Samsung 2012 Series 7 Chronos (NP700Z3, NP700Z4 & NP700Z5 series) Owners Lounge

This is the version: ExpressCache version 1.2.1 released - SanDisk Forums I think that's not the right one which uses Samsung, isn't it?

It is the NP700Z5A-S07DE and yes I have Win 7^^

 

I am using NP700Z5C-S01UB but I can't access the BIOS setup, I have tried Esc, F2 and F8 to no avail.

 

Hello olalekanbabs, welcome to NBR.

F2 is the key for BIOS, but you only have a brief moment after power on to hit it: Start with the PC powered off, then immediately after power on, start pressing F2 about two times per second. If you don't catch it, you will have to power down and try again.

If you are running Win8, that can make it more difficult, because it doesn't go through the full power up routine (so-called POST) after shutting down, further reducing the window to catch F2. The solution is to disable Win8's Fast Startup feature: Control Panel-Power Options-Choose what the power button does-Change settings that are currently unavailable-Turn on fast startup (uncheck). Now you can fully shut down and boot F2 BIOS (or F4 Recovery) on next power up). Once you have made your changes, make sure to re-enable Fast Startup.



If this doesn't do it, you may have a more serious problem. Resetting CMOS is probable the next step, but that can be a difficult procedure. Check this thread for more info. Hopefully you won't need that.

 

I've got Fast Startup enabled and reckon there is only about 1/2 second between pressing the power button and my BIOS password prompt appearing on the screen. That's the time window for pressing the F2 key so it's best to press the power button with one finger while already tapping the F2 key with a finger on the other hand.

John

 

its still not working, I sold the Laptop yesterday.

My brother got np780z5e-s01ub for me on ebay for $750 I hope its a good buy.

 

Hello,
Recently I have had some problems with iPod Earpods and my Samsung 700Z5A. Every time I plug in the Earpods it mutes the computer microphone.
Since these Earpods don't have built-in microphone the person on Skype can not ear me. I have digged into windows speaker options but could solve it. Does anyone know how can I solve this problem?

Thanks in advance,
Duarte

 

Perhaps the length of the plug is sufficient to make the socket think it includes a microphone. Do you have a 3.5mm audio (speakers only) extension lead that you can plug into the socket and see if you have the same problem?

John

 

John, you are right! I now checked with a friends 3,5mm extension and the computer mic worked! I have to buy one also, but i am wondering if there is any way to solve this without it?
Thank you for your kind help.

Duarte

 

My only thought is to try not pushing the plug fully in.

John

 

It did not work but thanks anyway John. I will definitely buy an extension.

 

I just bought some earphones with a built-in microphone (Digital Silence DS101A) and noticed that there was a 3.5mm male-female adapter in the box. A quick search found this web page with an explanation. This may be the problem you are encountering.

John

 

Hey guy. I got a problem with my Series 7. Apparently I opened the case to blow out dust and replace new thermal paste. However, when I put everything back on, the laptop won't boot. It turned on 2s and then off immediately. The fan turned on and then immediate shut off. So what would be the problem and how to get it fixed? I experienced the same thing with an old Compaq laptop and the issue was related to the video chipset and overheating. I am not sure if this is the case. I only did replace new thermal paste and nothing else.

 

Try removing / replacing the RAM. If the BIOS can't recognise the RAM properly then the boot process can't proceed.

If that doesn't work, try removing / replacing all the other connectors which you may have disturbed.

John

 

I reapplied the thermal paste and it booted. However, when go inside Windows, the screen started flickering as the drivers tried to recover. The driver that I installed was good, nothing happen before so I suspect the chip might be overheat. Is there anything I can do at this point to get it back to normal?

 

The CPU should have built-in thermal protection but I'm not sure about the separate GPU. However, this shouldn't be called into action unless there is substantial graphics workload.

John

 

Has anyone updated the Intel MEI firmware on their NP700Z?

I keep it up to date by flashing on my main PC with an Intel 7 chipset, but haven't done so yet on the notebook. I have latest MEI firmware ready to flash, though haven't seen it discussed here, unless I've missed it. I think those of us with a SSD could benefit from updating.

 

Hello there,

Im in front of a really big problem...

I just flashed my win8 from scratch using the recovery partition and after few reboots/w8 updates and stuff my C: partition starts to hold on 100% usage.. no matter what i do, no matter which process i kill, no matter if i check di I/O there is no sign of problems apparently.

I think that some w8 updates are messing up with my laptop so now ill try to reflash everthing back and disable w8 updates to check if it goes better

 

See my response here.

And importantly, please do not post the same question in multiple places (so-called cross posting). It is a violation of forum rules because it creates confusion and wastes other members' time when the same question is answered in multiple places.

 

I went ahead and updated the MEI firmware. Here is before with old firmware v 8.0.10.1464

Code:

Intel(R) MEInfo Version: 8.1.20.1309
Copyright(C) 2005 - 2012, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

GBE Region does not exist.
Intel(R) ME code versions:

BIOS Version:                           P05AAG
MEBx Version:                           0.0.0.0000
Gbe Version:                            Unknown
VendorID:                               8086
PCH Version:                            4
FW Version:                             8.0.10.1464
UNS Version:                            Not Available
LMS Version:                            9.5.0.1428
MEI Driver Version:                     9.5.2.1489
Wireless Hardware Version:              0.0.70
Wireless Driver Version:                15.10.3.2

FW Capabilities:                        0x01101C60

    Intel(R) Anti-Theft Technology - PRESENT/ENABLED
    Intel(R) Capability Licensing Service - PRESENT/ENABLED
    Protect Audio Video Path - PRESENT/ENABLED
    Intel(R) Dynamic Application Loader - PRESENT/ENABLED

CPU Upgrade State:                      Not Upgradable
Cryptography Support:                   Disabled
Last ME reset reason:                   Power up
Local FWUpdate:                         Enabled
BIOS Config Lock:                       Enabled
Host Read Access to ME:                 Disabled
Host Write Access to ME:                Disabled
SPI Flash ID #1:                        C22017
SPI Flash ID VSCC #1:                   20052005
SPI Flash BIOS VSCC:                    20052005
BIOS boot State:                        Post Boot
OEM Id:                                 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Capability Licensing Service:           Enabled
Capability Licensing Service Status:    Permit info not available
OEM Tag:                                0x00000000
Localized Language:                     Unknown
Independent Firmware Recovery:          Enabled

And after updating you can see firmware is now v 8.1.51.1471

Code:

Intel(R) MEInfo Version: 8.1.20.1309
Copyright(C) 2005 - 2012, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

GBE Region does not exist.
Intel(R) ME code versions:

BIOS Version:                           P05AAG
MEBx Version:                           0.0.0.0000
Gbe Version:                            Unknown
VendorID:                               8086
PCH Version:                            4
FW Version:                             8.1.51.1471
UNS Version:                            Not Available
LMS Version:                            9.5.10.1628
MEI Driver Version:                     9.5.15.1730
Wireless Hardware Version:              0.0.70
Wireless Driver Version:                15.10.3.2

FW Capabilities:                        0x01101C60

    Intel(R) Anti-Theft Technology - PRESENT/ENABLED
    Intel(R) Capability Licensing Service - PRESENT/ENABLED
    Protect Audio Video Path - PRESENT/ENABLED
    Intel(R) Dynamic Application Loader - PRESENT/ENABLED

CPU Upgrade State:                      Not Upgradable
Cryptography Support:                   Disabled
Last ME reset reason:                   Power up
Local FWUpdate:                         Enabled
BIOS Config Lock:                       Enabled
Host Read Access to ME:                 Disabled
Host Write Access to ME:                Disabled
SPI Flash ID #1:                        C22017
SPI Flash ID VSCC #1:                   20052005
SPI Flash BIOS VSCC:                    20052005
BIOS boot State:                        Post Boot
OEM Id:                                 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
Capability Licensing Service:           Enabled
Capability Licensing Service Status:    Permit info not available
OEM Tag:                                0x00000000
Localized Language:                     Unknown
Independent Firmware Recovery:          Enabled

You can see I also updated the driver to latest whilst I was at it.

If anyone is interested and wants more details I'll link to the files.

 

I really appreciate this post. I have a similar situation but the twist on it is my System partition got wiped (let's just say I had a backup but the restore didn't work) but I have all of my other partitions in tact but because the system partition is blank now, I can't boot up at all. I had tried using recovery to make a factory install backup and it seemed to work but also had the problem that the portable HDD that I backed up to had corruption on it and I lost the backup. Other than sending the laptop into Samsung to get it reimaged, does anybody have any ideas on what to do?

Laptop came with Windows 8 installed and I couldn't install Windows 7 because of the message that the hard drive was formatted the wrong type (sorry can't remember the message but my research showed it had something to do with the hard drive being set up for Win8).

 

Hi Joe, welcome to NBR.

That post is about how to re-image the entire drive using a so-called USB Admin Tool, which is how we did things on older models delivered with Win7. Since your laptop came with Win8 (and hence the newer Samsung Recovery Solution 6), you have some easier options, as long as you can F4 boot into Recovery (which I understand that you can).

What you want to do, is F4 boot into Recovery, then perform a Recovery restore as described in this Samsung guide, making sure you enable the Partition settings options. That should re-create partitions (including Windows partitions) and re-image your drive.

But you should make a Recovery backup first, particularly if you intend to downgrade to Win7, which requires wiping and converting your disk to MBR, losing its Recovery. Again, F4 boot to Recovery and create a bootable factory image backup on a 32GB USB stick, as described in this Samsung guide, making sure you enable the Create boot disk option. Even if you have to go buy a 32GB USB stick, I highly recommend this backup. It essentially creates a bootable Recovery on a stick that you can use to re-image the drive yourself anytime (for example if you want to sell the laptop some day). Make sure the backup is good, as described in steps 1-2 of this post.

Now, if you want to perform that downgrade to Win8, please follow this Win7 install guide. First follow the steps to convert the disk from UEFI/GPT to BIOS/MBR and change your BIOS settings. Then follow the exact Win7 installation steps. Installing Windows on Samsung laptop is very fast and easy when done right -- and a nightmare when done wrong, all depending on which model you have, and whether you install from DVD or USB (DVD is better on models with ExpressCache).

I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on your progress

 

Actually, I have the partitions but I can't use the F4 boot. If I did, I agree this would probably be a pretty simple operation.

 

Shoot, there went the easy route.

Check this recent post to a member in the same situation; it lists some things to try in order to boot that Recovery. I think (3) is the most likely to work. It will take you right back to the discussion here between Miguel and myself. But at least you will see all your options and what to do if/when you manage to boot Recovery.

Please keep us posted. Whatever you find out could be useful to other members in the same situation.

Edit:

Of course, if you intend to downgrade to WIn7 anyway, and you don't care about being able to restore your Win8, you could just kiss the Recovery bye-bye and proceed directly to that Win7 install guide.

But note that having a running Win8 may be a requirement for Microsoft to provide you a free Win 8.1 download -- which again may be your ticket to other affordable Windows upgrades down the road.

 

Is there any tool or utility that you can copy the partitions from an unbootable drive to another drive? It sounds like if I could actually access the partitions I could use this admin tool but right now I can't boot the computer at all. I can get into the settings but that is just about it.

I need something that has a boot disk that I can then copy the partition to another hard drive. That is where I am stuck.

 

You can download and burn a Linux Live CD, which has tools to copy partitions (Clonezilla). I use PartedMagic, which requires almost zero Linux knowledge. But you can copy the Recovery Partitions all you like, that will not make them F4 bootable, neither on this disk nor on the one you copy them to. And without being able to boot Recovery you will not be able to create a USB Admin Tool. And IF you manage to boot Recovery, a bootable factory image backup is a better tool for you, as I described earlier.

You could also re-install Win7 or Win8 on the disk from a DVD (staying in UEFI mode, without converting the disk to MBR). That will not affect the Recovery partitions -- and it MAY allow you to run the Samsung Recovery Windows app (depending on what damage was done to the partition table when you last attempted to restored). Win7 is freely downloadable from Digital River, Win8 is downloadable from Microsoft if you have TechNet, MSDN or Dreamspark.

In all likelihood, the F4 link hidden in the partition table was damaged during the previous restore attempt. Unfortunately this happens all the time when using 3rd party imaging, backup and partition tools. The post I linked I my last response lists your options for trying to boot Recovery -- which is the only way to create the tools that understand F4 links (USB Admin Tool OR bootable factory image USB backup -- two very different tools).

Again, alternatively, you can just leave Recovery behind and perform a clean Windows install.

Edit:

Check the thread linked below. I think it will help provide some clarity on what you are dealing with:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...red-recovery-partition-samsung-notebooks.html

Edit2:

I just remembered, Win7 said wrong partition style when you tried to install it previously, right?. Did you disable UEFI by any chance? OS Mode Selection in BIOS must remain set to UEFI OS or UEFI & CSM OS as long as your disk is GPT (which all Win8 disks are from factory). Otherwise you cannot install or boot Windows.

In fact, IF you disabled UEFI, try and set it back to UEFI OS, and even enable SecureBoot, and see if that lets you F4 boot Recovery. It just might. Normally you have to disable SecureBoot while installing Windows or booting from DVD/USB.

 

Thanks for your responses to my query. Because things were so messed up I chose to wipe the hard drive completely, convert it from GPT so I could do a clean install of Windows 7. If that isn't working the way I want it to, I'll just bite the bullet and send into Samsung to reimage the drive.

I sure miss having recovery media instead of the Recovery application. It seems far to fragile to really count on for being able to recover from a problem like I experienced. Part of this whole thing started when I tried to use the recovery application to back up my hard drive and it continually failed and some troubleshooting let me to believe that because I was using Norton 360 to do backups, it was causing problems with the Samsung Recovery application. I would call this a big problem with Samsung computers in general (though maybe with Windows 8 more manufacturers are moving to this type of model). Just give me a Windows 8 Boot disk and I'd be a happy man.

 

Yes, I know, it's very frustrating that they don't provide that Win8 DVD. They used to include it with Win7 models -- but that one is easily available for download anyway, whereas Win8 is hard to come by. I think timing may work in your favor: I heard rumors that Microsoft will be more generous about providing Win 8.1 ISO downloads for clean installs. Of course that may only be the case if you already have a running Win8.

OTOH Win8 models are easier to backup than Win7 models were, because the newer Samsung Recovery Solution 6 (SRS6) has that feature to create a bootable factory image backup, which creates a self-contained, bootable Recovery on a USB stick, with the factory image built-in (the procedure I mentioned in my first response to you). We didn't have that with SRS5 on the Win7 models, they were a lot more work to backup.

I recommend all users to make that backup soon after getting their new Samsung computer: Once they need it, it's too late to make it. Novice users often seem more receptive to this advice than experienced ones, who are convinced they'll never need the Recovery anyway

 

Hello, for a ZP700z5c, does anyone know how to flash the bios after a previous corrupted flashing? Not booting into operating system, Not accessing bios or boot choice from other drive. I have used CRISIS for restoring the bios by pressing f5 during boot. Any ideas??? thanks

 

This thread might have some suggestions.

John

 

Last time...

Anyone who've managed to install linux on this thing? With the dual graphics working properly ?

Regards

 

Google for "site:http: //forum.notebookreview.com/samsung]Samsung Notebook Forum Linux". There are several threads.

John

 

Considering a NP700Z5C-A02UK at £510 for screen brightness and durable build quality (assumption). So after owner feedback regarding Windows 8.1 upgrade, drivers and backup. Hinges and durability. Running without battery fitted.

Laptop has Windows 8.0 installed, and Samsung website lists Windows 7 drivers only with a note to use SW Update to obtain Windows 8 drivers. I plan to upgrade via Windows 8.0 Store app to Windows 8.1 for free, providing SW Update has drivers for 8.1? And 8.1 isn't detrimental to laptop due to lack of support?

Plan to create a USB recovery set once upgraded and patched Windows 8.1, using Dannemand's post as a guide. As I assume you can create recovery set once only?

As the NP700ZC is metal construction apart from the base, can anyone comment on hinge strength? Hoping it will last longer than plastic models that would cost less.

Laptop would be run extensively from wall socket, so considering taking battery out all together to preserve it compared to constantly being recharged. This will have added benefit of making laptop lighter for elderly user. I take it this is possible? If I decide to tackle the tricky disassembly linked on first page. Or can recharge be configured not to kick in until battery % life remaining, or better still disabled?

And finally, has anyone moved from the Samsung to a new Dell Inspirion 15 7000 range? That shares same metal construction.

 

Hi Anthe, welcome to NBR.

That model was one of the most popular in 2012. You will find a huge Owners Lounge thread specifically for it linked below, with lots of discussion -- originally about Win7, but later also about Win8.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...eries-7-lovers-heres-np700z5c-ivy-bridge.html

NP700Z5C is on Samsung's list of models which will receive official WIn 8.1 support, but I recommend to be patient a while longer. Samsung has had huge problems with 8.1 compatibility, as described the sticky thread linked below. If/when you DO decide to move ahead with Win 8.1, you really should read that thread first so you know what to expect.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sam...pgrade-until-samsung-has-updated-drivers.html

It's a good idea to make that USB Recovery backup. I believe you can create any number of them, not just one. In fact, if you plan to wipe the disk (say, before installing Win7) making two backups is a good idea, as described in this post.

All Samsung drivers much be pulled using SW Update, the web site is no longer updated.

Build quality of these models is generally very good. I have a 14 inch version (NP700Z3A) and the hinge is sturdy. Some owners have had problems with poor touchpads, but when it works, it is excellent. WiFi reception is an issue for some on this model, both due to the metal construction (affecting the antenna) and due to the Intel 6235 WiFi adapter. See the thread linked below for remedies:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/727499-wifi-remedies-samsung-laptops.html

You can keep the notebook connected to a socket, it will only initiate a charge cycle when the battery has dropped several percent. In fact, this model has Samsung's Battery Life Extender, which (when enabled) limits charging to 80% of battery capacity, in order to preserve battery health longer.

 

I would add that the big battery under the palm rest has a secondary function: To keep the computer from tipping over when the display is tilted back.

Just leave the battery in and enable Battery Life Extender (Fn+F1). Then run the battery calibration in the BIOS after about 9 months so that, if there is substantial wear, you have time to process getting a replacement within the one year warranty period.

John

 

Thank you for the replies. Got to make a decision later day about it.

It occurred to me later that would likely be an issue. I'm so used to battery being located under the screen hinge that I hadn't caught-on.

 

Bios mod for np700z4a and Z5a.

View attachment 105291
View attachment 105292
View attachment 105293

 

Any details? How can you do that? Yesterday I reinstalled Windows in my NP700Z5 and I'd very interested in having a complete BIOS

 

The bios I catched from this link: Samsung np700z5a bios unlock request, but it is broken now.

I'll try to summarize:

The WinFlash I got from Samsung's own updater (ITEM_ ....), I grabbed there in the temporary folder it creates the user. This folder is zipped this link ( Samsung_Update - Download - 4shared ) together with the modified ROM:

The procedure is:

Unzip the folder
Run as administrator WinFlash.exe
Let the options as is. Search mod.rom file in the folder
Click on Flash
The notebook will restart when the process finishes.

Recommendations:

CAUTION what to modify in the BIOS. I was trying to turn off the onboard vga and the notebook was restart only black screen. I ended up having to open it and disconnect the battery to reset the bios config.

In case of problems, look at this link: http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/696197-samsung-laptops-roll-back-bios-updates.html

I'm brazilian, sorry for my bad english.

 

Hi,

not needed to be on her for sometime,but have a battery issue. Laptop won't hold a charge, works fine from AC but battery light is flashing red/green every second or two.

Any ideas?

 

Check the battery capacity and wear using HWiNFO or Battery Bar then go into the BIOS and try to run the battery calibration. However, this might not even start if the battery is really dead.

You probably need a new battery. You are probably out of warranty but, if you can find a Samsung web page for your model that claims that the battery will still hold 70% charge for up to 3 years then you might be able to twist their arm to give you a new one. I would expect the courts to find in your favour if you can find the evidence.

John

 

Thanks for pointing this out repeatedly, John. I finally went and found the Features page for my old NP700Z3A today with the battery claims on it:

There are similar pages for the NP700Z3C (Ivy Bridge) and other models. I saved a PDF of the page for my specific model (NP700Z3A-S03US) so that there is no doubt in case I have to make a claim. My warranty expired in September (including the 3 months extra for registering on samsung.com) but this might come in handy. At least it doesn't hurt to have a copy of it.

 

Not exactly sure what I'm looking at but in HWiNFO if i go to smart battery then battery#0 it states

Designed capacity 80216 mWh
full charged capacity 78440 mWh
Which gives a wear level of 2.2%

Current status:

Power status on AC power
Current capacity 0mWH
Current voltage 11.736v

I can't run the smart battery calibration as the laptop only works from AC

 

That Wear level is what you are looking for. 2.2% is very reasonable and indicates your battery is still operating at 98% of its Designed Capacity. A few members (including John) received excellent batteries on new laptops that exceeded their design capacity (technically they would have a negative Wear Level). My NP700Z3A has 6.8% wear after approx 17 months.

To get an accurate reading, you may want to run a calibration cycle first: Charge fully to 100% (BLE disabled if you have that); then let Battery Calibration in BIOS run it down completely; then charge fully to 100% again. It may cause the Wear Level to go up or down. Just don't do this too often, as the full charge and discharge wear the battery (discharge in particular).

Edit: Oh sorry, I overlooked that last bit about only being able to run on AC.

If the battery is completely dead (as in not holding a charge at all) I would say you should contact Samsung about a replacement (as John mentioned). It may be easier to argue for an out-of-warranty replacement if the battery had worn a lot (say 50% in 1-2 years) as opposed to if it just failed for some other reason.

Alternatively you can look up a battery replacement for your model on samsungparts.com. You can either order there directly or Google the parts number to look for better prices.

 

It now appears to be charging so I think it may either be the charger or the socket on the laptop

 

We are in an unusual situation where the battery reports itself as healthy but is empty and not charging. Or it may be so dead that it can't update the contents of its memory.

Alternatively, the problem may not be the battery but the charging circuit. Unfortunately, I can't think of an easy way to locate the defective component. Getting a new battery and then discovering it doesn't charge costs money and doesn't fix the problem.

It may be best to pass the problem to the service people even if it might cost more money, but it would be worthwhile starting with the "my battery shouldn't have died this soon" strategy.

John

 

Hi,

I bought myself a NP700Z3C-S03SE a year ago which has served me well. Now it is time for an upgrade though

I am buying a 250 GB 840 EVO and some RAM. I currently have 6 GB (4 onboard + 2) and I want to maximize it.

The NP700Z3C is known to support a maximum of 8 GB RAM. Searching the forums however, I found that this guy has managed to get 12 GB in his NP700Z3C, and in this thread post #681 is mentioning the same number, when talking about a NP700Z3A.

Does anyone know if a NP700Z3C-S03SE will support a total of 12 GB RAM?

Thanks in advance

- Krede

 

Hi Krede,

I have 8GB (4+4) in my NP700Z3A (same chassis, but Sandy Bridge motherboard). Lovely little thing, although I haven't gotten around to stick an SSD in it yet.

I am 99% certain you can put an 8GB SODIMM in there. Lots of members in the NP700Z5C Owners Lounge have done so, and I think it's the same in yours. You will of course get slightly better performance with 4+4 (dual channel) vs 4+8 (assymetrical dual channel -- see this discussion, and notice John's test).

And putting an SSD in there is the best thing you can do to accelerate this computer -- particularly if you have the 1TB 5400rpm HDD. You can move the HDD to the optical bay (if you get a caddy) or you can keep it as an external drive.

Make sure you don't install ExpressCache with the SSD, or uninstall it if you clone.

And speaking of cloning: If your model came with Win8 (so it has the newer Samsung Recovery Solution 6), I'd recommend you either (A) use the Copy Disk feature in Recovery to clone the HDD to the SSD (requires shrinking partitions on the HDD first, and an external enclosure for the SSD) or (B) use this guide from the 2013 Series 7 Owners Lounge to backup the Factory Image to a USB stick and use it to re-image the SSD (requires setting up factory Windows anew and re-installing programs) or (C) perform a clean install (requires Windows install media).

If your computer came with Win7, its older Recovery (SRS5) doesn't have these nifty features, and you can either clean install or use a 3rd party cloning or partition imaging tool. Just know that your Recovery won't survive onto the SSD in that case. But you may not want to waste precious SSD space on an old Win7-based Recovery anyway.

You'll be good for at least another year with this machine

 

Thank you very much for a thorough and quick answer!!

EDIT: Just a followup on my question (see above). I ended up buying 8 GB of Kingstons Value RAM, which my system recognizes perfectly. Now I am able to run multiple VMs without any frustration

 

Hi,

I have a NP700Z5B-W01UB. Has anyone tried to do mods to this laptop to improve its cooling? I have already re-pasted the CPU with Artic Ceramique but it didn't seem to make much difference. I was thinking on maybe increasing the number of vent holes on the bottom or something like that. Even putting taller feet on the bottom should help some. I know that you can get a USB-powered cooling mat, which I intend to purchase. I just seems like it would be nice if the laptop were able to keep itself cooler when the cooling mat isn't available.

 

Hi sewerurchin,

If you're not already doing it, you definitely want to raise the back of the laptop a bit when you game, that will help cooling a lot already. You can stick a Lego brick under each of the rear rubber feet - or anything that raises it.

And of course clean out dust from the vent holes and re-pasting, as you already did.

A cooling pad (as you mention) is most efficient if it draws hot air away from under the laptop - some pads blow the other way.

As for other mods, I'll leave that to members who may have tried that. Also check the NP700Z5C Owners Lounge , since that model is physically very similar to hours.