Thursday, May 27, 2010

Acer Aspire 4740G EFI and Memory Bug

SOLVED:
Acer sent me a EFI/BIOS Version 1.07 which fixed the DEP issue however no ability to activate switch able graphics was provided and 256MB is still being mysteriously eaten up by Intel HD Graphics.
It is officially out now in Acer Support Site so download from there directly.
Found a bug in Acer Aspire 4740G EFI Bug
From Intel Spec Site
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47663
The i3 330M Processor supports
Execute Disable Bit Yes

To verify this on your own Acer Aspire 4740/4740G
Download Securable here.
To access the Windows Advance Menu, Go to Control Panel >> System >> Advance System Settings >> Advance >> Performance Settings >> Data Execution Prevention.
Why is this vital?
Data Execution Prevention improves system security by flagging non executable code as non executable so malicious code cannot buffer overrun into execution hence if Acer really screwed this up Acer Aspire 4740G security could be potentially at risk.


I took a look into the EFI Firmware this is the feature which is not enabled:
Use XD Capability [Enable/Disable Processor XD Capability]
XD refers to Intel eXecute bit Disable Bit.

Add 1 more bug to the mix:




Acer if you are reading this and is sorry about the surprises you sprang please enable the Intel HD Switchable Graphics in the BIOS as an Apology to all AS4740 owners. I know it is there.
Either you remove Intel HD Graphics Memory reserve or you enable Switchable.
The Switchable Graphics Capability is as shown in the EFI firmware:
Set Display Mode Configure Type Integrated Graphics Discrete Graphcis Switchable Graphics

Monday, May 24, 2010

Acer Aspire 4740G Optimal Drivers

If your EFI/BIOS version < 1.05 please update the firmware to enable DEP.
Because I am using AS4740G therefore I will be sharing my Driver Findings here.
  1. Intel Chipset Driver http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20chipset.htm
  2. Intel Rapid Storage Driver http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20raid.htm
  3. Intel Management Engine http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20chipset.htm
  4. Nvidia Graphics Driver http://www.nvidia.com/page/drivers.html
  5. Nvidia High Definition Audio Driver (Included in the Display Driver)
  6. Realtek High Definition Audio Driver http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=nbdriverfile&driver_no=832 (Why this driver is the best? The MSI Gaming Notebook using this driver uses the same AL888 Realtek High Def chip, it has excellent driver customisation better than Acer Drivers)
  7. Acer Launch Manager (Get it from Acer Site Don't use the 4740G Launch Manager use the 4540G if you want to customise the Backup Manager Shortcut Key)
  8. BroadCom Bluetooth Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much)
  9. Finger Print Driver (Available from Windows Updates Optional Driver updates)
  10. SuYin/Chicony WebCam Driver http://www.station-drivers.com/page/camera.htm#chicony or get the Chicony Driver from the newer Acer Laptop models eg Download the Chicony Driver for the Acer Aspire 4551G.
  11. Conexant Modem Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much who the h*ll uses Modem nowadays anyway??)
  12. Synaptics/ALP Touchpad Driver ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp48001-48500/sp48337.exe
  13. Intel Management Engine Controller http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20chipset.htm
  14. BroadCom NetLink LAN Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much)
  15. Atheros/Intel Wireless Driver http://www.station-drivers.com/page/atheros.htm http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20lan-wan.htm
  16. Realtek Card Reader Driver (Get it from Acer Site driver updatedness doesn't matter too much)
  17. Acer Smart Power Manager & Optical Driver Power Manager (Get it from Acer Site)
  18. Turbo Boost (Only for Core i5/7) http://www.station-drivers.com/page/intel%20chipset.htm

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Modified RAM Timing using Thaiphoon Burner

 used Thaiphoon Burner 6.6 to do this the new 6.8 feature locked full SPD Rewrite.
Original:
Final
(I reverted to this SPD after someone reminded me that Core i3 only has a 1066MHZ Memory Controller):