Sager NP2096 Owners Lounge

XP Pro (32-bit) will have, in general, the same limitations on addressability that _Vista 32-bit has. Both can, actually, "see" 4GB of memory; however, since the logical address space is limited to 4GB, and some of those addresses have to be allocated to non-RAM components, like the GPU, that the CPU must also address, the net effect is that there are only about 3.2GB or so worth of logical addresses left over that can be assigned to individual physical bytes of RAM.

 

1. Whatever OS you order will come pre-installed. It will be ready to go out of the box. All you have to do is install your applications and data.

2. Only 64bit OSs can address all 4GB. 32bit OSs can only address about 3GB. However having 4GB in your laptop with a 32bit OS causes no harm and may allow your OS to address slightly more than 3GB...and then if you ever upgrade to a 64bit OS it will already be there. Memory is so cheap right now it is just smart to get 4GB regardless of which OS you are going to use.

 

Hi All,

I've had my np2096 for three months. I think it's a great machine, however I've had a couple of crashes when playing Need for Speed Pro Street due to high temps I guess.

This only happens with NFS, I've played crysis on the same room conditions and all goes OK. I'd like to know if you guys have the same issue with games and what can be done.

Also, I'm thinking on moving to XP64 because vista 64 is running too slow considering that mine comes with 4gb ram and 2.5ghz cpu. Does anybody have XP64 on its np2096? How does it work? Is there problems with 32bit drivers or is there a place to download 64bit drivers for XP?

Thanks a lot.

 

same here only NFS run hotter than any other game!!!!
yeah vista 64x run slower than 32x
have problem after hibernation!!!!!!!!

 

I recently downloaded the 176.31 video driver from the Compal site, and noticed a significant improvement in gaming. I was barely able to play nba2k9 at 1280 X 800 with medium-low settings. After the update, I can easily play at 1400 X 900 with medium-high settings. Even at max resolution with medium settings, it runs pretty well.

But on the downside, I'm noticing lesser quality when watching video, with occasional split-second freezing of the picture. Is there anyway to have the best of both worlds?


Sorry to be a bother, but can anyone provide me with a link to the current best graphics driver for this laptop. Thanks.

 

try dox's custom 180.44's here

 

Hey I'm thinking about buying this notebook but I'm sitll concerned about noise level, heat and the battery.
I wish someone could tell me how loud the cooler is and if the heat produced by the GPU allows for overclocking. I'd like to give overclocking a try since the 9600 GT is only available with DDR2 in this notebook.
Also, how long is the battery life? I've heard of something of around 3-4 hours but under which circumstances? During office work? Games? Also, how far does the battery stand out of the back?

Another question (might be offtopic): Is there a significant difference in performance between a Core 2 Duo T9300 and a P8400? I know the T9300 is clocked at 2.5 Ghz and the P8400 at 2.26 Ghz, but it has the bigger FSB. Also, it is a Montevina model, does that provide significantly more battery life? I use a lot of Photoshop and multitasking, therefore I'm thinking about paying an additional 80 bucks for the T9300 due to the higher clock speed. But then again, the T9300 is not a Centrino 2 based model, which makes me think that it is incompatble to Intel Turbo Memory 2, or am I mistaken? Jeez, this is complicated...

 

Thank you very much. It's working great.

 

You never get that idea with some resellers and their memory prices. Btw, Donald, how are the sales going for the np8660 in comparison to the other models, especially the np579x?

 

Since September 1st the PowerPro P 15:3 is the #1 seller followed in order by the NP8660, NP9262, NP2096, NP5796, NP5793 and PowerPro I 8:17.

 

I've done a lot of research and decided I'm going to go with the Sager NP2096. However, I want to get a port replicator for it. I was wondering how good the USB 2.0 Docking Station/Port Replicator on xoticpc is. Does anybody know what brand it is? I want a port replicator, but I want to make sure it's a good one.

I hope it's not the StarTech USB 2.0 port replicator, because my friend had one of those and was pretty disappointed with it.

 

I think you will find the Targus ACP60 ExpressCard Dock is the best universal port replicator on the market at this time.

You can Google for it and find several suppliers.

 

Ive had my 2096 for a couple months now and I still get random freezing in multiple games and/or artifacting. Im running xp 32 bit and I've tried multiple drivers from laptopvideo2go.com. Does this sound like a hardware issue to you guys?

 

@joeKR

It sounds more like these non-certified laptopvideo2go drivers only work with some games, and cause problems with others. Try using 176.31 from Sagernotebook.com. If the problem(s) persist, then perhaps its a hardware issue, but unlikely.

 

Try modding your own inf file by using the mobility modder tool.

 

I'm using the default 176.02 drivers that came with the laptop for XP (176.31 is for vista) and I'm still getting freezing / artifacting.

Tried it, modified the ini and it didn't install after I rebooted even though it said installation was successful.

 

My guess is something isn't going right in your installation process. How are you uninstalling/installing new drivers?

 

Hi all. Been getting somewhat random BSOD shutdowns all of a sudden, usually while on the internet. Im running XP SP3 and have BIOS v1.10 (it came with v1.09 but I flashed to 1.10). Ive restored to previous restore points but am still experiencing this. Any ideas?

 

Anyone?????

 

I don't really know how to troubleshoot your issue, perhaps it's your video card drivers? Try updating those.

 

I've been trying to update my graphics driver to the latest version from Nvidia but it wont work if I dl the driver from their site. I have to use the one from my laptop provider which is sager, but their drivers are really old...

anyone know how I can update my graphics driver?

edit: nvm I found my solution at laptopvideo2go.com

 

Hello everyone

I'm new in the community and the recently discovered notebooks Sager
apparently are good and I have decided to buy a Sager NP2096 I want to buy it without the operating system like leaves in the page xoticpc.com

my question is will have no problem installing Xp or Vista????
I say to the drivers and settings
and which of the two systems I recommend installing????
Vista or XP????

Thanks for your answers
and sorry for my English
is not very good

 

I personally would do XP PRO ... especially if you like to use "FREEWARE" softwares ... mostly work better with XP and sometimes some of them with VISTA 32-bit but NOT with VISTA 64-bit!!!

G!

 

hello

I had thought in XP Pro... then no problems whit the drivers for this operating system in the NP2096?¿?¿?¿?¿

if you choose xp until that amount of memory would recognize me ??? 3g???

Thanks!!!

 

Hi Neon,

1) Read this thread and see if anyone is complaining about XP PRO and DRIVERS!!! I personally don't know.

2) So, your laptop will see only 3.x GB of RAM ... with XP ... 2GB is more than enough and will run just fine. I had 4 GB stick in my Sager 2092 and was running XP PRO SP2 and it was just FINE!

G!

 

and to run games like Crysis with XP PRO???
Run Fine??????

Thanks!!!!!

 

Actually I am not a Gamer (Yet!!!) ... so I can really tell you! But from most of my readings on this NBR Forum I see most people prefer XP for Gaming.

Neon ... use the "Search Button" on the Top Right Hand Corner ... say something like "Gaming & XP" Or "XP vs Vista for Gaming".

You will get lots of Threads ... read them and decide.

BTW (by the way), I am surprised some of the Regulars on this Thread have not Chimed in yet. Must be busy with their Christmas Shopping!

G!

 

Hey!
I have been following this thread since June (when i was supposed to get my laptop, but i did badly in 1 class so....) and am still convinced this is the notebook for me. Have any of you gotten the blueray drive installed with it? does it make the battery life a lot worse? How is the shipping time from xoticpc and powernotebooks (im leaving on the 17th). Thanks for the help! I can't wait to order it tomorrow night!!

 

Hi Philip,

Instead of guessing and asking the folks here about the "Delivery Time" I strongly suggest that you CALL both "PowerNoteBooks" and "XoticPC" tomorrow MORNING and see if they can deliver it to you by Dec 16th ... before your departure.

This is pretty tight ... but you never know!

G!

 

It is highly unlikely that you would get it before the 17th. It takes about 3-5 business days to build the system and a few days to ship it. Your best bet would be to get overnight shipping but even then I don't know how feasible it is to get receive a custom notebook within 5 days.

 

I ORDERED IT!!!! Everyone at PowerNoteBooks (Donald!) were extremely nice and helpful. I am getting the next day shipping. They're gonna build it tonight and are saving a special place on the ordering track for me! It will get here by the 16th which is perfect! Any suggestions of what to do with it when it arrives? I heard you should charge the battery 100%. Its my first laptop...
Thanks for your help!

 

That's very impressive. Congrats on your new notebook!

There's really not a whole lot to do with Sager notebooks as they do not come with any bloatware. The 2096 does come with a couple of programs that I found useless (specifically the WOW utility) so I just did a clean Vista install and wiped everything off my hard drive. Besides that, just install your favorite programs and enjoy

 

It just arrived and it is amazing! it looks sooooo much better in person just like you guys said! i'm letting it charge 100% and the wait is killing me... i probably won't get a reply before its charged but will vista be installed? what about the cd they gave me with drivers on it? the 3 year warranty that i got, is that on their computer or should i have gotten a paper? thanks!

 

P.S. Does the USB charging button work well? what about the quicker charge one?

 

sorry about this.... do i need to keep the original box if i ever need to send it in for repairs? sorry lol

 

Hi folks,

@ Philip99 ...

1) if you can save the Original Box and Packing then do it by all means ... becuase if you have to send it in ... the requirements for UPS shipping is to be double boxed (like it came) and the laptop has to be secured (meaning the foams that holds it in place ... so it is not sliding in the box) ... then UPS will insure it.

2) If you ordered your laptop with Vista from PowerNoteBooks (PNB) ... I believe it would come installed.

HEADS UP: Also for everyone's info ... in my earlier post (post #1024) I suggested against the Vista and specifically Vista 64-bit ... Well after reading some articles and getting a second opinion from few of the Experts here at NBR ... I myself am now a "Convert" and will stay with the VISTA 64-bit.

Thanks,

G!

 

Vista will be installed if you ordered it in your system configuration. If you didn't choose an OS, then you will just get a drivers cd with no OS preinstalled.

I've never used it to be honest. I don't really know what it does...don't USB devices charge just by plugging them into the laptop? Makes the USB button kind of unnecessary.

It's always a good idea to keep the original box. It's easier to pack it up and send it in for repairs and also, it's beneficial in case you want to sell this laptop somewhere down the line.

 

It's for when your computer is turned off and you want to charge something. I use it to charge my mp3 player at night..it works great.

 

Hey can I get a little advice about Ram for this laptop. I'm planning on upgrading to 4 gb during the holidays, so what should I look for when buying Ram.

I am running Vista.
I went for the 2gb x 1 module instead of the 1gb x 2 so I should be able to buy just one 2gb module right?
Should I get DDR2 667 or DDR2 800 and is there a difference?

Is this a good one to buy? It comes out to $39 with shipping...
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148233
...or should I wait for holiday specials?

Thanks.

 

Yeah you just need a 2GB module and I'd advise you to get the DDR2 800 since that is the max that the motherboard supports. That RAM module in your link seems a bit much to me, so I'd look around for some deals before jumping on that.

 

Cool, thanks.

 

Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I've had my NP2096 since mid-October and I've been extremely happy with it so far. I'm currently using Vista 64bit and, besides the usual older driver/software problems, I've been very pleased with it. I do have a couple of things, however:

- I saw this asked but never answered: When Vista starts, the display looks normal, vibrant, awesome. After logging in, however, while initial programs are loading, the display will suddenly wash out slightly. It's something I've just ignored and dealt with for a couple of months now, but I wouldn't mind knowing how to correct it since I much prefer the more vibrant, deeper look without it looking like the brightness is set too high. I've tried adjusting the WOW Video settings, but that's not it. Occasionally the display will reset to normal during everyday use, but that's less common.

- The only games I typically play right now when I'm not busy with work are World of Warcraft and Warhammer. As you might expect, it runs both games extremely well, however certain graphical effects have an obvious affect on performance. Smoke-like particle effects, full-screen blur and glow seem to really reduce my framerate/performance. I'm currently talking with Sager tech support on this but I'm wondering if anyone else has tried a different set of drivers for the 9600M GT for WoW or Warhammer?

I've attached my 3DMark06 and 3DMark Vantage results from last night.

The look of the laptop is absolutely great. I was very, very interested in a powerful, yet understated-looking laptop, since this is my work laptop as well as my home computer. I found an Asus laptop that was comparable, however it was shipped with Vista Home with no option to customize. I see what people mean about the lid looking brown. At first glance, it appears black. If you put it under a light, however, it actually appears a very deep brown with reflective metallic specks. Either way, it's an attractive lid. One big frustration (only because fingerprints are a pet peeve of mine) is that the high-gloss finish is a magnet for fingerprints.

The 1680x1050 display is REALLY impressive. It's worth the upgrade. I do a lot of work on excel spreadsheets as well as some casual gaming (as noted above). It's probably one of my favorite features about this particular laptop.

The fingerprint reader works great. It's a feature that I didn't think I'd need that is actually surprisingly useful.

I don't use the webcam much, but I have tried it out a couple of times with Debut. If you're getting low framerates with the webcam, check your light level. At home and at night, I typically get 10-12 FPS because of the low light conditions. Here at my desk, where there's lots of ambient light, I get a capped 30 FPS. Debut can also record desktop/display video, which is great in my work environment for training.

The USB port placement hasn't bothered me one bit. I actually haven't even thought of it since I purchased the laptop until I did some more reading through this thread yesterday and it was mentioned.

My temperatures run around the same seen in this thread on average. My GPU temp has peaked at 92 deg C during extended gameplay (I think I was playing Warhammer at the time), but I contacted Sager tech support and they said that's an acceptable peak temperature. I'm still going to get a cooler. EDIT One thing that I have noticed as well, when it comes to cooling, is that the left exhaust fan is really good at getting the heat out. This means that anything sitting in front of that port is going to get cooked, though. I made the mistake of leaving a glass about 3 inches from the exhaust port for about an hour, and it was literally too hot to hold tightly. This also means it's vitally important to make sure that the air flow leaving the laptop is unobstructed. You don't want that kind of heat building up.

I ordered directly from Sager Midern, rather than from PNB or XoticPC. The prices were pretty much the same, with very small variations due to shipping, so I decided to just stick with where I'd done the bulk of my research. I contacted sales on October 15th at around 12:00pm eastern time, submitted my system specifications, and then had to get a few authorization forms signed by the owner of the company before he could complete the sale. I sent the authorization form to my sales rep at around 2:20pm. During that 2+ hours, he sent my order information over to assembly and started the build-out process even without a completed sale. I got an e-mail at 2:00AM the next morning (11PM Pacific) that it had shipped. It was scheduled to arrive on the 22nd, and it arrived early on the 21st. I was absolutely amazed how fast and smooth the sale went, and how quickly it was built and shipped.

Overall I'm extremely pleased with the look, performance and value of the NP2096. I wouldn't change a thing so far.

 

hello jgolightly, i just recieved my computer yesterday and i completely agree with you! i also have the screen problem, when i login there is black for about .5 seconds and then the screen is fine, then it is sometimes darker and granier than other times. i found if i play with WOW video when it is first loging in it fixes it.... sometimes.... i send a private message to Yoyoman who had the same problem and he said "Haha yes that was the most annoying thing ever. You have to uninstall the WOW video. Just get rid of that and problem solved. It makes the two buttons on the laptop useless but it's not like they were useful anyways." I'm going to try doing that later... i'm not 100% sure how to uninstall them, any ideas? i dont wanna mess everything up lol. it would be great if you could use these buttons for other functions. P.S. what does the 3rd button do!?! its been driving me crazy!

 

BTW, im running FireFox, anti-malware program, anti-spyware program and downloading a bunch of programs and the GPU temp is 55 C, Core #0 47 C, Core #1 53 C and HDD 41 C. im using CPUID Hardware Monitor. These temps seem really great but idk anything about temps on laptops... are they good? thanks again!

 

Philip99 and jgolightly:

It is indeed the WOW utility that causes this issue. I had the same exact problem until I did a clean Vista install and never reinstalled WOW, and it works great now.

Everything looks good to me. The CPU temperatures are a little high (mine rarely go above 40C) but you are doing quite a bit so it's understandable. Your GPU temperature looks great, you should test it out during gaming as well. Nothing to worry about.

 

I got worried today on the plane... although it was really hot on the plane my max temps were really hot! GPU Max 84 C, Core 0 Max 63 C, Core 1 MAX 71 C, HDD Max 35 C. it was hot and i had been playing on low/medium settings for about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs... if it gets over 90 C is it gonna burn? what is normal? when i am writing this now Crysis is in the background, firefox is open and my pics are open (cant figure out how to put pics on this...) and the disk drive is making a really strange sound. like the CD is spinning and stopping. hopefully im just being paranoid, but i really thing that 84 C (183 F) is extremely hot inside of a computer! should i get a cooler? thanks for the help!
P.S. on a good note, i uninstalled WOW and everything is fine!

 

A max GPU temperature of 84C is really not that bad, especially since you don't have a cooler. I'd personally advise you to get one just because they're really effective and it's always better to keep your notebook cool. My max temperature never goes above 75C with my Zalman NC1000. I've noticed that the disc drive does make weird sounds occasionally as well but I don't think there's much to worry about.

 

@gonwk

Could you point me to any threads that talk about how good vista x64 is? I seriously need some convincing and trouble shooting, I struggle with it every day!! My windows explorer crashes some times, Internet explorer crashes, my drivers sumtimes become uninstalled by themselves (e.g. touchpad, printer) and the WORST one is when I trun off or restart, it gets stuck at "logging off" for ever, I have turned it off and went to sleep, woke up the next morning and it is still "logging off" and this happened a bunch of times already! I install updates for vista all the time but they make no difference. Since you are now a "convert," do you know something I don't know?!?

Thanks!

 

k good. when i play Crysis in a normal temp room with the back up the GPU never exceeds 80 C. its usually around 78 C.

 

Hi Amaracuracuf,

I am a little late today and I have to run ... and unfortunately I did not save my URLs that I visited during my search ... I usually do ... these last few days been busy and have not paid attention to saving the helpful sites.

Anyway ... I suggest that you post Your Specific Problem under "Windows OS" portion of NBR ... you will get a lot more help and from a lot more Vista OS experts ...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=15

Amar ... make sure you give a GOOD detail of what exactly is happening with your laptop ... for example ...

1) What version of Vista? Was the OS installed by Manufacturer or you installed it?

2) What laptop model?

3) Did your problem start after you downloaded some Microsoft Windows UPDATE?

4) Have you updated the OS with Windows Vista Updates?

and anything else that might help someone to troubleshoot your specific problem.

If you have not seen anyone else on this Thread (2096 Owners) complaining about this problem ... it might be that you have somehow Clubbered your OS ... and may be a simple Fresh re-install from scratch might fix your problem.

Sorry I could not locate my URLs.

MERRY XMAS!
с Рождеством Христовым

G!