Samsung 9 Series laptop (ZX310 / 900X3A) unveiled

Personally I've found the wifi in this laptop to be 'decent', not horrible, but not that good either. The signal issue is mainly due to the aliminium case, the third antenna models fix this by putting an atenna in the lid. Putting a third antenna in the chasses probably won't help signal at all. The only thing it really can increase is wireless speeds, for 450 mbit/s APs. It should be said that the 300mbit/s you can get with two antennas is fast, and should be way more then perfect for nearly everyone. So honestly, I don't think you should do a third antenna unless you really need to.

 

Installation of a 3rd antenna isn't an easy task. IIRC, some people found that an Intel WiFi card performed better than the Broadcom although this may also be related to the power management settings. By default, a power saving power plan probably enables maximum power savings on the wireless card.

John

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

I guess i wont go forth with buying/installing a new wifi card.

Yes wifi is decent i agree...

it just gets to me when i can't even stream youtube smoothly! gar!!!

 

can anyone tell me what is the best RAM and affordable for this laptop?
I would like to upgrade mine to 8GB

thanks

 

I would get some 1600MHz RAM, it should give a slight performance boost as shown in my table here.

The upgrade process is describe here.

John

 

Hey!

I am interested in purchasing this laptop. However, I have concerns regarding the non-removable battery.

How does the charging circuit of this device work? Does it charge even if the battery is full and the laptop still plugged into the wall? Does it always get its power from the battery, or is the battery, when full, bypassed, such that the device is powered only by the power supply?

My concern is about battery life. I often use my laptops as stationary devices. I see no sense in charging/discharging the battery when I am close to a wall plug, since too many charge cycles damage the battery in the long-run. That's why I always remove the battery when it is not needed.

How scratch resistant is the duralumin hull? What about fingerprints?

Has anyone tested this device with Linux?

Thanks!

Cheers,
Varifold

 

Pretty much every modern laptop will stop charging its battery, and wil revert to wall power.

 

You can enable the battery life extender mode in Easy Settings which will limit the charge to 80%.

John

 

Hello,

You should really enable this option; I didn't and lost 15% of battery capacity in no time.

I now use it and the battery doesn't "wear" any further since.

Bye,

Ton

 

rmask:

Saw your post a few pages back and my Series 9 has the same flaw on the left hinge...



I was wondering if you returned your laptop to have this flaw fixed and if so, was it corrected satisfactorily?

Any comments appreciated.

 

Did you try gently pushing the parts into place? I noticed that on refixing the base on my NP900X3B after investigating the insides it needed a little work to get everything clipped into place as well as screwed together. One of the areas needing attention was around the hinges.

John

 

I can push the metal back into place and it clicks, but when I release, it springs back.

I'm hesitant to open the case to try to fix it myself 'cause it's still under warranty.

 

so it will be best to ask Samsung to fix it. Something wasn't clipped together properly.

John

 

Thanks for your input, John...

 

So my Best Buy Model B01UB broke and Samsung is offering the NP900X3A-B03US. I had no issues with the B01 wifi, does anyone know if the B03US has the 3x3 antenna or at least doesn't suffer from wifi issues? I did a search and can't confirm the wifi in that model.

 

I've made quite a hassle and demanded a brand new replacement. I was offered 3 to chose from. Only one was acceptable (one had chipped chassis, the other - misaligned hinges (not as bad as the first one though)). My advice - return and demand a brand new one - or better - buy apple if you want quality assurance.

 

LOL Thanks for the advice.

Too bad this has been such a hassle.

 

Hi
Ive looked every where and i cant find a 100 per cent sure answer.
I have a 900x3a-b05 i was wanting to know if it has sata 6 or is it just sata 3

Thank you

 

This laptop doesn't have SATA, it only has MSATA ( Serial ATA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Specifically, it is a mini-pcie port that also has a sata bus. The speeds are not as fast as normal SATA, but you can still easily pull 200-300MB/s.

 

You can always download HWiNFO32 or HWiNFO64 if you are running a 64 bit version of Windows and check for yourself.

See HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools

HWiNFO32 Download
HWiNFO64 Download

 

Sorry my mistake i was meaning msata but is its able to run at msata 6gbps or is it the old msata 3 gbps. The ssd in there is msata 3 gbps.
Im just woundering as im looking at replacing the hard drive.

 

Thanks for the link thors.
Ill try it tonite

 

After some experimentation, I've found this laptop is compatible with 16GB of ram (that is, two 8GB sticks), for those who might be interested.

 

Hey,
is it sonehow possible to replace the 128 SSD with a 256 one? I mean is there any 256 GB SSD buyable, which fit into the notebook?

Best, Chris

 

Something like this. However, they haven't yet reached the retail chain in significant numbers but should appear within a few months. Micron / Crucial, for example, has recently commenced production.

John

 

does anybody knows if this laptop supports 64GB SDXC cards ?

 

Hi there,
I've booked this laptop, but reading your posts I'm very concerned about the wifi signal.
It seems to be due only partially to improper default power saving settings. The real problem seems to be the material the laptop is built with.

Has Samsung definitely solved this problem? I wouldn't buy a new laptop and discover that I have to change the internal wifi card, buy an extarnal wifi adapter or in general struggle to have a good connection, especially because I'll use the laptop in mobility, that means I will have very different kinds od situations where I tipically can't change the connection settings of the router.

I need a device that will be absolutely reliable from this point of view.

Please express your opinion in an unbiased way.... I like this laptop but I can't afford to buy another one if this won't suit my needs!

PS: the version I've booked (but I can delete my reservation loosing very few money) is 900X3A-A01

 

The A01 is definitely the 2 Antenna version and this one will never get a good WiFi performance. Only the 3 antenna versions perform well.
From a certain build they all have the 3 antenna versions using an Intel 6230 card. I had my original A03 replaced through the store after 6 months of trying to get the WiFi problem fixed, not that I have the replacement (B06) I'm happy with the WiFi performance.

 

Thanks to this tip, I changed the '802.11n Channel Width for Band 2.4' from 20MHz only to Auto, and this boosts up my wireless connection speed from 130Mbps to 300Mbps. I left the Wireless mode to use all a/b/g. Btw, I am using Netgear DGN2200v3, Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A1.

However, my download speed is still reachable only up to 1.7Mbps which is absolutely crap. Will ring up the ISP to find out. At least, I can now stream live movie conversion from my laptop to AppleTV without any lag. One problem solved.

 

I just bought a samsung series 9 open box from best buy for $600. I haven't had a laptop for over a year since I sold my M11x here on the forums (built a sandy bridge desktop February 2011). It is one of the older ones with the 1366x768 screen and I have a few questions since this thread is over 300 pages!

Can I add another 4gb stick of ram?

Can I add a 32gb micro sd card to hold some of my music? Also if I add one will the door close over it?

Is there anything else I should know about these laptops?

It was kinda of an impulse buy but I do not think I could find another laptop near as nice for $600 and I will probably replace it when haswell comes out anyway. I did not do alot of research but I'm loving it so far (it did have 7% battery wear but since I will not carry it around alot I do not care).

Thanks in advance

 

I can confirm you can add a 4GB stick of RAM (it should already have one), in fact you can add two 8GB sticks. Just ensure you get 1333 DDR3 SODIMM (any brand should work).

As for micro SD cards, yes it will take a 32GB card, but it won't close with it in there. You could probably get a nano USB flash drive to store things on (this would also hold the flap open securely for a micro SD card); I have my nano wireless mouse adapter sitting in there, and it doesn't get in the way.

This laptop should work well for you, especially for that price. Well done.

 

Thanks for the quick response. I really doubt I will use more than 4gb on this laptop but I was thinking the dual channel memory would probably help out the hd 3000 if I decide to play some league of legends on it (4gb = $20).

Sucks about the micro sd. I was really hoping to fill one up with 32gb of music, close the flap, and then forget about it.

And yeah I really like this laptop so far. I have only used it for one day but the screen quality is so much better than the one I had on my M11x and my Gateway FX.

 

Several pages back, some folks discussed gently filing down the rear of an SD card so you could close the flap.

Haven't tried it myself though.

 

I think you'll find you'll use 8GB without too much sweat if you're gaming, don't forget that RAM is also used to cache files from the harddrive/ssd, which improves performance (although, less of a worry with an SSD, especially due to good random seek times).

As for the microsd card, if you are playing games, get a wireless mouse with a nano USB receiver. This will hold the flap open for your microSD card.

HTML:

IIRC they couldn't file it back enough without hitting the circuit board (ruining the card). Also, it would be possible to make the flap impossible to get down if it wasn't filed enough, so it is probably ill-advised given the small amount that can be filed.

Also, for others, I've noticed that there are 256GB msata SSDs for around $300. Specifically MyDigitalSSD 256GB 50mm BP3 Bullet Proof 3 mSATA 6G SSD | My Digital Discount and MyDigitalSSD 256GB SandForce SATA III Smart Series mSATA SSD | My Digital Discount. Looks like they are on ebay and amazon as well (probably resales from this site). It looks like there are more on the way in the coming months too, and the price should come down significantly by the end of the year.

 

I ordered a 32gb adata micro sd from newegg and it was waiting for me when I got home from work this morning. Loaded some music on it and added it to the laptop, of course the flap would not close. So I filed it down a little, put it in, and it worked but still did not close (at this point I could begin to see metal...). Filed it down some more, fits like a charm, sadly the micro sd card no longer works If you are planning to attempt this do not use the adata card, it will not work.

Waste of $28...but I did have fun filing it down lol (the speakers sound so poor doubt I will listen to much music anyway)...

Edit: If you want to attempt this I recommend buying the cheapest smallest model a brand offers and testing it, if it works on a $5 card of a certain model then buy the larger, more expensive model of that same card. That way you don't trash a $30 card like I did. Also I took a pic of the carnage if anyone is interested in what it should not look like

 

Yes it works fine with my sandisk micro sdxc class 6 64gb

 

hi all

just got mine for a bargain price, brand new 3a but latest 6300 hm65 chipset and no wifi probs!! thanks for all your past posts guys and gals. it made me happy -

so i hope this post helps

just tried a samsung micr-sd from my old phone...guess what....it doesnt fit either!! go figure

...but....

as its on a spring, i kept my finger on it till it was past the lip of the slot and pushed up the flip and it closed up neatly.

i can re-open and it springs to the normal position...

...however...

to do it again, make sure you push in twice to reset the catch, as it does fly out if you havent...

 

the new samsung 830 is going very cheap these days at about 144 inclusive!

i'm picking up one now i've saved on the laptop....128gb ssd anyone?

Samsung 830 Series 256GB Solid State Hard Drive - 2.5" Drive With Laptop installation Kit With Norton Ghost 15.0 | MZ-7PC256N/EU

 

Unless I am mistaken the X3A uses a 50mm mSATA SSD while the 830 is a somewhat larger 2.5" SSD. If you are in the UK then this is, AFAIK, the only currently available 256GB mSATA SSD.

John

 

wow...sorry for my mis-information.. .i am new to the sssd#s so strike my last comment

 

Thanks for this - I've followed this on my new Series 9 but have got stuck after deleting the partition.

Now I have 22.20Gb of unallocated space, but the 4.29GB hibernation partition is sitting in between C and the unallocated space.

Please see EaseUS screen shot on skydrive: http://sdrv.ms/LoZfdU

I have read the help sheets on how to resize and move partitions but still can’t work out how to do it.

The only resize/move option I can get into is to reduce C – I can’t extend it, and I can’t move the 4.29GB partition or the unallocated space.

I would be very grateful for anyone's help. (Partition-Tool have stopped giving free support to the Home version.)

Russell
London, UK

 

I would delete the hibernation partition and then hope that it will be automatically recreated. My notes of my encounter with IRST may be of help. Which model of the Series 9 do you have?

John

 

Thanks John - I've got the NP900X3B.

I've read your notes about IRST but I'm not very computer-savvy and I'm a bit out of my depth (I did try the powercfg / hibernate off command, and got the 'this computer does not support hibernation' message).

If I delete the hibernate partition with EaseUS, will that become unallocated space that I can then extend C into?

And will the hibernate partition automatically recreate? I'm a bit nervous about 'hoping' it will when I don't really know what I'm doing...

Thanks

Russell

 

The X3B has its own thread. However, I'll respond to your post here.

The powercfg command is for the Windows hibernation which uses a file called hiberfil.sys. The hibernation partition is used by the Intel Rapid Start system. once you have deleted the hibernation partition then expand C.

If you delete the hibernation partition then running (you might need to reinstall it ) Easy Settings will recreate the hibernate partition. IIRC it created the required space by shrinking an existing partition.

See how you get on (and reboot after each step of the process). It took me several attempts to get things set up properly.

John

 

thank you for your answer

 

I have the option to buy two different models.
One ending with A03 that is almost completely new 10/10 condition
Second ending with B06 that is used with light light scratches. 8/10
Both are priced at $600.

I know the A03 has poor wifi compared to the newer B06 model, but which option should I take?
I am getting either one from a local computer store.
Thanks

 

I didn't know where to post this so I decided I'd give this a shot first before making a thread

I'm interested in purchasing this laptop but have been overwhelmed by a lot of people stating that it has an internal WIFI issue that gives it almost no signal when on or over 20 ft away from the router. Is this true?

I also heard that this issue could be fixed from a guy on Amazon,

I quote:

"What wasn't changed was the default wireless power saving setting when running on battery. It comes set at maximum power saving. Theres' a lot of user feedback, which I can substantiate from my own experience, that this can cause wifi issues that can have users thinking that the old wifi issue hasn't been fixed. Bottom line? Change that setting to low power saving or maximum performance and everything's fine. I run on low power saving and can't tell any difference in power consumption.
That's it. Enjoy! "

Can someone confirm that what he is saying is true?

 

It is true. Don't buy a first generation Series 9 notebook.

 

So if I put the power setting to high it should make the wifi problem non-existent?

 

Has anyone tried to drive a 2560x1440 monitor with the original NP900X3A? Those require a dual-link dvi and I'm finding conflicting information on the net. HDMI 1.3 supposedly is capable of 2560x resolutions. Not sure if a passive or active converter is needed or is this going to work at all?

In the meanwhile, if you're running Linux on this baby:

$ xrandr --output LVDS1 --scale 1.17x1.17

This will give you a 1600x900 scaled resolution to hold you over until NP900X4C prices drop to reasonable levels