Any Toshiba M100/m105 Owners?

Hi Toshiba owners, I have a M100-S3004, which has 1gb ram and a gma 950 graphics chipset. Could anyone else that has a similarish setup please let me know what bios version you are running and how much graphics memory your machine is showing it has? I am trying to solve a really frustrating problem....... I upgraded my bios version from 1.6 to 1.9 and i seem to have a maxium of 64mb memory available after the upgrade (directx, the intel utility and windows all tell me so) If there are others out there that are running the new pheonix bios version, yet still showing they have 128mb max graphics memory, I know that i should look elsewhere for the problem.
Sebastian

 

I have a m105-s3074, but I am not sure where to check bios version.

 

I have a m105-S3004, 1gb ram, 950 gma graphics and I have the same problem with it only showing a max of 64mb of memory. Except, mine happened after I updated the bios to version 1.8 (I haven't gone to version 1.9 yet), so maybe the problem was changes that were made in the version 1.8 update. Hopefully toshiba will get this sorted out.

 

When I first bought my M100 I noticed in my computer properties or something like that, it had 128MB graphics. I was pleased because in the store their demo version said 64MB. I'm not sure what changed, maybe it was a bios update, but since then it's always said 64MB. I'm not sure if this means its being limited to 64MB at all times or if it still does the shared memory up to 128 thing, but it's kind of annoying. At least I don't use it to play games, so it's not a huge problem.

 

I bought a M100 PASMA0Q-04600E five days ago.1G ram,945GMA graphics card with 128MB.BIOS version is 1.5 .

 

Hhhff.. Still no sign of Toshiba will fix this problem (i'm googling to find solution and ended up here too). I'm using M105-S3011, bought it with bios v1.2 installed and having 128 MB of graphic memory(was). Lured by bios update v2.0 on toshiba support web site this morning, I installed it, and this afternoon I have only 64 MB of graphic memory.
Installing new graphic driver updates didn't solve this problem.
I've tried to roll it back to my previous bios (v1.2), still couldn't fix it.
Guess tomorrow I'll try to call their hotline support, wish me luck.

 

I also have this issue. I bought a m105-s3041. I started with bios 1.6 and had the problem imediately. I called Toshiba about it and they acted like they didnt have a clue and told me I can't adjust it and I claimed there must be a bios issue. The service rep told me that the bios will alocate another 64mb when the system needs it. He acted like he just wanted to get me off the phone. I was comtemplating taking the machine back but, I already ordered more ram for so I guess I will just live with there false advertisement/bios issue. I also tried bios v2.0 and no luck with that fixing it.

 

any luck syahid?

 

straight from Toshiba's website:

Graphics Chipset*
Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Graphics Memory*
8MB-128MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory

so, you'll probably only get the full 128MB under high loads.
and it'll probably rob your RAM.

 

(Note: Post edited to replace speculation with more concrete info.)

I don't think that is correct. I found the following document on intel.com that gives excellent info about the "DVMT" dynamic memory allocation:
http://download.intel.com/design/chipsets/applnots/30750801.pdf

Per that document, the system BIOS does make choices about the video memory allocation. Thus it is possible that some of the Toshiba BIOS versions have different set.tings. The allocation may also vary depending on how much memory you have in your machine The amount of video memory reported is generally the max available, including the dynamic allocation. So if some people are seeing only 64MB, it would appear that it is indeed their max for some reason, and it stands to reason that something may be wrong with the BIOS.

For reference, I have a brand new M105 that came from the factory with system BIOS ver 1.9. It has 512MB RAM. It reported 128MB video memory both with the factory graphics driver and with the latest from Intel. Below are the specifics from the Intel driver properties control panel. Note the memory size of 8-128, exactly as advertised by Toshiba. The video bios version may also be interesting to compare.

Note that I also stopped by a store yesterday afernoon and checked about 10 different laptops with GMA950, Sony, Toshiba, Lenovo, they all reported 128MB video memory. I didn't check any other details.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report Date: 09/09/2006
Report Time[hr:mm:ss]: 04:23:20
Driver Version: 6.14.10.4670
Operating System: Windows XP* Home Edition, Service Pack 2 (5.1.2600)
Default Language: English
DirectX* Version: 9.0
Physical Memory: 502 MB
Minimum Graphics Memory: 8 MB
Maximum Graphics Memory: 128 MB
Graphics Memory in Use: 10 MB
Processor: x86 family 6 Model 14 Stepping 8
Processor Speed: 1862 MHZ
Vendor ID: 8086
Device ID: 27A2
Device Revision: 03


* Accelerator Information *

Accelerator in Use: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family
Video BIOS: 1256
Current Graphics Mode: 1280 by 800 True Color (60 Hz)

 

Bump, since the above post was edited with new info.

 

I have pretty much the same configuration and all the same information with the same video bios and I still am showing a max of 64mb.

 

I already tried to call their hotline support. They just made a record and didn't give me any feasible solution at that time, and saying that they would inform their engineering department about this problem. They said that I probably downloaded the wrong bios update from the Toshiba global website (bios v 2.0), whilst mine should only download from their Toshiba Asia website (bios v 1.9) because the Toshiba unit that I had is obtained from Asia region (I’m in Indonesia). So I think I may have to wait for their next bios update, and hoping that this problem is unraveled. :|

 

Syahid, that cant be right what they told you about the different region bios. I bought mine in America and as soon as i updated from 1.6 via the US Toshiba site, i lost half my maxium video memory. Since then, every version of the bios that has come out i have hoped that it would fix it but no change. I guess if they have forwarded it to their technical department then eventually it will be fixed..... sooooo frustrating
Chumley, thanks for your reply, some good info. Check my specs out below. The thing is i just dont know if it could somehow be some strange software related problem, it seem really really unlikely. im considering doing a backup then full recovery but i feel like it might not be worth the trouble as i have a lot of data on it..... syahid or badmofo ru game to do a recovery....

Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator Driver for Mobile Report


Report Date: 09/13/2006
Report Time[hr:mm:ss]: 23:50:48
Driver Version: 6.14.10.4670
Operating System: Windows XP* Professional, Service Pack 2 (5.1.2600)
Default Language: English
DirectX* Version: 9.0
Physical Memory: 1014 MB
Minimum Graphics Memory: 8 MB
Maximum Graphics Memory: 64 MB
Graphics Memory in Use: 21 MB
Processor: x86 family 6 Model 14 Stepping 8
Processor Speed: 1662 MHZ
Vendor ID: 8086
Device ID: 27A2
Device Revision: 03


* Accelerator Information *

Accelerator in Use: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family
Video BIOS: 1256
Current Graphics Mode: 1280 by 800 True Color (60 Hz)

 

sebastiangriffiths,
This is strange, since your info looks the same as mine expect that you have WinXP Pro and 1GB memory. Just for kicks, you could try removing 512MB memory and see if that has any affect. Out of curiousity, what system BIOS version do you currently have installed?

I'm glad I saw this thread before I upgraded my BIOS. Normally I would have upgraded, but in this case I think I'll leave the factory BIOS in place for now.

 

Alright, I thought I'd be clever and install the v2.1 BIOS on my m105.

Prior to this, I was running a v1.9 system BIOS, 1256 video BIOS, and the intel driver v. 6.14.10.4670. When I was at 1gb 533 RAM, the video RAM was fine, showing a min 8mb max 128mb. When I upgraded to 2gb 667 RAM, the video was unchanged, everything was running fine.

Then, I upgraded the system BIOS just 20 minutes ago to v 2.1, and now the video RAM usage is min 8mb max 64mb. I'm going to call Toshiba's customer service. I'll let you guys know what they tell me.

 

I have called Toshiba 3 different times about this. I honestly have to say, they might have the worst costumer service I have ever received.

 

I made a brief call to Toshiba technical support. I didn't push the issue or anything. I just called, told him (Ryan) my problem, that there are others on these kinds of forums that are having the same problem (I tried to google it). I asked if it was a known problem, he said that the developers probably already know, which I think means, "I don't know, but I have confidence that they do." I also gathered from that comment, the posts in this thread, and two BIOS versions released within a couple weeks from each other without fixing this problem meant that he won't have the answer. So, I told him he didn't need to go through the routine of fixing my problem, and I didn't expect him to find the solution, and that the main reason for my call was to document the problem so that a solution could be found quickly. I don't think he expected that lol ! He gave me a reference number for the call and said to call back in a few days, tagged my profile to document and highlight my problem, and bid me a good day.

I suggest everyone who has this problem to call and ask to specifically document the issue on their record. Something tells me it's a rather new problem, so the people on the phone are not going to have the answer. Also, if something happens in the future related to this problem, even past your warranty expiration date, it could work in your favor (nothing new for some of you car enthusiasts ).

 

You mean like... full backup of the system, re-format n reinstall the OS and all the softwares? I might just do that, but perhaps not in the next couple of months. Not enough time to do so, I’ve got to meet my deadline.

Anyway, I already downloaded and isntalled the new bios update (v2.1) from local toshiba asia website................the problem persists
I don't know how many complaints it takes for toshiba engineers to get this mess cleaned.

 

I just noticed that the new M115 model is advertised as having 8-224MB of video memory, rather than the 8-128 advertised for the M100/105. Clearly there must be some setting in the BIOS that dictates the upper limit. I think 224MB is the max that the GMA950 can support. When Toshiba gets this issue sorted out, maybe we can get up to 224MB on the M100/105 also.

 

I think I read somewhere that if you have 512 or less it will give 64 to the video. If more RAM it will give 128 to the video. I have 1024 so I show video with 128. I hope that helps.

 

That's not the issue. I only have 512MB RAM, but my machine still shows 128MB video memory. The problem being discussed here is that the video memory seems to go down to 64MB if you upgrade your system BIOS.

 

The issue has been resolved(for me at least) with bios v. 2.2. I believe it was just release 9/28/06. The maximum available memory is now at 128MB. I know to some it may have been an issue that was easy to over look but now I feel like I got what I paid for.

The release notes did not specifically say it addressed this issue, but I thought I would give it a try anyway.

 

same here bios v2.2 worked a treat!!!! i also noticed that it is not listed as being one of the upgraded aspects of the bios. oh well at least they fixed it!!

 

Yup...bios v2.2 worked for me too!, finally.... I realy hope that any bios update in the future wouldn't give us any other problem
Thanks folks !

 

BIOS v2.2 did not work for me. I have yet to follow up on my first call to Toshiba. I used the bootable BIOS floppy to update. I did not uninstall/reinstall Intel video drivers.

 

You just had to come along and spoil the party didn't you?
Seriously, thanks for letting us know. I assume you mean that you installed the upgrade via a USB floppy drive? What process did everyone else use to install the upgrade?

 

Yeah, I usually have that effect on weddings and birthday parties j/k

Yup, upgraded via USB floppy. Still haven't called Toshiba... too lazy.

At this point, I'm thinking this is a software setting/driver problem rather than purely BIOS.

 

I updated through windows and it worked for me. I did not change a single setting or uninstall/install anything. Purely a bios update fixed it for me.

 

Hi,

I just bought an M105, and have a question:
Is there a button to turn off the screen? Basically, I want to turn off the screen to save power when I am just using the laptop to listen to MP3s.

Any help much appreciated!

 

Set the sreen up to do nothing when it is inactive for 1 minute and also set the power options to do nothing when you close the lid. This way the screen will be off and the lid can be opened or closed. But there is no button per say to turn of the screen.

 

i havent read the whole thread but after updating your bios, you should go to the bios setup and restore all defaults...this brings the graphics memory back to 128mb...it is even stated in the instructions to do this reset after the update

 

Hello everybody

I've just bought M100-179 (with Ati x1400 graphic card) and I wonder if you have the same screen problem as I do. I'm talking about the same issue as A100 model (dithered screen - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=66491). Default BIOS was 2.00, now I've installed the new one (2.10) and still see no improvement.

Is there anyone who has similar experience with Toshiba's screen?

 

Hi, how did it go? So, have you installed the video drivers update?

 

has anyone tried resetting BIOS to its defaults? it should bring your memory back to its original.

 

Oops, haven't checked back here in a while. Yes, resetting the BIOS to default will return the video memory back to normal. I think what made mine different from everyone else's is that I've got a BIOS and start-up password enabled so that the BIOS could not be completely reset.

So... for anyone who is having problems with video memory, try resetting BIOS back to default. Thanks, zeu569!

 

hello there guys i've recently brought (2 weeks ago) the
Toshiba Satellite A205-S4607 it came with Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family (256 MB)
2 GB RAM memory
200 GB Hard Disk

OS : Windows Vista

i've already red the entire post, and it seems that im having the same problem with the display driver, originally i brought it with windows vista it showed the 256 MB of maxium graphics memory.
I decided to clean Vista and install XP so when i realize the maxium graphics memory truned to 32 MB

i didn't upgrade the BIOS version, and already tried to turn default setings on BIOS, it worked...... at some level:

Now the mermory displayed is 128 MB at least i got something, but i need the full performance of my graphics driver, so im thinking about upgrading the BIOS to the last version ( it seems that worked for some people here) and then turn the BIOS default setings again.

Well any help or tip about this would be really nice, let me know what you think about.

cya

 

For the M100 series, there were different BIOS versions for XP and Vista. I looked up the A205, and only one BIOS is listed, version 1.9. It is worth a shot to upgrade to that version if yours is older.

There could also just be a difference between XP and Vista in the way the driver handles the graphics memory. This is just a guess, but maybe the XP driver only supports 128MB while the Vista driver supports 256MB.

In any case, I don't think it is much of a limitation to only have 128MB graphics memory with the 945GM chipset. It is not a very powerful chipset and probably wouldn't perform well with any program that wanted more than 128MB graphics memory. There are lots of 945GM machines out there that only have 128MB graphics memory, so 128MB should be fine.

 

I have a Toshiba M105-S3004 and when I boot up I only get the toshiba Password prompt. I know this is a BIOS issue but I am unsure how to go about fixing it. i am totally unable to access my Windows XP prompt. Does anyone here have a fix for this problem. Thank-you in advance.

PFirefly