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Aloha!!
Just recieved my Tecra M3.
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Tecra M3-S212TD
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 730 [1.60GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 533MHz FSB], Microsoft® Windows XP Professional (SP2),
nVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6600 TE 128M w/dedicated 128MB SDRAM
Bluetooth v1.2, 512MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz SDRAM (512MBx1),
14.1" XGA display (1024x768),
60GB HDD (5400rpm),
DVD/CD-RW Multifunction drive,
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG (802.11b/g),
Bluetooth v.1.2,
Lithium-ion Battery (6-cell, 4700mAh),
Microsoft Works™ Version 8.0,
1-Year Standard Limited Warranty,
Toshiba Executive Nylon Carrying Case
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I must say its really light and well constructed. I'll give it a run for a few days before I write a thorough review. However there are a few initial points that I thought that I should point out.

1- I'm not very happy with the screen. I dont know if this is standard for XGA 14.1 screens, but I thought the CONTRAST would be much better. There are no BLACKS what so ever, just dark greys. I've been working on a "Samsung Syncmaster LCD 151P Porsche" for the past 2.5 years, and there is a MAJOR difference in clarity and contrast. Although its OK..I just dont think this is a good screen for a TOP OF the Line TECRA laptop. Too bad.

2- When on AC, and on FULL POWER mode, the fan gets VERY VERY noisy. Its laughable, more like the FX 5800 fiasco if anyone remembers. And it gets BURNING hot, you simply CANT put it on your lap. It will LITERALLY BURN you in 10-15 minutes. You will also lose your manhood...cuz there are vents on the front too...

3- Contrary to what other guys here felt concerning the touchpad buttons, I dont find them that annoying, though they are not GOOD by any means, just a little different. Any EL CHEAPO HP has better buttons.

4- I ordered a Geforce 6600 128MB, however I cant find any relevant information about it on the lappy. It always says: Geforce 6200 64MB/Geforce 6600 128MB EVERYWHERE!! In Dxdiag, in Device Manager, in Display Properties, in 3DMark system properties, but they ALL say the video memory is 128MB. What really is freaking me out that I got in 3Dmark 2001SE ONLY ~5000 points...what the f!@#..........I havent tried 3Dmark2003 or 2005. Where do u think the trouble is? AA and AF are off, I'm on AC and in full power??!! Could it be divers? How can I download latest drivers. Toshiba has NONE, and Nvidia says to get all ther Geforce GO drivers from Toshiba!?

I'll post some pics, and a thorough review will follow.

P.S. I paid around $1700 for my config, which is quiet reasonable, but there are guys who are going up with their specs all the way to ~2300, there's even someone who just reviewed the M3 who paid ~$3500. Thats a LOT of money to pay to get THIS WASHED OUT SCREEN, NOISY FAN and POOR TOUCHPAD BUTTONS
IMO The TECRA line should be a little MORE REFINED!!

wow...im not liking these reviews of the m3 sounds alot worse than the preceeding m2 ever was. the screen issues may be a not so good screen but it could also be the result of its resolution, it can play some eye tricks on you at times, especially if your used to ultra high quality monitors. the heat and graphics card issues are ones i see as really important and disconcerting, since they need to be addressed right now by toshiba in my opinion. still the saving grace is that you got a decent price, might not be perfect but at least your price was pretty good.

looks like my recomendations are going to be shifting to other models in the tecra line, such as the a4 and s2 if this seems to be a persistant issue with quality.

you can download Nvidia drivers from laptopvideo2go.com. However, in your case, you might just want to take fidget's advice and get a different system, since it seems it's not up to your expectations.

Well I dunno....I actually like the laptop, Especially the SIZE and WEIGHT. On Battery or when u dont use "FULL POWER" the fan is ok...and like I said...the buttons are not that of a deal. Its just the screen is so WASHED out...mmm I dont know...

Anyone here on the forums can tell me how a GEFORCE 6600 128MB gets ONLY ~5000 in 3DMark 2001. BTW, IF U CHECK THE REVIEWS OF THE tecra m3 ON notebookreview,com U WILL SEE THE PICS SHOWING "powered by nvidia" AND NOT AN actual geforce go 6600 sticker!!! JUST LIKE MY LAPPY!!!

IS it possible that I've been suckered into believing this is a DEDICATED 6600 128MB, only that it USES SHARED MEMORY WITH THE SYSTEM JUST LIKE THE 6200TE???

UPDATE: In 3DMark 2005: 1321

Update: 3Dmark 2003: 3663

oymd, perhaps you're ID'ing a difference between the XGA and the UXGA (1400x1050) displays, but, I'd like to suggest you take a look at some settings. I'm presuming you have the same flexibility I do with my 1400x1050 display, which gives me the blackest of blacks and whitest of whites. I happened across a test screen which I can't seem to find right now but when I do, I'll let you know how to find it. Anyway, check the following:

Right-click on your desktop and click Properties.

Ensure your screen resolution is max'd ... and color quality is set to highest (32 bit?)
Then click "Advanced"
Under GeForce Go6200/6600... tab, ensure:
Single Display
Digital Flat Panel
Then click the button, GeForce Go6200/6600...
Play around, but of significance, look at the "color correction" tab ...
be sure the Digital Vibrance is all the way left (not right/off), and center the brightness, contrast and gamma. I have my image sharpening all the way left. Video overlay settings: center hue and saturation. Perhaps this will help.

P.S. While my fan is loud and system generates some heat, it's not nearly as bad as you're describing ... I'm wearing a pair of boxer shorts and I've had my M3 on my lap for 2 hours now (plugged-in). My left leg is a little warmer than my right leg, but not uncomfortable by any means. If your system is that hot with only a 1.6GHz system, I'd suggest you bring it back and try another one. I'm pushing 2.13GHz and full video and I sound cooler than you're running. I don't have front vents either (?).

I'm not defending Toshiba or the M3 ... it's exactly what I wanted and still no regrets after another week. I'm getting used to the stiffer buttons but I'd still prefer less tension.

Good luck / regards,
Rich

In regards to such a low 3dmark 2001 score (5000), the best argument i could come up with would be the documentation on Toshiba's Webpage regarding the graphic processor.
(note, you do have a 6600 TE TE = toshiba edition).

Toshiba published information on what that means on their webpage.
To get to that information:
www.toshiba.com
click on products and services.
click on Notebook Pcs
click on Technical Support
click on Downloads
Select the Tecra M3 system and click GO.
click on the downloads link (in the right frame that appears).
look for the below:
03-01-2005 User Guide/Addenda Addendum Addressing Graphics Specification Update for Tecra M3 (v1.0; 03-01-2005; 25K)

To quote that PDF file:
Updated Information
For Your Computer's Graphics Processor
The following information supersedes that which is
contained in the documentation that shipped with
your Tecra® M3 Series computer, and reflects the
most up-to-date information for your system.
Technology and processor
Graphics 64 Mb nVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6200 or 128Mb nVIDIA®
GeForce™ Go 6600 256-bit graphics accelerator;
BitBLT hardware, Alpha-blending, Direct3D® and
OpenGL support*
*Graphics processor unit ("GPU") performance may vary
depending on product model, design configuration, applications,
power management settings and features utilized.
GPU performance is only optimized when operating in AC
power mode and may decrease considerably when operating
in battery power mode.
The graphics processor is optimized for *** this specific computer *** (hense the TE, Toshiba Edition)
model and *** GPU performance will be slower than the
standard GeForce™ Go 6200/6600. *** GPU performance is
only optimized at ambient temperatures between 5° C and
30° C (41° F to 86° F) .

PMA500133010



Now if you want a system with a Normal 6600, the Tecra S2 does -not- have a 6600 TE (it has a regular 6600).



Think that might answer the question. The 3dmark 2003 score you posted looks nice though


That all aside, question for you Tecra M3 owners.
Do you have any settings for Nvidia Powermizer under the advanced graphical settings tab? (i.e. can you adjust GPU performance or any other Nvidia powersaving techniques on the NVIDIA tab, or has toshiba disabled these features on this system?????)

Thanks.
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To riffin-rich:

Its not THAT HOT, but gets uncomfortable on my laps...I'm getting to like the lappy day by day anyhows. The touchpad buttons is not an issue anymore, and I'm getting used to the screen...I did your settings...it helped....but I think I'm just SPOILED by my Samsung 151P LCD that I've been using for ~ 3 years.

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As for "rinthos"

Here are some updated Benchmarks ATER changing the Graphics settings to performance etc...

3DMark 2001: 11900
3DMark 2003: 3663
3DMark 2005: 1321
Aquamark: 21000

I guess these are GOOD numbers....

Now ...for the LOVE of GOD...can SOMEONE tell me the DIFFERENCE between

Geforce Go 6600
&
Geforce Go 6600 TE

NVIDIA'S site states that TE is "TURBO EDITION" and is only provided through OEMs. In the 6200 TE 128MB, the chip has 32MB actual memory and has 96MB SHARED with SYSTEM MEMORY. It CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE 6600 TE, and that it has 128MB DEDICATED MEMORY and is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT CHIP FROM THE 6200 TE actually a VERY ADVANCED DIRECT X 9 CHIP

SO Basically...Is anyone here informed enough to clarify this up. What are the specs and core and memory speeds on the 6200 and 6600 chips? and HOW MANY ARE THEY??

1-Geforce Go 6200
2-Geforce Go 6200 TE
3-Geforce Go 6600
4-Geforce Go 6600 TE

The DIFFERENCES, THEIR DIRECT X capabilities...SHADERS....etc, THEIR CORE SPEEDS, THEIR MEMORY SPEEDS????



BLOODY MARKETING TRICKS!!!!!

just like Radeon 9500pro, vs 9550, vs 9800 128 bit, vs 9800SE.

THANKS!!

Adrian's Rojak Pot has a VERY good article comparing ALL THE MOBILE CHIPSETS and he only mentions the 6200 and the 6600:

http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx...var1=98&var2=0

GeForce Go 6200
Architecture: NV44M
Manufacturing Process: 0.11 Micron
Transistor Count: 75 Million
DirectX Support: 9.0c

GeForce Go 6600
Architecture: NV43M
Manufacturing Process: 0.11 Micron
Transistor Count: 146 Million
DirectX Support: 9.0c

GeForce Go6200
Pipelines: 3
Vertex Shader Version: 3.0
Pixel / Texture Pipelines: 4 x 1
Pixel Shader Version: 3.0
Power Management: PowerMizer 5.0

GeForce Go6600
Pipelines: 3
Vertex Shader Version: 3.0
Pixel / Texture Pipelines: 8 x 1
Pixel Shader Version: 3.0
Power Management: PowerMizer 5.0

GeForce Go6200
Core Speed: 300 MHz
Fill Rate: 1200 MTexels/s
Memory Bus Width: 128-bits
Memory Type: DDR
Memory Speed: 150 MHz
Memory Bandwidth: 2.4 GB/s

GeForce Go6600
Core Speed: 375 MHz
Fill Rate: 3000 MTexels/s
Memory Bus Width: 128-bits
Memory Type: DDR
Memory Speed: 350 MHz
Memory Bandwidth: 11.2 GB/s


As you can see, he lists ALL the properties, SO HOW DOES THE TECRA M3's 6600 TE 128MB compare to this 6600 which seems like a MONSTER...it has 11.2 GB/s GRAPHICS BANDWIDTH....I ACTUALLY THOUGHT THAT THIS IS THE VERY SAME CHIP I AM BUYING!!!

ISNT IT THE SAME??

Quote:
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Here are some updated Benchmarks ATER changing the Graphics settings to performance etc...
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Benchmark scores look much better (remember this is a laptop/notebook, so those scores are -nice- for such a mobile/small system).
In regards to the performance mode though, was that the Nvidia Powermizer option? Or some other option?

In regards to the Nvidia Graphic offerings, here they are in a nutshell.

Geforce Go 6200 = 100% dedicated v-ram.
Geforce Go 6200 TC = Turbo Cache. = has a small amount of dedicated v-ram, and it -also- allocates some system ram for video.
Geforce Go 6200 TE = Toshiba Edition = dedicated v-ram, but gpu is clocked approx. 25% slower than the normal Geforce Go 6200. Also, the TE gpus use additional thermal settings to 'slow down' the Gpu when the temperature reaches certain points. This is to maintain cooler operating environments.

Thus in a nutshell, TE = a slower version of the 6200. TC = uses dedicated + shared v-ram.

Geforce Go 6600 = 100% dedicated v-ram.
Geforce Go 6600TC = Does not exist.
Geforce Go 6600TE = Toshiba Edition = dedicated v-ram but gpu is clocked approx 25% slower than the normal Geforce Go 6600 offerings in order to maintain cooler temps and lower power usage. Also, the TE gpus use additional thermal settings to 'slow down' the Gpu when the temperature reaches certain trip-points (set in the video-bios).


so the tecra M3 definately has 100% dedicated v-ram, however it runs slower by default, and will slow down further when thermal environments reach pre-set temperatures (the pdf file shown above lists the ambient temps).


So conclusion:
TE = Toshiba Edition (Slower Edition)
TC = Turbo Cache (shared v-ram + dedicated v-ram are both used)
oh yeah and Ultra = Ultra (faster edition).

If no designation is present, then consider it "Normal Edition". lol

Hope this clears things up for you. Also, if you have Powermizer (GPU power settings for the graphic chip), could you post a screenshot showing which options it lets you set? (either that or list them if possible) ?
I.e. I'm curious if there are separate settings for Battery and AC, and if you have 2 or 3 options (i.e. slow, medium, fast).

Please let me know, and I hope the info above helps.
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Thanks man....

I checked in SYSTEM PROPERTIES in 3DMark 2005...it turns out that our 6600 TE is CLOCKED AT:
Core: 225MHz versus 375MHz on a regular 6600
Memory: 200 Mhx versus 300MHz on a regular 6600

So from what your saying...they are EXACTLY THE SAME CHIPS, just with LOWER CLOCK SPPEDS...ie...if by some crazy means I overclock it using POWERSTRIP to its STOCK SPEEDS OF 375/300 MHZ...it will work....
I know...I know...thats an Impossible OVERCLOCK....but if they are the SAME CHIPS...then 375/300 are the ACTUAL STOCK SPEEDS and Toshiba has UNDERCLOCKED the 6600 TE....and I am just CLOCKING IT BACK TO STOCK SPEEDS

Guess if I do that ...the laptop will MELT!!!!
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Yeah the NUIMBERS on the BENCHMARKS look good....
Here are the pics of the settings..

Here are the Different settings before I run the benchies...

Wish I knew what they ALL mean. I've never used Nvidia before....and some are not understandable...like...LOD....Mimap.....Clamp...etc....

I guess i only understand the part about AA and Af...and Trilnear optimisation....

Quote:
---
I checked in SYSTEM PROPERTIES in 3DMark 2005...it turns out that our 6600 TE is CLOCKED AT:
Core: 225MHz versus 375MHz on a regular 6600
Memory: 200 Mhx versus 300MHz on a regular 6600

So from what your saying...they are EXACTLY THE SAME CHIPS, just with LOWER CLOCK SPPEDS...ie...if by some crazy means I overclock it using POWERSTRIP to its STOCK SPEEDS OF 375/300 MHZ...it will work....
I know...I know...thats an Impossible OVERCLOCK....but if they are the SAME CHIPS...then 375/300 are the ACTUAL STOCK SPEEDS and Toshiba has UNDERCLOCKED the 6600 TE....and I am just CLOCKING IT BACK TO STOCK SPEEDS

Guess if I do that ...the laptop will MELT!!!!
---

Well first just an overview of "stock speeds".
As far as I have seen, Nvidia has offered the 6600 Go (normal) at speeds ranging from 275mhz to 375mhz. It is up to the notebook manufacturer to determine which clock speed to set it at.
Most are picking 275 to 333mhz (since it's less power consumption, and less heat, thus easier to design around).


But yeah, the TE (toshiba edition) is pretty much underclocked, but 1 other thing is the thermal trip-point option.
Thus you could overclock, but would need to find a way to keep the gpu much cooler (which would be very difficult to do given the space-constraints inside the system case chasis ).

Remember, 'stock speeds' for graphic cards (or gpus to be more specific), are set with "stock air-flow and stock cooling options". That said, if you could acquire the heatsink assembly for a 'normal' 6600, and ensure that it would receive adequate airflow, you would likely be able to push your chip up to 'stock speeds'.

However, airflow is out, and using a better heatsink+heatpipe would be difficult due to room constraints.
Finally, the TE versions are likely not tested at higher speeds, which means that they could (in theory) be lower quality chips (but the -same- design and same features).

If you are into overclocking, I would say try 250mhz for the gpu, and 215mhz for the v-ram.
NOTE: I personally do -not- recommend overclocking laptops/notebooks, but if you are planning on doing so, I say 250mhz gpu core as a theoretical max, only because of thermal limitations.

Once again thanks for the pictures. Exactly what I was looking for!

Oh and btw, Ati does the same thing with their Mobile Gpus. They released review samples of the Radeon Mobility 9600 at 350Mhz, and faster for the PRO version.

About 4 months after it's release, they changed it so 333Mhz would be "Pro" because notebook manufacturers did -not- like the heat or powerconsumption of the gpu at 350mhz, so none really adopted it.
Funny as it may be, the Hp/Compaq Nc6000 has a radeon 9600 mobility clocked at 250mhz. And sure enough, there is no way to tell that it's clocked that low. (i.e. No TE or in this case HP-E).

At least with the 6600, they are nice enough to put a "TE", so we can
at least realize that there's a spec difference.

Anyway, that said, For a 225mhz gpu, the scores you're posted are awesome!
They are up there with the -desktop- Radeon 9500 and -desktop- Geforce 5600 cards. And for a notebook as small as the M3, that's nice to know it can perform.

If you're wanted the better performance and want to stick with Toshiba, the Tecra S2 offers the normal 6600 (my guess would be clocked anywhere from 275 to 300).
from what I've seen it's not -that- much larger (15" screen vs. 14, and approx 1-2 pounds more).

But overall, it looks like the Tecra M3 seems to be a decent performer, even though it's definately not designed to be a gaming machine. :-)


And once again thanks for the screenshots!!
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Well, I saw the TE but I didn't know what it stood for. My M3 with 6600 TE is coming Tuesday, though my enthusiasm is now dampened somewhat. Wasn't there a big deal with the Compaq X1000 and the video card? Not quite the same situation, but I'm a little bummed nonetheless. And a 15% restocking fee if I decide not to keep it because of the lower performance! I thought the reported fan noise was a result of the 6600 at typical speeds and I was hoping I could undervolt the CPU and get the sound down. So the 6600 is clocked low and the fan still comes on alot? Bummer deal.

Regarding the Hp/Compaq X1000/zt3000/nx7000 notebooks, the issue with the graphic card was that if you ordered a Radeon 9200, the driver reported it as a Radeon 9200,
however people removed the keyboard and found that the GPU was that of a 9000 (same pci-Id as a radeon 9000 too).

So that's a completely different issue. It was listed as a radeon 9200, but the chip was a radeon 9000.

For the tecra m3, fan is likely a result of hot ram, the cpu, gpu, and v-ram, all in such a small space and a conservative formula in the bios to keep the system cool.
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