New Portege Z830

[1994F7PT]

toshiba website, download the windows installer package and run it, it runs the flash from within windows then reboots the system, very very easy to do, just follow the onscreen instructions

[Tim Osman]

Got it today. Right away I noticed the fan issue. I installed the updated BIOS. I did notice that the fan does not run continuously now but when it does, it is very loud and disturbing. Is this something Toshiba can fix if I send it to them or am I going to have to return the item?

[alexUW]

Got it today. Right away I noticed the fan issue. I installed the updated BIOS. I did notice that the fan does not run continuously now but when it does, it is very loud and disturbing. Is this something Toshiba can fix if I send it to them or am I going to have to return the item?

Probably going to have to return; it's a hardware/design issue. Sending it in will only result in the repair depot replacing the old fan with a new fan of the EXACT same model.

However, it shouldn't be overly loud; more like a constant "humming" noise.

[1994F7PT]

as above, its unfortunately a design fault, if you can deal with it then all good, if not then send the laptop back as it wont get any better

i personally was close to getting rid of mine but the BIOS flash has no made it a keeper as the fan is literally never on for 90% of the useage i have of the laptop and if it is on its because i'm watching a film or playing a game, as such the fan noise is drowned out by the speakers/headphones

[alexUW]

Another BIOS update for the z830/z835 porteges

Change History

Version 1.60_1.20 - 2012-03-12
EC/KBC V1.20: Improved the battery charge function. (Note: After updating to EC/KBC V1.20, downgrading to V1.10 will not be possible.)
Version 1.60 - 2012-02-15
Modified: Fan control.
Version 1.50 - 2012-02-13
Added a boot LOGO sequence for ZAT (GPS) models.
Improved: Control of TPM on Intel TXT enabled systems.
Implemented a fix for an issue where the BIOS password cannot be entered when configured as follows: 1. Wired USB keyboard is connected to the port replicator. Wireless USB mouse is connected to a computer USB port. 3. Computer is docked to the port replicator.
Implemented a fix for an issue where the BIOS password can't be entered with some USB keyboards.
Version 1.40 - 2011-11-15
Improved: Control of the TPM on Intel TXT enabled systems.
Version 1.30 - 2011-10-27
Initial production BIOS for these models.

Be aware it states once you upgrade to the new BIOS, downgrading to a previous BIOS will not be possible.


Here is a generic z835 support page: Model Content Page


Good luck

[BigNerd]

What does "Improved the battery charge function" mean?

I wish they had more detailed explanations.

[1994F7PT]

Had a tweak with the woeful tosh SSD today and managed to get it from 5.9 on the WEI to a much more respectable 6.6 and it feels snappier as well, the lag I felt with windows/programs opening compared to my Vertex 2 seems to be gone :-)

used the following tool in default settings:

Guide SSD Tweak Utility

[makryger]

Had a tweak with the woeful tosh SSD today and managed to get it from 5.9 on the WEI to a much more respectable 6.6 and it feels snappier as well, the lag I felt with windows/programs opening compared to my Vertex 2 seems to be gone :-)

used the following tool in default settings:

Guide SSD Tweak Utility

OOhhh, that seems like a nice 'upgrade'. Did you uncheck everything, or is there anything you would recommend keeping?

[talmarsh]

I'm back on the build quality subject..
I've seen some user reports online of panels cracking and not working - after "normal" usage (I mean no drops or beating)...
What do you guys think?

I'm really lost, I wish there was a perfect machine

[1994F7PT]

mines been perfect for the 4 months i've had it, still looks out the factory fresh and no evidence of weakness, it doesnt feel like using it is damaging it in any way seels solid and fine. the screen flexes but feels like it should be, not like its trying not to and likely to break if you get me

ai i unchecked the lot, think it was the super and pre fetches that sorted it as i had already manually done a lot of the tweaks, but very happy with that result tbh, makes the machine look a bit meatier on the old meaningless WEI :-)