ASUS G73SW Owners' Lounge

Waiting for the brown truck sucked so I can imagine what your going through. As far as I can tell, its SO worth it.

 

I didn't get any reply so I write again.
I've got Asus G73SW-TY166V-12. I'm very satisfied with it, I even replaced primary disk with SSD and it's even faster now
One thing I cannot live with is the poor sound quality! When I play the music in Winamp or WMP the sound is flat. I guess it is a matter of some settings but I don't know which settings and how to configure them. Can someone help me out?

 

@zdzisuaf,

Uninstall the creative software if u haven't, I find sound is much clearer without it and its one less process running.

If it is gone/not running, Im not sure why music sounds flat.

 

I can't find anything by Ken Lee though. However, the Geforce GTX 460m and 485m should have the same connectors and mountings as they're in the same family. According to the people at Origin, all of their video cards (the 460m, 470m, 480m, and 485m) are all interchangeable.

 

Did you do a clean install of Windows & drivers when you added the SSD? If so, you may need to reinstall the Creative drivers (I had the best luck on my G53JW by using the driver CD) and enable the EQ settings in TruStudio (it has a "Power" button in the GUI).

That being said, Winamp has a built-in equalizer that you can try out. Enable it and try setting your EQ so that the frequency levels look like a "gentle U", with the center frequencies at +0dB.

Personally, I'm not a fan of messing with the EQ, as it's a futile attempt at compensating for poor speakers. But, to each his own.

 

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it's really easy, remove the bottom panel and you should see the card

 

Hi Guys, I plan to order a G73SW soon, I actually have an HP Envy 17 Sandy Bridge right now but the thing is it seems to have the CPU "throttling" issue (this is currently being discussed in the HP Envy thread) so I'm planning to return it.
Anyway, it happens when you run Prime95 and Furmark at the same time the CPU goes down to around 800 Mhz but when you close Furmark it goes back up to around 2.5 Ghz or higher.

Would somebody be so kind to test on their G73SW ? I don't know if its an just an HP thing. Thanks !

 

It's back a ways in this same thread but on page 81. He posts pictures and basically it will fit but the cards aren't a standard size. See his post for more details. I'd love to know what you find out.

Tom

 

Does anybody know if I install OCZ Vertex 3 Solid State Drive SATA III 6Gb on ASUS G73SW-XT1 model, would it work without any problem?

Do I have buy anything else other than just SSD to install it into the G73SW-XT1? Like a hard drive case? or anything?.. I haven't done this before...I need some help... please...

I hear some people saying G73SW-XT1 only support SATA II 3Gb...
I was going to buy G73SW-XT1 and OCZ Vertex 3 Solid State Drive together at Tigerdirect.com if they work out fine.

Thank you!!

 

Guess it's not just an HP thing, exact thing happens to me. I figure its fine if its only from furmark and Prime95.

EDIT: pic

 

Is this the place for the G73SW-3DE? Because if it is I just bought one from Amazon.com, and after installing my Vertex 2 120GB SSD, (fresh Copy Disk to SSD from Paragon's Hard Disk Manager 11 Suite) all is well and good!

I've only had it a couple of days, and the 3D system is complex, but manageable apparently, as I've learned to do a restart between going from 3D to 2D settings with nVidia Stereoscopic vision enabled--it is the only way it works right!

I haven't had a lot of time to do much with it this week, nor will I tomorrow, but the weekend looks promising.

Anyway, simply want to know if there's a separate thread for this model, or is this thread for ALL G73SW models?

rexrzer727

 

OK, thanks! I'll try your tips today

 

Thanks for checking it out
Hmmm, it looks like it's not an HP thing. Maybe it's an Intel thing to keep the processor from overheating ? Anyway, I wonder if this affects "real world" use, let's say gaming, for CPU and GPU intensive games, would one notice any slowdowns ?
I wasn't able to check it on my HP coz I already returned it

 

Yup, I had actually noticed that since the first day I've had the SW. I guess I had forgotten about it since I have yet to notice any real world slow downs. However, you have gotten me more curious about it.

I read thru the HP forum about it, interesting indeed. If someone finds some definite proof of a real world hit from this throttling, I just hope Asus actually fixes it and that it can be fixed from a BIOS update.

If not, it may just be the manufactures way of saying they don't like ppl artificially stressing the cpu/gpu.

EDIT:<s> I just may have found the problem, just need to rename the furmark exe to something other than "furmark.exe", like "furmark2.exe", after doing that, i see no more throttling.</s>

EDIT2: Nevermind, doesnt work :\.

 

I installed the original Crysis and patched it last night on the Envy 17 3D. Ran the benchmark tool. Ran fairly smoothly but the range of fps went from 20-30. Seemed quite normal, not sure what to think. Am really thinking about returning for refund. Today is the last day of the 21 day period. May make the call. Unfortunately, with this post...looks like no alternatives. I was convinced it was an ATI / AMD thing. If the G73 SW has the issue...correct assumption that it's an Intel thing

 

You are in the right place, this thread covers all SW models. I have the 3DE myself, love the box! You shouldn't have to reboot between disabling/enabling the 3D though, that makes no sense to me and I don't have to reboot for that...

Tom

 

Here are a couple of questions that will help me decide which model to get. Currently I have an Acer 8930G-7335 with the Q9000 CPU, glossy FHD screen.

The models I am looking at are:
ASUS G73SW-A2 17.3"
ASUS G73SW-3DE 17.3"
ASUS VX7 15.6" Black (possible but not sure on the gloss finish even though it is nice overall IMHO)

When spec'ing them about the same with Win Ultimate, 3 year ASUS warranty, hard drives and screen upgrades, they cost within $60 +/- of each other.

Granted the VX7 is a 15.6" which I really don't have a problem with.

Here are the questions:

1) A couple of them have the option for an upgraded screen with at least one for a matte version. What is the best screen for color range, clarity, and visibility when there is excess ambient light (like when sitting outside on the porch)?

2) Would the 3GB on the VX7 be an advantage that is really noticeable?

3) How is the standard screen on the 3DE? (I thought I read somewhere that it was better as it had a 120 refresh and was a matte finish).

3) is there much if any difference in battery life between the 15.6" and the 17.3" screen size?

Thanks for everyone's input,
Robert

 

I believe the throttling is most likely caused by the power requirement. The power adaptor is rated 150W. When both cpu and gpu are stressed by prime95 and furmark, the power draw is greater than 150W, thus the cpu is throttling to 800MHz. It will be interesting to test if this is true with a 180W adaptor or even bigger, not sure if that would damage the computer. The HP envy17 uses 120W adaptor iirc, so its cpu is more likely to get throttled.

 

I have the 3DE and it's a sweet rig, haven't seen the other models to make a direct comparison, but the matte screen is extremely bright and clear with no bleeding or anything.

Tom

 

It's nothing about the PSU as only the cpu itself will carry out a throttle. I've encountered the same problem before on my gateway nv79 with 820qm installed. If the core temperature itself pass through a specific point, in the case of 2630qm, t-junction set at 100'c, it'll start thottling at around 90-95'c no exception. There is more about TDP stuff, all about protecting the chip itself. So the Envy17 might not be able to withstand all the heat generated by both cpu and gpu.btw envy17 has dual fan or single?

 

Completely new here, from the UK. Just to update my ownership here. Just bought my G73SW-A1(US model) from ebay.co.uk a week ago from a UK reseller called kokloong88.
here are the specs( same as US):
i7-2630qm
nVidia geforce GTX 460m
8gb RAM
2x 500GB Hybrid SSD. including backpack and mouse.
Got this for £1400(including next day delivery) in the UK compared to the near £1600 from Asus Outlet UK and Asus Laptop. I like the US version despite a few keys mixed up. I will attach the eBay link here too for any interested UK or EU buyer.
ASUS Gaming Laptop G73SW-A1 i7-2630QM 8GB 1TB SSD UK - eBay (item 320690605511 end time May-25-11 13:26:22 PDT)

besides, any driver that I need to update? I have the revised edition.

 

Bob, I seem to recall you saying you had an Asus prior to the HP. What didn't you like about it and would you buy the same model again?

 

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HM55 machine don't work with sandybridge but HM65 does, the new revised machine have b3 chips instead of b2, tho this doesn't help with sata3 as g73 didn't utilize port 0 & 1 on the chip, i tried with a vertex3 but it only run at 3gbps so i replaced it with an intel 320 300gb ssd, anyway if you got XA1 or XT1 model you will need an extra harddrive caddy to hold the ssd in place, installation of window is rather easy no need to worry about

 

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it works fine but will only operate at sata2 speed(3gbps) so yes

 

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Isnt 3gb/s a bigger number then the vertex 3 with it's ca 500mb/s transfer speed?(maybe i mix up something here)
Woudl like to know if there is a (big) difference in speed transfer between sata 2 and 3 with the vertex3.

 

You're doing something wrong then. This clearly shows SATA 3 working and running at above SATA 2 speeds:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...-asus-g73sw-owners-lounge-34.html#post7127278

 

Thanks for answering, ie at least somebody answered!

I take it we're in the *minority* here in this thread, those of us with the 3D "Works Model", with all the toys possible standard. I still haven't had a chance to really game or use BluRay features yet, but tomorrow is another day and after my yard and housecleaning chores I should have a couple hours to play with it fully. :smile:

About the 3D vision and 2D vision...When I was using the 3D vision and switched back to 2D vision I couldn't get the screen to become "normal" again until I restarted the machine, ie that is where my comments about it came from. I had disabled 3D vis a vie the button to that effect, top left corner of the laptop, and turned off my glasses, but the LCD was still "fuzzy and 3D oriented", so it seemed the 3D vision was still active.

I restarted the computer and it changed back to 2D fully with all items a go after that. Additionally I was doing some 3D benchmarking with 3DMark11 and 06, plus Vantage, all of which I have licenses for from EVGA video card buying, and the same thing happened there. I wanted to go back to 2D and test 3DMark06 and 11 in 2D, but the screen was still fuzzy and "3D" oriented. So I restarted and it came back to normal.

Questions: What am I doing wrong or missing to disable 3D and go back to 2D after nVidia Stereo Vision has been enabled? Is there some keyboard or other command to do that I am not doing...and I am physically turning 3D "Off" with the 3D switch itself on the laptop above the keys, turning off my glasses, and turning off 3D in any program I am using (ala Cyberlink's PowerDVD 10 Ultra 3D). Other than that, I don't know what to do to turn it off completely other than restart the computer, which works 100% of the time to enable 2D viewing. :yes:

That's the story, and my questions, so if you know something I don't please advise, and/or tell me a different sequence of events to initiate, etc...I'd appreciate it immensely!

Other than that glitch, the notebook seems fast, graphically not challenged at all like my G51JX-A1 was somewhat, and I LOVE the 3D effect with the stereo glasses enabled...it is awesome and worthy of the label "True 3D". Everything else works 100% on my laptop, and I *have* updated the drivers to the latest from nVidia on the graphics and HDMI audio, have not updated the RealTek drivers or Creative drivers yet, if they need it--since my laptop was *made* in early April it seems to be current on all the drivers and BIOS (v.205 BIOS in the house). :wink:

Any other hints or clues as to things I am missing, so far, I'm all ears.

Later,
rexrzer727

 

There's a lot of 3DE specific information in the G73JW and G53JW threads:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-reviews-owners-lounges/543241-asus-g73jw-3de-owners-lounge.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...s/527578-asus-g53jw-a1-3de-owners-lounge.html

There are some very specific issues (such as video hardware acceleration in browsers causing issues etc) that are covered in those. In your case, one thing you could try would be to temporarily switch resolutions I suppose, as it does reset some graphics functions.

I have a customized one from XoticPC on the way and should have it in two weeks or so - can't wait.

 

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I had the G73SW-XT1, I believe. HD screen 1900 x 1080, BD Reader / DVD, and 500 GB HDD. I liked it...just go one with the defective Sandy Bridge and returned it. I came across an HP Envy 17 3D and instantly found "The One" that I was looking for. With some added discounts, I got a fully loaded Envy 17 3D with SSD for the same price. Would I buy the Asus again...YES!

The main deciding factor for the Envy is it's footprint...very thin...very light. Video cards were about the same...GTX460 would really be my preference, but Envy came with ATI 6850...about 10% below speed of 460. I really like Nvidia cards...but the Envy all around is a balanced Multimedia / Game machine that looks serious at work. The other deciding factor...with Asus you get two year warranty (depot service) and 1 year accidental damage. With Envy stock from HP online...two year warranty. I upgraded it to 4 year with accidental...at home service.

Both these machines would have done me fine...with the deal on the Envy 17 3D, couldn't say no...

 

Yes, I might have purchased the Envy 17 3D by now, had I been able to get in on the savings that some of the members at the HP forum were reporting.

Unfortunately, there have been no such deals here in Canada, and in fact when I checked today, HP is still flogging the old 3D model with the 740QM CPU, 5850 GPU and 1TB 5200 RPM HD, for about the same price as the G73SW 3DE with far better specs.

As well, there's only a 1 year warranty offered for the Envy as opposed to the 2 year for Asus. Since I'll be making the purchase with Amex when the laptop is back in stock, I get an additional year added on to the warranty. So in my case, the decision to go with the Asus was a no-brainer.

 

That same thin design of the Envy leads to it running hotter and not as quiet though. It's one of the deciding factors that made me go for the Asus.

 

Did you reinstall the OS from scratch or are you using it with the factory image? I can't remember reading anyone with the issues you are reporting. Have you updated to the latest nvidia drivers?

There are definitely 3DE owners here but they aren't always around. Definitely a nice unit and worth every penny!

Tom

 

rexrzer727
go back to driver version 267 you wil see there is improvement concerning the 3d and 2d switch within windows. If you cant get the emitter to work try installing the whole package. Be sure you do a clean install selected in the custom menu. i had many problems with the 270 driver and 3d i had bfbc2 running in 119 hz? and solitaire (simple game) didnt work anymore unless i switched of the 3d with the ROG button.
Some users also reported better framerate within driver version 267 but i can't tell personally.

 

Guys, all of a sudden i have a red line going vertically from top to bottom roughly half way through my screen!! whats going on? has anyone else had this? it even happens when booting up so this must be a hardware problem? it just randomel started today when i turned it on. i havent fiddled with any drivers or added any new software recently.

 

@ravivarsani it could be the LVDS cable that goes from the board to the LCD, or the LCD itself. Try an external monitor to make sure it's not the GPU (it's probably not).

If it's just the cable, sometimes repositioning it or reseating it will solve that. Unfortunately on the G73 it's not very easy to get to (see page 13 of the disassembly guide).

If it's the LCD you need to get it replaced under warranty.

 

Ok, gonna try connect to my tv with HDMI, will reply back soon. laptops under warranty still so i can send it back if necessary.

sorry for double post,
there is no vertical red line when connected to the t.v, so this means it not graphics card fault right? how difficult is it to open the case and check the LCD screen connector.

 

You would need to take off the upper chassis, which means the keyboard and the palmrest. That also requires removing the rear cover (above the vents) and the LCD hinges. It's not exactly easy, see p.13 of http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...475907-asus-g73-series-disassembly-guide.html

 

The exact reason I went with the Asus. I had a HP DV7 burn itself up so this g73 purchase was more about design than style. I'd much rather the Envy's looks myself. I also hated the constant shutdowns when it got too hot. I am done with HP.

Its been said a million times but the cooling on this g73 is amazing. I place it directly on my bed and it goes up about 10C, I tried this with my HP and the fans would scream and I'd have to pick up within minutes.

 

Thanks for the tip and concern, please see below...

Did that, even recovered the system with the Seagate HD in the computer and started from scratch with the OEM driver for video and everything else, and no go. Please see below...

Congratulations on your purchase, however the Envy 17 3D is not the machine the Asus is from the ground up, as in design, design, design and more design! The Envy will run hot when pressed into action, the Asus never runs hot even when you try and torture it with LinX, PRIME95 and IBT running at the same time. It just laughs, kicks the fans into another gear, and plods through the torture without incidents.

So I dunno, you might *need* that warranty support more than same with the Asus G73SW because simply of the way it's built, the design, the twin cooling fans and ports and all that goes with that thought and execution. Don't get me wrong, you got the 2nd best high-end ready-made consumer 3D laptop made, it's just that the Asus is a notch up on cooling, and keeping it cool.

As for my G73SW-3D machine, sigh, I had to *return it* via FedEx Call Tag from Amazon.com, because it, unfortunately for me and my time and energy that I put into the thing, had a hardware defect of some sort and could not be fixed by me or Asus Tech Support online and on the telephone. I'll be getting a replacement asap, so my 2nd example of the breed arrives on Tuesday from Amazon.com, and we shall see how that goes.

I'll just flip the SSD with all the updates on it right into the new machine and take off with both feet runnin', so at least that part is already completed and I don't have to do it twice! But as to my lemon-flavored Asus G73SW-3D it just simply refused to cooperate with any suggestions we gave it, and in the end it's best to just call a spade a spade with that situation facing me, ie whether to RMA it to Asus in Fremont, CA 94538 where I *know* they will repair it correctly, without fail, as I trust them 100% with my laptops (from previous experiences with their service teams), or just simply tell Amazon.com the sad tale and see if they could get a 2nd new unit out to me asap, God willing it is in stock, and it was. I picked the Amazon.com "Return and Replacement" program.

I came very close to RMA'ing the machine, really I did as Fremont 94538 Tech Support is a great place to have complex, difficult things fixed 100% to the good, or so I found out last year when they fixed my G51JX-A1's video card maladies with a complete, stem-to-stern wholesale replacement of everything possible on the video side of the machine, and by George it worked 110% to the good with a highly overclockable video board in the mix, so Thanks Fremont, 94538! But when Amazon.com said they had it in stock, and could swap me the old vs new in 3 days time, total, I couldn't be persuaded otherwise. Such a shame though, as I really liked that machine when it worked right!

So the new one arrives Tuesday morning, via FedEx Next Day Air Saver service, and we shall take the situation up with that example of the breed... so I've said my prayers that this one will be purrrfect and good to the bone, and that I don't have to go through any changes at all for a change! WOW, that would be a revelation!

rexrzer727

 

My guess you got the 3D version...you are going to LOVE 3D. Wasn't sure what to expect...but the first time I put the goggles on and watched a movie in 3D, my jaw dropped. Then 3d gaming add another dimension. Enjoy...that is a GREAT machine!

The new Envy line with second generation i7 really runs cool...plus HP added coolsense...so they really stay cool. I can run Prime95 and this puppy won't exceedn 85C...and that is pretty extreme software. Under normal conditions, the machine is "luke" warm at best. The HOT days are gone with Sandy Bridge

 

It's still a less efficient cooling design, leading to more noise and hotter temperatures. In addition turbo mode will clock it to lower speeds to compensate. Good cooling, high clock speeds and low noise - with HP, pick two. With Asus, you get all three.

 

I would like to ask whether both the G53 and G73 utilise UEFI for booting?
Or is it still the same o' BIOS?

 

Talking about the cooling of g73sw, I recently noticed that the back valves run warm when I do not have much applications on. When I am running a game, with power plugged in, the back feels very hot, not unbearable hot but any hotter I would not be able to put my finger on it for longer than a second. Is this normal?

Also, I noticed that in the advertisement, it says the g73sw can turbo boost to 2.8ghz. My system panel says this is only 2ghz, how to I get it higher to 2.8?

Please pardon my newbie-ish questions. Thanks!

 

"Hot" and "normal" are quite subjective. Best thing to do is record the temps and compare.

Get a temperature monitoring application, I have been using HWiNFO32, and let it run in the background. It will tell you current, min and max temps for as long as it has been open during that session. I keep it running in the background during gaming and when I use the computer on my lap or on the bed. Occasionally check the max temps.

Another thing I do is keep a text file with load and non-load temps/fan RPMs when i first bought the computer. Then you can check back at a later date to see how well your cooling system is working. It may give you an indication if things are degrading or if a cleaning/repaste is required.

As for the boost (and i don't know 100%) it seems mine only bumps up when I put load on the machine. Internet browsing and during small tasks it appears to stay at 2. I also think that the correct power option must be selected, as in high performance, I could be wrong there. I normally keep my machine in balanced unless I am gaming. I think the machine also needs to be plugged in for turbo. And I believe if the machine is running hot it will minimize turbo or complete eliminate turbo use, its a function of temperature somehow. There are definitely some smart folks on this forum that know these answers, this is my first SB machine and I've only had the g73 for a week.

Just the old bios on a stock g73sw. I don't know if/or it changes with bios updates but I don't think so.