D901C / Sager 9260/9262 / Pro-Star 9191 Owners Thread

QFT.

I'm playing HL2 atm and I run with V-Synch on. I hate moving my mouse and seeing things tear. 1920 x 1200 with everything maxed and v-synch on still lets me have a constant 60FPS. Very nice quality and speed.

I'll take quality over speed. If the FPS drop below 30FPS though...I'll start to sacrifice quality for speed.

 

Lol just a question, what does QFT and AFAIK mean?

 

QFT= Quoted for truth ( meaning I concur )
AFAIK=as far as I know

 

I never use Vsync, mainly because I've never noticed tearing. I mean, I've read about it and theoretically know what it looks like, but I've never witnessed it on any of my own computers. That I know of.

 

Some can see it. I'm apparently one of those that can and it does bother me. So I keep vsync on.

 

Nvidia.com is telling me to go to the clevo website to download their drivers since this computer has special keys and whatnot that need drivers for. meanwhile CS:S is telling me i got old drivers. Can someone tell me wats the best single 7950 Vista 64 drivers, and where i can get them? and, if i install these, will i lose the extra key functionality and whatnot?

 

Don't install drivers from Nvidia's site. They are for desktops. A lot of Single card users have reported that the best vista driver atm is the 163.16 driver.

Grab it from Laptopvideo2go's website.

Make sure to read about how to install the driver on their website.

There are a few good guides out there also for uninstalling video card drivers.

I'll try to fix something special up for the front page of this thread later.

Cheers mate~!

 

WU... you've yet to let me down... first pcmicro/ now this... lol CHeers indeed
only annoying thing is, updated the drivers, but the device manager is still staying the 7950 display adaptor is using the 7.watever drivers, the ones on clevos website, yet wen i go to nvidia.com and have them do the autodetect, it says the 163.16... so i guess its alright... its just annoying me that device manager is saying the old ones still. Is there any good thirdparty programs, like CPUZ, except GPUZ or something for the video card? Id try RIvaTuner but ppl say its not vista ready

 

Hello. I'm moving from the M570U / M590K to the D900C.
I plan to try to tweak/oc this one to it limits. I was able to get the M570U overclocked by helping get the manual PLL/ClockGen bitset discovered. So I think the D900C will be even smoother of a ride as most everything has been figured out from the start. Great sounding system!
$2009 - Barebones WUXGA+ D900C + Bluetooth wire-N + DVDRW
$229 - E6600 2.4GHz awesome Conroe overclocker Core2Duo
$99 - Low latency 2GB (2x1GB) CL4 DDR2-667 G.Skill memory. Chose barebones so I could get low latency RAM too!
$160 - 2x80GB 7200 RPM drives
--------------------
Total: $2500 shipped

 

That, and the cooling system on the thing is scary beastly. I got the 2.66 in mine, and the CPU vent never gets half as warm as any other hotspot on the laptop. The HD cage, GFX cards, chipset vent, and dvd player are all hotter. By a lot, too. So if you plan on trying to OC the CPU, I think there would be a lot of thermal headroom for you to do so. Good luck!

 

speaking of OCing the proc. where is the BIOS option to screw with the FSB? does it even have one...

 

There is no option in the bios that you can use to overclock the FSB or even the multi. My X6800 has an unlocked multi but it's not use to me in the D901C.

 

wow... i think thats the first ever, semi-cripple, of this system. Like i rele havent found ANYTHING else bad at all... until now. Kinda disappointed. THere must be programs to OC a notebook proc. tho rite?

 

Try the RightMark CPU Clock utility. It can do anything. (Not really. Just close.)

 

RightMark RMClock is great for throttling (underclocking) depending on the CPU load. What I normally do is overclock using something that can access the PLL (Phase Lock Loop) hardware in Windows via simple tools like ClockGen or SetFSB. One you know what type of PLL is in this, it's very easy to overclock usually. Only one notebook I've seen has a BIOS option unlocked for consumers that lets you overclock, and thats the Dell M1710 when using the T7600G.

So overclock using ClockGen / SetFSB type programs, and underclock based on CPU load with something like RMClock (preferred) or NHC.

Wu Jen: Since you have an "Extreme" version of the Core2Duo you have the unlocked multiplier. Overclocking should be fun as you can change the multiplier within RMClock. With a simple change of the multiplier up by one, if your CPU handles the FSBxMultiplier and your RAM handles well, you have a very easy overclock.

As for RAM Timings: There's a great program for lowering CAS Latency and such timings called MemSet32. It can also "loosen" ram timings to make overclocks higher.

I was also able to unlock SATA AHCI in the M570U BIOS. If it's not normally available in the D900C, I will get that done. Just need to break out Phoenix Bios Editor.

When I get the D900C I plan to write a guide on this.

 

You can set AHCI in the D900c.
It was one of the things Tech Support thought I screwed with when I had to send my laptop back.

 

Just a heads up guys but the new Bio-Shock beta drivers are up. I can't comment on the others but the 163.44 Windows XP x32 Drivers are working for SLI. The screen went blank during install but i just waited and clicked enter after a bit and my system rebooted. Upon reboot they worked fine. I'll post some #'s soon.

 

I had the same problem as Wu with the drivers from Pro-Star. On Windows XP I can't enable SLI. The Pro-Star drivers for Vista 32bits are the best on my lappy.

Have to try the new drivers suggested by Wu but I'll wait for #'s. Thanks once again Wu.

Trance

 

If I can get away with decent frames with stock drivers, I will. So far, I havent gotten a single driver instal to do 100% everything correctly. Either SLI wont work, or my games would recognize SLI, or powermizer broke, blahblahblah. I'll look into those after I get the game. and see.

 

Well, more bad news guys. The 163.44 driver has the option to let you enable SLI, but after some testing in game, and uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it., it appears that it actually DOES NOT WORK WITH SLI.

Sad, I thought we had a new driver here for SLI.

 

Same for 165.01!
Marked.

 

Hunter,

I have the 165.01 installed on XP and it works as far as I can tell by seeing the SLI Bars sliding. How did you conclude that the 165.01 do not work. I get anything from 40 to 70 FPS on COD 2 at 1600x1200 and maxed out settings (I wish I could get more). Maybe it is not working on mine either and the SLI Bars sliding means nothing really and I need to do something else.

Trance

 

Doesn't work for me personally because nothing using the Source Engine or hosted thru Steam will recognize SLI with it. And thats a big family of products, including CS:S, a very widespread game.

 

I've looked at Clockgen, SetFSB, RMclock , NHC and Memset32. Clockgen, SetFSB and NHC fail to recognize this Laptop correctly. Memset32 gives an error about finding a file and RMclock shows the ability to lower voltage or the multiplier, but not allowing a raise in either. Frustrating.

The E6700 that I pulled from this Laptop, is currently humming at 3.4 mhz in my desktop at work, while this X6800 Laptop sits rigidly at its Intel born settings. The CPU oc'd in my desktop is not the heat source for that Machine, it's the EVGA 8800 Ultra Superclocked that generates the heat. At 3.4 mhz the E6700 happily zips thru 3dMark06 at 12800+ scores. I'd don't want to melt the box, but an oc to maybe 3.2 mhz would really be appreciated! Do I hear an Amen?

 

Heres what I get with speedfan with my 2.93Ghz

ACPI Thermal Zone: 36C (Fans on Full (Fn+1) / Normal Load - Web Browsing etc)
Core0: 24C
Core1: 24C

ACPI Thermal Zone: 53C (Fans on Full (Fn+1) / FULL 100% CPU usage load for 5 min (Running W-Prime)
Core0: 52C
Core1: 52C

ACPI Thermal Zone: 50C (Fans on Auto / Normal Load - Web Browsing etc)
Core0: 40C
Core1: 39C

ACPI Thermal Zone: 61C (Fans on Auto / FULL 100% CPU usage load for 5 min (Running W-Prime)
Core0: 58C
Core1: 59C

No notebook cooler, just fans on max. Not bad I'd say. With my notebook cooler underneath I'd probably get a few degree's less.

 

Why is Trance's temps (+notebook cooler) that much higher than WuJen's( no notebook cooler)? Both basically have simlar setup. And Trance's cpu is even clocked lower.
Those are nice v nice temps on Wu Jen's.

 

Ambient temp perhaps? I keep it in a cooled room. No windows, only a porthole (which stays closed 95% Could also be the Artic Silver I have on my CPU.

 

Most probably is the Artic Silver. I don't think I have it on my CPU. Anyway my temps are +- 20C higher then yours so that is something I'll point out to my supplier when I eventually get a call scheduling the repair (everyone is on holidays, suppliers, disributors, carriers etc etc).

By the way, how hard is to put artic colling by yourself?

Trance

 

Taking out the CPU and re-installation might be a little hard for a novice (I'm not saying you are) but application of AS5 should be simple. Here's an official guide on how to apply AS5, etc.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

 

AlanP: You must know the PLL inside the D900C before using ClockGen and/or SetFSB, as they do not autodetect the D900C's PLL (only nvidia chipsets are detected automatically). You most likely have a later model ICS PLL. As for unlocking the multiplier in RMClock, you must have an "Extreme" version of the Core2Duo and may have to edit a .reg inside RMClock's directory with something like Notepad as there's an option for showing all multipliers. After editing the reg tweak, save and run it. Then reload RMClock and it will be available.

 

Law,

I'll ask my supplier to put it since my lappy is going for repair.

Trance

 

Anybody know whether my reseller (or Sager) would do an upgrade job if I wanted to get new gfx boards in a year or two? Finding MXM cards is a biatch & a half, so I'm thinking of just sending it out to do it, when I want it done. I love my twin 7950's right now, they pwn everything I've thrown at them at stock settings, but down the line... 88's, 89's, 98's, 99's... just too appealing! I think for such a high-end shell as this, there should be an upgrade plan! (I know voodoo has one, but... I didnt feel like spending the extra 3 grand, lol )

 

Akilae Hunter, The 8800M will not be released until this Winter. No one can tell you if you can upgrade to a card that doesn’t exist. The 8800M may have power and thermal requirements that exceed the current specs of the laptops that are out now. You can only hope and wait to see if it will be upgradeable.

If it does turn out to be upgradeable Sager has historically offered an upgrade program on previous models.

 

From scuttlebut, there will be no 8800 this year. There will be a 8700GTX(Ultra) card released according to an email from Eurocom.

Make of it what you will.

 

Hey thats fine, I was just looking for a crystal ball reading anyway. But Donald's answer's what I was looking for- Sager's usual track record for upgrades is that there are upgrades. Which is a good sign for us.

I would guess that a 9260 could crank out the juice if anything could... But again, thats speculation.

 

8700GTX Ultra or whatever variant would only interest me if its 256bit. 128 bit just wont cut it when you're running hi res which those default 3dmark06 benchies don't show.

Somehow I doubt it'll be 256...otherwise it'll be under a different model name for such a significant change ie .8800

 

my two cents:
the D900 shud DEF handle the 8800 even if it is a lil more heat than usual, as this thing is prolly the best heat dispersing system in any laptop out. If anything, the fans may just go on a lil more often, which shudnt be a problem as long as its not annoying to ya.

also, becuz of this 10.1 garbage, the 9 series cards are gonna be pushed up... so if theres a choice between the 8800 and the 9800, which will prolly have similar benches, except the 9800 will be dx10.1, while the 8800 will be dx10... wont the 8800 be obsolete?

 

ZODTTD, I revisited RMClock. Used the Reg routine and edited the registry. Unlocked the multiplier and the voltage. Unfortunately, the multiplier goes up to 11x, I need 12x. The volt list grows very long, but I don't think that the programmers anticipated a 12x multiplier requirement.

 

Well, at least that helps people with lower processors AlanP. Thanks for finding that out for us.

 

Does anyone else think 'DC10" whenever they see D900/1C. For me it's "I'm flying home on a DC-10 tonight." From the song spanish bombs, by the clash.

 

I just want to thank powernotebooks.com and Donald for turning out one of these babies in less than a week. I put the order in after close of buisness Monday (20th). Its already on its way and scheduled to be here Friday (24th). They put up with my herrassment every day asking if it would make it by friday. Thanks guys

P.S. I also want to thank this forum and all the members posting on it for steering me away from buying an alienware or another inflated brand name instead of this beautiful machine.


Sager NP9260 - Under $3700 w/shipping and no cash discount
17" WUXGA "Super Clear Glossy" TFT Active Matrix screen
DUAL NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GTX PCI-e SLI Mode w/512MB (1,024MB)
Intel® Core 2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz Processor w/4M L2 Cache - 1,066MHz FSB
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
4GB (2 SODIMMS) DDR2/667 Dual Channel Memory (64bit Vista Required)
160GB SATA 3Gb/s 7,200 RPM Hard Drive RAID Disabled
Combo 8x8x6x4x Dual Layer DVD +/-R/RW 5x DVD-RAM 24x CD-R/RW Drive
Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11a/g/n
Built-in Bluetooth Wireless
Smart Li-ion Battery (12 Cell)
Windows Vista Premium - (64-Bit installed - 64 and 32-bit CD included)
Full Range Auto Switching AC Adapter
Standard Carrying Case
TV Tuner for Sager NP9260 MCE (Free MCE remote)
Sager 1 Year Warranty (You have 90 days to upgrade the warrenty)
2nd Business Day Shipping

 

Welcome onboard CobrA! Added you to the owner's list! Enjoy your system!

 

Ok, so I got done aquiring GRAW2 tonight, and after popping it in and maxing out everything but AA, I noticed it to be very laggy. Just to see what it would do, I enable AA.

At 1920x1200 with everything maxed, I went from an average FPS of mid-20's to the upper 40's AFTER I enabled AA.

Anyone think that's odd besides me?
I'm supremely confused on that...
And for reference sake, chalk GRAW2 up as yet another title that the 9260 can max out without breaking a sweat.

 

I'm using a T7700 CPU and I see frequencies 6.0x through 12.0x in indices 0-6. I'm guessing that it is a different problem. Sorry I can't help you, but I'm using a different notebook.

 

awesome machine, i KNOW you will enjoy it

quite odd indeed..

 

OK, correction on my misjudgement of 165.01. They work wonderfully for Bioshock, up from stock. Went from around 10 FPS to about 30 FPS, though thats still at a kinda low resolution... 1300something by 10something, I think. Either way, the game scales to my full screen quite prettily.

I still think it needs some patches for SLI though... I dont think these 9260's should be getting that low of a framerate, especially with SLI. I'm anxiously awaiting some better drivers. (turns out 165.01 does work, just for everything but Source...)

 

Just picked up my 9260. Thanks to WuJen for getting me past the last set of technical questions. Have not bought a new computer in five years and I can't wait. Value seems incredible compared to some of the Dell/Alienware stuff I was looking at.

- Display: 17" Wide Viewing Angles WSXGA+ LCD with Super Glossy Surface (1680 x 1050)
- Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E6700 / 4MB L2 Cache, 2.66GHz, 1066MHz FSB
- Video & Graphics Card: Single Nvidia GeForce GO 7950 GTX MXM IV Graphics with 512MB DDR3 Video Memory
- Operating System: Genuine MS Windows® VISTA PREMIUM 32/64-Bit Edition
- Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 2 X 2048MB
- Primary Hard Disk Drive: 200GB 7200rpm SATA 150 Hard Drive- Optical Drive: 8X DVD±R/RW/4X +DL Super-Multi Drive & Software

 

One thing I've been finding, the default for the drivers is SINGLE GPU. It's a global, if you don't have a profile for a game it's ONLY going to use one GPU. Try changing it in the advanced under performance to Split Frame Render or Alternate Frame Render. See how that works for you.

 

Ok. After some tinkering around, I got my FPS range to get up to 25-55, at 1600x900, max DX9 settings. It usually hovers between 30-40. Changing resolution has a relatively minor impact on performance as per my tests. Forcing AFR2 gives me about 3 more steady fps on top of my minimum, and like 5 more on my top end. SFR reduced my frames by a negligible amount. All this in comparison to 'single gpu mode'.

For right now, I'd recommend to the 9260 SLI'ers to use AFR2, as it gives the highest FPS possible, and since its not a twitch shooter multi player game, the resulting input lag is unnoticeable.

Uncorroborated as of yet in other games, this only applies to Bioshock for now. Either way, this kind of performance at my now current resolution is about what I was expecting of the rig. Even so, it can only get better as the progress of patches & drivers marches on.

 

Wahhoot, my 9260 shipped today!