Acer Ferrari 3200 review (just a few pics/couple benches)

[Bootz]

Got my replacement 3200 today. Not the whole kit, just the 'puter itself, no battery, and a few small telltale scratches on the case, indicating it's a refurb. But it does what the first one didn't, which is to connect and maintain a connection on my wireless network.

So far, so good.

Bootz

[Pllat]

Hi, i want to change my wallpaper, but it keep changing to the ferrari wallpaper, should I unistall the FerrariWallpaper ??

thx

[richard.unwin2]

Hi there

3400 info

http://www.amdboard.com/ferrari_3400.html

http://computer.kelkoo.de/b/a/sbs/113501/7374902.html

Hope it helps.

[snorre]

Hi, i want to change my wallpaper, but it keep changing to the ferrari wallpaper, should I unistall the FerrariWallpaper ??
Yes.

[Zael]

Hello everyone. I too am a proud owner of this fantastic Ferrari 3200 notebook, but I have run accross a problem that I would like to receive help with.
I have an older model of TV by Philips, and I would be very interested to use it as my second display, but unfortunately it just shows me everything in black & white. :( I don't believe that there's any problem with the TV itself, as normal channels work just fine, it's just the EXT1&2 that are receiving their signal from the notebook through S-Video cable (with the SCART-adapter) that doesn't want to use colors. I have tried all PAL/NTSC options, and they present no changes at all.

Does anyone know what could be the problem and how to fix it? (Is there any definite difference with 4 or 7 pin S-Video cable? *doesn't believe that would be the cause*)

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[wikedlam]

Hey Guys,

New BIOS out for the Ferrari 3200 version 3A27

This is to fix the following issue:

Disable legacy USB and IO decode when accessing ESCD

[wikedlam]

I like to ask, has any Ferrari 3200 owners flashed their DVD Drives firmware to become region free?

[guilherme]

Hi there

3400 info

http://www.amdboard.com/ferrari_3400.html

http://computer.kelkoo.de/b/a/sbs/113501/7374902.html

Hope it helps.

The only change was the processor????????? NO NEW PCI-E GPU!!!!!!

[snorre]

I like to ask, has any Ferrari 3200 owners flashed their DVD Drives firmware to become region free?
No, there's no region free (RPC-1) firmware available for the Panasonic UJ-825S drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200 yet AFAIK. I use DVDIdle Pro instead, since that also includes DVD Region+CSS Free :)

guilherme: What do you need PCI Express in a laptop for?

[skyc280]

No, there's no region free (RPC-1) firmware available for the Panasonic UJ-825S drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200 yet AFAIK. I use DVDIdle Pro instead, since that also includes DVD Region+CSS Free :)



just for information
DVDIdle Pro does not support the Mat****a UJ-825S drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200....

[snorre]

just for information
DVDIdle Pro does not support the Mat****a UJ-825S drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200....
Yes it does, what version and DVD player are you using? I'm using Windows Media Player together with PowerDVD codecs and it works fine here.

[wikedlam]

[QUOTE=snorre]No, there's no region free (RPC-1) firmware available for the Panasonic UJ-825S drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200 yet AFAIK. I use DVDIdle Pro instead, since that also includes DVD Region+CSS Free :)

Snorre,

I found the firmware flash for Mat****a UJ-825S slot loading here

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1915

[Bootz]

Is there any way to manually control the brightness of the 3200 screen? Display under the XP Control Panel doesn't seem to be much help.

Bootz

[Bootz]

My Ferrari is showing a Mat****a DVD drive, too. Do they really replace four of those letters in that brand name with asterisks?

Bootz

[snorre]

Snorre,

I found the firmware flash for Mat****a UJ-825S slot loading here

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1915
Ok, but that's only RPC-2 firmware and not RPC-1 (region free) firmware so I wouldn't flash it with that since it won't help.

[snorre]

Is there any way to manually control the brightness of the 3200 screen? Display under the XP Control Panel doesn't seem to be much help.
Fn + Left Arrow & Fn + Right Arrow :)

[skyc280]

Yes it does, what version and DVD player are you using? I'm using Windows Media Player together with PowerDVD codecs and it works fine here.
it does work by caching the movie onto the harddrive
but it won't make the dvd drive region free
if u load up a dvd with different region than the default set, it s number of counts will decrease until it no longer allows u to change region

[snorre]

http://superdrive.cynikal.net/
-- UPDATE - Sept 11th, 2004 --

I've received a lot of inquiries about the April 2004 powerbooks that come with UJ-825 drives. I'm currently working on getting a region-free firmware out. I know about the (non-region free) firmware for the PC. I'll update this page when i have some results.

[mofo inc]

Does anyone know how much space I need to allow for the second partition. I talked with the acer rep and he said that it wouldn't be a good idea to delete it and that I could change it's size with partition magic but he didn't know what amount of space to allocate for it.
Does anyone have any luck with doing this with partition magic and if so, what size drives are you running with?

thx

[magnor]

[QUOTE=snorre]No, there's no region free (RPC-1) firmware available for the Panasonic UJ-825S drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200 yet AFAIK. I use DVDIdle Pro instead, since that also includes DVD Region+CSS Free :)

Snorre,

I found the firmware flash for Mat****a UJ-825S slot loading here

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1915

I cant find any information on what this firmware is updating.
I'm looking after a firmware update for the drive that would make it possible to write cheaper disk in higher speeds, now i only can write ex. Princo 4x in 2x speed. I have also tried a TDK disk and i burns alright in 4x.

[Pllat]

is there any way to reduce the heat at the left palm rest ?

[Zael]

Pllat: Yes there is. If you had bothered to read this entire thread you'd had know that it is to replace the default harddrive with one that generates less heat, and use the Laptor Cooler.

Now about my own problem, nobody seemed to care to answer.. I found this one site (http://www.svideo.com/svideoscart.html) but are they for real? Can the colors really depend on S-Video to SCART adapter?! :saywhat:

[magnor]

Pllat: Yes there is. If you had bothered to read this entire thread you'd had know that it is to replace the default harddrive with one that generates less heat, and use the Laptor Cooler.

Now about my own problem, nobody seemed to care to answer.. I found this one site (http://www.svideo.com/svideoscart.html) but are they for real? Can the colors really depend on S-Video to SCART adapter?! :saywhat:

I had the same problem as you when connecting the 3200 to a tv.
At first the picture was black and white, what i needed to do was to reconfigure the incoming scart connection in the tv. It is done with menus on the tv. I changed it from video to s-vhs. BTW the tv is a Luxor (Nokia)

[xedod]

Just got my 3200 back from Acer. The worksheet says they replaced the mainboard this time.

Just out of curiosity, fellow users, how long does it take for your Ferrari to recognize your wireless router? My Acer TravelMate does it almost instantaneously when you awaken it from sleep. Ditto a Dell and a Toshiba.

The Ferrari typically takes its own good time, as in several minutes to make a connection. For example, it's now been ten minutes and the Ferrari still hasn't recognized my wireless network.

Anyone else had this problem? I'm getting a little frustrated here.

Bootz

Well, my ferrari 3200 recognizes my wireless network immediately.
no problems with that, maybe your settings are wrong? dunno

[waxinator]

Have you installed WindowsXP SP2 yet?
It is quite nice for wireless management !

/Waxi

[Bootz]

Ferrari 3400 specs:

http://global.acer.com/products/notebook/fr3400.htm

I didn't check to see whether it was actually available yet.

Bootz

[Zael]

Thank you magnor, no really. *is grateful for any help /me receives*

..but uh, Menus... Ouch, this is gonna hurt.. *is on a brink of shooting his old TV without any goddamned menus*

Well, at least I have something to cling on to now.. *bows gratefully*

[Zael]

Enhancing its practicality and effectiveness, the Ferrari 3400 has included a port replicator -- a boon for corporate users!

Now, what's a port replicator? *doesn't remember of hearing of one earlier*

..so the upgrades Acer actually included in the oh-so-new Ferrari 3400 was pretty much only new processor, huh?
Plus it seems that they removed the modem to reduce the weight, and updated their advertisements (with the info users found out, like that the memory card reader also supports Memory Stick PRO) and software (Windows XP Service Pack 2)...

..Pretty weak I'd say, and they go and add 200 to the name, geez... :uhoh:

[Sanna]

Well, probably sounded better than "3200 and a half"... ;)

[thestateimin]

Is the Acer Ferrari the only laptop with a slot-load DVD drive?

[MarsPoet]

Is the Acer Ferrari the only laptop with a slot-load DVD drive?

I think that as8006LMI Dothan-based machine has one too. Not sure about the rest of the Acer lineup though. You'd probably have to do some serious shopping about to determine that.

Ciao.

[snorre]

Is the Acer Ferrari the only laptop with a slot-load DVD drive?
No, Apple's PowerBook series got them too. The Acer Ferrari 3200 is currently the only PC laptop that got one though (Acer Travelmate 8006LMi have a tray-load DVD drive) :headbang:

[MarsPoet]

No, Apple's PowerBook series got them too. The Acer Ferrari 3200 is currently the only PC laptop that got one though (Acer Travelmate 8006LMi have a tray-load DVD drive) :headbang:

Ah, hmm, wonder why Acer is using that drive only on the Ferrari machines. Any ideas? I can speculate about weight concerns, etc., but I am curious. How is your slot optical drive working, any problems with it ejecting ever?

Thanks,

[thestateimin]

Hehe thanks, the slot load dvd drive just seems more appealing than the tray drive.

[Zael]

Now it then finally went and happened, Murphy f***ing visited me.. :mad: :( T_T

..so what exactly happened, is that my new (only 1½ months old) Ferrari 3200 laptop decided that it has come time for it's harddrive to leave this world... :saywhat:
After it had worked perfectly for a week straight, it's harddrive suddenly started to make weird screeching sounds yesterday, after which the damned device stopped completely. the computer froze up, and after rebooting, the computer couldn't even find the god damned drive!!!! :eek: :mad:

Now then I'll be calling Acer and probably mailing my laptop to them and I kind of highly doubt they will even bother to retrieve my data.. And I did have some seriously sensitive private data there that I definitely don't want to lose..

*curses everything and all*

[Zael]

Okay, so now I have called to Acer's tech support, and it was as I expected:
I'll have, for some reason, send them the whole notebook, they will not even attempt to repair the harddrive, but instead they will just replace it and then send me back my laptop. Now if I want my data back, the guy told me that I had two choices (well, actually just one, but in different order). Either I locate myself a dataretrieving specialists and use their services and then send my laptop to Acer or I can first send my laptop to Acer, have them replace the harddrive and buy the old broken one. Now what I'm sure none of you will guess, is the price they told me for that piece of shit broken 80GT 4600rpm harddrive. :confused:

....

450 euros!!! :saywhat: :smash: :nono:

..like totally unreal prices.. Guess I better start searching for that datarecovering service.. Anyone know of one located in Finland?

[snorre]

Zael: Sorry to hear about your problems, but why didn't you take a backup of those data if they were so important to you?

This company will help you recover your data:
http://www.ibas.fi/

[Wu-Tang]

450 euros!!! For a RIP hdd darn that stinks to high heaven :mad:
Still there people out there that would!
@Zael when you get your laptop back it's worth buying True Image to back up your drive...backup to most media and drives zip usb firewire etc. and boot from those to.

[Bootz]

New Targus Notebook ChillHub, a notebook cooler with 4 USB ports:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=AWE01US

Bootz

[Zael]

Snorre, I hadn't done it, since I was holding a (wrong) opinion that one could get at least the kind of quality for about 2000 euros, that wouldn't encounter any serious problems within first two months... :( Seems not. Well, in the future /me will just have to kick out /me's laziness and do those backups on regular intervals... :awgreen: And thanks for the link.

Correction to my earlier post: the price wasn't 450, but 430e. (What I heard today from a computer shop. was that prizes for the spareparts are always damned high, and since Acer seems to hold the kind of opinion about their harddrives that they are indeed spareparts. it rips out on their prices... But still, asking the full price for the broken up product can't be right...)

[speedmunky]

hey first timer, noobie... been observing this forum for the past 4 months, great forum, loads of useful info especially for the ferrari 3200 :dude:

but anyway snorre i take my hats off to all your benchmark scores.. im happy with the scores i have shows the ferrari is a very capable machine these days..

i love this machine but lately ive had some minor problems

1 - Zael - sorry to here about your HD.. but when your hard drive screeched did this sound suddenly appear out of nowhere? im getting worried about my hard drive because it is making a sort of screeching sound itself every now and then. Ive had the same noise occur on my very old packard bell, and the hard drive went bust. (im going to back up everything, i just want to know for sure if my hard drive will go bust)

2 - When I have my power plugged in my screen is all clear... but as soon as i plug my power cord out the screen shows up with loads of fuzzy lines.. :scratch: but when I plug the cord back in the screen goes back to normal. Any reason why this is happening? From what I know it started occurring when i changed my power scheme but i dont see how that could relate with what is happening..

3 - And also Snorre, you know when you overclocked your 9700.. what did you have your core and mem speed set as to get those super scores of yours?

For me the highest ive clocked is 474.43 core and 239.14 mem for aquamark without it freezing.

And for 3Dmark2001SE highest I could clock was 459 core and 228.6 mem without it freezing, any higher setting and 3Dmark freezes. Haven't tried 3Dmark2003 because I haven't got round to it..

anyway im off to sleep, way to late.. thank you all to whoever reads an replies to my long winded message :cheers: zzzz

speed munky :eek:

[waxinator]

About question number 2.
Page 43 third from bottom.

/Waxi

[speedmunky]

ah rite, cheers for that waxinator, i have read through this topic twice over, but last night, i got to page 35 and couldnt be asked to read the rest because the topic is too bloody long... :D can i use that word on here, if not sorry... i mean great having all this info for the ferrari but man..

anyway thanks again waxinator i dont really mind the problem at all because i either run with just the battery, or just the power cord but will be much happier if the problem can be fixed

speedmunky

[snorre]

2 - When I have my power plugged in my screen is all clear... but as soon as i plug my power cord out the screen shows up with loads of fuzzy lines.. :scratch: but when I plug the cord back in the screen goes back to normal. Any reason why this is happening? From what I know it started occurring when i changed my power scheme but i dont see how that could relate with what is happening..
This is a well known bug in the current Omegadrivers that they still work on fixing:
http://www.omegadrivers.net/ati/radeon_omega_drivers.txt
Known bugs:
* Hibernation and Standby are not working properly on some cards and laptops.
But you can fix this by going to the Control Panel -> Display -> Settings -> Advanced -> POWERPLAY and disable the POWERPLAY option.

3 - And also Snorre, you know when you overclocked your 9700.. what did you have your core and mem speed set as to get those super scores of yours?

For me the highest ive clocked is 474.43 core and 239.14 mem for aquamark without it freezing.

And for 3Dmark2001SE highest I could clock was 459 core and 228.6 mem without it freezing, any higher setting and 3Dmark freezes. Haven't tried 3Dmark2003 because I haven't got round to it..
Check out these posts for all the details:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=335318#post335318
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=455976#post455976

:cheers:

[bsaevik]

29860(3720/7564 GFX/CPU)
hello. i have just got my new 3200 standard with new omega drivers tweaked to best performance acording to snorres guide. how do i do?
:bouncy:

[smark74]

Hi, read all the posts here (and @ http://forum.hardware.no). This has been very healpful and interesting. First time I laid my eyes on the ferrari (in july august) I was intrigued and I thought it was a good sales gimmick... Im NOT a Ferrari fan and Im certainly not a Motorsport fan LOL... Anyways, then I started to compare the Ferrari with other similar laptops (powerful & almost desktop replacement) and found out that with all the things included Wlan etc. (especially a laptop with AMD 64 !!!) & it IS actually CHEAP :-)
So I thought that It would be a good replacement for my aging and reacantly DEAD (Probably the onboard graphics chip is burned :-Þ) Compaq Presario 1800XL1. I planed to wait untill Dec-Jan and see if the price would come down a bit, but as fate will have it My good old Presario DIED and so now I will try and get a new F3200 within the next 3 weeks. I think the New F3400 has nothing to add for me as I have nothing to do with a Port replicator and a few more Mhz on the CPU will not be worth the added price. I really think that Acer should continue on this and EXPANDE on this new Line of products...
As I understand then the Ferrari has a plastic lid/backside of TFT screen, I think this a a REAL drawback and I

I will install :
*Corsair memmory (2 x 512mbXMS or 1 x 1024mb Value) Leaning toward the Value as I doubt that I will be overclocking the computer much. There will still be a slot avaleble when I want to upgrade again with a new 1GB when the chips get cheaper.. in a year hopefully... Anyway Ill buy a new Laptop in 2 years & give this one to my wife ;-)
*Hitachi HD 60GB 7200rpm (gets good reviews). The 80GB 4200GB HD I will use in a external HDbox USB/Firewire-port (reserve storage). I think when you have bigger and bigger HD people just fill them up with a lot of crap that they never use anyway and the disk just gets filled up... Better to have smaller and CLEANER LOL Besides, DVD burner perfect for those space hungry Pics & movies LOL

I use the Laptop to play GAMES LOL and with the Ferrari online gaming will be a breeze... F.e.x: DOD, CSS, BF etc...
After all the Games are usually most POWER-HUNGRY programs for CPU, GPU, mem etc...
snorre- Kjempefint jobb.
Zael- The Hitachi TravelStar 7K60 60GB/IDE100 - Bester Preis € 132.49 http://de.pricerunner.com OR bästa pris 1516 kr http://se.pricerunner.com

[LasseMan]

No, Apple's PowerBook series got them too. The Acer Ferrari 3200 is currently the only PC laptop that got one though (Acer Travelmate 8006LMi have a tray-load DVD drive) :headbang:
Don't you keep in touch with our nordic neighbour Denmark and their company Amitech, who actually has a notebook with a slot-in dvd? ;)

[snorre]

snorre- Kjempefint jobb.
Takk! :cheers:

[Zael]

Got the laptop back from the local shop today, was told that there's nothing they could do about it. Now I'll just be waiting for the answer from Norman Ibas regarding their prices (which I hear from everywhere are supposed to be high), and probably will end buying that same Hitachi the lot of you likes so well. :love:

Speedmunky: Yup, that's what it did. First I didn't pay any attention to those as I regarded them as normal working sounds (since tehy weren't constant) and there wasn't really anything wrong with it, but then that one fateful day it just suddenly started making a bit louder sounds and work at snail speed and then it seemed to get enough of it's hard life here and said bye bye stopping for indefinity.. :moon: :(

Smark74: Thanks for the exact modelname and price of the drive. :cheers:

[snorre]

Don't you keep in touch with our nordic neighbour Denmark and their company Amitech, who actually has a notebook with a slot-in dvd? ;)
Sorry, I don't :$

What model is that then?

Newegg sells these drives seperately too:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-133-004&depa=1

[LasseMan]

Sorry, I don't :$

What model is that then?

Newegg sells these drives seperately too:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-133-004&depa=1
It's called Amitech Freenote 4903. I got one myself. It's good, but the fan is worthless! On bootup it's totally quiet for 10 minutes, then a fan that is pretty loud kicks in for 10-15 seconds, stops for 5-10 seconds and then starts again. I'm glad i'm not going to write important stuff on it, because it drives me mad when Im just surfing.

Edit: Turning the power management to minimum seems to help alot.

[snorre]

29860(3720/7564 GFX/CPU)
hello. i have just got my new 3200 standard with new omega drivers tweaked to best performance acording to snorres guide. how do i do?
:bouncy:
Very well I'd say :dude:

[NightHawk7]

I'm getting my Ferrari 3200 in the mail tomorrow!!! I have read through all of Snore's posts on how to condition the battery, but I still have a question. Can I not charge the laptop and use it while I'm charging the battery for the first few time? Is it important to charge the battery with the laptop completely off during the conditioning period? Thanks

[snorre]

I'm getting my Ferrari 3200 in the mail tomorrow!!!
Congratulations! :cheers:

Can I not charge the laptop and use it while I'm charging the battery for the first few time? Is it important to charge the battery with the laptop completely off during the conditioning period?
You can do that, but I wouldn't recommend it since the charging will be less efficient doing so. If you're eager to start using the notebook right away I suggest that you take out the battery and run it on AC power only and then charge the battery later on instead (e.g. overnight).

[NightHawk7]

Okay, got my Ferrari today!!! Converted my HD to NTFS and installed some drivers and software. Here are a few benches.

3DMark03 - 3544 :dude: :dude: :dude:
3DMark05- 1559

I also had a question. I read snorre's guide for tweaking. How safe is it to upclock the stock ram to DDR400?

[flush]

Okay, got my Ferrari today!!! Converted my HD to NTFS and installed some drivers and software. Here are a few benches.

3DMark03 - 3544 :dude: :dude: :dude:
3DMark05- 1559

I also had a question. I read snorre's guide for tweaking. How safe is it to upclock the stock ram to DDR400?

Considering the RAM is rated at DDR333, you'd be more than a little nutty.

RAM Quantity > RAM Speed, within a DDR range.

i.e. 2GB DDR333 PC2700 > 1GB DDR400 PC3200

[snorre]

How safe is it to upclock the stock ram to DDR400?
I wouldn't suggest it if it wasn't ;)

[snorre]

FYI: http://blogs.sun.com/roller/comments/gaw?anchor=driving_a_bright_red_ferrari
Yes, I'm now the proud owner of a bright red Ferrari. And what they say is true - it turns heads wherever I go. When I walk into the room with it, everyone gathers round to gawk, marvel over the paint job, ask how I like it - and how much it cost.

What's that? You're confused about me walking with my Ferrari into a room? Oh, you thought I was talking about a car. No, sorry - it's a laptop. An Acer Ferrari 3200 laptop, to be precise. It really is Ferrari red. I love it. It costs about two orders of magnitude less than the car.

Okay, big deal. Aside from the color and the logo, what's so cool about that? It's running Solaris 10, 64-bit, that's what!

Coming soon to a Solaris Express release near you.

I love my job :)

[kreon]

currently i am offered either a 3200 or 3400

i was ready to buy the 3200, but would the 3400 be a better deal??? :cheers:

[snorre]

For the same price, sure.

The only differences between the 3200 and 3400 are 200MHz higher clocked processor, or about 9% higher performance, and a port replicator.

[Hemlan]

Sorry if it already have bin posted! :saywhat:
Have anyone installed win xp 64-bit version on the ferrari 3200? or is the TO beta yet?
:love:

[snorre]

Yes, it works great with Windows XP Pro x64 Edition. Although, there are still no 64-bit WLAN drivers available since the OS is currently in beta. It can be downloaded for free here (https://microsoft.order-9.com/winxp64/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MSTrialandEval&category%5Fname=winxp64&product%5Fid=winxp64&id=dl).

However, 64-bit display, chipset, audio and LAN drivers are currently available :)

[Hemlan]

can i find any forums for the ferrari and win xp x64?
Thanks for the suport Stor-SNORRE

[kreon]

so i have ordered the 3400!!!

[snorre]

kreon: Congratulations! :cheers:

can i find any forums for the ferrari and win xp x64?
Try these:
http://www.planetamd64.com/viewforum.php?f=2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/trial/support.mspx
http://www.amd64notebooks.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=2
http://www.ferrari3200.com/

[fskidd]

Hi Snorre,

I updated the ferrari 3200 BIOS to version 3A27 last week.And I found out that the fan starts more frequently.I check it with mobile meter.And it shows the fan starts when the cpu temperature reaches 39 degrees.I remember that in the previous BIOS, the fan starts only when temp reaches 49 degrees.Why there is such a big different?Should I restore to the previous BIOS?Or is there any software that could control the threadhold of the temperature for the fan to start?Thanks!

[snorre]

I don't think there exist any such application, but Acer should have included the fan start temperature as a BIOS option in my opinion. Thanks for the info though since I haven't upgraded mine yet.

[wikedlam]

I have just installed Acer latest Stock Graphics driver 6.14.10.6476 for the 3200. Running Doom3 at 1024x768 Medium gives over 60fps and at 1024 x 768 High around 40fps and runs very smooth. Does anyone else get these frame rates or better on Omega drivers?

[djgogo]

Hi guys. I've been following the Ferrari piece of jewelry since the begining of the year. These weeks I was about to order 3200 but noticed the 3400. So may be I'll wait for a couple of weeks more to appear in local shops.
Is there somebody already purchaased the 3400 model?
What about the 3000+ CPU, is really at 1.8GHz or at 2 GHz? And if it si at 1.8 GHz (according to AMDBoard) what is the improvements? Still cant find explicit info about that.
Thanx a lot :))

[speedmunky]

i just flashed my ferrari 3200 with the new bios, and it does seem that the fan kicks in much earlier, starts around 40C, an goes all the way down to 37C... the fan use to kick in when my temp hit 50C but now it goes off all the time, and i must say is getting a wee bit annoying, but oh well...

and also djgogo, I have had my ferrari 3200 for 3months now, great laptop, but yea the cpu clocks at 1.8ghz.. which is rather strange because most places ive seen said the 3200 wos a 1.6ghz... so taken mine runs at 1.8ghz, the 3400 should be runnin at 2ghz.......

correct me if im wrong plz

[djgogo]

ok, so that's what i found about the Ferrari 3400 CPU while browsing:

1) According to AMDBoard.com the AMD 64 3000+ (Winchester - 90nm technology), Socket 939 operates at 1.8 GHz
http://www.amdboard.com/athlon_64_3000.html

2) The same clock requency figure (1.8 GHz) is also given here
http://www.mironet.cz/DetailPage.asp?DPG=39656

BUT
here

3) http://www.biosmagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=1189
they say: "AMD is targeting Intel's Pentium M with its latest processor for laptops, the Mobile Athlon 64 3000+ (operates at 2GHz). ..."

and also in this shop
4) http://www1.shopping.com/xPC-AMD_ATHLON64_3000_PIB_21642964~S-P~OR-0~linkin_id-3007148~linkin_id-6061825
AMD 64 3000+ is given to operate at 2 GHz (they are more precise in fact, they give 2.048 GHz)

Apperantly there is smt. that is not cleared out in the Ferrari 3400 specs. If we take AMDBoard ( look 1) ), it appears that in the other articles the specific AMD 64 3000+ is mistaken. But 3) also seems to be credible because in the end of article they point out that Ferrari 3400 implements the 2GHz 3000+ CPU.

So what is the CPU, installed in Ferrari 3400?

[wikedlam]

ok, so that's what i found about the Ferrari 3400 CPU while browsing:

1) According to AMDBoard.com the AMD 64 3000+ (Winchester - 90nm technology), Socket 939 operates at 1.8 GHz
http://www.amdboard.com/athlon_64_3000.html

2) The same clock requency figure (1.8 GHz) is also given here
http://www.mironet.cz/DetailPage.asp?DPG=39656

BUT
here

3) http://www.biosmagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=1189
they say: "AMD is targeting Intel's Pentium M with its latest processor for laptops, the Mobile Athlon 64 3000+ (operates at 2GHz). ..."

and also in this shop
4) http://www1.shopping.com/xPC-AMD_ATHLON64_3000_PIB_21642964~S-P~OR-0~linkin_id-3007148~linkin_id-6061825
AMD 64 3000+ is given to operate at 2 GHz (they are more precise in fact, they give 2.048 GHz)

Apperantly there is smt. that is not cleared out in the Ferrari 3400 specs. If we take AMDBoard ( look 1) ), it appears that in the other articles the specific AMD 64 3000+ is mistaken. But 3) also seems to be credible because in the end of article they point out that Ferrari 3400 implements the 2GHz 3000+ CPU.

So what is the CPU, installed in Ferrari 3400?


The articles you are reading that says it is running at 1.8Ghz is a desktop version and the one used in the Ferrari 3400 is a "Low Power Mobile" Version AMD 64 3000+ running at 2Ghz . See the Roadmap here for the Low Power version of the CPU
http://www.amdboard.com/low-power_mobile_roadmap.html

[djgogo]

Thanx wikedlam. They have apparently made a mistake in the e-shop site (http://www.mironet.cz/DetailPage.asp?DPG=39656).

I think we cleared things up:
Ferrari 3400 features a low-power mobile AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Oakville CPU
(http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_10220_10221^11030,00.html)


2 GHz,
64-bit memory controller Width
16/16-bit link @ up to 1600MHz HyperTransport™ Technology
90 nm SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
128KB (64KB + 64KB) L1 Cache
512KB L2 Cache (exclusive) . Total Effective Cache: 640KB
Integrated Northbridge (128-bit data path @ CPU core frequency)
35 W Thermal Design Power
754-pin lidless micro PGA package
68.5 million transistors

[luciditi]

Hi all

I got my Ferrari 3200 in August, and it's been making gurgling sounds every now and then (as in on and off every few seconds, silent pause for a minute or so, then *gurgle*) for the past 3 months. The sound's not coming from the speakers, and it's not that loud, but it's starting to get a a bit annoying now. Is anyone else getting this/is it normal? Everything else seems fine, and nothing too bad has happened so far.

I scanned all 55 pages of this topic (*slump*), and might've missed something relevant, but But Zael's screeching hdd post is scaring me (sorry about that man).

And...

Somebody asked about the BSOD and physical memory dump thingum around err... June. I'm quite the n00b, etc, but when I was getting that, a friend recommended converting to NTFS. I did, and I haven't had that problem or the "non-windows xp disk" screen since. So maybe converting to NTFS might sort it out.

About the heat issue: this laptop's gonna rock in winter :headbang: (I just Really wanted to use that smily!)

Thanks :)

[Zael]

Hey, no problem with me. Wish you all the luck so that my situation won't repeat - to you, or to anyone else who owns this rocking :dude: laptop (and who hasn't yet had time/money to upgrade it). I should be getting my new Hitachi HDD this week. Ordered it from Germany, though it didn't come that much cheaper, what with the payment/postal costage being 25euros.. Duh! :smash:

Still haven't got any reply from Norman Ibas, seems that they really prefer the phone.. :awgreen:

[Gutierrezfuzzy]

who makes the optical drives for the acer ferrari 3200, and whats the brand model #

[snorre]

Panasonic (Matsushita) UJ-825:
http://panasonic.co.jp/mke/en/device/storage/dmd/dmd_825.html

[RedSky009]

Some program windows dont appear correctly, eg. in System Mechanic (defrag wizard), and sometimes buttons in IE popups do not appear in the window.. I have tried making the text size smaller and this doesn't really help.

Anyone else have this problem??

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/luke_cole@btinternet.com/detail?.dir=/85bd&.dnm=e932.jpg

[Anubis256]

Just to preface this post, I enjoyed a weekend in New Orleans :dude:(burbon street, drinking, drag queens with boobs and balls:saywhat:, the standard fare) only to return to a thread I COULDN'T resist checking out for myself. My response is as follows.

:mad:
It is impossible to comapre the ratings on the gamepc website with TRUE benchmarks. The marks on the site are ALL graphics intensive. Try running CPU intensive marks to bench CPUs....only run GRAPHICS intensive marks for GPU scores. GamePC has a major flaw in their test. :scratch: They need to run those benches again, but with a GeForce 4 Ti or ATI 9700/9800.

I'm glad you guys with your Pentium M's got to have your 15mins of fame...or however long it took me to post this reply. I won't argue that they aren't good processors, because they are hands-down amazing. But the 64 is more amazing than that! (I just wish I had the kick-ass battery life of the Pm.)

Anyway, when the day is done and we all enjoy our computers just as much as the other guy, all we want to do is have a beer :cheers: (and then we can argue the matter drunk :D )

[snorre]

I updated the ferrari 3200 BIOS to version 3A27 last week.And I found out that the fan starts more frequently.I check it with mobile meter.And it shows the fan starts when the cpu temperature reaches 39 degrees.I remember that in the previous BIOS, the fan starts only when temp reaches 49 degrees.
For your information, Acer has now released a new BIOS (version 3A28):
http://csd.acer.com.tw/SI/Download2.nsf/1815c7c6f8aff65d48256bdd0035cffd/4e90d4dda8eeff2748256f39000bc197?OpenDocument

Perhaps this BIOS upgrade fixes the issue you noticed too?

[kreon]

well i've got my ferrari 3400 for a week now and must say i absolutly love it!

i can not tell you about benchmarks etc. but it is very fast indeed. i was on a 4 hour flight and battery lasted +/- 3 hrs with general use and some gaming. i did check some 3200's prior buying this one in singapore and believe that this one is not as hot on the left hand wrist as others have claimed on the 3200. hell have you ever stand next to a real ferrari car, aren't they hot!!!

i upgraded to 1gb memory and paid total about us$2400.

love it, so far works great!

i paid

[fskidd]

Thanks Snorre!

I seems that the problem still exists in the new BIOS.I have emailed acer about it and hope a new bios will release soon!

[Rustican]

well i've got my ferrari 3400 for a week now and must say i absolutly love it!

i can not tell you about benchmarks etc. but it is very fast indeed. i was on a 4 hour flight and battery lasted +/- 3 hrs with general use and some gaming. i did check some 3200's prior buying this one in singapore and believe that this one is not as hot on the left hand wrist as others have claimed on the 3200. hell have you ever stand next to a real ferrari car, aren't they hot!!!

i upgraded to 1gb memory and paid total about us$2400.

love it, so far works great!

i paid


Nice notebook you got there. I wish there was a way to confirm that the 3400 does run cooler than the 3200. The heat issue was the only thing that kept me from buying a 3200. If anyone can confirm one way or the other, please post. thanks! :cheers:

[speedmunky]

give us a review of the ferrari 3400 kreon :bouncy:

+/- 3 hours battery my my and only after a weeks use..

[lithium_charles]

This is my 1st posting here, and I just bought a ferrari 3200 laptop about 3 weeks ago. While looking online I found this interesting forum entry at http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?p=1365658#post1365658
about how you can optimize performance. I figured I would share this with you since it raised my battery life from about 2 hrs 50 min to over 3 & 1/2. it also raised my aquamark 3d score from 26779 to 29219 with minimal effort. anyways, enjoy. :cheers:

[lithium_charles]

just for reference I have just the base model(512 ram,80 gig 4200rpm hd, etc.) with winxp pro, the only difference is I use dna drivers.

[Rustican]

This is my 1st posting here, and I just bought a ferrari 3200 laptop about 3 weeks ago. While looking online I found this interesting forum entry at http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?p=1365658#post1365658
about how you can optimize performance. I figured I would share this with you since it raised my battery life from about 2 hrs 50 min to over 3 & 1/2. it also raised my aquamark 3d score from 26779 to 29219 with minimal effort. anyways, enjoy. :cheers:

Wow! that's a pretty cool link!!! Thanks Lithium!
:eek:

[basher]

Had a Ferrari 3200 for quite a few months now. All works well, over clocked the GPU to play Doom3, but other than, only the standard driver updates etc.

Problem now though with my wireless card and a 3COM 11G accesspoint. THey don't seem very happy together and 11b just about works, but 11g doesn't have any joy. I've been told it is something to do with the PRISM chipset. Anyone have any ideas as to what i can do to make the 3COM and Ferrari happy in 11g?

[fskidd]

Hi Snorre!

Will you upgrade the cpu to low-power 3000+ or 3200+ later?If so, would you please post a guide here then we can follow.Thanks!

Byw,can you find the latest low-power 3000+ cpu for retail in europe?

[snorre]

Will you upgrade the cpu to low-power 3000+ or 3200+ later?If so, would you please post a guide here then we can follow.Thanks!
Sure I will, but I think I'll wait for the 25W low-power 3200+ "Lancaster" to come out first since that would probably represent a considerable upgrade both performance and battery life wise.

Byw,can you find the latest low-power 3000+ cpu for retail in europe?
Yes, the scandinavian online store IT-butikken got them already (OPN/part no. AMD3000BQX4AX):
https://ssl.itbutikken.dk/vareinfo/vis_vare.asp?varenr=72821

[Pllat]

my ferrarri 3200 got some scratches coz i often put it in the bag.
Is there any way to get rid of the scratches ?? repaint or car wax maybe ??

thx for ur answer

[wikedlam]

This is my 1st posting here, and I just bought a ferrari 3200 laptop about 3 weeks ago. While looking online I found this interesting forum entry at http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?p=1365658#post1365658
about how you can optimize performance. I figured I would share this with you since it raised my battery life from about 2 hrs 50 min to over 3 & 1/2. it also raised my aquamark 3d score from 26779 to 29219 with minimal effort. anyways, enjoy. :cheers:

just for reference I have just the base model(512 ram,80 gig 4200rpm hd, etc.) with winxp pro, the only difference is I use dna drivers.

Hi, can you explain how you installed the DNA graphics driver and what clock settings you set to get the Aquamark at 29219.
Thanks

[snorre]

my ferrarri 3200 got some scratches coz i often put it in the bag.
Is there any way to get rid of the scratches ?? repaint or car wax maybe ??
Try some quality car wax (no polisher!) and it will probably help. I wax my Ferrari occationally and that has helped keeping it nice & scratchless :)

[lithiumcharles]

You can dowload the latest dna drivers at http://www.dna-drivers.nl/ , all I did overclocking-wise was set the clocks to 475gpu245mem. I probably could have overclocked it more, but I'm more worried about improving battery life and was just testing to see if there was any improvement in my scores. As a side note, you can also easily overclock your cpu using clockgen, (it wasn't overclocked for the aquamark score, but I'm sure it would help) I run mine at 1900mhz all the time no problem, and again, I could probably go higher but it's fast enough for me.

[wikedlam]

You can dowload the latest dna drivers at http://www.dna-drivers.nl/ , all I did overclocking-wise was set the clocks to 475gpu245mem. I probably could have overclocked it more, but I'm more worried about improving battery life and was just testing to see if there was any improvement in my scores. As a side note, you can also easily overclock your cpu using clockgen, (it wasn't overclocked for the aquamark score, but I'm sure it would help) I run mine at 1900mhz all the time no problem, and again, I could probably go higher but it's fast enough for me.

Thanks LithiumCharles for the info, by the way, can you tell me what voltage you got to set on your ferrari to gain the extra battery life? I read the link you posted but just want to check what you got out of the tests.

Thanks again

[lithiumcharles]

On battery I set the mutiplier to 4.5, reaching a modest 900mhz at .8v (the lowest setting allowed). And as an update, I can get about 3hr42min without wireless and no music, and around 3hr17min listening to music and with wireless on. It is fairly easy to reach these settings without trouble(at least in my trials) and I would assume you should see similar gains.

[speedmunky]

thats astonishing, 3hours 42mins wow.. and someone on another topic was slating AMD64 for having a crap battery life....

[algirdas2004]

Hi, guys.

I'm new here and with my Acer. I bought it almost two months ago and so far have been experiencing some problems with graphics.

After installing original Acer video drivers, the computer crashed and did not recover - I had to format it. This repeated several times every time after installing the video drivers. Then I found out about the Omega drivers. Everything has been going quite fine so far, but today a blank milk-color screen appeared and the Windows did not load again. Now I've disabled the video drivers and everything goes o.k., except the blue MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION window and that fuzzy one after coming back from the Standby regime (I know this has been already discussed, so you don't need to repeat yourselves) appearing sometimes.

I wrote several e-mails to Acer, they asked me to send the notebook to them, because there is probably a problem with the graphics card. Unfortunately, I definitely can't send the computer now, and since you, guys, seem more proficient and reliable than the Acer Customer Service is, I decided to ask your opinion.

My Acer 3200 is a standard one:
AMD 64 1.8 GHz
512 RAM
ATI Radeon 9700 128 MB
80 GB hard drive
Windows XP SP2 OS

Thanks a lot for replies.

Regards,
Algirdas

[lithiumcharles]

Just out of curiosity algirdas, does it only happen when you are on AC power, I only ask this because the card is underclocked when running off the battery and it would let us know if it is merely a stability issue with the card at stock speeds.

[notebooknewbie]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your postings! really helped me decide... I've been having dreams about the 3400 and finallly i bought it!!! WOOHOO :dude:

[fskidd]

[QUOTE=algirdas2004]
After installing original Acer video drivers, the computer crashed and did not recover - I had to format it. This repeated several times every time after installing the video drivers. Then I found out about the Omega drivers. Everything has been going quite fine so far, but today a blank milk-color screen appeared and the Windows did not load again.

I have encountered such kind of problem before.I think you should check the memory with MemTest86 V3.1. It is the problem of the bad memory not the graphics driver. I hope this can help you!

[snorre]

Then I found out about the Omega drivers. Everything has been going quite fine so far, but today a blank milk-color screen appeared and the Windows did not load again. Now I've disabled the video drivers and everything goes o.k., except the blue MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION window and that fuzzy one after coming back from the Standby regime (I know this has been already discussed, so you don't need to repeat yourselves) appearing sometimes.
There's now a test version of RadLinker out that fixes this standby issue:
http://driverheaven.net/showthread.php?p=495265#post495265

I expect it to be included in the next version of the Omega drivers, but you should install it now to see if it solves your problem too.

[algirdas2004]

Just out of curiosity algirdas, does it only happen when you are on AC power, I only ask this because the card is underclocked when running off the battery and it would let us know if it is merely a stability issue with the card at stock speeds.

I could hardly tell when such things happen. It seems they appear randomly, sometimes running on battery, sometimes - on AC power. Sometimes the blank or blue screen appears just after loading Windows, sometimes - after several hours of normal work. It's really hard to predict when something similar will happen...

Thanks everyone for replies. :) I will try the MemTest, more news will follow then.

Regards,
Algirdas

[RedSky009]

anyone played Half Life 2 on a standard 3200?? How does it perform??

[speedmunky]

yesterday night i was curious if i could surpass 30000 points on aquamark :confused: .. so following all the helpful guides of overclocking in this huge topic and the one found on extreme overclock i started setting up my 3200

through powerstrip i set the core speed at - 486/246 mem
then put my power scheme to always on and then used clockgen and set my HTT to 208.03 which put my CPU clock speed at a nice 1872Ghz.... and so we begin, after a few failed attempts.. i finally got it working at these settings and i am happy to say i broke the 30000 mark on aquamark coming in at 30284 (GFX=3738 CPU=7975) :headbang:

but anyway i want to say thank you to snorre and whoever else put up helpful tweaking guides because if you didnt then it wouldnt of been possible for me to reach my goal... :cheers:

[Hemlan]

hi
i can not do i clean install with out the f*** reinstall program/disc change the ntfs to lovely fat32 system :mad: can someone tell me to do it without that! :banana:
Can i download winxp from the net and install it with my serial or it that crazy?

And i dont see the amd power alternative in the energyalternatives. I have sp2 installed and i have the amd power now and drivers for the cpu, i have the amd dashboard to :)

And can someone public the newest drivers for the ferrari 3200 and links!

Thanks for the good forum :dude:

[isotic]

Hi

I just receved my ferrari 3200 :love: now I want to update the BIOS, but don|t know how, (no disket) is there anybody willing to explain the procedure??

[the-hell]

You have to download WinPlash or something, you can flash your BIOS when your still in windows. Im sure there is a downloadlink for that program on the same page as you found your bios. The support site of acer.

[snorre]

anyone played Half Life 2 on a standard 3200?? How does it perform??
Yes, it runs smooth in 1280x1024x32 with high detail settings.

[snorre]

yesterday night i was curious if i could surpass 30000 points on aquamark :confused: .. so following all the helpful guides of overclocking in this huge topic and the one found on extreme overclock i started setting up my 3200

through powerstrip i set the core speed at - 486/246 mem
then put my power scheme to always on and then used clockgen and set my HTT to 208.03 which put my CPU clock speed at a nice 1872Ghz.... and so we begin, after a few failed attempts.. i finally got it working at these settings and i am happy to say i broke the 30000 mark on aquamark coming in at 30284 (GFX=3738 CPU=7975) :headbang:
Wow, that's really awesome - congratulations! :dude:

but anyway i want to say thank you to snorre and whoever else put up helpful tweaking guides because if you didnt then it wouldnt of been possible for me to reach my goal... :cheers:
Thanks, it's always a pleasure to be of help :cheers:

[snorre]

can not do i clean install with out the f*** reinstall program/disc change the ntfs to lovely fat32 system :mad: can someone tell me to do it without that! :banana:
Can i download winxp from the net and install it with my serial or it that crazy?
Yes, you could do that or this:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307881

And i dont see the amd power alternative in the energyalternatives. I have sp2 installed and i have the amd power now and drivers for the cpu, i have the amd dashboard to :)
Just use the "Max Battery" power scheme and all will be fine.

And can someone public the newest drivers for the ferrari 3200 and links!
See here:
http://csd.acer.com.tw/SI/Download2.nsf/1815c7c6f8aff65d48256bdd0035cffd/8e0371e37584aae948256ea70034bdb0?OpenDocument
http://csd.acer.com.tw/SI/Download2.nsf/1815c7c6f8aff65d48256bdd0035cffd/eeeace7023986fdc48256f24003175bd?OpenDocument
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=403768#post403768

[djgogo]

And can someone public the newest drivers for the ferrari 3200 and links!


Here is an additional link to original drivers

http://support.acerpanam.com/synapse/forms/portal.cfm?website=AcerPanAm.com&originwebsite=AcerPanAm.com&pupv=pu&formid=3394#results

Select Product Line -> Notebooks and Ferrari 3200 and do the search.

[NightHawk7]

Ok, I have had my Ferrari 3200 for a few weeks now and loving it. But its about time to give it several upgrades. I'm still waiting for Seagate to release their 100gb 7200 rpm HD before I upgrade my HD but now I'm in a delimma with upgrading my ram.

Which is better 1gb (2 512mb) of Corsair XMS DDR 400 or 1gb (single stick) of Kingmax DDR 333 plus a stock 256mb of ram?

It'll be awhile before I can upgrade to 2gb so just assume that I'm not going to.

Thanks in advance

[fskidd]

Which is better 1gb (2 512mb) of Corsair XMS DDR 400 or 1gb (single stick) of Kingmax DDR 333 plus a stock 256mb of ram?

1GB Corsair XMS DDR 400 is much better than 1.25 DDR 333 because DDR 400 increase the memory bandwidth which is better for gaming. :moon:

[djgogo]

Why do u use DDR @ 400 MHz when in service manual a 333 MHz value is given? Do you really utlizie the 400 MHz?

[snorre]

Why do u use DDR @ 400 MHz when in service manual a 333 MHz value is given? Do you really utlizie the 400 MHz?
Yes, the Acer Ferrari 3200/3400 can utilize PC3200 memory at DDR400 speeds.

[kerosin]

Yes, the Acer Ferrari 3200/3400 can utilize PC3200 memory at DDR400 speeds.

How?

By switching it through A64Tweaker from 166Mhz to 200Mhz??

[Joust Williams]

I'm probably going to read this thread in its entirety and some of these questions may have been answered in this thread, but if it's not too much trouble:

Is heat a big issue, and if so, is there anything I can do to keep it cool? This will be my main machine for a while, so I'd like to do some gaming on it.

Is the memory easily upgradable? I'm not in the know when it comes to laptops, and I'd like to do this in about 6 months or so (and that would probably be the last performance upgrade, along with a new HD) I'd do with it).


Thanks

edit: Oh, and I'll probably do a fresh install of a new XP w/ SP2 (the new CDs). Is there anything special about formatting a laptop HD (either fdisk it or just use the formatting program within XP setup)? The mobo chipset is a VIA, so should I grab the latest 4-in-1s? Omega drivers over anything Acer modifies? Any drivers for other components I should be aware of? etc etc, you know the drill

[snorre]

How?

By switching it through A64Tweaker from 166Mhz to 200Mhz??
No, just replacing the PC2700 SO-DIMMs with PC3200 SO-DIMMs and the memory will boot up at DDR400 speed.

[snorre]

Is heat a big issue, and if so, is there anything I can do to keep it cool? This will be my main machine for a while, so I'd like to do some gaming on it.
Yes, get yourself a laptop cooler e.g. this heat-pipe based laptop cooler from Nexus is pretty cool:
http://www.nexustek.nl/tdd3000.htm
http://www.nexustek.nl/images/Nexus_TDD3000.gif
No cables or noisy fans.

Is the memory easily upgradable? I'm not in the know when it comes to laptops, and I'd like to do this in about 6 months or so (and that would probably be the last performance upgrade, along with a new HD) I'd do with it).
See my post here:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=361430#post361430

Is there anything special about formatting a laptop HD (either fdisk it or just use the formatting program within XP setup)?
No, same as on a desktop HD - use XP setup.

The mobo chipset is a VIA, so should I grab the latest 4-in-1s? Omega drivers over anything Acer modifies? Any drivers for other components I should be aware of? etc etc, you know the drill
See my posts here:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=547619#post547619
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=403768#post403768

[Joust Williams]

Thanks a bunch. Sorry about all the Qs; I should have read it first (I did eventually read it ;p) That brought up acouple of other thoughts/questions:

I don't need anything from Acer's site, right? Seems like you listed a link for every manufacturer, so I assume that covered everything, and Acer's drivers were just older versions of them in one place.

There is Gigabit LAN on the machine? I thought I read somewhere that it had it, then I looked other places that didn't mention it, and then I read your driver post and it did include drivers for a Gb LAN device.

Any reason to install the A64 CPU driver (or the PowerNow!)? I was reading the small description it gave on the DL page and it talked about adjusting the clock to meet the current needs of the user. No conflicts with anything? I'd probably just use two settings--highest battery save possible (for when I'm actually needing the battery) and max performance (when it's plugged in or I'm watching a bit of video with battery).

Does DVDIdle give you a few more minutes of DVD viewing on the battery? I'd assume maybe because the disc doesn't have to spin as much (or at least, that's what they say--I've never used it). If it made a 10 minute or more difference, I'd probably shell out the 20 bucks that they want for it.

How is the display at 1024x768? I know it's not its native res, but it should still look OK, right?

[snorre]

I don't need anything from Acer's site, right? Seems like you listed a link for every manufacturer, so I assume that covered everything, and Acer's drivers were just older versions of them in one place.
Well, you still need the Bluetooth & modem drivers and the launch manager from Acer's site. I also suggest that you use the latest version of the ATI VGA driver from there too instead of the latest Omega drivers since there's a battery power standby bug with them.

There is Gigabit LAN on the machine? I thought I read somewhere that it had it, then I looked other places that didn't mention it, and then I read your driver post and it did include drivers for a Gb LAN device.
Yes, the Acer Ferrari 3200/3400 got integrated Broadcom NetXtreme BCM57xx Gigabit LAN - best in class as a matter of fact too :)

Any reason to install the A64 CPU driver (or the PowerNow!)? I was reading the small description it gave on the DL page and it talked about adjusting the clock to meet the current needs of the user. No conflicts with anything? I'd probably just use two settings--highest battery save possible (for when I'm actually needing the battery) and max performance (when it's plugged in or I'm watching a bit of video with battery).
No conflicts, see this PDF document for a description of the benefits of PowerNow! (http://www.amd.com/us-en/Corporate/VirtualPressRoom/0,,51_104_857_964,00.html) and how to enable it:
http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/DownloadableAssets/Power_Now2.pdf
How Does AMD PowerNow! Technology Work ?

The premise behind AMD PowerNow! technology is a very simple one. Some applications require less processing power than others. Word processing, for example, consumes relatively few processor cycles, but if you run photo editing or other media-rich applications on the same system, more processor cycles will be required for responsive performance.

AMD PowerNow! technology controls your notebook’s level of processor performance automatically, dynamically adjusting the operating frequency and voltage many times per second, according to the task at hand. When an application does not require full performance, significant amounts of power can be saved. However, the processor can “instantaneously” respond to increased workloads, allowing the system to deliver a responsive and rewarding computing experience.

The only difference the user will see on most applications is significantly longer battery life. Performance will still be responsive, with maximum processor performance being delivered when required, and automatic power savings when possible. AMD PowerNow! technology even has benefits when you are working at your desk with the notebook on AC power, since the system will typically run cooler and quieter.
See also my post here:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=458650#post458650

Does DVDIdle give you a few more minutes of DVD viewing on the battery? I'd assume maybe because the disc doesn't have to spin as much (or at least, that's what they say--I've never used it). If it made a 10 minute or more difference, I'd probably shell out the 20 bucks that they want for it.
You can actually get up to 1 hour more of DVD viewing on the battery using DVDIdle, so it's absolutely worth every buck in my opinion.

How is the display at 1024x768? I know it's not its native res, but it should still look OK, right?
Yes, for the crispest possible picture quality you should always use resolutions with correct 4:3 aspect ratio like 1400x1050, 1152x864, 1024x768, 800x600, or 640x480.

[kerosin]

On battery I set the mutiplier to 4.5, reaching a modest 900mhz at .8v (the lowest setting allowed). And as an update, I can get about 3hr42min without wireless and no music, and around 3hr17min listening to music and with wireless on. It is fairly easy to reach these settings without trouble(at least in my trials) and I would assume you should see similar gains.

Can I ask you lithiumcharles?

How do you make your notebook to keep those settings?


I set multiplier and voltage through crystalcpuid(or trhough shortcut) to 4x and 0.8V. For a while it works O.K. but then especially if I run Prime95 everything return to the defaults (x9 1.2V / x4 0.9V)

[kerosin]

I also suggest that you use the latest version of the ATI VGA driver from Acer's site instead of the latest Omega drivers since there's a battery power standby bug with them.


Didn't you say that this bug (snow on the LCD ;) ) was caused by Radlinker ?

Now, I'm not sure.

[snorre]

Didn't you say that this bug (snow on the LCD ;) ) was caused by Radlinker ?

Now, I'm not sure.
Yes, and RadLinker is now an integrated part of the Omega drivers. Although, there's now a test version of RadLinker out that fixes this bug with the current version of the Omega drivers:
http://users.adelphia.net/~webspace/RadLinkerTest.zip

I expect it to be included in the next version of the Omega drivers.

[Joust Williams]

Thanks for the info again, snorre. So let's say I'm with the AC adaptor and I want 100% performance. Will this program give it all to me, or will it decide that 95% is enough?

Oh and I have heard about a driver modder (patje's ?) that converts ATi's drivers to work on the laptop. Since those are 2 iterations ahead of Omega's, should I try that, or is it best to use Oemga's for other reasons that I'm not aware of yet.

Oh, and while this is the main thread for this laptop, is there an easy way to add the native resolution to a lot of the older games? I like to play (ZDoomGL) Doom 1 and 2 still ;p

[kerosin]

Oh and I have heard about a driver modder (patje's ?) that converts ATi's drivers to work on the laptop. Since those are 2 iterations ahead of Omega's, should I try that, or is it best to use Oemga's for other reasons that I'm not aware of yet.


I also like Omega's drivers, but since his last release was 4.10beta, and I wanted performance boost for HL2 which comes with 4.12beta catalysts.
So I did tried Patje's modification for 4.12b from here: http://www.driverheaven.net/showthread.php?t=61156
and have no problem and few extra fps in HL2 ;)

[djgogo]

Can you tell me what is the exact type of the F3200 / F3400?chipset? It is cliamed to be "VIA K8T800 ProSavage" but there is no such model in the VIA chipsets list (http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/chipsets/). Perhaps it is just K8T800, or K8T800 Pro. What chipset and mainboard gives the cpu-z (http://www.cpuid.org/download/cpu-z-125.zip) ?


It is important for the type of memory supported.
Compatible memory appears to be the following:
Transcend, Part #: TS64MSD64V4F3 — 512MB PC3200 DDR SO-DIMM
64Mx64 DIMM / 32Mx8 / CL3 / 16 chips, 200 pins, 400MHz (DDR400), double-sided
PDF at 512MB - TS64MSD64V4F3 (http://www.transcendusa.com/Mem/datasheets/TS64MSD64V4F3_1710.pdf )
List of Transcend memories - here (http://www.transcendusa.com/Mem/MEMMod.asp?CatID=1)

With this regard there is a concern: In the F3200 service manual a 2.5 V core voltage is given, but the Transcend SO-DIMM memory (512 MB stick) has core voltage of 2.6 V +- 0.1 V. The 0.1 V tolerance should be just fine I suppose. (for the Corsair SDRAM stick, in the product brochure (http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsai...d512-3200ll.pdf), no voltage supply is provided)

Soon I'm gonna post a list of compatible memories.

[snorre]

Thanks for the info again, snorre. So let's say I'm with the AC adaptor and I want 100% performance. Will this program give it all to me, or will it decide that 95% is enough?
That's not how it works, it will provide you with 100% performance all the time when needed. It just a feature that saves power when the processor is inactive - read the PDF document I linked to and you'll get the idea.

Oh, and while this is the main thread for this laptop, is there an easy way to add the native resolution to a lot of the older games? I like to play (ZDoomGL) Doom 1 and 2 still ;p
Yes, exactly like you do it on a desktop.

[snorre]

What chipset and mainboard gives the cpu-z ?
CPU-Z Mainboard:
Manufacturer: Acer, Inc.
Model: Ferrari 3200 Rev. A
Chipset: VIA K8T800 (VT8383) Rev. 1
Southbridge: VIA VT8235

With this regard there is a concern: In the F3200 service manual a 2.5 V core voltage is given, but the Transcend SO-DIMM memory (512 MB stick) has core voltage of 2.6 V +- 0.1 V. The 0.1 V tolerance should be just fine I suppose. (for the Corsair SDRAM stick, in the product brochure (http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsai...d512-3200ll.pdf), no voltage supply is provided)
2.5V is standard for PC3200 memory according to JEDEC spec, so both these will be perfectly fine.

[djgogo]

Thank you snorre.
Another question :) What is the difference and the importance of the following characteristics of the memory modules

configuration (module size) 64M x 64bits and
component config (die size) 32M x 16
(the numbers are typical)

to the compliance with the ferrari chipset?

For instance, Micron (http://www.micron.com/products/modules/ddrsdram/partlist.aspx?pincount=200-Pin&version=Unbuffered&package=SODIMM) offers

MT8VDDT6464HDG-40B PC3200 with config 64 Meg x 64 and component config 32 Meg x 16 and
MT8VDDT6464HG-40B PC3200 with config 64 Meg x 64 and component config 64 Meg x 8
also
MT9VDDT6472HG-40B PC3200 with config 64 Meg x 72 and component config 64 Meg x 8

Do these configuration differences might be a problem to installing and proper functioning of the module. (Of course, all of the abovelisted modules are 200 pin SO-DIMM)

Snorre, obviously all PC3200 use 2.6 V supply in contrast to PC2700 that use 2.5 V will this be a problem, and did you have any problems with the this?

[Hemlan]

Is it a great deal to buy a Travelstar 7200 rpm to the redone? what is the thing with 7K60 and E7K60? is it a big change in performance with the original harddrive?

[snorre]

Another question :) What is the difference and the importance of the following characteristics of the memory modules

configuration (module size) 64M x 64bits and
component config (die size) 32M x 16
(the numbers are typical)

to the compliance with the ferrari chipset?

For instance, Micron (http://www.micron.com/products/modules/ddrsdram/partlist.aspx?pincount=200-Pin&version=Unbuffered&package=SODIMM) offers

MT8VDDT6464HDG-40B PC3200 with config 64 Meg x 64 and component config 32 Meg x 16 and
MT8VDDT6464HG-40B PC3200 with config 64 Meg x 64 and component config 64 Meg x 8
also
MT9VDDT6472HG-40B PC3200 with config 64 Meg x 72 and component config 64 Meg x 8

Do these configuration differences might be a problem to installing and proper functioning of the module. (Of course, all of the abovelisted modules are 200 pin SO-DIMM)
I'm not sure, but the less number of components on the memory module the better I guess.

Snorre, obviously all PC3200 use 2.6 V supply in contrast to PC2700 that use 2.5 V will this be a problem, and did you have any problems with the this?
Shouldn't be a problem as long as the memory modules conform to JEDEC specs. I haven't had any problems with my Corsair XMS 3200 memory at least.

[snorre]

Is it a great deal to buy a Travelstar 7200 rpm to the redone? what is the thing with 7K60 and E7K60? is it a big change in performance with the original harddrive?
It all depends on what you do with your laptop, but I suggest you take a look at these reviews:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/storage/d...hi-25-7200.html (http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/storage/display/hitachi-25-7200.html)
http://www.tecchannel.com/storage/client/340/index.html
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/IDE/hitachi_tra...GB_7200rpm.html (http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/IDE/hitachi_travelstar60GB_7200/travelstar60GB_7200rpm.html)
http://www.tomshardware.com/storage/20030813/index.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20031031/index.html

[Joust Williams]

I think I've installed everything, but a ? shows up in Device Manager (Network Controller). Is that the card reader?

edit: nope...still there. I installed everything on that list (plus card reader, modem) and it still shows up.

[lithiumcharles]

Can I ask you lithiumcharles?

How do you make your notebook to keep those settings?


I set multiplier and voltage through crystalcpuid(or trhough shortcut) to 4x and 0.8V. For a while it works O.K. but then especially if I run Prime95 everything return to the defaults (x9 1.2V / x4 0.9V)


I'm sorry, I forgot to mention that you have to disable powernow for it to work, otherwise your machine will automatically change the settings back to whatever it sees fit (at least that was my theory when it happened to me). What I did was download and install speedswitch at http://www.diefer.de/speedswitchxp/ and under the options>>'cpu policy' tab select yes to all options labeled AllowPromotion and AllowDemotion. If you do that you should have no problem.

[snorre]

I think I've installed everything, but a ? shows up in Device Manager (Network Controller). Is that the card reader?

edit: nope...still there. I installed everything on that list (plus card reader, modem) and it still shows up.
Perhaps Bluetooth or WLAN?

[snorre]

I also like Omega's drivers, but since his last release was 4.10beta, and I wanted performance boost for HL2 which comes with 4.12beta catalysts.
Omega Drivers v2.5.97 (4.12 Beta) is now out:
http://www.omegadrivers.net/ati/win2k_xp.php
What's New? (2k/XP 2.5.97)

* Based on the Catalyst 4.12 Beta drivers.
* New Radlinker installation method, now it should install correctly every time.
* Fixed gamma issues with color control panel.
* WMV acceleration is now off by default, you can turn it on in the Options panel.
* New quick shortcut for Radlinker, just right click your desktop and go directly to all the Advanced 3D settings.
* Fixed Standby/Suspend/Hibernation bug.
* Added a lot of new resolutions for wide screen monitor/dfp users.
* Fixed the Forced Anisotropic settings, now they should not reset to Performance mode.
* Removed the special Counter Strike OpenGL from the package, now that CS:S is available, this is no longer necessary.
* Fixed some uninstall issues, now the drivers should completely be removed if you select to do so.

[Joust Williams]

I just wanted to say that with the 3200 out of the box (and 4.12), the Far Cry demo looks and runs amazing at 1400x1050 low/medium. Can't wait to tweak this thing so all mediums will be that silk. Thanks for the help, snorre

[lithiumcharles]

I think I've installed everything, but a ? shows up in Device Manager (Network Controller). Is that the card reader?

edit: nope...still there. I installed everything on that list (plus card reader, modem) and it still shows up.

I had this same problem when I freshly installed winxp, just double click on it, click reintall driver, then click on install the software automatically making sure that the ferrari 3200 system cd is in the drive.

[Joust Williams]

Yeah, it was the 802.11g from the driver CD. Apparently, the Broadcom driver does not get that. They can't be two different pieces of hardware, though, right?

[kerosin]

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention that you have to disable powernow for it to work, otherwise your machine will automatically change the settings back to whatever it sees fit (at least that was my theory when it happened to me). What I did was download and install speedswitch at http://www.diefer.de/speedswitchxp/ and under the options>>'cpu policy' tab select yes to all options labeled AllowPromotion and AllowDemotion. If you do that you should have no problem.
Thank you for the reply nd the link

[Rustican]

Just a question about the Ferrari warrenty. It's one year right? Do you get some kind of certificate in the packaging? If you have problems with the Ferrari what is the process of getting Acer to fix it? Thanks!

[cuteoz]

hey guys i have a really small red dot on the screen of my ferrari is it normal???i mean i can hardly c it but just asking yall tell me if someone knows oz

[RedSky009]

might be a stuck pixel, I got a couple on my machine, hardly notice them now though

[RedSky009]

Is anyone still having BSOD, MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION 0x..9C? If yours has been fixed how did you do it??? Thanks. Already sent it into Acer support once, but its back to its old tricks....:(

[Joust Williams]

One more question for snorre...is there any way to monitor the temperature of the gfx chip in here? MobileMeter does CPU and HD only, it seems.

[snorre]

Yeah, it was the 802.11g from the driver CD. Apparently, the Broadcom driver does not get that. They can't be two different pieces of hardware, though, right?
Yes, there is one driver for LAN and another for the WLAN. Was there a driver that didn't work for you?

One more question for snorre...is there any way to monitor the temperature of the gfx chip in here?
Not that I'm aware of, but it would be nice. There were something called ATI Overdrive that was integrated into the Mobility Radeon 9600 that made this possible, but I don't think that feature was included in the Mobility Radeon 9700 unfortunately.

[snorre]

Just a question about the Ferrari warrenty. It's one year right? Do you get some kind of certificate in the packaging?
Yes, it includes a 1-year limited warranty card. You have to fill in a warranty registration card and mail it in though. It is also backed by an international travelers warranty (ITW). You can even purchase a 3-year extended warranty called the AcerAdvantage programme where you can choose a 3-year extention or an extention that even covers accidental damage. For further details go to www.aceradvantage.com

If you have problems with the Ferrari what is the process of getting Acer to fix it?
There are two ways to access Acer for technical support:
1. Go to www.acersupport.com (or Acer's homepage in your country)
2. Call Acer support (see the included warranty guide for the corresponding phone number in your country)

[snorre]

hey guys i have a really small red dot on the screen of my ferrari is it normal???i mean i can hardly c it but just asking yall tell me if someone knows oz
No, check it out with Dead Pixel Tester:
http://www.dps.uk.com/freeware_DTP.htm

[snorre]

Is anyone still having BSOD, MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION 0x..9C? If yours has been fixed how did you do it???
I suggest that you run Memtest86+:
http://www.memtest.org/

[Bootz]

EOL for AMD Athlon XP?

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20041207-4438.html

On the other hand, you can now get one for less than $200.

http://www.shopping.com/xPC-AMD_Athlon_64_3200_512K_90nm_939

Bootz

[RedSky009]

I suggest that you run Memtest86+:
http://www.memtest.org/

gto memtest, ran it, for 3-4 hours with no errors then ran with probing and it found 10 errors. sent the machine into Acer and they replaced the memory modules. memtest has not detected any errors now but BSOB still happens!! What else could be causing it? A loose chip/device perhaps? overheating (unlikely as it sometimes happens soo after cold booting) hmmmm.................. :scratch:

[snorre]

Ok, then your unit is most likely defective. I recommend that you call Acer support and request a new replacement unit.

[algirdas2004]

Hi, guys.

A very interesting thing just happened.

In this forum I found out that there had been new Omega drivers issued (4.12 Beta). Well, trying to get rid of all those blue screens and other nasty problems (I've written about them in earlier posts), I installed the new drivers. Then, I realised that I forgot to uninstall the former ones (I think it was 4.10 Beta). To do this, I uninstalled the new drivers, re-installed the new ones (to retrieve the uninstaller), then had to reboot my computer. After rebooting my computer crashed... Strange, isn't it? For almost a month everything went perfectly fine with the old drivers, and now, just after re-installing them, it crashed...

I restored my computer to the state without any graphics drivers, cleaned the registry and installed the new 4.12 Beta drivers once again. And, guess what - my computer crashed again after rebooting... Now,

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY FERRARI??? :scratch:

Thanks a lot, guys. For any help and for this thread, and for this forum in general.

Don't worry, Ferrari is still one of the best laptops available. :dude:

Cheers,
Algirdas

P.S. Is there any way to use the memtest program without having it to write to any portable media? Right now, I don't have anything to write to, and would like to test my memory...

[cuteoz]

nothing is actually wrong with the ferrari it says BETA means that its still on progress of a better drivers to be developed and confirmed but i rather just stay with the current ati drivers since they are actually much much better than user configured drivers
oz

[algirdas2004]

nothing is actually wrong with the ferrari it says BETA means that its still on progress of a better drivers to be developed and confirmed but i rather just stay with the current ati drivers since they are actually much much better than user configured drivers
oz

Well, I really doubt if the original drivers are better: once installed, my computer crashed and I could not even restore it.. Had to format everything... So, I prefer the, although Beta, but Omega drivers.

Algirdas

[cuteoz]

ur comp crashed when u installed the ati drivers...wierd???

[lithiumcharles]

nothing is actually wrong with the ferrari it says BETA means that its still on progress of a better drivers to be developed and confirmed but i rather just stay with the current ati drivers since they are actually much much better than user configured drivers
oz

How come you guys limit yourself to only 2 sets of drivers. Quite frankly, I prefer the dna drivers over any of the alternatives. You can download them off of ww.dna-drivers.nl and they are small in size so there is no reason not to try them. Here is a good link to a review http://www.dna-drivers.nl/viewtopic.php?t=3066
which may be a little overexaggerated, but is informing as well.

Also, for the more curious, you can download other types of drivers/apps/bios for ati and nvidia cards off of http://www.mvktech.net/.

[Ecomp]

in my opinion the stock drivers are the best, i have yet to have any errors and I am running really good performance... not much less than any of u guys, only about 500 3dmarks in 2001SE slower than the fastest one ive seen here, of course, im on a ferrari 3400... and by the way, i havnt overclocked yet...

[algirdas2004]

How come you guys limit yourself to only 2 sets of drivers. Quite frankly, I prefer the dna drivers over any of the alternatives. You can download them off of ww.dna-drivers.nl and they are small in size so there is no reason not to try them. Here is a good link to a review http://www.dna-drivers.nl/viewtopic.php?t=3066
which may be a little overexaggerated, but is informing as well.

Also, for the more curious, you can download other types of drivers/apps/bios for ati and nvidia cards off of http://www.mvktech.net/.

Ok, guys, I've just installed the DNA-drivers v.3.4.4.11 and my FERRARI "hung" once again showing nothning except a milk-colored blank screen.

Is that already a complete proof that something is wrong with my unit? Or do you want me to try something more? :scratch:

Algirdas

[snorre]

Run a complete test with Memtest86+ that you can find here:
http://www.memtest.org/

[kerosin]

Here is a good link to a review http://www.dna-drivers.nl/viewtopic.php?t=3066
which may be a little overexaggerated, but is informing as well.[/url].

little overexaggerated ?? :rolleyes: :lol:


Everybody should check that link it's funny ;)

[snorre]

Hehe, I still prefer the Omega drivers though - the newest version works great :headbang:

[algirdas2004]

Run a complete test with Memtest86+ that you can find here:
http://www.memtest.org/

I've just finished running the memtest86+ v.1.40: 6 passes, 0 errors. Any clue what might be the problem?

Snorre, it seems my computer is a small quizz for you, huh? :bouncy:

Thanks for help, dudes. :cheers:

Algirdas

[snorre]

Snorre, it seems my computer is a small quizz for you, huh? :bouncy:
Yes, then the problem is probably software and not hardware related I think. Try a clean install and see if the problems goes away, then try updating the drivers one at a time starting with the chipset & cpu drivers.

[algirdas2004]

Yes, then the problem is probably software and not hardware related I think. Try a clean install and see if the problems goes away, then try updating the drivers one at a time starting with the chipset & cpu drivers.

Ok, thanks, man. I'll try to do that as soon as I have some free time (definitely not now, during the final exams at university!!! :saywhat: ). I'll keep you updated with newest stories from my cyber-car.

Algirdas

[Ecomp]

My dad somehow did that exact same thing on an old compaq we had well installing win 98, its definatly a driver issue, but it fixed itself when he rebooted and restarted the install...
Id say that you should eather A) reformat
B) use the Win XP GOback
or C) send it back to acer...

wouldnt recomend C

[speedmunky]

just a quick question and to clear something up, the 3200 uses the amd odessa core right.....

so should it say on the Code Name part of CPU-Z Odessa? because mine reads NewCastle

[cuteoz]

hey all i was just wondering my ferrari says DVD RAM what does that mean can someone please tell me oz

[lithiumcharles]

hey all i was just wondering my ferrari says DVD RAM what does that mean can someone please tell me oz

On page 56 of this post, Snorre posted a link to the drive used by the ferrari, http://panasonic.co.jp/mke/en/device/storage/dmd/dmd_825.html
it uses a multidrive that can burn all current formats, dvd-r,-rw,+r,+rw,ram, and of course cd-r's and rw's, just click on the link for detailed info.

[lithiumcharles]

just a quick question and to clear something up, the 3200 uses the amd odessa core right.....

so should it say on the Code Name part of CPU-Z Odessa? because mine reads NewCastle

http://www.siliconstrategies.com/article/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=19505544&kc=4848&_requestid=641582
If it asks for user name and password, just use bugmenot, but this is the processor the ferrari uses (I believe). Of course, cpuid also shows it as a newcastle, so I might be wrong.

[cuteoz]

i mean i know all da specifications and stuff i just want to know what dvd ram can exactly perform as it is,i mean the dvd ram disks are really expensive as well,what can dvd ram perform as thanks oz

[bachler]

hi all :D
after christmas i will own a acer ferrari 3200
im soooo happy :D

[Duke_Audi]

i mean i know all da specifications and stuff i just want to know what dvd ram can exactly perform as it is,i mean the dvd ram disks are really expensive as well,what can dvd ram perform as thanks oz

As I understand it DVD-RAM discs can be recorded and erased repeatedly. The BIG difference is that you can "Drag & Drop" files to DVD-RAM discs like you can floppy discs, (it writes on the fly). RW discs require that you set up each burn session, (usually byway of a software burning wizard).
If I am wrong I would greatly appreciate someone correcting me as I have yet to try this myself.
My Ferrari is still in the shop, (waiting on a new motherboard). :(

See my thread re: tech support
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=572486#post572486

[lithiumcharles]

i mean i know all da specifications and stuff i just want to know what dvd ram can exactly perform as it is,i mean the dvd ram disks are really expensive as well,what can dvd ram perform as thanks oz

I'm sorry, I misunderstood the question. Duke audi is right in that dvd-ram disks dont have to be finalized, here is a link with a few of the benefits of dvd-ram.
http://www.capitolsales.com/tech-DVDRAM.html
Basically, dvd-ram is better suited for console based recorders, it can be useful on pc's, but as cheap as dvd-r's are getting, IMHO I don't think they are worth the added cost.

[cuteoz]

thanks all for the reply i might get a dvd ram disk but someone said they cost as much as a software disk thats like ur taking US$50...well i dunno i might just still look around happy holidays and a merry x mas Oz

[algirdas2004]

i mean i know all da specifications and stuff i just want to know what dvd ram can exactly perform as it is,i mean the dvd ram disks are really expensive as well,what can dvd ram perform as thanks oz

Some more links about different DVD formats and their capabailities:

http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=118

http://www.videohelp.com/dvd

Algirdas

[Joust Williams]

Is there a place on the web for the 802.11b drivers? All I can find is the g ones

[snorre]

Is there a place on the web for the 802.11b drivers? All I can find is the g ones
802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.

[Joust Williams]

ok, thanks

But when I used all the drivers you listed, one networking component still had a ? ... Installing one of the drivers off the CD fixed it. Before that, I got the one file for 43xx on the site you linked to, and it did something, but there was still a ? ... Is there more than one file that I'm supposed to get from there?

[bachler]

ok, now, can anyone tell me.. how much l2 cache does the acer ferrari 3200 have..
and yes i know... there have been alot of asking on this matter before.. but.. still
the tech page at amds site said that it was 512kb and a bit down on the page it says 1mb
and i called acersweden and asked and they said it was 1mb, but still i wonder... i have seen 512kb on many forums...plz, has anyone recently brought a acer ferrari 3200 (maby even from dustin in sweden), plz check the l2cache of it...

[snorre]

But when I used all the drivers you listed, one networking component still had a ? ... Installing one of the drivers off the CD fixed it. Before that, I got the one file for 43xx on the site you linked to, and it did something, but there was still a ? ... Is there more than one file that I'm supposed to get from there?
Ok, I'll check this again to make sure it's the same driver that I use. Normally I use the default Windows drivers, and then the manufacturers drivers as a last resort if the Acer or Microsoft provided drivers dosen't work properly.

[snorre]

ok, now, can anyone tell me.. how much l2 cache does the acer ferrari 3200 have..
and yes i know... there have been alot of asking on this matter before.. but.. still
the tech page at amds site said that it was 512kb and a bit down on the page it says 1mb
and i called acersweden and asked and they said it was 1mb, but still i wonder... i have seen 512kb on many forums...plz, has anyone recently brought a acer ferrari 3200 (maby even from dustin in sweden), plz check the l2cache of it...
The Acer Ferrari 3200 uses a low-power Mobile Athlon 64 2800+ processor, and it got 512KB L2 cache as you can also see on AMD's product page here:
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_10220_10221%5E11030,00.html

[Joust Williams]

Hmm, I have a new problem. I formatted and used the newest Launch Manager, 802.11 drivers, Bluetooth drivers, and when I installed them all, LMgr kept telling me "No Device" when I hit the buttons (and yes, I rebooted and all that, so it's not that). Anyone ever have that happen to them?

[Joust Williams]

Ah, nevermind. Acer's support is ridiculous. The Panam site has a different Launch Manager than the one you linked to. What's worse is that the one you linked to has a (supposedly) newer LaunchMGR app but an older LaunchMGR driver. The 3400 notebook has a newer application still (but the functionality is the same, go figure).

I like this laptop and all, but I really like having the very newest drivers for all the components in it. Acer doesn't feel this way or something, because every single one is older than the real manufacturer's. I can't tell about the Bluetooth or the modem (edit: actually, this is Agere, but I can't find AC97 drivers for it--don't know why I care as I don't use the thing, but I'm anal like that), however, as I have no idea who makes it and what model it is (because I can't find that info ANYWHERE it seems). Do you have any knowledge of that, snorre? I'm curious as to how you pegged the some of the rest of the hardware in these things.

[snorre]

I don't know, but this is what's mentioned in the service guide:

Chipset: VIA K8T800 + VIA VT8235CE
VGA: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700 (ATI M11P)
Firewire (IEEE 1394): TI PCI4510
USB 2.0: South bridge/VIA VT8235CE
Super I/O controller: NS PC87393
Modem: South bridge/VIA VT8235CE
Bluetooth: South bridge/VIA VT8235CE
WLAN 802.11g: Broadcom BCM4306KFB
LAN: Broadcom BCM5788M
PCMCIA: TI PCI4510
Audio: RealTek ALC202
Card reader: M220V0315
Touchpad: Synaptics TM41P-353
Infrared: Vishay TFU6102F

Let me know if you find any drivers that I've missed, happy googling ;)

Btw, as far as I know the ASUS WL-100g also uses the Broadcom BCM4306KFB chip and you'll find the newest drivers for that card here:
http://www.asus.com.tw/support/download/selectftp.aspx?l1_id=11&l2_id=1&l3_id=0&m_id=2&f_name=Eng_2236.zip~zaqwedc

Same goes for Dell's TrueMobile cards, where the newest drivers can be found here:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=INS_PNT_PM_600M&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=5338&devlib=5&category=5&releaseid=R83099

[qwerty007]

hey legendary snorre! I have a a64 notebook and the radeon 9700 pro just wondering if u have the links for all the utilities to overclock the cpu, gpu, power management tools etc... and the latests drivers for the cpu and gup too. Tried to find them but can't.

Thanks from a noob.

[smark74]

HI guys, I think I have a problem, havent read the whole forum but I trust snorre.no got an answer for me ;-)
Well I was just going to close the lid (sleep) on the ferrari and changed my mind and opened it right away (it had been on for maybe 5 min so its not overheating) and the whole screen got f***** up... The desktop was visable but there were white and blue and all kinds of dots everywhere and I could not make out the text (filenames). Then I just went in start>shut down. Then I restart and the screen was clean but all the Icons on the desktop were ruined and I had to reload them?? now I was surprised as it is actually my first problem with the ferrari (2 month old). But when I tryed to accsess controlpanel / my computer or explorer none of the Icons worked (not even throug the start menu??). Well I tryed a lot of things and a few restart and got it to work (finally) now I thought this MUST be a virus, scanned the whole computer... NOTHING ??? I just talked to my brother and he said that Radeon 9500 cards had problems with Bad cards (faulty production) that reacted in the same way... Has anybody experienced the same problem & if so have you replaced or ?? I plan to contact Acer support and talk to them. I Have had NO heat problems, have Mobilemeter and a Zolid Laptop cooling fan underneath (just in case)...
Thanks
P.s. I just love my ferrari...
My whife HATES it LOL

[snorre]

I have a a64 notebook and the radeon 9700 pro just wondering if u have the links for all the utilities to overclock the cpu, gpu, power management tools etc... and the latests drivers for the cpu and gup too. Tried to find them but can't.
You'll find everything you're looking for at this page:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=41052

:cheers:

[skyc280]

just curious does anyone have problem with their dvd-ram?
i was trying to burn dvd-r with a 4x speed disc, however, i was only burning with a speed of 2x even tho alcohol recognizes the burner can burn at 4x....and it has happened to all 3 discs that i just burned
which is really pissing me off because the burner doesn't perform to its expectation
any of the ferrari owner knows the solution to this?
and apparently, i wasn't the only one that have this problem..please see the thread here
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=35943
snorre, please let us know if u have any suggestion to this issue
afterall u are the ferrari god here on the forum, lol!

[snorre]

just a quick question and to clear something up, the 3200 uses the amd odessa core right.....

so should it say on the Code Name part of CPU-Z Odessa? because mine reads NewCastle
CBID (Central Brain Identifier) identifies it correctly as Odessa - get it from here:
http://cbid.amdclub.ru

It's an awesome all-in-one tool combining most of the features found in CPU-Z, ClockGen, A64 Tweaker, and more! :headbang:

[snorre]

i was trying to burn dvd-r with a 4x speed disc, however, i was only burning with a speed of 2x even tho alcohol recognizes the burner can burn at 4x....and it has happened to all 3 discs that i just burned
which is really pissing me off because the burner doesn't perform to its expectation
It is indeed 4X, just see here:
http://panasonic.co.jp/mke/en/device/storage/dmd/dmd_825.html
Features
2X Speed DVD-RAM Writing
4X Speed DVD-R Writing
2X Speed DVD-RW Writing
2.4X Speed +R 4.7GB Writing
2.4X Speed +RW 4.7GB Writing
16X Speed CD-R Writing
8X Speed CD-RW Writing
24X Speed CD-ROM Reading
8X Speed DVD-ROM Reading
Buffer Under Run Protection
DVD MULTI Read /Write support
DMA66 support

any of the ferrari owner knows the solution to this?
[...]
snorre, please let us know if u have any suggestion to this issue
The drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200/3400 is the same that's in the current iMac G5s/PowerBook G4s and it's very picky about the media quality. It will step down on certain media as I've heard from iMac G5/PowerBook G4 users:
http://www.cubeowner.com/forums//index.php?showtopic=6930
"The media we are including now does burn at 4x with the Cube drives, FYI."

---------------------
Historical:

May 4, 2004 | OWC sent us the following info:

The new 4x slot loading SuperDrives are extremely picky about the DVD-R media that they will burn at full speed, 4x. The media OWC is currently selling under their own brand is made by PioData – it will NOT burn at 4x in these drives.

Media that will work is as follows:

Maxell (Retail)
Maxell (Generic)
Ritek

If you are having problems burning with your 4x drive, please try different media. We’ve been told that Apple 4x media will not burn at 4x either. OWC suggests the brands listed above as they have tested them in their own Cubes.
[...]
I would like to add the following media recommendation for ANY DVD burner:

TDK branded media. Is by far the best I've used.

I've experimented with Memorex (Bad), Maxell (Good), Verbatim (Very Good).
http://www.cubeowner.com/forums//index.php?showtopic=7495
I have used Maxell DVd's and they write at 4x about 15mins or a 4gig file. I have used DVD's that carry the manufactures ID RITEKG04 and they work correctly as well.

So the conclusion is MetaVampire is right and that is to use branded DVD's and they work at the specified speed. Second conclusion is don't use princo.
http://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=245129
Maximum Toast burn speeds for different media with my iMac G5's MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-825 drive:

Media; DVD Media Inspector ID; Toast burn speed

Fujifilm DVD-R 8x; Prodis..cF01; 2x
Ritek DVD-R 4x; RITEKG..04; 4x
Ritek DVD-RW 4x; RITEKW..04; 2x
Ritek DVD+R 8x; RITEK...R03; 4x
TDK DVD-R 4x; TTG01; 4x
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=96427
One guy said he had success with:

-- Verbatim item number 934375
-- Fuji blue packaging, no ID no. that I could find except bar code numbers :74101 75241

and had failure with:

-- Sony in yellow packaging, DMR47L1
The only solution seems to be to use better DVD-R media (Ritek, Maxell, Verbatim, TDK, and perhaps also Fuji will work fine).

[skyc280]

It is indeed 4X, just see here:
http://panasonic.co.jp/mke/en/device/storage/dmd/dmd_825.html



The drive in the Acer Ferrari 3200/3400 is the same that's in the current iMac G5s/PowerBook G4s and it's very picky about the media quality. It will step down on certain media as I've heard from iMac G5/PowerBook G4 users:
http://cubeowner.com/kbase_2/index.php?page=index_v2&id=256&c=4

http://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=245129

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=96427

The only solution seems to be to use better DVD-R media (Ritek, Maxell, Verbatim, TDK, and perhaps also Fuji will work fine).

LOL i was using RITEK and it still burned at 2x.....well i guess i'll try Taiyo Yuden then, if i could find some good deal on it

snorre, have u try burning dvd? i am sure u have, which brand of discs do you use then?

[snorre]

Well I was just going to close the lid (sleep) on the ferrari and changed my mind and opened it right away (it had been on for maybe 5 min so its not overheating) and the whole screen got f***** up... The desktop was visable but there were white and blue and all kinds of dots everywhere and I could not make out the text (filenames). Then I just went in start>shut down. Then I restart and the screen was clean but all the Icons on the desktop were ruined and I had to reload them?? now I was surprised as it is actually my first problem with the ferrari (2 month old). But when I tryed to accsess controlpanel / my computer or explorer none of the Icons worked (not even throug the start menu??). Well I tryed a lot of things and a few restart and got it to work (finally) now I thought this MUST be a virus, scanned the whole computer... NOTHING ??? I just talked to my brother and he said that Radeon 9500 cards had problems with Bad cards (faulty production) that reacted in the same way... Has anybody experienced the same problem & if so have you replaced or ?? I plan to contact Acer support and talk to them. I Have had NO heat problems, have Mobilemeter and a Zolid Laptop cooling fan underneath (just in case)...
It seems to me that you're experiencing display driver problems. What version of the drivers are you currently using?

I recommend that you update to the newest available drivers, preferably the Omega drivers that can be found here:
http://omegadrivers.net/ati/win2k_xp.php

Or you can simply try to disable POWERPLAY under the advanced display properties in the control panel.

[snorre]

LOL i was using RITEK and it still burned at 2x.....
What was the media code on the Ritek discs you were using then, RITEKG03, RITEKG04 or RITEKG05? RITEKG04 should work fine at 4X speeds AFAIK. See this for a list of RITEKG04 media:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=&dvdmediadvdridsearch=RITEKG04&type=1&size=4.7&dvdburnspeed=4&order=Name&hits=25&search=Search+or+List+Media

well i guess i'll try Taiyo Yuden then, if i could find some good deal on it
I've never heard about Taiyo Yuden and I haven't seen anyone recommending them for this drive either, so I suggest that you try Verbatim, Maxell or TDK instead.

snorre, have u try burning dvd? i am sure u have, which brand of discs do you use then?
I've just used some cheap generic 2X certified media, so I really can't say for sure.

Merry Yule! :santa:

[skyc280]

What was the media code on the Ritek discs you were using then, RITEKG03, RITEKG04 or RITEKG05? RITEKG04 should work fine at 4X speeds AFAIK. See this for a list of RITEKG04 media:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=&dvdmediadvdridsearch=RITEKG04&type=1&size=4.7&dvdburnspeed=4&order=Name&hits=25&search=Search+or+List+Media


I've never heard about Taiyo Yuden and I haven't seen anyone recommending them for this drive either, so I suggest that you try Verbatim, Maxell or TDK instead.


I've just used some cheap generic 2X certified media, so I really can't say for sure.

Merry Yule! :santa:
I am using RitekGO4, the disc itself is branded Ritek
so i don't know what's wrong too

Taiyo Yuden is the best media maker but their blanks are pretty expensive

[lithiumcharles]

It's funny you are all having problems with the dvd-burner, I just bought an $8 special of piodata 25 pack dvd-r's off of newegg because I'm cheap, I mean, the disks don't even have labels on them, and they wrote perfect at 4x, and I already went through about ten of them. Of course, they do say "super high grade" in the center ring. :santa:

[snorre]

I am using RitekGO4, the disc itself is branded Ritek
so i don't know what's wrong too

Taiyo Yuden is the best media maker but their blanks are pretty expensive
Ok, but hezzy (a user on these forums too) managed to write at 4X speed on his Acer Ferrari 3200 using Maxell and RITEKG04 media:
http://www.cubeowner.com/forums//index.php?showtopic=7495
Having done further tests it would appear that the recorder is fuzzy about what media you use, if you use Princo they only write at 2x although they are supposed to write at 4x.

When I used Alcohol120% to write the DVD it starts to write at 2x and after 12.5% it will speed to 4x, giving a total record time of 15mins approx. for a 4gig file.

I have used Maxell DVD's and they write at 4x about 15mins on a 4gig file. I have used DVD's that carry the manufactures ID RITEKG04 and they work correctly as well.

So the conclusion is MetaVampire is right and that is to use branded DVD's and they work at the specified speed. Second conclusion is don't use Princo.

[waxinator]

HI guys, I think I have a problem, havent read the whole forum but I trust snorre.no got an answer for me ;-)
Well I was just going to close the lid (sleep) on the ferrari and changed my mind and opened it right away (it had been on for maybe 5 min so its not overheating) and the whole screen got f***** up... The desktop was visable but there were white and blue and all kinds of dots everywhere and I could not make out the text (filenames).
My whife HATES it LOL

I bet you used the Omega drivers instead of the original ATI drivers.
This was a 'normal' behaviour of the Omega driver package... and has ben
discussed previous in this forum.

[snorre]

waxinator: This issue has been fixed with the latest version of the Omega drivers:
http://www.omegadrivers.net/ati/win2k_xp.php
* Fixed Standby/Suspend/Hibernation bug.

[tbshop]

Hi, and thanks for all the great info throughout this thread and site.

I have read most of the info here at one time or another but was wondering what is currently considered the best memory upgrade? I'm still running the base memory and want to upgrade to 1Gig minimum. Depending on what is recommended and the current pricing I may go to 2Gig.

I run lots of audio / video apps and Photoshop CS.


Also in reply to the DVD questions. I have had very good luck with Verbatim DVD +R media. I never checked to see what speed it was running at though. If anyone needs / wants any more in depth info, I would be happy to help. also this site is exceptional for cd dvd media and hardware info.

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/DVDMediaFormats/

Thanks for any help.

Tom

[snorre]

I have read most of the info here at one time or another but was wondering what is currently considered the best memory upgrade? I'm still running the base memory and want to upgrade to 1Gig minimum. Depending on what is recommended and the current pricing I may go to 2Gig.

I run lots of audio / video apps and Photoshop CS.
I recommend upgrading to 2xCorsair XMS3200 SO-DIMM 512MB PC3200 400MHz:
http://corsairmemory.com/corsair/xms.html

Part #: CMXSD512-3200LL XMS3200 512MB 2.5-3-3-6 200 DIMM

PC3200/DDR400 memory will provide the best performance, and considering that this notebook is very picky about 1GB PC3200 SO-DIMM modules (none have been reported to work so far AFAIK) and that the availability of quality 1GB PC3200 SO-DIMM sticks are still limited the above mentioned solution is considered the best memory upgrade today. If you want 2GB then the only solution would be to use 1GB PC2700/DDR333 memory sticks instead, but then the performance would not be better than using the stock memory modules.

Also in reply to the DVD questions. I have had very good luck with Verbatim DVD +R media. I never checked to see what speed it was running at though. If anyone needs / wants any more in depth info, I would be happy to help.
The disussion here was regarding compatibility with 4X DVD-R media only, and it seems pretty obvious that the drive is extremely picky and will only write at 4X speed on a very few brands of DVD-R media as I've already pointed out.

Regarding DVD burning, the drive supports 4X speed DVD-R writing, 2X speed DVD-RW writing, 2.4X speed DVD+R writing, 2.4X speed DVD+RW writing and 2X speed DVD-RAM writing. The only issue is with the 4X speed DVD-R writing AFAIK.

[tbshop]

Thanks Snorre,

I'll take your advice. No I was not aware of the 2Gig memory problems.

Hopefully the 1Gig you suggest will give me all the performance boost I need.

Thanks also for the DVD update. I normally burn to an external firewire drive but just the past week I burned a few on the ferrari and had no problems. I just thought I would throw that out if it was of any use to anyone.

Thanks again, I'm off to check out the memory.

Tom

[silverdragun]

Hello
Just want to know about something
The hard drive comes along with Ferrari 3200 is 80 GB ,
however, when I made the whole 80GB a partition,
the resulting space is only 74.5GB.

Thanks

[snorre]

Just want to know about something
The hard drive comes along with Ferrari 3200 is 80 GB ,
however, when I made the whole 80GB a partition,
the resulting space is only 74.5GB.
See this for a better explanation than I can give you:

Hard drive showing wrong capacity? Here's why. (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=118330)

Drive Size in GB Approximate Total Bytes Decimal Capacity
(bytes/1,000,000,000)
Approximate Binary Capacity (bytes/1,073,724,841)
[...]
80 GB 80,000,000,000 80 GB 74.51 GB

Happy New Year! :cheers:

[rain_director]

Hello, I'm new here. I've been lurking this thread for some time now but it's just now that I found the urge to post :-)

I've got a Ferrari 3200 for six months now. I'm sure several of you here experience blue screens during the course of your usage. In the first month of my unit, it crashed 3X that I have to reinstall everything with the restore CD. erasing everything. I have no idea then what was happening but I have no chance of getting the unit back to Acer since I was always on the road (or in the air:-) ). then later I found out that what was crashing my unit was the program Adobe Premiere. After deciding not to install it, I never have to make a system restore again.

But for the next 5 months, bluescreen events(system error type which reboots automatically) are an ordinary event, it's quite frustrating but I have no chance. I'm still running the unit in stock specs, no upgrades. those bluescreen events are very random, sometimes it happens when I'm playing NFSU2 or sometimes when I'm using Softimage XSI (3d) or sometimes when I'm using Ulead Video Studio 8. And there are also times when it happen when I just started windows. Although, once it restarted, the unit will go just fine for the next several hours. At an average, it happens 2X/day.

This is one message from the events viewer: Error code 1000000a, parameter1 0000001c, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000001, parameter4 80520ce7.

The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck. The bugcheck was: 0x1000000a (0x0000001c, 0x00000002, 0x00000001, 0x80520ce7). A dump was saved in: C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini010205-01.dmp.

And once, it says about a problem with the graphics accelerator but it never occured again for the last 3 months. But then I still assume that the graphics card driver maybe the culprit so I decided to install the latest Omega driver just last week. Unfortunately, it didn't eliminate the problem. Do you think this is a stability problem with windows????

So my next step would be to upgrade my Windows XP Home to Professional, would this solve it? And also I'm upgrading RAM to Kingston 2 512MB DDR400, replacing the stock memory.

Do I have to send the unit back to Acer or just upgrade right away? I'm just worried they might mess up the paint job, hehehe.

Anyways, any thoughts on how to identify the problem? btw, I've tried memtest and it didn't find any problem although I've had Machine exception blue screen event in the first few weeks, which I later identified what the problem was, I assume.

[snorre]

Machine exception BSODs are usually caused by faulty hardware, usually bad memory so I suggest that you download and run Memtest86+ that you can get from here:
http://www.memtest.org/

[lithiumcharles]

Hello, I'm new here. I've been lurking this thread for some time now but it's just now that I found the urge to post :-)

I've got a Ferrari 3200 for six months now. I'm sure several of you here experience blue screens during the course of your usage. In the first month of my unit, it crashed 3X that I have to reinstall everything with the restore CD. erasing everything. I have no idea then what was happening but I have no chance of getting the unit back to Acer since I was always on the road (or in the air:-) ). then later I found out that what was crashing my unit was the program Adobe Premiere. After deciding not to install it, I never have to make a system restore again.

But for the next 5 months, bluescreen events(system error type which reboots automatically) are an ordinary event, it's quite frustrating but I have no chance. I'm still running the unit in stock specs, no upgrades. those bluescreen events are very random, sometimes it happens when I'm playing NFSU2 or sometimes when I'm using Softimage XSI (3d) or sometimes when I'm using Ulead Video Studio 8. And there are also times when it happen when I just started windows. Although, once it restarted, the unit will go just fine for the next several hours. At an average, it happens 2X/day.

This is one message from the events viewer: Error code 1000000a, parameter1 0000001c, parameter2 00000002, parameter3 00000001, parameter4 80520ce7.

The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck. The bugcheck was: 0x1000000a (0x0000001c, 0x00000002, 0x00000001, 0x80520ce7). A dump was saved in: C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\Mini010205-01.dmp.

And once, it says about a problem with the graphics accelerator but it never occured again for the last 3 months. But then I still assume that the graphics card driver maybe the culprit so I decided to install the latest Omega driver just last week. Unfortunately, it didn't eliminate the problem. Do you think this is a stability problem with windows????

So my next step would be to upgrade my Windows XP Home to Professional, would this solve it? And also I'm upgrading RAM to Kingston 2 512MB DDR400, replacing the stock memory.

Do I have to send the unit back to Acer or just upgrade right away? I'm just worried they might mess up the paint job, hehehe.

Anyways, any thoughts on how to identify the problem? btw, I've tried memtest and it didn't find any problem although I've had Machine exception blue screen event in the first few weeks, which I later identified what the problem was, I assume.


You don't have sp2 installed by chance, do you. If so, try uninstalling it and seeing if that solves the problem. Also, if you have time, you can see if its software related by doing an advanced clean-boot troubleshoot. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434

[Duke_Audi]

... for the next 5 months, bluescreen events (system error type which reboots automatically) are an ordinary event, it's quite frustrating but I have no chance... At an average, it happens 2X/day.

Read my thread: Is it time to contact Acer tech support??:( (http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=49415&highlight=Acer+Ferrari)
Very similar problems. Acer finally attributed it to a faulty mother board.


Do I have to send the unit back to Acer or just upgrade right away? I'm just worried they might mess up the paint job, hehehe.

No need to worry, they should take very good care of it. You can NOT send it back to Acer for upgrades. They don't do that type of service. But, you MUST call the support line and get a file started on your problems. Then get it back to them for repair ASAP!

[bachler]

hi, snorre, could you make a thread or a list in this thread about all the things u need to download for the acer ferrari 3200, like the amd 64 driver for windows, and some ati drivers, and ... all the stuff... and how to optimize preformance... i know ther is probably all the info i need in this thread, but i dont want to have to look trough the whole tread, so if u could make a new thread or in this thread or pm me the info, or if there allready is a compilation of usefull stuff for the acer ferrari 3200, give me a link?

thanks //bachler
:D

[snorre]

bachler: I've already done this, see this thread:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=41052

:cheers:

[wikedlam]

Hello, I'm new here. I've been lurking this thread for some time now but it's just now that I found the urge to post :-)

I've got a Ferrari 3200 for six months now. I'm sure several of you here experience blue screens during the course of your usage. In the first month of my unit, it crashed 3X .......


What version Bios are you using. The latest version (link posted by Snorre) suppose to fix the blue screen issue. Maybe you can flash upgrade your Bios first if you have not done so.

[rain_director]

Yes, i have SP2 installed. Do you think that is one cause?

And yes, I have the updated BIOS.

Snorre, Ive tried memtest already but no errors found. I also tried the one from microsoft, no errors as well.

hmmm, mobo problem??? that doesn't sound good :-(

[snorre]

Try updating it with all the newest Windows updates and drivers (see my link above) as that might help.

[lithiumcharles]

Yes, i have SP2 installed. Do you think that is one cause?

And yes, I have the updated BIOS.

Snorre, Ive tried memtest already but no errors found. I also tried the one from microsoft, no errors as well.

hmmm, mobo problem??? that doesn't sound good :-(

I had the same problem (before upgrading my ram and hd) and while browsing another forum, there was another person with the same problem who eventually found out it was sp2, so I uninstalled it and it seemed to work fine. It can't really hurt as you can always reinstall it. If all else fails, just for fun, install anticrash from http://www.dachshundsoftware.com/download.html and see if it helps any, its 30 bucks, but it lets you try it out for free, and if it works it gives you a good workaround option.

[SilenceSurfaced]

Would the ferrari work well with EQ2? what does its processor translate in ghz? and would doubling the ram be an issue?

ty

[SilenceSurfaced]

oh yes...does it have good wireless functionality....long distance persay....maybe get it an external

[rain_director]

Try updating it with all the newest Windows updates and drivers (see my link above) as that might help.

Snorre, windows and drivers are already updated. Maybe I will try to reinstall everything again and maybe try lithiumcharles' suggestion not to install SP2.

I'm gonna spend my whole day tomorrow to do these. Goodluck to me!

[rain_director]

Are the Kingston DDR400 512MB memory modules ok? I plan to upgrade to that. 512MB X 2.

Corsair XMS is not available in our country yet, too bad :-(

[snorre]

Would the ferrari work well with EQ2? what does its processor translate in ghz? and would doubling the ram be an issue?
Yes, all games runs fine on the Ferrari so I guess EQ2 would work fine as well.

The Acer Ferrari 3200 got a low-power Mobile Athlon 64 2800+ processsor that runs at 1.8GHz and the Acer Ferrari 3400 got a low-power Mobile Athlon 64 3000+ that runs at 2.0GHz. However, GHz is not a good indicator for raw performance if that's what you were asking about?

Memory upgrade is no problem at all, just take a look at this:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=361430#post361430

oh yes...does it have good wireless functionality....long distance persay....maybe get it an external
Yes, it got a built-in Broadcom AirForce BCM4306KFB 802.11b/g WLAN solution that's probably the best in the market. Excellent signal integrity and long distance.

[snorre]

Are the Kingston DDR400 512MB memory modules ok? I plan to upgrade to that. 512MB X 2.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think they should work perfectly fine.

[monologuist]

I've been having 2 issues with my Ferrari:
1. My drive is showing a couple of large fragmented chunks on it that can not seem to be defragmented by the Windows XP defragmenter. Is there another way or program that I can use to get rid of these, as it has slowed my HD Tach benches to something ridiculous like 3 mb/sec. read .
2. My Ferrari refuses to aknowledge the existence of my Lacie D2 250gb firewire/usb combo drive. When I plug it in, you can see it under Safely Remove Hardware, and you can see it if you run HD Tach, but under My COmputer, it does not appear, so you can not access its files. Additionally, when I run HD Tach on it, it seems to only be able to get get 10 mb/sec read and burst;something is throttling it (should be getting well above 30-40 mb/sec). I have not had this problem with my other firewire/usb combo external drive. Any ideas what the heck is wrong?

[Bootz]

mono, I don't know how XP's built-in defragmenter stacks up against standalones, but you might try something like Diskeeper.

There's a new version out.

http://execsoft.com/coverpage.asp

Bootz

[YuriSEAL]

Diskeeper is the Windows XP defragmenter. However, the actual program gives you additional functionality that should allow for better defragmenting.

[monologuist]

for some reason, even though Diskeeper sees that my C: drive is very fragmented and needs severe defragmentation, after running it, it is still at the same level of fragmentation. It claims that I need to keep running the defragmenter on it, but what's the use if it does not seem able to further defragment it from this point?

also....has anyone else had compatibility problems with one of these external Lacie D2 firewire 800/400/usb combo drives with their Acer ferrari?

[lithiumcharles]

mono-try perfectdisk to fragment your drives, it has a free 30 day trial, it's what I've been using (for the past 14 days) and it works great,IMO much better than diskeeper.

[rain_director]

Just an update:

I have restored the unit back to factory setup with the acer restore CDs. Then I installed the latest Omega drivers rightaway but without the Radlinker just to lessen the complication. And I chose not to install XP SP2 as well, btw. Installed some programs that I need to use immediately like Norton Ghost, Photoshop, Sony Vegas/DVD Architect, MSOffice and Firefox. So far, no freeze-ups and auto-reboots. In the computer properties/advanced/startup&recovery, I unchecked automatic restart, just to be sure its doesn't reboot in case of system failure.

I tested all the programs I installed, no errors. Looking good :-) I burned a couple of CDs,DVDs, tried some video and photo editing. Connected some devices like the camera and the printer as well as an external HD. Everything is running well.

Took me about 3 hours to do everything just that. I'm not finished just yet. I decided to run the latest memtest overnight. After around 8 hours, 30+ passes, no errors were found, so I guess everything is well with the memory.

This morning, I was able to operate the unit for 2 hours with no freeze-ups and reboots as well. I was able to burn DVDs without any problems. Was able to restore all my files from the backup I did yesterday. Norton Ghost did well except for two files which I cannot restore but it's ok since those aren't important files anyway. Looking good, and it feels good at that.

It's just today while writing this, that I just update the virus defs of my Norton AV. There were reminders to Windows updates but I decided not to download/install them just to keep everything as simple as possible.

Tonight, I'm going to install few more programs that I need like Softimage XSI (3D) and Digital Fusion. These programs will really drive this Ferrari hard. Then install some games like NFSU2 and warcraft. In the weekend, I'll let you know with the results of these installs. I'm keeping my fingers crossed :-)

PS: I've decided to get the 2 X Kingston 512MB DDR333 instead of the DDR400, just playing it safe since nobody here ever tested the Kingston DDR400 with the Ferrari yet. At least its' gonna be way better than the stock memory :-)

[rain_director]

btw, just a note, before I ever did the "restore to factory" yesterday, I tried the XP64 beta. Everythings seems ok but when I installed and ran the Norton Ghost, it can't seem to restore the backup files well, I keep on having errors. And because of little knowledge with XP64, that's when I decided to take the more conservative route :-)

[fskidd]

Just an update:
PS: I've decided to get the 2 X Kingston 512MB DDR333 instead of the DDR400, just playing it safe since nobody here ever tested the Kingston DDR400 with the Ferrari yet. At least its' gonna be way better than the stock memory :-)

I am using 2 X Kingston 1G DDR400 with my ferrari and works perfect. You should not doubt the quality of Kingston.

[snorre]

I am using 2 X Kingston 1G DDR400 with my ferrari and works perfect. You should not doubt the quality of Kingston.
Part number please! :eek:

[jimmyT]

Hi, been reading this forum for a while after stumbling across it looking for updated firmware for the DVD drive! As it happens snorre, have you found anything yet? Damn region locks eh?

I've used SP2 since day 1 with no problems or the BSOD (acer recommend you uninstall the stock bluetooth drivers before upgrading to SP2) - saying that as soon as i got the machine i formatted and stuck my own copy of xp pro with "updated" drivers off the acer website so maybe theres an issue with the acer disks they supply.....

Was there any reason why Acer shipped the 3200 with xp home in Fat32? (i'm sure this has already been covered but this thread is huge!). Is it possible to install with another copy of xp home(in NTFS) and change the product key (with a key changer) to the one supplied with the notebook? Just seems abit long winded converting from fat32 after installing windows.

[fskidd]

Part number please! :eek:

KVR400X64SC3A/1G

I have used for more than two months without any problem. I have also checked with MemTest86 without any errors.

[snorre]

KVR400X64SC3A/1G

I have used for more than two months without any problem. I have also checked with MemTest86 without any errors.
Cool :) And you've confirmed with e.g. CPU-Z that the memory really run at DDR400 speeds too?

[fskidd]

Cool :) And you've confirmed with e.g. CPU-Z that the memory really run at DDR400 speeds too?

Sure. I have checked it with CPU-Z and Sandra 2005.

The parameters are 3-3-3-8.

[MadsD]

YES!!! I've bought one now!!! :awdance:

I've been following this thread since it started, and have saved and saved, and today, now I finally bought it!!! 11.997,93 DKR [1,612.65€] (Hi Snorre, your my country neighbour! :stupid: Hehe.

I'm so thrilled :surreal: However, I read that there's come a heat/fan issue, where it starts at 39 Celcius instead of the old 49 degrees. That's a shame. If my Ferrari 3200 has an earlier BIOS, would it be wisest not to upgrade. I cannot see the big advantages of upgrading to the newest. Does anyone have another opinion they'd like to share??

[snorre]

Hi, been reading this forum for a while after stumbling across it looking for updated firmware for the DVD drive! As it happens snorre, have you found anything yet? Damn region locks eh?
Nope, I'm still looking for it.

Was there any reason why Acer shipped the 3200 with xp home in Fat32? (i'm sure this has already been covered but this thread is huge!). Is it possible to install with another copy of xp home(in NTFS) and change the product key (with a key changer) to the one supplied with the notebook? Just seems abit long winded converting from fat32 after installing windows.
I don't know why Acer ships WinXP with FAT32 on their laptops, but it's pretty simple to convert it to NTFS afterwards though just take a look at this:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/convertfat.mspx

[snorre]

YES!!! I've bought one now!!! :awdance:

I've been following this thread since it started, and have saved and saved, and today, now I finally bought it!!! 11.997,93 DKR [1,612.65€] (Hi Snorre, your my country neighbour! :stupid: Hehe.
Congratulations! :cheers:

I've made a similar thread over at Hardware.no's forums here that might interest you:
http://forum.hardware.no/index.php?showtopic=242658

I'm so thrilled :surreal: However, I read that there's come a heat/fan issue, where it starts at 39 Celcius instead of the old 49 degrees. That's a shame. If my Ferrari 3200 has an earlier BIOS, would it be wisest not to upgrade. I cannot see the big advantages of upgrading to the newest. Does anyone have another opinion they'd like to share??
What BIOS version does yours come with? I haven't upgraded mine yet, and I have still the first version released. I don't see any point upgrading untill Acer has fixed this fan issue though.

[Psmt25]

Hey snorre, I just got my Ferrari 3400 over the christmas. It works great and all, and I've been conditioning the battery like your instructions from the thread. I've also changed the stock hd to the hitachi 7k60. One question though, I was trying to enable the A.B.L.E (or A.B.E.L) for the hd using the feature tool, but it needs a floppy disk. How did you enable your? Did you do it without floppy? or with an external floppy? Also, do you or anyone know any good notebook coolers? I thought the coolermaster coolpad is pretty good, but I'm open to suggestion. The laptop gets pretty hot after a while. I guess the higher speed processor generate more heat, it makes me wonder if the Ferrari 3200 is a better decision. Anyway, no complaint to the laptop overall.

[snorre]

If you've upgraded to a Hitachi Travelstar 7K60 hard drive you should enable A.B.L.E. (Advanced Power Options) with the Feature Tool that is included on the Ultimate Boot CD (http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/).

See also my post here:
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=458650#post458650

[MadsD]

Congratulations! :cheers:

I've made a similar thread over at Hardware.no's forums here that might interest you:
http://forum.hardware.no/index.php?showtopic=242658

Yes, I've read some of it now. Not all. GOD there's a lot!


What BIOS version does yours come with? I haven't upgraded mine yet, and I have still the first version released. I don't see any point upgrading untill Acer has fixed this fan issue though.
The machine arrives on thursday, if I'm lucky. :-)

[algirdas2004]

Hi there.

A simple (stupid? :D ) question: How do I format a partition on my Ferrari 3200 manually, i.e. without using the recovery and system CDs provided? As all of you know, the Ferrari does not have a Floppy disk drive, so startup floppies do not help...

Thanks.
Best regards,
Algirdas

P.S. Happy New Year everyone!

[rain_director]

So far, I only have one BSOD since I reinstalled everything. And the error involved win32K.sys which I attribute (I'm not sure though) to the Digital Fusion compositing software which I tried using. It happened just once. I tried to replicate what I did but the error didn't happen again.

So now, I'm not eager to do windows update just yet :-) keeping my fingers crossed. Next step, install PC games :-)

Although I have one observation, I was looking for the ACER SERVICE partition that the restore CD usually creates, but it's not there. I know it can be deleted after recovery but why is it not there now?? hmmm.

fskidd, it's nice to hear you got them working well. unfortunately I already ordered the 2X512MB DDR 333 but it's ok, I will still be happy :-) since I got a good deal :-)

[rain_director]

Hi there.

A simple (stupid? :D ) question: How do I format a partition on my Ferrari 3200 manually, i.e. without using the recovery and system CDs provided? As all of you know, the Ferrari does not have a Floppy disk drive, so startup floppies do not help...

Thanks.
Best regards,
Algirdas

P.S. Happy New Year everyone!

If you have a separate WinXP CD, you can boot with the CD and do the partition there. If you don't, I tried this option once for booting to Drive C, use the system CD but not continuing the recovery step. I forgot exactly how I went thru it but I was able to access Drive C in DOS mode. I hope this made sense
:scratch:

[rain_director]

My Ferrari just crashed few minutes ago while surfing the web on wifi. the BSOD tells about IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. what does that mean???

[Bootz]

snorre, thanks for all your posts here!

I stuck in two of the Corsair 512MB memory sticks you recommended over the weekend.

$96 each from newegg.com.

Went like a breeze!

bootz

[lithiumcharles]

My Ferrari just crashed few minutes ago while surfing the web on wifi. the BSOD tells about IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. what does that mean???
http://www.aumha.org/win5/kbestop.php#0x0a
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prmd_stp_hwpg.asp

[snorre]

snorre, thanks for all your posts here!

I stuck in two of the Corsair 512MB memory sticks you recommended over the weekend.

$96 each from newegg.com.

Went like a breeze!
Great to hear it :)

If you or anybody else for that matter find my posts here useful, then I'd appreciate it very much if you added to my reputation by clicking on the http://notebookforums.com/images/buttons/reputation.gif-button beneath my nick on the post(s) you find most useful and give me your approval. Thank you! :cheers:

[Bootz]

Done, dude!

Bootz

[shadinio]

hey guys
i was just wondering if any of u ferrari owners would either upload or send me the ferrari.wav (startup sound file). am using a differen windows than the one supplied and it just doesn't feel home wen i dont hear the engine sound!

shadinio@gmail.com