Sager 8890 FAQ

[Fireplug]

If the rest of you are like me, you like to know the specs of a product you are buying down to the size of the smallest screw heads. People who buy Sager systems are people who can appreciate the ins and outs of their hardware, and want to know its every detail.

I have spent several days going over every thread here trying to find out everything I can about this machine that I just bought, and so I decided to try to put in one place some of the details I could find about it to help the next guy or gal. This is meant to be an evolving document as we find out more info about the 8890. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this in their posts, and please add, in replies to this thread, more info or corrections as they come out and I will add it to this post.

So with no further ado, here are some links I found...


Buy 8890 Here at PC TORQUE (http://pctorque.com/8890.php)



8890 Specification Info and links

Review and benchmarks by Adam of PCTorque (http://talknotebooks.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6481)

Here are the full specs according to the Sager site here (http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/hw_spec3.cfm?SelectedType=8890) , and here (http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/hw_spec2.cfm?SelectedType=8890) , and here (http://pctorque.com/misc/8890specs.jpg)

Interactive view of the 8890 (http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/larger_systems/displayx.cfm?type=8890)

Model Name: Sager NP8890

Case, mainboard, and LCD: Based on Clevo model D800P (http://www.clevo.com.tw/)

Bios: Phoenix; 512KB; P&P 1.0a; ACPI 1.0B ?

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.4~3.2Ghz 800FSB w/HT (http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/processors/pentium4/index.htm?iid=sr+4&) benchmarks here (the hyperthreaded processors have the "C" designation) (http://www.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/cpu/article.php/3261_2226901__5)

Memory: Dual Channel DDR supports 266/333/400MHZ (http://www.upgradesource.com/advice/advice111700.html)

Hardware RAID Support: RAID 0 or RAID 1 (http://www.sohoconsult.ch/raid/raid.html)

System Chip: Intel 865PE / Intel ICH5 (Serial ATA100 w/RAID) (http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/865pe/) Info comparing 865 to 875 chip (http://www.anandtech.com/chipsets/showdoc.html?i=1823)

LCD Screen: 16.0" TFT SXGA: Sharp LQ160E1LW02 1280 X 1024 native resolution: pictures here of the new 16" screen on the latest version of the older 8887 model (http://talknotebooks.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=5553)

Video Control Chip: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 PRO (M10-P) Memory: 128MB DDR (http://www.ati.com/products/mobilityradeon9600/index.html)

Video-In Control Chip: Avermedia (http://drivers.aver.com/software/Manual/AVTV-English.pdf) with Conexant 878A chip (http://www.peritek.com/vgx_878A_prod_brief.pdf)

Audio Control Chip: Intel Whitesheet on AC '97 w/ 6 Channel Analog and S/PDIF (ftp://download.intel.com/labs/media/audio/download/ac97_r23.pdf) Realtek AC '97 rev23 6 channel codec (http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/products1-1.aspx?lineid=5)

Integrated Modem Controller: 56K V.90 Smartlink (http://www.smlink.com/main/index.php)

Optional Integrated MP3 Player: Newtrend MP3 Player (http://www.ntei.com.tw/index.htm)

Optional 6-1 Memory Card Reader (http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/parts_info.cfm?ProductType=CR8890)

Front CD Player that operates with main power off: Audio DJ (http://www.o2micro.com/products/prod_prodaudio.html)

4 USB 2.0 ports: Via VT6202 Controller (http://www.viatech.com/en/Communications/USB2.jsp)

IEEE-1394 port: Firewire Controller (http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/productfolder.jhtml?genericPartNumber=TSB43AB21)

Touch Pad: Synaptics (http://www.synaptics.com)

Hard Disk Drives:
Hitachi Travelstar 60GB with 7200rpm and 8MB buffer (http://www.atacom.com/program/print_html_new.cgi?cart_id=3514099_12_213_85_19&Pagecode=SEARCH_ALL&Item_code=HDNB_IBMX_60_72&USER_ID=www)
Toshiba 60GB w/ 5400rpm, 16384KB buffer (http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/pc/pc_prodDetail.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1288817966.1061074836@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadcjedejkjecgfkceghdgngdgll.0&comm=ST&plin=Storage&pfam=Hard%20Disk%20Drives%20and%20Upgrades&poid=244879&Adoid=140372)
80GB, 60GB or 40GB at 4200rpm also available

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive: Samsung SN-124 CD-ROM (24X Max.) (http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?prod_id=SN-132B), Toshiba SD-C2612 DVD-ROM (8X Max.) (http://sdd.toshiba.com/cda/main.aspx?Path=/818100000007000000010000659800000000/8182000000e5000000010000659c00000d07/818200000031000000010000659c00000363), KME UJDA340CL-Z CD-RW (16x10x24 Max.), Toshiba SD-R2312 (8X DVD/16x10x24 CD-RW) Combo (http://sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=/818200000007000000010000659800000001/8182000000e0000000010000659c00000d09/818200000047000000010000659c0000034d/818200000603000000010000659c00001349) , Toshiba SD-R6112 (2X DVD-R/RW) (http://sdd.toshiba.com/cda/main.aspx?Path=/818200000007000000010000659800000001/8182000004ef000000010000659c00000d63/818200000778000000010000659c00001746)



ATI Mobility 9600 reviews

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,1115215,00.asp
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NDk0
http://www.tech-report.com/etc/2003q1/ati-m10pre/index.x?pg=1




Miscellaneous



The latest drivers for the 8890 will eventually be posted on this page at Sager. (http://www.sagernotebook.com/pages/notebooks/download.cfm?ProductType=8890)

Here is a link to the user manual for the 888x series, which will have many of the same features as the 8890. (self extracting achive of a pdf file) (http://www.sagernotebook.com/ftp/misc/manual_8886.exe)

Service Manual for the 888x series, which has many similar parts as the upcoming 8890 series (from Clevo's ftp site) (ftp://ftp.clevo.com.tw/SRVMANUAL/888E/888Series_SM.zip)

Useful guide that explains the various TV/video standards such as BG+DK which for those non-USA Sager owners to help figure out which TV tuner to order.
(http://www.alkenmrs.com/video/index.html)




Performance Enhancing

Overclocking the Mobility 9600 Pro (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6671)


Firmware update to swap Fn and Ctrl keys on keyboard! (http://talknotebooks.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=7127)


Troubleshooting


Video Problems?

There are 2 video drivers on the CD, make sure you install the non-WHQL version 7.93, not the 7.89 WHQL version as it has some issues with DirectX.


Problems installing OS, hardware not being installed properly, Windows not on "C:" drive?

Eject the portable MP3 player before installing any OS or drivers.


Dead Pixel's?

Set this one as wallpaper at 1280X1024 resolution to see dead pixel against black background (http://www.kingsfanclub.com/files/deadpixelblack.jpg)

Set this one as wallpaper at 1280X1024 resolution to see dead pixel against white background (http://www.kingsfanclub.com/files/deadpixelwhite.jpg)

If your pixel is in the center rectangle then you should discuss with Sager having your screen replaced under warranty, as this was their replacement policy for the 8887 model.


Keyboard loose?

How to fix loose keyboard (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6620)


Screen Flicker?

Nero Vision may cause screen flicker (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6712)


LAN setup issue?

Installing LAN under XP (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6705 )


Computer Locking up during games or other activity

Bad SODIMM may be the culprit of lockups (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6666)


TV Studio Problems?

Fixes for a couple TV Studio Problems (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6630)


MP3 Player Problems?

Links to MP3 player related stuff (http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6595)



User Reviews

http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6564

http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6643

http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=6593


OK, that ought to get the ball rolling. Now everybody help me to make this more comprehensive. I know there is a lot of info out there that I missed in this first draft.



Revision History:

8-16-03 Updated Conexant chip link
8-17-03 Updated 865 chip links, processor benchmark link, MP3 player link, audio DJ link, IEEE-1394 link, realtek link
8-18-03 Updated Clevo link, service manual link for 888x added (thanks Myrkat & Rado), edited info on screen link, added bit about D800P, Bios info, 6-1 info
8-19-03 Clarified 16" monitor link
8-26-03 link to Adam's Review
9-01-03 big update: LCD Manufacturer, dead pixels, overclocking, user reviews, keyboard loose, screen flicker, LAN, bad SODIMM, Video probs, TV Studio, MP3 Player
9-05-03: Changed RAID link (great suggestion by aussie)
9-10-03: TV Tuner selection guide (great suggestion by aussie)
9-11-03: Fn and Ctrl key swap firmware

[MrMsyvc]

You da' man. Nice job. One of these blue moons in my proverbial spare time I'd like to search and consolidate some forum threads on topics of (my) interest, like ATI drivers, ATI tweaking, TV config and tweaking, etc. etc. The forums are loaded with info, it's just all over da' place!

[Fireplug]

Thanks, MrMsyvc! Gives me something to do while waiting for the new notebook to come. :)

[MrMsyvc]

Wait on, wait on! (The waiting is the hardest part? Think I heard it in a love song.) I'm waiting for a full upgrade, though it's purely out of prurient interest, as I have quite a stormin' ma-cheen as it is.

[ryanniedz]

great combination, but there is one flaw. I believe the current sxga in the 8887 is not the one they will be using in the new 8890. Just a thought because I have heard adam say the 16" sxga is brand new as opposed to the 15.7" sxga currently used in the 8867. Other than that, great job. I never even knew anything about the mp3 player. now i do. thanks

[Wisefish]

No, the current 16 inch SXGA lcd on the 8887 will be used for the time being on the 8890. :cheers:

[Fireplug]

I think that some of the latest 8887 deliveries have the new 16" SXGA screen... at least that is what the person who posted the photos of the screen in action, in the link posted above, said in his post.

[MrMsyvc]

Originally posted by ryanniedz
great combination, but there is one flaw. I believe the current sxga in the 8887 is not the one they will be using in the new 8890. Just a thought because I have heard adam say the 16" sxga is brand new as opposed to the 15.7" sxga currently used in the 8867. Other than that, great job. I never even knew anything about the mp3 player. now i do. thanks

Poor, poor, pitiful me. (Linda Ronstadt? Dating myself.) I have neither a 15.7" OR an SXGA LCD. I bought my 8887X last February with a 16.1" UXGA. It's a nice complement sitting next to my 21", 3-ton, CRT in Extended Monitor mode. Sig updated accordingly. No hard feelings.

[myrkat]

Originally posted by MrMsyvc
Poor, poor, pitiful me. (Linda Ronstadt? Dating myself.) I have neither a 15.7" OR an SXGA LCD. I bought my 8887X last February with a 16.1" UXGA. It's a nice complement sitting next to my 21", 3-ton, CRT in Extended Monitor mode. Sig updated accordingly. No hard feelings. Yeah, I bought my 8887-X back in Feb.02 as well, but at least I renamed it 8887-V - I'm such a conformist.

-myrkat

[Fireplug]

ryanniedz,

You're welcome. My pleasure to try and help.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I certainly don't know everything...but I know how to find it on the net."

[infinity306]

Originally posted by ryanniedz
great combination, but there is one flaw. I believe the current sxga in the 8887 is not the one they will be using in the new 8890. Just a thought because I have heard adam say the 16" sxga is brand new as opposed to the 15.7" sxga currently used in the 8867. Other than that, great job. I never even knew anything about the mp3 player. now i do. thanks
actually the 16 inch on the 8890 is the same at the 1 they brought in in july to replace the 15.7 on the 8887 I beleive.. before then it was a 15.7 or 16.1 choice on it until the 16.1 was dropped due to supply problems..

[ryanniedz]

http://sagerforums.com/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=5971&highlight=8890+screen



That is the thread where Adam said that the link is the old 15.7 " sxga monitor. Unless when he said old he meant since the time the uxga was around and since the uxga has gone they brought up a better sxga.


also, adam never confirmed that this was true. Only one person there claims the screen is the new 8890 screen. The poster says it is his 8887 sxga. ANy confirmation on this screen or a link to the thread that posts it?

[Fireplug]

ryan,

I don't think that post by Adam conflicts with what we were saying above at all. Adam said that the part number in that post was for the 15.7 screen which was used in OLD 8887's, meaning that the new 8887's and 8890's would use the new replacement screen which was 16" SXGA. The link in the FAQ shows pictures of a newly delivered 8887 model which has the new 16" SXGA screen, so that link shows us what the screen should look like for 8890 buyers.

[ryanniedz]

thats it. I thought old 8887 meant 8887 in general since they are discontinued. I didnt know there was a new and old 8887. Thank you.

[NavyGuy]

The specs list the 865PE chipset as capable of 10/100 ethernet, yet the 8890 / 5680 specify 10/100/1000 (gigabit) ethernet. Can this be accurate?

Thanks

[Fireplug]

The specs in Intel's whitesheet talk of a dedicated network bus:

Architecture featuring a Dedicated
Network Bus (DNB) enables the
real Gigabit Ethernet experience by
eliminating the PCI bottleneck and
relieving the load on I/O devices by
providing a direct path to system
memory for network data.

But they also speak of a 10/100 lan:

A LAN Connect Interface (LCI)
provides flexible network solutions
including 10/100 Mbps Ethernet,
and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with
LAN manageability.

So I am not sure how one accesses that dedicated network bus, unless the pcmcia wireless g card can somehow tap into that.

[infinity306]

Originally posted by Fireplug
The specs in Intel's whitesheet talk of a dedicated network bus:

Architecture featuring a Dedicated
Network Bus (DNB) enables the
real Gigabit Ethernet experience by
eliminating the PCI bottleneck and
relieving the load on I/O devices by
providing a direct path to system
memory for network data.

But they also speak of a 10/100 lan:

A LAN Connect Interface (LCI)
provides flexible network solutions
including 10/100 Mbps Ethernet,
and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with
LAN manageability.

So I am not sure how one accesses that dedicated network bus, unless the pcmcia wireless g card can somehow tap into that.

I think those go hand in hand.. the pcmcia would have no connection to the internal chipset other then going through the pcmcia.. i think the second by saying including 10/100 also meant i10/100/1000 even though it didnt mention that.. including could lead to more being supported by it.. i think the LCI is the port where you connect the ethernet cable and the other is the chipset that supports it.. I am not good at deciphering Intel yet though..

[unpilot]

This is the kinda stuff that makes me realize what a great resouce this forums is.

Many thanks for all your hard work!:love: :love:

I just ordered my 8890. Man Now I get to play the waiting game.
I ordered it over a freakin holiday weekend so...who knows when it will get here?

:banana: :banana: I ordered it!!:banana: :banana:

[Fireplug]

You are welcome. Added a bunch more stuff today.

[Goobers]

Originally posted by Fireplug
The specs in Intel's whitesheet talk of a dedicated network bus:

Architecture featuring a Dedicated
Network Bus (DNB) enables the
real Gigabit Ethernet experience by
eliminating the PCI bottleneck and
relieving the load on I/O devices by
providing a direct path to system
memory for network data.

But they also speak of a 10/100 lan:

A LAN Connect Interface (LCI)
provides flexible network solutions
including 10/100 Mbps Ethernet,
and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet with
LAN manageability.

So I am not sure how one accesses that dedicated network bus, unless the pcmcia wireless g card can somehow tap into that.

the 865PE chipset supports a direct bus connection via CSA to allow Gigbit transfers...

however, with the 865PE is another chip... in the case of the 8890, its the ICH5R... R for RAID... anyway... this chip supports it's own network bus... allowing for a plain 10/100 (no giga).

edit: note that CSA allows for 10/100/1000... not JUST giga... with that in mind, with two controller chips (one using CSA, one into the ICH5/ICH5R chip), you have 2 BUILT-IN lan ports... at least for the desktop versions...

i'm assuming the wireless runs through the PCI bus by either a PCMCIA interface (if you have the card)... or the Mini-usb interface (whatever that is... ??)

ATM they don't need to tap into that just yet... though it would be more dedicated at the very least.

[beatgeek]

I noticed in the link to the DVD/CDRW drive, it said something about having a capacity of only 653 MB. Does that mean it can't burn an 80 minute CD? Has anyone tried burning CDs yet with their 8900s? How has that experience been?

[vman465]

I to have a sager 8890 with a toshiba SD-R6112 and a SD-R2412. None of my drives burn DVD's. Can you recommend a DVD-R that is compatible with the 8890? I was looking at the SD-R6472 with master firmware. The only issue would be cosmetic due to the fact that the faceplates between the SD-R2412 and SD-R6472 are not interchangeable. The only faceplate available for the SD-R6472 is a black 12.7mm x 128mm. What do you think. Also, what would be a good burning software to use.

Thanks.
vman465

[G-Omaha]

NEC ND-6500A/6550A are good drives that will work. About $80 here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?Item=N82E16827152048

Now for software, it depends on what you are going to do. Here is a nice reference link that you may find of interest: http://www.videohelp.com/

Also the SD-R6472 is not all that great IMHO. Have one and replaced it with the NEC for greater compatability with various blank DVD Media.

[vman465]

Thanks, I'll look into it. My only question is will the NEC ND-6500A/6550A fit snugged in my sager 8890? And will their be a problem with the face plate?

[G-Omaha]

Ask Aussie (in the 8890 thread - I think he recently replied to someone). I think he has two of them - the 6750's have come to markter and are about $70 at newegg.

EDIT: Here is the thread I was talking about: http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=59427

[vman465]

Does anybody know the difference between the NEC 6500A, 6650A and the 6750A. Do you know Aussie or G-Omaha?:bow:

[G-Omaha]

Google is your friend. Go here: http://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters
and the type in the ND-model number and see the specs and writeups from various users.

Essentially the major differences are related to medias supported (-R DL & -RAM) and write speeds associated with various media.