Table of Contents
This is an set of instruction or checklist of sorts for me to follow once I get my device. I will do two different ones because I will be doing a fresh install of windows on a new SSD, and the included SSD will be left for trouble-shooting.
for those of us that would love to 3D print some accesories.
3D model file
Shoulder Buttons - L & R
Trigger Buttons
Grip Case
🚨🚨WARNING!🚨🚨 PLEASE IF YOU PLAN ON DOING A FRESH INSTALL I WOULD SUGGEST NOT USING APPS SUCHS AS DRIVEREASY, OR CCLEANER AS THOSE APPS WILL FIND THE LATEST DRIVERS BUT THOSE DRIVERS COULD BE FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DEVICE, SUCH AS AYANEO WHICH HAS A PORTRAIT SCREEN, AND COULD CAUSE SCREEN ISSUES! THANKS TO N1CKN4M3 FOR BRINGING THIS POINT🚨🚨
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Test gpu under load, look for black screens. (Use graphically instensive software. ie. AAA games, 3dmark, photoshop, etc.)
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Check bios version (Only update if necessary, see #1 ^^ Above ^^)
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Test all keyboard keys and buttons.
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Test all the ports.
- USB C 4 - Top. Should charge and transmit up to 40 Gbps.
- USB A 3.2 - Top. Should transmit up to 10 Gbps.
- USB C 3.2 - Bottom. Should charge and transmit up to 10 Gbps.
- Crystal Disk Mark can be used to test storage speeds on all the ports including MicroSD slot
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Test the micro sd card slot. Look for disconnecting and reconnecting issues, have patience as this might take a day or two of using the slot to notice any unexpected behavior.
If testing Micro SD card slot speed make sure you use UHS-I cards and not UHS-II. The GPD Win4 does not utilize the second row pins of UHS-II.UHS-I Pin Layout
UHS-II Pin Layout
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Test analog deadzones and update firmware if needed. GAMEPAD TESTER.
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Test the screen
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Test the Touch screen for deadzones. (dragging your finger across the entire screen could help finding any)
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Test the small touchpad ( if it doesn't work or is not working properly update firmware)
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Look for any gaps on the devices.
- Check the seams between the top shell and bottom shell.
- Check for gaps between the screen and the screen holder.
- Check for more than normal gaps between the sliding screen and keyboard, (According to GPD 0.1~0.3mm variation is acceptable tolerance)
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Make sure your keycaps, top and bottom shell does not have any cracks.
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Do a full malware scan, or reinstall OS.
All this test were done on battery, with a stock device. Not a fresh install of windows.
The USB C test where perfomed with a TB cable, Crucial P3, and a NVME enclousure. USB A Test was perfomed with a regular high-speed USB memory card.
This information could be useful when trying out different OS or seeing if an update broke something that should not have been broken.
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Port speed's
USB 4 type C - Top
USB 3.2 type C - Bottom
USB 3.2 type A - Top
MicroSD Card speed
Biwin SSD
Crucial p3 SSD
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Battery Life
🚨🚨🚨🚨INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENT STARTED ON MONDAY 20/03/2023🚨🚨🚨🚨
🚨🚨🚨🚨ALL THIS ISSUES REPORTS ARE FROM IGG CUSTOMERS IE, INTERNATIONAL🚨🚨🚨🚨
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The touch input is not the same as the register input.
This issue could have been cause because of the use of the DriverEasy app
After a fresh installation the screen is not inputting the right spot of where it was touch. You press in a area the but the input is register in a different area of the screen. Discord Message
To fix this issue install this driver
For More information on this issue check this reddit post
Discord message confirmation from Fulbringer of this working. -
The touchscreen stops responding after a couple of hours of use.
This issue since to be affecting all units using the bios 3.0.3 which is the one used for almost all of the 16gb ram models. My unit is affected by it but I am not planning on updating the bios yet. -
The screen have sync problems and/or jitters
This issue for what have been talked about on discord affect everyone unless someone show prove otherwise because review units from december are affected by this... GPD seems to be working on a fix but so far it seems that the problem is being caused by the Chip that turns the screen from portrait to landscape. If you would like to test your unit to see if it is affected or just curious to know how to test for this try this site and focus your eyes on the on the UFO (subject). Also this issue is mentioned that it is most noticeble on 2d games.- Work-around for the sync problems using CRU:
Thanks to G-Cat / Bill for finding this work-around.
- GPD official fix
🚨🚨 NOTE! IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY YOU WILL BRICK THE DEVICE WITH THIS METHOD AS DEMONSTRATED BY N1ckn4m3 COUNTLESS QUILITY ASSURANCE TESTS🚨🚨
These are the files and guide needed: Files
Guide created by e1000 (Community member)
Where the IC connection pins are located:
- Work-around for the sync problems using CRU:
To see all the domistic issues press here
When installing the GPD Provided Windows image do not forget these steps:
1. Format the USB Drive to NTFS.
2. Rename the USB Drive to WINPE
3. Extract the files to USB Drive
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Windows
Clean Windows ISO
1. Download microsoft official ISO:
2. Install Windows like you normally would
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SteamOS
Useful repo if venturing into Steam os. Proton's Direct3D 12 implementation
SteamDeck OS - Recovery Image
1. Download the steamdeck OS recovery image from valve
2. This gist has all the needed information
3. TBD - I will follow these steps once I receive my Win4Steam OS
1. Download steamOS official ISO
2. I tried SteamOS / HoloISO and the experience was lacking for now so I will use other distros. Will give chimeraOS a try and update here.
Booting from a USB Drive
- Hold Shift + FN + 7
*Turning off the LED's on the WIN 4
- Open the win controls app on the WIM4
- Go to "Mouse model customization"
- look for "status"
- Next to status there will be an "on" button press that to turn it off
Reducing the CPU Temps
Charral Message: Gelid GP-Ultimate thermal pads sizes 1.5mm & 1mm work perfectly on the VRM’s with NT-H2 significantly reducing the CPU temps due to the original paste not being so fantastic.
- Using this thermals pads, and repasting the WIN4 could reduce the temps from 79c to 67c, see this message
- Pads
- Paste
- PTM7950
Use Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) to create different screen refresh rate ie. 40hz
GPD took away the option of 40hz on the WIN4 panel because of frame skipping, and stability. CRU allows you to create that refresh rate and use.
Setting Up RSR
RSR is AMD solution to AI upscaling, similar to FSR but instead of it being game dependant it is game independant as it upscales at a driver level and not a application/game level.
- Install AMD Adrenalin
- Go to Settings > Graphics
- Enable Radeon Super Resolution (RSR)
- Choose your sharpen effect - 50 to 75 is best.
- Now navigate to hotkeys - Settings > Hotkeys
- Enable use Hotkeys a. This is so that you can see an overlay of AMD Adrenalin in game to make sure that it is working.
- Now you are all set. RSR is enable for all games.
- Test that it works by lowering your game resolution to for example; 1280 by 720
- Open the overlay using the hotkeys - The default is ALT+R and you will see something like this.
Changing the iGPU vRAM allocation
Note: The ram on the GPD Win 4 is shared meaning that the 16GB or 32GB of RAM of the device will go to both the CPU and GPU which could hamper performance of the devices depending on the configuration. The recommended amount of vRAM is 4GB for the 16GB RAM model, and 8GB for the 32GB RAM model.
- Enter BIOS by holding the DEL key during boot
- Go to "Advanced" tab
- Go to "CBS" tab
- Go to "NBIO" tab
- Go to "GFX Configuration"
- Change "UMA Frame buffer Size" to desired value, the recommended value is 4GB for the 16GB RAM model, and 8GB for the 32GB RAM model.
- Press ESC and go to "Save & Exit" tab
- Select "Save Changes and Exit" and select "Yes"
btprice2001 shared this images on the discord to show the difference between difference vRAM allocations at different TDP's.
Setting up Gyro on Motion Assistant
- Open MotionAssistant.
- Click the checkbox for Gyro Simulate.
a. It will ask you to install a driver from Nefarius Software Solutions. Don't worry Nefarius is a Open-Source Dev Check his/her work here
- Install the program (HIDHide) like you normally would.
- Now, Go to c: > Program Files > Motion Assistant > Drivers
- Install all the drivers on this folder.
a. Do not go online and install newer versions of them as that could mean that Gyro will not work. Motion Assistant needs the versions it is providing. - Go to gyro Simulate tab.
a. pick Xbox360 for now.
- Search for hidhide on windows search.
- Check these checkboxes:
a. Controller (Game for Windows).
b. Enable device hiding.
- Search for Joy.cpl to make sure that the non-gyro controller is hiding.
- Use joy.cpl to Test that it is working.
- Check on device manager to see if there is more than one controller.
- We are done!
PS; I am not able to use the gyro controller on steam games because for some reason I have two controllers recognized and the one that Steam is using had to be the non-gyro one. :/
I will continue this guide on the troubleshooting area
GPD Official release drivers are out! This is the link to get them. GPD Download page
- AMD Adrenalin software
- GPD Driver pack
- GPD Windows 11 22H2
- Motion Assistant
a. Original Source
b. download link
c. Motion Asisstant Manual
d. Motion Assistant setup and benefits - WIN Control
a. Original Source
b. download link
c. WIN Controls Manual - Windows Debloating tool
🚨🚨Be careful using these files as they could cause issue if you do not know what you are doing!🚨🚨
Make sure that during the upgrading or downgrading your device is charging or atleast at 100% battery
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To downgrade the Bios follow these steps:
- Format a USB Drive to FAT32.
2. Copy the files to the ROOT of the USB drive.
3. Use FN + F7 to boot using the USB.
4. Wait
5. When all the lights are off, turn the device back on.
6. Wait. If it doesn't boot after 10min, reset the BIOS using the PIN hole
7. Wait.
8. After 10 to 20min it should be downgraded.
- Format a USB Drive to FAT32.
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To upgrade the bios is pretty similar to the downgrade process. Also GPD provided a little guide, here are the steps:
- Format a USB drive to FAT32.
2. Copy the files to the ROOT of the USB drive.
3. Press FN + F7 to boot boot using the USB.
4. Select the USB drive.
5. Wait.
6. Wait. If it doesn't boot after 10min, reset the BIOS using the PIN hole.
7. Now it should be upgraded.
- Format a USB drive to FAT32.
BIOS v3.00
This Version is has unlocked TDP, and Fan controls.
BIOS v3.03
This version fixes some issues? I do not have a changelog for it but is the one my device was shipped with. It has the unresponsive touchscreen, and USB C ports issue.
BIOS v3.04
This version fixes the unresponsive touchscreen, and USB C ports Issue. It is not a fixed for the hz and panel skipped frames.
BIOS v3.05
This version fixes the unresponsive touchscreen, and USB C ports Issue just as 3.04. It also fixes the issue that 3.04 introduced of not outputting video from the USB-C ports. It is not a fixed for the hz and panel skipped frames.
These files were provided by GPD. See video description.
Use this third party application CRU
Gifs are from Sabrina's github as I do not have my Win4 yet :(
Out of all the TDP Tools I would ask myself any of these questions before deciding:
- Do I want to Tinker and be in charge of every detail? Choose Ciphray.bat
- Do I want some control but not so much granularity? Choose Motion Assistant
- Could also choose Handheld Control Panel, Which has not launched yet! but check this repo for HCP
- Could also choose Handheld Control Panel, Which has not launched yet! but check this repo for HCP
- Do I want the program to just do everything for me and I just choose the max TDP? Choose SmarterTDP
Hopefully this helps you decide too.
Also give them all a try as you might find some more intuitive than other or you might find some exoteric function that you didn't know was possible.
Motion Assistant is so much more than just a TDP Tool. It has fan controls, Gyro settings, Hotkeys, and framerate limit.
Best for people who want an all in one solution.
a. Original Source
b. download link
c. Motion Asisstant Manual
d. Motion Assistant setup and benefits
SmarterTDP is an awesome solution that manages only TDP but it does a great job at that! Perfect is you want a simple, one click TDP solution to set it and forget it but that will adapt to your device needs.
Ciphray.bat has a high learning curve but the amount of controls and granurality that you get from it is amazing. If you love to tinker or maybe learn more about all the different settings, nuts and bolts to put something unique to your needs this will be it. a. The phawk made a video explaning how to set this bat boy up 6800U devices. LINK
Project SBC is working on adding and solving as many of the pain points that handheld user have with this software!
Manage, Control and change the TDP and other settings of the compatible devices.
https://github.com/project-sbc/Handheld-Control-Panel
Project SBC the Devs of Power Control Panel V2 (PCP V2) have move all the new features and developement to a new project called Handheld Control Panel (HCP) and are working on a new version that will add more TDP features. If interested Please see above ⬆️⬆️⬆️
I will keep this info here so that people looking for PCPV2 know of the new software.
Control and change the TDP of the compatible devices.
https://github.com/project-sbc/Power-Control-Panel-v2
Use cases taken from the Handheld companion repo:
" You want to add universal motion controls (UMC) to any game.
You want to add high-precision motion controls to your Windows game library through Steam.
You want to play your Sony Playstation 4 library through PlayStation Now or PS4 Remote Play.
You want to enjoy all your Wii, WiiU and Switch games with full motion controls through UDP motion control protocol. "
https://github.com/Valkirie/HandheldCompanion/tree/0.14.0.9
GPU
https://github.com/kruzer/poclmembench/tree/0.91
CPU, GPU, RAM, & Others
https://www.passmark.com/products/performancetest/index.php
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Gyro is not work :(
Now
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USB A speeds are not as advertised
If after testing your USB A port your speeds are not up to the standard of USB 3.2 and your device has speeds close to USB 2 than 3 then this could be a temporary solution / workaround. Thanks to DesignGears on Discord Message Link :)
- Connect a USB A to USB Hub. Test.
- If it didn't work check windows device manager, and USBDeview and see if the devices are there with the specified spec ie. USB 3.2
- If it didn't work check for latest drivers ie. GPD, AMD Adrenalin, Windows, ETC.
- If it didn't work test on linux.
- if it didn't work reset BIOS, using the little pin hole on the side.
- If it didn't work check that your device internals is correctly connected.
- If none of this steps worked check-in with GPD support, because that might be faulty a parts.
DesignGears tests screenshoots of before and after the fix / workaround.
Before Inserting the USB Hub speeds
After inserting the USB Hub speeds
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TouchScreen is not working
If you used an SSD or SD Card from another device and that storage device had the screen drivers from a different device ie. Ayaneo, Steamdeck, etc.
It could turned the screen in a portrait orientation, cause touchscreen, and/or panel issues on the GPD Win4. If you run into these issues follow this steps. Thanks to DesignGears on Discord Message Link :)- Download the new driver for the screen.
- Install the drivers
- Restart the device
- The issue should be fixed.
- If not. Send a message to kendyz or ask a question on discord or here.
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The touch input is not the same as the register input
This issue could have been cause because of the use of the DriverEasy, or CCleaner apps to update drivers.
After a fresh installation the screen is not inputting the right spot of where it was touch. You press in a area the but the input is register in a different area of the screen. Discord Message
Discord message confirmation from Fulbringer of this working.- Download these driver
- Install the drivers
- Restart the device
- The issue should be fixed.
- If not. check this reddit post
- If not. Send a message to kendyz or ask a question on discord or here.
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How to use Crystal Disk Mark to test storage and ports speeds. LINK
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In-Depth review from Notebookcheck. LINK.
Please note; The microSD card that they used for their test is UHS-II which DesignGears on discord tested and found out they will never reach the UHS-II speed because the slot is designed for UHS-I cards, see difference in the pin layouts HERE.
The Phawx
TheRelaxingEnd
- ASMR Video of the GPD Win 4. LINK
NITTRX
- Disassembly of the GPD Win 4. LINK
AquaKlef
- Motion Assistant setup and Gyroscope benefits. LINK
Batteries from GPD AliExpress store.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802595312541.html?gatewayAdapt=Pc2Msite
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803076020665.html?gatewayAdapt=Pc2Msite
GPD WIN4 Skins.
https://sopiguard.com/collections/gaming-1/products/for-gpd-win-4?variant=45034656334125
GPD Win 3 replacement Joystick by Dovah
Someone said on discord that the Joystick for the win 3 and win 4 are the same but I will update once the retail unit starts arriving in peoples hands.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5100417
Any SSD that is single sided should work on the GPD Win 4.
These are some of them.
- WD Black SN770
- Crucial P3
Turn off dark mode to see the image better
This is for future reference for peeps figuring out which APU is better.
Contributions are what make the open source community such an amazing place to learn, inspire, and create. Any contributions you make are greatly appreciated.
If you have a suggestion that would make this better, please open an issue with the tag "enhancement". Don't forget to give the project a star! Thanks again!
Ronny Coste - @costeronny
Project Link: https://github.com/lertsoft/GPD_WIN4