35V RAM after a BIOS update late last year. Chappa'ai's RAM is the 8GB version of the modules that no longer work in my X4C. However, the Kingston RAM in the other problems noted above appears to be only 1.5V.

It would be very useful if others can post which, if any, 8GB modules work after the latest BIOS update.

John

 

I have this PNY: Amazon.com: PNY 8GB DDR3 1600 PC3-12800 204-Pin CAS CL11 Memory Module (MN8192SD3-1600): Computers & Accessories
Got it for 60. I still get my full 16 GB after the BIOS update. I must say that my usage never exceeded 6 gigs even when playing Battlefield on High Settings.

 

Thanks. I hope some more owners will report which 8GB modules still work with the latest BIOS.

I suspect that Samsung have unintentionally introduced a bug.

John

 

Hi, ive got the np780z5e and have spent the last week trying to find a solution to the issue of no sound from the laptop speakers, where headphones and hdmi are ok... all drivers seem to be ok, the levels show in settings, factory reinstall did not solve it, updated from 8 to 8.1 all samsung updates installed and it persists... has anyone found a solution to this?, returning the machine is not an option as its the one i want and they dont have another in stock.... can anyone help please?? Thanks...

 

I have the model NP880Z5E-X01SE and the 8 GB add-on RAM is Kingston M1G64K110. Specs are: DDR3, Non-ECC, CL11, 1.5V, Unbuffered. I have upgraded to the bios P04ADH ten days ago, and to Windows 8.1 five days ago. Windows 8.1 can see totally 16GB RAM just as W8 saw before the updates. I got the recommended ram type from the local Samsung service and bought it from a web store.

 

If reinstalling the factory image didn't fix the problem then it looks like a hardware fault. what output does the computer think it is using (click on the speaker icon in the notification area)? If It is showing headphones then I wonder if whatever is used (it used to be a mechanical switch) to sense when the headphones are plugged in isn't switching back to the speaker when the headphones are unplugged.

If the computer thinks it is outputting to the speakers then I have to wonder whether they weren't connected during assembly.

If replacement isn't an option then Samsung should be able to arrange repair.

John

 

Has anyone managed to fix the Bluetooth Problem that started since Windows 8.1? Still struggling with mine

 

Hi !! sorry if im out of topic, but i would like to ask you, how did it go the laptop after the update?

Did you have any kind of trouble?
Does your amd driver and intel work ok? your widi works?
I have read that battery life after 8.1 is not that great anymore?

Sorry for asking that much, but you may understand this are commund doubts for people like me that are still in w8 because we are afraid of losing this great laptop.

Thank you very much!

 

i'm having a doubt, did someone succesfully upgraded the NP870Z5G-X01IT to 16gb RAM?

 

Hello guys,

I'm new here at this forum and this is my first post.

I have the np880z5e-x01nl and i wanted to upgrade my ram but i got a little scared of some comments reporting that there laptop does not recognize there ram upgrade.

So my question is which ram module must/should i buy?

 

Try with a couple of Linux Live CD's if you can get any sounds from the speakers. If you get sounds, the problem is in Windows. If you did not get sounds, there are still all alternatives left: the problem is in Windows, or in your hardware, or the Linux distro did not support the sound devices. Are you sure there is no on/off switch for the sound?

 

I did not have any problems during the updates (W8.1 and SW Update) or after them. I only were a bit nervous for five minutes when the display kept black during update of the graphic drivers. My computer works a bit better now than before the updates. But the update to 8.1 now apparently includes also the 8.1 update 1, and some problems have been reported in the update 1 specially in cases where system changes were done.

To your three other questions I cannot answer. After the update I have not used the laptop long times with only the battery. And I do not have a widi display (wlan works). I have never switched between the graphic drivers, but at least the default display driver works without problems (Photoshop, videos etc.).

 

i never got my widi tv working on this thing, the update 1 for windows 8.1 gives me no problems, all in all 8.1 works faster than 8

 

I updated to the new bios a few days ago and all 16gb of my ram is still recognized. I have a Patriot PSD38G1600L2S stick in there. It's DDR3 1600 and CL11, probably like most of the other kits installed in these laptops. However, it's also a 1.35V/1.5V version, so it does not seem that the laptop simply dislikes the low voltage capable sticks.

In other news, I updated from Windows 8 Pro to Windows 8.1 Update Pro a few days ago, and after SW update did its thing, all is well. I have full functionality and switchable graphics. Seems like it's safe to update now.

Cheers

 

Thanks for the replies... looks like its hardware,, warranty stickers gone so thats out the window.,, its as if the speakers arent phyically connected. Ive seen sone other users with the same issue., ill whiz he back off and have a look.. on a different note im on my 2nd attempt to get a fully working 8.1 installation after a graohics fail on the last one. Could anyone tell me the best driver option?, is it the amd whql if so what version,,,or are the samsung drivers in swupdate working yet.. (8850m) thanks again

 

The computer isn't shipped with any warranty stickers.

The warranty validity is from the date when the computer was first turned on, which should be on the first BIOS setup screen (tap the F2 key a few times immediately after turning on the computer).

John

 

Thanks for that., there was a warranty sticker covering the memory cover., must have been a store one.. ill loom into this.. as its less than 12 months old.. however samsung online referred me back to the retailer.....

 

Interesting. So the box had already been opened! Was it sold as "new", "open-box" or "refurbished"?

I wonder whether the problem had been previously identified but not fixed. In this situation your first line of attach has to be the retailer who may then arrange for the warranty repair.

John

 

I installed the latest BIOS for my 7705ze (Windows 7) today via SW Update. The bios is now version: P06ABU . Before updating my 3dmark11 score was around 3444, it has now fallen to 3050. I have looked in BIOS and can't see that any performance settings have changed.

Can I still reinstall the older BIOS, if so where do I download and how?

I looked at this guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/696197-samsung-laptops-roll-back-bios-updates.html but the links on there are out of date.

 

Forget my last post, my score is now up to 3466.

 

ok that ones sorted now,. ive settled for a ppartial refund and bought a decent bluetooth speaker,. that will do me until i get to the bottom of the hardware issue,... thanks for the help,. now regarding graphics drivers,. im currently using the stock SWupdate ones on windows 8,. planning on a 2nd attempt at a working 8.1 machine later today any recommendatioons or the gpu drivers,.? thanks!

 

I've also lost the ability to use my 8GB extra ram. It's a Kingston ValueRam (KVR16S11/8) module. Someone already contacted Samsung with this issue? Would be nice if they fixed this.

Something completely different, did anyone replaced the wifi/bluetooth module for a new Intel Wireless-AC 7260 Plus? I'm planning on doing this in the near future to profit from my new ac router.

 

Is this normal score for this laptop?

I got this on advanced test

 

Hi,

I only have 3DMark11 basic edition, so my options are limited (I can only run the "P" benchmark on 1280x720). The values it gives me are as follows, though:

P3370 with AMD Radeon HD 8870M(1x) and Intel Core i7-3635QM

3370 3DMarks

Graphics Score
3081

Physics Score
6020

Combined Score
3532

I use the Samsung stock ATI drivers for Win 8.1; OS is Windows 8.1 Update 1. Wonder if WoT will still run smoothly after the 9.0 patch which is scheduled for tomorrow

HTH,
-- Chris.

 

For P on 1280x720 i got


Graphics Score
3084

Physics Score
4530

Combined Score
3509

Lots of diff on physics score

 

Hi,

somehow managed to get X (Full HD) mode working, results for that are as follows:

3DMark11 Score: X997
Graphics Score: 888
Physics Score: 6099
Combined Score: 1178

Seems my machine is a little faster overall (in particular, the Physics value is about 600 points higher), but not really significantly, I think. Don't know how the Physics rating is calculated (CPU or GPU?), but I think your system performs quite as it should Could be a driver or OS thing; as I said, I use the stock drivers and no tweaks, overclocking or the like. Ran the test on High Performance energy profile, ofc.

HTH,
-- Chris.

 

3DMark - test your graphics card with the gamer's benchmark
Check here, tons of scores done on this laptops, i just have no idea what any of it means, i never did any gpu tests before in my life

i will try again with gpu overclocked later today

 

anybody? i'd like to have a confirm, cause some italian sites report this model as an non upgradable one, just the soldered 8gb ram (even if i got the empty ram slot)

 

hi all,. Managed to get u and running with 8.1 using everything from swupdate,. Fps are generally good,. still missing sound but i think this is hardware,. next job is to trash this god awful slow HDD,. crucial m550 512gb ordered,.. on another note and i see a few others have had the problem, the sound driver fails to install,. although the sound output (through line out in my case) is working i had an incident at work where the sound quality degraded and the disk usage was 100% again,. anyway anybody had any luck installing the swupdate sound driver?,. also is there a definitive list of working 8gb modules about yet?,.thanks

 

I'm thinking about to buying this ram module for the NP880Z5E:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Venge...600C10/dp/B0076W9Q4Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Wil it work??

 

I updated mine to P04ADH today with Win 8 and no problems with additional 8GB Kingston KVR16S11/8 DDR3-1600 SODIMM module of different model see screenshots posted of bios, chipset and memory SPD values at Samsung ATIV Book 8 (Samsung ATIV Book 8 NP880Z5E-X01AU - Imgur

memory SPD for anyone to compare with, could be minor changes in some memory module's SPD profiles causing havoc after bios update ?

8GB Kingston KVR16S11/8 week 10, 2013 produced

updated mine to 7260-AC without problems at http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...p780z5e-np870z5e-np880z5e-49.html#post9348675

 

i have my sound working, the settings are working, sound is good, only things broken is when i want to use Enchancements in windows, there is only option Disable all effects, nothing else, nothing to choose or chagne

 

I've contacted Samsung support a few days ago (local support in the Netherlands) and contacted me back today. They've managed to reproduce the 8GB memory problem on different models and also found out that it's not consistently the same Kingston module, some modules are working while they should be identical. Anyway, they've pushed the problem to the bios developers and hopefully have a fix soon.

 

Hello,

I've just got my NP880Z5E back after broken gpu issue and after 3 hours of testing it i used SW update to update all stuff including bios, but it crashed while writing data (26%) - everything froze (screen was on last frame rendered). Tried to turn it off but i couldn't so i powered it off using reset button on bottom side of laptop. Now i can't power it on - plugged/unplugged do nothing, the only thing i can notice is that when i plug in/out power cable i see blink of green light (power led) for a fraction of second.

Is here anything i can do instead of sending it on warranty again? 3 hours of real work for 3(already)-6 weeks of servicing for a lap worth $1.8k is not a good practice from Samsung.
Thanks in advance

 

Officially, the RAM is not user-upgradable, but it can be done.

Thank you for pushing this and reporting back. You were lucky to get through to someone who felt the issue merited investigation.

John

 

Howdy!

Did anybody yet asked himself about the BIOS update P04ADH (march 2014) what are the release notes/ version history/ bug fixes/ great new features/ NSA backdoors in this version? It seems impossible to find a list of things changed with the BIOS update. Googleing "P04ADH" ends up in like 16 results neither of them indicating anything about changes (except for losing 8GB random access memory and some of the graphics power). No information whatsoever.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

Samsung never publish the BIOS changelogs. It's possible that the purpose of the update was better Windows 8.1 compatibility.

However, as you have discovered, Samsung have changed (probably unintentionally) something to do with RAM support and this BIOS update is best avoided.

John

 

I know this is off topic to all the problems arising right now due to the bios update, but did anyone ever figure out how to solve the back light keyboard sensor problem? How do I disable the sensor so I can keep my back light keyboard on? At first I thought this bios update/ settings update would have a fix for it but I don't see any place.... Its really annoying when I want the back light on but it turns off because the sensor assumes its bright enough. Thanks Guys, also I have the Ativbook 8, the touchscreen one in the US, only found at Bestbuy.

 

The fall-back fix is what I have applied to my Series 9: Cover the sensor with a small piece of black tape so it thinks it is in permanent darkness.

John

 

Hello,

i only want to inform you, that Samsung called me today because of the missing 8GB ram (occured after BIOS Update P04ADH)
The update has an error. Samsung tries to fix this asap with a new bios update.
Good News i think

Bye

kroeni

 

You have been really unlucky there. If the crash happened while it was flashing your BIOS -- and you are now unable to turn it on -- then I doubt there is anything you can do except sending it in for service. Again. I wish I had a more upbeat suggestion for you.

When you get it back, don't run future BIOS updates directly in SW Update. Instead, save BIOS update locally and run it outside SW Update, as described by John in this post. Also make sure to close or uninstall any background programs and utilities (including anti-virus) before flashing. Much safer that way.

It's a great machine, you just hit a bad streak there.

 

Hi folks - I've got a Technet subscription so have an ISO of Windows 8.1 with the spring update integrated. It being a long weekend, I am tempted to do a clean install from this ISO following instructions in this thread (i.e. exporting all the 780z5e updates from the SW Updates app, the latest Settings application from the latest series 9, installing from an external DVD to the existing Windows partition after formatting the partition to clean it, then installing all the 780z5e updates after the install). I have a Pro key from Technet so need not worry about the install picking up the key in the bios.

For those who have clean installed 8.1 in this manner, have you experienced any benefits (other than the OCD-ish belief that you have a cleaner install)?

It's a long weekend and raining here so have some time to spare. Was going to binge re-watch True Detective while I did this.

Thanks for any feedback you might have!

 

Hi Shrink,

I think that is a worthwhile experiment. I would say make sure you have the requisite backups so you can always get back, and won't lose any data no matter what happens. Some members have reported that Win8.1 clean install corrupted their Samsung Recovery, but that was before Update 1. Still, if installing on the original HDD (with the original Recovery) make sure to have a backup of it, as described here. But I am sure you have all that well in hand.

Make sure you install from DVD OR from a FAT32 formatted USB stick. Microsoft's ISO/USB creation tool uses NTFS which won't work with UEFI. See this post for details and a few other gotchas.

I just updated my own Win8.1 test partition the other day with the various Windows Updates, including Microsoft-provided graphics drivers for both Intel and AMD -- AFTER uninstalling existing Intel and Catalyst drivers in Programs and Features control panel. To my surprise, everything worked, including switchable graphics, so I no longer depend on Samsung for graphics drivers. I still have to try a clean install of 8.1, which I will when I get the time someday. Note that I am on an older Series 7 model (NP700Z3A) with Intel 3000 and AMD 6490M PowerXpress. Results may be different for NP770/780/870/880 models with AMD 8xxx using Enduro switcheroo.

Personally I don't save all drivers in SW Update before a clean install. I just run SW Update after the install and let it do its thing. You can save the latest WiFi drivers just to make sure you can get on the network, but you shouldn't even have to do that with Win8.x and Intel 6230/6235 WiFi adapters.

 

Thanks Dan - good to know about not running SW Update ahead of time. I am actually running in to a hassle getting SW Update to connect to Samsung's servers today so all the better. Will report back if I wind up taking the plunge.

 

Hi!

I've recently purchased a PS3 controller to connect to my laptop in order to play games

Everything works fine and I am able to connect it via USB using the dedicated software. The thing is, I need to connect it via Bluetooth, but my Bluetooth software seems to crash at startup! I can see the tray icon for a second, but then it vanishes. I have reinstalled the drivers through SW Update (I had removed them because I did not need any BT on my machine) and even updated them through device manager, but none of these cases helped fix the issue!

Bluetooth softwares cannot retrieve my bluetooth MAC address! They just show blank! What can I try?

In the startup menu of CCleaner the bluetooth stack is set to be launched at system startup, so that is not the issue. Is the bluetooth dependant from other softwares? Help! Thanks

ps Bluetooth device is correctly displayed in Device manager!

Also, if I log in with another user (not administrator), the bluetooth launches and works! I can't figure out what is disabled on my admin account that makes the bluetooth crash/quit every time

Edit: just saw the bluetooth services are running in task manager.. this is getting weird lol

 

I updated my BIOS with SW update and it worked just fine. Why are people saying to use a different app? While in the process of doing BIOS updates, I never touch the computer. Sometimes it seems to be crashed with a black or blue screen, but be patient and wait for it recover before declaring a 'crash'. I think it's like when a fuse on a firework fizzles out. Don't 'check' it before you're sure it's not going to work, or you'll get 'hurt' when it goes off while you're checking it. Good luck.

 

The reason we recommend running the update outside SW Update is just to reduce the risk of any issues. No doubt it works most of the time even inside SW Update -- otherwise surely Samsung would have addressed it.

A typical Windows computer today has a vast number of background tasks always looking for something interesting to do during idle, as soon as the user stops typing on the keyboard. If the wrong combination of background tasks happen to trigger the wrong sequence of hardware interrupts during a BIOS update, that's when bad flashes happen -- and the outcome can be fatal. We have reports of it here from time to time, including one recently where the Update was performed within SW Update.

So BIOS updates is one of those activities where taking a few extra precautions is good practice. And running the Updater separately is one such precaution -- along with unloading or closing any unnecessary background tasks.