Sony CW i3/i5/i7 Official Owners Thread

I have a question?:
My cw works great but I think when hdd working hard or copying larg capacity files right side the palm rest up the power led and wifi switch become hot but all other part of laptop are normal(cool).I want to know is it normal?

 

I own the VPCCW27FX from Best Buy. Last night, after burning a DVD, I experienced the blue screen of death. I noticed that my DVD writer only burns at 2.4x speed. I called Sony Customer Support and they could not provide me the with the optical speed of my drive. To the other people who own this computer, what is your drive speed?

 

I just plugged in my Z with the CW adapters, it works and I can't notice any difference yet. I will keep it running longer and see what happenes..

 

I have a i1 display 2 color calibration puck and downloaded Coloreyes Display Pro to calibrate the screen on my cw27. (1600x900) Alot of people have been dogging on this display and I thought I'd put out some real data as I know few people own this test equipment. Charts are from www.gamutvision.com.

Compared to sRGB in 3d


Compared to sRGB in 2d



This is the ICM color calibration file I generated. Might not be perfect for your monitor, but hopefully it'll be better than manual settings.

ICM File

 

I did a DVD copy with the included Roxio software and it seemed a bit slow to me. Mind you that anyDVD was running in the background but the Roxio burning program reported that the speed while burning was around 5.56x though why it wasn't running closer to 8x is a question.

I did try DVDshrink and it seemed pretty slow on the read of the DVD I had in it.

Does anyone have DVD testing software to check into this?

 

Duh, forgot I had Nero discspeed installed

Results from a test with a CD:

Transfer Rate
Start 10.59x
End 24.51x
Average 18.53x
Type CAV

Access times
Random 139 ms
1/3 168 ms
Full 287 ms

CPU Usage
1X 1 %
2X 2 %
4X 4 %
8X 6 %

Interface
Burst Rate 18689 KB/s

Spin Up/Down Times
Spin-up time 3.05 sec
Spin-down time 2.69 sec

Load/Eject Times
Load time 0.00 sec
Eject time 0.50 sec
Recognition time 17.39 sec

so it seems to be behaving with CDs. Here are the DVD results:

Transfer Rate
Start 3.40x
End 7.95x
Average 6.00x
Type CAV

Access times
Random 166 ms
1/3 177 ms
Full 289 ms

CPU Usage
1X 7 %
2X 13 %
4X 94 %
8X -

Interface
Burst Rate 21584 KB/s

Spin Up/Down Times
Spin-up time 3.29 sec
Spin-down time 2.87 sec

Load/Eject Times
Load time 0.00 sec
Eject time 0.49 sec
Recognition time 16.44 sec

Now I never used this program before but from looking at the results I would say the lack of any sort of utilization number at 8X on the DVD and 94% utilization at 4X is disturbing.

Feel free to comment

 

well I did some more testing and used the create data disc function and got this:

Write Transfer Rate
Write Mode DAO
Start 3.43x
End 8.20x
Average 6.05x
Type CAV

ran the test again with the data disc created by Nero and got this:

Transfer Rate
Start 3.41x
End 8.21x
Average 6.14x
Type CAV

Access times
Random 148 ms
1/3 188 ms
Full 302 ms

CPU Usage
1X 8 %
2X 14 %
4X 28 %
8X 65 %

Interface
Burst Rate 21170 KB/s

Spin Up/Down Times
Spin-up time 3.14 sec
Spin-down time 2.63 sec

Load/Eject Times
Load time 0.00 sec
Eject time 0.48 sec
Recognition time 24.75 sec

 

Thanks Znutar! It seems that the average write transfer rate is 6.05x but I consistently get a 2.4x write speed whenever I burn a DVD. It takes me about 23 minutes to burn a DVD. Is there any way for me to increase my DVD writing speed? I tried Sony Customer Support and the CS rep couldn't help me since he said that they still do not have the manual for the laptop since it's very new.

 

I re-ran the tests after a fresh reboot with and without anyDVD running in the background. The results were the same for either run:

Transfer Rate
Start 3.43x
End 8.21x
Average 6.14x
Type CAV

Access times
Random 149 ms
1/3 189 ms
Full 301 ms

CPU Usage
1X 8 %
2X 14 %
4X 28 %
8X 65 %

Interface
Burst Rate 21293 KB/s

Spin Up/Down Times
Spin-up time 3.09 sec
Spin-down time 2.63 sec

Load/Eject Times
Load time 0.00 sec
Eject time 0.47 sec
Recognition time 22.29 sec

I had a small iso file (1.6 GB) and used the burn image test and got this:

Write Transfer Rate
Write Mode DAO
Start 3.43x
End 5.64x
Average 4.56x
Type CAV

didn't take very long 5:57 minutes

 

Cant order it for Best Buy?

[Oops, didnt realize that post was on the first page.]

 

I tried checking my speed using Nero DiscSpeed 4, and I got almost similar start and end rates. It also reached an end rate of 8x and the average write transfer rate is 6.05x. How come when I use Roxio Easy Media Creator, I can only reach a maximum 2.4x speed? No updates were needed for both my driver and software.

 

I got up to 5.56X reported in Roxio copying a DVD...

 

might be the DVD's you're using.

 

mine are memorex DVD+Rs but nero reports them as Ritek

 

Ritek is the disc ID code, or something like that.

Best DVDs as far as I know and experienced are Taiyo Yuden, but they typically don't burn faster than 8x, as far as I recall. Newegg carries them last time I checked.

 

Can anyone give some screenshot for gpu-z and cpu-z, especially the one with i5 + GT330M? Thanks

 

A few pages back some people were complaining about the screen and that it looked blocky and blurry. I just got mine yesterday from Best Buy and it was blocky and blurry. UNTIL I looked at the resolution and saw it was NOT running at native resolution of 1600*900. For some reason it shipped at 1280*720. Going to Native of course made everything as expected.

Also I found that is I tried to plug the HDMI into my big LCD TV while the movie was running the HDCP kicked in and would not display the picture. If I turned off the TV and turned it back on it was accepted. (your experience may be different I have a Sharp TV)

 

A) I apologize for my lack of knowledge, and if any one can offer guidance or advice, I'd really really appreciate it!
B) okay I just bought the Vaio CW at Best Buy and I absolutely love it. My last computer was a Mac, and I have absolutely no experience using a graphics card, I've never had one. I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to set it up to get optimum performance. I play Sims 3 and Wow, so from what I've heard this should be fairly easy for the computer I purchased. I just can't seem to figure out the right combination of tweaks to the card settings to get my games to perform well. I was also told that I can dedicate more memory to my graphics card...but I can't seem to figure out how to do this???? Again sorry for being incompetent!

C) Also I'm sorry if this has been posted already with in the thread, but I couldn't find it if it was.

 

Hi, I bought the cw27 from bestbuy (backorder) on saturday for $950 - $95(bing cash back) = $855 + sh.

Does anyone know of a good screen protector for it? Money isnt so much a question as i spent a ton on the laptop and want to protect it. I do not want it to be a privacy filter or any of that crap. Just a nice clear screen protecter, if it is anti glare that's okay too.

Any Ideas?

 

I'm with you. I just switched from a Mac to this PC. I ordered it from Sony Style and had to get the GeForce 310m and only play games like Sims 3 and WoW, so I was a little more bothered than you about my graphics card, but amazingly, even if this is an entry-level card, so far it's been able to play everything I have (though not graphically intensive). I'm very happy with my decision so I'll follow this thread to see if you get an answer because I'd like to know as well. I tried the Nvidia tools to software overclock, but just uninstalled it because I didn't know what I was doing.

 

http://www.dansdata.com/goop.htm

Might want to not bother with the thermal paste. It isn't so much dependent on the type but more on the way u apply it. I would think that factory would apply it the best though. But if you really wanna do it, apparently toothpaste is the best =P

 

That site is ridiculous. There are literally TONS of articles pitting TIM against TIM and some can and DO make up to 5c difference between brands so his conclusions are flawed.

The OEM goop that I removed was hard as a rock around the outside. This is not as efficient as a high quality TIM. Manufacturers go with specific TIM to speed up production as they can't afford to hand apply it to every model. This is why it is necessary. When the TIM Hardens it no longer can expand and fill air gaps between the two materials. Yes OEM lasts longer...but it is very inefficient.

Good quality TIM has proven time and time again its worth. It is undisputed.

Toothpaste is a terrible option also. Toothplace only came into existance as a TIM because every household has it and enthusiasts who were benching multiple configurations would go through TIM like crazy hense why they found a workable, but short lived alternative. It will dry up and become nonfunctional in a matter of days.

 

I didn't think you'd take that toothpaste bit so seriously. Every article I've read comparing thermal pastes has pretty much come to the conclusion of it doesn't really matter. Though I didn't think about OEM paste.

Anyway, any noticeable difference? Also did you take any pictures taking it apart and applying?

 

I've been trying to play sims3 and the graphics just randomly go nuts, and I'm not really sure what is going on...I don't know if it's the game or if it's my graphics card...have you experienced this?

 

must be your game because it plays fine on my niece's CW, you might need to reinstall it.

 

I haven't had any problems. I did read that it actually works better on the 310m than the 330m, but as far as personal experience, I haven't had any problems or slow downs at high settings.

 

Okay good to know I will try doing a reinstall, thanks!

 

Not sure which articles you are reading lol...There is quite a difference between different brands of TIM.

I have tons of pictures about 4 pages back.

Idle temperatures dropped 3c and load temperatures dropped 4c. Absolutely worth it.

 

I'd add the caution that it is worth it for the technically adept. While a fairly straightforward procedure, based on some of the posts on this thread I would caution those who are not used to working on their own computer hardware to proceed with caution and do this only if they are really expecting to push the performance envelope of the machine (read hardcore gaming or video editing/photoshop). One bad move could seriously screw up your new notebook though ps2cho's photos do an excellent job of illustrating the process.

Most manufacturers use non-performance but perfectly adequate TIM. What ps2cho has done is use a premium product and gained a modest improvement in temperatures that most of you will not need because you are not demanding on your equipment and don't plan on overclocking your GPUs. I used to be a diehard overclocker and fiddle with liquid cooling in the early years and all those ridiculously huge heatsink fan combos when you needed that sort of stuff to get a real benefit. However, nowadays I don't find it worth the effort because most chips now don't need to be pushed like they did in the "good ole days" of the early 486/33s and the like because they have significant overcapacity even with standard sensible cooling.

 

^ Agreed. Well stated.

 

a new owner here. cw26fg i5-520.

this thread is quite messy IMHO =.= i do hope the owner of this thread can quote all important issues regarding cw at the 1st page.

anyway, is there any important thing that i need to know regarding this laptop? (i dun have the time to read all 118 pages)

im a moderate gamer and planning to OC it. is there any complain about this laptop? I just had it an hour ago and it looks cool to me. maybe abit thick.

 

You should start by searching within the thread. Other than that, specific questions work best.

Up above is the option to "Search this Thread." It's right next to the "Rating," under the huge row of page numbers. You should see it.

The only complaints I've read about is noise while playing Blu-Ray discs, lower than expected screen quality, and battery drain. There may be more, but those seemed to stand out the most in my mind.

 

hi
I want to know that anybody has same issue that I have?
My cw26 after booting around 30min in the right side up on the wireless switch become warm and after a while becomes normal.
and second issue: I checked with sisoft sandra and it shown hdd is sata 150 but when i checked hdd model in the seagate website I found that it is sata 300.
and another issue is that my hdd led always working and hdd has noise.
can anybody tell my about that.

 

How far did you get the GPU to overclock? (Sorry, I'm kinda using you as my guinea pig here) =P

Also, I dont know if you got this question answered already, but I read somewhere that you should clock the gpu and the shaders in a 1 : 2.5 ratio.

somewhere being here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=454640&page=2

 

Nvidia Optimus is going to change everything for us!
http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=868

Check it out. Its Nvidia's slick new solution to run a discrete and IGP GPU at the same time. Auto switching, and assignable per application without reboot. The article says that the hardware needed to do this exists on the 300m series GPU's that our CW27 has.

So it looks like some serious switchable graphics might be in our future. Me main roadblock appears to be the IGP still needs to be enabled in BIOS. However if the VT hacks are any indication, that is a pretty do-able thing.

 

I saw this article earlier, was exicted by it, but wasn't sure if it was applicable to my CW27.

Is this something that a newbie like myself will be able to do?

 

Here it is passing 7k. Still have not hit the max yet.
I am thinking of adding something to add pressure to the heatsink mechanism and drop temperatures a little further. Going to investigate the best and easiest option.



The good thing about the cooling system on this laptop is that there are two separate heatpipes independent of each other for the CPU and GPU. This way there is "technically" very little or no heat contamination via the overclocking

 

That is a big "it depends" sounds like the drivers will be simple. The big issue is enabling the IGP on the CW27. Sony has it off, and normally that's a bios option, but sony has taken that out of out bios.

They are supposed to be "over 50" optimus enabled laptops by summer. I wonder if there won't just be a bios flash for the 27 so they can support it. It'd be a fairly big competitive disadvantage to not support it when they have all the hardware there already.

 

lol or they could just release newer laptops with it enabled and maybe get some of us to buy those too thereby doubling their profits on us =P. I'd like to see Nvidia use the intel IGP to boost the performance more than battery life tell you the truth. Sort of like they do with nvidia igps.

 

I am so very frustrated!!!! My husband ordered my laptop from sony on the 29th of last month and it was supossed to ship today but has not shipped yet. I called and was told it could be 5 to 7 more days!! I told them I would be canceling the order if it has not shipped in 2 days. I am so upset

 

I read that the CW27 didn't support switchable graphics because it has a different, unsupported chipset.

Source: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5829758&highlight=switchable#post5829758

 

Is there any review of the CW290? (cto with i3, i5, i7)

 

From what I understand, that is true under xp, vista, and prior to Optimus. Optimus is a software solution that uses vista to composite output from both cards. The Z series for example has the hardware to do it the old way, but near as I can tell if you can have an IGP and discrete card installed, optimus should work. We know that the IGP can be called since they're shipping these machines without the discrete graphics options as well. The thing to remember is that this is a completely different model to previous switchable solutions.

I wonder if we can get a bios from a cw27 with just the IGP and a bios from the cw27 with the 330m and do a bit compare to see what flags are set differently? It might give us a starting point to enabling the IGP on all CW27 models.

 

Due to the large number of requests for the [US-VPCCW290X-LBOM], your estimated ship date has been delayed. I apologize for this inconvenience. I expect the product to arrive estimated on [02/23/2010], and your order will ship shortly thereafter.



I just got this email. What a bunch of BS. What do I do now? I am pretty sure I am not willing to wait that long and we dont have a sony store in my area ( i dont think. ) I really want a pink laptop with good specs that wont over heat but I am just not sure I am going to wait that long. They are getting it on the 23rd then will ship after that. By the time i get it it will be over a month when it was placed.

 

day-um ps2cho, you are giving me flashbacks...good job, let me know when you hear a pop and see the smoke coming out

Alienware must be feeling a bit uncomfortable about this and the M11x...

 

sucks but since you wanted the girly special that is only available at Sony you sort of have to live with it or otherwise get one of the more mundane colors at Bestbuy/NewEgg/J&R...oh the pain of being fashionable

 

Is there no other place for me to get a Girly cute one???? Ive never shopped at newegg or J&R . Bestbuy does not have a pink.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-VAIO-Signa...iewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item3ca9e6f2f3

Is this a good one??


Here is what mine had
Norton Internet Security™ 2010 (30 Day Trial)
4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
CD/DVD burner
No additional Photo Editing Software
Brilliant Pink {VAIO Signature Collection}
Standard Capacity Battery (VGP-BPS13)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
500GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm)
No additional Video Editing Software
Intel® Core™ i5-540M processor (2.53GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.06GHz
No Fresh Start
No Engraving
Microsoft® Works



Is it the same thing? If I was ablet o find one on ebay could I buy a Waranty some place?

 

I dont know if this was posted but I found out whats wrong with the speakers. At first they seem weak and crappy but you can fix this problem easily. When you go into the properties for your sound (where it shows that u can see the realtek drivers properties.) There is a tab called enhancements, in this tab check the box that says loudness equalization or something like that (last one in the list, not infront of my laptop now for exact details).

**edit**
here is a picture that I found with what screen you should go to (will be different on your pc this is just a random picture)


**/edit**


My sound is perfect now and not weak at all thank god too because it was way too low before on max volume. Let me know if this works for anyone else

 

my cw26 stock performance is only 5.5k!!!! holy crap how can it reach 7k...

i just bought yesterday. psyco wats ur setting for GPU clock? shud i straight pump up to ur setting or add 10 by 10 and restart the computer each time? it will be boring =.=