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

I've had my F12 for just about two months now and maybe I'm lucky but mine does not seem to have the whine or high-pitched sound under any conditions. I don't play games though, and I do use an NZXT cooler. I love my F12!

 

Thanks you for the pics!!! Actually I might get a U2. The overhang wasn't as bad as I seem to remember. Hmm... decisions decisions. Thanks so much again for the pics and info - its of great help. I will rep as soon as I can

 

So it is definitely the CPU making the the sound and not the fan? I always thought it was the fan, because it comes from the fan area and if you monitor the fan speed it will make the noise at certain rpm ranges. SonySupport wanted to send a guy 2 hours away to my house to take my F12 apart and replace the motherboard, which I declined because I didn't believe that this would fix it. Has anyone else had theirs serviced and had this issue fixed? I did a clean install and it seemed to help slightly, but the sound definitely still lingers. It annoys me to the point to where I won't even use the notebook much. I hope someone knows of a way to solve this problem..

 

I understand the rationale for some people saying that the i5 is better for gaming, but Fishon brings up a good point about the cache. IMO none of it really matters on the F-series because the GPU will almost always be the bottleneck. You could stick a core i7 extreme in the F and while videos may render at breakneck speed, game performance will be pretty much the same.

I remember reading somewhere that for games, a desktop radeon 5850 will still bottleneck a core i3 processor for fps/action games (idk about rts games where the processor is more important).

So in other words, the gaming performance with the gt 425/330m should be pretty much the same whether you have an i5 or i7.

Ahhh I have so much free time right now. Figures that my computer would die just when I'm able to play games . Want. To. Play. SC 2.

 

There seems to be a misconception that high pitched sounds emanate from the CPU. A CPU makes no audible sound. What makes the sound is the voltage inverter that converts 12v from the PSU to 1v for the CPU. The inverter circuit is usually near the CPU so the inverter whine may appear to come from the CPU. The inverter generates a frequency that's in the high audio range, and it's the inverter coils that produce the whine, especially when the CPU is in a lower power state with minimum load.

As a matter of interest, an i7-740 CPU running at 45 watts consumes 45 amps of current. That's a lot of current, and the inverter is designed to handle that. The situation is that the inverter is always running, even when the CPU is at mid to reduced power. At lower currents the inverter pulse width is reduced, and the coils tend to resonate more. This same situation exists with backlight inverters, more pronounced with LED lit displays.

 

You can go into power management and set minimum CPU % to a value as well, something that's high enough to keep it from falling into that power save state (and that, will kill battery life!)

90% IIRC was what worked for me.

 

I agree about the GPU bottleneck, you want to see something funny? ASRock's HTPC it's a HTPC with an i3-370 CPU and 425m GPU also Blu Ray and USB 3.0. Haha.

About the spare time, rock out your Mac? Some older Blizzard games? Or just hunt down the HDD Sony's sending you .

 

Guys, please help me out.

Do you know where to get the 32 bit driver for F12 model for the Memory stick reader?

 

I get the whining sound on the F12 just above idle state. When its sleeping or stone dead idle theres no whining sound. It sounds like someone blowing air over an empty beer bottle as mentioned above and it kind of fades in and out slowly.

It is not the same as the c3/c4 state noise which sounds like this. I found that out when I got both at the same time. The c3/c4 state noise can be muted to some degree with the optical out/mic trick but it doesn't make it go away completely. Its just not as loud or high pitched and its much easier to ignore it. +1 to Drambuie for explaining what it is thats making the noise. I never quite understood how it worked or where it was coming from but its emanating from somewhere close to the cpu.

Both sounds described here are too high in pitch to be a result of mechanical resonance caused by the fan imho.

 

Hello everybody. Does anyone know, if i change my keyboard from my f11 which has italian layot with a keyboard with english layot and backlit, will it work? I am interested especialy in the backlit... As you know, the european model doesn't have backlit...

 

Hello all i try to install snow leopard i inform you when i will finish it

 

It will work.
There will be an extra cable you can connect to the connector for the backlit lights.
Vaio_F Series - How To Replace the Keyboard & Clean the Fan

 

Maybe I am just unlucky, but my F12 gets the sound all the time, whether i'm idling, slight usage, or full out gaming. If it isn't the c3/c4 cpu thing then what exactly is it?? SONY won't tell me what it is, other then saying the motherboard needs replaced I don't want some random service tech ripping my F12 apart. Someone a while back mentioned they took the fan out and sprayed it with WD-40 and the whine was minimized. That's why I still think it's the fan, but who knows...

 

As Gandalf says, it will work, I did it too, from a UK keyboard to US backlit one.

After I installed it, I tried afterwards to change the configuration of the system in settings, as using a US keyboard but some keys were not doing what they were supposed to, eg. @ was not obtained when pressing shift-2.

It was only after a clean install when I re-intialised the settings and selected the option of US keyboard that all the keys worked perfectly. Also you can get a silicone skin overlay for the US backlit keyboard for protection and it helps reduce the light bleed from the edges of the keys. The lightbleed is actually brighter than the thru transmission thru the keys otherwise, but it doesn't bother most people anyway, myself included - until I started using the skin...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...i7-owners-thread-part-5-a-19.html#post6768683

 

As posted before , my whining/droning f11 at idle got better after a clean install and using the Corel WinDVD plan power setting. So if I only browse the web there is no tearing my hair out, sent it back previously for repair, they did not replace the motherboard.

 

I've been reading this forum for a while, but registered just to help you out.... I had the same thing and I couldn't STAND the sound.

Anyways, it's a really easy -- and stupid -- fix. Right click on your volume control select "Recording Devices"

Select the Microphone and click on "Properties".

Go to the "Listen" tab.

Check "Listen to this device" and change "Playback through this device:" to "Digital Output(Optical) Realtek High Definition Audio..."

Click Apply/Ok... and you're done. I haven't heard the sound since I've done this on my F12... you can also watch this video to see a step by step:

YouTube - Vaio F Series Whining, High Pitch, Morse Code Fix VPCF115FM

Good luck.

 

Thanks, but I was actually referring to a different issue. As far as I know, F12 models never had that same problem. This isn't a constant noise, and it's not as loud as the issue you're referring to, but it's still quite annoying. Has anyone else tried taking the fan out and lubricating it with wd-40? I don't want to try it unless I know for sure it works..the disassembly of the F looks difficult and time consuming.

 

I just went through your posts and found this..

That's exactly how I would have described my noise, it wasn't quiet like in the video. It wasn't constant, and seemed to be worst when idle. The sound came from the fan area. I thought the same thing that the issue shouldn't exist in the F12 because people were saying it was fixed.

I tried the mentioned fixed, not really thinking it would work.. but it did. Did you give it a try just to test it? But yeah, good luck.

 

I did try that right away thinking it was that problem.. but it didn't help.. if it is the same problem then i'll be really dumbfounded, because everyone keeps saying it is different things. I'm pretty sure it's the fan itself making the noise. i'm ready to just give up. i've posted about it so many times and no one has a clear answer on what it is or how to fix it.

 

Ah, was sure I had the same issue. Well sorry I couldn't be of any more help.

 

Same for me, I tried the microphone trick on the F12 - it didn't help!

 

But the C3 noise is what is commonly referred to as "CPU whine". So that would mean it's an F12-specific error?

 

Who know about the Premium 1080p display? It is glossy or matte?

 

I have no problem with a whine, however, I executed these instructions and what I got when I click onto the volume icon are now two volume controls- one for Speaker/HP and Digital Output (Optical). What I like about this it that I am one click closer to the Realtek audio enhancement which I do use for these average laptop speakers. But what is really interesting is on the Digital Output indicator there is a output indicator that keeps showing fluctuation- green bar goes up and down. I guess this is latency??? Anyone can tell us what this is indicating? Kind of hard to explain and I cannot get a pic using snipping tool. Those of you who are interested, give this a try to see what I mean.

 

This setting is desired if you wish to use the microphone jack as a plug for a portable device such as an ipod. the ipod usually has a higher output than a microphone and this setting changes the sensitivity of the jack, i believe.

Normally, you would use this jack for a microphone. In this case, you do NOT want to "listen to this device" because it will induce feedback from the speakers in open air, or, if using headphones, you will here your own voice with a slight delay.

I uncheck the "listen to this device" box and playback through this device "Default Playback Device".

I have had no problems with high-pitched whine or morse code sounds.

Only check the "Listen to this device" box if you wish to use the microphone jack to listen to a higher output portable device. If you plug a microphone into it without unchecking this box, you will hear feedback if you output to your laptop's speakers!

 

Hi All,

Very impressive threads and useful information throughout the five parts of this thread.

I hope someone can help with a problem I am having with Vaio Control Center since Vaio Support clearly cannot help.

I cannot change the color mode setting in Vaio Control Center. There is a message that says 'Outputting to External Display, the color mode setting is disabled'.

I tried searching the threads but couldn't find a useful answer. I once plugged the laptop into a tv via VGA a few weeks ago, but at the moment, it would be very difficult for me to plug in the laptop again to a similar device.

I have tried reinstalling Vaio Control Center to no avail. Also, speaking of color settings, can someone please tell me how to install a color scheme (once this problem gets fixed). FYI, my model number is F series VPCF11C5E UK Model 16.4 inch.

Many thanks,
Alex

 

I have an European Vaio_F11 with an i5 processor and my "premium" 1080p display is glossy.

 

Maybe I'll keep it muted it so I can still have my Realtek enhancements closer to me. Thanks for in info Will. Will you PM me concerning the other issue?

 

hello again everyone.

 

I did PM you yesterday.

 

True, but then the jack can not be used as an input. Also, you already have a digital output/headphone output combo right next to the MIC input.

 

Are the little stickers on the right (Win7, Core, FULL HD 1080) easy to remove or will there be glue rests?

 

I took off all stickers right away. There was a slight bit of residue, but it came off quite easily with a cotton ball wetted with rubbing alcohol.

 

guys can anyone direct me to a tutorial on how to make recovery disks, also if i want to do a frsh install would i need to buy a windows 7 disk.

 

your questions answered here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony-owners-lounge-forum/448894-official-sony-vaio-f-series-owners-lounge-130.html#post5888748

 

Recovery Discs: View Document
Clean Install: Vaio_F Series Windows 7 64-bit Clean Install Guide Using OEM Recovery Discs
If you use the Clean Install with Recovery Discs method you don't need a Windows 7 disc.

 

thx guys, im not sure what that topic is jpride, seems like some hack. Gandalf is there a similar guide to a clean install, that link with all that info seems tricky and confusing. So if i decide to to a fresh install with the recovery discs it will obviously go to default settings of home premium right. But what if i want to upgrade to windows 7 ultimate, how would i do a fresh install then, as i would have bought the disc.

 

You didn't read the whole post. There are links to creating recovery disks, downloading Windows 7, clean install info and more. I linked to that post because it answered all your questions and more in one place. There are also several other posts that answer all your questions but if you want multiple links you can just search this forum.

 

Can you post a pic of your new F? I really want to see how the new one looks. Thanks.

 

Mate i try my best, im at uni so im busy, but when i get time i will. Fishon, just curious havent you seen the F12, looks basically like the F11.

 

hey guys, sorry to go on about this but the noise is driving me nuts, it sounds exactly like a noisy little dyson hoover- well maybe not that loud but very close! I have a project due tomorrow, the only way i can do it is using this expensive laptop i paid more than a grand for but i can't even hear myself think!

i tried changing the microphone thing, made no difference, tried the other tricks like animated wallpaper but same. I don't know how to change CPU usage and I haven't done a clean install yet because i don't really have the time- plus would it mean reinstalling all my software like photoshop and autocad? cause reinstalling all those is a mission!

 

Yes after a clean install you would have to reinstall all your 3rd party software. But fir when you have the time, many will recommend you do.

Have tried selecting the corel windvd power plan ?

 

how do i go about this? tried searching to no avail.
please and thank you.

 

I'd be interested in a picture also. Could you please post a picture of the dent? Sony should be held accountable for allowing a dented laptop to pass inspection, especially since the only dentable (thin metal) area is on the inside at the perforated speaker grills. They should never have missed that.

 

Why beat around the bush? What I'd like to see, Omaroo, is a photo of your F12 with your name as the 3D Text screensaver.

 

Nah, I just want to see the dent he spoke of earlier. I can't believe that Sony would allow a dented laptop to pass inspection, then close it and package it for retail.

 

Click on the battery/charging icon in the system tray and select "more power options". A window will open with your power profiles. Corel should be one of them. If not, try playing a movie to see if the option then become available. I had the option at one time, but it's not there anymore. Granted I've done a clean install though.

 

Will, exactly you are right, the dent i am talking about is on the grill of the speakers, i got a new one but same thing, its only a minor one, but still what the hell SONY!!!

Two questions guys. I have read the joe bleau post which jpride directed to me. Firstly in regards the SKU, would that procedure work only if you have a windows 7 disk and extract the files to make a bootable disk. Also in regards to download windows 7 the links have expired.

 

So now you are on your SECOND Sony F12 and BOTH had dented speaker grills????

PLEASE post a picture of the laptop, plus a closeup of the dent. This IS outrageous that Sony would miss TWO of these dents...and if you got both of them, this must be very widespread! The chances of you having a dented grill twice are miniscule unless it is very common.

Please post pictures!

 

Hi Willscary, I would love to not have to check listen to this device under the recording tab, but unfortunately those of us with F11's and the mic morse code issue don't have a choice. It is either check this option or deal with the morse code sounds straight from hell.