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

[monologuist]

What? Even you haven't done this yet? What a surprise! Umm, suddenly I start to question the feasibility of this upgrade: "If the great Snorre hasn't done this can it be done at all?" *GRIN*

If the one and ONLY success story we have on this board is true, which I highly doubt, I think that MT-40 would be better option even if it gives us only 400 MHz, larger cache and lower TDP.

Anyway, I contacted a member of this forum (afortes) because a while ago he posted about trying ML-42... only to fail miserably. Unfortunately he hasn't succeeded to this very day. *SIGH* In a PM he mentioned trying even a MT-40 only to fail again.

So now that the CPU prices are coming down soon, and warranty is only a fleeting memory for us Ferrari 3200 owners, I think MT-40 is the best possible option out there. They are not that easy to get hold on in Finland, though!


"SeoulFinn"

PS. Maybe we should open a new thread about this to see if there's more knowledge to be had?

do you know if you can replace the 3200's processor with the AMD Mobile Athlon 64 4000+ (62W) Newark?

I'm looking into the possibility of upgrading my 3200's processor from stock.....my priority is raw processing power for music DSP procesing.

[SeoulFinn]

do you know if you can replace the 3200's processor with the AMD Mobile Athlon 64 4000+ (62W) Newark?

Haven't heard anyone trying this before. Might be doable, but I don't think it's a smart thing to do. Even if it works, you're likely have problems as your original CPU has a TDP of 35W. By replacing it with a 62W CPU things will get too hot inside of your Ferrari. At least the fan will probably be running at full blast all the time... if it works at all. 4000+ is meant to be used in bulky DTR laptops with adequate cooling capabilities.

If you want to speed up your F3200 a bit, I suggest that you do what I did. I have 2Gb DDR400, 7200RPM HDD and running Win XP 64bit. The difference and especially the responsiveness to the original is noticable. As for the CPU, our best option might be getting one of those ML or MT Turions.

BUT BUT BUT! Before you spend hundreds on your ageing laptop, why don't you try to sell it and get a new one? These new Duo Core laptops are a lot faster than F3200 no matter how you upgrade it. If "DSP processing" is multithreaded "supercharged" F3200 will seem to be slow as BEEP!

[monologuist]

seoulfinn...yes I was thinking of exploring the duo core market, although I am not sure if any of the software I use can take advantage of them? Anyway, do you know of any good options on the duo core market that are within the ballpark of Ferrari dimensions or smaller?

[SeoulFinn]

Anyway, do you know of any good options on the duo core market that are within the ballpark of Ferrari dimensions or smaller?

I haven't been following what's hot and what's not in the laptop market, because I'm not looking for a new laptop right now. I suggest you go to Notebookreview (http://www.notebookreview.com) and take a look around. They have a pretty good search function on the right side of the page. (If you aren't going to game, remember to chose "Graphics Integrated" to find the cheapest options.)

Because I don't know which software you are using, I really can't help you. I think you can easily check from the manufacturer's site if the software you're using supports multithreading not. As far as I know, some professional music programs (e.g. Cubase) do support it, though.

[colagent]

Can this Machine play BF2, or Command & Conqure Zero Hours

[Snowdog1967]

Can this Machine play BF2, or Command & Conqure Zero Hours

I've played BF2 just fine. I have 1.256 gig of RAM, though.

[colagent]

thanks alot snowdog1967.

[synapse46]

I remember seeing a link to PDF instructions to disassemble the laptop. Does anybody have the link to the PDF or remember where it was posted in this thread.

Thanks

[snorre]

I remember seeing a link to PDF instructions to disassemble the laptop. Does anybody have the link to the PDF or remember where it was posted in this thread.
The download link is in the bottom of my post here:
http://www.notebookforums.com/post361430.html#post361430

For more interesting guides relating to Acer Ferrari 3200/3400 then check out the link in my signature :)

[algirdas2004]

Hi, the capacity of my battery has deteriorated considerably in the last months, but the replacement option is not available for me (bought laptop in Europe, currently in US - doesn't work). So I wanted to ask if I can order a battery from Acer? Do I have any alternatives? Has anyone done that? Prices and info on availability would be very helpful.

Thanks!

[pilot101]

you can check on ebay and stuff they have good competive rates, and I'm pretty sure the battery size is same regardless which country you bought it, also you should jot down the model number of your battery to get the exact match for your computer. with the model number also check out pricegrabber.com and other places

[johnconneely]

Hi - Can these same instructions to upgrade the RAM located under the keyboard be applied to the Acer Ferrari 3000 - or is the process different?

[algirdas2004]

Hey, I'm thinking about buying two RAM modules: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Value-Select-memory-VS1GSDS533D2/dp/B0009PAZ0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1207010159&sr=1-1

The only question is regarding the frequency: as far as I know, running 533 Mhz memory card on a computer supporting up to 333 Mhz shouldn't be a problem (except from not using the card full speed), or?

Thanks!

[colagent]

Hey, I'm thinking about buying two RAM modules: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Value-Select-memory-VS1GSDS533D2/dp/B0009PAZ0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1207010159&sr=1-1

The only question is regarding the frequency: as far as I know, running 533 Mhz memory card on a computer supporting up to 333 Mhz shouldn't be a problem (except from not using the card full speed), or?

Thanks!

IT is DDR2 Ram. And It dont think that 3400 supports it. So dont go for it. Find DDR instead

[simonlebons]

IT is DDR2 Ram. And It dont think that 3400 supports it. So dont go for it. Find DDR instead

The laptop is sexy. I wonder if it's just looks, instead of performance.

S

[pilot101]

yea like other users said ddr2 will not fit in ferarri, DDR is the only option man its so nice to see there are still alot of ferrari 3200/3400 users still out there. I may opt to retire this beast when acer comes out with ferrari series with either puma or shrike processors.

[turboexec]

I've got a Ferrari 3200, and I am trying to put a 250gb WD HD in it. So far it is only seeing 137gb. I've upgraded the bios, and tried several disk managers, update windows XP to SP3, all drivers are updated...I'm running 2gb of RAM, otherwise it is stock.

Also, when running the 80gb internally, and having the 250gb externally connected it does see all 250gb. It doesn't make sense that it sees it outside the computer but not in it.

So my question is, has anyone else run into this problem, and how did you solve it? I tried searching here and didn't find anything that worked.

Thanks

[pilot101]

u gotta partition it bro, the max it can read is 137 gb, so make the partitions less than 137 gb and divide it up. That is the only way to access all the hd

[turboexec]

u gotta partition it bro, the max it can read is 137 gb, so make the partitions less than 137 gb and divide it up. That is the only way to access all the hd

I have tried that a few ways. I've tried formatting it externally first, all partitions less than 137gb. I have tried installing windows on a 20gb partition and then through windows disk management partitioning all unallocated space to under 137gb. It still only ends up seen 137gb available when you add up the partitions.

I have also tried Western Digitals Data Lifeguard Tools 11.2 for DOS (CD) (http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?groupid=701&sid=53&lang=en) and that won't see the entire drive no matter how it is partitioned.

I have all the updated drivers from acer, and completely updated windows XP Pro.

Pilot101, are you running a HD larger than 137gb? and OT, are you a licensed pilot, what do you fly?

[pilot101]

rofl no turboexec, its just a random name i received when i was in 6th grade in lieu of using real name to check ur grade. I just ended up using as my regular sn hahha. Woah that sux, I'm sorry to hear partition doesn't work. I personally haven't tried it myself, my hd is under 137 gb. But i was going through threads and was recommended by couple ppl and thought i would just pass on the message. Hope it works out in the end bro

[turboexec]

Well just to update...
I have the HD partitioned as such:
20gb
40gb
70gb
100gb

Windows sees all the partitions now but won't let me format the 100gb partition. I have tried formatting through my computer, Windows disk management, and with paragon HD manager. None of them have been able to format the partition.

If anyone has any opinions/options let me know.

[sonichero]

Is the BIOS in this laptop Socket or soldered?
PC Wizard 2008 identifies as Socket. So like to confirm it....