Official Sony VAIO F Series i5/i7 owners thread *Part 5*

I have been using IE9 beta since it came ot in mid Sept. and I love it. I don't use many plug-ins so I can't comment on that aspect, but I am fond of IE9.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Thanks alot for your help. I will check it out. Im only going to leave it overclocked when using it for gaming, otherwise im leaving it at the default settings so i think i will just make sure its well ventilated to keep it cool enough.

That review is based on an acer laptop which has identical specs to my Sony F except its 4 gb ram vs 6 gb ram on the Sony, so it should be about spot on.

As for the shaders, the nvidia system tool overclocks it automatically when you overclock the graphics/memory speed. I dont know why it does that but it wont let you do it manually.

 

Hey guys, I've been having a problem with my F ever since i bought, not a biggy but would like to see if anyone else has had it: the blue sphere next to the cursor, you know the one that turns when the PC is processing, doesn't turn:S. Even when its the blue thing alone, it doesn't turn... I've noticed that when the PC boots up, at the beginning it does turn, and then at a certain moment it just stops, as if the was a process blocking it... Ive tried to reinstall the OS, from the original factory settings and it didn't change much.... Any ideas?
Thx!

 

Good find! I won't be switching back to Chrome anytime soon. I don't like the "spyware" that comes with it and the usage reporting that is done. I like my privacy.

I played with IE9 beta 2 or 3 times. Well, one of them was an unofficial release and screwed up my lappy in some wierd way. I greatly enjoyed IE9, but am going to wait for the official release because it's a bit to glitchy for me when rendering graphics and web pages.

 

Oh and one more thing What version of the Nvidia Driver are you guys using? Cause i downloaded 260.99 from the Nvidia site, and the gaming performance became better, however, I don't know if the driver is the cause of the following problem, but when I'm watching videos, if there is high speed movement, I notice a "line of stuterin/glitching" approximately, at the limit of the upper black bar when watching videos in 2.35:1 aspect ratio... Don't know how to explain it....
Thx a lot for all the help!!XD

 

I have had no problems with it (IE9), but I downloaded the actual beta browsing program, not the demonstrations.

On another note, I have to ask a question. People here change their OC'ed graphics settings based on whether they are playiing games or not. I set my 330M at 675/1485/948 and have left them there with no problems.

I do not play games so hard core 3D graphics are few and far between. When I look at graphics settings according to Everest Ultimate, it says that my "standard 2D" settings are 135/270/135, the "Low-power 3D" settings are 405/810/324 and the "Performance 3D" settings are my own 675/1485/948 (all settings are GPU/Shader/Memory).

OK, my questions are two-fold...first, why would OC'ing to these settings matter if the GPU recognizes and treats 3 different performance levels seperately? Second, can the 2D settings and the low-performance 3D settings be changed also? If so, how?

EDIT: What I mean is...it is not as if your GPU is always running at highest settings. In fact, my hardly EVER does, as far as I know, because I do not play games. Therefore, why would I need to switch this setting on and off? Also, is there a way to slightly increase 2D settings?

Thanks!

 

Oh, ok, I'm not at home to look for myself so I didn't know at first what you meant in your PM. It's normal for the shaders and core clocks to be linked. Some programs allow you to unlink them, however. The most the core can be is half of what the shaders are, that is why they are linked to keep you from making a mistake with your core clock. However, some people choose to unlink them because once they find the max stable number for their core clock, they still want to increase the shaders a bit more. They can't do this linked because the core would cause instability at a higher number. You can try with the Nvidia tools first and and then if you have any reason to want to try to adjust your shaders individually, you can try one of the other programs.

 

Man you are so hardly understandable. Why would you need to overclock other modes if computer choose itself to switch the mode if it needs to. If you put 20 2D applications It will turn on low-perfomance or high-perfomance 3D mode no matter that here is only 2D.
However you can make profiles of overclocking and rules when to use any of profiles (when you turn on/off program/game or temperature is above/below etc)

 

Well, im not any advanced overclocker or anything. Im really just trying to push out a few more FPS from the card so i can get some smoother gaming at higher resolutions. Id rather just leave it linked so i dont make any bad mistakes or anything, its safer that way.

The review mentioned a different Nvidia overclocking tool called nVidia Inspector. Do you think thats a better choice of software than the Nvidia system tools you linked me to?

 

Not sure why and what but:
1) go to cursors (personalisation - change cursors) find that circle, left button on it and see if it rounds or not (that one in the opened window). If not - than your cursors are defected and you should just copy another file instead (I don't believe in this scenario)
2) check your theme - maybe it is with shuttered down all visual effects, or change it (also strange)
3) perhaps circle is rusty so you need to fill in notebook some oil (most likely)

 

I don't have an informed opinion on this.

 

Well I Checked, when I click on a pointer, it does turn, bu slowly... Its been like this out of the box, and I've tried to change a cursor(I'm even currently using custom one...). I've Tried the second suggestion previously, didn't work.. As for the third suggestion, I'l go to the store this afternoon get me some oil and see how it works out=P!

 

hello...i think im having a new issue in my laptop...when the screen is dark i see a tiny spot lighting in the screen...it disappeared but now it back again..i think its a dead pixel?????..wat should i do for this???

thx

 

Sometimes I'm thinking about what for was this thread made for?
a circle cursor wich doesn't circle around, a tiny spot lighting on black screen. Guys, it is not a problem!!!
Maybe a became rude but I think that such problems should be situated in a general threads, because dead pixels are usually in monitor with differents brands.
There may be millions problems in computer still some of them shouldn't bothering at all.

If you find dead or bad clusters on your HDD you need save your data more often or try to format it... but not ask what to do for this.
All these were just my thoughts.

Now about this "problem". dead pixels can't be ressurected. however you can ask if there is any soft witch can somehow reduce noticing of it

 

Huh, what happened to him then? Got another laptop?

 

The only reason people post tiny problems like "a circle cursor wich doesn't circle around, a tiny spot lighting on black screen" is to narrow down their search, because there's a higher probability that a person who has the same PC as them has faced the same problems as them, and the solution that worked for him will almost certainly work for them Even if it's a very little, not so important, and not so bothering problem... It's always easier to find a solution here!

 

If you find dead or bad clusters on your HDD, then you should use the hardware diagnostic tool contained in the VAIO Recover Center. The test can take hours, but it will relocate bad sectors. Did it for me.

 

In more severe instances it might be better to use the HD manufacturer's tools like in this case. Here only the DOS based SeaTools worked.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...brid-hdd-w-built-4gb-ssd-125.html#post6978282

Most manufacturers have diagnostic and repair tools at their site.

 

Mangosango or somebody else,
I would like to try overclocking my nvidia-card. I know there such a program of Nvidia witch is very user-friendly. I just can't remember the name.
Could you also give me some stable frequencys?

Thanks a lot and a happy new year.

 

NVIDIA DRIVERS 6.06

 

Thank you, I also just found some frequenties. I now have these installed 730/930/1550. Are these ok? Or are they to optimistic?

Thx

 

Hi, can anyone tell me if there is any need to update to windows removal tool.

 

I'm assuming you're referring to the Malicious Software Removal Tool? If so, the reason to update it would be the same as the reason to update your virus definitons or spyware/malware programs. If you're using a version that is not up-to-date you will not be scanning for the latest problems. The MSRT scans for a very limited set of virus/malware so it should never be used as the only source of malware detection. Also, it will not stop bad software from being installed but will only detect and remove it if it already is.

Some people don't run it because they think their other Virus Scan and Malware detection software is sufficient. And it may be so if they are set up optimally, but I still run the MSRT because I think it can never hurt to have a second check for these things and MSRT can sometimes remove things that Virus Scanners and Malware scanners cannot. It doesn't affect your system performance because it does not run continuously. It only runs once a month when you download the windows update or whenever you choose to run it manually. You can run it manually by typing in mrt in the start-search box.

Edit: I haven't had any computer of mine infected with anything in a decade because I am careful of my internet and email habits. But I still run all these programs because new viruses/trojans/worms/malicious software are being created constantly that have new modes of attack and infection and you never know when something you never had to worry about before will suddenly put you at risk.

 

Thanks jpride for your advice. My old PC had loads of viruses.

 

Just re-reading some reviews on the s1 version of this machine:

"A big vent is placed about the left side with the chassis and, throughout testing, the built-in fan only reached an audible level when running our benchmarks. We’re also pleased to report there weren’t any noticeable hot spots."

Lies.

 

The tips(disabling smart network and the ones in the link that was posted) you gave haven't worked. Has somebody else another idea?

 

Sorry to hear that the problem is not resolved.
Unfortunately I'm not a network expert.
Another option would be to change the dns servers to opendns:
https://store.opendns.com/get/basic (free).
But I think it is wise to post the problem and the steps you have already done to try to solve your problem in: http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/.
See for example this post: http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/543521-sony-vaio-s-series-wireless-problem.html

 

Mine 740/948/1540 and its fine. The highest temp was 67 degrees with OC while gaming. Now it will be higher no matter I tried to clean vent, because dust is everywhere inside, not only on vent. But when i take away optical drive and cleaned the vent the max temp without OC felt from 66-67C to 56 with OC. And when I put back Optical drive on its place It came to 63 max.

So If you want to OC higher - do it but use at least GPU-z sensors to notifie the changes of temperature. And if you can take off optical drive or use cooling pad if temps will be very high (above 70) or even less - Do it

 

Does anyone know how to make a disk backup/image, as the moment im not sure whether or not to use my external HDD.

 

Thank you, I will take a look at the links and maybe post my problem there. Thanks for the effort.

I use a U2 cooler so I don't have any problems with my temperature. I just wanted to check if these values were stable. 7
Thx

 

go to: Backup and Restore > Create a System Image

You'll need your external HDD for this to work.

 

Thank u for your help James!..but

(first). if answering my qustion make u become rude so u dnt have to answer it.

(second). i own f13(vpcf136fm) its my first laptop and i bought it 1 month ago so im nt talking about monitors im talking about f13 screen issues.

(third). i dnt have too much experience in hard/soft ware and as i said its my first laptop so sometimes i ask questions like this but i appreciate 3 people here witch help me every time in answering my questions (Jpride,Fishon and special thx to Anseio i really appreciate your help guys in all my questions).

 

Thank you Anseio, by any chance how much free space would I need to make a system image.

 

Code:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12100925

Interesting, never been a fan of 3D.

 

It depends on what is on your drive(s). But it will tell you when you are setting it up how much space it will take.

 

You'll need as much free space on the backup drive as is currently in use by your main drive.

ie: I have to drives. SSD for my OS/programs and HDD for everything else. I make a system image of my SSD to the HDD regularly. Right now, it's up to about 33GB, so that's the size of my system image.

 

The System Recovery will also be included by default for people who haven't removed it from their laptops. (System Reserved as well but that takes up very little space). For me, this adds an additional 13GB to what is on my C drive.

 

Thanks jpride and anseio, I have to admit I am a bit confused. I have got two drives so would i need to backup both on my external HDD. Speaking of my external HDD I havent really got any space left lol.

 

You are so right. I kinda just lumped them all together in my statement. I should have been more specific.

Well, you've got to decide what your priorities are. I'll give you my setup as an example. You can draw from it what you like and maybe it'll help you figure out a method of your own.

80GB SSD:
Recovery Partition : System Reserved : C:\ (containts OS, photos, and programs)

500GB HDD:
D:\ - all of my program installation files for when I ever have to start compelely over, games, music, some of my movies

My system imaging works like this. I make my normal (frequent) images of my SSD (all 3 partitions mandatory) onto my HDD. If I ever have to reimage, I don't have to plug in my external drive or anything. So, I'm safe "on the go". Since my HDD also contains all of my program installation files, I can reinstall whatever I need to in the case of a full clean install or something, which I've done all too many of.

On occasion, I then make another system image of my SSD and my HDD onto the external drive. This image is interesting because the image of the HDD contains the other standalone SSD image within it. LOL Ok... so in the event that both of my drives totally fail, I could replace both SSD and HDD and reimage them using the backup backup. Overkill? perhaps.

Here's what's good about system images... You can mount them as Virtual Drives via Disk Management. While mounted, you can explore them and do whatever you want. In this case, I had recently removed some games from D:\ then just this week I found a good emulator for playstation but had already deleted the ISO I wanted to play. So, I mounted my D:\ system image from before I did the deleting and pulled the ISO right off of it. Useful? VERY

I hope this makes sense and I'll be happy to clarify anything that I can for you.

 

LOL That I wasn't rude. I wrote it to make my thoughts (not that I rude) more expressed. Trust me if I want to make sure someone that I am rude - I will do this not by saying or writing "maybe I am rude but..."
To make you clearyfied this time: If I said just "get out now!"- I would be rude, If I said "this is stupidness" - I would be rude. But I took apart my thoughts and all bad I could EVER imagine to write I certainly didn't, isn't that?
Besides it was not for you. For U was everything after words "Now about this problem" and I'm glad I helped and I pity for your display

 

Anseio, thanks for the information. LOL, still confused, not really that great with computers. However I am make a disk image of both my c and d drive, as I have data on both drives.

 

Ok. I think I can simplify it a bit:

C:\ OS and Stuff
D:\ Data and Image of C:\(OS and Stuff)
External drive: Image of [ C:\[OS and Stuff] and D:\Data and Image of C:\(OS and Stuff) ]

My method makes the C:\ image duplicated, but it's the only way I see to have a grand backup plan and a smaller, more efficient plan when something minor goes wrong.

 

Oh ok anseio, I think i understand now, So do you think i should make my D drive and image of my C drive like yours, because im not sure.

 

Sure, give it a try. If you decide that you like something else, then do it that way instead. So long as you have a backup, there's really no wrong way.

The reason why I have the redundant backups of C:\ is because I have very little memory allocated to System Restore, cuz o my SSD. So... in the event that something goes awry and I can't get far enough back in system restore, I have the image of C:\ on my HDD that I can reimage from rather than doing a full reimage from my external drive, which adds about 200GB more data and write time to the process.

 

Does anyone have any trouble traveling or taking the Sony F laptops to school? They seem really heavy so im not sure if its worth lugging to school or buying a netbook for that purpose...

 

Tried to read all threads about Vaio F series, but it is just to much. Hope Im not bringing up something that has already been covered.

Have just bought a F1 3M1E and love it. But have discovered that if I connect it to my stereo using a 3.5 mm audio cable and have the power cord plugged in at the same time the sound is very distorted. If a run it on the battery alone the sound is fine.
Anyone heard of this problem?

 

I haven't heard of that problem. I've used my lappy at my friends to watch bluray via HDMI and we've connected the audio to her stereo amp via the jack on the side and everything is fine. This is while plugged in, of course.

 

Ok, thanks. Ididnt mention that i was using Spotify at the moment. I dont know if that makes any difference. It shouldnt because the sound is fine with the power cord out.

 

Hey guys umm i just realized that when i connect my laptop to the charger the thing can wriggle around in the port and that is doesnt charge in certain umm "positions" now idk if it's cuz someone tripped over the wire or not but im guessing this wont be covered under warranty? Anyone know how much Sony would charge to fix it? Or am i better off going to someone else to repair this?

I carry it around my campus sometimes, depending on what you put it in it's easy or annoying. I got a SwissGear backpack and it makes it really easy (separate compartment for the comp and many areas for the charger, mouse, etc.) dont have to worry about it getting banged up thanks to padding and the backpack itself is comfortable. The laptop isnt that heavy compared to other comps.

 

I have noticed the exact same thing on mine and it is just a few days since purchase. Mine charges just fine but I have sound problems when charging...