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8204 Static noise resolution

post #1 of 32
3/17/06 at 8:53pm
Thread Starter 
Ok guys, apparently the static/buzzing noise problem is fixable. Acer just neglected to fix my laptop for whatever reason.

TheGeoff reported he got his laptop back and it had the following fix:

"ECN update on VGA, tested ok."

I called them up because I was baffled on how could two laptops at the same center not receive the same fix. Don't bother calling Acer just yet, as they still don't know what is going on.

The person I spoke to, Andy, is going to speak to his supervisor. I also told him about this forum and he took down the URL.

I'll let you guys know if anything else comes up. Hopefully we can finally get rid of this pesky problem once and for all.
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post #2 of 32
3/17/06 at 9:38pm
I wonder what "ECN update on VGA" means...
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post #3 of 32
3/17/06 at 9:41pm
maybe a bios update? not much else you can update on the vga, unless they have improved the cooling system by applying better heatpipes and thermal paste.
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post #4 of 32
3/18/06 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 
Someone else has been told by Acer that the buzzing can be fixed by updating the video card's firmware.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=45371

Well guys, i think i'm going to keep my laptop after all, however I am disappointed with how certain things were handled.
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post #5 of 32
3/18/06 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wynand32
I wonder what "ECN update on VGA" means...
ECN, in the tech bizz, usually means Engineering Correction Notification, also sometimes called ECO for Engineering Correction Order.

In this context, I'd assume that ATI said, "whoops", and released a "notification" to their customers, with a some form of "fix".

It could be a firmware update (most likely), but this could also be something like, "replace C13 with a 10uF capacitor" or "add a jumper between U14 pin 1 and R33".

If there was a larger scale issue (like the local power supply on the video board being under designed), then it's even possible that the ECN could have resulted in a replacement (updated) video board.

If ATI's firmware is responsible for programming parts of the video board's power management (which it most likely does), then a firmware update could most certainly fix a "buzzing" sound coming from some overloaded components. Seems strange, but some parts in power supplies and power circuits can and do make funny little noises - some are harmless, some could indicate an overload or a poor controlled power circuit. If I had to guess, I'd suspect that they setup the LCD backlight inverter incorrectly, perhaps a bad PWM setting or incorrect bias voltage.

Bit.
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post #6 of 32
3/18/06 at 12:54pm
The problem is caused by the VGA Choke apparently, so it requires a replacement hardware part. So a BIOS update wont fix this.
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post #7 of 32
3/18/06 at 1:09pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by psneddon
The problem is caused by the VGA Choke apparently, so it requires a replacement hardware part. So a BIOS update wont fix this.
Did Acer tell you this? I'm going to be sending the laptop to Acer to be fixed. We've heard it was a firmware update, and you mention a hardware replacement.
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post #8 of 32
3/18/06 at 2:03pm
Someone showed me the fix document, the old VGA choke was a wire type the vibrated causing the noise.
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post #9 of 32
3/18/06 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by psneddon
Someone showed me the fix document, the old VGA choke was a wire type the vibrated causing the noise.
Any chance we can get access to this document?
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post #10 of 32
3/18/06 at 2:12pm
That might explain why the one I just got can't recreate the buzz earlier purchasers have had.

Though I thought I heard a vibrating buzz when I booted last night. The sad thing was I actually got excited for a second (guess I'm feeling left out).
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post #11 of 32
3/18/06 at 4:40pm
Seems that its just a firmware update
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post #12 of 32
3/19/06 at 8:43pm
what? firmware or VGA choke? pick lol.
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post #13 of 32
3/19/06 at 8:46pm
what is the typical turn around for this type of thing, from the day you send it out to the day it returns.
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post #14 of 32
3/19/06 at 8:50pm
a week with AcerAdvantage probably 2 weeks without
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post #15 of 32
3/31/06 at 11:11am
Thread Starter 
I'm not sure but someone with the static noise problem try installing the 3312 bios and see if that fixes the problem.

they updated something (Update VBIOS for M56 B26.) regarding the video card.
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post #16 of 32
3/31/06 at 12:28pm
Nope no luck on the buzzing with the new bios
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post #17 of 32
3/31/06 at 2:07pm
Thread Starter 
I just got my laptop back from Acer. The repair list said "Replaced VGA choke for noise".

The laptop still makes a slight noise, but I can not hear it unless I put my ear to the case.

I'm happy now.
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post #18 of 32
3/31/06 at 2:13pm
Falafel,

Does this mean you're finally happy with your 8204 in full?
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post #19 of 32
3/31/06 at 2:16pm
Thread Starter 
Yes, i have no complaints.

Acer called me up and appologized for damaging the case when they returned it to me the first time. They did the right thing. It seemed i just had a case of a one time bad luck experience, but they redeemed themselves.
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post #20 of 32
3/31/06 at 3:11pm
Interesting. I used to get a slight buzz when running the tokamak demos. Now with 3312 the buzz is even slighter, and some of the demos have none.
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