Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *Part 3*

There is definitely something up here. I'd rather trust my own ears when I hear the fan slowing down (whilst the RPM numbers don't reflect this).

 

Guys I hope someone can help me with some question please. Firstly what improvements have been made to the F12, is there still a fan issue. Finally does anyone know when the laptop will be released in the UK, as Sony is giving me conflicting reports.

 

Jeesh, just READ the last four pages!

I will make a general comment, intended for all, that the F12 seems to have brought a few new problems, variations of those with the F11. And we need a Joe Bleau-type who owns an F12 to rewrite a few Faqs, such as clean installs..

 

soz melody mate, i have and the main problem seems to be still with the fan noise as well as slow CPU when charger is plugged in. It looks like there still seems problems in F12 and new problems as well. I was so hyped about it, but if there are still problems with extra ones to add to it then im not sure if I want to get it.

 

I apologize. I did not read the post where this was stated. I read the two posts prior to mine and thought it was a general statement, not the statement where the 3 were listed.

That being said, I have bought and used several F11s and all have Atheros cards in them, even though the Sony drivers site only lists the Intel for this model...even when Sony scans the hardware themselves!

I do not have the virtual WIFI built in, but I do use "Connectify", which soulds like they might be the same? Connectify is a program that allows a computer with a wireless card to become a WIFI hotspot.

 

My F12 (ready-ship model #: VPCF12KFX/B) it out for delivery as I am typing this, so I'll update after I get home and fire it up. Any helpful hints for a windows 7 noob coming from XP who is also new to Sony computers? Also, how many DVD's do you all expect the system backup to take? I was thinking 3 or 4?

Specs:
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
Intel Core i7 740QM
NVIDIA GT330M
1920 x 1080 16.4" screen
500GB 7200rpm HD
6GB DDR3 1333MHz
blu-ray burner 6x BD-R, 4x BD-R DL, 2x BD-RE DL

 

I have the top-of-the-line VPCF12Z1E and the fan-speed issue is present.

Not sure what you mean about the F12's not being available in the UK .. they should be in all the stores by now.

 

No it works the other way round. It will allow YOU to connect to Hotspot A and also to Hotspot B and gain greater bandwidth for instance.

 

Did someone buy the neoprene carrying case from Sony?
I wrote an email to sony cause I have the extended battery and I don't want to buy that case if it won't fit.

The answer from sony style : I would strongly suggest you take your laptop with you including the battery to a Sony Style store near you and try out the various sleeves just to be safe.

The nearest sony store is 150km away.

Sorry for my english

 

I don't think there are any i7 laptop processors in any laptop at the moment that will not throttle down and maintain its performance capacity while on battery. The battery can only provide limited juice.

With the way things look right now with current laptops and the hardware selection companies have made to maintain some type of minimum standard in battery life, heat venting and cooling design, performance, form factor, etc. maybe we'll see real changes within a year or most likely two?

Since you've been waiting on the F series ever since MK1's release at the beginning of the year, it seems you can do without one at the moment. Why not pass up on the F12 and wait till there's a drastic change in components? However, there is a high chance that you can end up in a cycle of procrastination where you'll just read review after review of any new laptop that comes along and not buy one. You have to draw the line somewhere because of a real need for it no?

 

exactly what to no end said..the review i read for the sony vaio was a very positive review and for the price/performance there was only a very limited number of laptops that can you can compare the vaio to..any electronical equipment out there you can be sure someone somewhere is having problems with it..im looking into bluetooth keyboard mouse sets and routers at the moment and all the owners threads like this one that i come across there will always be one guy telling everyone to avoid it and another guy saying its the best thing ever..at the end of the day if the problems seem like things you can live with and doesnt affect the functionality of the laptop (like the problems with the f series) then theres no reason not to buy it..

 

How to Take Full Advantage of Your Solid-State Drive- Lifehacker article

How to Take Full Advantage of Your Solid-State Drive

 

So what? 76c is way below max temps & data from other brands of laptops with i7 CPU's.

I used a pocket knife to continuously press a key (NEVER DONE THAT IN REAL WORLD USAGE) to tests your fears and posted here, including test with Word 2010.

Before F11_BIOS Update:

Same test after F11_BIOS Update. Note the temperature curve in Furmark (bottom of the image):



I posted repeatedly temperature data for other models of i7 & all are higher than with that stupid quirk causing a temporary & inconsequential fan speed change. What counts is the system temperatures not the ever changing fan rpm's.

Post temperature data & prove to me that the stupid quirk is causing a meltdown of your system. Sheesh!

*****

 

Yes i can confirm that info, my F12S1E does exactely the same thing, but i do play with it a lot of time, usually after 2 to 3 hours playing TrackMania, or Modern Warfare or WOW, the max temp the CPU got so far was 81º and the GPU 67º

Its true that the fan throtles down while you keep a key pressed but even then the temps stay on the "normal" side. If you compare those temps with the temps of other laptops with i7 processors and good graphic cards you will see.

For example in Europe the Asus G73 is burning like hell. Lots and lots of them returning to RMA, because they usually have a tmp of 100º to 110º Crazy.

Dont worry, keep everest in background while playing and check the temps while playing, its not a big deal. In my opinion 80º at full load on a CPU isnt nothing to worry about.

Other than that i dont have any noises from my fan , just the airflow noise.

 

I bought the VGPAMC7 neoprene case and it fits perfectly. Both for the F11 and its power block. The extended battery would stick out a little but the neoprene can stretch so I think it will be ok. The fit of the case on the F11 w/ standard battery is not super snug and has a little wiggle room. There's a bit of give. Oh, and I tried it w/ my F11 and stuck something down at the bottom of the laptop where the extended battery would protrude and the neoprene stretched to accommodate it and the case zipped up.

 

Phil, basically sony said it will be in the UK late july, bunch of liars lol. Also " to no end" awesome post mate, i really need a laptop been looking for over 6 months, and the best make and reliable one is always sony for me and one of the best all around models is the f series. Im really fed up with reading reviews with high spec laptops saying fan and heat issues and what not. So does anyone still reccomend this monster of a machine to me as the best laptop possible, plus if i got issues with heat and fan noise sony can always sort it out cant they.

 

OK, so I tried to repeat the curve that Joe has outlined above, and I have reversed my position on the fan-speed quirk.

It's actually kinda fun

In essence, it reaches a temperature 5 or 6 centigrade higher than it normally would, before kicking the fans to their max revs.

But, in my SciFi addled brain, what happens is this:

"Ere, sir, user is pressing a key"

"That's odd, what for?"

"No idea sir, maybe sticky keys?"

"God no, that's a useless function if ever I heard one. Well, we have to do SOMETHING. Jenkins! Slow the fans to 1500RPM"

"b .b.b..but sir .. she'll melt! We canne run an i7 at full bore with 1500RPM! It's against the regulations!"

"TO HELL WITH THE REGULATIONS!! The user is HOLDING a key! Slow the fans!"

"Aye .... sir"

[COMPUTER's VOICE] WARNING! Core's 1 through 4 heating up, GPU temperature rising. Motherboard approaching higher levels of tolerance spectrum

*captain sits twiddling his thumbs*

"He's er .. still holding that shift key, sir. Webcam team reports they have a clear view .. it's taped down!"

"We have no choice, Jenkins, he wants those fans QUIET! He's probably used a Mac."

[COMPUTER's VOICE] WARNING!! WARNING!! All temperatures approaching tolerance limits!! Complete meltdown in 5 minutes

"Sir ... ?"

"She over-reacts, that girl"

"SIR!! We need the fans!"

[COMPUTER's VOICE] Code RED - Code RED Core temperature CRITICAL! Emergency venting procedure initiated

"Sir, the fans! They're at 5100RPM!"

"STOP THEM! He'll hear them!!"

"I can't ... it's out of my hands!"

"DAMMIT JENKINS! He's holding SHIFT!!"

 

Which guide (link?) and what went wrong exactly?

 

Hilarious

 

I just received an email for a 96GB SSD for $169. That is a fantastic price! They are coming down.

 

What game did you play, @ what settings, overclocked or not, on which model, OEM OS or not? Could you log your system's temperatures with a utility instead of using your guessometer & report here?

You could get the free and standalone (meaning no install needed) SIW 2010 utility (System Information for Windows) or the small & more simple and also free and standalone HWMonitor (64-bit zip no install) then run it & start gaming or do the stupid continuous key press at will. SIW or HWMonitor will record the min, max & current ("Value") temperatures for the CPU and GPU. For example:

 

Just an FYI.

The Canadian sonystyle.ca website has been updated. It looks like you can still buy the F1190 plus there are some pre-configured F12's available now.

 

They finally changed the site to be more user friendly too. Navigating it before was such a pain. It's similar to the US site now with the side scrolling series' listed with display size for easier browsing. What's even better is they finally give us information about each laptop. No longer have to jump over to the US site to get detailed specs.

 

A Beginner's Guide to Overclocking Your Intel Processor

A Beginner's Guide to Overclocking Your Intel Processor

 

guys quick question, i was on the sony uk site, and it said something about total graphics memory and was different between the 8gb model and the 6gb model. Can someone tell me what does that mean

 

It's a function of the fact that the GPU can share some of the system memory to boost it's own stock, should an application need it.

In practice, it is SPEED not SIZE that has a large impact, with few games really getting upto the 1Gb capacity.

If you're on the UK site make sure your version has the 'premium' (matte) screen as the UK gloss screen is absolutely awful, IMO. (go back to page 171)

 

thx phil im getting the top 6gb version probs as i can always update later. I herd the glossy screen is plain rubbish form american users as well. How will i know whether it is a premium matte screen

 

The UK site lists the good screen as "pro grade full HD".

I assume you're looking at the VPCF12S1E/B ? The screen on that one is fine. It's the xxxxxM0E that has the very weak screen (pics are actually on 170, oops)

 

oh pro grade is the best one, the place im getting it from doesnt say that all it says is TFT LCD.

Also could u plz tell me the main differences between the 8gb and 6gb version apart from ram and blu ray writer

 

Just the finish. The 8Gb model has a 'leather feel' to the palm rest area, and the whole thing generally looks to be of a higher quality. Everything else is the same!

Sony seem to be offering the blu-ray component for FREE on the homepage at the moment, when you configure a custom build to have shipped. It's a saving of about £220 - worth checking out of you want 8Gb without breaking the bank.

 

No it can NOT! How many times does this have to be stated?! The GT330 does NOT share system memory, ever. Jeesh! It's ridiculous how misconceptions can be propagated Ad Nauseum.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony-owners-lounge-forum/487213-official-sony-vaio-f-series-i5-i7-owners-thread-part-3-a-161.html#post6448212

It's simply saying one system has 500 gigs Graphics memory, and the other has 1 Gig.

 

Definitely yes! But with Premium screen. Similar laptops of other brands have also unlucky customers with problems. I don't think that the perfect laptop exist. Make your choice if you want to risk for fan-noise (F series), heat problems (XPS) or both (Envy)

I've have no possibility to make good foto's now, because I have only the camera of my I-Phone. I have compared the glossy screen of my old Dell Inspiron 1720 with the matte Vaio Premium display.
The Dell Inspiron has a very good contrast and seems to have a slightly deeper black. I don't know if it depends on its contrast which is a little bit higher than the Vaio Premium screen or because it's glossy or because its full brightness is not so bright as the Vaio screen. Maybe it's all together.

However when I put the same high quality photo on both screens it becomes clear that the Inspiron is missing colors. Where on the Inspiron seems to be only a gray-black shadow on the grass, on the Vaio I can see the real dark green colors. Where on the Inspiron I see a turquoise sea, on the Vaio I see a sea with all the range of colors from turquoise and blue.
On my Inspiron display I always had troubles with turquoise and CMYK, with on the screen seemed to be turquoise, but printed went to a light violet. On the Vaio Premium screen I finally see the colors almost the same as they are printed. I don't have to make blind guess anymore how this color will render in print. I will never turn back, it's like seeing full colors after you have been colorblind.

So if you want a notebook just for staring at a black screen, which seems to be the most important thing to someone, I can recommend you a Dell 1920x1200 True bright display, but if you want to see some real color get the matte Vaio Premium screen.

 

do You mean a free blu ray player in the 8gb version. Oh phil you put me in a dilema now, because i want the best one and want the leather palm rest, cant believe the 6gb has not got that or looks as professional as the 8gb one.

Do you think i should get the 8gb one, btw what model you got.

 

Error post.

 

melody so what u saying the total graphics memory is not to do with the gpu.

 

Sorry - Disregard

Might as well add for Canadians out there, I received my F1290S today, it came with the smaller Power Supply Brick.

Yay!

 

Freaking epic! I hope someone puts that on the unification post XD

Since Joe has researched this and proven it's harmless, I'll.. not worry about it

 

Even the US glossy screen is good, just keep it at a tilt and you dont notice the lightbleed. and you want to keep it at a tilt, it just looks nice.

What's this i hear about the F12's CPU not throttling while plugged in? Pics or it didnt happen.

 

Darn I just bought a spare power brick last month!!! I would have waited had I known I could get a lighter one!!

 

I wasn't aware of any particular ability of the 330m to do or not do this, to be honest. I was simply lifting information from the Sony site:

​

And, of course, from the nVivia system information tab:

​

I vaguely recall what I learned about hardware memory address allocation, which would simply mean the GPU has this much 'space' in memory to store data (a bit like it's own swap file). I never implied it would be rendering using that space.

I'm not sure how quoting yourself is evidence .. but meh.

 

How is this possible?

With the stock nvidia drivers for the F12 I got 6.4 in both Graphics and Gaming under WEI. I updated to nvidia's new drivers and now I get 6.4 in both...even with everything overclocked!

How is this possible?!

 

Ah .. OK so just looked over the MS website and come across various docs, including:

So basically, yeah. Any GPU can use system memory through the bus, it's just not dedicated in any manner.

I remember back on my old board (AGP) you could specifically dedicate a certain amount of system memory to the GPU, regardless of the card you are using.

The MS doc does a good job of explaining how the motherboard & OS can pass though the bus to share memory : http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/GraphicsMemory.doc

But, in a sense, they're just quoting the maximum possible memory window sizes the OS / board can give to 'graphics' - not the actual memory size that the 330m can, itself, see as local memory.

 

Okay, nevermind. Bigger issue than the 6.4...I solved that it's now at 6.5...

The problem is THE SETTINGS DON'T STAY! It doesn't even let me change the profile settings...I have to change the OC settings everytime...and it doesn't even show my GPU in the profile's page. Have a look...What do I do?! It worked the first time...i accidentally OC'd wrong and did it too much, computer locked up and I rebooted and now this started happening. Everything else is fine and the card still works fine...the program/drivers seem messed up. Look:

 

Because WEI is garbage, means nothing.

I reported a long time ago that my F's OEM HDD 5400 rpm booting in 1:48 & HDD upgrade 7200 rpm booting in 1:11 were WEI "rated" exactly the same even if all other HDD benchmarks were showing noticable performance gains.

BTW I also have a meaningless 6.5 "in both Graphics and Gaming under WEI" with zero overclocking.

WEI is garbage as a benchmark tool.

*****

 

@Joe Bleau:

Tell me, do you prefer to run an efficiently cooled laptop or a hot laptop with a freaking fan that can't decide whether to spin up or down? The hardware is capable of cooling it fine.

Will you like it if sony released an F13 running passive with its CPU at 99.5deg? It is still below your threshold though.

A fault is a fault just freaking admit it! And what! Using Word to test? You must be joking... You may not game but there are people who do.

I respect you for contributing several guides, but your arrogance and attitude pisses me off. Calling people pus-sy when you are being an ars-hole yourself.

From your screenshots, your cpu was not even stressed up at all. All you are doing is giving load to the GPU only! Try running a real stress test. See mine. It doesn't matter what game or what clock speed i am running, the fan IS NOT doing what it is supposed to do. End of story.

Are your senses failing that you have to rely on softwares that much? The numbers are not true at all!

 

Show me some temperature data.

Show me how your F is endangereded by this idiotic continuous key press "test".

Please describe when in real life usage do you continuously press a key and if so, for how long?

I tested with Word 2010 because some user said that the fan was slowing down (OMG! ) when typing fast. Not on my F.

Here, I just ran the CPU @ 100% + the GPU @ 99% at the same time and continuously pressed the shift key. What happened? Nothing: no CPU throttling, no overheating.

 

Personally I think it has to do with the driver too...

But can someone please look at these images I posted ... preferably the last two. Because it's messed up, if you read my previous post. Thanks!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/6469961-post1893.html

 

The total memory available to the GPU is the 500 meg or 1 Gig that is PART OF THE VIDEO CARD. System Ram is never accessed at any time by the GPU of the F-series, or GT330 in general, the GPU doesn't "Share" system memory, ever. As shown in the links I provided some ATI cards do indeed share system memory, also the Nvidia card in OTHER VAIOs, such as the CW I believe, does switch between discrete and onboard graphics, with the discrete GPU able to share system ram.

 

My quote included a link to GT330 specifications. Notebookcheck: NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M I don't know why that 4 Gig is shown as "Available" to the GPU, but it is simply not. Period. My guess is that since Win7 and Vista are CAPABLE of handling graphic memory allocation, unlike previous windows, then that listing of system memory available to the GPU simply shows up by default. But no real-time monitoring of memory allocation will ever show system memory being accessed in any way by the GT330.

One wants to steer clear of GPUs that use system memory, since System ram is still slower than the memory on a video card.

(edit) in windows prior to Vista this "available" memory is what used to be called the AGP "Aperture." Generally 256 Meg. Having 4 Gig listed as "available" or as the aperture size is irrelevant, since the GPU has a lower priority accessing this than the system itself.

(Edit) Please read this.. http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/c/5/9c5b2167-8017-4bae-9fde-d599bac8184a/graphicsmemory.doc

 

How does it endanger? Shorter lifespan? I have to pause and let the fan spin up and cools down before i continue my game as the keyboard feels too hot. It won't happen if the fan doesn't slow down.

I am still thinking of how to show it.

Ok, it is obvious you do not game. And i think it is more detectable in a gaming environment. Like a user mentioned, you move your character pressing "W" in FPS and accelerate holding "up arrow" in a racing game. You can hold the key as long as minutes.

I am not surprised that typing fast in Word slows down the fan. I have just tried typing rubbish in notepad with three fingers never holding any keys. The fan indeed slows down.

Maybe your F simply does not have that issue.