New Gigabyte P25W (GTX 770M)

Stick it to win 8 defaults and reinstall

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Hey!

I'm also considering P25W/P25K and my main question is: how is the build quality of this laptop? Hinges especially and the silver plastic around them (I'm assuming it is plastic, not metal) look a bit shaky to me, but I've never seen this laptop live, so I can't judge ofc.

Oh and also - are CPU temperatures really high? I heard i7-4700mq can handle up to 100 degrees celsius, but I'd rather not fry my processor after couple of months.

 

Build quality is good for a plastic fantastic.

Temps are great - i posted before running prime95 and furmark cant remember off hand.

Surround is plastic but ok. Go for the 15 inch as has better gpu.

Cpu can be upgraded at a later datw.

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Cheers Good to hear that plastic is decent quality, because in my old Lenovo (y470) plastic hinges completely gave away after 2 years of use.

Yeah, I think both p25w and p25k are 15.6 inch, but the latter one has nvidia 765 and (not sure about this one) smaller SSD

 

I spent the entirety of 2013 & some of 2012 researching & considering my next gaming laptop purchase. I choose the P25 CF3 due to its size, weight & GPU. I have had the P25 since October of 2013 & had no problems. I've also not experienced the clicking or blue screen as mentioned above.
I would recommend this laptop to those of you whom are in the market.
I only wish I would have been able to get one of these with a 780M.
Also, the build quality seems very stable. We'll see how it fares over time, but for now the plastic, hinges etc.. are very well put together.
There are two issues in my opinion, first the speakers aren't so great, second the touch pad isn't the best. However, I rarely use either due to a mouse & headphones. Hope this helps anyone considering this laptop.

 

I Just received my p25w-cf4 yesterday and thought id add my initial impressions.

first off when i first received it and reached inside the box you have to grab the laptop itself to pull it out due to its packaging and the thing that struck me right away was how much thinner it was then i expected it to be. I could not be happier with the dimensions of the product i found it very easy to hold with one hand and in no way was imo to bulky to carry around. I do however recommend holding it opposite of the battery side when holding it by the back i could feel the battery flex some and i didnt want to put any undue stress on it. the only down side to the design i have is i wish the edge where your wrist sits was rounded extended typing sessions/gaming it is a little sharp.

As far as overall build quality i find it to be quite good for a plastic, when pushing on the lid you get little to no flex and it just feels solid in general, the hinges for the lid are tight and keep the screen in any position you put it. the keyboard is fantastic the keys have enough depth to feel confident when typing i do wish the backlit had color options are atleast one more up in brightness.

the track pad can be little over sensitive at times but performs quite acceptably for everyday task if your gaming you will be using a mouse anyways but if you take it on the go for any buisness/school work it wont frustrate you.

the screen is top notch the viewing angle is great and the quality of the picture i have no complaints about, the only thing that could make it better is a little more brightness.

as far as cooling i used to for 6 hours straight for everyday surfing and updates etc when i first received it. the highest temp recorded during that time was 57c and the fans stayed nearly silent during that entire time kicking on a hand full of times and only to a very low wooshing sound, which was huge concern of mine i wanted a laptop that would have the manners of a non gaming laptop when not stressing the system and its doing just that. when gaming the fans do become audible but no where near as loud as some videos ive watched might suggest. the chassis itself stays relatively cool i gamed with it on my lap for 2 hours without feeling uncomfortable how many gaming laptops can you say that about? it does get warm around the 7 key on the number pad but not horribly. I did not record temps while gaming but will do so soon. i do wish they had found a way to have the intake vents on top are on the side i did find myself adjusting often to make sure they were not blocked.

the boot time is extremely quick i havent timed it exactly but its well under 10 seconds if i had to guess of the top of my head.

the speakers are lacking somewhat the sound is good but they do not get loud enough for my taste but over all quality of the sound is acceptable but i would like to see some better speakers.

the only grief ive really been given so far is updating to windows 8.1 had driver issues with the wireless card and video card but eventually got it straight, id suggest making sure you updated everything before updating to 8.1

overall im very happy with my purchase and imo probably the most portable gaming laptop with good cooling out there that has something higher than a 765m

 

Question: I would like to switch out the pre-installed HDD with another one. When I open the bottom panel, I see the RAM and what appears to the the SSD, but not the HDD. The HDD appears to require more disassembling to access, which I am not comfortable doing without a service manual or something like that. Is there a service manual I can download or am I simply missing something obvious that makes it easier?

 

To update the microphone issue: after lots of Googleing I found a trick that worked. My microphone was mono, but Realtek HD Audio was treating it as stereo. This meant that it was using only 50% of the mic's volume. Going into Realtek HD Audio settings and panning the microphone all the way to the left (IIRC) fixed the problem! What a stupid piece of software.

To update the BIOS / HDD issue: Since I have a Windows 7 DVD and not a Windows 8 DVD, I first reflashed the BIOS to the one found on the Gigabyte website under "Windows 7 x64) and then reset the BIOS to Windows 7 defaults and finally performed a clean install of Windows 7. To do this, I downloaded all the Windows 7 x64 drivers to a DVD off of Gigabyte's website (instead of using the provided Gigabyte DVD, which contains some older versions and is meant for Windows 8) and installed them all carefully, rebooting after each one. Everything is working quite well so far and the computer is generally extremely stable and quick, with the only problem being that the second HDD still disappears occasionally, sometimes in the middle of an operation. Since I've confirmed as best I can that everything else in the machine is working properly, I believe that there is either a problem with the HDD itself or its SATA connection. This is one reason why I would like to access the HDD as I mentioned in the preceding post. I would like to try a different drive/SATA slot before asking Gigabyte to repair it.

 

Looks like I'll be joining the small group of P25W owners here. Ordered a P25W-CF4 and it should arrive Wednesday. I travel quite a bit and needed a powerful gpu for gaming in a portable size. Originally I looked at the Aorus X7 17" ultrabook, but the website had the dimensions off by an inch and a half in each direction, just not a realistic size for frequent journeying. As such, it came down to this machine and a Lenovo Y510p. In the end I decided to pay a bit more and forgo the SLI/throttling issues quite a few y510p owners were having. A built in optical drive and longer battery life through Optimus are also an advantage to a traveler like myself, so in practice there was only one choice. I look forward to posting my experiences as well as reading those of others!

 

Hi everyone,

I've just received my P25w four weeks ago and I'm running through an issue that I wish someone could help me with.

When I first got the computer, I tried to install windows 7 on the ssd but it crashed on every single start at the "windows starting" screen. I had to hard reboot it after waiting almost an hour.

Anyway, willing to use it, I decide to install windows on the hdd for the time being until I find a way to do it on the ssd.

The computer worked great until I decide to try again windows 7 on the ssd.

So I reformated both the ssd and hdd, installed windows on the ssd and I had the same issue as before, I wouldn't pass the "windows starting" screen.

The big issue now is that after the hard reboot, I can hear the computer start (hdd, dvd) but absolutely nothing appears on the screen. I tried to plug it to other monitors via hdmi and vga, but that doesn't work.

I sent a ticket to Gigabyte but they haven't answered yet and I'm getting really worried.

any ideas ?

Thanks for your time

 

Have you gone into the bois and changed the settings to "windows 7 defaults"

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Yes I did. I cannot access the bios anymore as The screen doesn't work.

 

If you updated the bios it defaults to win8 settings- which will break your win7 boot

 

I'm quite sure I haven't changed defaults to win8. Saying that, I really think it's bios issue.
Do you know how to rest the bios without screen ? or clear CMOS Jumper on this computer ?
thanks a lot

 

on POST the screen should display the gigabyte logo with the button to press to get into the BIOS (F1 from memory).

Just jab at the key when you push the on button.

The WIn7 setting is on the last page I think.

 

hey blkknight , thanks for your help.
The screen doesn't display nothing anymore. not even the gigabyte logo when starting.

 

Unplug, remove battery, wait a while, replace battery and give it a go then? Hopefully a full power down clears your issue.

 

tried, didn't work . I've just had a look and I couldn't find the bios battery inside . does anyone know how to access it ?
hard to find much information about this computer online.

 

Pull all your disks out. Then boot.

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I've just tried know and it doesn't work

 

hook up an external monitor?

Looks like an RMA if it won't post / monitor dead

 

Yep I've tried external monitors before via hdmi and vga.
I'll call Gigabyte again tomorrow and let you know what they say.
Thanks anyway

 

Anyone able to help here?

 

the ram is on the left side, ssd in the middle and hdd on the top right corner. It's wrapped with black plastic.

 

bottom left on this photo.

 

So what did Gigabyte say?

 

i'm sending it to warranty service. I'll keep you updated. it might take a week or two.

 

Does anyone know if I will be able to install a different model SSD (let's say a 240 GB in addition to the stock 128) and be able to run it in RAID?

 

Can anyone suggest any good padded sleeves for my P25W? I have never had a laptop before so am unsure what I should look for, though I came across

Zeroshock 15.6"
Targus Zamba 15.6"
Croco® Neoprene Protective

all which look like they might do the trick.

I already have a backpack with a laptop pocket but it won't be enough protection without at least a sleeve.

 

Hi All, I got P25-CF4 a few days ago and had this flickering issue. I've tried the above but to no success. I even tried reinstalling Windows 8 (using the built in feature) and the issue still remains.

Has this happened to anyone else? Any other ideas to cure this?

 

Hey man I spent hours upon hours trying to figure that issue out I even used graphic driver uninstall tools did a clean wipe followed everything I could find that came close to the same situation I was having, didn't matter what driver I used. I could never figure it out or find anyone that had a fix for it and I searched very very hard. I thought I had fixed it once but the problem presisted. I just sent mine back yesterday for a refund, your the fourth person I've seen with this problem and no fix. I'd assume it's something on gigabytes side like bios that needs updates are something I find it hard to believe it's a hardware issue after seeing multiple of the same situation. If you find a solution please share, I really liked the laptop but I guess I'm looking at different products unless someone finds a solution to that, shipping with software problems like that is just ridiculous It def upset me I really don't want a massively thick msi the Gigabyte was the perfect size chassis for me :/

 

Oh yeah I think I replied to you on the nvidia forum! I found that post and this thread from Google searches on the issue.

I was really happy with this gaming laptop until I started playing games. I'm going to try a few other things and then try and get a refund I think.

As a warning to future Googlers: Buyer beware with this laptop.

 

No issues with mine.

I'm on win7 tho - I suspect it's a win8 issue

 

If you do find a solution post it up bc currently there is nothing else on the market that fits the understated yet powerful laptop I really wanted. Wish msi had a similar chassis but it's a monster and not nearly portable enough for my needs and I really don't want anything lower than a 770m. Too above poster I did think about trying windows 7 but what's the point of buying a 1400 hundred dollar laptop that you have to spend another couple hundred for a new operating system just to get it to work properly.

 

To test a problem?

Don't buy win7, just install a trial version (with no key) to verify it's a win8 problem

 

Hi guys. I'm deciding what laptop should i get, mainly for school and gaming. And the graphic card on this machine is outstanding as i check!!
I know the laptop has been here for while, do you guys still recommend it?
The build quality is my corner. I'm struggling if i should get this one and Asus N56Jr, thealuminium body has already caught my eyes...
Wondering how's the build quality of this laptop, does it feel really cheap and plastic??
what about the touchpad and keyboard?
And how long can the battery last? Since I need a laptop for school, i want it at least last 4+ hours
If I have $1300 (US) right now, is this the best option i have, in term of battery life, performance, and the weight

 

I thought the build quality was great for a plastic and battery life was fantastic when not gaming, but I cannot recommend the laptop until they have a solution for the video card issues.

 

No graphics issues with mine under Windows 7, Windows 8, or even Ubuntu 12.04 LTS...

 

how long does it last usually when not gaming
do you think i have other better choice for $1300?

 

For Windows 7 the P25W bios has a slic 2.1 all ready in there. Add matching certificate & key for the version you want & it's all done

 

Got an email from Gigabyte, Motherboard is being replaced. No more details.

I should receive the computer next week.

 

Good to hear its getting fixed.

 

I recently purchased and upgraded a P25W to Windows 8.1 and I also ran into problems with the drivers for the GTX 770M. Since this thread looks like a good resource that has helped a lot of people I wanted to post what worked for me.

I wasn't taking step by step notes, but long story short is you can update and change the Nvidia drivers all day long, but if you haven't updated the Intel HD 4600 driver, it's likely the one causing the problem. With the advent of Optimus technology Nvidia drivers work with the Intel one to send all frames through it. That's my (very) basic understanding of it.

Here's 4 hours or so distilled:

1. So I installed 8.1
2. Updated Smart Update
3. Updated everything through Smart Update (include GTX and HD4600 drivers)
*reboots as necessary in those steps*

Pretty sure I had both the GTX 770 and HD 4600 at the newest Gigabyte release in Smart Update. Of course rebooting at this point would crash and disable the Nvidia driver every time. Played around with both Gigabyte and newest Nvidia releases.

Here's where things get a little odd. I used device manage to uninstall I THINK both the GTX and the HD4600, but when I rebooted the HD4600 was replaced with the default Microsoft VGA adapter but the GTX was still there, so I may have only uninstalled the HD4600. Based on this I think the next steps would be:

4. Uninstall Intel HD4600 through device manager
5. reboot
6. Reinstall HD4600 with the newest driver from Intel
7. reboot

At this point it should work. Of course it's likely that uninstalling all the video drivers/adapters and reinstalling newest Intel - reboot - Gigabyte Nvidia release - reboot would also work, it's just not the circuitous path I ended up performing myself.

I am still running the newest GTX driver release from Smart Update, I have not tried the newest release from Nvidia since it started working, as I'm not having performance issues, more than likely they will work but it's not worth it to me to find out at this point!

Anyway since there were so few solutions here I thought I'd post something that at least points in what is probably the right direction.

 

Hi there.

I've been looking to purchase a new laptop to replace my current ASUS one and was interested in the Gigabyte P25W. Apart from occasional gaming, I do photo editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Would the P25W be a good choice? Just slightly concerned about the screen quality.

 

Its got a good tn panel, nothing near ips quality is terms of colour representation - but good for a tn.

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So much for being in the Gigabyte camp... returning my second p25w-cf4, both had the flashing black screen / white line artifacting issue. In my case these problems were uncurable by cleaning out drivers (with ddu or otherwise) and then installing any version of intel / nvidia combination, nor did upgrading to 8.1 / downgrading to 7 help. Curiously, external hdmi output suffered no issues. On the positive side of the issue the build quality was great, the plastics high quality, and the keyboard, touchpad, and screen was much nicer than what the Lenovo y510p offers. This laptop was also fantastically quick, and just had that solid, well built feel to it, pity it had issues with games. Xcaliberpc was great about the exchange / eventual refund, and I would recommend / use them again, though I'd be weary of any used p25w-cf4 units they may be selling in the future...

 

Hello all, I've recently received my P25W Laptop and am having a few minor issues. First I ordered my laptop from XOTICPC with WIN 7 Preinstalled, I've noticed that the only way to get my speakers to work is to mute my internal speakers first then unmute it to get them to output any sound. Does anyone have a fix for this issue or any similar problem?

 

the 1st thing i did was upgrade to windows 7 from win8
I remember having to install the gigabyte Smart ManagerV3 for the sound to work
also the gigabyte Smart Update works well I'd get this & update to the latest drivers I do anyway
oh when booting off the SSD windows 7 boot's before the sound is initialized so i get no start up sound but i do from when booting form the HDD

 

On win 7 I had to make sure the user was an administrator

Then on each user, open the smart manager (after updating) and turn on & off sound and on sound.

Seems to clear the issue.

Smart manager, as much as it's useful, seems to be a PITA sometimes as well.

 

Everytime I try to open SmartManagerV3 I get this error message, "windows cannot find gbosvd2.exe" Do you guys know what this means/ how to fix this issue?