Control Centre present but not?

[Kain6622]

Hi there,

I'm currently having an issue after resetting windows 11 (system was not working well), The reinstallation went fine but when I reinstalled the drivers in control centre installed (the backlights of the keyboard now come on and the turbo button changes the modes) but there is no icon in the taskbar to open up the control centre, in task manager there is no control centre in the start up apps and I have tried uninstalling it and reinstalling it to the same result. My system is as follows:

Chassis & Display

Ionico Series: 17.3" Matte QHD 165Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)

Processor (CPU) Intel® Core™ i7 Eight Core Processor 11800H (2.3GHz, 4.6GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM) 32GB Corsair 3200MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3080 - 16.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive 1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
Memory Card Reader Integrated Micro-SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor 1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable 1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery Ionico Series Integrated 91WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options 1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language IONICO 17 SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD

Operating System Language United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser Google Chrome™
Notebook Mouse INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM

Anyone know what I might of done wrong, the installation order I was told when reinstalling the drivers by PCSpecialist was as follows:
1: Chipset
2: Intel ME
3: Serial IO
4: Intel GNA
5: HID
6: Intel VGA
7: Nvidia Graphics Driver
8: Thunderbolt
9: LAN
10: IRST
11: Audio
12: Card Reader
13: WLAN
14: BT
15: Control Centre

but I doin't know if it is actually needed with windows 11 due to them installing the drivers automatically. Any advice would be greatly appeciated and if there is any information I have missed out I will provide.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Kain6622]

I've done a bit of digging on the forum and found https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/threads/laptop-reset-drivers-and-apps-reinstallation.93572/, going to give that a try, have everything I need for the reinstall and hope that that solves the problem, If i run into any issues I hope it's ok to ask about them here.

Regards
Dave

 

[Kain6622]

Ok, I clean installed windows 11, ran and got all windows updates, installed the nvidia experience and updated the driver, checked device manager, and finally installed the w11_Control Center 3.1.39.0 which was on my tech support profile but though it installed ok and again backlight fine etc, there is still no app in my taskbar or startup (pic below):

I'm not sure what to think on this one, it's like there is no app been installed: after I downloaded the zip, i unpacked it, inside it, it had another zip and a folder ControlCenter_3.1.39.0_STD, I opened the folder and ran the ControlCenter_3.1.39.0_STD application to install it, and after it requested a restart but still no app? Anyone got any ideas?

Edit: Forgot in the first post to put this Adjusted it now but put it here also.

Chassis & Display

Ionico Series: 17.3" Matte QHD 165Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)

 

[SpyderTracks]

Ok, I clean installed windows 11, ran and got all windows updates, installed the nvidia experience and updated the driver, checked device manager, and finally installed the w11_Control Center 3.1.39.0 which was on my tech support profile but though it installed ok and again backlight fine etc, there is still no app in my taskbar or startup (pic below):

View attachment 38508

I'm not sure what to think on this one, it's like there is no app been installed: after I downloaded the zip, i unpacked it, inside it, it had another zip and a folder ControlCenter_3.1.39.0_STD, I opened the folder and ran the ControlCenter_3.1.39.0_STD application to install it, and after it requested a restart but still no app? Anyone got any ideas?

Edit: Forgot in the first post to put this Adjusted it now but put it here also.

Chassis & Display

Ionico Series: 17.3" Matte QHD 165Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)

Best to call PCS, you may need an update to control center. This is a known issue with an incompatible control center version.

It's definitely the windows 11 version? it doesn't state what version of windows you ordered in the specs you posted but judging by the CPU, it could well have been ordered with windows 10 in which case you would have had to request the windows 11 version additionally as it would have the windows 10 version in your account.
If it's not, then you may have an added problem of having hugely limited PL values on the CPU so you'd be limited to around 300mbs clocks which is a known issue of using an incompatible control center version. That would require a full BIOS reinstall.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Can you post the full specs from your order page without editing it?

 

[Kain6622]

Thanks for your reply, I've contacted PCS but still waiting on a reply, Yes I downloaded it from the windows 11 driver page w11_Control Center 3.1.39.0.zip. It came with windows 11, I had to remove that line cause it had my serial for activation in it.

Operating System Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence

Hopefully they will reply tomorrow to resolve this. Found it odd though as it was working before the reinstallation (not the first time I've had to do it) but not working this time.

Full specs:

Chassis & Display	Ionico Series: 17.3" Matte QHD 165Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)	Intel® Core™ i7 Eight Core Processor 11800H (2.3GHz, 4.6GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)	32GB Corsair 3200MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card	NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3080 - 16.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive	1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
Memory Card Reader	Integrated Micro-SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor	1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable	1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery	Ionico Series Integrated 91WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste	ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card	2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless	GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options	1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language	IONICO 17 SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System	Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language	United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media	Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software	FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus	NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser	Google Chrome™
Notebook Mouse	INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam	INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty	3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery	STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time	Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days
Welcome Book	PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks for your reply, I've contacted PCS but still waiting on a reply, Yes I downloaded it from the windows 11 driver page w11_Control Center 3.1.39.0.zip. It came with windows 11, I had to remove that line cause it had my serial for activation in it.

Operating System Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence

Hopefully they will reply tomorrow to resolve this. Found it odd though as it was working before the reinstallation (not the first time I've had to do it) but not working this time.

Full specs:

Chassis & Display	Ionico Series: 17.3" Matte QHD 165Hz sRGB 100% LED Widescreen (2560x1440)
Processor (CPU)	Intel® Core™ i7 Eight Core Processor 11800H (2.3GHz, 4.6GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)	32GB Corsair 3200MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card	NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3080 - 16.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive	1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
Memory Card Reader	Integrated Micro-SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor	1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable	1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery	Ionico Series Integrated 91WH Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste	ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card	2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless	GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options	1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 3 x USB 3.2 PORTS
Keyboard Language	IONICO 17 SERIES RGB BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Operating System	Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language	United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media	Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software	FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus	NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser	Google Chrome™
Notebook Mouse	INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam	INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty	3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery	STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time	Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days
Welcome Book	PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland

I would call rather than email, email can take 7 working days for a response. If you call they'll do it there and then. They're still open now.

You let windows update install all drivers, you only install them from your PCS account if windows doesn't find them.

Assuming windows is correctly configured, then it's an outdated version of control center.

 

[Kain6622]

thanks again, I gave them a call and they tried CC v5.1.49.10 which works but will need to contact them again as the problem that led me to reinstall the system in the first place is still there, basically when running under little load or so (windows defender) by processor temp jumps up to between 80 - 90c, and though the laptop only feels warm to the touch i don't want to risk the processor blowing due to possible thermal paste dry-up or poor connection with the heatsink, something is defo not right atm:

thanks again for the help, and hopefully will get the heating issue sorted.

 

[SpyderTracks]

thanks again, I gave them a call and they tried CC v5.1.49.10 which works but will need to contact them again as the problem that led me to reinstall the system in the first place is still there, basically when running under little load or so (windows defender) by processor temp jumps up to between 80 - 90c, and though the laptop only feels warm to the touch i don't want to risk the processor blowing due to possible thermal paste dry-up or poor connection with the heatsink, something is defo not right atm:

View attachment 38511
thanks again for the help, and hopefully will get the heating issue sorted.

Have you repasted it since you’ve had it? Needs to be done once a year to keep thermals optimal.

 

[Kain6622]

No i've not don't it as i'm unsure how easy it is to do myself, also believe it voids the warrantee if I did so.

 

[SpyderTracks]

No i've not don't it as i'm unsure how easy it is to do myself, also believe it voids the warrantee if I did so.

Doesn’t void warranty, there’s no mention of that anywhere, in fact PCS terms strictly say that they allow maintenance and upgrades.

You’ll need to learn how to service it, it’s part of owning a performance laptop. Needs to be done once a year. If you’ve been using it under those temps it may have damaged the cpu and / or motherboard.

 

[Kain6622]

Thanks for that, I'll see what PCS say on the matter to make sure there is no damage (I think this was only a problem recently so hopefully not much damage has been caused) and from now on I'll periodically follow the guide at the top of this forum about cleaning a laptop

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks for that, I'll see what PCS say on the matter to make sure there is no damage (I think this was only a problem recently so hopefully not much damage has been caused) and from now on I'll periodically follow the guide at the top of this forum about cleaning a laptop

My advice for any laptop user, rather than using paste is use the thermal grizzly kryosheet.

Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pads

KryoSheet premium graphene thermal pads for outstanding and constant thermal conductivity thanks to a molecular structure stacked in the Z-direction.

www.thermal-grizzly.com

That never degrades, just install and done for the lifetime of the laptop, your temps won’t move.

 

[Steveyg]

My advice for any laptop user, rather than using paste is use the thermal grizzly kryosheet.

Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pads

KryoSheet premium graphene thermal pads for outstanding and constant thermal conductivity thanks to a molecular structure stacked in the Z-direction.

www.thermal-grizzly.com

That never degrades, just install and done for the lifetime of the laptop, your temps won’t move.

I forgot this stuff existed

 

[Martinr36]

My advice for any laptop user, rather than using paste is use the thermal grizzly kryosheet.

Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet Thermal Pads

KryoSheet premium graphene thermal pads for outstanding and constant thermal conductivity thanks to a molecular structure stacked in the Z-direction.

www.thermal-grizzly.com

That never degrades, just install and done for the lifetime of the laptop, your temps won’t move.

Yeah this is dead easy to use, however don't forget you need some for both CPU & GPU so order one of the larger bits, so you can then cut it to size, I didn't think about this when I did my laptop recently, so ended up with this on CPU & paste on GPU

 

[Kain6622]

Thanks for your replies, spoke with PCS and they advice to give the fans a clean and see if that helps (just waiting on an air blower coming today), they said if that doesn't work then might need to put in for an RMA as the cooling system might not be working properly (fans don't seems to be speeding up when they should).

With regards to thermal grizzly kryosheet, I'm a bit concerned by the electrical conductivity of it as most paste is not conducive but at the same time how hard can it be to install a sheet on something and make sure it doesn't touch anything other than the top of the CPU?, I'll look up some videos on it cause it does seem promising as a good solution.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks for your replies, spoke with PCS and they advice to give the fans a clean and see if that helps (just waiting on an air blower coming today), they said if that doesn't work then might need to put in for an RMA as the cooling system might not be working properly (fans don't seems to be speeding up when they should).

With regards to thermal grizzly kryosheet, I'm a bit concerned by the electrical conductivity of it as most paste is not conducive but at the same time how hard can it be to install a sheet on something and make sure it doesn't touch anything other than the top of the CPU?, I'll look up some videos on it cause it does seem promising as a good solution.

It's just replacement to paste, just sits on the CPU, the only way it could conduct on anything is if it was totally the wrong size

 

[Kain6622]

Looking up the kyrosheet more there are a lot of mixed reviews on it and also can't find a specific thermal conductivity value for it, if it was to try it I would probably try it on my old pcs laptop first, the only issue I have with regards the size is the dimensions of my processor are 50x26.5 and you can only get sheets as large as 50x50 when they recommend bit being slightly larger (like 51x27.5).

Having giving the fans a basic clean the laptop seems to be more stable, idle varies between 45-60 and on running the blender benchmark goes between 60 - 86 which seems better but will need to see how it runs with a game, I think another issue that I have ATM is the heat at present with the weather, room temps peaking at 25.4c with every window open. I'll look into doing a deep clean soon.

Also possibly thinking about limiting the turbo boost to 3.6ghz since jumping from 2.3GHz to 4.6GHz is quite steep and certainly will cause it to heat up.

 

[bladteth]

Looking up the kyrosheet more there are a lot of mixed reviews on it and also can't find a specific thermal conductivity value for it, if it was to try it I would probably try it on my old pcs laptop first, the only issue I have with regards the size is the dimensions of my processor are 50x26.5 and you can only get sheets as large as 50x50 when they recommend bit being slightly larger (like 51x27.5).

Having giving the fans a basic clean the laptop seems to be more stable, idle varies between 45-60 and on running the blender benchmark goes between 60 - 86 which seems better but will need to see how it runs with a game, I think another issue that I have ATM is the heat at present with the weather, room temps peaking at 25.4c with every window open. I'll look into doing a deep clean soon.

Also possibly thinking about limiting the turbo boost to 3.6ghz since jumping from 2.3GHz to 4.6GHz is quite steep and certainly will cause it to heat up.

I've just bought second hand Ionico II with nearly the same specs. 11800h when loading all cores uses up to 100W of power and temperature jumps to 95C pretty quickly. It can't sustain max. boost clock due to thermal limits, and eventually settles at around 4GHz and 80W of power at max. fan speeds. Games usually don't strain CPU that much. I'll re-paste it soon and will see if anything improves.

Quick question regarding memory. My Ionico has standard Corsair 2400MHz sticks. Does your laptop run at 3200MHz in gear mode 1 or 2 (setting in BIOS)? I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading. Thanks.

 

[bladteth]

I've just bought second hand Ionico II with nearly the same specs. 11800h when loading all cores uses up to 100W of power and temperature jumps to 95C pretty quickly. It can't sustain max. boost clock due to thermal limits, and eventually settles at around 4GHz and 80W of power at max. fan speeds. Games usually don't strain CPU that much. I'll re-paste it soon and will see if anything improves.

Quick question regarding memory. My Ionico has standard Corsair 2400MHz sticks. Does your laptop run at 3200MHz in gear mode 1 or 2 (setting in BIOS)? I'm wondering if it's worth upgrading. Thanks.

Follow-up. Not sure what the issue was, but after repasting with MX-4 and later MX-6 the same phenomenon would happen. After a few weeks of use CPU's max wattage before throttling would slowly drop and any load applied would cause a temperature shoot up to 95C fairly quickly. Intel chip could only reach about 50 - 55W crippling performance. Eventually I got fed up and bought Coolaboratory Liquid Ultra since it was compatible with nickel-plated radiator. No issues since for several months now. At full load CPU settles down at 85W and 4.1 GHz on -70mV undervolting.

3200MHz memory runs in gear mode 2. Performance gain is negligible compared to 2933MHz in gear mode 1.