Samsung Series 7 Lovers - Here's The NP700Z5C Ivy Bridge!

Hi
anyone else have the problem that the nvidia gpu isnt shut off?
its always on for me ...
or is it a known problem?

 

I get the same ratings except the graphics, 6.9 for gaming and 5.3 for Aero. What could be wrong?

 

I don't think gpu is being recognized, I downloaded the latest NVIDIA drivers and the installer says no supported product found. Not sure what to do from here

Also, is it just me or are there barely any configuration options in the BIOS?

 

To get those results, you have to RIGHT CLICK on desktop\\Nvidia Control Panel\\Manage 3D Settings\\Switch Auto-select graphic processor to High-Performance Graphics Processor

Otherwise, most benchmarks will use the Intel 4000 graphics which is good, but not good enough.

I believe that may be the issue.

@Resk You may have set the computer to the High-Performance Graphics Processor by mistake. Follow my above instructions to change it to Auto-Select

 

well I uninstalled the Intel and NVIDIA drivers that come preloaded, but the newest 301.42 version still won't accept the GPU. Is anyone successfully running 301.42?

 

I actually installed the Nvidia drivers from the Samsung CANADA website for their model of this computer. Try the drivers from the website, because I don't think the drivers from Nvidia directly are supported by Samsung.

 

You need to mod the inf file if you are using drivers from NVIDIA website. I suggest you get the driver from Samsung till NV officially adds support for GT 640M.

 

thanks guys, I can confirm after running the NVDIA scanning utility that they defer driver updates to the manufacturers and won't provide direct support. So I have to use whatever Samsung provides

 

Nope, no dice. I went to the NVIDIA settings from Windows Control Panel and set the PC to use the dedicated GPU only. I re-ran the test and still got 5.3 for Aero. Rebooted, got the same thing. So I went back to the NVIDIA control panel and individually changed all the options to maximum performance, ran it, rebooted, ran it again, still 5.3 each time.

Is there a GPU diagnostic test I can run?

 

That's interesting. Hmm. Have you run any games to make sure that your graphics card is actually working?

You can run passmarks Performance Test, 64 bit. It should, if your graphics card is operating correctly, display the name of the card during its 3D tests. Though, your card needs to be set to the dedicated use only setting.

 

no, i tried all those 3 options. When i enable the symbol for the taskbar is see thats shortly grey and then colored again ...
so it try to turn off, but cant ...

what i should say maybe its new installed on a ssd.
so no one else has this problem?

 

Hello there. I was wondering for you guys that already have the laptop... Is it really 5.3 lbs? That would mean it gained a quarter of a pound from the last generation s7 chronos. I would probably still get the laptop (currently waiting for a place with the s01 and the free xbox deal), but if it was in fact that much heavier I would give a little more thought into getting the sony vaio s15 because the weight differential between the 2 would be even greater (s15 is at 4.6 lbs) with similar specs and the s15 having the 1080p IPS Panel. Appreciate if you guys can weigh it for me or if it says on the box, thanks.

 

Hmm, ok...I guess mines...different? It doesn't seem to be enough of an issue to return another one.

So first thing I noticed out of the box is how fast the monitor dim/brightens with the light sensor. I can simply cast a shadow over the keyboard with my hand and the screen brightness jumps all over the place. Is there a way to average/smooth this somehow?

 

The synthesis of this thread is that they made the perfect notebook and put a ty display just because they can?

 

Just ran the PassMark Performance Test, scored 2660.8

Apparently my GPU works just fine, windows just isn't picking it up in its test

 

@Resk try your BIOS and check the settings
@BlakeRoss, sounds like the boost in RAM really bolstered your system.

 

i checked everything and now one 4th reinstall i found it!
it was the gadget gpuobserver ...
thx its fixed

 

RAM helps multi-tasking but I think the biggest boost in shear performance is all about the Samsung 830 SSD (256GB). This little black drive that weights almost nothing is a BEAST, I love it

 

I was in your boat until I realized that I had to put the original drive back in to create the recovery DVD. The DVD allows you to re-install all the right drivers on the fresh install, it's actually very well done

 

So, I'm having a terrible finding the stable drivers for the 640m. During certain games, random, seemingly crashes. Can anyone provide a link to the correct drivers.

 

Do you think you could check your drivers BlakeRoss and tell me the driver versions of the Nvidia stuff and maybe Easy Software Manager?

 

--------SORRY FOR TRIPLE POST. Was posting from phone and it failed...

 

9.3.0.1019 Chipset Driver
8.0.0.1262 Intel ME Interface Driver
8.15.10.2618 Graphics Driver (integrated intel)
7.50.1123.2011 LAN Driver
1.0.13.30079 Bluetooth Driver
11.0.0.1032 Intel RST
6.0.1.6608 Sound Driver
8.17.12.9555 NVIDIA GPU
15.0.0.75 Wireless LAN Driver
10.7.13.1 Touchpad Driver
1.0.1.209 USB 3.0 Driver
2.0.12.0 Intel WiDi Utility
1.1.0.49 Easy Settings Utility
1.0.64.0 Express Cache

Also have Win 7 SP1 + patches, and Samsung Media Center Update

You may have a hard time finding all those drivers, you really do need to make a recovery disc from the original install. I can load up mine on the server at work for download on Monday if you're in a bind

 

This is very helpful, in-fact, thank you so much! I managed to find most of these drivers on the Canadian website, and it helped me notice that I had the wrong sound drivers installed. I'm going over all of my drivers to make sure I have the correct ones now.

I THINK that I'm totally up to date, but if it's not a terrible strain on you, could you upload that disk for me? I would like to be sure and would rather not risk breaking anything by opening up the laptop for a second time (I'm a newbie when it comes to hardware stuff). Thank you.

Also, if anyone could test Tribes Ascend on this laptop, it crashes at boot for me, so I'm wondering if it's a specific problem, or a laptop-related issue.

 

Hey Ninjuit
How is the m4 working for you?
Been debating the M4 or the samsung 830, literally hundreds of posts on the subject. I fell like the m4 value is just way better

 

@sgtsloth It's very speedy in comparison to a regular HD, though in comparison to the 830, it's definitely not going to win any awards, but it's going to go HORRIBLY fast if you're used to a regular 5400 or 7200RPM HD. I'd say the M4 wins simply because of it's price. I'd go as far as to say, instead of buying the 830, you could pay an extra 100 and buy a 512 m4. I was going to do that, but I'm using the original HD as an external and it's in a USB 3.0 container. So, it's fast enough.

 

@ninjuit, thanks, I think I'll just go with the M4 then, I doubt I'll notice a significant difference between the two in day to day use anyway.

Also, has anybody tried using the mic? I do a lot of skype calling and everyone complains that they cannot hear me at all, that I sound "underwater". Fiddled with the settings and drivers, nothing helped. Also tried it on MSN, same complaint. I noticed my external mic doesn't work with the dual mic/headphones jack, not sure how that works. So I guess my only option is to exchange or get a usb mic. I'd really hate to send it back for such a dumb reason

 

The microphone is sub-par to par. I personally use a headset with all of my skype calls and other microphone related needs.

 

Is the express cache on a mSATA drive?
Is it included on the NP700Z5C-S01US?

Also, has anyone seen reviews of the ivy bridge refresh yet?

 

1: Nope, it's an sandisk iSSD P4 chip soldered onto mobo.
2: Yes, should be.
3: Not as far as I know, only for the 17" version.

 

Sorry if this has already been discussed - getting an error when searching. But on the Canadian website, I saw that there was a BIOS update using the BIOS update utility - anyone know what was updated? (says the new BIOS is P02AAG vs P01AAG)

 

Hey guys

Just wanted to let anyone who is on the edge about a samsung 830 SSD, Newegg has the 256gb model on sale today for 189.99, cheaper than the M4!

Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC256B/WW 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

use this coupon code at checkout: EMCYTZT1815

 

I saw that...and was somewhat upset. Haha. I just bought the M4 about a week ago, though I guess you can't predict these types of things.

 

Not at all, I was going to actually get the M4 512 on sale for $340 a few days ago, I decided to sleep on it and in the morning, it was back up $399. Just hoping I can get buy on 256 gb....

 

Beta drivers from nvidia 302.42 I think work on my wife's though she has the series 7 with the 650m. Boosted performance and Optimus works. Just FYI.

To find it go to nvidia driver download page then click on the older/beta driver search then put in your gpu. Should work.

 

Sorry for being an idiot - I am interested in replacing the harddisk for an SSD if I were to buy this laptop but I have never done this before (replacing the stuff and migrating the system over). I can see some SSDs come with full-installation kits. Do I need those if I have never done this before?
I know I should have done my homework up front but does anyone else have some handy tutorials?

Thanks a lot!

 

It's really easy, you don't need any kit, only the bare drive. As a newbie, your biggest issue will be getting nervous playing around inside the back cover to unscrew/unsnap things, specifically unsnapping the cover and disconnecting and reconnecting the zif connector for the drive ribbon. But it's super easy just don't freak out

Step 1: Get a small screw drive made for laptops
Step 2: Flip over the laptop and unscrew the 10 screws (leave the RAM cover screw)
Step 3: Run an old credit card along the seam from the back towards the trackpad to unsnap the plastic tabs
Step 4: Unscrew the 4 chrome screws holding down the drive caddy
Step 5: Flip open the BLACK part of the zif connector on the motherboard and pull out the orange ribbon
Step 6: Remove the caddy, remove the ribbon from the drive, and unscrew the 4 black screws on the caddy
Step 7: Put the new drive in the caddy, re-screw, add ribbon, reconnectg zip, re-screw, re-snap, re-screw, TA-dA!!

 

Hello,

Can someone please comment on it's screen, cam & sound quality?

Does it compete 17" model? I am willing to purchase this. 15" is perfect for me. But I am worried about it's screen, cam & sound quality as in Sandy Bridge generation, it was worst & that thing is forcing me to go with 17" model with JBL speaker, best screen etc.

Hope someone can share more info on these things.

Thanks

 

Haha thanks sounds great. But it seems that I need to clone all my stuff before doing all this? This sounds even more alienish to me !

 

Not hard at all, simple software like this can do it:
Best free backup software. Hard drive backup and recovery, image and clone freeware - EaseUS Todo Backup Free

Guide:
How to Clone a Hard Drive - YouTube

Now, you will need a way to connect you SDD to your computer in order to clone your current Hard drive over. The cable that comes in the upgrade kit can work fine, or you could use a simple enclosure like this:

Amazon.com: Rocketfish Rf-hd3025 USB 3.0 2.5" Sata Hard Drive Enclosure: Computers & Accessories

Get one with USB 3.0, it will be much faster cloning it over

 

If you take some time and read through this thread, you'll find many comments and reviews on those three items.

 

True, but there is not a clear statement that compares it with it's elder 17" brother

 

So, as best I understand, the screen, camera and speakers are all the same as the previous 15" model. Opinions on this thread tend to agree that the screen is underwhelming, and definitely inferior to its 17" brother. The sound is average, and probably underperforms compared to the JBL speakers on the 17". The camera is the same on both models.
Some general notes-- The mic on this model is positioned below the keyboard, and has been reported to be noticeably bad when used with skype and other chat clients. Other review sites state that the webcam is above average and the speakers are passable.
Hope that helps!

 

Here's a roundup of models officially listed by Samsung:
The base model is the NP700Z5C-S01US
Core i7-3615QM 2.3 GHz, 6MB Cache/750GB 7200RPM HDD/6GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM/nvidia GT 640M 1GB. Available at Amazon among others, $1099.
NP700Z5C-S01UB
There are two listings here, on Samsung it is the same as the base model except it has 8 GB of RAM and a 1TB 5400RPM drive.
On Best Buy's website, it is listed as having the above changes, but it also lists a 512MB nvidia GT 630M, so proceed with caution on that one. $999-$1009.
Also available--
S02US: base configuration with 8GB of RAM, Best Buy, $1249.
S03US: base configuration with 8GB of RAM and an nvidia GT 640M with 2GB of memory. Amazon, $1299.

 

Any rough idea of when this will come out? (The 15-inch series 7 Ivy Bridge)

Also wondering if the anyone knows if the Ivy Bridge version will have any changes too it besides the processor and graphics? Specifically wondering if it will be entirely aluminum as opposed to the previous model with the plastic bottom, and will a 500-750Gb 7200rpm hard drive still be available or just the slower 1TB.

-Thanks for any help!

 

Interesting enough, on the NCIX website (Canadian), the description of the S02 is:
Samsung NP700Z5C-S02CA Intel Core i7 3615QM 8GB 750B GT640M 15.6in FHD Win7 HP Notebook

FHD? Full HD? If so this is sooo gonna be my next laptop hehe. This laptop is perfect if I forget about the mediocre screen.

Waiting for more details before getting excited... probably an error to be honest. I googled for NP700Z5C-S02 1920x1080 and I can't find anything.

Samsung NP700Z5C-S02CA Intel Core i7 3615QM 8GB 750B GT640M 15.6in FHD Win7 HP Notebook - Samsung - NP700Z5C-S02CA

 

There already is an ivy bridge 15.6" model in the USA

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Serie...Laptop/dp/B0083S3OWW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

It is very possible that this is real. Samsung seems to like to wait a while before it releases information on newer models of the chronos, some arent even listed on samsung's website. The pattern seems to be to release it in Canada first and then in the USA 3-6 weeks later.

Assuming they are the same build, I image it is possible to upgrade the screen on these older models once we know the model number of the screen used in the FHD version

 

Also it's actually listed on Samsung's US website right now, check it out. Just the S01 and the S03 though.

 

So should i get one of those or is there going to be a better version of the chronos out in the next 4 weeks?

And i'm not seeing any 15.6" models on the website with Ivy Bridge processors or Nvidia Graphics.