ASUS G73SW Owners' Lounge

It's a pretty amazing laptop, I am not using to anywere near it's potential. I will wait before I load all of my usual software.

 

Gigabyte Cougar Point chipset bug checker
Gigabyte Releases Cougar Point SATA Bug Checker - Softpedia
This is for people who are worried about the Sandy Bridge chipset SATA bug
The actual chipset is codenamed Cougar Point

 

It has been posted a few pages back and already checked by several members (including myself) and the result is that the BR player is the one affected (according to gigibait utility).

 

So my sw is currently in a parcel force van and on its way to me, can anyone tell which disk is the primary one with the os on so I can yank it out and replace it with an ssd (vertex 2e 120gb ).
Got some big edits and exports waiting to go and can't wait to see how fast this lappy is...

Cheers Andy

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dell XPS M1710, 4gb, 500gb, ATI7900GTXGO, Core Duo 2 2.17 <- Current

ASUS G73SW-A1 w OCZ SSD Vertex 2e 120gb <- On Order complete with Cougar Point Issue

 

Its the one in the centre for the primary btw

 

Andy, if you're in the business of making the most of your laptop maybe you should not be buying one with a defective chipset which is going to affect some of the SATA connectivity.

And if you have started pulling out drives, you might find that it would be difficult to get warranty replacements further down the line. ATM you could probably return the whole thing, so double check with the supplier about returns if your SATA connections go down - and if what you want to do will make a difference to the replace/refund/repair options.

Tedious, but there's quite a lot of money involved (well, quite a lot for me anyway).

db

 

Will rma in due course with original hd, they have no way to tell ive been in.

I'm in the boat were I can't return as I need a lappy to work and have already sold my old one....

Great laptop btw Amazingly fast with an ssd as os drive, quite and cool.
Still installing stuff but here are some initial benches(run while installing ).


Sorry this is so big btw only have ms paint lol
http://andymain.co.uk/files/initial_benches.jpg

 

My OCZ Vertex2 80GB isn't running nearly as fast as yours. I even went through and did some tunes from OCZ's site and it seems like it's under performing. Here's my AS SSD numbers

Read Write
165.23 38.54
12.27 33.81
75.65 32.97
0.312 .400
104 71
227

I've disabled hibernate, paging file, and UAC features. I went from 3GB to 17GB of free space after disabling paging file and hibernate.

Any thoughts?

 

I posted a while back on this thread. Happy to say that my new Asus G73sw-XR1 working just fine out of the box. I'm currently installing software, and uninstalling bloat-ware.
I will post more as the setup continues. One thing I have to say is, this thing is humongous.
I mean, I saw the spec of the frame, but this thing is like a large black monolith. I'm gonna have to buy a new backpack...

 

Here's ALL the information you need about finding a backpack.

I have the XR1 as well and love it. Did you or are you planning on putting an SSD in it?

 

New member and happy new owner here (G73SW A1). Thanks to all who post here, very useful in getting my laptop running perfectly. After a few days work following your guidelines I am now in a perfect place (which I feared I would not be after doing my research on Asus notebook issues).

How easy is it to add an SSD? Is there a guide around here? Also, will it void my warranty (especially for SB fix/replace whenever that happens, I did call in Australia and I was assured not to worry until the solution comes which I am fine with).

 

One of the first things on any new machine - irfanview.

Free, small, easy to use. Very limited in what it does, but perfect for basic screen dumps and quick crops of jpgs.

Just to demonstrate: a bit of a story from today's BBC News science section:



achieved by PrintScreen | Open IrfanView (couple of seconds, as it sits on my launchbar)| Ctrl-P to paste

Drag round section to keep | Ctrl-Y to crop| Ctrl-R to get re-size dialog box | use dialog box to reduce by 50:



(Dialog box full size) Dramatic reduction in original picture size, minimal effort.

Click OK, S to Save As.

Also great for changing captured web image/google map into greyscale if you want to print without running down your coloured inks.

Compatible with 64-bit OSs

IrfanView

Plus 20 minutes getting pic uploaded to photobucket and laying out posting to be as unambiguous as possible.

db

 

Just to be clear, even with the "flaw" this is a pretty fantastic laptop. Probably the pinnacle of the G73 series at the moment.

I'm seeing ~4hrs battery life pretty regularly with this thing, which I never ever thought I'd see in a quad core laptop, much less a 17.3" gaming laptop. Woo hoo! Things can only go up from here, especially for those that wait it out and ride in with the revised parts that may feature optimus tech. This seems to be a pretty great step for mobile computing, despite the blemish a single thin gate oxide has caused.

 

I believe the battery life is actually what takes it over the top. The chipset flaw is a shame. If it wasn't embargoed, I would be looking for a XR1 version.

 

Will the SB chipset BLEND?

 

Is this optimism, speculation or is there a genuine possibility of getting optimus?

BTW, who would have to do what for us to have optimus? nVidea change their drivers? Intel change their chipset? both? something else entirely?

db

 

Sorry no idea everything I had for that bench was stock and I was running updates... Gues make sure the firmware is up-to-date, also heard that small ssd's performed worse but there's a big difference in those numbers.

Really easy to install, 2 screws for the panel, 2 to remove the drive (pull black tab to disconnect)(centre drive for primary os), 4 to remove the caddy.

Replace the ssd in the caddy(screws and all), slide back in and replace all the screws (panel pops back on btw), all in all took me about 10 mins.

Don't know about voiding the warranty, but there is not warranty tape or anything else that could be used to prove someone been in there, I'll be keeping the old drive ready to pop back in for rma.

 

Does anyone of you know if ne the Models with the repaird chipset will have new names?

And one other thing. Did anyone of you have chance to do a comparison of the 2D and 3D-Pannels. I heard that the specs of the 2D(glare) are better (contrast and colours), but at the same time it should be uesless when you are in the sunlight.
The 3D-Pannel should be much brighter, but with less contrast and not so great colours. Oh and it should be matt and like this ideal for working outside or for example in a train.

I would appreciate your help, because I am just not able to decide whether I should by the G73SW-91084V (1899€) or the G73SW-TZ083V (1799€).

Gatrixx2k

 

That is what I want to know too. I got a call from my vendor and Asus, I can use the current G73SW, and when the new, fixed sets are in (Asus advised next month) I can bring the laptop in for an exchange.

Just want to confirm if the new sets are the fixed ones.

 

What I would like to know is when they will come out.

 

Don't know if it's got any other suggestions, but you could take a look at:

OCZ Vertex 2 SSD review
It calls itself a "review", but has lots of tech tips including

together with notes on the problems you might hit, and work arounds.

Give it a look.

db

 

None of the above... I'm saying the people that do purchase future systems with optimus technology enabled have something great to look forward to.

There is zero evidence or reason to believe the replacement for defective G73SW models will be anything other than fixed G73SWs.

 

Me too. I read Asus fb article that it would be April till they come out with a repair release. But my friend told me today his other friend got a replacement already from Asus and its working fine. If its true, then I am wondering if I should of waited. But too late.

But I also wonder if they wrote his ticket for a JW instead and he got a replacement JW instead of the SW, since they tried to do that for me. I told my friend to keep me updated of his friend's laptop but his been sick, so time will tell. Either way I am no longer in this boat =/. But gl to the rest of you. So if its true, sigh! If its not whew! lol.

 

I did send my G73SW back to the reseller now im geting my money back and the cost off sending the computer to them. Im happy with that. I will wait for Ivy Bridge to come out before i buy a new computer.

 

Here's everything you need to know:

Intel®6 Series Chipset Resolution

ASUS will provide full replacements for notebooks, with cross shipping or pre shipping if you allow them to put a temporary hold on your CC.

Service is "first come first serve" so you'd be well advised to sign up for a replacement slot ASAP if a return to vendor for refund is not an option for you.

 

where does it say that they will honor a BRAND NEW replacement past 30 days of purchase? i skimmed the article but if you can link me to the obvious i would love to read that. Am i to understand that i can use this laptop for the next 6 months and return it for a brand new replacement? if yes then this is great. If not then return this lemon. I know what a refurbished product is. do you?

that sounds like a refurbished g73sw to me. In the right hands a refurbished product is almost as good as a new one. In the hands of any manufacturer repair center it is a cat in the bag.

 

Your pessimism is duly noted.

If you weren't so wretchedly defiant about this, you'd have read the content linked in the post above yours directly from ASUS' website which states under the section about affected notebooks (emphasis mine):

Can we put this to rest now, please? The rest of us are enjoying our laptops....

 

Actually NaterGator never said that it was a new replacement, but does make it sound like it is because he likes to quote from Asus page. Which I find disturbing ... cause in reality is, while Asus may be one of the top reputable companies for reliability, it really isn't the same for their support ratings.

NaterGator's Quote:
"There is zero evidence or reason to believe the replacement for defective G73SW models will be anything other than fixed G73SWs."

Personally the only company I trust for QC control is Apple for their refurb products. But there is a saying "You get what you pay for"

From the Asus page --

( Proactively responding to the Intel-identified Sandy Bridge chipset design error )

"... This includes the hassle-free return and/or replacement of all affected ASUS products..."

While I do not believe this, with all of my experiences to be negative, I believe the form below may actually send your RMA for the Intel recall to a different set of RMA agents.

( Intel®6 Series Chipset Resolution )

My negative support from Asus all came over the phone support. I have helped trained computer support call centers in Mexico and India, so I can tell you first hand, I have a lot of patience. When I was a TS manager I fired people left and right if the training was sufficient and out of the guidelines.

If Asus is going to tell me that they do not support any of their products or warranty any of their products when I call in for support, I find that person should be fired. If the manager told me the same, that manager who told me should also be fired! No offense, but the manager at least lol.

I can usually find people in the industry to help me but I do not like to ask people for small favors like this. Having no warranty is pretty bad for a product I just purchased. FYI.


______________________________________

Opps my bad! NaterGator is right though, they have changed their website though. But it does almost sound like NaterGator works for Asus or is in someway affiliated with them. Personally nothing to be pissed about NaterGator, we have the right to debate it, and its not like Asus made it easy to see or did it from the start or this debate would of not of came up. =/ They added the 2 day shipping and the equivalent/new product. A bummer that Asus had to wait for most of the brands to do this though. But its a good thing for those who have waited. Personally I would of waited too if this was offered. But Asus support refused and said they could not call me back on this subject when I called in.

http://service.asus.com/notice/Overview.aspx
"If you would like to wait for product replacement, ASUS will provide free 2-way standard shipping and an equivalent/new product replacement with warranty renewal at time of replacement*. "

http://service.asus.com/notice/Default.aspx
ASUS will contact you once the replacement process has started to generate an RMA for the return of product. All equivalent/new products sent for replacement will feature free 2-way standard shipping via a carrier of ASUS’ choice. Please keep your case number for future reference and completion of this form does not complete the RMA approval process.

 

Hey, I'm having trouble to choose between this model (G73SW) or the G73JW-3DE model. Any suggestion?

Is it okay to buy the G73SW model now? Is it fixed? Or should I wait for it or should I purchase the G73JW-3DE model instead?

I'm really having a hard time to choose between the two.

 

Hmm the support response seams to be for USA and Canada only, bad show...

Anyway I have contacted global support asking to be put in the RMA queue and why there appears to be nothing for European/Global customers.

Will report back when I get a response.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dell XPS M1710, 4gb, 500gb, ATI7900GTXGO, Core Duo 2 2.17 <- Sold

ASUS G73SW-A1 w OCZ SSD Vertex 2e 120gb <- Complete with Cougar Point Issue

 

@andy_moin : I contacted Asus UK at the phone nr liste in the first asus notice and they said they are working by case number, they took my phone nr and email and said I will be contacted when a resolution has been set up.

LE: Did anybody notice how well the laptop runs ? Mine does at least, no errors what so ever and I am completly satisfied with the product.

 

On a good day i am an eternal optimist. On a bad day i am a realist. What gurantee does anyone here have that 6 months from now the rep from india will know what the heck you are talking about? if this notebook is subject to failure then you need to return it. end of story

 

Yes just got a very standardised reply back;

Now got a case number and in the queue I guess.

@myxcon
Running sweet as, <10 second boot with ssd to win 7.

Awesome performance on everything I've thrown at it (l4d2(high), Star craft 2(all high or ultra), Premier Render (Amazingly fast with native transcoding), Huge Photo shop Merges (10x24mb raw)).

Cool and quite for most stuff (no fan noise at all until gaming or rendering), still pretty quite on the maximum heat/fan spin I've got it to. Highest temps so far are 73 for both gpu and cpu and these were on furmark and intel burn in benches, it stays <70 when doing regular stuff.

One kick lappy imo!

We'll just have to see how they handle the cougar point rma...

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dell XPS M1710, 4gb, 500gb, ATI7900GTXGO, Core Duo 2 2.17 <- Sold

ASUS G73SW-A1 w OCZ SSD Vertex 2e 120gb <- Running Sweet (complete with Cougar Point Issue)

 

I didnt get a case number, didnt even ask for one. I should get back to them to ask for one.

LE: Got my case number I told them I dont need a refund, just a replacement unit.

 

Just got a call back from Nick(I think) Asus UK, calling to confirm my details and discuss my options.
He told me these case were first come first severed. Unfortunately he said cross shipping would not be available. He reckoned that new replacements units would be available in about 3 months or sooner for repairs. Apparently all repair/replacements for CP issue will be dealt with in there European hub in Holland. I opted for replacement as preference as turn around time will be faster(2 days there, 2 back about a week in total).

1 hour email response time and a call back 4 hours later first class so far.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dell XPS M1710, 4gb, 500gb, ATI7900GTXGO, Core Duo 2 2.17 <- Sold

ASUS G73SW-A1 w OCZ SSD Vertex 2e 120gb <- Running Sweet (complete with Cougar Point Issue)

 

A few things:
A) I have absolutely nothing to do with ASUS. This is my first ASUS notebook (beyond an EEE PC701 that was given to me years ago). I do not sell computer products, in fact I do not sell anything. I have stated before, I am am electrical engineer but my work does not have to do with personal computers and I do not work for any company even remotely related to ASUS. I have no dog in this fight.

B) You are right, it is perfectly acceptable to " debate" this... and I certainly am no authority in this forum. But in my experience, the most effective debate is that which is based on and backed by fact... and I have no problem calling people on absurd speculation.

The facts are the facts, and they are clearly stated in plain words on the ASUS return website. People can choose to ignore or refute the facts, but ASUS is bound to their word and that's that.

Cheers.

 

Asus support addresses USA and Canada only so far? what about global users who opt to the exchange process where do we sign up in line for exchange?

I've seen the MSI statement and it was more reassuring,even bypassing the "equivalent" offer
MSI USA ? Computer, Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, Mainboard, Graphics and more >>HM67 gaming notebooks: End users are eligible to receive an upgrade to MSI's next generation gaming notebook upon its availability.<<

gives me a bit of stomach ache every time I turn on this crisp notebook knowing the hassle I have to go through with Asus for the exchange process as returning it isn't an option for me....been playing GTA4 on high settings and loving it!

 

Give them a call on the hot line or start a technical enquiry on there global support portal (Sign up and register your self first, bit of a maze but allright once you work it out).

See my post above, I got a fast response.


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dell XPS M1710, 4gb, 500gb, ATI7900GTXGO, Core Duo 2 2.17 <- Sold

ASUS G73SW-A1 w OCZ SSD Vertex 2e 120gb <- Running Sweet (complete with Cougar Point Issue)

 

Ok so the dealer I purchased from has offered me a free shipping full refund for the laptop... ASUS has offered me a free shipping replacement of the laptop... I'm kinda stuck here.

I need the laptop for school, although I have a screaming desktop at home which serves most of the purposes I need... But it nice having a decent gaming laptop for the mobility of use for school, and the mobility of gaming for those days where I'm on campus all day...

SO I'm stuck with the decision of either replacing this laptop.. getting my money back for it and buying another.. or getting my money back and waiting for asus to release a fixed sw that maybe has a better gpu in it...

Dont get me wrong, the 460 does amazingly well, this is the first laptop I've ever owned, but I'd gladly pay an extra 250$ for a 485m instead of a 460... What is the likelihood of ASUS actually releasing a g73sw with a better gpu in it?

Should I hold my breath or should I just settle for this laptop? This is the first laptop I've ever owned so I dont have any previous laptop to compare it to, but I absolutely love the look/feel of the laptop, everything about it is 10/10 to me except for the keyboard which seems to ignore several of my keystrokes (im an extremely fast typist)

If you guys dont think theres any real chance of ASUS releasing an upgraded gpu with the SB processor anytime soon, what other laptops do you guys recommend I look at?

I'm looking for one that has a backlit keyboard at the very least... and one that is hopefully not as butt ugly as Sager notebooks.

BTW I am in ATL, GA, USA

 

Most people are returning their laptop now and waiting to purchase a new one when the new chipset is out. There are many reasons for this, including some horror stories about dealing with ASUS for replacements/repairs. My baseline recommendation is to return the laptop for a full refund to your dealer.

Regarding your other questions: I don't have any information, but think it's highly unlikely for Asus to change the graphics chip in the G73SW in the next few months as they have a known good product. If you need better graphics options, Alienware M17 R3 would be the place I'd look next depending on your opinion of Dell's service/pricing. Don't recall offhand, but the HP Envy might be an option as well.

The keyboard losing keystrokes is a carry-over issue from the G73JH which apparently has been resolved for that model, but I haven't seen a fix for the G73SW.

 

Ok thanks for the quick response... I'll look into the other laptops you mentioned but I'm a little worried about going towards any laptop that might be too loud or hot, especially considering my primary purpose of this laptop is for use in school, and in some classes im afraid the high whine of too many fans might be a distraction to the other students..

Does anyone know if any of the other gaming grade laptops use the "optimus" technology?

 

The one from Alienware does use Optimus but it is expensive

 

The New Alienware M17x R3 light/slim version that just came out 1 month ago ( b4 intel announced the Sandybridge issue) was at a discounted deal price of $1699 or $1649 w/ coupon discount ( about $225 instant discount + $50 coupon discount) with the gtx 460m/i7 sb cpu usb 3.0 same with g73sw and some things that the g73sw don't have is HDMI Input( play ps3/xbox360 directly using laptop screen), Lighting effects on keyboard/lid/touchpad/front grill that you can cuztomize and a FHD 3d screen ( unless of course it is competing with g73sw-3d version, and Optimus.

So I dunno why you are saying the R3 is more expensive than the SandyBridge G73SW-A1 when the Asus G73SW-A1 is around $1700-1800ish, the only advantage Asus have is the 2yr warranty/1yr accidental

 

Yes, And the g73sw also includes the mouse and the bag. But still, It's a heck of a deal for that r3!

 

on the contrary most people are keeping their notebooks even those who were not kept in the dark. it depends on what the vendor is offering to those who ask about returning it.

i would call their home warranty just like the rest. their gold service is something worth mentioning though. that costs more.

 

About the r3 vs g73, you need to know that adding hardware on the r3 to match the g73 will raise it's price by more than 400 usd (such 8gb ram, br player, hdd storage).

 

^ Still, You dont need to upgrade on the dell website, You can get it at newegg for almost 1/4 the price.

 

Guys, rookie question (gotta ask, though...): is there any difference in component parts between G73SW-A1 and G73SW-3D, other than the 3D glasses itself? I mean, if I just decide to buy the 3D glasses separately, would they actually work on A1, or not?

 

no they won't, because you would need a screen with 120Hz and that is only on the G73SW-3D

 

I remember when Dell's service was the best is the business - by miles. I have also heard that more recently it has been terrible - even with their special
Alienware line.

How many people think Alienware is an alternative to the G73SW, for those of us who don't want to/ can't wait 3 months or more for the SW?