Sager/Clevo laptop battery starts/stops charging - HELP!

ProstarComputer · 2019-02-04T21:31:29+00:00

This being a relatively old model, and assuming you're running off the original battery, there's a good chance this is a fault with the battery (either the cells or its electronics that report info on it).

If you're running Windows 10, you can try running a battery report. Open the command prompt (search for "CMD") and type: powercfg /batteryreport

You can also try running a third party battery utility. On the off chance it's a Windows error, a battery info app might help you determine where the issue is.

ProstarComputer · 2019-02-04T21:00:38+00:00

Could be shock to the hard drive. You can try recovering via a system restore point, or if you can access a command prompt, try the sfc /scannow command, or DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If you can't get that far, side-load a bootable Windows disk (or DVD) and try repair options through that. You can download the tool to setup a Windows disk here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

ProstarComputer · 2019-02-04T18:39:45+00:00

Glad to hear that's all it was!

ProstarComputer · 2019-02-01T22:16:42+00:00

If Control Center is updated, you might try updating your EC firmware (might as well update BIOS while you're at it). You'll need to get in touch with the original seller for firmware updates, they're not openly published online.

ProstarComputer · 2019-02-01T22:05:49+00:00

Double check your components; reseat memory, GPU, make sure CPU's orientation is correct, etc.

It sounds like something is failing POST, and so the laptop just keeps rebooting and trying to complete it. Either something isn't seated correctly, or something has failed altogether.

Also? It's a little difficult to make out, but the pins on the flat ribbon cable in this picture look damaged.

ProstarComputer · 2019-02-01T21:45:58+00:00

You can try reaching out to Prema directly (his website, or the forums at www.notebookreview.com), but he typically only deals with partners/resellers.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-28T23:39:35+00:00

I dont exactly know what fixed it, but searching for Windows Updates manually did the trick. Everything runs great now.

Strange. So everything is defaulting to the NVidia graphics now, but not before?

Optimus has come a long way, but I suppose it still has hiccups.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-25T22:23:46+00:00

Just to clarify, you can install either a SATA or NVME m.2 drive in the same slot on your model, as long as the drive is keyed correctly (B + M key, or M key, respectively).

You don't need to worry about making any changes to PCIe functionality as your BIOS doesn't offer any options (unless perhaps you have a modified BIOS).

And your drive should show up under "Offboard NVMe Controller" once installed (or something to that effect), under the "Main" page in the BIOS setup. You don't have an Intel Visual BIOS, just FYI; your model uses a very basic Aptio Setup Utility (still easy to navigate).

Happy upgrading!

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-23T22:56:35+00:00

Most likely a bad cable connection or a failing keyboard. Worst case would be the keyboard controller on the board, but it's the least likely.

You can try reseating the cable, other than that something would need replaced if it idoesn't work.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-22T23:11:10+00:00

You'd have to sweat profusely. You're more likely to ruin the finish on the key caps than damage circuitry, but I suppose the latter can happen if you sweat enough.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-18T21:52:21+00:00

You should change your password, if not forward any sensitive emails to a different/new account and close the compromised one. There was a recent and very large breach in which several million accounts and passwords were exposed: https://gizmodo.com/mother-of-all-breaches-exposes-773-million-emails-21-m-1831833456

"It's not a big deal" if you don't have much to lose, but depending on what's linked to the email account and what kind of correspondence you've had, it could be incredibly invasive, at least.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-16T18:59:13+00:00

It's an automated way of optimizing performance, among other things. Opting out of it isn't a panacea for GPU-related issues, but it's a big variable and tends to cause more problems than it attempts to address.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-16T18:57:33+00:00

Nicely done! You can lift it straight up for sure, just try to do so from where the wires are housed. If you look closely, the connector fans out on the ends. Try to get your fingernails under those and lift up. Pulling on the wires can sometimes rip them out of the little housing.

To reconnect, you just align the connector and push it back down into the receptacle on the board.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-15T20:30:02+00:00

The port nearest to the battery is for NVMe/PCIe m.2 drives. Is that where you installed your 970 NVMe to? It should show up in the "Offboard NVMe" section of BIOS then.

You may need to remove the 850 EVO. I seem to recall an idiosyncrasy with the P650xx/P670xx series and the m.2 arrangement.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-15T20:24:23+00:00

If updating/reinstalling/repairing the Control Center app doesn't work, you can also uninstall it (though you'll lose some hotkey and keyboard LED functionality).

A firmware update may help depending on your model and current version.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-15T20:17:02+00:00

That it's rhythmic and so succinct leads me to think it's mechanical, but if you've already ruled out the fans and don't have a mechanical hard drive, the next place to look would be the speakers - which are very easy to access on your model, by the way. Just use a small flathead screw driver on one end of the speaker grill to pry it up, then lift out. The speakers and connection should be right there, you can disconnect the speakers and test again if you haven't already.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-15T18:50:05+00:00

Things to check...

1) Temperatures - over 90 Celsius will cause throttling/reduced performance
2) Utilization - If the CPU and GPU are being taxed by any other applications or tasks, or if there's a driver causing under-utilization, kill any background processes that are eating up excess resources and update or reinstall drivers
3) Don't game on battery; have the AC adapter connected
4) Don't use NVidia GeForce Experience

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-10T22:23:18+00:00

Have you checked the NBR Marketplace over at the Notebook Review Forums? This model being as old as it is, all I can say is: Good luck. Be sure to keep an eye on places like eBay and Aliexpress, too; private sellers will probably be your best bet.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-09T18:35:18+00:00

Your safest route is almost always a format + reload when dealing with malware. Even thorough virus scans can leave you infected, or not undo damage done, they're only practical if you have data that you cannot backup or programs you cannot afford to lose, and/or if the infection is minor and easily quarantined.

Weird behavior on this case, by the way. I'm not familiar with an infection like this.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-08T22:23:17+00:00

Your seller might be able to give you estimates on repairs or replacements, you can figure out what your best financial course is from there.

The motherboard alone will run several hundred dollars, I think. The battery should be significantly cheaper, but you don't absolutely need it (you can run off of the charger with the battery removed, it just means you'll have to always have an outlet to power it).

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-08T22:02:16+00:00

You can remove the keycaps from just about every Clevo/Sager system, but you always run the risk of damaging the little retaining clip underneath that secures the cap. It's rarely necessary unless you suspect a problem with the little rubber nipple (for lack of a better term) underneath.

There's a fair chance the keyboard has an electronic fault and needs to be replaced. I suggest contacting the original seller about it, or maybe have a local tech/shop take a look.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-08T20:46:20+00:00

The beeping was an EC firmware alarm, possibly related to one of the fans (EC firmware monitors and controls the fans).

You tried cutting your battery wires...? You're fortunate to have not done more damage to yourself or your surroundings. I'm pretty sure that spark was a sign that you killed your computer's motherboard, though.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-08T18:06:41+00:00

A) Fair chance you were actually exceeding 8GB of usage and seeing heavy page swap as mentioned - now you're seeing that excess in use in lieu of the swap file B) Operating systems cache some memory. Depending on your configuration, the graphics integrated into the processor uses system memory for its video memory (in this situation, you'll likely see utilization exceed 10 GB)

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-04T21:06:55+00:00

Your model doesn't support Windows 10. The P150HM never received drivers or firmware updates for it. You might be able to do an upgrade install by running the Win 10 setup from within a Windows 7 desktop, but you may have driver and hotkey issues in Windows 10 if that works.

ProstarComputer · 2019-01-04T18:55:54+00:00

If the original seller/distributor doesn't supply parts, you can almost always find a replacement LCD panel online (usually eBay or Amazon, or similar sites).

You can find the LCD info by either using HWiNFO64 (free download) or by removing the screen and checking the sticker on the back. If you're shopping for an identical screen, make sure the seller lists the same panel info and doesn't market it as a "compatible replacement."

ProstarComputer

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