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    ASUS G50VT-X1 with Nvidia 9800M Review and Initial Impression

    Discussion in 'ASUS Reviews and Owners' Lounges' started by howard911s, Oct 17, 2008.

  1. andrewe1

    andrewe1 Notebook Consultant

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    im just loving mine too, super cool, super fast and lighter than my 6860fx.

    Battery life is the only thing that bothers me slightly right now.
     
    andrewe1, Oct 21, 2008
    #201
  2. lewdvig

    lewdvig Notebook Virtuoso

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    Numbers please :)
     
    lewdvig, Oct 21, 2008
    #202
  3. andrewe1

    andrewe1 Notebook Consultant

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    1:30-2 hours in battery saving mode, wifi on, normal web surfing with some photoshop use...
     
    andrewe1, Oct 21, 2008
    #203
  4. pillow1313

    pillow1313 Notebook Geek

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    I dont have a desktop.

    Any news on new versions not on best buy?
     
    pillow1313, Oct 21, 2008
    #204
  5. Angelakers

    Angelakers Notebook Consultant

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    Andrew1, can you actually do us a favor by....

    setting the clock of the GPU as:

    Core = 600MHz
    Memory = 800MHz(DDR2, perhaps 400MHz in nTune)
    Shader = 1500MHz

    and run the 3DMark2006 for us once? 1366 x 768 is fine, then I can understand a little more how it's compared to 6831FX and my 7811FX.

    Thanks.
     
    Angelakers, Oct 21, 2008
    #205
  6. adr667

    adr667 Notebook Enthusiast

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    adr667, Oct 21, 2008
    #206
  7. jd3005

    jd3005 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Its out of stock because its not released?



    I have a problem. I want to purchase the g50vt BUT I live in Canada. I was looking to purchase the A1 model but that will probably be out even later than the US.

    I don't know if its worth it to wait it out or just to buy the Asus G50Vm A1
     
    jd3005, Oct 21, 2008
    #207
  8. adr667

    adr667 Notebook Enthusiast

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    adr667, Oct 21, 2008
    #208
  9. anarky321

    anarky321 Notebook Deity

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    ITS NOT A 9800GT THIS IS 99.99% CERTAIN AT THIS POINT

    the scores are way too low
     
    anarky321, Oct 21, 2008
    #209
  10. redmop

    redmop Notebook Consultant

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    Anyone try a battery test with Aero Glass off?
     
    redmop, Oct 21, 2008
    #210
  11. andrewe1

    andrewe1 Notebook Consultant

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    lol at the what it says in the review.

    "Three speakers (two above the keyboard and one on the bottom of the chassis) manage only average audio output with no real bass response."

    I mean come on, it took me seconds to realize that the grill under the laptop is not a speaker, but the fan vent...
     
    andrewe1, Oct 21, 2008
    #211
  12. adr667

    adr667 Notebook Enthusiast

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    LOL! How could they mistake a fan vent with a speaker....
     
    adr667, Oct 21, 2008
    #212
  13. Angelakers

    Angelakers Notebook Consultant

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    Well seems like that's the case....

    HOWEVER, the main point is if this laptop does not overheat when the 9800M GS is overclocked to 9800M GTS, THEN this will attract me(at least) to get one G50VT as well.

    WHEN this even supports Q9100 and QX9300, this will definitely be a beast to look forward to.
     
    Angelakers, Oct 21, 2008
    #213
  14. howard911s

    howard911s Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    howard911s, Oct 22, 2008
    #214
  15. Angelakers

    Angelakers Notebook Consultant

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    Angelakers, Oct 22, 2008
    #215
  16. Will1989

    Will1989 Notebook Geek

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    Aero is disabled while running in battery saving mode by default, so the aforementioned battery times should already have this taken into account. And keep in mind that 1.5-2 hours for an ASUS notebook is pretty standard, especially in the G50 line.
     
    Will1989, Oct 22, 2008
    #216
  17. ChobHobo

    ChobHobo Notebook Enthusiast

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    yeah will~ i'm running around that battery time too..

    i'm debating if i want to by the 9 cell batt, it would extned it roughly 33% i heard... but... its like 140$~

    i'll have to carry two batts on me on the go~
     
    ChobHobo, Oct 22, 2008
    #217
  18. redda2

    redda2 Notebook Consultant

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    How does G50V vs G50VT 3dmark06 scores go?
     
    redda2, Oct 22, 2008
    #218
  19. anarky321

    anarky321 Notebook Deity

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    G50V has 9700GT right? big difference 128-bit vs 256-bit card
     
    anarky321, Oct 22, 2008
    #219
  20. plasma.

    plasma. herpyderpy

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    I dont get why you guys are buying a budget and looking forward to putting in a QX9300... That CPU itself costs around $1200, Making the whole thing $2500. If you can spend that much, why not spend $200 more on a Gateway 7811-FX, with a WUXGA screen, 9800m GTS and a more subtle design? IMO, this is a machine designed for those unable to afford the m15x and the Np8660.

    And also, how do you know the drivers will support overclocking?
     
    plasma., Oct 22, 2008
    #220
  21. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    im seriously considering this and i would like some reasons why i should NOT buy it...
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #221
  22. plasma.

    plasma. herpyderpy

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    Poor Battery life, bad res and terrible lid design imo.
     
    plasma., Oct 22, 2008
    #222
  23. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    1.5~2 hours is okay for me.
    and the resolution is no problem as long as the games look nice when i play it.
    and i actually like the lid.

    my question was more based on whether i should wait for a newer version of this laptop that might come out soon?
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #223
  24. plasma.

    plasma. herpyderpy

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    If you have the money (1600-2000) then DEFINATELY Wait for the G50VT A-2. WSXGA and a T9400 make it almost perfect...
     
    plasma., Oct 22, 2008
    #224
  25. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    dang, that price is almost double what i initially wanted to spend.
    i actually wanted to get a xps 1530 with 8600gt for $700 on dell outlet.
    and then i wanted to get the G50V-X1 with 9700 gt for $900 on craigslist.
    and then i saw this which has 9800 gs for $1250, so i really can't go any higher.

    do you think its worth spending $350 more for going from 9700gt to 9800gs?

    i would like to play crysis at medium at least.
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #225
  26. Angelakers

    Angelakers Notebook Consultant

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    Good Q. You have a nice looking laptop at such a price tag. Right this is the machine designed for budget users. However, we can always upgrade the laptop to the extreme level.

    Cases:

    1. I had G1S-X1 before and I got X7800 on it. Ran very nice before I sold it.

    2. I am now using 7811FX. Don't forget, tho, this laptop is using the same CPU as G50VT AND CPU is a huge factor for computation and gaming as well. I am actually using it with X9100 already.

    You don't really need to get the laptop at 3grand + at this moment, so why not taking into account of how the laptop can do with Quad Core CPUs. Also, M15x, NP8660 do not officially SAY it would support QX9300, or Q9100 yet even tho we thought it should.
     
    Angelakers, Oct 22, 2008
    #226
  27. anarky321

    anarky321 Notebook Deity

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    its worth it to some people

    the question is "is it worth it to YOU to spend 350 for the 9800gs"

    also whats the rage for the quad cores?! honestly for gaming they are almost entirely useless and even so you're going to be GPU-bound on most games to begin with
     
    anarky321, Oct 22, 2008
    #227
  28. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    yea, i think i want to save the $350 and play crysis in medium settings under 9700 gt.

    thanks this helped
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #228
  29. Bravo86

    Bravo86 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would say that going from the 9700 to the 9800 is not worth $350 (to me).

    The problem is, can anyone tell me where I can get a G50V-X1 for $350 less than a G50Vt-X1?

    Best Buy has the G50Vt-X1 at $1249

    Newegg has the G50V-X1 at $1349

    The V-X1 is actually more expensive...am I missing something?
     
    Bravo86, Oct 22, 2008
    #229
  30. Bravo86

    Bravo86 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Nevermind, I see that you found it on Craigslist...that doesn't help me much, haha. :)
     
    Bravo86, Oct 22, 2008
    #230
  31. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    so if the resolution is 1366x768, and you play games in probably 1024x768,
    does this distort the picture a little or does it add black borders on each sides?
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #231
  32. Bravo86

    Bravo86 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Why not play games at the highest resolution, since it isn't that high of a resolution?
     
    Bravo86, Oct 22, 2008
    #232
  33. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    because most games don't support 1366x768?
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #233
  34. Bravo86

    Bravo86 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh...Good Point :D

    I know BF2 is picky about wide screen format, but you can get around it by editing a setup file. Maybe you can do that with other games as well?

    To answer your original question. Playing in a lower resolution would still fill the screen, but if it's not in the same ratio, it will look stretched. If it is in the same ratio, it should look good, but not as good as 1366x768
     
    Bravo86, Oct 22, 2008
    #234
  35. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    yes of course, so when playing games on the G50Vt-x1, most games you wouldnt have a choice but to play them in 1024 resolution, with stretched images if they dont support 1366 resolution, which most games dont?? im not sure. how many games support 1366?
    is this why people are skeptical about buying these laptops with 1366 resolutions?
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #235
  36. royk50

    royk50 times being what they are

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    this is bollocks most game have config files you can edit to enter custom resolution, this is no reason to avoid the best priced 15" out there
     
    royk50, Oct 22, 2008
    #236
  37. adr667

    adr667 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Most games will play at whatever resolution that you want. I think the G50vt is the best 15in laptop for that price.
     
    adr667, Oct 22, 2008
    #237
  38. pkim1230

    pkim1230 Notebook Deity

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    i would like to know how.
    i really really want to buy this laptop, but i just dont want to play games with stretched images.
    so stretched image during games isnt the reason people don't like the 1366 resolution?
     
    pkim1230, Oct 22, 2008
    #238
  39. adr667

    adr667 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Only really old games will not support a widescreen resolution. 1366x768 is good for gaming as you will be able to turn up the settings to max on most games. Some people don't like that res because in normal windows usage and web borwsing there is more "scrolling" to be done. I have no problem with that (I use a 1280x720 monitor for work and have no problem), though some people find it annoying. You should see the laptop before you buy it if you have doubts.
     
    adr667, Oct 22, 2008
    #239
  40. Bravo86

    Bravo86 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, that's a good point. Any game made within the last few years will surely support all resolutions out there. If the game won't support the resolution, then maybe you're buying too much laptop :)
     
    Bravo86, Oct 22, 2008
    #240
  41. anarky321

    anarky321 Notebook Deity

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    the biggest advantage of a 16:9 LCD is that its a wider aspect ratio than 16:10 thus naturally more suited to human eyesight, which means that you get a wider field of view in a game assuming it's implemented correctlly; screen height is much less relevant to gaming than width because human vision is much more peripheral based than up/down due to evolutionary reasons

    personally for me a 16:9 LCD would be a big plus when considering 2 laptops side by side and assuming identical specs and price id always go for the 16:9
     
    anarky321, Oct 22, 2008
    #241
  42. andrewe1

    andrewe1 Notebook Consultant

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    oh come on are you seriously making such a big deal about games supported resolution? the only game ive ever had trouble with in the past 5 years is battlefield 2, and maybe now theres a fix for it.

    For starters, all steam games, including the first half life support widescreen resolutions.
     
    andrewe1, Oct 22, 2008
    #242
  43. Bravo86

    Bravo86 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've also found that BF2 was the only game that I've experienced wide screen issues with. It is fixed by editing a text file in the program files.
     
    Bravo86, Oct 22, 2008
    #243
  44. adr667

    adr667 Notebook Enthusiast

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    adr667, Oct 22, 2008
    #244
  45. ChobHobo

    ChobHobo Notebook Enthusiast

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    for crappy resolution this is why i have a separate monitor ^_^;..

    my G50vt from BB is still rocking hard, worth the price.

    you could pay for more.. better processor, and hdd, and better resolution.. but 2k$?? O_O;..
     
    ChobHobo, Oct 22, 2008
    #245
  46. dalbert

    dalbert Notebook Enthusiast

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    Fragalicious. The 17-inch ASUS G50VT-A2 offers Nvidia’s latest-generation 9800GS discrete graphics for fast gaming performance and silky-smooth multimedia playback. Power users will love the 3.1-inch OLED above the keyboard that displays such information as current RAM and CPU utilization and even alerts of new messages in Outlook. Under the hood, gamers will find a 2.53-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a huge 640GB of storage. ASUS’ ExpressGate pre-boot Linux environment lets them start surfing the Web and making Skype calls in seconds.

    Hmmm, why are they calling it a 17 inch? And why does their picture show the old orange chassis that the G50v had? I wish I could order the G50vt-A2 now. I really need a laptop.
     
    dalbert, Oct 22, 2008
    #246
  47. pillow1313

    pillow1313 Notebook Geek

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    hows the gaming on the external monitor?
     
    pillow1313, Oct 22, 2008
    #247
  48. Angelakers

    Angelakers Notebook Consultant

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    Another thing we have to look at is...how DDR2 affects our battery life compared to DDR3. Looks like there's quite a huge difference.
     
    Angelakers, Oct 22, 2008
    #248
  49. rfs830

    rfs830 Notebook Evangelist

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    I hope the price is not 2k.
     
    rfs830, Oct 22, 2008
    #249
  50. Kierkes

    Kierkes Misanthrope

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    Very nice. IMO it's the equivalent of a 15.6" Gateway FX. Reasonably powerful video card, great price. The next 15" in price that comes close to (and also exceeds) these specs is the Clevo, and that can easily run into the $2k's. There's nothing in-between them, and for a minor performance dip, I'd take an extra $1k home. :)
     
    Kierkes, Oct 22, 2008
    #250
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