Series 7 Chronos All Models: Push for SAMSUNG to implement "FIXED MODE" in BIOS

Launcher is normally the icon found on Desktop. The executable is normally found in Program Files folder.

 

I mean the pointing part, though. Do you mean ensure they are set to High Performance in CCC?

 

Yes, use the browse button to find both the launcher and executable, make sure they are set to High Performance.

 

Well, someone else tested Crysis and got the expected performance:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/samsung/624864-samsung-series-7-6750m-benchmarks-7.html

Must be something specific to my unit that is preventing it from running on the Radeon. I'll try adjusting these settings when I get home later on and see if that makes a difference.

Any other ideas what the cause might be?

Thanks for your help,

If I can't figure it out, I'll try Samsung support.

 

Hello everyone!

I wanted to briefly update on my situation. As a reminder: I had problems running Civilization 5 as it seemingly refused to run on the AMD card. I then installed Leshcat's drivers as some other user suggested which actually fixed the issue (Civ 5 ran on the AMD card) but brought with it the problem that the AMD card was running all of the time (including the noise of the fan). I then uninstalled Leshcat's drivers to install the Samsung drivers again, expecting the original problem to return - BUT, to my surprise, now Civ 5 is running on the AMD even when using the Samsung drivers!?!? Doesn't make much sense... The only explanation I can think of: Using Leshcat's drivers, Civ 5 was able to recognize the AMD card. After returning to Samsung drivers, Civ 5 still knew that the AMD card was there and was therefore able to access and run on it. No idea, if this makes any sense.

@Elephant: Maybe you could try this as well? Maybe Crysis will then run on the AMD?

 

Awesome! Glad to hear it resolved your issue with Civ 5. I'll try this for sure. I'm 90% sure other applications do run on the AMD card - I think it's just Crysis and Crysis Warhead that wont (although GPU-Z monitoring indicates otherwise).

Two questions for you:

1. Did you uninstall the Samsung driver before installing Leshkat's, or did you just run the Leshkat installer over top of the Samsung? Same question applies when doing the reverse afterwards.
2. What version of Leshkat did you use? Was it the latest 12.3 posted here?

leshcat blog IT Tips & Tricks

Thanks,

 

Re 1: Yes, I uninstalled the Samsung driver first (using the Catalyst Install Manager and then removing any remains using driver sweeper: www.phyxion.net). The same applies to the reverse afterwards. I'm pretty sure I used the tool included in Leshcat's drivers instead of driver sweeper to remove any remains though (it's called YUC or something like that).
Re 2: Yes, I used 12.3!

Good luck an let me know if it helped!

 

First update: uninstalled the Samsung driver and cleaned with Driversweeper, and installed Leshkat 12.3 driver. Result: Crysis ran at over 40 FPS at 720p on ultra settings and GPU-Z showed heavy load!

However, as you mentioned, the fan was constantly on 30% and the GPU temp quickly reached 75C after a minute or two of play. Now, I'm uninstalling Leshkat and will try reinstalling 8.940.

 

2nd Update: reinstalled 8.940 successfully and problem solved!!! CPU-Z detected 100% load on the Radeon and Crysis now runs exactly as the benchmarks predicted! Played for about half an hour on high settings at native res, got 25-35 FPS and didn't experience any throttling. GPU temp never got above 80, and HWinfo CPU temp indicators stayed green.

You sir, are a legend! Rep +1

 

Very glad this solved the problem! It is obvious something is wrong with the official drivers from Samsung... Let's hope an update will solve this!

 

We are running old drivers, like two versions behind.

Any way to update to the new ones??

 

Without referencing specific version numbers, your question doesn't have much meaning. Version 8.940 is the latest (and best) official Samsung release for the Series 7 (although it is no longer available from Samsung directly). Download link available on page 1 of this topic.

 

Alternatively, you can use Leshcat's drivers (they are the most up-to-date) - but please read through the last couple of pages to learn about the side-effects!

 

Hey guys I'm hoping someone can please help me! After reading about the 8.94 driver on this forum I decided to purchase the NP700Z5A-S05UK. I've downloaded 8.94 from the first page of this thread but when I try to install it I get error message 'detection manager failed to load the driver'. I've tried uninstalling the driver and using driver sweeper and reinstalling but still get error message. I have to resort to Easy Software Manager to install the original driver.
Anyone else had this problem? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Were you able to install the driver from Easy Software Manager? Have you tried installing the 8.940 driver after installing the latest driver from Easy Software Manager (without first uninstalling the latter?)?

 

Thanks but I tried that and didn't work. My driver version shows as 8.863.1.2000 and no update available in Easy Software Manager. I even tried installing 8.93 from Samsungs website and that didn't work either.
After numerous attempts I did get 8.94 package to install last night but when I check my driver version it still shows as 8.863.1.2000!!! Aaarghh what the hell is going on?????

 

That is indeed VERY weird... And I have no idea what to do! Searching for your error message I came across this discussion: Cannot install Catalyst - ATI - Graphic-Displays

A bit down the page, you will find some instructions for a command line installation of the drivers. Maybe that is something you could try? Also, I hope you did not remove any drivers beyond the graphics drivers when you used driver sweeper?

EDIT: Also, while reading through a German forum ( http://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=486712) I found that there was some error that could be fixed by installing any updates for Microsoft Visual C + ( http://support.microsoft.com/kb/961894, http://archive.msdn.microsoft.com/KB961894/Release/ProjectReleases.aspx?ReleaseId=2067)! So have you run Windows Update and downloaded all updates?

 

The best thing you can do is reinstall Windows, although that is not recommended. Driver sweeper or something like that cannot clean all the hidden files or keys that used to be stored from the previous driver upgrade. Also, if you did an upgrade and that upgrade failed at the middle, then there might be some files that have been damaged. If you have System Restore, you could do restore from a checkpoint that the driver wasn't in touch. From that, update everything to the newest. Then do an upgrade to the VGA.

 

Thanks guys I think I will install Windows again in a few days hope that sorts it.

 

I am considering returning my chronos due to the issues listed in the first post here, how would I be able to go about this? I am inevitably going to go for the newer version of the chronos.

 

Well you definitely want to go with the new Chronos. Not because it has better CPU, less heat, but the GPU inside is Nvidia. Samsung currently does not implement the fix to force which card can be use in the BIOS, but Nvidia card is more compatible with Gefore driver, which IMO it is absolutely better than AMD. Optimus proved to be working with some laptop model before so you can trust on that.

 

Well, they are not really an issue anymore, so...

 

If he can return then return it for the Z5C.

 

Wow...comparing the GT 640M in the Z5C to the 6750M in my 700z makes me sad If only i had waited 5 more months....

 

Ofcourse, but I wonder what argument one could possible use for them to make that switch.

Is there something promised about the Z5A that doesn't work that works with Z5C that can be used as an argument?

I mean, the bios switch isn't there on the Z5C either, so...

 

I think he means to refund, then go for Z5C.

How he gets the refund depends on the country.

 

Yeah that's right. based on your original post in this thread I'd like to get a refund. I mean as Samsung has admitted that it is a hardware issue that cannot be fixed without a recall. Therefore I think that i am entitled to a refund. Specially given that you were successful with it

I will be going for the Z5C as soon as it comes out here. Do you think Ill be successful?

 

He was successful because the graphics switching wasn't working with OpenGL, so it was technically broken. Now that switching works properly, that argument no longer applies. It's not like they advertised that manual switching would be available out-of-the-box.

 

Yeah, that's my point, so how would you argue it today?

 

I suspect if one can show that OpenGL programmes/switching are still broken with the latest driver for their specfic model which AFAIK is still 8.930 as 8.940 was pulled, there is a possibility that that is grounds for refund.

 

Anyone know how 8.930 works when it comes to OpenGL etc? Since it's the official driver there might be something to go on there if it's bad enough.

We should try to gather information and make a post on "How to refund your 700Z5A" for those that wants to try...

 

when I was on the 8.930 drivers it was as good as useless

 

I know this is probably the wrong thread, but I am experiencing trouble with my bluetooth. I have the broadcom adapter installed, but the thing is not able to find any device (Ipad, several cellphones etc). They all find each other but the laptop remains silent.
I deinstalled the driver and updated it once from the windows own library and also from the broadcome homepage without success. It has been working some weeks ago, so I figured it isn't broken.
Any ideas, or a link to a forum which is discussing this would be greatly appreciated!

 

Well, before I resolved my switching issue by uninstalling, installing Leshkat's driver, uninstalling again, and reinstalling 8.940, I received the following response to my customer complaint (my name and email removed).

I haven't tried to get a refund yet, but this probably provides the grounds for doing so. Not being able to run OpenGL applications on the Radeon appears to be their official stance. The typo on 'rendering' was in the original.

"Date: Fri, 4 May 2012 07:03:12 +0900
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [ANSWER]Intel/Radeon Graphics switching problem, applications do not utilize Radeon 6750M

Dear xxxx xxxx,

Thank you for contacting Samsung Customer Care.

We understand that you are facing an issue with the graphics on the laptop.

We are sorry to hear that.

Applications using DirectX will switch to the dedicated card, but anything rending in OpenGL will not switch from the integrated Intel card.

Thank you for contacting Samsung.
Kind regards,
Steve
Samsung Customer Care
http://www.samsung.com.ca"

Ok, I responded to Samsung's email requesting a refund or an exchange with the NP700Z5CH (with Nvidia) on the basis of their admission above. I'll post back here the outcome when I receive a response. It's worth a shot. S7 owners shouldn't have to discover this thread (and the 8.940 driver link posted on page 1) in order to resolve the issue with switching and OpenGL on the Radeon.

 

Well this forum has been a wealth of information, however I wanted to contribute my two cents because either Im not understanding the issue or Ive missed something.

Ive followed the instructions that you posted Ephelant and as a result my 3dMark06 results were as expected. Further I just visited this website and to my dismay saw you guys discussing the OpenGL issue. Since I use SolidWorks (just not right now) the OpenGL function is critical. That being said, I tested my OpenGL rendering and it all checks out just fine. For those that would like to test their OpenGL functioning download the following software - OpenGL Extensions Viewer. It wont download from their site for some reason, well it wouldnt for me, so I did a quick search and found their directory.

Directions:
1. Open this ftp://ftp2.realtech-vr.com/realtechv/pub/
2. Download glview405.exe (the latest version)
3. Run the rendering test and at the top it will tell you which card it is using. Make sure to set its performance on Highest in the 'configurable graphics' option.

However that being said maybe people have already tested for this using a benchmarking software. If this is the case, will SolidWorks not use the AMD card as specified even though a rendering software did? As far as I can tell my Samsung Series 7 NP700Z5A-S0AUS is performing just fine.

I look forward to your results

 

I think you might be missing something. This is the situation as I see it:

1. Samsung's official position as stated in their email above is that OpenGL is not supported on the Radeon for the 2011 S7.
2. The 8.940 driver fixes the issue.
3. Samsung pulled that driver, and only officially supports the 8.930 driver on their site, which still has the OpenGL issue.
4. This position is not reasonable because the hardware does not perform as would be expected, and consumers that are not aware of this thread (and links to the 8.940 driver) have no way of resolving the issue through official channels.
5. Therefore, I am testing to see if this argument can be used successfuly to exchange my S7 for the 2012 S7 with Nvidia Optimus.

I don't really care that much whether my request for a refund/exchange is successful or not, as I have resolved the issue on my own unit. But, I am using this as a test case on principle, based on Samsung's initial response which I think is inadequate. If I don't succeed, I will still have a fully functional Chronos. If I do, it will demonstrate for others here that they can do the same.

As a bonus, it would also be nice to have the following features
Nvidia GT 640M (> Radeon 6750M)
Ivy Bridge i7 (> Sandy Bridge)
Backlit keyboard (which my model doesn't have).
8Gb Express Cache (which my model doesn't have).
1TB HDD, (> 750GB I have now).

It's got to be worth the try at least.

 

Do anyone have any examples on OpenGL software that doesn't work on 8.930?

 

I don't, but if Samsung are receptive to my request, I will revert to that version to prove my point.

Anyone else tested this?

 

Heh, I actually got that point and I wish you all the best with that. My ignorance was in relation to a software issue for example the rendering is fine in a benchmark but not in actual application. Let us know how your request goes and whether or not they will ask you to make up the difference with the return of your laptop. I will do the same if your petition is successful.

Cheers!

 

All the best bro, I am just waiting for my refund to come back and then i shall do the same

 

My understanding is that OpenGL is working fine in both benchmarks and applications, when running the 8.940 driver (and not on the earlier drivers). Isn't that what your experience indicates?

I will post the response from Samsung back here when I receive it.

So they have already agreed to process your refund on the basis of the faulty OpenGL switching? How did you go about it - email or telephone?

Anyone know the cost difference between the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge S7s?

 

So how long have you purchase your laptop before request the refund? If it is possible, I would like to know how.

About the issue with OpenGL, I believe 8.940 fixed that. However, Samsung dropped that version from the server. The answer from Samsung wasn't really correct. For AMD card, we need to define which application will use AMD card, otherwise, it won't kick into. Since 8.940, all applications have worked really well, some still have problem to recognize the card.

 

Oh so sorry! I meant the VAT refund!! Sorry for not being clear lol :S

sorry dude i meant the vat cashback :S it has been 29 days since i purchased mine. well according to amd's website hybrid graphics need to refer to manufacturer website, which is for Samsung the 8.930 drivers. Which compared to 8.940 are severely inferior and useless as it constantly causes crashes etc. No matter whether unofficial drivers improve the openGL or not, the fact that my friend who has a Sony vaio from 2 years ago for £700 which has a Nvidia 330m gets 250+ FPS on minecraft, while I spend £900 two years later and have a gpu which is supposed to be quite a bit better and only get 80+ FPS is seriously unacceptable.

 

Was your 80+ FPS measured with the 8.940 driver, or 8.930?

 

with 8.930 i got about 40 FPS, with the newer one i get anything from 80 - 120 as an average. not amazing tbh.. :S

 

That is extremely odd - starting today, I have the same problem! Yesterday, everything was working fine, but today I turned my notebook on and suddenly bluetooth was completely gone. ?!?

I will experiment with uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers and post back if I find something!

EDIT: After several reboots, bluetooth is suddenly back and working... Hmmm... Hardware problem? If it happens again, I will have the notebook replaced.

 

I also got mine back to working normally. The system service, called "bluetooth supporting service" (or slightly different, I translated it from German) has to be set to "starting type: automatic". After that it runs smoothly.

 

I would have put this discussion in the Owner's Lounge thread.

 

40 from 8.930 because of Intel card running at that time. The figure you posted is actually better, like double or maybe more. Don't justify that with AMD card. If you look at AMD vs Nvidia card benchmark, most games honor Nvidia more, despite in some case, AMD has better performance. Also, Nvidia driver is known for reliable, in the other hand, AMD Catalyst is a pain everytime we need to config or update something.

 

OK, Samsung are aware that the 8.940 driver fixes the OpenGL switching issue, and will not therefore accept that as a reason for a refund/exchange. It was worth a shot, but I'm happy enough with my Sandy Bridge model anyway.

Here is their latest response:


Thank you for contacting Samsung Customer Care.

We undestand that you are facing an issue with the graphics on the laptop.

We are sorry to hear that.

To fix this issue, follow the steps below:

1)Download the VGA (Graphics), AMD (Driver) (ver. 8.940.0.0000).
Please click on the link below to download the driver:

http://bit.ly/AkSz5G

2)Unzip the file.
3)Execute the Setup.exe file.
4)Reboot the computer.

Please check whether the issue persists after performing the above steps.

Thank you for contacting Samsung.
Kind regards,
Steve
Samsung Customer Care
http://www.samsung.com.ca