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

Actually, in my earlier post to you I had a second idea, but i deleted it because i could not remember where it could be found!

I also have Logitech mice, and I could have sworn that during installation, there was a setting that I checked that turned off the touch pad when a mouse was connected. I am sorry that I can not find it. I have looked through the Logitech settings and can not find it. Perhaps it was in old software and is not in the newer software?

Does the pad work when the mouse dongle is removed?

Just a thought.

 

Just purchased a new screen for my F13, only cost 100 quid all in including delivery - not bad, as long as I don't make a hash of installing it.

 

Is it FullHD? for this price it must be 1600x900

 

It really sounds likely it is the Logitech software. Since your friend was able to use the mouse plug-n-play without installing the software, if you uninstall the software and your trackpad does not work, you should be able to still use your Logitech by just plugging it back in right? If you can't find anything in the Logitech options to explain the problem, I would uninstall it.

Edit: Also, do you still have a restore point from before you installed the new mouse?
2nd edit: Try re-installing the laptop mouse drivers. In Vaio Care Recovery, it's listed as Pointing Driver.

 

Correct. It only came with 1600x900 originaly, which is fine for me. I have a full 'proper' 1080p display at work and at home.

 

It remeber a similar Issue I had time ago with my old laptop and my desktop, at some pont I think it was a virus, but not was an Hauppauge USB TV Tuner wich had an bug causing all the problem, I solved it stoppig some services the hauppauge installed, but I think they released an update with those issues covered.

I remebrer that just uninstalling the drivers and associated software the bug persisted, was only whe I disabled the services that the problem was corrected.

With Firefox was very notorious coz FireFox is a memory/cpu hog, and this bug too.

I hope this will give you an ligth.

 

i'm in uk, it's my 2nd sony laptop though, previous one went to repair centre twice, but never had a problem with sony..

 

Thanks, yes i will do the same, backlit keyboard make alot of diffrence )))

 

The backlit keyboard is truly sexy.

 

And assists in picking up chicks at favorite WiFi spot. They can't help thinking you're so cool. You know, the ones that like to go home with the guy equipped with the best laptop.

 

I have the same problem with VPCF13E1E model and it drives me crazy... I send it for repair but it wasn't fixed...

Edit: I sent my laptop for repair because of a problem with the speakers that wasn't fixed even though they replaced the speakers. I don't think that they can fix this too.

A temporary fix is to set the fan in silent mode and listen to music while you surf on the net

 

If it's the same whistle, did sony try to replace fan? If not send it again, i sent mp3 file to sony and they said they know what problem is, i didn't send for repair as i requested refund, still waiting though, i thought in f13.. models everything is fixed..

 

I am not sure if they can fix this because the speaker problem wasn't fixed too.

I only get it when the fan works too much.

 

Hi folks,
I have an F12 Bought end of June 2010.
I have a blue ray disk that Corel WinDVD did not play. It says "You may need to update some modules to play newer content. ..... [Please connect to Corel website]"
That takes me to a generic support page. I found updates for WinDVD 2010, downloaded patch 6 and it refused to install. I did not see a regular Windvd, do we have a stripped oem version?
Blue ray box says all regions, it is not that kind of problem.
WinDVD does have a look for updates option in the menus which does not find an update.
Thanks! I did not play with the bundled Sony softwarae much, if one of them plays blue ray that may be a solution maybe.

 

I don't have a blu-ray drive so I can't test anything out, but did you download the upgrade on your Sony driver page? The US F13 has a update called Corel® WinDVD® BD Software Update from November. I'm assuming the F12 would since it came out even earlier. You should download from your page, not the above, if you can because you may have a different version installed on your computer. There may even be additional earlier updates that the F13 doesn't have.

That may not solve your problem but you should do it anyway. I don't know if it's a fix for your issue because I remember on my last PC (DVD drive, not BD) I would get a similar message that I could never resolve.

 

You know bluray players require regular firmware updates because the movies are constantly changing security? CorelWinDVD needs updating too. I had no problem with any of my 20+ blu ray movies until I got I, Robot. It wasn't even a new release, but would not play until I changed from WinDVD to PowerDVD, or updated the WinDVD via the Sony website.

Definitely try the update from Sony and see if that solves your problem.

 

Hello good people!

I just bought a F13 and I love the screen and all, but the fan whistle is very annoying. I tought of returning it, but other than that I love it (so far), so please tell me if there is a solution to end this whistle noise. There is also (relatively quiet but present) buzzing sound coming from under the keyboard. Is this normal or is it a broken fan maybe? I tried the solution from youtube (listen to mic or/and disable mic) but with no success - the VAIO's still whistling.

I hope I can fix this and keep the laptop. If I will, then I'll format the HDD and install a fresh copy of Windows 7. Can you tell me which VAIO programs/drivers are absolutely necessary for it to work? Here's the list of all of them from the website, please tell me which to install:
* Atheros Wireless LAN Driver 32 / 64 bits 1.03 MB 30/09/2010
* Atheros Wireless LAN Driver 32 bits 739.66 KB 30/09/2010
* Audio Driver 32 / 64 bits 56.93 MB 28/09/2010
* Bluetooth Driver 64 bits 34.37 MB 28/09/2010
* Bluetooth Driver 32 bits 24.8 MB 28/09/2010
* Chipset Driver 32 / 64 bits 2.33 MB 28/09/2010
* Ethernet Driver 64 bits 456.72 KB 28/09/2010
* Ethernet Driver 32 bits 393.53 KB 30/09/2010
* Graphics Driver 64 bits 131.22 MB 30/09/2010
* Graphics Driver 32 bits 97.91 MB 30/09/2010
* Intel Wireless LAN Driver 64 bits 40.66 MB 30/09/2010
* Intel Wireless LAN Driver 32 bits 35.47 MB 30/09/2010
* Memory Card Reader Writer Driver Ricoh MS 64 bits 127.68 KB 30/09/2010
* Memory Card Reader Writer Driver Ricoh MS 32 bits 116.1 KB 30/09/2010
* Memory Card Reader Writer Driver Ricoh SD 64 bits 36.68 KB 30/09/2010
* Memory Card Reader Writer Driver Ricoh SD 32 bits 31.13 KB 30/09/2010
* SATA Driver 32 / 64 bits 10.16 MB 30/09/2010
* Setting Utility Series 32 / 64 bits 8.93 MB 28/09/2010
* SFEP Driver 32 / 64 bits 311.12 KB 30/09/2010
* Sony Shared Library 32 / 64 bits 1.4 MB 28/09/2010
* Touchpad Driver 64 bits 10.98 MB 30/09/2010
* Touchpad Driver 32 bits 10.72 MB 30/09/2010
* USB 3.0 Driver (NEC) 32 / 64 bits 6.75 MB 30/09/2010
* VAIO Care 32 / 64 bits 21.27 MB 28/09/2010
* VAIO Control Center 32 / 64 bits 3.84 MB 28/09/2010
* VAIO Event Service 32 / 64 bits 4.56 MB 28/09/2010
* VAIO Location Utility 32 / 64 bits 1.28 MB 28/09/2010
* VAIO Power Management 32 / 64 bits 8.88 MB 28/09/2010
* VAIO Smart Network 32 / 64 bits 5.96 MB 28/09/2010

Plus the updates:
* Media Gallery Update - 1.4.1.12150 Also available through VAIO Update 64 bits 297.35 MB 14/01/2011
* VAIO Care - 6.3.0.09020 Also available through VAIO Update 32 / 64 bits 45.4 MB 24/09/2010
* VAIO Gate patch - 2.2.1a Also available through VAIO Update 32 / 64 bits 6.37 MB 09/11/2010
* VAIO Smart Network - 3.3.1.08110 Also available through VAIO Update 32 / 64 bits 5.69 MB 09/09/2010
* WinDVD BD Update - 10.0.5.538 Also available through VAIO Update 32 / 64 bits 63.71 MB 09/11/2010

Driver

* USB 3.0 Driver (NEC) - 2.0.4.1 Also available through VAIO Update 64 bits 7.09 MB 23/09/2010



Any other thing I should do? Test the hardware maybe? Calibrate the screen (or is that only needed with the F11 series)? Anything else at all?

Thank you for help!

 

I wouldnt rely too much on a laptop for picking up chicks buddy...

 

So is it a fan or i7 proc make that whistle, i get it on low rpr, some people on high, confused here...

 

What you recorded is the infamous VAIO F fan whistle.

The high pitched noise from the CPU/chipset sounds totally different - much higher in frequency and more faint. If you put your ear next to the keyboard you'll hear that too.

It's a waste of time asking Sony to fix the fan. It won't get fixed because it's a design issue. Others have tried and failed. You really have to either accept it and get used to it or return the laptop (if you still can) and move on to another model.

Personally, I'm not bothered by the whistle so much as the fan constantly changing speeds. But even that isn't a big deal. The F doesn't get roasting hot like some i7 laptops do, so the cooling system is obviously doing its job.

 

Gray line case closed for me. Sony told that line is within product specifications, so no repair operations are not made.

So if anyone here is thinking about sending Vaio to service, it seems that they are unable to repair it.

 

Did you have an opportunity to send it back and do you have it now?

Powerbook owners with seagate 7200 500 GB had a problem. Apple told them that it was FINE and it is usual thing. Video included: YouTube - MacBook pro 7200rpm click + beep + freeze
And that's how they fought with apple: YouTube - MacBook Pro promo video with pause, click and beep

Maybe you should do the same? Massive antiGreyBar campaign?

 

I have been looking all over for newer drivers for the Atheros wireless adapter in my F11. Just for giggles, last night, after reading the "installed programs" on a post here, I noticed that the F13 still uses this wireless card. I went to the Sony site and found the F13 downloads. I downloaded and installed the current driver version (9.0.0.125) and tried it. It works perfectly!

This is an update from the latest driver I was previously able to find, 8.0.0.something. While internet speedtests have not changed, it sure feels like everything is a bit snappier. It is strange, but I seem to actually notice a difference. Perhaps network speeds are the same, but the newer driver allows IE9 to draw the pages quicker? It just seems to start a little quicker to me.

I have been surfing for a few hours and have seen no downside to installing this driver.

I hope this helps!

 

Give link please I was looking here but there is no 9.0 version only 13 and 5.3
I already have 9.0.0125 version so perhaps you downloaded from f12? F13 has WiMax... not Atheros

 

Sony eSupport - VPCF1390X - Software Updates & Drivers

 

No. I think I am satisfied. They after all cleaned my laptop, changed plastic parts of display, and I got that super sexy Vaio screen cleaning cloth Hope technology evolves and in future models have no gray lines anymore.

I could fight if I had time, or create new AntiGraybar religion, but I think it is not worth of it. Vaio is a great machine and has very good specifications.

 

What that grey line anyway, can you send a pic if you have it please, thanks..

 

If it's a design issue, why not every single f have it then?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...7-owners-thread-part-5-a-258.html#post7051246

 

I believe they all have this problem to some extent, although the i5 models stay cool enough that the fan doesn't spin up nearly as often. I've personally seen quite a few VAIO Fs in stores and they all make the same noises, though it's much harder to hear above the background noise in a store. The recordings people have made of the F sound the same as yours. And it's been discussed countless times over the course of 5 massive VAIO F owners threads here. It's a design issue because it's an acoustic resonance that appears at a certain fan rpm. A mechanical noise (e.g. poor bearing fit) would be more variable from fan to fan, but that's not what this is.

I know that some people swear they don't have the noise but I find that hard to believe. Some people may experience it less often if they use the computer differently, and it may be less noticeable depending on the background noise. But mainly, I think some people just aren't bothered by it, so when you talk about a maddening fan noise that you can't stand to listen to, they just don't know what you're talking about and assume you're hearing something different. Fan noise in general is a very subjective thing.

 

There are some of us who have never had any fan issues. (i7-720QM + 310M)

 

Hey guys,

Getting an F series Vaio in a couple of days. I was wondering does anyone have a link for those color profiles that I saw some people talking about awhile back in the thread? I could never find a link to them. Thanks in advance!

 

Here you go: Vaio F Series Monitor Calibration and Users Created Profiles Roundup

 

Hey jpride, you are on it man. I appreciate the quick reply and this link is awesome. A lot of great color information here for the Vaio F series. I'm a matte screen lover, but have had to deal with the fact that only boring business notebooks are matte in the US anymore. However, I have a Photodon MXH screen protector that I put on a previous glossy computer and it made a world of difference. Definitely a great company and a great protector. Probably going to pick one up for my new Vaio when it gets here.

 

I've been looking at anti-glare screen protectors recently and am going to get one too. Haven't decided for certain which one but Photodon is in the running.

 

what cooling pad do you guys recommend me for this laptop?

 

I'm a fan of the CoolerMaster Notepal U2:
Flickr: jasonedward's stuff tagged with notepalu2

 

Are you saying that your fan doesn't change speed constantly under normal use and doesn't emit a faint whining/whistling noise as the fan speed transitions through the right rpm range? If so, I'd really like to know what rpm range your fan runs at under light and moderate use. It's possible your laptop cooler makes the difference or the fans from the cooler simply make the infamous whistle too hard to hear. I am skeptical that your F is somehow special.

 

My F is not somehow special. Every user (not many of us) here who has the 1600x900 display w/ the 310M GPU have not complained of fan noises.

I have never had any fan noises or constantly shifting speeds, except under heavy load (and even then the noise is a "whir" and is expected). This has been constant since I bought it and let it lay flat on the desk with no ventilation, then propped up, then with the cooler. The cooler makes little diff in the temps other than that the fan doesn't have to work so hard.

 

Strange. I've checked out the 1600x900 models before in stores (probably 4 or 5 individual examples) and they all behaved similarly to my F. They might be quieter, but it's hard to say since the ambient noise level is different. But I've yet to meet a VAIO F that keeps a constant fan speed under light-moderate load (not idle). Have you ever checked your fan speed?

 

Mate can you do me a favour please, because you have 425m gt on yr laptop i want to compare it with same clocks as i use on mine with 3dmark06. If you don't mind overclock yr gpu to 700-900-1540, this what i am using with mine 330m gt, i got 7618 points, with stock clocks i got 6528, it would be really usefull to see what diffrence in points 425m gt can make compare to 330m gt i got same i7 proc though..

 

I send an mp3 with the sound from the fan to the tech support and got a reply that disabling c3/c6 support should fix it. They are working on a bios update now for my laptop.

 

Be careful!!! There is different numbers of cores in these 2 chips. Before do this overcklocking better check if someone already did that AND proportion of memory/shaders clocks!
# Model # of cores Core Shader
1 GeForce GT 435M 96 650 1300
2 GeForce GT 330M 48 575 1265

Look at the number of Core speed and Shader speed. If you will increase 330m core up to 650 = increase on 13% but shaders up to 1300 will be increased on only 3%.
PS I also would like to know the difference of chips but...
THE BEST WAY for both chips will be 700 - Core and 1470 Shaders. If anyone really wants to know how I counted that - just trust me

 

I compiled a list about the F1x notebook noises some people experienced based on what I read on this forum, on the Sony website’s discussions and personal experience. This noises are not present on all notebooks, or at least if they are present then are at acceptable levels (quiet).

Feel free to help me to correct if something is wrong, missing, … or even for adding some links. I hope this will help people and will reduces confusion between existing solutions for different noises.

Because everybody names the noise they experience differently, I tried to keep the names which showed up more frequently for the same type of noise.

1. Fan whistle/whine at certain speeds (different people experiences this at different fan RPMs/RPM range!)
Cause: Very likely produced by the fan blades as they cut through the air.
Samples: by Poohkie, by thausif, by sheebp, by meloover, by mmm123, youtube: Sony Vaio F12 - VPCF12S1E Lüftergeräusch (fan noise).
Solution: None from what I remember. Try different fans/notebooks, the small manufacturing difference it might just ‘solve’ this for you (reduce it till an acceptable level), or you can get used to it.

2. Fan buzzing/humming/droning noise (lower frequencies)
Cause: Fan fault ?
Cause: described by jacksjw as variable pitch whine noise/drone: “It appears that the drone is acoustically produced by the bottom cover's interaction with the bottom intake port of the fan” (see jacksjw’s experiment links below).
Solution: Replacing the fan/servicing the notebook solves this issue, so send the notebook for repair.

3. High frequency electrical whine, CPU/chipset whine kind of noise
Cause: There are many theories about it, but none of them confirmed from what I know.
Samples: by angcasad31 on the Sony Discussion group ( the audio file – turn up the volume).
Solution: Disabling the C3/C6 CPU State in BIOS makes the noise go away. I personally confirm this!
If this is very loud sent the notebook for repair (or return it and try a new one).
Solution by Sony Support: How to troubleshoot noise issues specific to the VPCF Series
Note: It is specific to notebooks with i7/i5 CPU.

4. High pitched squeal/whine, Morse code like noise
Cause: Noise picked up by the microphone circuit and amplified by the audio chip. The source of the noise is probable the same as for the “High frequency electrical whine, CPU/chipset whine kind of noise” mentioned above.
Samples: by Joe Bleau on youtube: Vaio-F-Series Fan Noise, Whining, High Pitch, Morse Code Fix - VPCF115FM F-11 F-12 F-13
Solution: From what I know this was fixed by Sony in the new notebooks. If you experience this with older notebooks, try the temporary, microphone related solution (muting/selecting different input/…) - see by Joe Bleau’s youtube video from above. waitwaitwait reported that his notebook was fixed by Sony repair by applying some shielding pads to the main board.
Solution by Sony Support: How to troubleshoot noise issues specific to the VPCF11 Series
News: New Sony-VAIO-F-Series Encountering Buzzing Or High Pitched Whine Issue?;
No Worries – The Sony-VAIO-F-Laptop Is Okay And Back On Sale

5. The normal fan noise, air flow/air rushing noise or the famous LOUD fan
Cause: Powerful CPU & GPU produce heat, so needs cooling.
Solution: If the fan is at high speed because a high CPU and/or GPU load, that’s normal. It’s the price we pay for the high performance.
If this load is not what you exercise by running known applications then it’s time to check for virus/spyware/… or even time to do a fresh install.
If there is no CPU nor GPU load, the temperatures are high and the fan is still rotating at high speeds, then clean the fan from dust. If it doesn’t help, then it’s time to send the notebook for repair.

6. Constantly varying fan speed (and the associated varying fan noise)
Cause: The way how Sony implemented the notebook CPU & GPU cooling (it’s very efficient, but …).
Solution: None from what I know.
I just hope that Sony will release a firmware in which, at least in case of low fan rotation speed, they increase the hysteresis at least 10 times in order to have a less varying, if not constant, speed. Or a BIOS settings to limit the lowest rotation speed on AC power, which I could tune for my liking (When under load, the varying fan doesn’t bother me).

7. HDD noise
Cause: The way how the supported power states and acoustic management were implemented by the HDD manufacturer.
Solution: The Automatic Acoustic Management (AAM) and Advanced Power Management (APM) configuration needs to be adjusted (use quietHDD or HDDScan for example).
Note: Reducing hard disk noise via AAM can result in significant performance penalty (increased average seek time)!

Links:
> jacksjw’s experiment: link#1, link#2, link#3.
> Poohkie’s F11 owners list with Fan Whistle ( direct link).
> “ Vaio Laptop fan noise?” on the Sony Discussion group (Noise #1 and #3).

CREDIT goes to all the nice and helpful people from this forum! Thanks!

 

Or clean the dust out!

Good job on compiling the list. +1

 

Thank you Paingiver!
How could I forgot that ? Probable it became a habit for me .
I updated my previous post.

 

I will give you +rep if you will put a link for this page in signature and promise that you will write any post in this thread so not any new owner ever ask us about any sound

 

I read every where propotion should be by 2.2, same as default 575/1265, with clocks i said above i never had any shut down or unstable moment in any game so far, and tem[erature never gone higher then 70 C, average 67 C, really good though, my fz21s without overclocking 55 C idle, while f12 is 40-45 C.. With stability test max temperature was 70 C after 30 minutes of test..

 

I was not talking about your GPU because mine is the same. I was talking about His. You want him to increase his core clock on 7% and his shaders on 18.5%. while yours are OCed on 22% and core and shaders. For you it will be stable but for him may not. That's why I wrote average Clocks which will be the median for both GPUs

 

Please listen to this whistle, what name would you give to it, thanks..