~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

ps: yesterday I tried oblivion for a couple of minutes and the GPU's temperature was 81° :eek !

 

geez...

I guess I am lucky with mine.

I ran a 3dMark06 stress test all night on Jan 1st to Jan 2nd. peak temperature was 72...

I am using the docking station and all the possible connections are made there (Audio SP/DIF, LAN, 4 USB devices -external HD, Mouse, Nostromo gaming pad and iPod charging-). I guess that the docking making some space under the laptop might help a little.

I will install some cooling fans inside the dock, with pictures to let ppl know how to do it.

For those using the non-docked version, You can use a small piece of wood or plastic and place it under the laptop at the back. It will help with air flow just like when docked.

 

I can't understand! before ASUS change my motherboard it seems it doesn't have problems

I ran 3dmark06 @600/500, no problem! now if I run it @ 550/450 it shuts down! I don't think that place something at the back of the notebook will help. I think that it isn't only a question of air. if I have the notebook more close to a table or a surface, it will absorbe heat better than air! there is the space for the air flow!
right now I powered on the notebook, and check the temperature immediately with rivatuner. it was 53° I don't think it's possible!
what version of bios do you have? which program do you use to monitor the temp?
under vista with bios 209 the fan never stops! now sometimes it shuts! (bios 300). but I'm not happy with all these problems

my peak temperature with 3dmark @default, run it only once: 84°!!! checked with rivatuner. incredible!
I also notice that the monitor give a core clock not the same as in the settings (i.e. now 2D it gives 162, when I set 150). btw even with aero I've always 2d profile active

 

ok, let's check some data&problems toghether.

first of all I monitored my temp:

idle temp is 53°. after a few minutes it goes to 52 and the fan stops; 3-4 minutes temp goes to 59-60 and the fan turns on again 10-12 mins to reach 52° and the fan stops again and so on.

tonight I ran 3dmark06 in loop and monitor temperature with rivatuner! maximum temp was 81°. this morning I interrupted the loop and launch a single 3dmark. after a few minutes it shuts down! it's strange! non problem all the night, and one only test shutted down my notebook.

5 minutes ago I launch a test, monitoring temp with rivatuner. it shuts down after 1 minutes in the first test (return to proxicon), but it can't be temperature!! it was in idle before the test!
infact I boot in safe mode (so rivatuner did not erase the file) and check the file: the last temperature was 67°!! I think my GPU has more serious problems than oveheating all this after RMA change my motherboard! I can't believe this inability by ASUS technician!! and they had my notebook for about a month!!

 

I was running both RivaTuner and Everest Ultimate in background when running 3dMark06.

Both temp. checks where about the same (some times 1-2 deg difference).

I do get higher temps when not docked, and I know that there is no fans in the docking yet.

Air flow defenitely makes a diff. I know there must be an other reason.
Have you made a copy of your Riva files...

Could send it to Asus tech support to prove them...
then have it RMA again (poor you)

 

FYI, in case anyone reads this thread and wonders what the resolution is. I am nearly convinced I have a faulty graphics chip.

I installed Crysis demo and the VX2S shuts down every time within 10 minutes. The temperatures are fine. So I am RMA'ing this to hopefully get a new 8600M GT graphics chip.

I got the idea from this thread where a V1S user was experiencing shutdowns. The V1S and VX2S both use an 8600M GT.

 

I heard that as well...

I wonder if the 8800M GTX that will come out soon will be compatible with our VX2S'

I know that the chipset is...

 

mine shuts down with oblivion, GTR2 and even with the 3dmark06! I've not tested when docked yet. if it is a power supply issue, the docking station has more ampere. but I don't think so: in that case it would not shut down, but run on battery when consuming more power than rated. in a few days I'll give my notebook to ASUS and ask an exchange.

I read the thread in your link. but what does it mean that the problem is well known by ASUS?? before they exchange my motherboard all works fine! now it's terrible!! btw, the shuts are random. maybe sometimes the problem is the temperature, but sometimes the notebook shuts down @ 65-68°.

 

Lucky as I am, I got a thermal shutdown a few minutes ago.

Not that bad, but I lost 1.4G of data on the HD because of busted clusters
I got lucky I didn't have to re-format it all...

 

well, I think that it is a serious problem! ASUS announced this notebook, and it has a clear video issue! I'm started to think I was only lucky before they exchange my motherboard, because the problem was there!

and there's no need to talk about people that received the crappy samsung in a notebook of about 3000€, it's a shame!

in my case, now I have a bad signed case (bacause of the disassembling to change the motherboard), the crappy Samsung again! and the notebook doesn't even work fine! I'm not happy with that

 

just curious: why does your notebook shut down? what application?

 

I know a guy who works for DecisionOne. It is a huge tech support company that deserve almost all north america.

I asked him to check the part list for the Chi Mei screen and see if they do the RMA for the VX2S. I know they do it for some Asus products, AlienWare laptops and most of HP and Compaq.

If I got lucky, might as well end with a 8800M GTX when it comes out.

 

Lol...
shutted down in Steam!

I ran Portal with all the graphics topped (including portals rendering at 10 portals... drains CPU and GPU like hell)

I didn't even had the time to finish the first level.

Anyways. I should have news from the guy this morning (his shift ends at 9:00 AM. The techs are starting at 7:00 AM... and right now it is 4:42 AM)

If they have the Chi Mei screen in stock, I will ask him to swap mine. Along with the GPU set. Might as well ask him if he can do the CPU upgrade to T7700 (I have T7500 right now)

 

don't you think that the 8800M GTX will heat a lot?

 

I really can't say. I will know if I get to have one.

I was surfing the net to check some new...

And found a 15.4" Touch panel kit for LCDs.

I try to get a hold of one, and mod my VX2S to a tablet PC (well kinda). I don't have a price yet, but a 15" 4:3 panel is only 80$! I would say maybe 100$ max for this one. That would be a nice touch to the Lamborgini racing laptop.

If I manage to get one, I will post the results here. The one I was looking at is only 2mm thick. It should be possible to hack it in the frame.

It connects to a USB port. Now I only have to find a +5v source on the board that follows the screen status (so that the panel is off when the screen is off, to avoid power usage)

 

Hey guys... just finished going through entire threat...
It seems like plenty of problems with VX2S - LCD, drivers for XP... now for the last month or so, heating problems with GPU...
So, what's your verdict? Would you recommend this laptop?
I found really good deal and ready to buy but after reading all your posts, I'm kind of taking second thought.... Please advice
Cheers

 

I ran Crysis all day long at high settings (no lag at all, around 30-35 fps)

The computer DID NOT shut down. Weird.

I also ran Portal, played the whole game in a single streak.

I rested the back of the laptop on my BF2 DVD case. It helped a lot with temperature. I was at 68deg right after playing Crysis.

I also opened the laptop to see where to put the touchscreen controller. It will have to be in the Express card port. I don't plan on using it so...

I also found that the graphic card is very poorly cooled. There is only a silver heat sink on top of it. The air flow is very bad. I will check if I can find a small enought heat sink with a fan built-in.

 

I only have regrets o buying this laptop

kos-mos, where can you access the GPU card? did you open all the case? or there is a slot under the case (like the acer 5510 with x700). can you say if it is possible to change the 8600m gt with an 8800? are these gpu the same mxm module?

finally: what version of bios do you have? sometimes when you update the bios, the sensor reads temperature with an offset. it's strange thet your max temperature is 68°, when mine is 65 in idle!! (strange for my laptop! it's too hot!)

 

it's definitely a strange problem! I ran GPU caps Viewer's test, the temperature was 89°!!! very hot! but it doesn't shut down!. after some minutes I tried 3DMark, and it shut down after few seconds! the temperature was certainly lesser than 89!

I also installed ASUS official driver. no way! it shuts anyway.

 

It IS a overheat problem.

I just played Crysis all night at High setting without a single crash. The laptop was on teh docking station, with the fan side off the edge of the desk (ran an external monitor and keyb)

I undocked and played directly on the laptop. Didn't even finished loading the first level. Themla shutdown.

As for the 8800M GTX, I will know in Feb. DecisionOne does not officially have the contract yet. They will sign in start of Feb.

To open the case, just flip it over, and remove the top left large door. There is the CPU, cooling fan, GPU and Wi-Fi there. You don't have to open the case to "change" these. All can be done from the trap door.
It is the door you have to remove to be able to acces the memory door. These are interlocked.

You will have to take a flat screwdriver and apply some vertical force on the edges to open it. Left side and bottom side. The top and right have larger tabs that are not meant to be pulled vertically. When you have lifted the 2 bottom/left sides, slide the door diagonally to the bottom and left. It will move about 2mm. Then you can pull it up (still requires a little "violence").
You will see the fan (right under the Gallardo mag), CPU right under it, and GPU to the right. The GPU has an aluminium silver heat sink sticked on top with a black isolation tape. I will try to change that for a fan cooled Northbride headsink. I don't know yet if any fan will fit there, as there is very little space. I will hook it to the same circuit as the CPU fan.

 

I don't know if it is only an overheat issue! with that test my GPU reached 89°! today I have reinstalled ASUS drivers. no way, a few minutes ago I had a shut down, and mine was docked! I was playing around 45 minutes. this is an oveheat issue maybe.
but yesterday I played the test --> 89° no shut down. then I played 3DMark06 (not immediatly, I wait until the temperature was in idle), and it shut down after 20 seconds! I don't think it was an overheat problem in this case.
on monday I will give my laptop to ASUS. nothing work properly! the GPU, the screen, the case signed by the tecnician... I'm really disappointed

on the 8800m GTX, maybe it's MXM-III, while 8600m GT is MXM-II. so they are not compatible. maybe in the future some new release

 

I don't think that the readings are very reliable.
I will get the Snap-On laser thermometer from my workplace and run some tests.

I did ran Crysis again, for a good 3-4 hours, and played multiplayer.... nukes blowing everywhere. No shutdown. It was docked.

I ran it for 10 minutes undocked and it crashed.

Keep in mind that we don't know what makes the GPU overheat. It can be the voltage regulators that have an issue. If it is the case, then the temperature readings won't be good, as the voltage is the reference for these sensors.

 

Kos-Mos - I've be playing Crysis for a few weeks now and my notebook is always undocked (I am away with work). I have played for up to 2 hours and have never had it crash. Are you running standard clock settings on your GPU and CPU? How did you manage to run Crysis on "high" and still manage >30fps?? Mine seems to struggle on Medium when you are in a fast moving vehicle. Maybe mine struggles because I am still running vista?

 

Folks,

For those running XP on your VX2S-B2B (model with HD-DVD drive) you might already know that reading of HD-DVD (or UDF2.5 filesystem) will not work under XP.

However there is a workaround.

You need to install the TOSHIBA UDF2.5 Reader File System Driver for your HD-DVD drive. I have uploaded it for you to RS:

http://rapidshare.com/files/83145712/HD-DVD.zip

Just unzip, right-click on the INF and select "Install". Reboot and voila! You can now read HD-DVD discs even under XP!

BR//
Sasovics

 

hi sasovics. is your drive lightscribe?? I read somewhere that TOSHIBA TS L802A was lightscribe, but it doesn't seem to be. have you tried something?

 

yeah, kos-mos: are you running @default frequencies or OC? my notebook shuts down @ default. even underclocked @ 380/350!!

 

I do am running OC. I can't remember where, but I know it is a kinda big leap from normal settings.

I'd bet it is because of XP. I get a nice 4200 3dMarks under XP. It was only 3600 with Vista.

My friend has a G2S and he also can run Crysis at High. He does has visual lags sometimes. We played MP in LAN.... Even a nuke in my face didn't shown any signs of Vlag. Maybe when playing 10+ ppl it will, but for now I don't have a retail version of Crysis, so I am stuck at LAN... and he is the only guy I know that can run it.

My friend has a desktop with dual SLi cards and all (yes 2 times 2 card, 7950 GTX2... 1.5G VRAM). He can't load large maps such as the beach. Probably because of only 1G RAM.

Anyways. I don't experience any shutdowns when the laptop is docked. When undocked and resting on a hard wood desk, everytime I run any somewhat demanding processes, it crash. (ie. Portal, BF2, even CS:Source)
For your information, I also have 6 USB devices plugged at the same time : Microsoft Wireless Laser 6000, Belkin Nostromo n52, Logitech Momo force feedback wheel, IDE external HD with a USB adapter, iPod (just charging) and my cellphone (RAZR V3T, also charging).
I also run a Toslink cable for 5.1 sound.

On a side note, I have the BD version of VX2S-B1B. My drive can burn at 1x BD, and do LightScribe too. It burns DVDs at 4x and CDs at 8x only. Well, it's not like I am backuping my whole HD every week. I have my IDE drive for that. I have a VERY hard time finding some BD media. So far I manage to find a single BD-RW disk for 80$. That is a bit extreme when I can get a 100 DVD tower for 20$

 

just wondeting if anyone upgraded VX2S CPU to T9300/T9500
it seems like 301 BIOS is compartable with Penryn

 

I have to run 3-4 vmware sessions at ones, so the question is: will switching T7700 to T9300 improve performance?
It's pretty much the same speed, but 2 more Megs of L2 cash... Does it really worth it? I found T9300 for $350Us flat. Any advise?

 

I dont think the improvment is too much! we are not talking about processor of years ago! Santa rosa has 4-5months! change processor now is stupid! T7700 is a very good processor

 

Any update on this issue guys? Cause I'm getting fed up. I strongly believe that this has nothing to do with over heating, since I've felt my pc put out much more heat that it does while I'm playing gears, yet it shuts down. I've called them and I'm going to send it in for RMA and see what happens. Let me know if ya'll discover any solutions.

 

Well, I don't know what is more stupid... overlock your GPU & CPU and complaine about overheating or upgrade to more efficient (less voltage & heat) CPU. Anyway, thanks for reply...

 

first: I said it was stupid because of the price: pay money now that you have one of the best CPU! if it is not stupid, what is??

second: on what you said: "overlock your GPU & CPU and complaine about overheating" --> who has spoken about OC?? have you read what I wrote?? my problems are not related to OC!! I did not OC anything in my laptop! mine shuts down @ default. I tried also to downclock the GPU, same problem! my cpu works often to 800MHz!! and my vista fly!

I gave you an advice! you can do whatever you want, but before writing something like your last post, please pay attention on what other members write! I have a problem, I'm very angry with that, and your words makes me even more angry!
thanks for yours

 

Why don't u wait and buy the new VX2Sn?

 

here is good review of Penryn vs Merom:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3195&p=3

 

I don't know if it is because the reviewers didn't know that, but the Intel Dynamic boost is also present in the T7xxx processors. It is a feature of the Santa Rosa architecture.

I would not change it. It is not that much of a leap forward. More like a little step.
We are talking about what? 6% increased efficiency. Over an old first gen Dualcore CPU, it do is a leap. But from the T7700 to T9700... not much. It is just like adding 128Mb RAM to a 2Gb system. It will make a difference. Not one worth spending the time, the money and voiding the warranty.

I have found some very thin electro-something film. It is powered by a high voltage transformer... and guess what? It gets COLD! I will try to get my hands on this and place the film just in front of the air intake.

I still think that it is an overheat problem. Never get any crash when docked or lifted. Only when the laptop is resting flat.

 

Just received my VX2S back from RMA. Asus replaced "the VGA card". I just played Crysis 20 minutes with no crashes, so things look promising.

 

please let me know if you have any problem.. today I will give my notebook to RMA again

I will ask a change with a new one! because of the case signed by the technician in the first motherboard exchange

2 months, and the Item I'm waiting isn't arrived yet!! I think it's a good point to ask a substitution

 

I am waiting until next month to send mine. I know the guy at the repair place so I can be sure the job will be done correctly.

Plus, if they have a 8800GTX card... hehehehhe

I will ask him for a CPU upgrade and to change the LCD to the Chi Mei one.

 

how long did the entire process take from the day you shipped your notebook to them to the day you received it?

 

guys, how many have the problem with the GPU?? it's crystal clear that it is a non conformity in field!
and for the LCD panel: anyone can justify 3000euros for that notebook?? with all the problems, and the crappy LCD samsung??

to me: ASUS no-more

 

Hi

I´m using XP Pro now but have problems with my soundcard drivers. Everythings seems to work correctly, even SPDIF. But when I connect a normal 3.5 mm connector for my earplugs the sound doesn´t mute. I hear the sound in both the speakers and in my earplugs. Before the speakers on the laptop muted. I also get a message that the earplugs are connected but it still doesn´t mute. I´ve checked all settings and I can´t find anything about muting the speakers. I used the ASUS audio-drivers. Anyone know of a solution?

Regards

Jocke

 

Go download the realtek high definition audio drivers for XP.

I am running these and the sound mutes when I plug in the earphones or SP/DIF. Also mute when the headset is connected to the docking station.

 

fantastic! RMA did not recognise any problem to my video card! So they haven't done anything to fix my notebook! I think it is incredible! 2 months at RMA and they will not fix my problem!
for the LCD panel, they admit it has a problem (bad brightness from bottom) but they will not exchange it! I told them very angry that if there is a problem they have recognised, they must exchange it with another model! now they have corrected the diagnose from: "LCD panel bad brightness from bottom, doesn't visualize correctly" to "LCD pane has bad pixels" and add a note: "LCD panel is the right one for this model and does'nt need to be exchanged"
iincredible! 2 months @ RMA, nothing fixed! and if I will sell my notebook I will lose 4-500€

ASUS no-more! no-more!

 

Total of 6 days. I am in the U.S.

Called Asus on a Saturday, Received RMA# Tuesday (3 days later)
Shipped VX2S to them Wednesday via standard overnight
Repaired by Saturday and was shipped Monday, received Tuesday

Since I also have a desktop PC, this time was acceptable, especially since it is working properly now.

 

ASUStek Italy is definitely a shame! I can't play 3D applications even downclocking frequencies of 8600GT. I can't stand it bynow I don't know what I could do ti fix this

 

Send it to me. I will "repair" it for you *winkwink*...

Seriously. Call directly at Asus global service (not the RMA center, the global customer service) and give them a **** load.

If the guy you are talking to can't give you a good answer, then tell him to shut-up and ask for his supervisor right away. He probably will complain, but you can do this.

Once you have switched to 3-4 levels higher, all your problems can be solved.
THEY noted to your file that there was BAD PIXELS.... ZBD anyone? I am sure you can get a good RMA or exchange if you push it enought.
I would still recommend you to flash the bios to a normal clocked version and install Asus' VGA drivers. Even if it is not the best settings, might ease things when you are talking to the european technical director. (I had to get up too VP once to get my internet connection problem solved. Ended having the whole house re-wired up to the relai center (about 5km away) and all the walls and repairs paid (they opened the walls to change the wires).

I am sure you can get something if you push enought.

 

the situation is very complicate! after 2 month (alittle more) many things happened! I called the RMA centre and they told to talk with ASUS, so I called the payment number, explain all the problems to an operator very arrogant! he told me it wasn't his business, and that I would have it to solve with the RMA centre! I told him to speak with an ASUS superior one, but he told me it was not the procedure! the telephone operator are the only interface I have!! so I asked him to write down my situation and tell anybody (so he could do the interface between me and ASUS), and guess his answer: "it is not my business, so I'll write down nothing". after 50 mins (payment number, with an hold on of 15mins ) nothing concrete!

for the VGA I haven't OC! original bios & drivers! but it shuts down anyway!

the screen hasn't any dead pixel, they wrote this only to justify the first substitution with an equal one, with same brightness problem.

Tomoroow I will get the notebook, I can't test it at RMA centre, obviously! but if there is any scratch they must write it down in the documents to close the RMA! then I will test at home, and if it will shut down only once I will expect all my money back, so I can buy another notebook work properly
it's unacceptable over 2 months at RMA centre

now a little note: you can't upgrade the VX2S with an 8800M GTX; first of all, it has overheating problems even with the 8600GT

second here it is:

8600M GT: mxm II:

http://www.oszone.net/user_img/070605214944/109045.jpg


8800M GTX: mxm IV:

http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140198739997&indexURL=0#ebayphotohosting