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    Sony Vaio CB Official Owners' Thread

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony Owners' Lounge Forum' started by thegreatlarrybird33, Mar 22, 2011.

  1. hardyjwang

    hardyjwang Newbie

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    I am pretty sure a simple update would solve the problem. probably they just did do their work. can you let us know once you get the solution?
     
    hardyjwang, May 4, 2011
    #451
  2. nasanu

    nasanu Notebook Enthusiast

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    There are no issues with the graphics card as far as I can see. Only users seeing the intel card listed and thinking that programs can only use that card. Everything I have tried has worked fine, including photoshop.

    I really can't see how the wrong text showing up in a benchtest is an issue worth complaining about.
     
    nasanu, May 4, 2011
    #452
  3. ekstor

    ekstor Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes. If you're not a gamer or 3D CAD designer, you'll likely never even need the Radeon chip. Integrated Intel graphics will suit your needs.
     
    ekstor, May 4, 2011
    #453
  4. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for the reply :)
     
    FromThailand, May 4, 2011
    #454
  5. samgab

    samgab Newbie

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    I have a CB, and I suggest you try this.
    Open "VAIO Control Centre"
    Power management
    Power options.
    The three options in this menu are specifically to do with the fan speed.
    I was playing around with the various different places to change settings related to power management, but all these ones do is change the fan speed.

    "Performance mode" makes the fan go really high speed all the time, and it sounds like a mini hair dryer all the time.
    "balanced mode" has the fan going fairly quietly but can still ramp up a fair bit when the processor is under load.
    "silent mode" has the fan running very quietly most of the time.

    I suggest that you might have checked "performance mode" thinking it had something to do with the graphics or the processor, when in actuality it is deceptively named, as it has to do with thermal fan control settings.
     
    samgab, May 4, 2011
    #455
  6. Yazzinit

    Yazzinit Notebook Consultant

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    It's not really a big problem. Just programs won't "list" the card. It still works. Use the catalyst control to enable the card and it works
     
    Yazzinit, May 4, 2011
    #456
  7. vioz_87

    vioz_87 Notebook Guru

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    vioz_87, May 4, 2011
    #457
  8. andresebr

    andresebr Notebook Guru

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    andresebr, May 4, 2011
    #458
  9. pauldmps

    pauldmps Notebook Consultant

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    Pretty bad FPS for GTA IV. It seems that the game was running on Intel HD instead on the HD6630M.

    Try running the game on the dedicated GPU & post the benchmarks here, please.
     
    pauldmps, May 4, 2011
    #459
  10. Yazzinit

    Yazzinit Notebook Consultant

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    I didn't watch his benchmark video but the PC port of GTA 4 is horrible. I don't think most graphics cards could save the glitches and crappy port job Rockstar did for the PC lol
     
    Yazzinit, May 4, 2011
    #460
  11. vioz_87

    vioz_87 Notebook Guru

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    Yep. Definitely Right :)

    nope. it's already running on AMD HD6630M. FPS could be increase significantly if i turn-off the MSI afterburner. yeah... maybe around 25. also with these

    YouTube - GTA IV EFLC Benchmark Test on Sony VAIO VPCCB17FG
    YouTube - Left 4 Dead 2 Benchmark Test on sony Vaio VPCCB17FG

    Check all the info on my videos that i posted before. FPS could be increase significantly if i turn-off the MSI Afterburner :D
     
    vioz_87, May 4, 2011
    #461
  12. mattheis

    mattheis Newbie

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    samgab~ you were exactly correct, it was set to Performance Mode as default. Strange thing is that when I click the default button, it reverts to this mode. Either way, ur awesome, thanks for the response!
     
    mattheis, May 4, 2011
    #462
  13. WWScoobyDo

    WWScoobyDo Notebook Consultant

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    WWScoobyDo, May 5, 2011
    #463
  14. WWScoobyDo

    WWScoobyDo Notebook Consultant

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    does anybody know of the keyboard skin allows the keyboard backlight to shine through?
     
    WWScoobyDo, May 5, 2011
    #464
  15. eehpeehthreeh

    eehpeehthreeh Notebook Consultant

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    The model number of the skin that fits the CB is VGP-KBL3. I have one on my F2 (in white) and it works out pretty nicely. I made a couple of posts on the F2's owner thread with pictures and impressions. It comes in black, too, as SonyStyle seems to imply online.

    Small review and link to item on SonyStyle

    Pictures
     
    eehpeehthreeh, May 5, 2011
    #465
  16. pauldmps

    pauldmps Notebook Consultant

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    25FPS at 1920x1080 is a pretty decent score for a game like GTA IV.

    Your benchmark video shows that the game detects the GPU as Intel HD Graphics. That's why I asked.
     
    pauldmps, May 5, 2011
    #466
  17. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    FromThailand, May 6, 2011
    #467
  18. blueorchid

    blueorchid Notebook Enthusiast

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    I need a new laptop for college in August, so how long should I wait to buy? I'd love to go for it right now, but are there likely to be better deals later? Dumb question, but I'd like to be reassured...I don't even want that camera anyway
     
    blueorchid, May 6, 2011
    #468
  19. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    Here is some info for you but keep in mind that in this kind of business, what is "cutting edge technology" today, may not be "cutting edge technology" at the beginning of next year. Think about those who bought the iPad (1) last year and that feel frustrated to see the new iPad2 on the market not even a year after the first release. That's the way it is in technology but you'll have to make a move sooner or later otherwise, you're never gonna buy anything. What is hot at the moment are computers equiped with Sandy Bridge processor but there is a new generation of processors already in preparation by intel that will be realeased by the end of the year that is called Ivy Bridge and as the iPad example the iPad3 also in preparation. It never ends. As soon as a manufacturer releases something, there is something else in preparation. On the other hand if you're looking for a great deal to save money, there are some deals at the moment if you buy a laptop from the previous generation as you can see here... Retail Survival Guide: How to spot a Sandy Bridge PC
     
    FromThailand, May 6, 2011
    #469
  20. round_guy

    round_guy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, there are countless technological improvements for the last couple of years. Either it's the Core 2 Duo, Sandy Bridge, Brooklyn Bridges :p and any other types of bridges (or processors :p).
    The basic questions are what and when.
    The what part is easy, you need a laptop. I'm sure you've done numerous research. Comparing with friends laptop or perhaps visiting the store to get the feel of the laptop.
    The when part is a tricky one. There's always some new technology waiting around the next corner. But you said you needed a laptop for college in August. Why not wait for a little while, save up some cash, and decide something by then. However, if you can't wait that long, take your pick. There are a lot of laptops you can choose.

    This is just my personal opinion, for me, laptops are an investment. Well maybe for a couple of years. But during those couple of years, I want to use a laptop that doesn't make me go back and forth to the closest service center. :D

    I hope you find a laptop that suits you. Good luck.
     
    round_guy, May 6, 2011
    #470
  21. pauldmps

    pauldmps Notebook Consultant

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    Two questions:

    1. Anyone planning to overclock the HD6630M ?
    2. Anyone planning to hackintosh the laptop ?
     
    pauldmps, May 7, 2011
    #471
  22. vioz_87

    vioz_87 Notebook Guru

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    1. Me. But, dunno how to do. Do you know how to oc gpu on vpccb17fg?
    2. Hackintosh? what do u mean?

    * hmm... Maybe i will remove some of my videos that below 1080p. Yeah. If i have time then i'll re-upload some of the videos using 1080p resolution :D *
     
    vioz_87, May 7, 2011
    #472
  23. TT193

    TT193 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would like to order a CB and put 8 gigs of RAM in it. However, I can’t decide if I should purchase the CB and RAM from Sony, or buy/install the RAM myself once I receive the laptop.

    I realize I could save ~$100 if I buy/install the RAM myself, but my concern would be with system compatibility/reliability.

    Do you think it would be better to have Sony use/install their RAM, given that they’ve probably done system compatibility checks on it, to make sure all the laptop components play nicely with each other? Or do you think me installing aftermarket RAM would be just a reliable?
     
    TT193, May 7, 2011
    #473
  24. cassy101

    cassy101 Notebook Geek

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    Overclocking the 6630M would take more work than it's worth...
     
    cassy101, May 7, 2011
    #474
  25. ReD2847

    ReD2847 Notebook Consultant

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    I installed 8GB of this Kingston ram and so far the laptop has been very reliable with no problems.

    NCIX.com - Buy Kingston 4GB 1X4GB 1333MHZ DDR3 NON-ECC CL9 SODIMM Memory Module - Kingston - KVR1333D3S9/4G - in Canada

    I dont think there is any difference between getting the ram from Sony or anywhere else as long as its a reliable brand.
     
    ReD2847, May 8, 2011
    #475
  26. vioz_87

    vioz_87 Notebook Guru

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    Better to OC 6630m than do nothing coz 6630m core speed on cb series are in underclock condition :)
     
    vioz_87, May 8, 2011
    #476
  27. pauldmps

    pauldmps Notebook Consultant

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    1. There are few softwares like MSI Afterburner & Sapphire Trixx which might work in overclocking the HD6630M.

    And as suggested above, it is pretty much underclocked.

    2. Hackintoshing means to install Mac OSX on the laptop.
     
    pauldmps, May 8, 2011
    #477
  28. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    FromThailand, May 9, 2011
    #478
  29. pauldmps

    pauldmps Notebook Consultant

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    ^^ As I posted earlier, the blue-tint is hugely noticeable.
     
    pauldmps, May 9, 2011
    #479
  30. SneezyLarry

    SneezyLarry Notebook Consultant

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    SneezyLarry, May 9, 2011
    #480
  31. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    It is Full HD like all the CB's are VPCCB15FDB | VAIO CB Series Laptop | Sony Canada I think they just forgot the sticker on the panel. I'm still exploring it I'll give some comments later. Have to put my SSD and reinstall with my version of Windows 7 Ultimate.
     
    FromThailand, May 9, 2011
    #481
  32. round_guy

    round_guy Notebook Enthusiast

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    round_guy, May 9, 2011
    #482
  33. cassy101

    cassy101 Notebook Geek

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    At present, given that the computer fails to even detect the 6630M properly due to a bios lockout, overclocking is seriously not recommended.
     
    cassy101, May 9, 2011
    #483
  34. TT193

    TT193 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So... I'm getting very close to purchasing my CB. Now I need to figure out whether to go with the Fresh Start option, or the standard (bloatware) option.

    I'm leaning towards the standard bloatware option, given that I'd hate to possibly miss out on software I'd find useful.

    But, if I'd want to remove all the bloatware, how difficult is it to remove? Can I get all (or the vast majority) off without having to reinstall windows?
     
    TT193, May 9, 2011
    #484
  35. Yazzinit

    Yazzinit Notebook Consultant

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    It's easy to get off. Use Revo Uninstaller
     
    Yazzinit, May 9, 2011
    #485
  36. nasanu

    nasanu Notebook Enthusiast

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    So you are saying that I have not been using my 6630 without issue?..

    Why do people think there is a problem with the graphics card? What issues are you having that are not related to a single line of text not showing the name of the card?
     
    nasanu, May 10, 2011
    #486
  37. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    Just finished installing 7 ultimate on my new SSD with all my programs. It went through like a charm. Sony is fantastic for doing fresh installs if you compare with HP. I reinstalled the Sony features that worth reinstalling and no more toolbars. No need to pay for clean install at all. The thing I like the most on the CB is the keyboard just amazing! The thing I hate the most is the location of the USB port on the right. You definitely need a cordless mouse if you don't want to have the cord in the way all the time.
     
    FromThailand, May 10, 2011
    #487
  38. Icelego

    Icelego Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just purchased mine today, and they gave a free Bloggie Touch™ camera too. I am pretty excited!
     
    Icelego, May 10, 2011
    #488
  39. cassy101

    cassy101 Notebook Geek

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    That recognition problem is huge and prevents certain programs from running correctly.

    I've already run through this in previous posts, but one specific example is that this issue prevents Adobe Photoshop from being able to certain things with respect to 3D objects as it only recognizes the Intel HD Graphics and disables those features because of it. This is huge for me because I need those for my job, etc.

    There's also the matter that you can't get a proper dxdiag readout of the 6630M, meaning that troubleshooting issues with it are near impossible.

    And as to why you wouldn't want to overclock an unrecognized card:
    Hardware overclock would be difficult because of the bios lockout. And it would be very hard to use a software overclock when your software doesn't even properly see the card. This coupled with the fact that the system has software level, switchable graphics, makes for an unfavorable environment in terms of overclocking.

    So yes, there are a lot of issues with this system in terms of graphics. I'm hoping Sony is working to resolve them.

    Best,
    Cassy
     
    cassy101, May 10, 2011
    #489
  40. vioz_87

    vioz_87 Notebook Guru

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    vioz_87, May 10, 2011
    #490
  41. TT193

    TT193 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Does anyone happen to know Sony's track record for actually fixing problems such as this, instead of just ignoring them?

    I really want to purchase this laptop, but only if I'm confident I'd only have to put up with the graphics issues temporarily.
     
    TT193, May 10, 2011
    #491
  42. nasanu

    nasanu Notebook Enthusiast

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    So one person having an issue with one program (ps for 3d work?.. why?) is 'lots of issues'? No.
     
    nasanu, May 11, 2011
    #492
  43. cassy101

    cassy101 Notebook Geek

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    I've confirmed reproducibility with other owners of this laptop and others have talked about other issues with it previously in this thread. I'm not sure why you're so intent on arguing this point.

    Best,
    Cassy
     
    cassy101, May 11, 2011
    #493
  44. vioz_87

    vioz_87 Notebook Guru

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    That's me :D

    Btw, do anyone in here have already see this benchmark videos for cb series?

    YouTube - Mafia 2 1080p Benchmark Test on Sony VAIO VPCCB17FG
    YouTube - Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Benchmark Test
    YouTube - Lost Planet 2 1080p Benchmark Test on Sony VAIO VPCCB17FG
    YouTube - Devil May Cry 4 1080p Benchmark Test on sony vaio VPCCB7FG.mp4

    Im waiting for ur reply on there. Thx :)
     
    vioz_87, May 11, 2011
    #494
  45. nasanu

    nasanu Notebook Enthusiast

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    Perhaps because an issue with a ps plugin does not make for a faulty laptop. There is not a graphics card in existence that does not have an issue with some piece software. And the dxdiag is a non issue. Unless you can come up with something that effects the performance of the laptop for more people that just you then you do not have a case.
     
    nasanu, May 11, 2011
    #495
  46. sandy_haryna

    sandy_haryna Newbie

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    hi frnds
    iam planning to buy this laptop very soon..but the graphic card problem is creating a confusion...all the owners out there plz suggest should i go for it as it has all the desired features and that too at lower prices compared to xps..
    it is costing me around 53k here in Delhi..does any one have better deal for the price..
    thanks..
     
    sandy_haryna, May 11, 2011
    #496
  47. avmaxfan

    avmaxfan Notebook Evangelist

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    I would say for go for it. And you can bargain harder and get it for 51.5-52k. 53K is not a good deal.
     
    avmaxfan, May 12, 2011
    #497
  48. bipin

    bipin Notebook Geek

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    i am planning to buy this laptop.....dealer said 51500Rs for this laptop in kerala....
     
    bipin, May 12, 2011
    #498
  49. FromThailand

    FromThailand Notebook Guru

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    Can't find any OBHD, that caddy to put a 2nd HDD drive in the CD/DVD bay. Just ordered one shipped by FedEx via this website
     
    FromThailand, May 12, 2011
    #499
  50. pauldmps

    pauldmps Notebook Consultant

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    Good price. Go for it.
     
    pauldmps, May 12, 2011
    #500
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