Gateway FX Laptop Series Thread *Mods And Upgrades*

[ANTEC900]

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/2927/gatewaylogo1.jpg

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7104/gatewayp170fxeditionlap.jpg

This Thread Is Dedicated To All Gateway FX Series Laptop Owners For Support And Also A Few Tips And Tricks As We Get Them

Base Specs:

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit or 64-bit)
Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor (PM965 chipset = socket P @ 667mhz or 800mhz) and (PM45 chipset = Socket P with 800mhz or 1066mhz)
3072 or 4096MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM or 4096MB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
250GB/320GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive w/ 8MB cache2
17.0" Ultrabright TFT Active Matrix (1440 x 900 - 1920 x 1200 max. resolution)
FX Design with Copper Core Accent
Intel® PM965 Chipset and NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8800GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory or PM45 Chipset with NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTS with 1024MB of GDDR3
8x Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW with DVD-RAM featuring Labelflash™Technology3
Integrated 1.3 Megapixel Web Cam

MSRP; $1,299 - $1,799 (Prices May Differ From Stores And Online Retailers)

Gateway Support Documents:

Gateway P-17 Series (http://support.gateway.com/support/supinfo/index.asp?pg=2&file=mo_P_170.html)

Gateway P-63 Series (http://support.gateway.com/support/supinfo/index.asp?pg=2&file=Mo_P63_Series.html)

Gateway P-68 Series (http://support.gateway.com/support/supinfo/index.asp?pg=2&file=Mo_P68_Series.html)

Gateway P-73 Series (http://support.gateway.com/support/supinfo/index.asp?pg=2&file=mo_P73_Series.html)

Gateway P-78 Series (http://support.gateway.com/support/supinfo/index.asp?pg=2&file=mo_P78_Series.html)

Drivers:

P-6831 (http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?st=pn&param=1015088R)

P-6860 (http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?ref=step&st=browse&platform=10022&model=11885&os=&type=) - Also used for P-6831 64-bit drivers

P-171S FX (http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?ref=step&st=browse&platform=10022&model=11792&os=&type=)

P-171X FX (http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?ref=step&st=browse&platform=10022&model=11793&os=&type=)

P-172XL FX (http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?ref=step&st=browse&platform=10022&model=11880&os=&type=)

P-7811 FX (http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?ref=step&st=browse&platform=10022&model=12115&os=&type=)

Video Card Drivers

32-Bit (http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winvista_185.85_whql.html)

64-Bit (http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winvista64_185.85_whql.html)

Tips & Tricks:

Reassigning the Hot-Keys


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlMo bilePCHotStartButtons1]
"ApplicationPath"=""C:Program FilesWindows Media Playerwmplayer.exe""
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlMo bilePCHotStartButtons2]
"ApplicationPath"=""C:Program FilesWindows Media Playerwmplayer.exe""
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlMo bilePCHotStartButtons3]
"ApplicationPath"=""C:Program FilesCyberLinkPowerDVDPowerDVD.exe""


Overclocking the GPU:

Use Nvidia System Tools (http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvidia_system_tools_6.03.html) To Overclock

OR

Use nTune (http://www.nvidia.com/object/ntune_5.05.54.00.html) To Overclock


Overclocking the CPU:

Not Possible Unless You Have A Intel Extreme Chip

Undervolting The CPU

Guide (http://www.nordichardware.com/Articles/?page=1&skrivelse=465)

Upgrade Guides

Guide 1 (http://www.notebookforums.com/thread212385.html)

Guide 2 (http://support.gateway.com/s/Manuals/Mobile/8512680.pdf)

Gateway User Guides (http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/2008/GodzillaFX/2905977R/2905977Rul.shtml)

Hardware Upgrade options:

CPU Option: Any Socket P Mobile Cpu Will Work. (Will List All Members Setup To The Bottom)

Ram Options: Any DDR2 667MHz Will Work.

Hard Drive option: Going Raid With The OEM Hard Drive You Will Need Something Like The Stock Western Digital (Serial ATA 150 8MB cache).
For The Best Performance I Recommend 2 x 200GB 7200RPM 16MB Serial ATA 300 Drives.

Members Setups:
If You Have This Laptop. Post Your Specs And 3Dmark06 Score (I'll Add It To This Post)

(1) Freak: Gateway P-173 XL FX / 2x 200GB 7200RPM Raid0 / 4GB 667MHz Ram / Intel C2D X9000 @ 3GHz / 8800m GTS / Vista Ultimate (64-bit) SP1 - 3Dmark06 = 9738 (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3824973&postcount=6)

[ANTEC900]

I Would Like To Thank shifty22123 At Overclock.net For Giving Me The Idea From One Of His Threads

[MINIz guy]

Cool thread, there is another section in Notebookreview.com that goes on and on about these laptops too. Great pieces for great prices!

I own a Gateway P-6831FX that I bought from BestBuy for $1100 and a free game (chose CoD 4). One of my best computer deals in my life. It is currently completely stock, underclocked to 1.87v to run a bit cooler. It's in need of a reformat, new battery and keyboard (my fault on both the items) but because of the school year, I will need to wait.

[Russian]

I have one quabble. I would never recommend anyone use Nvidia System Tools or nTune to overclock ANYTHING let alone a laptop GPU.

[ANTEC900]

I have one quabble. I would never recommend anyone use Nvidia System Tools or nTune to overclock ANYTHING let alone a laptop GPU.

I Do Not Have My Gateway FX Yet
But When I Get It I Will Test More Overclocking Programs
And If Anyone Has A Gateway FX Laptop List Your Specs And 3Dmark06 Score If You Want

[Freak]

Nice Laptop.

Awesome thread! Thx ANTEC900 :D

I got a P-173XL FX 11 months ago and I love it! You have to be careful with what drivers you use. When I used non-gateway Laptop drivers I noticed alot of audio instability and I am an audio producer (I also DJ with my laptop).


I upgraded the processor, upgraded the memory, added Intel turbo memory and upgraded to a bluray reader (to go with the 1920 x 1200 screen :D ) .

BTW: My laptop came with Vista Ultimate 64bit


Here are my specs:
------------
Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor1 T8300 (2.40GHz, 800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache) **Upgraded** Intel X9000 Extreme Edition OC'd to 3GHz

Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Ultimate (64-bit) SP1

Memory: 4096MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-2048MB modules) **Ugraded** GSkill 4GB 667MHz CAS 4

Turbo Memory: 1GB Intel Turbo Memory 1.0

Hard Drive: 400GB 7200rpm Serial ATA hard drive w/ Raid 0 (2-200GB hard drives)

Chassis: Intel® PM965 Chipset

Wireless Network: Integrated Intel® 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless Networking

Adapter: 120 Watt AC Adapter

Audio: High-Definition Audio- 2 Channel, Built-In speakers, embedded microphone, headphone/speaker jack, and microphone jacks

Battery: Primary 9 Cell Lithium Ion battery (7800mAH) w/ 1 Yr. limited battery warranty

Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR

Dimensions: (System) 1.3"-1.70" (H) x 15.75" (W) x 11.75" (D)

Display: 17.0" WUXGA Ultrabright TFT Active Matrix (1920 x 1200 max. resolution)

Expansion Slots: One ExpressCard™ Type 54

External Ports: (3) USB 2.0, VGA Connector, V1.2 HDMI Connector, IEEE 1394 Firewire Port, e-SATA and Kensington Lock Slot

Fingerprint Reader: Fingerprint Reader

Keyboard and Mouse: Full-Size Keyboard, Synaptics Touchpad with Vertical Scroll and Dedicated Multimedia Panel

Media Card Reader: 5-in-1 media card reader (Memory Stick®, MemoryStick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, xD-Picture Card)

Modem Integrated V.92 56K modem

Network: Integrated RealTek 10/100/1000 Ethernet Adapter

Optical Drive: 8x Multi-Format Dual Layer DVDRW with DVD-RAM featuring Labelflash™ Technology4 **Upgraded** BluRay/DVD Combo drive

Video: NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800M GTS with 512MB of GDDR3 discrete video memory

Web Camera: Integrated 1.3 Megapixel Web Cam

Weight: Starting at 9.2 pounds
------------------

Here are some benches:

P-173XL FX X9000 STOCK VIDEO:
http://i39.tinypic.com/8ww2t4.jpg



P-173XL FX X9000 OC'd VIDEO:
http://i44.tinypic.com/160dj14.jpg

__________________
Desktop:
Liquid Cooled Silverstone TJ07
Intel G0 Q6600 @ 3.9GHz 24/7
DFI Lan Party LT X48-T2R
4GB Mushkin ASCENT DDR2 1066MHz (996619)
Review Sample 4870X2 2GB
2 x Seagate 200GB Raid 0
1 Samsung F1 1TB
X-Fi Titanium Pro
----------------------------
Laptop:
Gateway P-173XL FX
Intel X9000 @ 3.0GHz
8800GTS 512MB
2 x 2GB GSkill DDR2 667MHz CAS 4
2 x 200GB 2.5" 7200RPM In Raid 0
Blue Ray/DVD Combo
1GB Turbo Memory

[ANTEC900]

Thanks
But From Now On Can Everyone List There Specs Like This It Would Be Rely Help Full
Gateway P-173 XL FX / 2x 200GB 7200RPM Raid0 / 4GB 667MHz Ram / Intel C2D X9000 @ 3GHz / 8800m GTS / Vista Ultimate (64-bit) SP1

[Freak]

I have one quabble. I would never recommend anyone use Nvidia System Tools or nTune to overclock ANYTHING let alone a laptop GPU.

Not really any other option to OC the video card on those laptops.

I have a laptop guru rating on notebookreview.com and thats what me and all the other laptop gurus use. Trust me I have tried just about every option.

@ Russian - Don't just hate to hate man, post some actual facts so people can make an informed decision. "I would never recommend anyone use Nvidia System Tools" is an opinion, no facts involved there.

I am friends with Sniipe_Dog and Zanzabar so I know there are a lot of Nvidia haters here. Actually I wouldn't think of getting an NVidia for my desktop but they have pretty much the best thing going for laptops and the drivers are locked for most other OCing tools (EVGA Precision works but does not set the clocks right). So you are pretty much stuck with Nvidia System Tools. But don't worry it works fine and no one has reported any major problems using it.

Here are a couple of helpful links:

NOTEBOOK VIDEO BENCHMARK AND SPECS (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html)

GATEWAY NVIDIA DRIVER UPGRADE GUIDE (http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=265740)

LATEST 64bit NOTEBOOK DRIVERS FROM NVIDIA (http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winvista64_185.85_whql.html)

LATEST 32bit NOTEBOOK DRIVERS FROM NVIDIA (http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x86_185.85_whql.html)

__________________
Desktop:
Liquid Cooled Silverstone TJ07
Intel G0 Q6600 @ 3.9GHz 24/7
DFI Lan Party LT X48-T2R
4GB Mushkin ASCENT DDR2 1066MHz (996619)
Review Sample 4870X2 2GB
2 x Seagate 200GB Raid 0
1 Samsung F1 1TB
X-Fi Titanium Pro
----------------------------
Laptop:
Gateway P-173XL FX
Intel X9000 @ 3.0GHz
8800GTS 512MB
2 x 2GB GSkill DDR2 667MHz CAS 4
2 x 200GB 2.5" 7200RPM In Raid 0
Blue Ray/DVD Combo
1GB Turbo Memory

[Freak]

Thanks
But From Now On Can Everyone List There Specs Like This It Would Be Rely Help Full
Gateway P-173 XL FX / 2x 200GB 7200RPM Raid0 / 4GB 667MHz Ram / Intel C2D X9000 @ 3GHz / 8800m GTS / Vista Ultimate (64-bit) SP1

Awww... you didn't want to read all that? C'mon man you can't be that lazy. Anyway I spaced it all out so it was easy to read.

If I didn't post all that you might have missed some of the differences between my laptop and yours. Just so you know there are some differences between the different Gateway FX models and some of them can be pretty major.

The format you gave right there is a forum signature format so it might leave out some useful info. Also you missed the Bluray upgrade and the CL4 ram :p: . But hey it's your post so if you don't want all the info that's your prerogative.

__________________
Desktop:
Liquid Cooled Silverstone TJ07
Intel G0 Q6600 @ 3.9GHz 24/7
DFI Lan Party LT X48-T2R
4GB Mushkin ASCENT DDR2 1066MHz (996619)
Review Sample 4870X2 2GB
2 x Seagate 200GB Raid 0
1 Samsung F1 1TB
X-Fi Titanium Pro
----------------------------
Laptop:
Gateway P-173XL FX
Intel X9000 @ 3.0GHz
8800GTS 512MB
2 x 2GB GSkill DDR2 667MHz CAS 4
2 x 200GB 2.5" 7200RPM In Raid 0
Blue Ray/DVD Combo
1GB Turbo Memory

[ANTEC900]

Awww... you didn't want to read all that? C'mon man you can't be that lazy. Anyway I spaced it all out so it was easy to read.

If I didn't post all that you might have missed some of the differences between my laptop and yours. Just so you know there are some differences between the different Gateway FX models and some of them can be pretty major.

The format you gave right there is a forum signature format so it might leave out some useful info. Also you missed the Bluray upgrade and the CL4 ram :p: . But hey it's your post so if you don't want all the info that's your prerogative.

You Have A Point
I Should Take What I Said Back
I Wanted It Like That So I Could Put It In The First Post Easier

[Russian]

Not really any other option to OC the video card on those laptops.

I have a laptop guru rating on notebookreview.com and thats what me and all the other laptop gurus use. Trust me I have tried just about every option.

@ Russian - Don't just hate to hate man, post some actual facts so people can make an informed decision. "I would never recommend anyone use Nvidia System Tools" is an opinion, no facts involved there.

I am friends with Sniipe_Dog and Zanzabar so I know there are a lot of Nvidia haters here. Actually I wouldn't think of getting an NVidia for my desktop but they have pretty much the best thing going for laptops and the drivers are locked for most other OCing tools (EVGA Precision works but does not set the clocks right). So you are pretty much stuck with Nvidia System Tools. But don't worry it works fine and no one has reported any major problems using it.

Here are a couple of helpful links:

NOTEBOOK VIDEO BENCHMARK AND SPECS (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html)

GATEWAY NVIDIA DRIVER UPGRADE GUIDE (http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=265740)

LATEST 64bit NOTEBOOK DRIVERS FROM NVIDIA (http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winvista64_185.85_whql.html)

LATEST 32bit NOTEBOOK DRIVERS FROM NVIDIA (http://www.nvidia.com/object/winvista_x86_185.85_whql.html)


I have had years upon years of experience with these programs and i believe that i have the ability to evaluate the software as problematic. I am in no way someone who is an nvidia hater or a troll. And i dont necessarily need concrete proof to tell you that i have seen too many people get screwed up systems as a result of this software. If you're running a laptop i wouldnt really recommend overclocking it let alone with nvidia system tools or nTune.

[ANTEC900]

I have had years upon years of experience with these programs and i believe that i have the ability to evaluate the software as problematic. I am in no way someone who is an nvidia hater or a troll. And i dont necessarily need concrete proof to tell you that i have seen too many people get screwed up systems as a result of this software. If you're running a laptop i wouldnt really recommend overclocking it let alone with nvidia system tools or nTune.

What Do You Recommended For Laptop GPU Overclocking So I Can Put It In The First Post

[SoulsCollective]

I was considering getting one of these, but an Eee was just a better deal for what I'd use it for. Major kudos for your work here dude in putting this thread together.

Psst - You Don't Have To Capitalise The First Letter Of Every Word ;)

[ANTEC900]

Added Gateway Support Documents Section
If Anyone Has A Idea Of What I Can Add To The First Post Let Me Know

[Freak]

Added Gateway Support Documents Section
If Anyone Has A Idea Of What I Can Add To The First Post Let Me Know

You might want to add an undervolting section. That seems to be a really helpful thing to do to strech the battery out.

Also it helps you get more voltage for a better video overclock. Which is more important than CPU for gaming considering the bandwidth is limited on notebook platforms.

UNDERVOLTING GUIDE (http://www.nordichardware.com/Articles/?page=1&skrivelse=465)

[Freak]

So you can't tell me no one else on these forums has a Gateway FX series laptop! :eek:

:sofa: C'mon guys post your systems.

I might actually get inspired to undervolt my CPU and go for a real video benchmark score. :scope: :up:

[ANTEC900]

So you can't tell me no one else on these forums has a Gateway FX series laptop! :eek:

:sofa: C'mon guys post your systems.

I might actually get inspired to undervolt my CPU and go for a real video benchmark score. :scope: :up:

I Got Mine Like 20 min Ago From Fedex :party:

[TheBlueChanell]

I'm running a 7811FX. It's bonestock for now. I'd like to swap the HDD out for an SSD and pick up a T9900 in the future. It's gotta come after my desktop rebuild though.

[Lestat]

i have only ever used RMClock, I8KFan controller (to control fan speeds on dell laptops) and Rivatuner to OC the video card. which yields very little to no increase from my experience.

[ANTEC900]

I'm running a 7811FX. It's bonestock for now. I'd like to swap the HDD out for an SSD and pick up a T9900 in the future. It's gotta come after my desktop rebuild though.

Can You Run 3Dmark06 On It At All Stock Setting So We Can See What Upgrades Can Do To The Performance

And Anyone Know If There Is A Way To Change Fan Speeds On These Laptops

[Quest_7F]

Psst - You Don't Have To Capitalise The First Letter Of Every Word ;)

lol exactly

nice work though, these little project threads are gems for sure

[TheBlueChanell]

Can You Run 3Dmark06 On It At All Stock Setting So We Can See What Upgrades Can Do To The Performance

And Anyone Know If There Is A Way To Change Fan Speeds On These Laptops

Hook me up with a copy of 3DMark 06 and I can make that happen my friend. :D

[Freak]

I Got Mine Like 20 min Ago From Fedex :party:

Woot!! :YIPPIE: What model did you get? Post the base specs plz. You're probably a very happy person right now!



And Anyone Know If There Is A Way To Change Fan Speeds On These Laptops

I think people have been trying for a while and there is no simple way to adjust the fan speeds. You would have to modify the BIOS and Drivers to do it I believe.


i have only ever used RMClock, I8KFan controller (to control fan speeds on dell laptops) and Rivatuner to OC the video card. which yields very little to no increase from my experience.

Look above at my post I got big time results. But I had to use non-stock drivers to make it all happen.


Hook me up with a copy of 3DMark 06 and I can make that happen my friend. :D

It's free. You only have to pay for the pro version. 3DMark06 Download Page (http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/3dmark06/download/)

[ANTEC900]

Gateway P-6860FX
CPU: Intel T9300 @ 2.5GHz
GPU: 8800GTS
RAM: 2 x 1GB DDR2 667MHz
HDD: 2 x 320GB 7200RPM In Raid 0
Disk Drive: Blue Ray Burner
Other: 4GB Turbo Memory 2.0

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8392/captureauu.jpg

[Freak]

Gateway P-6860FX
CPU: Intel T9300 @ 2.5GHz
GPU: 8800GTS
RAM: 2 x 1GB DDR2 667MHz
HDD: 2 x 320GB 7200RPM In Raid 0
Disk Drive: Blue Ray Burner
Other: 4GB Turbo Memory 2.0

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/8392/captureauu.jpg

Nice specs! :up:

I didn't realize the PM965 chipset supported the new 2.0 turbo memory. I only have the older 1.0 turbo memory. Also, did you have any problems installing the turbo memory drivers? They would only install for me when I was in safe mode.


Ummmmm... why didn't you run 3DMark06 in default mode? :hm:

1280 x 800 resolution isn't default, 1280 x 1024 is default. My laptop scores 9029 points with stock video clocks at that resolution.


Would you mind running 3DMark06 on default settings so we can get a good comparison?

[ANTEC900]

Nice specs! :up:

I didn't realize the PM965 chipset supported the new 2.0 turbo memory. I only have the older 1.0 turbo memory. Also, did you have any problems installing the turbo memory drivers? They would only install for me when I was in safe mode.


Ummmmm... why didn't you run 3DMark06 in default mode? :hm:

1280 x 800 resolution isn't default, 1280 x 1024 is default. My laptop scores 9029 points with stock video clocks at that resolution.


Would you mind running 3DMark06 on default settings so we can get a good comparison?

Mine Does Not Have A Setting For 1280 x 1024 I Think There Is Some Thing Wrong With Your 3DMark06 Program Is Yours v1.0.2

http://img.techpowerup.org/090609/Untitled.jpg

[zanzabar]

it looks like u need to plug in a monitor, since your screen isnt supporting it

[Freak]

Mine Does Not Have A Setting For 1280 x 1024 I Think There Is Some Thing Wrong With Your 3DMark06 Program Is Yours v1.0.2

http://img.techpowerup.org/090609/Untitled.jpg

What is the native resolution of your monitor?

[ANTEC900]

What is the native resolution of your monitor?

1440 x 900

[Freak]

1440 x 900

Yeah, my native resolution is 1920 x 1200. So I can do the 3DMark06 default no prob.

You might want to think about upgrading the monitor on your laptop. You can prob get a really good deal on a 1920 x 1200 monitor and it would be really worth it since you have a bluray drive. Or you can just plug in an external monitor that supports at least 1280 x 1024 to run 3DMark06.

[Freak]

So you never told me what was up with the turbo memory 2.0 Antec900. Did you get the Intel drivers to install ok?

Anyway in the meantime I did some benching. I first did some at 1280 x 800 so we could compare. Then I did some at default 1280 x 1024.

Also could you update my score in the first post to 10140, that is my fastest bench at default 3DMark06 settings.3DMark06 Compare Link (http://service.futuremark.com/compare?3dm06=11176676)


Here is stock with new WHQL drivers at 1280 x 800
http://i42.tinypic.com/1zcg4g1.jpg


Here is overclocked with new WHQL drivers 1280 x 800
http://i44.tinypic.com/2u9hfd5.jpg


Here is a good overclock at 1280 x 1024 default 3DM06 settings
http://i42.tinypic.com/34j94cn.jpg

[Dawgdoc]

Gateway FX-7850

3D06: 9162

Decent performance at a great price, but wow this thing is hot as an oven, especially on the handrest area in front of the keyboard!

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj5/Dawgdoc999/3D069162score7008001750Moddriver176.png

[Freak]

Gateway FX-7850

3D06: 9162

Decent performance at a great price, but wow this thing is hot as an oven, especially on the handrest area in front of the keyboard!


Yeah mine still gets a little warm, but I got one of these bad boys and it really helps ----> NZXT Cryo LX 17" Notebook Cooler (http://www.nzxt.com/products/cryo_lx/)

Before I could use it to keep my coffee cup hot while gaming. But hey it's pretty awesome to play new games at full settings on the road for under 2k and get Raid 0, native E-SATA and a 1080p monitor :up: !