Samsung 15" Series 9 NP900X4C with Ivy Bridge CPU

Why do not you go to Facebbok, you make a claim on behalf of Samsung.

From what I've read there they usually attentive.

Good luck!!!

 

They will just have to replace everything inside except the casing and the keyboard. Somehow it is fixable.

And, on a different subject, I saw a well-specified X4C in Dubai airport yesterday.



The display looked good when viewed straight on, but the vertical viewing angles were normal.

John

 

Does anyone have any idea on where to begin trouble-shooting USB ports acting up?

I'm not sure if the 2.0.0.17 update stuffed it up or not, but even the USB 2.0 port doesn't work.

There's also a low growl that my fans emit, which weren't there before. I'm not sure if they're correlated though.

 

Does Device Manager think that the USB ports are working OK?

Only a BIOS update might affect the fan operation.

John

 

Any updates on whether or not this computer will come with an IPS display in some revision?

 

We have to hope that Samsung have taken note of comments but there's no hint of any better display coming. Perhaps with the next Intel platform so that we who have already bought the X4 have extra incentive to upgrade.

John

 

Anybody else getting cache read errors on Google chrome ? Even firefox cache is repeatedly getting corrupt. I have no choice but to switch back to IE. I guess t's a problem with hardware or driver on this laptop. I removed intellimemory and that appeared to have fixed the problem for couple of days but it's back again. Could it be because of windows 8?

 

I think this is happening to me too. Websites sometimes do not load correctly so I have to refresh them to show properly. I too am using Chrome and Windows 8.

 

Given that these appear to be Windows 8 issues I would suggest you adjourn to the Series 9 Windows 8 thread.

[While I adopted Win 7 very quickly because Vista was Me 2, I feel no urge to dump Win 7 in favour of 8].

John

 

Good call, since Windows 8 turns out to be ME 3...

 

I doubt that it's a windows 8 issue as it's running perfectly fine on my desktop for many months now.

 

So critical. 8 actually breaks out of the mold of the Windows release cycle. This OS is a more efficient 7 with the use of apps, but I understand your hesitation if not your opinion.

 

I'm not pointing at anyone (including myself) in particular but let's keep this thread for discussion about the X4C.

John

 

Oh. Sorry if that was out of bounds. I did not mean my comment to be inflammatory.

 

Is it really possible? 16 GB RAM on X4C?
See this blog.

 

Yes, I installed 16GB in the NP900X4B. Works great.

 

What were the memories you placed?

Thanks

 

Placed? This isn't a family outing.

The DDR3 sticks I installed were CORSAIR 16GB (2 x 8G) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model CMSO16GX3M2A1333C9.

 

If buying now I would get 1.35V modules such as these. There will be a small saving in power consumption.

I also wouldn't dream of using 16GB with a 128GB SSD because hibernation will need 16GB of SSD space.

John

 

@ Thors.Hammer, what is the WEI you have? Do you remember the change?

I agree with you. But why not disable hibernation? I am sure the system wouldn't be out of memory. The other Question I have is, is there any case where 8GB RAM is not enough? Is there any problem of installing 1 8 GB RAM to make the ram size to 12 GB, 4GB on one side and 8 GB on the other?

 

1. Hibernation is my way of life - all the open applications remind me of what I was doing. Windows may pretend to start in 10 seconds but it would take somewhat longer to get back to having everything open as it was when last using the computer. Task Manager tells me that the system Idle process is at 295 hours. Divide that by 4 (the CPU runs 4 threads) to get an indication of the running time since I last rebooted.
2. 4GB + 8GB won't significantly adversely affect performance. My table here shows performance results for various RAM combinations. I would expect 4GB + 8GB to behave similar to 2GB + 4GB. 8GB is enough for most people unless they are either running the IntelliMemory RAM hog or several virtual PCs.

John

 

Oh I confused it with Paging file. That is what I wanted to say. Hibernation is important for me too. If a user has 16 GB RAM, he will lose about 16GB Paging file + 16 GB Hybernate file which will be in total 32GB of pure SSD storage. So I think Pagin file should be disabled. The objective of Paging file is just secondary ram in case of memory shortage, which shouldn't happen with 16GB RAM.

I think I have to stick with 8 GB RAM.

Would you elaborate or send me link about IntelliMemory? I couldn't find any online.

 

I agree that the paging file should be unnecessary. With 8GB RAM I have it set to 2GB.

IntelliMemory used to be offered by Easy Software Manager (I installed it and quickly removed it when I noticed that it used most of the spare RAM). It's not currently offered for the X4C by today's version of the Samsung Software Update.

On a different subject, if you want to try a newer touchpad driver see here. It includes a PalmCheck control.

John

 

Thank you very much for the info! I will use it when I buy it.

 

I couldn't remember where I originally read about but I read that the battery need to be removed to upgrade RAM. Is it really true? The ram seems to be accessible without removing the battery. :wub:

I also got this about SSD. "Be careful when removing the insulating tape - it wants to steal the Sandisk sticker". It is shared here after the sixth image.:wub:

 

It's not necessary to remove the battery to change the RAM. One has to remove the 10 screws and then carefully unclip the back, but that exposes the RAM, SSD, battery, etc. It is possible that the advice is based on this label inside the computer.



It's not difficult to remove the battery (I did it once out of curiosity) but is only necessary for replacement or access to the underside of the touchpad. However, whoever made that sticker hasn't read the manual about the battery disconnect feature. Disconnect the mains power and then press an unbent paperclip through the small hole in the bottom of the computer (or in the battery connector) to disconnect the battery. It automatically reconnects when the mains power is plugged in. (Disconnecting the battery is standard advice when swapping RAM modules but I can't recall taking that precaution when I swapped my modules. )

Yes, there's a grey pad on the SSD (i think it's to help with some heat transfer between SSD and casing) and it's true that the glue on the pad is stronger than the glue on the label. However, it's not difficult to peel things apart carefully - lift a corner of the grey pad then hold down the corner of the Sandisk label before removing the pad.

John

 

So I uninstalled IntelliMemory, but would it not just eat up the 16 gig like it does the 8?

 

I didn't get "carefully unclip the back". Is there anything like a clip that is left after removing the 10 screws?

Is it possible to disconnect the battery from the board without remove the screws?

I now understand about the grey sticker.

 

The seam along the back edge is plastic with clips to plastic (it's around the Wifi antenna). The way to get this apart is (with the computer upside down) lift the front edge of the base through about 30 degrees (after removing the screws) and then prising apart along the back seam.

Yes, poke the unbent paperclip (or similar thin object) through the small hole. If you aren't sure where the hole is, look on the bottom of the computer for the symbol of a rectangle with a cross.

John

 

I go it. Thanks!

Am I right on this image?

 

It's easier to show you my own photos. On the photo of the base you can see the hole and white symbol to the south of the left air inlet and east of the SD card slot cover. Then, on the bottom open photo, you can see that this this hole lines up with the hole in the battery connector south of the fan (north = top).


(Click on images to enlarge)

John

 

Interesting. I see the hole now! So what happens when I poke the whole with the paper clip? Is there no problem of electric shorting using an electric conductor?

 

There's a switch inside the hole (presumably covered by some plastic) so you won't damage the electrics. My advice is based on page 30 of the User Guide.

John

 

Ok that is cool. What happens when I poke the hole?

 

It disconnects the battery (and is automatically reconnected when you plug in the mains power).

John

 

WOW this is sophisticated. Cool! Thank you John:thumbsup:

I almost ignored a big issue of Keyboard language before seeing this image. Does Samsung only offer local Keyboard like the image, English and Arabic combo, or German only keyboard? Say I am now planning to buy NP900X4D-A02AE from UAE. Is there any chance of buying one with English only (US or UK)?

 

Just chatted to Samsung US agent online. My question was, what is the hardware difference between NP900X4D and NP900X4C? And he said it is TPM security. NP900X4D has TPM and NP900X4C doesn't. However, the Samsung UAE site shows NP900X4C has TPM security.

 

I suspect that all models sold in the Middle East have the bilingual keyboard. It's some you would get used to quickly - I bought a phone for my wife in Dubai because I couldn't get the same model in UK. It's also bilingual but we don't notice.

I wouldn't trust either source unless confirmed independently.

John

 

I can get used to it but I really don't want to see other languages on the Keyboard.

I agree. Did you check it on your laptop? If you have it there must be option in the Bios.

I am looking for a good case, not sleeve. Does this case fit? Has anyone tried it or using it? From review on the 13 inch case. Series 9 13 inches users complained that the top part of the case is tight and the zip could scratch the laptop.

 

Does everyone else find their USB3 and 2 ports on this laptop fitting really tightly? (ie, the USB devices require some force to plug in, and suffer from quite a bit of friction.)

I submitted my laptop to the local repair shop, who said that all my USB ports (3 and 2) had bent pins and required a replacement mobo. At first they said that this was physical damage and was not covered under warranty, but then rang me up to say the laptop was repaired without needing monetary input from me. I promptly retrieved it before they could change their minds.

The repaired laptop's USB ports are just like my previous USB ports when they were new - tight. I can only imagine them failing again in the future. (I suppose I'll experiment by religiously using just ONE of the ports to see if that one fails before all the others).

 

The ports are quite tight - perhaps they are given the absolute minimum thickness allowed by the specification because of the thin profile of the computer. However, if anyone tells me that the pins are bent then I'll be suggesting that they get a magnifying glass and actually look into a USB socket: There are no pins in there. So I suspect your local service people did zero. The ports do slightly loosen up with use and I think the probability of them wearing out is low but watch out for any very thick or wide devices (including some flash drives) which won't go straight in. For these an extension lead is recommended.

John

 

Would you recommend upgrading the RAM to 16GB. I use a lot of very large Google Earth files and have multiple large spreadsheets open at the same time.

 

What RAM usage does Task Manager show with all those open? If you are at >90% then more RAM should help (but I would guess it is nearer 60%). Note that more RAM means correspondingly bigger hibernation space on the SSD. And if you think you need more RAM then 12GB is a compromise with negligible impact on performance.

John

 

Hi All,

I am undecided between the 13.3" NP900X3C and the 15" NP900X4C to replace my ASUS UL30Vt A1 ( ASUS UL30Vt A1 Specs (13.3" - Core 2 Duo SU7300 - Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - 4 GB RAM - 500 GB HDD) - Laptops - CNET Reviews). Back in the days, it combined the best of both worlds; portability (3.7 lbs and 5 to 6 hrs autonomy) and performance, at least for what needed it for (work -excel, access- and pleasure -occasional photo/video editing, browsing and watching movies).

I'm leaning toward the 13.3" as it's significantly lighter than my Asus but will it be able to really manage 6 to 8 hrs of autonomy and also multitask between various apps and windows (browsing)?

Otherwise I’ll go for the 15” (I’m in Dubai, so it’s the one show by John Ratsey here).

On another note and after reading this thread, is it me or it seems like there are a few recurring issues. I will be working with this machine and will not have time to tweak and adjust and correct and…etc. Will it work right out of the box without additional much fiddling?

Thanks for the advices!

 

I have the earlier X3B and reckoned that 5 hours was a reasonable target on the battery. The more efficient IvyBridge platform has given the run time a boost so 6 hours should be achievable without too much difficulty. As noted in my X4C review the display on the X3B proved a little small for my aging eyes so I moved up a size. I haven't regretted it - although the display isn't of the same quality it's OK at the right angle. And the bigger battery is good for a few more hours. One point to note is that the 13" has 4GB of soldered RAM while the 15" has (normally) 8GB of socketed RAM (so upgradeable to 16GB if necessary). 4GB may not be so good for photo and video editing. The WiFi on both models is not particularly good but isn't an issue unless you are expecting a very fast connection at some distance from the router.

While there may be a few software issues, they shouldn't be a show-stopper. Most people don't notice them.

John

 

Thank you for the advice John.

I know this might not be the right forum for this question but what other laptops/ultraportables should I compare the 13" to (Samsung being the only manufacturer of a 15" in this category) to avoid reported screen and WIFI issues?

 

Hi guys

I really need your help badly. I have a serious issue with usb ports of my newly purchased np900x4c-a03us (i7, 8gb, 256gb). my system is windows7 pro 4bit (genuine).

from some time, only one of my usb ports work - the one of two ubs3.0 ports on the right side of laptop. If I plug anything (tried mice, pendrives etc.. anything) to usb 2.0 on the left - nothing happens, but there is a signal (I have a card read with diode, when I plug it in, the diode lights up, but windows does not even recgonize if I plugeed it or not - nothing happens. When I plug in any device in to one of the usb3.0 ports on the right, the system shows that something has been plugged, but reports usb error. "one of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and windows does not recognize it" (usb device of course works fine). Then i have location of the device showed in drop down menu

- USB Root Hub (4 Ports)
- Unused port
- Unused port
- HID-compliant mouse (I have a mouse plugged in into working port)
- Unknown device

And now the interesting part - when I doubleclick on either of "Unused port" or "Unknown device" I got to "Unknow device" properties, and "Device status: This device is disabled because the firmware of the device did not give it the required resources. (Code 29)"

Third usb3.0 port works perfectly fine.



ANYONE PLEASE PLEASE KNOW HOW TO FIX IT? Updated laptop bios, reinstalled system with new drivers - nothing helps. Please any advice on this error?

 

Did you find the USB 3.0 firmware update issued in August? Go to the drivers page here. Run it - it will tell you if using the latest firmware. In not it will install it.

John

 

The USB3 port that DOES work.. is that the least used compared to the other ones?

I've had all of my USB ports die on me recently due to "physical damage" caused by normal usage.

The USB ports still provided power, but they were unusable.

 

After installing Win 8 I noticed my battery wear had raised to 2.4%. Until the new install it held steady at 0.0%. Since the install it is holding steady at 2.4%. Any thoughts on why this occurred? For the most part, aside from a couple transatlantic flights, I keep the computer always plugged in.