emachine eMD620-5777 upgrades so far!

So i picked up this laptop for $349 at frys. Well knowing me i wanted start playing around with it. So here is what ive done so far.

-upgraded from stock cpu to a 4850 x2
- tried a phenom x3 8450 but would not boot
- just put in a 5600 x2 2.9mhz and it works fine temps around 33 deg c with load on her they go to 43 deg c $74
- using arctic silver
- put in corsair 4 gig 6400 $59
- put in seagate 320 gig 7200 rpm drive works awesome $89
- tried windows xp pro worked awesome but could not find the right audio drivers to work. worked on it for 6 hrs to no avail
- as of right now windows vista rates me at 4.9 5.9 3.6 3.1 5.9
- next up im going to try the amd 6000 x2 chip.

lol as you can see Ive been having fun with the laptop!

I'm going to try and do some hd video work on it and see how fast it fly's but it moves real nice

also had a old lite-on power supply 100 watts

 

Playing WOW on her and temps are staying around 39c with a notebook cooler

 

Please continue to update I was about to pull the trigger on the 4850E and replace the CPU now you have me thinking about the 5600? Would like to hear any problems that you may have had. Temps seem reasonable you did no other mods like in the other thread regarding the heat sink and thermal pads?

 

Nope just the arctic silver. Im going to run it thru a Sandra Torture test to see if i can crash her. Ill keep going till she melts down lol!

 

Well i ran into a new problem. When i was installing Photoshop along with playing WOW at the same time the power supply would cut out. I'm going to go with a 120 watt power supply here today and put the system under a heavy load again.

 

where'd you get 4gb of ram for 59 bucks

 

I ended up getting 4gb of Ram for 39 bucks from Fry's after x-mas. Lucky to have two stores in town. They may or may not have the deal online. Cosair 5300 so far working like a charm......

 

if you go into frys ask them to look for the cheapest 4 gig 6400 kit. they have a bunch of stuff thats not listed i got lucky it was corsair

 

Obviously your good with computers in general. I was wondering if you know any tip/tricks to get that video shiny(er) if possible. I looked up online the video card and while its decent to low-grade, I wish it could be better...Can it be better? I am very computer profficient so if it is possible no matter how complicated would you let me know?

 

Not much can be done for the poor ati x1200. Im going to play with ati tools and see if i can overclock it some

 

What do you mean by "shiny-er"
Do you mean more powerful, or brighter?
If you want you can change the brightness and contrast of the screen through display properties.
Unfortunately the X1200 is soldered onto the motherboard, so it is not removable or upgradeable.
So there isnt much you can do other than overclock your graphics card. However overclocking your gpu is not a good idea, because it will decrease your system lifespan, generate more heat and just cause more headaches in the long run.

K-TRON

 

Which processor caused the power supply to cut off? The 5600 x2, 6000 x2 or the 4850 x2?

Is it because the combined faster ram, plus the higher watt processor and the faster harddrive are using more than 120 watts total?

 

Im going to put a amp probe on the line and see what im pulling to find how much watts im using up use the good ole pie formula . But the power supply im using now is rated at 100watts. The next step is a 120 watt antec. The Proc or 5600x2 is 65 watts. Im not sure how much the hard drive and fans use tho. If i put the system on balanced mode my temps drop to 90 deg f. If i put it on full power my temps go up to 110 deg.
I tried the kuma core or 7750x2 but it would not boot Next up is the 89 watt 6000x2 which i know is to much but it will be kool to see what my temps hit plus what i can benchmark it at

 

Also my poor batter life with the stock 6 cell is about 1hr and 10 mins lol

 

I tried installing a 32 gig Patriot warp2 SSD but it wont load right for some reason.

 

Unfortunately, I got 2gb of 6400 800mhz at $164 each for a total of 4gbs at Best Buy. I wasn't very happy about the price afterwards, but that's all was available. They didn't have it at Office Depot cuz the price probably would have been cheaper.

 

That’s the most expensive so-dimm ram ever!! Is it even a good brand? You should try and return it and then buy online from Amazon, Newegg or Frys.com. Even with paying the 15% restocking fee it will be cheaper to return it and get it online.

ifarted2, which processors are not taxing the original power supply? I would think 65 watts would be the max.

Also, is the PC6400 800Mhz improving performance any and actually running at 800mhz? Or is it just switching back to 667MHz mode?

I read on other board threads that Acer does not have drivers for SSD for any of their low end laptops (people have tried with the Acer 4420 line). Maybe you could try a CF Hard Drive Adapter instead? You should be able to get more available space at a lower price. Here the link for one made by Addonics, but there are many other brands out there.

http://www.addonics.com/products/flash_memory_reader/ad44midecf.asp

Last, has anyone installed an internal Blu-Ray or HD-DVD drive in the emd620-5777? Are the AMD processor and ATI 1250 video card enough to handle playback? The HD-DVD laptop drives are also pretty cheap on ebay and I was hoping to experiment a little. I have heard conflicting statements about system requirements depending on the playback software used.

 

No, And I would not try personally. The video here we have is the ATI Radeon Mobility X1250 as you mentioned and I believe that this is NOT an HDCP compatible video card. Theoretically, the CPU is fine with HD its the video card that holds back this laptop sadly... In short not Blu-ray even if you wanted too. THat is my opinion I may be wrong however but I doubt it. Anyone care to research?

 

From what I have read on many websites it is HDCP 1.1 with support on data stream and on-chip key storage. Here is one link:
http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonxpress1250mob/specs.html

However I did read somewhere that the older Mobility x1200 was not HDCP compliant, but anything above a x1250 is compliant.

 

Im going back to the 4850 x2 45 watt. This 5600x2 kills the battery in about 45 mins plus its getting hot on my leg lol

 

Ok here is some pics of the install. I will add more detail later on but i took out the 65 watt 5600X2 and reinstalled the 4850X2 45 watt.

 

wow wasnt that a bit much paste? I just use a simple thermal pads and i never even gets hot just warm...

 

Yeah a little to much

 

I have installed the 4850 x2 on my dad's laptop and it has been working wonderfully for the last few days. The upgrade was well worth it since he always have his machine plugged in.

 

Any new developments?

Anyone have any idea about HD-DVD drives or Blu-ray? The ATI x1250 is HDCP 1.1 compliant.

How about installing a 9350e triple core which runs at 65 watts?

 

I just tried 4Gb of PC2-6400 in the emd620-5777 and it does not improve ram performance on the Vista Index Score. So it looks like 4GB of PC2-5300 is as good as it gets. It however is recognized and does boot, it just will not run at full speed.

 

Is this the end of everyone's tests?

 

Sorry ive been busy getting my Race Car ready! I went back to the 5600x2 for what ever reason it runs 15 deg cooler Dont know why but its running like a champ. I want to find a way to install bluetooth on the motherboard. I unlocked my Instinct 3g phone and use the laptop add-on blue tooth for internet. Any suggestions on were to solder?

 

I said in an earlier thread that I'd bought the PC2 6400 around x-mas time which was $164 each...*smh* I recently tested the memory to see how much of the 4gigs the computer was using, since system performance info was only displaying 1 to 2 gigs being used. The most I get out of the memory is just less than 3.5gigs and I was begining to think that 2gigs was all it would ever accept. I might not be 100% accurate in my calcuations, but I do know that I waisted a $200. I still have my original 4gb of PC5300, and I know that it won't make much difference in my system. I could sell either on ebay!

 

DCSlim, I have no idea why your system is not recognizing the 2x2GB of PC5300. Did you update the bios? Did you try switching the ram modules around? Did you go into the bios to see if the ram is recognized? Did you update your Service Pack.

This setup has clearly worked for ifarted2 and myself and I have no idea why its not for you. Is your model and eMD620-5777? Did you get it from Best Buy? Mine is from Best Buy. There are some other eMD620 models out there that are not the 5777 model, so you may not have the same motherboard.

 

No, no, no, no. The system recognizes the modules just fine. The fact is that the computer doesn't seem to utilize the full capacity of the 2x 2Gb modules. Kinda makes me think that even though I have 4Gb RAM it will only utilize just over 3Gbs.

And yeah I got minez from Best Buy. I'm going to upgrade the processor next though. Feels like I'm using my old P4 1.7Ghz computer that I built years ago instead of something new.

 

You are! The 2650e is a 1.6ghz cpu with 512k cache, just like the Pentium 4 1.7ghz. The difference is that the 2650e supports SSE3, uses only 15 watts and is 64-bit.

Its is only using 3GB because the video memory on the ATI x1250 is shared with system memory.

I thought your system was not showing all 4GB present in the BIOS or the system summary. You should note that the Vista Index score goes up when you use 4GB of ram as opposed to 2GB (not that the Vista Index is all that accurate anyway).

I personally think there is noticable improvement when going from 2GB to 4GB. Photoshop for instance is much speedier and certainly recognizes all the available ram for memory usage and allocation. Also the orignial Counterstrike is another way to tell if the ram is helping. I used Fraps and saw a nearly a 15fps increase at maximum settings going from 2GB to 4GB of ram.

What applications have you used which are not improving performence with the bump from 2GB to 4GB?

 

Well, what happened was, I went straight from the factory installed 1GB to 4GB, so there was a pretty big improvement as far as the number of applications i could run at the same time along with services being loaded. Once I get this new processer installed in this computer then I'll see my applications load up a lot faster and I'm sure much more. Don't get me wrong...you guys have the same computer and factory stock parts are just a minimum just to get things running for the sake of selling something cheap. I just don't want to wait 1min - 2mins (not quite that long, but long enough) after I click on something for it to load up.

Anyway, I don't expect to do a lot with this computer since, it has a low-end graphics chip in it -- can't play games the way I want to. I could have spent more money on a different computer, but I didn't. I just want things to run a little more smoothly than what I currently have and still be able to compete with most of the other high-end computers out there.

Once I build my new desktop, which I can't wait to do, then I'll have everything I want once again!!!!

 

Dont forget that these laptops also have a 5400rpm hard drive with a 16mb cache. A low end 7200 rpm hard drive with a 32mb cache will also speed things up quite a bit.

I still view it as a good deal though.
Cost without taxes included:
$299 laptop alone
$65-$35 rebate = $30 for 4gb Crucial DDR2 PC5300 (I did get the $35 rebate)
$60 AMD 4850e processor

$389 + $30 CA taxes = $419

This is really cheap for a laptop. Also, if I found a 7200rpm/32mb cache notebook hard drive for under $80 (happens sometimes at FRY's) The whole thing would be $500. Still very cheap for a laptop of this type of laptop. A decent netbook these days is $400 or less.

 

I just think its cool we can modify this thing for dirt cheap.

 

Hi all (new here),

I just bought myself a eMD620-261G16Mi last week wich I believe is the European or Dutch version of the 5777 since the specs are exactly the same.

It's because of this topic I found out regular low wattage AM2 cpu's can fit in.
So I ordered myself some goodies yesterday, here are the specs:

- 2 x 2gb OCZ DDR2 PC6400
- Athlon X2 5050e 2.6Ghz
- Seagate Momentus 7200 250GB 16MB

I'm expecting it to arive today, has anyone else tried the X2 5050e yet?
And another question : few days ago I opened up the back-cover too see if I could easily remove the cpu and if the internal layout was also the same as the 5777.. it was, but when I removed the fan and loosened the screws on the cpu heatsink I couldn't get it off, better said I couldn't even move it... my question is if this is the thermal paste or something else? I used some force but I didn't dare to use to much force pulling it before asking here.

Edit: Never mind about the heatsink, was unregistered when viewing the eMD620 upgrades thread... thnx fperez

Ok 4gb is installed, with the X2 5050e the ddr2 is capable of using almost its full speed (760mhz) But did you guys stress test your 4850's and 5600's? 10 minutes with orthos and the cpu temp (not the core temps) got 72 degrees celsius/162F but they seem to keep stable at 72 degrees celsius/162F fully stressed. I'm reading temps with Everest Ultimate and Coretemp, only thing is coretemp says the cores are 72 degrees celsius/162F
And Everest reports the highest core temp at 51 degrees celsius/124F and the cpu itself at 72C/162F. Don't know wich one to believe, but I think I need to put a little bit more cooling paste on the cpu.

 

Hmm mines at 120f on average. I am using artic silver.
I had to upgrade the power supply to a 120watt antec to keep up

 

Just 2wks ago I upgraded my laptop with the AMD 5600 X2 dual core 2.9GHz. Of course, I still have the 4GB of Corsairs installed. I see very little difference in the speed of my laptop. One thing I noticed though, is my rating is: 4.6, 5.9, 3.2, 3.0, and 5.3. Not too bad I don't think!

I guess my next upgrade would be the hard drive. What is the best hard drive to install in here and what is the size of these drives anyway?!?

 

Size is 2.5 inch, stock drive runs @ 5400rpm so I would definately go for a 7200rpm + 16mb cache. There are some 10.000 rpm drives as WD Velociraptor but those are very expansive and you pay the double/triple amount of money for it then a 7200rpm 16mb one...

But do you guys actually stress test with orthos or other programs wich fully utilize the cpu + ram for more like an hour? Theres one thing I may look in to, since my 5050e is not officially supported by the bios (as it sees it as a regular x2 5000) there is a chance the bios is overvolting the cpu. From what I've read I can use the AMD overdrive utility for that. And I could improve my cooling paste. I'm currently using "Thermalright The Chill Factor" from previews at google it scores better then arctic silver but I doubt that previews are reliable as it realy looks like regular paste (just the plain white stuff) If its not the voltage, I'm going to order myself some thermal pads + arctic silver.

Ifarted2, I'm sorry I'm new to modifying laptops since this is my first one.
You switched the battery for a 120watts one or the loader/adaptor?
And by wich criteria you are selecting a new one, knowing it will fit and work safely?

 

Hmm wierd my cpu score hit 4.9. Im wondering whats holding it back???

 

I'm a electrician and should stick a amp probe to see what im pulling lol but im to lazy. The old power supply under heavy load or gaming would kick off than kick on after about 1 min. With the new power supply i haven't had any problems. The new power supply is rated at 5.33 amps at 19 volts. I never trust what manufacturers say with there watts rating. But Antec products have always been good.

 

so the voltage needs to be exactly the same but the amps are allowed to be higher? And can I use a higher amped + wattage power supply to charge the battery?

Btw, I've tried several programs and all of them except for coretemp are reporting the cores of my 5050e
around 45 degrees celsius. They report the cpu as high as core temp says the cores are. So I'll go with an other program than coretemp because it obviously reports te temp's wrong and coretemp couldnt even read the temps of the stock le2650.

 

Hmm... Let me do more research! lol

 

I think I've got it! My CPU is affraid of reaching its full potential.

Perhaps it has a learning disorder...i don't know. Maybe...just maybe, it has download syndrom (down syndrome).

Hmmm. I tried to find overclocking software that I could use to overclock the CPU just a tad, but I couldn't find one at the moment. I know, I know, I probably shouldn't do it, but I want to see how much more I can get out of it or at least increase the speed to 3.1GHz...somethin like that.

I read on overclock.com forum that someone increased their AMD X2 5600 from 2.9GHz to 3.5GHz. Of course, that was on a desktop, but it would still be nice to do. I'm sure it would probably be way too much for this laptop, especially since I don't have a higher wattage power adapter for support.

 

dcslim its simply impossible to get clocks like that on a laptop. You need much better cooling because you'll probably need to higher the cpu voltage wich increases the temperature a lot (not only the cpu temp) so then this simple heatsink aint enough anymore... And I don't know if its even possible to change the voltage on this mobo...

 

nothing new ???

 

has anyone try out a turion x2 on this laptop ?

 

hey, I have installed 4 gig of ozc ram,6400 if you find a program, it will OC from the memory , and if not you can change the timing to a faster overall. I also changed the processor too a 5050 athlonx2 its a 2.6 gig dual core big dif over the stock 1.6 single it comes with , also I game and the hottest the cpu was 71c with the cover on . if you know anything about building computers, from what I see in the pics so far there are too many builders using way too much paste on the cpu to heatsink. these are very cheap laptops so to save time and money they builders use pads not paste . use quality paste arctic silver 5 and make it thin as possible . this will transfer heat better ,it is designed to pass heat by thermal conductive micro metal.thinner its applied the better. clean the cpu and heat sink with 99 percent distilled alchohal and clean the heatsink with metal cleaner till shine is bright copper. then use thin layer of quality paste . remount heatsink and have a great laptop for the money ...so fat in my case i have spent 490.00 dollars canadian for the laptop.4 gig memory and also the 5050 processor . any questions get back too me ... still looking for a faster harddrive that is ide take care and have fun

 

I bought 2x2gig (4 gig) Patriot PC2-6400 CL5 RAM from Fry's Electronics today. The notebook is an eMachines D620-5777 purchased at Best Buy in late December.

When I attempted to start after installing, the machine would not start, giving an error page that referred to a hardware change. After a second try, and "auto shutdown to avoid hardware damage," I reinstalled the DDR2 2x1gig (2 gig) and after some "software self repair" (it restored some earlier settings, or so it said) the laptop has started and operates normally.

The operating system is Vista Home Basic Service Pack 1. Vista appears to be (it's so referenced on the "system" page) 32 bit. Is there a hardware limit there, or is it just software? Is this a 32 bit machine so it is limited to 3 gig RAM? Will that keep it from taking the Athlon 64 5050e (even though its "stock" processor, the Athlon 2650e is part of the same family)?

I've read this forum, and expected the RAM upgrade to work properly. I also have gotten an Athelon 5050e, which I have not yet installed.

Why did the RAM not work? What can I do to get it to work? What do I need to do to have the processor upgrade work?