It's back! BB Acer Intel Q8300 4gb 500gb Desktop @ $329 w/coupon.

[Don DiGuapo]

For those that missed out on this terrific deal, here it is one more time.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10126356&catid=20217&PCName=desktop%5Funder%5F400&logon=&langid=EN

[saku]

thanks OP ordered one for store pickup in Anjou. Does it qualify for Win 7 upgrade?

Edit: It does

http://www.acer.com/windows7upgrade/eligible.html

[inferno_gn]

Hi there,

The 20$ coupon doesn't work, only the 10$ one...

Ju Leon...

[bellboy26]

hi there,

the 20$ coupon doesn't work, only the 10$ one...

Ju leon...

$350

[Don DiGuapo]

thanks OP ordered one for store pickup in Anjou. Does it qualify for Win 7 upgrade?

Yes it does, I bought one of these earlier this week and already ordered my win7. BTW it actually has a 640gb HDD.

[lorenzo1000]

where is the coupon?

[Don DiGuapo]

$350

I was able to get it without using filler, but you may have to add $1 to your order to use the $20 coupon.

[bellboy26]

OOS everywhere for me

[mahjongmaniac]

not avail. for ISPU for me... =(

[Don DiGuapo]

where is the coupon?

$100 off +$1000 PIZZZ100205453908548

$20 off +$350 PIZZZ020205435275577

$10 off +100 PIZZZ010205416642606

Coupons expire Oct. 31.

[james22ca]

none of the coupons work

[codemonkey]

yeah these coupons don't work. even it successfully applies them initially, when you check out, the price doesn't reflect the coupon...

[CheapDude]

Thanks, just ordered for instore pickup. The $20 coupon (PIZZZ020205435275577) works just need to add a filler to bring it over $350.

[Don DiGuapo]

I'm sorry guys, this may end up being a huge tease. The website shows in stock for most Montreal stores, but when you go to checkout, it shows no stock. Talking on the phone may help, if so it's worth the time because this is a sweet deal.

[smileNwave]

Any idea where you enter the coupon?

[CheapDude]

Any idea where you enter the coupon?

Under Shipping Estimates... "Digital Dollars - Use Digital Dollars"

[saku]

I was able to get it without using filler, but you may have to add $1 to your order to use the $20 coupon.

Buy a recycle bag;

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10122098&catid=20198

[Don DiGuapo]

Any idea where you enter the coupon?

In cart view, under shipping estimate, "Use digital dollars".

[mahjongmaniac]

Any idea where you enter the coupon?

here (http://www.bestbuy.ca/marketing/promocode/default.asp)

[Damed]

oos

[mic2074]

thanks OP... ordered for ISPU... hope they're not phantom stocks.

[terribly]

oos

Available in-store at all the locations near you, though sir.

Think it'd be possible to switch the mobo out? ;)

[dilbert]

How easy to upgrade the video card? Is there a specific type to look for due to its small form factor?

[heri0n]

I'm getting this error everywhere... :/
Active Server Pages error 'ASP 0126'

Include file not found

/include/pageinclude.asp, line 1

The include file '/include/env.asp' was not found.

[rambokid]

Website not working, can't check out :cry:

[zavar]

Has anyone found a power supply upgrade that works with this machine?

[dleinago]

Website not working, can't check out :cry:

me 2>:(>:(

[smileNwave]

I actually called the customer service line and they added the coupon for me...I was able to get through the check out but it is showing OOS...I added a $2 Wii control skin (for a controller I don't even have!) to get it to $350.

Thanks OP...hopefully it comes in...

[zeishan]

I bought mine a couple of days ago and I had the same stock issue. But when I called the store and gave them the web id, they confirmed they had physical stock. In my case BB LaSalle had 2 factory fresh and 2 open boxes. So I simply reserved over the phone and went a few hours later to pick it up. Unfortunately I wasn't able to use the $20.00 coupon. But it's still a great deal. Oh ya, BB also gave me this NEW PC Software Suite with nine applications in it, though the software is not that great. But for FREE, who cares..!

[Don DiGuapo]

http://computershopper.com/desktops/reviews/acer-aspire-ax3810-b3801a

[heri0n]

Sites working now!

What is the cheapest item in the store??? :P

[james22ca]

better filler ($.95)

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10110556&catid=24003

[jayster_4_69]

i had one in my cart last sale and then it sold out i better get one this time!!

stupid site is still not working for me!

[BobTheSnake]

Web page always says http 500 internal error........dang it.

[Buzzz321]

Thanks, just ordered for instore pickup. The $20 coupon (PIZZZ020205435275577) works just need to add a filler to bring it over $350.

Thanks OP, worked for me too with local store pickup!!!

[RideGuy]

I'm sorry guys, this may end up being a huge tease. The website shows in stock for most Montreal stores, but when you go to checkout, it shows no stock. Talking on the phone may help, if so it's worth the time because this is a sweet deal.
Same thing happens for me. Shows stock at the Richmond Hill location. But then when I check out it's "Sold Out". I go back to the item and it says there's stock again. :(

[rivet]

Ordered last time, got email order unfilled, is it worth to try again?:cheesygri

[crazybear]

Active Server Pages error 'ASP 0126'

Include file not found

/include/pageinclude.asp, line 1

The include file '/include/env.asp' was not found.

[saku]

thanks OP... ordered for ISPU... hope they're not phantom stocks.

Yes they are...:(

Ordered last time, got email order unfilled, is it worth to try again?:cheesygri

I ordered it a few minutes after OP's post. The order is not filled.

[eladmk]

internal server error after add to cart... =(

[marklin]

missed the boat last time, got one this time... to be picked up in Burnaby BC :cheesygri (since none left in GTA/Ottawa and Montreal).

Now finger crossed for confirmation..

[ckc]

SOLD OUT :evil:

[82]

those who bought the Q8300, can they verify if this Q8300 supports Intel VT virtualization technology? Intel website say the Q8200 and Q8300 does NOT support VT.

:!::!::!::!::!::!::!::!:

[heri0n]

god damn the sites ****ed again

[E30_325is]

Looks like it is sold out in the Montreal area...

[heri0n]

wow...
finally got through to the site again..
when i first checked it was available in hamilton oakville burlington
nwo they're all sold out...
wtf damn rfd-ers

[Asphalt]

Looks like the site is back online again...just checkout out...fingers crossed.

[Buzzz321]

Thanks OP, worked for me too with local store pickup!!!

:evil: damn! Order not filled!!!

[saku]

wow...
finally got through to the site again..
when i first checked it was available in hamilton oakville burlington
nwo they're all sold out...
wtf damn rfd-ers

this is not an RFD effect...just some phantom stocks showed up this morning..my order was not filled.

[rambokid]

Now ISPU OOS WTF :evil:

[dealgini]

Is anyone else having problems even logging on?
I entered the cc info and everything and then gave me the asp error and now I can't even log in. Keeps giving the same error.

Active Server Pages error 'ASP 0126'

Include file not found

/include/pageinclude.asp, line 1

The include file '/include/env.asp' was not found.


Is anyone else getting this?

[heri0n]

dealgini: yup.. if you read through the posts a lot of people got that including me :(

saku: so what about the people who claimed to have got the deal today?? :confused: sucks..
i did manage to put the order through for the st catherines store, but when i got the order status page it says out of stock... boo

do you guys think they'll get more of these? or was it a limited time special offer...

[pnyknights]

Damn texting my cousin in BC, and now it's OOS there...they're not even open yet are they?!?!?

[zoinky]

order went through fine.. picking up one from store,
or there is chance mine will get cancelled?
my local store showed stock

[Riddick]

My ISPU was not filled even though there was stock when I ordered this morning. >:(

[spong]

order went through fine.. picking up one from store,
or there is chance mine will get cancelled?
my local store showed stock

My local store showed stock too; but got cancelled 5 minutes ago

[BUFFAR]

Damn texting my cousin in BC, and now it's OOS there...they're not even open yet are they?!?!?

Plenty in BC and it's not open yet. Only 7:30am....they open at 10am.
I still cant seem to find this is a hot deal since it's at full retail price. We're lucky we got the pizza pizza coupon.

Can you even use this as a gaming pc?

[heri0n]

Plenty in BC and it's not open yet. Only 7:30am....they open at 10am.
I still cant seem to find this is a hot deal since it's at full retail price. We're lucky we got the pizza pizza coupon.

Can you even use this as a gaming pc?

i don't think you can build a computer with the same specs if you buy the parts..? unless you get deals on the parts... please correct me if im wrong because i would rather do that if it's cheaper

[BobTheSnake]

Also I think this computer is eligible for the win7 freee upgrade. Correct me if I'm wrong, so many computer threads with win7 free upgrade.

And dang it, would have loved to get my hand on this computer.

[Asphalt]

order went through fine.. picking up one from store,
or there is chance mine will get cancelled?
my local store showed stock

If you check your order status online for ISPU, it says you will receive an additional email to confirm availability at the store. So I suspect someone at the store has to confirm that the box exists, then sends you an email saying you can pick it up. It's more than likely that most of these orders will get canceled once the store does a "real" stock check.
I'm hoping for the best though...

[rogue]

My ISPU was not filled even though there was stock when I ordered this morning. >:(

Looks like BestBuy is using Staples (Saturday night) phantom stock system now :)

[BUFFAR]

i don't think you can build a computer with the same specs if you buy the parts..? unless you get deals on the parts... please correct me if im wrong because i would rather do that if it's cheaper

I think it'll be too costly in the long run to upgrade this mini pc unless I tear it apart and use it on my tower. ;)

Anyway good luck with the purchase, I'm gonna hang around till boxing week. :razz:

[heri0n]

I think it'll be too costly in the long run to upgrade this mini pc unless I tear it apart and use it on my tower. ;)

Anyway good luck with the purchase, I'm gonna hang around till boxing week. :razz:

ah i didn't realize its small form factor... i bought a dell desktop that was basically laptop parts.. mistake... yeah its not very upgradeable at all

isn't boxing day overrated..?

[pnyknights]

Plenty in BC and it's not open yet. Only 7:30am....they open at 10am.
I still cant seem to find this is a hot deal since it's at full retail price. We're lucky we got the pizza pizza coupon.

Can you even use this as a gaming pc?

Probably just stick it into a different case if you need the room for cooling and vid card.

If you check your order status online for ISPU, it says you will receive an additional email to confirm availability at the store. So I suspect someone at the store has to confirm that the box exists, then sends you an email saying you can pick it up. It's more than likely that most of these orders will get canceled once the store does a "real" stock check.
I'm hoping for the best though...

I believe this is true, since sometimes they will send out the wrong email. Then you call up the stores CSR and try and negotiate with them for a substitue.

[mic2074]

just got email from my order in Heartland - not filled.

[alwaysbuylow]

Plenty in BC and it's not open yet. Only 7:30am....they open at 10am.
I still cant seem to find this is a hot deal since it's at full retail price. We're lucky we got the pizza pizza coupon.

Can you even use this as a gaming pc?

It is a Clearance Price, the regular price is at least double of that price.

Q8300 CPU $190
motherboad $80
RAM $60
HD $60 (it is actually 640G instead of the listed 500G)
case and power supply $70
DVD Rom $20
Wireless card $20
Keyboard and mouse $20
plus Windows Vista and Windows 7 upgrade.

I don't think you can build a computer with these configurations for $350.

[PaulieG]

those who bought the Q8300, can they verify if this Q8300 supports Intel VT virtualization technology? Intel website say the Q8200 and Q8300 does NOT support VT.

:!::!::!::!::!::!::!::!:

Not quite. There are apparently two versions of the Q8300. One of them does support VT (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLGUR) and one does not (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB5W). Will have to check which one is in there.

[BUFFAR]

It is a Clearance Price, the regular price is at least double of that price.

Q8300 CPU $190
motherboad $80
RAM $60
HD $60 (it is actually 640G instead of the listed 500G)
case and power supply $70
DVD Rom $20
Wireless card $20
Keyboard and mouse $20
plus Windows Vista and Windows 7 upgrade.

I don't think you can build a computer with these configurations for $350.

If it works for you then buy it. I don't need a breakdown of computers parts. lol. I don't need a standard pc so this is not for me. Geesh, lol.

Like I said, GOOD LUCK with your purchase. :confused:

[fhofho]

those who bought the Q8300, can they verify if this Q8300 supports Intel VT virtualization technology? Intel website say the Q8200 and Q8300 does NOT support VT.

:!::!::!::!::!::!::!::!:

Yes, it supports VT.

[82]

Can somebody confirm? Please....

Not quite. There are apparently two versions of the Q8300. One of them does support VT (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLGUR) and one does not (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB5W). Will have to check which one is in there.

[yeek]

Not quite. There are apparently two versions of the Q8300. One of them does support VT (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLGUR) and one does not (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB5W). Will have to check which one is in there.

It supports VT but not fully:

check here:
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=39107

Supported VT feature:

Execute Disable Bit
Enhanced Intel® Speedstep Technology
Enhanced Halt State (C1E)
Intel® 64

Not supported VT feature:

Intel® Demand Based Switching
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology

[alwaysbuylow]

If it works for you then buy it. I don't need a breakdown of computers parts. lol. I don't need a standard pc so this is not for me. Geesh, lol.

Like I said, GOOD LUCK with your purchase. :confused:

I already bought it yesterday, it is a very nice little machine, well worth it. It is powerful enough for most people, no major upgrade needed if you are not a crazy gamer. I will put in a low profile 9600GT video card to play some games, then I am very happy with it.

[ignoreme]

Made an order at London, don't know if I can get filled in. It's a nice machine covering all my needs.

[mathomas]

Tried to reorder from Kitchener, order not filled.

[PaulieG]

It supports VT but not fully:

check here:
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=39107

Supported VT feature:

Execute Disable Bit
Enhanced Intel® Speedstep Technology
Enhanced Halt State (C1E)
Intel® 64

Not supported VT feature:

Intel® Demand Based Switching
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology

Looks like there are more than two variants of the Q8300. Will this lack of full VT-x support have a significant impact on running VMs?

Edit: On the second thought, I think you're listing other 'Advanced Technologies' and not the VT-x capability. The VT-x is present in the SLGUR spec but not the SLB5W spec. Two versions after all. This is what I gather from the link you gave.

[supermike]

I just missed this time again! all sold out! dam***n it!

[akovacs]

Sold out in Burlington and my order cancelled.

[ZipSpeed]

Placed an ISPU order at the Calgary Deerfoot Meadows location and was denied. With that said, looks like there's nothing left in Calgary.

[Lukus]

I think it'll be too costly in the long run to upgrade this mini pc unless I tear it apart and use it on my tower. ;)

Anyway good luck with the purchase, I'm gonna hang around till boxing week. :razz:

For 99% of computer users, a quad-core computer with all the specs this one comes equipped with will not require an upgrade anytime soon and by the time it doesn't meet your needs anymore, a faster, cheaper one will be available.

[gfong]

Made an order at London, don't know if I can get filled in. It's a nice machine covering all my needs.

Same here so we will see what happens! South store has stock North none.

[yeek]

Looks like there are more than two variants of the Q8300. Will this lack of full VT-x support have a significant impact on running VMs?

Edit: On the second thought, I think you're listing other 'Advanced Technologies' and not the VT-x capability. The VT-x is present in the SLGUR spec but not the SLB5W spec. Two versions after all. This is what I gather from the link you gave.

I guess you are right.

[Don DiGuapo]

I was considering changing the video card on this thing as well, but with choices being as limited as they are, you're better off canibalizing the CPU and building another machine.

[Tornado F2]

those who bought the Q8300, can they verify if this Q8300 supports Intel VT virtualization technology? Intel website say the Q8200 and Q8300 does NOT support VT.

:!::!::!::!::!::!::!::!:

Intel should know better than anyone.

[82]

I don't think so. I googled about this and Intel posted some incorrect info and says it has VT, then the support clarified that the Q8200 and Q8300 do not have VT and apologized for the incorrect info posted on the website.

Now there are some pages saying some Q8300 have VT, some don't.

Did anyone got filled this morning? Looks like they were phantom stocks.

Intel should know better than anyone.

[Tornado F2]

dealgini: yup.. if you read through the posts a lot of people got that including me :(

saku: so what about the people who claimed to have got the deal today?? :confused: sucks..
i did manage to put the order through for the st catherines store, but when i got the order status page it says out of stock... boo

do you guys think they'll get more of these? or was it a limited time special offer...

St Kitts was OOS the first day. There was a guy instore arguing with staff about it.

[Tornado F2]

I don't think so. I googled about this and Intel posted some incorrect info and says it has VT, then the support clarified that the Q8200 and Q8300 do not have VT and apologized for the incorrect info posted on the website.

Now there are some pages saying some Q8300 have VT, some don't.

Did anyone got filled this morning? Looks like they were phantom stocks.

I never trust FS's posted specs, but would have thought Intel would be accurate. Let us know if VT actually is supported, as it would be one way to make use of all this extra processing power.

[82]

Hi Tornado, FS spec is not in question here, I didn't even look at their spec.

The problem is even Intel has contradicting information when Q8300 was debuted.

I never trust FS's posted specs, but would have thought Intel would be accurate. Let us know if VT actually is supported, as it would be one way to make use of all this extra processing power.

[Asphalt]

Looks like the site is back online again...just checked out...fingers crossed.

Just received my "Order NOT filled" email :(

[Asphalt]

Just received my "Order NOT filled" email :(

No stock at Vancouver, Cambie location :(

[BB88]

I believe most are phantom stock. Do you think bestbuy will get new stock on this "discountinued" computers? Discontinued meaning the O/S is old.

[Tornado F2]

I don't think so. I googled about this and Intel posted some incorrect info and says it has VT, then the support clarified that the Q8200 and Q8300 do not have VT and apologized for the incorrect info posted on the website.

Now there are some pages saying some Q8300 have VT, some don't.

Did anyone got filled this morning? Looks like they were phantom stocks.

I never trust FS's posted specs, but would have thought Intel would be accurate. Let us know if VT actually is supported, as it would be one way to make use of all this extra processing power.

[Tornado F2]

I believe most are phantom stock. Do you think bestbuy will get new stock on this "discountinued" computers? Discontinued meaning the O/S is old.

"Old"? :lol: Vista was still the latest version just over a week ago! Though I suppose they will mostly be Win7 systems from now on, unless a warehouse-full of Vista systems got forgotten somewhere.

[mathomas]

I believe most are phantom stock. Do you think bestbuy will get new stock on this "discountinued" computers? Discontinued meaning the O/S is old.Doubtful, surely just clearing out what's left of the Vista machines. I was in the Kitchener store, had them do a stock search and there really weren't a whole lot left in Canada and none in their central warehouse.

Pretty much the only thing left now with Vista was the AX3810-E3811, which are E5300's with 3GB RAM. Still at $470, guessing it's next...

[Soulsaber]

Placed an ISPU order at the Calgary Deerfoot Meadows location and was denied. With that said, looks like there's nothing left in Calgary.

Ya everything is gone in Calgary... but Westhills is showing "out of stock" instead of "not available at this location". Does that mean there was some?! I need to wake up earlier sigh =(

[Tornado F2]

Hi Tornado, FS spec is not in question here, I didn't even look at their spec.

The problem is even Intel has contradicting information when Q8300 was debuted.

I wasn't meaning for this specific system, just FS specs in general (and probably BB too). They don't seem to bother double-checking the specs they have posted, or even correcting mistakes they are made aware of. I guess they figure most systems will be long-gone in a couple of months anyway.

[Tornado F2]

So, has anybody, including the OP, actually managed to pick up a system ordered today yet? After Wednesday's rush I'll be extremely surprised if any stock was left, other than perhaps display models.

[BigRedMonster]

Ya everything is gone in Calgary... but Westhills is showing "out of stock" instead of "not available at this location". Does that mean there was some?! I need to wake up earlier sigh =(

Deerfoot Meadows only had a demo model and Westhills was oos yesterday. No luck in Calgary!

[Tornado F2]

http://computershopper.com/desktops/reviews/acer-aspire-ax3810-b3801a

This Acer is actually closer to the Gateway version:

http://computershopper.com/desktops/reviews/gateway-sx2800-01

[g_goo_goo]

There are 2 open box items at the Heartland store, they would sell it for $349.95 - $20... So open box Acer Q8300 for $329.95. Now that is what they had when I walked out with an open box this morning.

[CheapDude]

Has anyone that ordered for ISPU at the Scarborough Town Centre store gotten their order processed or an OOS email?

[gfong]

Got mine confirmed from South London, Ontario store.
Acer Aspire Desktop Computer featuring Intel Core Quad 8300 (AX3810-E3813A) Store Pickup 1 $330.61 $330.61
Environmental Handling Fee for Acer Aspi... 1 $14.08 $14.08
Terri Clark - The Long Way Home Store Pickup 1 $11.33 $11.33

Sub Total: $341.94
Environmental Handling Fee Total: $14.08

PST : $28.48
GST : $17.80
Total: $402.30

Thanks OP.

[Task514]

Wow what is this environmental fee?! that's alot...

[Task514]

wow expired deal already...

[ignoreme]

that's the SECOND time I was beaten by you guys~~my order at London was NOT filled....Yuuuuk....forget it, it's a pain

[pnyknights]

hey just wondering...the EHF can't be used as filler for the coupon? :razz:

[gc99]

There are 2 open box items at the Heartland store, they would sell it for $349.95 - $20... So open box Acer Q8300 for $329.95. Now that is what they had when I walked out with an open box this morning.

looks like you beat me... there system shows they had 2 open box items left, but i just returned and had two of the staff look for half hour, but they are nowhere to be found... they checked the back as well so no luck... just wanted to mention this before someone else wastes their time going there for this.

[napoleon1769]

Are there any systems around?

[pixcolor]

Are there any systems around?

Try Red Deer

[heypeterman]

There was two in Victoria left after I picked up mine on Wednesday night. The website says they don't have stock but they were definitely there. Could be gone now but worth a shot if you're close or have someone on the island who can pick up for you.

[TRK9]

I have one on hold in Scarborough for my friend. But if he doesn't want it anymore I'll cancel my order tomorrow morning. I'll update this thread if I do cancel it.

[pnyknights]

I have one on hold in Scarborough for my friend. But if he doesn't want it anymore I'll cancel my order tomorrow morning. I'll update this thread if I do cancel it.

If anyone wants it, you should go buy with them then they'll pay you. Much easier than risking a ISPU war :P

[CheapDude]

I have one on hold in Scarborough for my friend. But if he doesn't want it anymore I'll cancel my order tomorrow morning. I'll update this thread if I do cancel it.

Hey when did you order? I ordered at 9am in the morning today and haven't gotten any word whether my ISPU at Scarborough is canceled or filled. Order status shows "Checking Availability" for both the Acer and my filler (batteries).

[gfong]

Hey when did you order? I ordered at 9am in the morning today and haven't gotten any word whether my ISPU at Scarborough is canceled or filled. Order status shows "Checking Availability" for both the Acer and my filler (batteries).

Call the store and ask for the staus of your pick-up! That is what I did and right on the phone she said that it is updated and you now have an email stating it is at the store. Worth a shot!

[zoinky]

for those that didnt get one
i got one, opened it up, couldnt fit more hdds,
400$ and its yours, i am in london
if no one wants it, its going back to the store

[PaulieG]

Can somebody confirm? Please....

No VT (http://www.intel.com/technology/virtualization/) :(

Confirmed using Intel Processor ID Utility (http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?ProductID=1881&DwnldID=7838).

http://imgur.com/Way9G.png (http://imgur.com/Way9G.png)

Now, what are the usability implications? Still a hot deal though :)

[gfong]

Is a Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.50GHz a better processor than AMD Athon 64 X2 Dual Core 6000+ 3.10GHz?
Both are 4 gb ram, new one is 64 bit dell is 32 bit. Vista ranking is 5.5 for the amd and 5.9 on the Intel. (I guess that may tell me sonething!) :)
Reason is which ever one is better I will keep and the other one will be going to my g/f. Thanks

[gfong]

for those that didnt get one
i got one, opened it up, couldnt fit more hdds,
400$ and its yours, i am in london
if no one wants it, its going back to the store

user "ignoreme" was looking for one and mentioned they were in London. Hope he or she sees your offer.

[ron_ufo]

Hey when did you order? I ordered at 9am in the morning today and haven't gotten any word whether my ISPU at Scarborough is canceled or filled. Order status shows "Checking Availability" for both the Acer and my filler (batteries).

I did the exact same, ordered at 9am Pacific time, computer and pack of AA batteries for filler, but have received no other email than the first one saying they received my order.

I called the store at least 5-6 times over this afternoon and finally got a hold of customer service, and they said the order is still pending, that I should sit tight and wait til end of tomorrow night otherwise something is up. A bit odd since their email says the confirmation should take 3 hours or less. I have a strong suspicion something is up -- they don't have the comp in stock!

Anyways, I haven't had my order cancelled yet, so keeping my fingers crossed.

[slvnkn]

No VT (http://www.intel.com/technology/virtualization/) :(

Confirmed using Intel Processor ID Utility (http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?ProductID=1881&DwnldID=7838).

http://imgur.com/Way9G.png (http://imgur.com/Way9G.png)

Now, what are the usability implications? Still a hot deal though :)

hm... Mine says "YES" for VT

In the Bios make sure you have VT enabled.

[goflamesgo]

Was in Calgary Sunridge today and they had a demo with no price tag. If someone is looking in Calgary, I would give them a try.

[Tornado F2]

http://imgur.com/Way9G.png (http://imgur.com/Way9G.png)

Now, what are the usability implications? Still a hot deal though :)

I'm surprised there's no Hyper-Threading in a quad core Intel processor.

[Tornado F2]

hm... Mine says "YES" for VT

In the Bios make sure you have VT enabled.

Mine says no VT also. I'll have to check the BIOS next reboot.

[MeiserT]

I'm surprised there's no Hyper-Threading in a quad core Intel processor.


The Intel I7 Quadcores do.

http://files.lesterchan.net/photos/intel/corei7_launch/cpu-z.jpg

[Tornado F2]

The Intel I7 Quadcores do.

http://files.lesterchan.net/photos/intel/corei7_launch/cpu-z.jpg

What I meant was that I'm surprised our ones don't.

[MeiserT]

What I meant was that I'm surprised our ones don't.

Well then. You're forgiven. :lol:

[Tornado F2]

hm... Mine says "YES" for VT

In the Bios make sure you have VT enabled.

I see no option in my BIOS. Are you sure it's in yours? Which category? And which BIOS version? Maybe we need a BIOS update, or perhaps you were just lucky enough to get a VT-enabled CPU.

According to SiSoft Sandra my system has an AMI P01-A3 05/26/09 BIOS. Acer WG43M motherboard.

[TRK9]

If anyone wants it, you should go buy with them then they'll pay you. Much easier than risking a ISPU war :P

If I were to do that, I'd have to add a bit to the price to compensate for my time and gas. Anyway, will probably be cancelling it in the morning unless someone PMs me before that.

[zoinky]

DEFINATELY supports VT,
it shows up in the bios, as well as the processor identification tool by intel, and to REALLY test it out, i installed win2k8 with hyper-v, and launched a virtual machine and it didnt complain about vt not being available, so it does
and it does come with a 640 DEATHstar (ya i said it) hard drive.
this is a "perfect" machine if the stupid thing would just have room for ONE more hdd

[MeiserT]

DEFINATELY supports VT,
it shows up in the bios, as well as the processor identification tool by intel, and to REALLY test it out, i installed win2k8 with hyper-v, and launched a virtual machine and it didnt complain about vt not being available, so it does
and it does come with a 640 DEATHstar (ya i said it) hard drive.
this is a "perfect" machine if the stupid thing would just have room for ONE more hdd



It does.

You just have to get a E-sata external case and a 1.5TB drive. :lol:

[sgmtl]

has someone figured a good video card to cram into this so it can be a decent little gaming rig?

[slvnkn]

I see no option in my BIOS. Are you sure it's in yours? Which category? And which BIOS version? Maybe we need a BIOS update, or perhaps you were just lucky enough to get a VT-enabled CPU.

According to SiSoft Sandra my system has an AMI P01-A3 05/26/09 BIOS. Acer WG43M motherboard.

Info is the same as mine... In the BIOS goto Advanced Chipset Features. Also while you are in there, you might want to take a look at your Memory allocated for Video Memory.

has someone figured a good video card to cram into this so it can be a decent little gaming rig?

I was going to purchase a Asus EAH4350 for this but the heat sink is way to bigger.. you have about 1" from the PCI-E slot to the side of the case.

[Dr.Evil]

Info is the same as mine... In the BIOS goto Advanced Chipset Features. Also while you are in there, you might want to take a look at your Memory allocated for Video Memory.



I was going to purchase a Asus EAH4350 for this but the heat sink is way to bigger.. you have about 1" from the PCI-E slot to the side of the case.

I don't have it in my bios either, what bios version are you running, I am running the newest version a01-3 and it doesn't have the feature listed and with intel processor identification tool it shows up hyperthreading as no.

[Dr.Evil]

Video card debate.


Nvidia 9600 low profile wont do audio over hdmi, osx support

Ati 4650 well drivers are messy, does audio over hdmi, 4670 will be better but doesn't come in low profile, no osx support



so far a headache

[Thundercloud]

2 questions.

1) Will this motherboard fit in a normal case like an Antec Sonata II so that I can add a full height video card? I noticed the x16 slot is below the x1 slot in the picture here.
http://computershopper.com/desktops/reviews/acer-aspire-ax3810-b3801a

2) Is there room for a second hard drive in the slim case?

I hope my ISPU gets filled. :)

[Dr.Evil]

I see no option in my BIOS. Are you sure it's in yours? Which category? And which BIOS version? Maybe we need a BIOS update, or perhaps you were just lucky enough to get a VT-enabled CPU.

According to SiSoft Sandra my system has an AMI P01-A3 05/26/09 BIOS. Acer WG43M motherboard.

you are correct, some machine dont have vt-enabled cpu, maybe a complain to intel with lead to them replacing your cpu, I have the same issue, you can always buy a new q8300 cpu, then replace it with this and return your current one back. unless they check serial numbers?

my cpu doesn't support vt either, I even flashed back to p01-a0 with no luck.

[Task514]

COMFIRMED! it does support VT on my Q8300...

I never updated the BIOS btw... and mine came with the Hitachi HDD.

[Task514]

Here's a screen capture to help ya...
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3165/capture1ny.jpg
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5354/capturemz.jpg


Great, so what can I do with this now?! lol
(besides VMWare)

[g_goo_goo]

Here's a screen capture to help ya...
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3165/capture1ny.jpg
http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/5354/capturemz.jpg


Great, so what can I do with this now?! lol
(besides VMWare)

From what i've read only Q8300 rev R0 have VT if u have rev A0 like I have then you're out of luck.

[Dr.Evil]

COMFIRMED! it does support VT on my Q8300...

I never updated the BIOS btw... and mine came with the Hitachi HDD.

well what version bios is it?

dammit I am confused.

[Dr.Evil]

From what i've read only Q8300 rev R0 have VT if u have rev A0 like I have then you're out of luck.

I have the same revision as you do, only thing I can think of is that your computer shipped with new bios firmware, also my cpu revision is a07 under cpuid data in intel processor identification tool

[zoinky]

well what version bios is it?

dammit I am confused.

as requested
http://imgur.com/vExbr.png

[Dr.Evil]

as requested
http://imgur.com/vExbr.png

what revision is your processor under intel processor identification under cpuid data.

[Dr.Evil]

I reupdated my bios back to p01-a3, nothing still

my cpu is R0
revision a07

under bios advanced chipset features, currently have

Intel Eist - enabled
Intel XD Bit - enabled
Memory hole Remapping -Enabled
Primary Video - Auto
Video buffer size - 128mb
DVMT mode - DVMT
DVMT/fixed Memory size - 256MB

those are all the setting and are in correct order

[g_goo_goo]

I reupdated my bios back to p01-a3, nothing still

my cpu is R0
revision a07

under bios advanced chipset features, currently have

Intel Eist - enabled
Intel XD Bit - enabled
Memory hole Remapping -Enabled
Primary Video - Auto
Video buffer size - 128mb
DVMT mode - DVMT
DVMT/fixed Memory size - 256MB

those are all the setting and are in correct order

That's exactly what I have, I have no other settings and it's updated to p01-a3 bios... I guess we don't have VT, unless there's a newer bios that wasn't released from acer that enables it.

[Dr.Evil]

That's exactly what I have, I have no other settings and it's updated to p01-a3 bios... I guess we don't have VT, unless there's a newer bios that wasn't released from acer that enables it.

well I think the bios firmware is playing tricks, it might be hidden by acer for users with a0 revision.

we need to get someone to dump their bios so others who have r0 revision cpu can enable vt in their bios

[CSIFan29]

This worth a two hour round trip drive?

[slvnkn]

Btw.... Those that have no VT do have 500GB or 640GB HDD???

[Task514]

I'll dump the bios for you guys when i get back home. I'll also try to list or screencapture my bios settings for you...

[Task514]

Btw.... Those that have no VT do have 500GB or 640GB HDD???

Its more like, do they have the WD or Hitachi....

[Dr.Evil]

Its more like, do they have the WD or Hitachi....

Hitachi

[Dr.Evil]

This is the card to get right now after my extensive research.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127454

if you wait few months, then there might be better choices out there.

[Task514]

Hitachi

So u have Hitachi HDD and rev R0... But no VT.... hmmm

[Task514]

That heatsink dont seem to fit.

[Dr.Evil]

So u have Hitachi HDD and rev R0... But no VT.... hmmm

yup

[Dr.Evil]

well I just create a bootdisk, took the only other bios I havent tried from acer site, tried installing it just to find out the file is not correct, so the linux driver rom is not right.

[Dr.Evil]

That heatsink dont seem to fit.

it should fit, according to the specs

[Task514]

According to http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

we'll need to upgrade the psu... 220w is too low...

[goflamesgo]

So u have Hitachi HDD and rev R0... But no VT.... hmmm

Same thing for me as well, Hitachi HDD and Rev R0 with CPU-Z, says No under Intel Vitualization Technology. I am running P01-A0 Firmware, will try to update that to see if it works.

[g_goo_goo]

This is what I get and I have no VT and my BIOS is updated to a3.

I don't see anything in the BIOS that would allow me to enable VT.

BTW I have the Hitachi 640GB Hard Drive that came with the unit.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/3605/cpuz.jpg
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/1109/cpuz2.jpg
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9672/inteli.jpg

[grisensko]

I got a display unit in Montreal Marché Central this morning. Price was display at 569.99$ but I got it to the web price -5% for it being an open box. Web choed no stock.

I have a problem with it :( since it was a display unit, Window is preinstalled and everything is setup in english. Anyone know if it's possible to have it set back in french? This PC is for my parents and they know absolutly nothing in english ...

<BTW did everyone knew that Acer offer free Windows 7 upgrade with this PC :http://www.acer.com/windows7upgrade/

I did not ordered mine since I want to know if it's possible to switch it in french first.

Thx if anyone can help

[Dr.Evil]

I got a display unit in Montreal Marché Central this morning. Price was display at 569.99$ but I got it to the web price -5% for it being an open box. Web choed no stock.

I have a problem with it :( since it was a display unit, Window is preinstalled and everything is setup in english. Anyone know if it's possible to have it set back in french? This PC is for my parents and they know absolutly nothing in english ...

<BTW did everyone knew that Acer offer free Windows 7 upgrade with this PC :http://www.acer.com/windows7upgrade/

I did not ordered mine since I want to know if it's possible to switch it in french first.

Thx if anyone can help

easiest and simpliest way for rest of us to get VT enabled is for someone that has VT option in bios to dump their bios and post it here

[jimmyche]

I ordered mine Friday morning and still haven't got the pick up email.
Account status shows "checking for availability".
Called the branch this morning and the CSR told me their system was down and she knows nothing.

[Dr.Evil]

If anyone that can help us without Virtualization Technology. Please dump your bios for rest of us, it seems the official bios on acer site has the vt option hidden for some reason.

Please do the following:

download the copy
http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles%5CBIOS/BIOS/BIOS_Acer_P01.A0_A_A.zip?acerid=633783202977398959&Step1=Desktop&Step2=Aspire&Step3=Aspire%20X3810&OS=V10&LC=en&SC=PA_7

unzip to C:\bios

then go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, then right click on command prompt and select Run as a administrator.

type: cd\bios
type: afuwinx64 bios.rom /o
type: exit

please go that folder in windows now and upload the file bios.rom for the rest of us.

thanks

[Task514]

If anyone that can help us without Virtualization Technology. Please dump your bios for rest of us, it seems the official bios on acer site has the vt option hidden for some reason.

Please do the following:

download the copy
http://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles%5CBIOS/BIOS/BIOS_Acer_P01.A0_A_A.zip?acerid=633783202977398959&Step1=Desktop&Step2=Aspire&Step3=Aspire%20X3810&OS=V10&LC=en&SC=PA_7

unzip to C:\bios

then go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, then right click on command prompt and select Run as a administrator.

type: cd\bios
type: afuwinx64 bios.rom /o
type: exit

please go that folder in windows now and upload the file bios.rom for the rest of us.

thanks

Hold on tight... I'm doing this for ya right now, as promised.

[Task514]

Here it is... http://rapidshare.com/files/300980094/VTBIOS.rar

btw my bios ver is P01-A3... dated 5/26/2009 by CPU-Z

Good Luck!

[devil2k]

This thing runs pretty hot, I'm gonna find a replacement cpu heatsink & fan.

[devil2k]

I'm thinking of getting this
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=38979&vpn=CLP0527&manufacture=Thermaltake

Wish it was copper...


Heatsink Dimension 106.8(L) x 94.6(W) x 47(H) mm
Heatsink Material

Aluminum Fins
- Outer Circle: 92 fins
- Inner Circle: 69 fins
Heatpipe Copper Pipe: Ø 6 mm x 2
Fan Dimension Ø 92 x 20 mm
Fan Speed 800 ~ 1700 RPM
Bearing Type Sleeve
Noise Level 16 dBA
Max. Air Flow 38.9 CFM
Max. Air Pressure 1.25 mmH2O
LED Fan ----
Power Connector 4 Pins (PWM)

[Dr.Evil]

Here it is... http://rapidshare.com/files/300980094/VTBIOS.rar

btw my bios ver is P01-A3... dated 5/26/2009 by CPU-Z

Good Luck!

stupid rapidshare is not working, been trying for the last 15 minutes.

no luck

maybe megaupload it

[Dr.Evil]

alright no luck none whatsoever, calling acer support now

[Tornado F2]

It does.

You just have to get a E-sata external case and a 1.5TB drive. :lol:

USB externals should work fine too. :)

[Dr.Evil]

under intel processor identification tool, select the cpuid data tab.

can the people with working vt, tell me what revision their processor is in there.

[Tornado F2]

Info is the same as mine... In the BIOS goto Advanced Chipset Features. Also while you are in there, you might want to take a look at your Memory allocated for Video Memory.

I was going to purchase a Asus EAH4350 for this but the heat sink is way to bigger.. you have about 1" from the PCI-E slot to the side of the case.

I don't have it in my bios either, what bios version are you running, I am running the newest version a01-3 and it doesn't have the feature listed and with intel processor identification tool it shows up hyperthreading as no.

I think we all have the same m'bd and BIOS, but possibly slvnkn got a different version of the chip. What he needs to do is run the Intel utilty and report on the results under the CPU ID tab. I suspect we'll see something different there. If not, then maybe we do still have a chance.

FWIW, I maximised the Video Memory allocation to get max performance from the onboard video. But I doubt that affects the VT setting.

[Tornado F2]

under intel processor identification tool, select the cpuid data tab.

can the people with working vt, tell me what revision their processor is in there.

Ditto. :lol:

[Tornado F2]

2 questions.

1) Will this motherboard fit in a normal case like an Antec Sonata II so that I can add a full height video card? I noticed the x16 slot is below the x1 slot in the picture here.
http://computershopper.com/desktops/reviews/acer-aspire-ax3810-b3801a

2) Is there room for a second hard drive in the slim case?

I hope my ISPU gets filled. :)

Getting a bit ahead of yourself there! :lol:

But for Q2 - No. Not unless you want to squeeze a laptop drive into the expansion slot area anyway. Just go with an external.

[Tornado F2]

you are correct, some machine dont have vt-enabled cpu, maybe a complain to intel with lead to them replacing your cpu, I have the same issue, you can always buy a new q8300 cpu, then replace it with this and return your current one back. unless they check serial numbers?

my cpu doesn't support vt either, I even flashed back to p01-a0 with no luck.

If VT were that much of an issue to me I'd have looked for a system that specified VT as a feature. It'd be nice if my system is VT capable, but it's far from a deal breaker. IMHO, this CPU is more powerful than this system requires anyway. I could possibly transfer the m'bd to a larger case, to maximise its potential. But then what would I do with this cute little case? :)

I'm going to wait and see just what can be achieved as-is before I try anything drastic. Has anybody tried running any challenging games or graphics s/w on their factory-spec system yet? How was the performance?

[TRK9]

Here's an app that tell you if your machine is capable of VT.

http://www.grc.com/files/securable.exe

BTW, does running Windows 7 in XP mode uses VT?

[TRK9]

Check out page 15 (or PDF page 23) of the service manual for our machines. Seems to indicate the VT should be a BIOS option as others on this thread have indicated.

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/manuals/acer/0000/servicemanuals/SG_ASX3810_ASX5810_0513.pdf

Edit: I guess this means that some of the machines may have older CPUs which do no support VT. Oh well :(

[Tornado F2]

Check out page 15 (or PDF page 23) of the service manual for our machines. Seems to indicate the VT should be a BIOS option as others on this thread have indicated.

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/manuals/acer/0000/servicemanuals/SG_ASX3810_ASX5810_0513.pdf

Edit: I guess this means that some of the machines may have older CPUs which do no support VT. Oh well :(

Wonder if he could have got a Q9300 (p103) by mistake? Same specs, other than cache size (and perhaps VT).

[Task514]

Sorry I was away...

Here's the MU link

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BQXZ89ZB


Did you get it to work Dr.Evil?!

[Task514]

under intel processor identification tool, select the cpuid data tab.

can the people with working vt, tell me what revision their processor is in there.

I have VT... here it is.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9279/captureci.jpg

[Task514]

and this is where it matters...

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3751/83105318.jpg

[g_goo_goo]

Looks like he's got the A stepping and we have the R stepping. I would have thought that the R stepping would have included VT.

[Task514]

Looks like he's got the A stepping and we have the R stepping. I would have thought that the R stepping would have included VT.

U have the A stepping too.... (looking at your CPU-Z screen cap)
edit: unless you're referring to revision R0 in CPU-Z (which Intel calls it stepping R0)

your processor is the same... and u have the Hitachi HDD too...

I now assume it is only a matter of production date then.

[Task514]

So here's the conclusion...

Those that have VT you're lucky, those that don't.... You're outta luck.

Apparently there is 2 sSpecs number for the Q8300 processor.
One of them have the VT and the other don't.

These sSpecs are SLB5W and SLGUR.
SLGUR is the processor that has VT.

Reference:
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB5W
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLGUR
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=39107#specs

[Dr.Evil]

I had no luck with your firmware, I even opened up the computer to reset cmos using the mainboard jumper. no luck at all

[Dr.Evil]

I have VT... here it is.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9279/captureci.jpg

I have the exact readout.

[Dr.Evil]

So here's the conclusion...

Those that have VT you're lucky, those that don't.... You're outta luck.

Apparently there is 2 sSpecs number for the Q8300 processor.
One of them have the VT and the other don't.

These sSpecs are SLB5W and SLGUR.
SLGUR is the processor that has VT.

Reference:
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLB5W
http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLGUR
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=39107#specs

time to take the heatsink off, I guess this is extra headache to find out if it is slgur or slb5w, any easier way

[g_goo_goo]

time to take the heatsink off, I guess this is extra headache to find out if it is slgur or slb5w, any easier way


I assume if you have VT it's the SLGUR... otherwise we have the SLB5W... too bad.

[Dr.Evil]

I assume if you have VT it's the SLGUR... otherwise we have the SLB5W... too bad.

not until I remove the heatsink I would be able to confirm 100%, one of you guys can flash their firmware with the same latest one from acer, reboot and see if you still have vt option in your bios.

[Task514]

http://content.intel.pcnalert.com/dm/d.aspx/A3E94F65-56CE-4E4D-B272-2C59B2F90B0B/PCN109337-00.pdf

read this... I assume it is a matter of production date.

If you don't have VT, you're just outta luck. That's it..

[Dr.Evil]

http://content.intel.pcnalert.com/dm/d.aspx/A3E94F65-56CE-4E4D-B272-2C59B2F90B0B/PCN109337-00.pdf

read this... I assume it is a matter of production date.

If you don't have VT, you're just outta luck. That's it..

one of you guys can flash their firmware with the same latest one from acer, reboot and see if you still have vt option in your bios.

[devil2k]

Has anyone found a good cooling solution for this? I'm thinking of getting a low profile heatsink and somehow mount a 120mm or 140mm case fan on the side panel.

[Task514]

one of you guys can flash their firmware with the same latest one from acer, reboot and see if you still have vt option in your bios.

Your processor is probably this one...
http://gigglehd.com/zbxe/files/attach/images/296468/145/674/002/core2quad-q8300.jpg

You are out of luck!

[Task514]

OK so back to the graphic card topic...

If we stick to OEM, these are the cards to get:

GEFORCE GT120 1GB 128BITS DDR II SAMSUNG DVI HDMI
LP PCB 55NM WITH LP BRACKET

PCPARTNER GT100 512MB 64BITS DDR II SAMSUNG DVI VGA
HDMI WITH 1 LP BRACKET

PC PARTNER 288-30E99-B01AC HD4350 512MB DDRII 32BITS
SAMSUNG DVI HDMI WITH 1LP BKT ROHS


This info is straight from the service manual of the X3810

[Tornado F2]

OK so back to the graphic card topic...

If we stick to OEM, these are the cards to get:

GEFORCE GT120 1GB 128BITS DDR II SAMSUNG DVI HDMI
LP PCB 55NM WITH LP BRACKET

PCPARTNER GT100 512MB 64BITS DDR II SAMSUNG DVI VGA
HDMI WITH 1 LP BRACKET

PC PARTNER 288-30E99-B01AC HD4350 512MB DDRII 32BITS
SAMSUNG DVI HDMI WITH 1LP BKT ROHS


This info is straight from the service manual of the X3810

BB have a HP desktop with the same Intel quad as ours for $800. http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10132484&catid=2021... It comes with a G210 graphics card. A review of the G210 that I found indicated that it wasn't really up to (recent) gaming. I would assume that the G1xx models are even less capable. I think it said the HD4350 was comparable. So don't expect console-like graphics performance from these cards.

BTW, despite the larger case, the HP desktop towers don't seem to offer much extra expansion flexibility. A HP Compaq system at FS a month ago only had one free DVD bay, no free HDD bay, 1 16x PCIe, 2 1x PCIe (1 occ), 1 PCI, 2 used memory slots, so little if any gain over the Acer. The above HP has a similar case, 1 16x PCIe (occ) and 3 1x PCIe (1 occ). We still have the 16x PCIe and 2 memory slots to expand with, and a much more compact PC.

Also, anybody concerned about the 220W PS, that's about 50% more than the PS in a Dell Optiplex that I still have around. The Dell has a Pentium 200, HDD, DVD, Floppy, 3 large expansion cards (GeForce 5200 graphics, SB AWE 32 audio, modem), and a larger m'bd, all of them less power efficient than today's components, and its 160W PS never had trouble with that load. Based on that, I think the 220W PS in the Acer should be fine. I just hope it's a fairly standard part if it ever does need replacing. Going off the number of SFF systems being made these days though (esp by Acer) I should think that's something of a standard now also.

[Task514]

BB have a HP desktop with the same Intel quad as ours for $800. http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10132484&catid=2021... It comes with a G210 graphics card. A review of the G210 that I found indicated that it wasn't really up to (recent) gaming. I would assume that the G1xx models are even less capable. I think it said the HD4350 was comparable. So don't expect console-like graphics performance from these cards.

Im very aware of that... I think those cards are selected because they consume less power than the better 210 series.

Remember we have 220w of power only!:(

[Dr.Evil]

OK so back to the graphic card topic...

If we stick to OEM, these are the cards to get:

GEFORCE GT120 1GB 128BITS DDR II SAMSUNG DVI HDMI
LP PCB 55NM WITH LP BRACKET

PCPARTNER GT100 512MB 64BITS DDR II SAMSUNG DVI VGA
HDMI WITH 1 LP BRACKET

PC PARTNER 288-30E99-B01AC HD4350 512MB DDRII 32BITS
SAMSUNG DVI HDMI WITH 1LP BKT ROHS


This info is straight from the service manual of the X3810


I will give you all the info you need

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127454&Tpk=msi%20210

Depends really on what you need to use the computer for, otherwise pick 4350

[Tornado F2]

I will give you all the info you need

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127454&Tpk=msi%20210

Depends really on what you need to use the computer for, otherwise pick 4350

The heatsink looks to be too tall for the Acer's case. The 16x PCIe slot is located close to the top.

[Task514]

This is why I say that card won't fit... unless you change the heatsink.
or hack the top and make that heatsink stick out!:twisted:

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/8849/vga3.jpghttp://img692.imageshack.us/img692/240/vga2.jpg
http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/6492/vga1.jpghttp://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9462/vgam.jpg

No space...

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1430/msiyl.jpg

[Dr.Evil]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102819

[Task514]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102819

Now, that might do it!!
or this http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=45421&vpn=ENGT220/DI/1GD2(LP)&manufacture=ASUS

but 1gb is pulling too much watts i think.

[Tornado F2]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102819

That could be a winner. Except that it calls for a 300W PS in the specs. That's probably based on a full-size PC though, so the Acer's 220W might still be enough.

[Dr.Evil]

Now, that might do it!!
or this http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=45421&vpn=ENGT220/DI/1GD2(LP)&manufacture=ASUS

but 1gb is pulling too much watts i think.


220 watts psu but it does have decent amperage, thats what counts anways.

it should be fine.

[Dr.Evil]

task514 what do you think, 4550 or 4650, you know new mac drivers might work for us who wants to put osx on it

[Task514]

task514 what do you think, 4550 or 4650, you know new mac drivers might work for us who wants to put osx on it

Really?! I was thinking of OSX option too...

I found a promo that should bring that 4550 card down to $36.99.... but not confirmed.

Promo code VGA1X278


edit: this is for the US site....

[Dr.Evil]

Really?! I was thinking of OSX option too...

I found a promo that should bring that 4550 card down to $36.99.... but not confirmed.

Promo code VGA1X278


edit: this is for the US site....

http://netkas.org/?p=284

[Task514]

http://netkas.org/?p=284

Nice! that's some good news!

I think I'm buying it! 42$ is a good price... and it seems to be promo already!

But then again... shipping kills it... damn it.
(I see in the reviews, some dude mentions $29 shipped after MIR)

[Dr.Evil]

Nice! that's some good news!

I think I'm buying it! 42$ is a good price... and it seems to be promo already!

I am thinking of replacing the cpu heatsink also, i am divided between 4550 or 4650 with fan, I can't make up my mind at all. Please help me decide.

The osx drivers are new, lot of issues but will resolve with updates

[Task514]

which 4650 are you talking about? how much?

If it is the sapphire 4650... forget about that.. it calls for a 400w PSU

[Dr.Evil]

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121340

actually I just made up my mind 4550 silent it is, now to find a quiet effecient copper heatsink.

[Dr.Evil]

do you think this will fit

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

[Task514]

do you think this will fit

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134

Tough one... I'd say no.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1468/heatsink.jpg

[devil2k]

Tough one... I'd say no.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1468/heatsink.jpg

You have about 90mm of clearance from the board to the side panel. That fan along is 92mm.

My plan right now is to replace that heatsink, take out that 92mm fan, mount a 120mm or 140mm fan on the side panel somehow to suck air.

[devil2k]

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=34957&vpn=low-7000&manufacture=Nexus%20Technology%20USA

http://img.ncix.com/images/34957_2.jpg

This one might fit as well

[slvnkn]

I hope you guys are keeping track of how much more power each of these components is going to take.. if you don't need the wireless card i would remove it to reduce power consumption.

Also, if you do plan on getting a video card i would suggest one that uses a fan as oppose to the fanless... due to limited space, the card might not fit w. the the big heatsink and might over heat w/ smaller heatsinks. there are some reviews of sapphire cards overheating also remember that hot air rises so if you leave the tower standing up, all the hot air will stay up near the heatsink of your video card.

[sungfra]

Aside from video card, are there any ram deal out there? Since I dont game, I think I will just put in extra ram instead.

[Tornado F2]

Also, if you do plan on getting a video card i would suggest one that uses a fan as oppose to the fanless... due to limited space, the card might not fit w. the the big heatsink and might over heat w/ smaller heatsinks. there are some reviews of sapphire cards overheating also remember that hot air rises so if you leave the tower standing up, all the hot air will stay up near the heatsink of your video card.

Considering the cooling vents elsewhere, it's a little surprising that Acer didn't provide some sort of ventilation directly above the 16x PCIe slot, where they should have anticipated it being needed. Moving the 16x slot to the lower location (where the 1x is) would have allowed more flexibility for larger heatsinks too, and would have brought the video card closer to the moving air from the CPU fan, also helping cooling.

[Tornado F2]

Aside from video card, are there any ram deal out there? Since I dont game, I think I will just put in extra ram instead.

Figures that I have 2 sticks of 2GB DDR2 RAM still in their packs awaiting a new PC, and when I actually get one it needs DDR3!

[itsets]

This deal is still live, why is it put in expired?

The bellow deal is dead. http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/hot-best-buy-toshiba-l300d-06t-laptop-amd-ql-60-4gb-400gb-399-99-after-comp-trade-801990/

what a great job.

[gfong]

Anyone find any user manual documentation on the ACER site? I select it and it states something about Adobe but there is nothing there! Was there any docs other than starter guide and Windows 7 flyer?

[zzricezz]

Is it better if I add a ATI X1300 video card to this for HTPC or keep the onboard one?

[slvnkn]

Is it better if I add a ATI X1300 video card to this for HTPC or keep the onboard one?

if you are going to just use this as a HTPC why not just stick w/ the onboard video, it should be sufficient. I believe the x1300 will provide you with better graphics performance but i don' think it has HDMI..


btw.. checkout this list of graphics cards.. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2362-6.html

[ignoreme]

Is it better if I add a ATI X1300 video card to this for HTPC or keep the onboard one?

NO. x1300's too old to live nowadays. I even don't think you can add it on cus it's not a 16x card?

[gfong]

Nice little compact computer. I installed a XFX 9500GT LP video card and it works fine. Not much room in there as some have stated. The fan for the card is almost touching the side of the case and there is just enough room in lenght.
A comparable card to the 9500GT would be a ATI 4650. Without doing any power upgrades I think either of those cards would be the limit with this machine.

Heres a pic of the XFX 9500GT loaded in. (I had to modify the low profile XFX bracket as it sat on top of the wireless bracket.

Specs on the card:
Bus Type: PCI-E 2.0
GPU Clock: 550 Mhz
Memory Bus: 128
Memory Type: DDR2
Memory Size: 512 MB
Memory Speed: 800 Mhz
Thermal Solution: FANSINK
Outputs: VGA, , HDTV, , Dual-Link DVI
Card Dimensions: 6.6 x 2.73 x 0.75
Feature: PhysX™ technology, CUDA™ technology (Drivers update required)

Top View
http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy262/mach1photo/4500616f.jpg

Back end of card
http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy262/mach1photo/addee7ce.jpg

[sungfra]

Figures that I have 2 sticks of 2GB DDR2 RAM still in their packs awaiting a new PC, and when I actually get one it needs DDR3!

+1. Didn't realize how expensive DDR3 is until I get this computer. Guess I will just live with 4G and wait for the price to drop.

[zzricezz]

if you are going to just use this as a HTPC why not just stick w/ the onboard video, it should be sufficient. I believe the x1300 will provide you with better graphics performance but i don' think it has HDMI..


btw.. checkout this list of graphics cards.. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2362-6.html

base on this link, it should upgrade to x1300, it is at least 3 level higher than the GMA4500.

[Tornado F2]

Heres a pic of the XFX 9500GT loaded in. (I had to modify the low profile XFX bracket as it sat on top of the wireless bracket.


Might have been smarter to modify the wireless bracket instead. That'd be my choice anyway. But nice work. Care to share your updated Windows Index ratings with us, and any other benchmarks you might have?

[gfong]

Might have been smarter to modify the wireless bracket instead. That'd be my choice anyway. But nice work. Care to share your updated Windows Index ratings with us, and any other benchmarks you might have?

Was thinking the same as you but too late as the thought happened after the plier work was completed! :)
I am off to the store to get the ASUS EAH4650/DI/1GD2/A(LP) Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 for the machine as I took the 9500GT out of a half height Dell.
I do not have any bench mark software but will do a comparison between the new and old and the Vista scores.

[taysan]

For what its worth, I ordered one of these for ISPU today with success. Not 100% sure I'm going to get it however... need to mull it over.

I have a Core 2 Duo e6750 now, which I'd turn into my daughter's PC putting the guts from the Acer in my Sonata case with my XFX 9800GT.

That being said, I don't need the case, PSU, HDD, keyboard, DVD that comes with the Acer and they're worth $0 on their own.

For about the same $350 you can buy the CPU retail boxed with fan, 4GB DDR3 RAM and a Mobo to hold it.

Yeah, I'm 99% sure I'm going to pass on it. Some schmo on Craigslist is trying to sell one of these for $500. People sure go through a lot of trouble to make a measly $90 profit off 1 computer.

The one I have (confirmed over the phone with the store) for ISPU is within a 1.5 hour drive of Toronto. It's their last one. If anyone wants it... let me know.

[Tornado F2]

Was thinking the same as you but too late as the thought happened after the plier work was completed! :)
I am off to the store to get the ASUS EAH4650/DI/1GD2/A(LP) Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 for the machine as I took the 9500GT out of a half height Dell.
I do not have any bench mark software but will do a comparison between the new and old and the Vista scores.

There is a free Lite version of SiSoft Sandra available. I've been using its various versions for years. It gives a pretty thorough checkout of the entire system if you let it. The latest version seems to give good comparisons with similar-performing components too.

http://www.sisoftware.net/index.html?dir=&location=downandbuy&langx=en&a=

Feel free to try it out! :)

[keross1ve]

For what its worth, I ordered one of these for ISPU today with success. Not 100% sure I'm going to get it however... need to mull it over.

I have a Core 2 Duo e6750 now, which I'd turn into my daughter's PC putting the guts from the Acer in my Sonata case with my XFX 9800GT.

That being said, I don't need the case, PSU, HDD, keyboard, DVD that comes with the Acer and they're worth $0 on their own.

For about the same $350 you can buy the CPU retail boxed with fan, 4GB DDR3 RAM and a Mobo to hold it.

Yeah, I'm 99% sure I'm going to pass on it. Some schmo on Craigslist is trying to sell one of these for $500. People sure go through a lot of trouble to make a measly $90 profit off 1 computer.

The one I have (confirmed over the phone with the store) for ISPU is within a 1.5 hour drive of Toronto. It's their last one. If anyone wants it... let me know.

ygpm :)

[solo.]

I'm thinking about selling mine and sticking with my laptop as I travel more.

If anyone's interested, I'd sell it for $400 ($350 plus tax). You will get the receipt and boxes and everything. The only downside is that I have loaded an unactivated copy of Windows 7. I did not backup the pre-installed Vista as it's crap.

[Dr.Evil]

Was thinking the same as you but too late as the thought happened after the plier work was completed! :)
I am off to the store to get the ASUS EAH4650/DI/1GD2/A(LP) Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR2 for the machine as I took the 9500GT out of a half height Dell.
I do not have any bench mark software but will do a comparison between the new and old and the Vista scores.

fan is really noisy

[AlexV]

Oh man, I would kill to get myself one of these. If anyone is thinking of returning theirs, please send me a PM. I'm fairly mobile and can pickup where/whenever is convenient

[phuangk]

I'm thinking about selling mine and sticking with my laptop as I travel more.

If anyone's interested, I'd sell it for $400 ($350 plus tax). You will get the receipt and boxes and everything. The only downside is that I have loaded an unactivated copy of Windows 7. I did not backup the pre-installed Vista as it's crap.

If you didn't destroy the Image partition, you can still load your WinVista back.

[gfong]

Got the newer card installed and tried a few games. The new card is a step up from my 9500GT.
I tried that bench mark software and did not really get a grasp on it. Anyway comparing the two cards the 4650 is stronger than the 9500GT that I also have.

Vista scores:
Component Details Subscore
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz 5.9
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT 4.4
Gaming graphics 2303 MB Total available graphics memory 5.3
Primary hard disk 182GB Free (288GB Total) 5.9
Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium

Component Details Subscore
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz 5.9
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series 5.1
Gaming graphics 2303 MB Total available graphics memory 5.3
Primary hard disk 182GB Free (288GB Total) 5.9
Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium


The low profile bracket is a double bracket and it is on the wrong side for this computer to make use of it. It takes up two spaces so if you could use it the wireless card would have to come out. I am going to mod the bracket to work in the case.
The current Catalyst Control Center does not work properly either. That is not a card problem but a ATI problem with their software. I intalled an older verison and it works fine now. If you are thinking about this card or anyother card make sure it is 128 bit and not 64bit as no matter the sixe of the card the 64 bit will be the bottle neck.

Purchased at Canada Computers (Ontario) for $73.43 taxes in and it has a $20.00 mail in rebate so for $53.00 out the door I have a card that has hdmi, dvi and it can run some recent games at med to high settings without lag.

To address Dr Evil: I read some reviews about the noise of the fan but so far it is tollerable and not noisey at all. Do you actually have this card and are running it or were you going by what you read on the internet? Thanks

[slvnkn]

Got the newer card installed and tried a few games. The new card is a step up from my 9500GT.
I tried that bench mark software and did not really get a grasp on it. Anyway comparing the two cards the 4650 is stronger than the 9500GT that I also have.

Vista scores:



The low profile bracket is a double bracket and it is on the wrong side for this computer to make use of it. It takes up two spaces so it you could use it the wireless would be useless as it would have to come out. I am going to mod the bracket to work in the case.

Purchased at Canada Computers (Ontario) for $73.43 and it has a $20.00 mail in rebate so for 43.00 I have a card that has hdmi, dvi and it can run some recent games at med to high settings with out lag.

To address Dr Evil: I read some reviews about the noise of the fan but so far it is tollerable and not noisey at all. Do you actually have this card and are running it or were you going by what you read on the internet? Thanks

Not bad!

um.. you mean $53 right??? $73 - $20 != $43.. also, is this an ASUS rebate? cuz if it is.. didn't that expire on the Oct. 31st?

[gfong]

um.. you mean $53 right??? $73 - $20 != $43.. also, is this an ASUS rebate? cuz if it is.. didn't that expire on the Oct. 31st?

New one started for Nov.
Sorry abut the math! :) I was doing taxes in and than taxes out. Anyway card without tax is $64.99 and you get a $20.00 rebate that has to be mailed in. It is an ASUS rebate

Here is the link for the rebate if anyone is interested.
http://images10.newegg.com/uploadfilesfornewegg/rebate/SH/ASUS13MIRsNov01Nov3009lh15.pdf
It is on the New Egg ca site but the rebate is for any reseller.

[fredsmith]

So, I managed to meet with a friendly RFDer and took over her machine, because the person she bought it for wanted a full tower.

A very good deal for me - she even provided a set of restore disks, so I'm good to go.

But. There's always a 'but'.

The machine was initialised for French and I much prefer to use it in English - and once you've selected the language, there's no going back. Even the Windows 7 upgrade is tied to the original language selection.

So, I'm looking for a set of English restore disks to borrow for a couple of hours, and rather than drive 100 km again, I'm looking to find them near where I live.

If I can't find a set, I will probably either resell it or return it . . .

[Tornado F2]

Oh man, I would kill to get myself one of these. If anyone is thinking of returning theirs, please send me a PM. I'm fairly mobile and can pickup where/whenever is convenient

See above. Hopefully he didn't completely screw up Vista. Can't understand why he didn't give the system a good checkout before wiping things out. He'll probably have a heck of a job if he tries to return it to BB now, unless he can restore Vista first.

[Task514]

So, I'm looking for a set of English restore disks to borrow for a couple of hours, and rather than drive 100 km again, I'm looking to find them near where I live.

If I can't find a set, I will probably either resell it or return it . . .

and you live in... Beijing?!:lol:

[Traian2003]

So, I managed to meet with a friendly RFDer and took over her machine, because the person she bought it for wanted a full tower.

A very good deal for me - she even provided a set of restore disks, so I'm good to go.

But. There's always a 'but'.

The machine was initialised for French and I much prefer to use it in English - and once you've selected the language, there's no going back. Even the Windows 7 upgrade is tied to the original language selection.

So, I'm looking for a set of English restore disks to borrow for a couple of hours, and rather than drive 100 km again, I'm looking to find them near where I live.

If I can't find a set, I will probably either resell it or return it . . .

Just download the OEM Windows Vista Premium English off some torrent site. You're not breaking the EULA. Install that, and use the key off the machine. What's the point of driving so much for something so simple.

I'm sure you can find the drivers (if they end up not being detected). I installed a Win7 Pro and it detected absolutely everything.

Plus you get rid of all the Acer garbage. OMG, when I saw how much garbage they install on that, I would have downloaded an OEM copy anyways and re-install.

[Task514]

Got the newer card installed and tried a few games. The new card is a step up from my 9500GT.
I tried that bench mark software and did not really get a grasp on it. Anyway comparing the two cards the 4650 is stronger than the 9500GT that I also have.


How's the 4650 holding up with 220w of PSU power? (a HD4650 calls for about 400w power supply i think)

have you ran 3d intensive game nonstop for several minutes?

[Task514]

Just download the OEM Windows Vista Premium English off some torrent site. You're not breaking the EULA. Install that, and use the key off the machine. What's the point of driving so much for something so simple.

I'm sure you can find the drivers (if they end up not being detected). I installed a Win7 Pro and it detected absolutely everything.

Then again... there is the acer programs and useless stuff that acer puts on there that you would be missing..

btw I personally find acer has the less garbage out of the other brands... toshiba or HP

[gfong]

If I can't find a set, I will probably either resell it or return it . . .

I noticed on the Samsung site you can purchase a restore disc for $19.95 as the computer does not come with one. It has a utility to create them. Just a thought.

[Tornado F2]

So, I managed to meet with a friendly RFDer and took over her machine, because the person she bought it for wanted a full tower.

A very good deal for me - she even provided a set of restore disks, so I'm good to go.

But. There's always a 'but'.

The machine was initialised for French and I much prefer to use it in English - and once you've selected the language, there's no going back. Even the Windows 7 upgrade is tied to the original language selection.

So, I'm looking for a set of English restore disks to borrow for a couple of hours, and rather than drive 100 km again, I'm looking to find them near where I live.

If I can't find a set, I will probably either resell it or return it . . .

If you have retail Vista discs around you could try installing English Vista using the Acer licence key. I had to do that once with a French-only system that I bought from BD (mistakenly assuming I would have a choice of language, being in ON), and since I activated it over the phone it has remained English. Only bundled software like Norton remained resolutely French. Makes for funny virus update alerts! :)

[Task514]

I noticed on the Samsung site you can purchase a restore disc for $19.95 as the computer does not come with one. It has a utility to create them. Just a thought.

you mean acer site... here:
https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer


and you can create a Driver and Application Disc too... 1.72GB

[gfong]

How's the 4650 holding up with 220w of PSU power? (a HD4650 calls for about 400w power supply i think)

have you ran 3d intensive game nonstop for several minutes?

I messed around with Guild Wars and also The Witcher for a bit.

The card is a low end card, the machine is not an ideal gaming machine but I think that I got a good card for it. I really do not think it needs a 400 w power supply.
If you can find me some info on that I will have a look as I could only find that it is a low powered card and maxes out at 40W.

[gfong]

you mean acer site... here:
https://secure.tx.acer.com/RCDB/Main.aspx?brand=acer


and you can create a Driver and Application Disc too... 1.72GB

lol, my brain is scattered tonight! Yes I do mean ACER! Thanks

[fredsmith]

I have a Vista install disk, but the OEM Acer key doesn't work with it . . . I'm doing a 'no key' unactivated install just for the heck of it . . . but the real solution is an Acer restore because I don't think I can upgrade to Windows 7 from an unactivated copy of Vista.

The download doesn't work without paying and I'm simply not going to bother . . . a restore would be the simplest solution. More than that . . . nah.

[Dr.Evil]

Got the newer card installed and tried a few games. The new card is a step up from my 9500GT.
I tried that bench mark software and did not really get a grasp on it. Anyway comparing the two cards the 4650 is stronger than the 9500GT that I also have.

Vista scores:
Component Details Subscore
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz 5.9
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT 4.4
Gaming graphics 2303 MB Total available graphics memory 5.3
Primary hard disk 182GB Free (288GB Total) 5.9
Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium

Component Details Subscore
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz 5.9
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series 5.1
Gaming graphics 2303 MB Total available graphics memory 5.3
Primary hard disk 182GB Free (288GB Total) 5.9
Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium


The low profile bracket is a double bracket and it is on the wrong side for this computer to make use of it. It takes up two spaces so if you could use it the wireless card would have to come out. I am going to mod the bracket to work in the case.
The current Catalyst Control Center does not work properly either. That is not a card problem but a ATI problem with their software. I intalled an older verison and it works fine now. If you are thinking about this card or anyother card make sure it is 128 bit and not 64bit as no matter the sixe of the card the 64 bit will be the bottle neck.

Purchased at Canada Computers (Ontario) for $73.43 taxes in and it has a $20.00 mail in rebate so for $53.00 out the door I have a card that has hdmi, dvi and it can run some recent games at med to high settings without lag.

To address Dr Evil: I read some reviews about the noise of the fan but so far it is tollerable and not noisey at all. Do you actually have this card and are running it or were you going by what you read on the internet? Thanks

Sorry I should have been more clear, I am using it for htpc and actually find the cpu cooler loud

[Dr.Evil]

How's the 4650 holding up with 220w of PSU power? (a HD4650 calls for about 400w power supply i think)

have you ran 3d intensive game nonstop for several minutes?

its all about amperage, you could have 400 watt and crappy amperage which wont work.

the psu is well built, decent amperage and will take abuse from 4650.

[Task514]

I messed around with Guild Wars and also The Witcher for a bit.

The card is a low end card, the machine is not an ideal gaming machine but I think that I got a good card for it. I really do not think it needs a 400 w power supply.
If you can find me some info on that I will have a look as I could only find that it is a low powered card and maxes out at 40W.

Just looking at the chip maker website... ATI... system requirements for HD 4650

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-4000/hd-4600/Pages/ati-radeon-hd-4600-system-requirements.aspx

It says 400w recommended, I assume 220w is way below that. :confused:

[Task514]

its all about amperage, you could have 400 watt and crappy amperage which wont work.

the psu is well built, decent amperage and will take abuse from 4650.

wattage and amperage is related to each other... watts=volts*amps

220w=12*18.3

the PSU indicates +12v 14A...

assuming pci-e functions on 12v (am i right?)

[Dr.Evil]

wattage and amperage is related to each other... watts=volts*amps

220w=12*18.3

the PSU indicates +12v 14A...

assuming pci-e functions on 12v (am i right?)

amperage is more important

[Task514]

amperage is more important

You think 14A is enough here? I hope this PSU can handle HD4650.. else it would suck!

[Dr.Evil]

You think 14A is enough here? I hope this PSU can handle HD4650.. else it would suck!

4650 would be fine but I hate the fan noise, I ended up returning mine, went with 4550, I will wait for 5750 in few months to get bitstreaming.

[gfong]

Just looking at the chip maker website... ATI... system requirements for HD 4650

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-4000/hd-4600/Pages/ati-radeon-hd-4600-system-requirements.aspx

It says 400w recommended, I assume 220w is way below that. :confused:

Hey, you know what they say about asumming! Yes 220 is way below that! :idea:

I am passing along info that I have done with this computer. I appreciate the info and so do others. They can make a better informed decision about what they would like to add or not add.
I am still going to use this card and if you find a better one please let others know about it. I do hope it does last/work in this computer. Time will tell! Thanks for the info.

[Task514]

I do hope it does last/work in this computer. Time will tell! Thanks for the info.

Well luckily our acer carries a one year warranty if ever the PSU is not strong enough...

I think im gonna go with the same card as yours! 4650

[slvnkn]

Here's a power supply calculator from Antec that should come in handy, especially for those that are debating about adding a video card...

http://www.antec.outervision.com/

[Dr.Evil]

4550 is the card to get for htpc

4650 for light gaming, running few usb devices and running video games strictly will ensure your psu will die soon

[AlexV]

What's the max # of hard-drives that can fit inside? Any RAID options on the motherboard?

[Dr.Evil]

What's the max # of hard-drives that can fit inside? Any RAID options on the motherboard?

no room unless you build a custom bracket, external hd otherwise

[Traian2003]

I'm using it as an HTPC, and it runs 1080p MKVs perfectly using Win7, Windows Media Player with the Win7 Codec pack. :D

[Task514]

What's the max # of hard-drives that can fit inside? Any RAID options on the motherboard?

inside physically, only one. And there is no raid.

But i can see an extra sata port in there. But the actual sata plug is not soldered on. And no other sata port displays in the BIOS.

[stratux]

willing to buy at cost if anyone is interested

[Tornado F2]

willing to buy at cost if anyone is interested

Join the line. I think there are about 500 posts ahead of you. :)

[mashimaro]

I did some power measurements using one of those wall socket power meters.

Turned off : 4 W
Sleep Mode : 4 W
Vista (Idle) : 51 W
Vista (Prime 95) : 116 W
Vista (VLC 1080p Video) : 77 W

This is stock with no extra peripherals.

[RedFlagRobot]

I managed to grab one of these. Haven't 100% decided if I'm keeping it. If I decide not to keep it, and you want to grab it off me in Ottawa, send me a PM.

[Tornado F2]

I did some power measurements using one of those wall socket power meters.

Turned off : 4 W
Sleep Mode : 4 W
Vista (Idle) : 51 W
Vista (Prime 95) : 116 W
Vista (VLC 1080p Video) : 77 W

This is stock with no extra peripherals.

Thanks. Looks pretty energy efficient to me!

BTW, I've discovered this:

http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/core_2_quad_q8300_review/15.html

Sounds like the CPU MIGHT be capable of over 30% o/c. :-0 (IF you can increase the FSB).

Shame the video card is the real bottleneck here.

New SFF-compatible video cards are likely in the pipeline though, to boost future performance.

[Task514]

Thanks. Looks pretty energy efficient to me!

BTW, I've discovered this:

http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/core_2_quad_q8300_review/15.html

Sounds like the CPU MIGHT be capable of over 30% o/c. :-0 (IF you can increase the FSB).



Very nice find there! but this is for the ones that don't have VT.

I hope not much changed for the later processors... or changed for the better.

[PaulieG]

What's the max # of hard-drives that can fit inside? Any RAID options on the motherboard?

A note about the eSATA: It seems that it's not port-multiplier compatible. I have one of these external enclosures that houses 2 SATA drives. Only one is recognized. :(

[Dr.Evil]

I will be wrting the guide to install osx on this sucker as soon as I get more time

[Task514]

I will be wrting the guide to install osx on this sucker as soon as I get more time

That'd be nice... I'm using VMware to run OSX right now... ;)

[RedFlagRobot]

I will be wrting the guide to install osx on this sucker as soon as I get more time

And I'll read that guide :D

[Task514]

I found the perfect card for this computer!!!
But can't find which supplier has it...

It's the Asus ENGT220/DI/1GD3

GT220
engine clock 625MHz
shader clock 1360MHz
1GB DDR3 @ 1580MHz(780MHz)
DVI, HDMI, VGA
HDCP

seems to be the fastest low profile card I found.

[devil2k]

I found the perfect card for this computer!!!
But can't find which supplier has it...

It's the Asus ENGT220/DI/1GD3

GT220
engine clock 625MHz
shader clock 1360MHz
1GB DDR3 @ 1580MHz(780MHz)
DVI, HDMI, VGA
HDCP

seems to be the fastest low profile card I found.

Another problem is how much power does it need. and how much heat does it produce, this computer by itself is flaming hot already.

[Tornado F2]

Another problem is how much power does it need. and how much heat does it produce, this computer by itself is flaming hot already.

Is your cooling fan not working? I'd say this system runs pretty cool. Try an older Athlon system if you want a PC that runs warm.

[Task514]

Another problem is how much power does it need. and how much heat does it produce, this computer by itself is flaming hot already.

Saw somewhere on the net... this GT220/w DDR3 from Asus comsumes 58watts

[devil2k]

Is your cooling fan not working? I'd say this system runs pretty cool. Try an older Athlon system if you want a PC that runs warm.

I'm spoiled by my other q6600 system that runs 32c idle when I blow out the dust. :lol:

I had an Athlon 1GHz that always runs so hot to the point BIOS shuts it off:mad:

[devil2k]

I found the perfect card for this computer!!!
But can't find which supplier has it...

It's the Asus ENGT220/DI/1GD3



http://redflagdeals.pricecanada.com/p.php/ASUS-GeForce-GT220-1GB-GDDR2-PCI-E-ENGT220DI1GD2LP-632460/

About $80

[Tornado F2]

I'm spoiled by my other q6600 system that runs 32c idle when I blow out the dust. :lol:

I had an Athlon 1GHz that always runs so hot to the point BIOS shuts it off:mad:

I built a system once using a fairly compact case and Athlon XP bundle that I'd foolishly bought from Tiger Direct (they never did pay up on ANY of multiple Soyo rebates I sent for). The setup worked, but the case had poor ventillation and heat tended to trap at the upper half, to the extent that it actually felt quite warm on the outside of the case. I transferred the m'bd combo to a different case and everything was fine. When I later got an Athlon 64 3500 combo (from elsewhere, of course) I installed that in the same case and it has been perfectly fine ever since. Never had any heat problems with that combo, and so far this quad doesn't seem bad at all either. The case has plenty of ventillation - except perhaps in the video card area, as some of you guys are experiencing. Hopefully we'll continue to hear back on how the video upgrades are progressing.

At this point, I think these systems are now long gone. Maybe somebody should create an entirely new thread where we can continue the tech discussion. It's a bit inefficient having to keep bouncing between 3 different threads.

Actually, I'll try creating one now, in the Computers discussion section. Hopefully everybody can move the tech discussion there, so it can become a user resource.

[Tornado F2]

Here you go guys. Let's try and combine the useful info being added to these 3 Expired threads to on new, useful resource thread:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/bb-acer-intel-q8300-4gb-500gb-desktop-tech-discussion-810133/#post9705037

[Tornado F2]

Hi, I've created a new thread in the Computers & Electronics section as an area where purchasers of the Acer Intel Q8300 4gb 500gb Desktop at Best Buy ($330 or $350) can continue the discussion of various tech issues and post-purchase matters related to this system. There are currently at least three Expired Deals threads and the info is getting scattered between them. Time to bring everything together in one place. :)

Feel free to add to and build this thread into a useful resource for owners of the BB Acer Intel Q8300 4gb 500gb Desktop and similar SFF systems.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/bb-acer-intel-q8300-4gb-500gb-desktop-tech-discussion-810133/#post9705037

[sungfra]

At this point, I think these systems are now long gone. Maybe somebody should create an entirely new thread where we can continue the tech discussion. It's a bit inefficient having to keep bouncing between 3 different threads.


Thanks for creating a combined thread for technical support. I think that is a good idea.

Re your comment that these systems are now long gone, I don't disagree this system is difficult to find but not impossible. I bought 2 units last weekend from Newmarket and Whitby (for myself and a friend of mine). I bought another unit from Woodbridge last nite for my parent. All brand new and not opened box. $20 coupon apply to all 3 computers without any problem (that helps cover my gas$).

[Tornado F2]

Thanks for creating a combined thread for technical support. I think that is a good idea.

Re your comment that these systems are now long gone, I don't disagree this system is difficult to find but not impossible. I bought 2 units last weekend from Newmarket and Whitby (for myself and a friend of mine). I bought another unit from Woodbridge last nite for my parent. All brand new and not opened box. $20 coupon apply to all 3 computers without any problem (that helps cover my gas$).

You were still able to apply the Pizza Pizza coupon last night? I thought it was now expired?

Anyway, good to hear if there are still some available. I'd still like to pick up a 2nd for my relatives if I can. Have to call by the store again, just in case.

[sungfra]

You were still able to apply the Pizza Pizza coupon last night? I thought it was now expired?

Anyway, good to hear if there are still some available. I'd still like to pick up a 2nd for my relatives if I can. Have to call by the store again, just in case.

Well, it was kind of a honest mistake. I thought the cashier overcharged me when he told me the price last nite. I showed him the receipt of the computers I bought last weekend and he just adj the price for me. I only remembered afterward that I used the pizza pizza coupon last weekend.

[Tornado F2]

Well, it was kind of a honest mistake. I thought the cashier overcharged me when he told me the price last nite. I showed him the receipt of the computers I bought last weekend and he just adj the price for me. I only remembered afterward that I used the pizza pizza coupon last weekend.

Ah, lucky! :)

One other thing. When I bought my Acer it came with a New Computer software bundle disc for free. Did you manage to get one of those with your recent purchases? It includes Corel Photo software and a few less-known titles. They seem to be charging $300+ online for it now, which is a joke!

[sungfra]

Ah, lucky! :)

One other thing. When I bought my Acer it came with a New Computer software bundle disc for free. Did you manage to get one of those with your recent purchases? It includes Corel Photo software and a few less-known titles. They seem to be charging $300+ online for it now, which is a joke!

Yes, they gave me the software disc for all 3 units. I heard from another member that you will not be able to return the disc if you break the seal of the software disc. Thats why the disc has a listed price of $300+ (i.e. they would give you a full refund of the computer if you decide to bring it back but they will charge you full price of the software bundle).

[Tornado F2]

Yes, they gave me the software disc for all 3 units. I heard from another member that you will not be able to return the disc if you break the seal of the software disc. Thats why the disc has a listed price of $300+ (i.e. they would give you a full refund of the computer if you decide to bring it back but they will charge you full price of the software bundle).

Yeah, I still haven't opened mine, just in case I do have any problem with the Acer. Hopefully not.

Wonder if the s/w is licenced for use on just one machine, or if it can be installed on a couple of PCs? If anybody has opened theirs yet I'd be interested to know.

[Strider]

Ah, lucky! :)

One other thing. When I bought my Acer it came with a New Computer software bundle disc for free. Did you manage to get one of those with your recent purchases? It includes Corel Photo software and a few less-known titles. They seem to be charging $300+ online for it now, which is a joke!

D'oh! I completely to pick up my software disc. Is there anything worthwhile on there that I should bother trying to go back for it?

[Task514]

http://redflagdeals.pricecanada.com/p.php/ASUS-GeForce-GT220-1GB-GDDR2-PCI-E-ENGT220DI1GD2LP-632460/

About $80

That's not exactly the one... see the other one has DDR3 memory on it, which makes it a bit faster! Its the only difference.

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=AFDaPT0EcHnVFUlZ&templete=2

It seems to be the only low profile card with 1GB DDR3...:confused:

[slvnkn]

D'oh! I completely to pick up my software disc. Is there anything worthwhile on there that I should bother trying to go back for it?

personally, i think the software on the disc is useless... I wouldn't bother going back to get it.

[fredsmith]

Yeah, the software's junk - never got it and when I called to find out why it mentions software on my bill they said not to bother driving in beause it was junk . . . obviously I plan to tell them to shove it when I go back in an hour or two to return the system and they give me flack..

[keross1ve]

For what its worth, I ordered one of these for ISPU today with success. Not 100% sure I'm going to get it however... need to mull it over.

I have a Core 2 Duo e6750 now, which I'd turn into my daughter's PC putting the guts from the Acer in my Sonata case with my XFX 9800GT.

That being said, I don't need the case, PSU, HDD, keyboard, DVD that comes with the Acer and they're worth $0 on their own.

For about the same $350 you can buy the CPU retail boxed with fan, 4GB DDR3 RAM and a Mobo to hold it.

Yeah, I'm 99% sure I'm going to pass on it. Some schmo on Craigslist is trying to sell one of these for $500. People sure go through a lot of trouble to make a measly $90 profit off 1 computer.

The one I have (confirmed over the phone with the store) for ISPU is within a 1.5 hour drive of Toronto. It's their last one. If anyone wants it... let me know.

I was able to pick this desktop up on Tuesday with the help of taysan. Nice little machine, I'm still checking out everything to make sure everything is in good working order:)

Thanks again taysan, I owe you one!

[Lauralai]

quick question

I was wondering if someone could tell me what was in the box. I bought one tonight open box and there is the tower, mouse, the power cord and keyboard and nothing else. Did it come with discs or papers of any kind? I'm sure they aren't that important just wondering. Also does it come with an antenna for the wireless because mine doesn't have one. I can't seem to find a list of what's in the box anywhere.
Thanks
Lauralai

[fredsmith]

quick question

I was wondering if someone could tell me what was in the box. I bought one tonight open box and there is the tower, mouse, the power cord and keyboard and nothing else. Did it come with discs or papers of any kind? I'm sure they aren't that important just wondering. Also does it come with an antenna for the wireless because mine doesn't have one. I can't seem to find a list of what's in the box anywhere.
Thanks
Lauralai

it should come with the antenna, warranty documentation and a setup guide . . . .

Where'd you get yours?

[flyclothing514]

any1 know where i can still get this great deal/ desktop for a good price? thanks:-0

[Lauralai]

it should come with the antenna, warranty documentation and a setup guide . . . .

Where'd you get yours?
I bought it at best buy in Burlington. Looks like I'll be going back tomorrow as it is missing all that. I don't really care about the set up guide but the warranty info and antenna would be nice. Mind you I don't think that they have any more of them anywhere. I did get it for $334 plus disposal fee and tax. I may see if they will lower the price or give me an antenna for it, as I would really like this computer.

[Tornado F2]

I bought it at best buy in Burlington. Looks like I'll be going back tomorrow as it is missing all that. I don't really care about the set up guide but the warranty info and antenna would be nice. Mind you I don't think that they have any more of them anywhere. I did get it for $334 plus disposal fee and tax. I may see if they will lower the price or give me an antenna for it, as I would really like this computer.

It is an amazing deal, even without the antenna. Even more amazing is that it's still on their website, and they haven't increased the price. It makes all their other systems look seriously overpriced! :lol:

[CSIFan29]

How are people still finding them, just walking in???

Anyone returning their working until by chance?

[Lauralai]

It is an amazing deal, even without the antenna. Even more amazing is that it's still on their website, and they haven't increased the price. It makes all their other systems look seriously overpriced! :lol:

I ended up going back and asking them if they had the antenna anywhere or what they could do for me. They ended up giving me the system for $300, can't go wrong there.

[Tornado F2]

I ended up going back and asking them if they had the antenna anywhere or what they could do for me. They ended up giving me the system for $300, can't go wrong there.

Not at all. You can probably find a replacement antenna for $10 or so, I would think.

[sungfra]

Not at all. You can probably find a replacement antenna for $10 or so, I would think.

Or try it without the antenna to save $10. I have been using mine without the antenna and it seems to work fine for me.

[firstimer1969]

How are people still finding them, just walking in???

Anyone returning their working until by chance?

Just picked up one of these desktops BNIB at BB Ottawa (Kanata) late yesterday afternoon. They had been showing 1 in stock since everything was sold out, I called several times and i got the same story...."sorry sir not here must be a stock discrepancy." I was in the area and decided to stop in, asked one of the sales guys who was helpful but he still couldn't find it, another guy jumped in on the search and still no luck, then one of the girls came over and looked around the computer isle and there it was, sitting on the floor in plane site with a big yellow clearance sign on it...

Although it says sold out on-line you need to call stores and ask them to check the product sku, that's how i found mine. :)

[Strider]

curious... has anyone received their windows 7 upgrade disc yet?

[Task514]

curious... has anyone received their windows 7 upgrade disc yet?

nope

[rambokid]

curious... has anyone received their windows 7 upgrade disc yet?

nope+1 :(
But someone got it for the Gateway NV4403h, which I am also waiting. I think shipping just started.
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/9774532-post711/

[RedFlagRobot]

Hey folks. I got one but haven't even opened it yet. Even though it was a great deal I'm thinking a notebook suits my needs better. If anyone wants to grab this off of me send me a PM.

[Strider]

Win7 Upgrade finally shipped for me... Can't believe it took this long

[kes]

+1 :(
But someone got it for the Gateway NV4403h, which I am also waiting. I think shipping just started.
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/9774532-post711/

Just receive my Windows 7 Upgrade disk yesterday.:lol: