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Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge *Part 2*

Discussion in 'Dell Latitude, Vostro, and Precision' started by BatBoy, Oct 14, 2009.

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  1. stringbuzzzzzz

    stringbuzzzzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Hey.. Good to hear back.
    And thanks for the clarification.
    lol... I bet my initial interpretation/reaction to the time you first suggested the "Mod" is a bit more understandable looking back..?

    Those links look interesting and I'll see if they apply to the cause. It appears it's all about changing G-force into Quadro. The opposite of my mod description. But I found where it's the other way, too..
    I'm still waiting on those "last minute" copper shims I asked accounting to order.
    Like, two weeks ago. Only to find...My request to order these shims got set aside until I looked into it on a shipping E.T.A. request.. Now... It's a confirmed order, established, three days ago.
    I know... too much info.

    I was tempted not to wait any longer when I asked. The shim I need is a .2 mm x 15mm x 15mm.
    Hard to track down where everything out here is .3mm for the thinnest available.
    The cooler weather I'm having helps on system temps. A good thing this time of year in Nor-Cal.

    In other news...
    I started a thread based on your gracious feedback with the help of co-member, UncleSpam.
    He found a thread that pertained to my sparse understanding of PowerMizer tech.

    I don't suspect I'll get many reactions in the poster section because... Well., It's just old friggin news... And within that., Not many care about issues with Powermizer in particular.
    Now that It's been discontinued. Nvidia has a couple of PowerMizer Panels out there, One meant for 64 bit.

    It's not clear if the other is the right choice either with Quadro GPUs like mine. I think they had the right idea by just stopping with the PowerMiizering cr@p.
    Translation... Disable it
    Your encouraged to post anything you can add there, of course.
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...dia-quadro-770m-w-powermizer-disabled.782690/

    That being said,
    I'd like to see the M4400, in the "proven" category.
    This., In terms of the being able to "shut off" or disable PowerMizer., if desired.
    I'll be the tester of no one posts an account using the M4400.

    Your mentioning of overclocking/undervolting is definitely a consideration. As your aware with the CPU's in my scope.
    The GPU is a more vital component. An area I have little to NO experience ... YE HAhhh!

    But seriously., The builds I did in the past never needed O.C. because they crushed the gaming market in those 08' days with plenty of overkill.
    For the right $$$, was the factor.

    I was planned to reply to the RenaudChine post (above yours here) about his experience on getting a QX9300 and the right AC adapter.
    A concern I hadn't heard of til now. Needing the right power supply depending on which CPU is installed?
    The TDP rating on the M4400 is 35 watts. A compliance to the machine's cooling capacity,
    I believe. Haven't heard a word about this issue til now. Have you? If the case is correct...
    Might have get the needed amperage.
    I still feel all this is dependent on thee best cooling prep possible. I don't plan on replacing
    any hardware, If I can avoid it.
    In addition...
    Member miaklas3000 did a DIY mod/GPU test a few pages back on this thread determining a real potential problem with the QX9300, if left unaddressed.
    Even if udervolted and underclocked, etc... I have to review that post to say more at this time.

    In general, the solution he concluded on was a Q9200. Under-volted, and overclocked to a consistent 2.8 Ghz. was the sweet spot.

    Did you read that RenaudChine?

    This was miaklas3000's favored solution to maxing an M4400's CPU.
    This did include the specific use of the Zalman NT2000 Cooling Pad, with a mod of it's own, focusing air flow at the right spots.

    If you scroll back to post #591 on this thread.., I included miaklas3000's full account, thinking it
    would be smart to have as important reference at the time..You'll have to click the dimmed
    pull-down tab to see it in full..

    I do intend to have a more comprehensive cooling solution in the copper dept., along with additional airflow assist... Beyond a single cooling pad.
    You already know this ExParrot.

    I'll say it again for RenaudC...It's that reduction in QX'9300 price that's got some on the path
    to temptation. $135. down from $400.
    Even with that in the mix... The facts didn't change with the price...
    I still would be very reluctant to assume the QX9300 would be the right CPU that's suited
    for the M4400. I can admit I was distracted as any. It's the wrong one the rely on is my point.

    Especially if there's no real possibility for sustained performance.
    The T9900 is dual core is suited for graphics.
    But... If your the heavy multi-tasking type with thick apps., I would strongly suggest a compromise.

    For me, that would be the Q9200. An unverified 44-45 TDP voltage alternative that still boasts a 4 x 2.4Ghz
    Quad with the same 12MB cache and able to overclock/undervolt, just as the Qx9300.
    But a bit safer.
    Edit:
    I only share these comparisons due to the number of comparative CPUs and their
    numerous variables., Adding reassessment into their performance safeguards.
    This being the main reason why I've been on top of the cooling rant for some time now.
    A forced air approach, adding a needed buffer to creeping system board temps.
    As outlined by Miaklas3000's CPU test analysis.

    The encouraging of proven cooling mods and externally assist equipment is in my view..
    SMART. Not overkill in heat extraction. I wish it was. A compensation for the M4400's,
    "less than effective" cooling system by design.

    .
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2015
  2. stringbuzzzzzz

    stringbuzzzzzz Notebook Consultant

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    If I recall correctly... I posted links for you about Hardware Monitor and Cupid hardware monitor.
    When you were still on the Apple OS. Look back for those links and try again for Win 10.

    Those links are compliant to latest MS versions. If Win 10 rejects them without a choice
    to except anyway., Then It may be an issue with Win 10 for now.


    The smartest thing your doing is Not using Apple O.S. on a pc/laptop.
    It just isn't the way theses days unless your that good with the challenges your faced with.
    If you can see my point.
    With Win 10 installed, there's still controversy about how much access to functions and
    versatility is available. If your able to get support from Microsoft? Try them about your needs.

    Try those links again, first. And tell me what you think about the post above this one.

    I can only assume your in some level of support with Microsoft.
    Use that to your advantage and check out their customer resources. You can even call for support.
    They have it all if you're complaint to there requirements.
    It will come down to verifying your OS as your licensed copy. And if so...
    Register it to your name. etc.
    Good luck...
    BTW... I hope my tone doesn't offend. I sense your somewhat stressed in your post.
    I go through it myself. Don't be too hard on yourself over theses matters.Taking a break clears
    the head for a better state and very helpful in all ways.
    Theses possibilities are confusing for all when first efforts are a chore.
    Or if it's all new with Widows compared to Apple... You understanding with these issue will
    clear and your experience and knowledge will grow.
    I know I would be having a fit if I faced Apple OS's with no help. Sign up for
    "Microsoft Community" website.
    Many well-informed experts hang out within those forums, providing talented,
    professional advice.
    Especially when I'm polite with them.

    Note:
    I like to write or type my question(s) first, before I just jump in this site...
    Of course, It's up to you.
    But making an effort to be clear with any needed details will pay you back with less confusion
    and additional need for more questions.
    Staying on point for better response really helps, getting the best reply the first.
    Sometimes you'll have to wait for response like any forum.

    That's why the extra effort to be clear with questions speeds up your best replies.
    Q&A section is best for not knowing the thread topics while providing quicker responses
    to answer a question.


    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/?auth=1
    Forums and Q & A

    So... Relax... and good luck
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2015
  3. ExParrot

    ExParrot Notebook Geek

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    This makes me wonder if installing the nVidia driver using the PowerMizer Off trick is enough to keep it off for the 770m. My understanding is that nVidia added PowerMizer to the drivers at some point but the 770m didn't support it properly. So if the installation prevents BSODs then it is probably preventing PowerMizer changes, in which case the registry mods may not be needed. Maybe someone knows better?

    Of course disabling a power saving technology may be great for performance but doesn't help with your heat concerns after putting in a quad core CPU: on the M4400 they share the same heat pipe. The Q9200 does sound like a safer choice -- you might still need to undervolt and even underclock it a bit to keep the heat under control. I am not sure a quad core with heat problems will do better for your retro gaming, though: not many older games take significant advantage of multiple cores.
     
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  4. stringbuzzzzzz

    stringbuzzzzzz Notebook Consultant

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    The reference to #591 on this thread has all that with the Q9200
    Good Morning, BTW...
    Well it's apparent... I'm going for the coolest temps a M4400 can be, if possible. Even if I get the Q9200 rolling it will likely find its way back in a safe box so I don't have to be concerned with it's potential heat. Ever have one of those weird events where ya got a get to the task manager to stop a runaway app for whatever reason, flooring the CPU to 99% and in some cases, All you have is the off button to force a shutdown?
    That can be a surprise at any given moment.
    It's the one thing that gets your concern in check... The random runaway.
    Oh.. I re-edited the last post.
     
  5. stringbuzzzzzz

    stringbuzzzzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Another thing about the Q9200... Why not run it at it's intended at the 2.4 Ghz or well under 2.8Ghz clock speed and under volt at the same time when in normal use mode? Probably the positive side of what PowerMizer was meant to do. The auto throttling after a performance event.

    Green - indicates correction edit added.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2015
  6. RenaudChine

    RenaudChine Notebook Enthusiast

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    Quick reply, I need to go to bed right now: impossible to find a Q9200 here, impossible!

    Thanks a lot everybody, go to bed NOW !!! :sleep:
     
  7. stringbuzzzzzz

    stringbuzzzzzz Notebook Consultant

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    Geeez... I must be tired, myself... Up all night. It looks as if I repeated exactly what your reply said... and the 2.53 is incorrect.... It should read 2.4Ghz

    Your stated reply...
    The Q9200 does sound like a safer choice -- you might still need to undervolt and even underclock it a bit to keep the heat under control. I am not sure a quad core with heat problems will do better for your retro gaming, though: not many older games take significant advantage of multiple cores.

    My reply back... with minor Ghz edit with correct variations...
    Another thing about the Q9200... Why not run, depending on what spec, at it's intended 2.33 to 2.4 Ghz or well under 2.8Ghz clock speed and under volt at the same time when in normal use mode? Probably the positive side of what PowerMizer was meant to do. The auto throttling after a performance event.
    ------
    Bare in mind, I'm not sure these Q9200 CPU choices today are locked or unlocked... Or if they can be bypassed with forced undervolting/overclocking.
    A while back., Like a month or so...
    Their was a Q9200 on sale as "rare" unlocked multiplier. version. And now I see these 2.3Ghz versions that have a some kind of quasi-proportional off-set with a slower FSB speed @ 1033Mhz, for example., Likely due to a slightly lower TDP.(voltage) maybe a marginal batch of
    a production run.
    I guess, one might see that as an alternative to having to underclock and undervolt
    manually.
    Of course... Their not posting all the spec details which tells me, Buyer beware.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2015
  8. stringbuzzzzzz

    stringbuzzzzzz Notebook Consultant

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    That's great... A little rest makes a difference
    BTW. Can you please post a link to the UV guide and this "ThrottleStop" thread. I never heard of it. Is it an app?
    Now you have very curious about this as it may relate to PowerMizer... which does the opposite. that's in your Nvidia FX770m GPU.
    Thanks if you can help.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2015
  9. alexhawker

    alexhawker Spent Gladiator

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    Type throttlestop into google. There's a thread on this forum that UncleWebb hangs out in - he wrote the software. The link to the latest version is in his signature.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  10. RenaudChine

    RenaudChine Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi there!

    Went to the shop today and the QX9300 is now under my fingers. No electricity in the building today from 9am to 6pm, so I could not test anything but what I done at the shop. Clearly the new CPU is a huge step and a better one than what I was thinking. No temp problem at all.

    I will test tomorrow and write here the results. Thanks to the thread and all the people here in this forum where I find a looooot of informations helping me to do the right choice.

    Now I have to be with my family (I cannot change their CPU but I love them).

    Thanks again!
     
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