Acer TimelineX 3830/4830/5830 T/G

[thomsomc]

Hey all, been following this thread for some time now, and finally grabbed one from the local Microcenter. I noticed that the original laptop went out of stock for a while, and I thought I had missed the chance to buy, but then MC restocked with a newer model number, the AS3830TG-6424. It appears to be about the same, only it's got an Intel i5-2430 processor stock.

In some preliminary testing, I noted the throttling issue right away. I think some of the thoughts about the throttling being tied to the GPU are correct - if I pushed my processor only the tests would run up closer to the Intel thermal ceiling at about 100C, but if I ran a test that used the GPU as well, throttling was almost instant, sometimes even seemingly below the noted 85C mark. Regardless, my point is that I think I've verified that the issue is still applicable to this newer model.

My question is - has anyone else gotten this newer model with the updated processor? I think it might actually be running a little bit hotter, but without extensive testing I can't confirm. I was hoping that the new processor would come with a slightly different cooling design, but I think that I'm going to end up in the same boat as everyone else, either tearing it apart to finish the job for the Acer engineers, or looking elsewhere for my tiny game-able road warrior.

The other thought I had was that, in looking at the extensive reviews of nearly every other system in this category (12-13.3" with a competent GPU), almost every manufacturer at least "ran hotter than I'd like," according to reviewers. Some even had similar throttling issues. Even though I agree with many posts that say manufacturers shouldn't sell products with design flaws...I'm wondering that if everyone else has the same issues, maybe the problem is based on a reference design that companies are using? Could it be that Intel or another vendor, maybe a mobo manufacturer or nVidia have released a reference standard that doesn't quite cut the mustard? To have a similar combination of parts (i5/SB CPU + GT 540m/HD 64xx) run hot in all machines of the sub 14" class, it seems that at least one manufacturer would have stopped at some point and said "what's going on here?"

To more directly reference models with issues, I'll point to the modders of the m11x, the Sony SA models, and some complaints about ASUS models that run hot when they're not of the RoG variety. Another interesting point is that Samsung, ASUS, and some other manufacturers seem to have released this type of machine (13.3ish, sub 5 lbs, and no optical drive) with a 525m or similar Radeon GPU, with far less heat issues.

Any thoughts? Just trying to see where everyone is on this issue. I'm thinking that yeah, I'm a little upset that they'd sell an overheating computer, but then, nobody else has been able to bundle all these parts together satisfactorily either...maybe the problem lies somewhere else?

[Sxooter]

Any thoughts? Just trying to see where everyone is on this issue. I'm thinking that yeah, I'm a little upset that they'd sell an overheating computer, but then, nobody else has been able to bundle all these parts together satisfactorily either...maybe the problem lies somewhere else?

Acer already solved the problem with the 3820TG, which had a dual fan design and ran in the mid 70s under max load and never throttled.

[PepeCZ]

Hi all, I need help.
- A few weeks ago I wrote here that the battery in my laptop has increased capacity.
- I was answered that this is normal,that one of the articles could have more memory.
- But I notice every + - 14 days re-increase capacity (since from buy laptop). Battery life is still + - the same as when buying.
- But I am afraid what it is, I owned before this laptop three laptops but did not increase capacity but always reduced battery after some times, but not increase, so I'm afraid what is happening.
- Could someone please help with this and tell me what's wrong with my battery, please.
- I want to thank everyone in advance what would help me with this, thanks.
THIS IS MY NEW SCREENSHOT FROM DATE 25.10.2011:

Between this screenshot and the first one screenshot(which is here down) I create more screenshot +- every 14days one and always little increase capacity. What is this?Help me please.


THIS MY OLD MESSAGE IS FROM DATE 09-18-2011, 01:00 AM WITH FIRST INCREASE:

Hi all,
a few days ago I wrote this post:


You are answered that it sometimes happens when one of the cells has a greater capacity. But today again the maximum capacity increased
I really had nothing to fear? Thank you for your reply.
here is a picture:

[downloads]

Have you ever re-calibrated the battery by fully discharging it (leaving the notebook idle if possible) and then fully charging (with notebook switched off)?

[PepeCZ]

Hi Download,

1. I bought the laptop battery to wear out of the box 2% since then, only reduced, then there was zero, and now it only increases the capacity.
2. Recalibraci I've never done.
   (for recalibration, I also found nothing in manual)
3. I recharged notebook for first time after buying into fully loaded to the max, and since using it as follows: Charged to 100% and discharge into max 30/40% and then again to charge a 100%.
   (I've never completely discharge, it is bad for liion and lipol bateries, it's write everywhere in internet everywhere which solves problems with batteries)

What could be my problem with increasing the capacity?
You have idea what could be my problem.

[Bronsky]

@ Thomsomc

I think the problem starts with the Fermi GPU which is hot. Acer did not have as many problems with the amd gpu's, even in single fan/heat sink designs. The wholesale swap from amd to nvidia without significant design engineering is the most likely problem. Nvidia probably understated it's design criteria as well.

Even with the Fermi gpu, the 3820tg's unique cooling design would have been adequate IMO. It was a dumb and short-sighted decision to abandon it. It is nothing short of amazing. My Acer runs routinely under load at 3.66 ghz with no adverse effects that I can see, even a year later.

[downloads]

@PepeCZ

While it's true that fully discharging Li-ion cells is not healthy for them in the long run that's probably the only way to re-calibrate the battery.
By that I don't mean form/format the battery- which is something that used to be done with Ni-Mh batteries- re-calibrating is meant to let the chip in your smart battery know what's the accrual capacity.
So battery capacity isn't growing at all- it's just smart battery that's showing false value.

[bconcio]

I've got 6 coins in now, runs DX:HR at x23 steady, which is up from x22 before. 3dmark06 got 9777 not quite 10k.

What are your OC settings? I'm at 800/1000 and I only got 9334.

[PepeCZ]

to downloads: Hi, okay I would like make this step today - what is the exact procedure? let the battery discharge (but not completely) and re-charge on full? or should I use a special button? or what steps would you recommend to me in my case, please? Thank you in advance for your answer.

[buzzsaw13]

Hi, I just purchased a 3830TG with an i5. I was wondering if anyone knew if the board supported i7 CPUs?