2014 Asus N550JK -DS71T quick mini review and opinion so far

In short, yes.

 

Which one would you recommend? And what size?

 

I'd say it's worth it to almost every user. Read those articles and judge for yourself, it's your money.

 

If you pay 1000+ eur for a laptop, in my opinion, spending a little extra on SSD is a wise idea. You gain a lot.

 

The Crucial M550 series and the Samsung 840 EVO are good performers at a reasonable price point. What size would depend on what you plan on using it for. Will you be replacing your HDD altogether? Will be swapping the ODD out with your HDD? If it will be your only HDD I'd guess that at least 256 GB would be needed. If you're planning on using the 1TB in place of your ODD and just want an SSD for your OS, I'd go with a 64 or 128 GB. Tom's Hardware puts out a monthly article on the best SSD's for the money. June's Edition is here.

 

According to my personal experience with SSD's, I would say simply investing too much on them is not a great idea.
I owned a 60GB SSD by crucial and one day it stopped itself working and was no more able to boot up and neither was shown in BIOS since then.
At that time I was over confidant about reliability of SSDs because there were thousands of articles explaining that since it has no mechanical parts, It can live more than a traditional HDD can.
Sadly, I have a old computer which only has 1 HDD slot, For sake of speed I tried to give SSD a chance (because I mostly work with Photoshop and I do lots of image editing, So 5400rpm simply lengthen my works)
One night I putted my laptop to sleep mode and the morning it was absolutely dead! Blank screen after waking up from boot and was unable to be detected by BIOS. Before that It was working sound and great!.
Now you can have a good idea that how SSDs can fail without even warning the user.
Unfortunate that was my first experience with SSDs, I couldn't backup all of my extremely important data in time was thus was lost.

In my opinion, SSD's are not soo common yet as mechanical drives are thus if your SSD fails, You will loose all of your data and will have no chance for recovery until you spend 1000's$.

SSD's sometimes really are useful but they at at moment should only be used for Windows and its Programs, Not for personal or important files.

If you own SSD then I recommend that you backup all of your important data on regular biases.

So my advice is, Simple don't over spend your precious money on SSD's and if you really need one then get a suitable size but still use your mechanical drive for regular backups.

Good luck!

 

Regular backups should be a part of your routine no matter what type of storage medium you use. Any of them can fail and they rarely wait for an opportune moment. But as far as reliability goes SSD's far outlast their mechanical brethren. HDD failure rate is about 5% while SSD failure rate is only about 1.5%. The only good thing about a failing HDD is that it will usually (but not always) give you warning signs of their impending death (AKA the click of death). SSD's tend to die the same way they live. Silently.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

Ok, thanks. Is there a good tutorial for installing an SSD and replacing the optical drive with the HDD?

 

Exactly, Backup should be on regular biases but If HDD fails, there's more than 70% chance of successful data recover whereas in SSD its just 1% at best.
I wish asus had at least included mSata slot!

 

I just installed a Samsung SSD this weekend. I followed the advice from here:
Complete Guide to Asus N550JV-DB72T N550JV-DB71 | BOTS World
I tried the included Samsung migration assistant and that worked but I couldn't boot to the SSD reliably so I tried EaseUS free software but it wouldn't perform the clone without upgrading to the paid product. I finally succeeded using the free Macrium Reflect product referenced here:
HDD Caddy – Add a 2nd HDD to your laptop with HDD Caddy! » How-to: Clone factory installed Windows 8 to a new empty SSD
Don't forget to change the boot sequence in the BIOS because you can boot from your old drive if you install it in a caddy and not know it.

 

So what all do I need to install it? Do I need a USB to SATA cable?

 

I reinstalled win8.1 on ssd but it's just horrible. Picking up win7 tomorrow.

Can anyone please help me find the correct Intel drivers? I've found the ones for vga and wifi but nothing for chipset etc.

 

Can't remember where I got those exactly. Try this...

Intel® Chipset Device Software

 

i'm pretty sure this is not the right thread for this (sorry) but here it goes:
FN + F7 made me switch on/off the LED monitor before

now, whenever i try to turn it off, it automatically turns on by itself after a few seconds >.<
i tried closing programs in task manager to test whether they are causing this but to no avail.

i don't have any peripherals attached (like mouse) and i even turned off the touchpad to prevent a possible input from them which might be causing the switch to turn on.

i'm on AC power supply only.. and since i removed the battery, i can't test this if the laptop is on battery mode only.

- can anybody test this in battery mode only to see if it will prevent the monitor to turn on automatically?
- is there a particular way to identify the program that might be causing this?
- i dont think i messed up with system/battery/power options to cause this, but if you do know one that might prevent this please do share
- am i the only one experiencing this

Note: i restarted the laptop and as soon as i log-in, i tried to switch the monitor off (FN + F7). The monitor took longer but still manages to automatically turn on (maybe the program takes a while to activate during startup.. not sure)

 

Does anyone have any experience with the following? It's an N550LF which appears to be a newer version of the N550JK and the only one I've found available in the UK. Here's the amazon link.. It seems good for my needs at that price but I'm worried about two things:

- 6GB RAM not being enough (I do like to open 20 tabs while having a bunch of different things running + possibly playing a game)
- Overall noise and heat, I want a silent and cool laptop when all I'm doing is browsing, I'm wondering if getting one with a dedicated GPU will increase both noise and heat. Anyone know about this particular model? Being UK exclusive and new I can't find any info on it.

 

That's an older model. It's more of an "ultra" book, using a weaker "U" CPU.

Notebooks & Ultrabooks - N550LF - ASUS

 

Definitely an older model. It has a slower i5 CPU, GT 745m, and a resolution of only 1366x768.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

Aha I see, thanks. Do you think it's not worth it then for that price? I'm also reading about problems with the WiFi card when updating to 8.1 (which to me is essential) so I'm a bit weary there as well. Why is finding a decent laptop so difficult?

 

That seems a bit steep to me. But then you guys usually pay more for electronics on that side of the pond so you may want an opinion from someone more local.

 

[RESOLVED]

Hello,
I'm having a problem getting the gtx 850m to go fullscreen while playing games. I've tried several games and none will go fullscreen while using the gtx 850m although it will go fullscreen with the intel gpu. I've tried the current, previous and beta geforce drivers from nvidia as well as the most recent from the asus site. I've scoured the internet for other people with the same issue and have only found one mention of it but without a resolution to the problem. Asus live update indicates that I don't need to update anything. Anyone else come across this problem or have any ideas as to how to resolve it?

Update : After much fiddling with no success, I applied some new windows updates and lo and behold, my problem is resolved. My games can now use fullscreen mode. Woot!

 

playing DoTA 2 running on NVIDIA GPU full screen just fine here -- checked using nvidia control panel

 

I haven't seen or heard of this problem at all. Sounds like it might be a warranty issue. Give Asus a call?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

Woohooo, b&h just shipped my laptop! :-D

 

I reinstalled windows 7, got everything working now after a few hickups, this is how i did it:

In order to get windows 7 dvd/usb to boot I changed settings in bios boot optios to enable "LAUNCH CSM".

After a clean install of Windows 7 I installed drivers as follows:

01_Chipset_Intel_Win81_64_VER9401027 https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=816&DwnldID=20775&ProductFamily=Software+Products&ProductLine=Chipset+Software&ProductProduct=Intel%C2%AE+Chipset+Software+Installation+Utility&lang=eng (Thanks to rebelhell!)

02_IRST_Intel_Win81_64_VER12801016 (from asus website)
03_MEI_Intel_15M_Win81_64_VER95141724 (from asus website)

04_official_INTEL_graphics_Win64_153322 https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=23885&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%207%20%2864-bit%29*&DownloadType=%0A%09%09%09%09%09%09%09Drivers%0A%09%09%09%09%09%09

05_official_NVIDIA_337.88-notebook-win8-win7-64bit-international-whql NVIDIA DRIVERS GeForce 337.88 Driver WHQL

06_official_REALTEK_64bit_Win7_Win8_Win81_R275 Realtek

07_wireless drivers depending on your manufacturer for wifi for intel 7260 ac: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Wireless+Networking&ProductLine=Intel%C2%AE+Wi-Fi+Products&ProductProduct=Intel%C2%AE+Dual+Band+Wireless-AC+7260&ProdId=3714&LineId=1784&FamilyId=1783

08_lan drivers depending on your LAN card, UPDATE: for realtek, here's the link http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=5&PFid=5&Level=5&Conn=4&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false#RTL8111B/RTL8168B/RTL8111/RTL8168%3Cbr%3ERTL8111C/RTL8111CP/RTL8111D%28L%29%3Cbr%3ERTL8168C/RTL8111DP/RTL8111E%3Cbr%3ERTL8168E/RTL8111F/RTL8411%3Cbr%3ERTL8111G/RTL8111GUS/RTL8411B%28N%29%3Cbr%3ERTL8118AS

09_bluetooth drivers depending on your bluetooth card

10_CardReader_Realtek_Win81_64_VER62920039048 (from asus website)

11_ATKPackage_Win7_64_Z100023 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download ATK_package

12_SmartGesture_Win7_64_VER2214 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download Smart Gesture

The last two links (11 and 12) fixes mousepad gestures and keyboard hotkeys for brightness and volume etc. Official ASUS drivers for windows 7.

Thanks everyone who helped out so far! I hope this can help someone else!

 

Awesome post, and a great help to anyone wanting to rid themselves of Windows 8!

 

I put the original hard drive in the CD slot using a caddy that I bought from Amazon. The SSD will install in the same position that the original drive came from. That should be all you need. This is the caddy that I bought: Amazon.com: WoneNice NEW SATA 2nd HDD caddy for 9.5mm Universal CD/DVD-ROM ACER BENQ HP DELL ASUS: Computers & Accessories

 

I have that one coming from newmodeus:
2nd HDD / SSD Caddy adapter for Asus N550 series [OBHD9-SATA-SATA-BU9] - $37.75 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks
from the description, the faceplate should fit to make it seamless on the laptop.

Is the one from amazon using the faceplate from the dvd as well?

 

I recently received my Asus N550jk and I noticed that the optical drive is a little bit separated. Does anyone know how to fix this?

 

I'm pretty sure there was a post about that earlier on the thread but I have no idea on which page. Or maybe I saw it somewhere else. I think the trick was to just pull a little on the side of the laptop frame and push the dvd back into place (something along those lines, keep in mind I don't have the laptop yet).

 

Hello Fellow Asus Folk,

First post but I've been lurking for awhile.

I know this has been talked about and there is an excellent guide: mmp669-All About Gadget but it's for the N550JV

What is the 'consensus'...I'd like to do as fresh of an install as possible using pre-installed Windows 8.1 and remove any 'bloatware'.

1. Is there a step by step guide like the one posted specifically for the N550JK (or, is the N550JV guide exactly the same)
2. Would it make sense to do the fresh install on the original 5400 HDD first...and then do the SSD clone? Or can I just do it all at once...fresh install on new SSD

Brand new to Windows 8.1

Thanks in advance!

 

When I get mine, I'm going to follow the advice of others in this thread and just do a clean install to the SSD using the Win 8.1 Core file that was linked to earlier. Apparently it's better to do a clean install rather than clone the HD because SSD stores data differently than the HD and you'll have better results performance-wise.

 

Thanks Arkham.

My 'worry' is getting all the drivers installed on the new SSD...wasn't sure if fresh installing from the original HDD first might be 'better' as it somehow retains the drivers?

 

Here's Hutsady@XoticPC's suggestion. Don't forget to 'like' him! (Thanks, Hutsady!)

And more kudos to mistermerrick, for info on the clean install (and link). "Like" him for all his hard work and contributions to this thread. (Thanks, mistermerrick.)

 

I remember his post...the computer will be in my hands shortly (assuming UPS comes at their usual time...I would have had it yesterday but missed them by 5 minutes). Wasn't sure what if any software it comes with?

Samsung 250gb 840 Evo is sitting here ready to go.

Hopefully can get it up and running and be ready to take it to work tonight.

Thanks again and in advance...this is a great thread.

 

Good luck! That's the same SSD I'll be getting too. (I think most people in this thread are using that one!)

 

Yes. Once you've removed the DVD take a straightened paper clip and poke it in the hole on the faceplate to release the tray. Pry (gently!) the faceplate from the tray and then just press it into the installed caddy. It should slide right in.

 

UPS arrived...yay...posting this from a brand new N550JK

Ran through the initial set-up and just been surfing around a little.

First impression...touchpad is nice but the left/right click really is bad...almost have to be forceful to get it to recognize a button click. A light double tap on the pad itself works great...but the 'buttons' are very stiff.

Audio is only coming from the left speaker as well...I think I saw something about updating the driver solved this issue for another user? Will try that shortly...that would almost be a deal breaker if I can't get the right speaker to work...it's very distracting. Otherwise the sound is pretty good.

Touchscreen is interesting...makes navigating Windows 8 easier for a noob like me. The experience is a little different than say the touch on my Nexus 10 tablet...not better or worse...but does feel different...screen might just need to be cleaned well.

Speaking of Windows 8...yikes, yeah, we all know what that is like...not the computer's fault.

Unboxing was a nice experience, well packaged and overall quality seems very nice.

Anyway...holding off on the SSD upgrade for a minute...going to spend some more time with it as is to make sure I 'really' like it. I had my last laptop (HP DV9000 CTO) since 2006...so this Asus is definitely a big change that will take some getting acquainted with.

 

I got mine today. I haven't played with it enough. Windows 8 - Annoying and Uncomfortable.

Built Quality - I like aluminium body, however this is first for me. After lifting it few times I feel, one day I may end up denting or bending it unintentionally. Top cover on Screen, If I apply little pressure, it does show little flex with tiny crunch sound. DVD Tray and Ethernet port design is not good. I hold laptop from side very much, and CD Tray cover will come right at where I lift computer from. It can easily break apart due to weight if I accidentally hold it from there. Bottom Cover, If I tap little from right front, I feel like whatever is inside it, has gap between it and cover.

Sound - Satisfied, not bad at all. Sub-woofer volume needs to be lowered.

Screen - Screen is the only reason I picked this computer besides cost and specifications. I have no complaints about it. However, you will need to make changes to adjust brightness and color.

Keyboard - I prefer my computer keyboard without number pad and in center (just like one NX500 will have). However, I couldn't find any laptop in this range (cost, size, specifications) without number pad, so had to let that preference go. Overall keyboard feels nice, It does miss stroke sometime as I am typing this. But, I am sure updates will take care of it.

Speed - Haven't played with it much yet, but 5400 rpm hard drive is not helping in utilizing speed and memory of laptop. I can notice HDD sound when in use. I will go over my budget and buy SSD to have noise free computer with way better speed. No point holding back for another $100 when spent $1049 for it.

Overall, I had mixed feeling about this computer because of my liking of keyboard without number pad, and weight. By present standards of ultrabooks and notebooks, this laptop is heavy but if you have been using laptops since last 6-10 years, You will know it's not a big deal. I just wished it was lighter, so I could carry it without worrying about breaking DVD Drive or something. However, I think once I get used to it, It will pay off. For the price and Quality, you can't really get anything better.

 

There are actually four speakers and all of them are behind the grill on the front bottom of the laptop. Might want to play with the software a bit and see if you are really dropping out one of the channels.

Windows 7 drivers listed above for your pleasure.

 

Congratulations on the new N550JK!

I'm the opposite, I require a numpad, but that missing-keystrokes issue really bugs me. This is the second time I've heard this being an issue and it's starting to concern me. I type fairly quickly so if there's the slightest chance of keystrokes being dropped I'm sure I'll encounter that.

I wonder if the G550 keyboard is different, even though the overall casing is the same. I don't want to give up the glossy touchscreen if I don't have to, but a verifiable keyboard issue might be a deal breaker.

 

Well shoot, I had a short follow-up to my personal initial impressions but it vanished. I'm going to blame Windows 8

Arkham, I'm pretty quick on the keyboard too and haven't found any deficiency with it whatsoever. It's not 'clicky' and still has a light and solid feel. The numpad is nice too...about the size of an average calculator...if you do a ton of ten-key it might be a tad small...but definitely usable.

The speaker issue...there is one reviewer on Amazon that talked about only hearing sound from the left side. I haven't messed with it too much...hopefully it is just a setting / channel issue. Not a deal breaker and the sound is still pretty good for what it is (four teeny tiny little tweeters more than anything). The 'subwoofer' amuses me...I left it at home sitting on my desk...will likely never use it. I think it's fair to say that earbuds or headphones are the way to get the best listening experience anyway.

My biggest (and really only) gripe is the trackpad. Just honestly not impressed. Hopefully with some more tuning of my fingers and calibrating and someone that figures out a 'mod' to make the 'buttons' work better. Aesthetically it's clean but in function it takes too much pressure in a limited area to get a 'click'.

The screen is tack sharp. No banding or bars. Colors are quite good out of the box. And the touch works well...I could see that becoming something I use a fair amount.

Looking forward to seeing what it will be like with the SSD installed. But even stock I'm quite pleased with the performance.

I read this entire thread and most of the Amazon reviews and everything agrees with my initial experience. If 'you' are thinking about this laptop and the specs line up with what you want/need and you find the reviews favorable then there shouldn't be any surprises.

My gut feeling is this one is a keeper and I'm happy with the purchase.

 

Yup track pad is bit hard, so far all laptops I had used, they had buttons for click, I found bit weird using track pad but in hour got hang of it as mostly taping does the job. There are settings in asus apps for everything. Though clicking will get easier as it gets used.

 

Could someone help me with an issue I am having? I replaced the Hard Drive with the SSD and created a USB with windows 8. When I turned on the laptop I am sent to the BIOS screen and I don't know how to access the USB.

 

I was able to boot the USB but now it is saying that I need to enter the Windows product key. People on this forum have said that it would not need this. Does anyone know why it is not automatically registering for me?

 

You do need an OEM install version to do it automatically I believe.

 

How much will installing SSD in place of Original HDD and installing HDD in caddy will affect battery?

 

Good question, I never tried but in my opinion it will depend on your task.
You won't be able to get a noticeably difference in battery life but it may reduce the CPU stress and load times which will ultimately enhance whole package life.

 

I got to the installation menu and it is asking me to choose between Windows 8.1 Pro N and Windows 8.1 N. When I choose one it tells me to choose "Upgrade" or "Custom". When I choose Custom it says "Where do you want to install Windows" and shows the SSD as "Drive 0 Unallocated Space". When I click next it says "We couldn't create a new partition or locate an existing one".
Here are some pictures:
imgur: the simple image sharer[2]
imgur: the simple image sharer[3]
imgur: the simple image sharer[4]

 

The drive has no allocated space. Click on the *New button.
Add a new partition and then format it. THEN click next.

 

Ok. Also should I choose Windows 8.1 Pro N or Windows 8.1 N?