Asus G501 Owner's Lounge

Welcome to the ASUS Republic of Gamers G501 Owner's Lounge!

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/G501JW/

 

Can you guys run the following commands in the PowerShell (run as Administrator) and post the results?

Code:

# What's the RAM manufacturer/model?
Get-WmiObject Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object Manufacturer,PartNumber

# What's the HDD & SSD manufacturer/model?
Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | Select-Object Model

# What's the display manufacturer/model?
Get-WmiObject Win32_DesktopMonitor | Select-Object PNPDeviceID

# What's the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) manufacturer/version? *** needs admin privileges
Get-WmiObject -Namespace "Root\CIMV2\Security\MicrosoftTpm" Win32_Tpm | Select-Object ManufacturerId,ManufacturerVersion,ManufacturerVersionInfo,SpecVersion

 

ASUS G501 Lightning Review

http://gizmodo.com/asus-g501-lightning-review-if-the-macbook-pro-could-ga-1701243138

 

I've got that from Google Alerts this morning. lol
I hope Sean Buckley is not getting paid to post such crap! That's the worst laptop review I've ever read.

There's something better[1] already available and certainly more coming up.

[1] http://laptopmedia.com/review/asus-...-standard-for-next-generation-gaming-laptops/

 

Twin brothers?
http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/G501JW/specifications/
http://www.asus.com/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ZenBook_Pro_UX501/specifications/

 

Much better

 

Asus do usually take similar internals a re-purpose the exterior for a different segment.

 

Is in russian, but you can see some benchmarks and numbers

 

G501 tested by notebookcheck: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-G501JW-Notebook-Review.141745.0.html

Basically the CPU temp is limited to 85C by Asus, causing CPU throttling under cinebench and similar heavy load, and GPU will also throttle during heavy use to below stock speed. Very disappointing, asus should stick to intel specs and allow the CPU to run up to 100C, this would most likely prevent the CPU throttling.

And battery running time is not very impressive with the 96WHr battery, with 4 hr 45min of surfing over wifi. For example the asus G551 with 56WHr battery managed 5 hr 17 minutes in the wifi surfing test. I know the 4k display is power hungry, but still, I had expected a lot more.
Black levels and contrast for the 4k display is only average as well.

For the price tag I had expected better results. At least the noise levels seems acceptable.

 

My G501 arrived today and I will be setting it up tonight. This is replacing my UX51VZ and I'll post up a comparison in a few days. If anyone wants me to run benchmarks, just let me know which ones you want run.

-E

Edit: Purchased from ExcaliberPC and received a copy of Witcher 3 along with Asus ROG mouse, headset and mouse pad.

 

Please run the following commands in the PowerShell (run as Administrator) and post the results:

Code:

# What's the RAM manufacturer/model?
Get-WmiObject Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object Manufacturer,PartNumber

# What's the HDD & SSD manufacturer/model?
Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | Select-Object Model

# What's the display manufacturer/model?
Get-WmiObject Win32_DesktopMonitor | Select-Object PNPDeviceID

# What's the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) manufacturer/version? *** needs admin privileges
Get-WmiObject -Namespace "Root\CIMV2\Security\MicrosoftTpm" Win32_Tpm | Select-Object ManufacturerId,ManufacturerVersion,ManufacturerVersionInfo,SpecVersion

 

PS C:\Windows\system32> Get-WmiObject Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object Manufacturer,PartNumber
Manufacturer PartNumber
------------ ----------
Samsung M471B1G73DB0-YK0
Hynix/Hyundai

PS C:\Windows\system32> Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | Select-Object Model
Model
-----
SAMSUNG MZHPV512HDGL-00000

PS C:\Windows\system32> Get-WmiObject Win32_DesktopMonitor | Select-Object PNPDeviceID
PNPDeviceID
-----------
DISPLAY\SDC434B\4&2E74A31B&0&UID68092928

Nothing returned for the last command.

 

Thank you! Did you run Power Shell as administrator?

 

Yes.

 

Guess some models doesn't have the TPM.
What's the part number of the G501 you bought?

 

G501JW-DS71

 

A few observations from the first few days of using the G501. Listed in no particular order.

1. Display has the same mustard yellow issue as UX501/UX303. Seems less mustard-ly than UX303, but I'm recalling that comparison from memory.
2. Far too much plastic when compared to UX51. Display bezel is plastic and does not sit flat against the display panel.
3. Display uses PWM to control refresh and is uncomfortable on my eyes, YMMV. I've also experienced two occurrences when the refresh rate goes crazy, causing flickering and making it impossible to look at the display without a headache. Rebooting the notebook did not resolve the issue and I've had no luck replicating the issue. Possibly a defect with GPU/panel?
4. Lid flexes. My daughter have stepped on my UX51 before with no resulting damage, I expect the G501 to break if she ever tries the same thing.
5. Better touchpad than UX51.
6. Notebook material is a fingerprint magnet. I have to keep the microfiber cloth nearby.
7. Better battery life than UX51. I have yet to try running down the battery to see how long it'll last.
8. Lower maximum sound volume than UX51.
9. Overall better performance, responsiveness than UX51.
10. Free headset is a piece of junk. I gave it away to a colleague. I have yet to try out the free mouse.
11. Had to uninstall Asus Gamers First application to get Mass Effect 3 working without stuttering.

Current conclusion: Use the G501 with an external monitor if you need to stare at the screen for a long time. I've made some adjustments to the display drivers and hopefully that will help with the flickering issue for short term use. Will update in a few more days.

 

Any results on the heat and fan noise on heavy load? Also, has any one purchased it with the 1080p screen?

 

I wouldn't want to play games with the G501 on my lap as the bottom gets hot enough to be uncomfortable. I can hear fan noise at all times, but it's low in pitch and not a bother to me. Under load, the fan does spin up, but the sound can be covered up by audio from games. Decoding 1080p video does not cause the fan to spin up. So far, fan speed seems to drop very fast after you exit a game to desktop, although sometimes it'll spin up while I'm browsing using chrome.

If you can find a 1080p version, I'd recommend it. The 4k version has a poor display panel that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have found one with a 1080p, but I would be using it for animation on Max/Maya. I am weighing my options between the Asus G501, Samsung ATIV Book 8 870Z5G and the Thinkpad W550s, though I am unsure whether the w550s can run Max/Maya.
I travel alot and sometimes work in the library or cafe, so would need something quiet underload to not bother the people around me. Also, something around 5lbs in weight as I have a wacom to carry too!

I am not gamer and will be using this primarily for animation and 2d artwork. I will not be rendering or modelling.

*Also been looking at Asus N550Jk too.

 

The only reason to consider the w550s would be the possibility of specialized drivers for Max/Maya, since it comes with Nvidia Quadro. I'd check with Nvidia to see if such drivers exist. Otherwise, consumer grade GPUs in your other options should work as well.

I still have my UX51 and for day to day use, battery life is the only noticeable difference when compared to the G501.

 

Thank you for your input. The 3d programs I am using are more dependent on the cpu than the gpu for what I will be using it for, as I wont be doing any rendering.
Even the MSI GE620DX I borrowed from a friend handles animation in 3DSMax with no problems. The Samsung will to - if I ever find one....

But yes - the ULV chips in the w550s is a concern for me.

I will look into the Asus G501, N550jk and Samsung more closely. I thought I had a found an Asus G501 with 1080p, but it was a touch screen version which I dont want.

 

The quad core will make a huge difference, I'd strongly recommend it for your needs too.

 

Definitely!!!

 

I bought my G501 two weeks ago. Few days of usage, the screen colors became washed and pixelated and after I restarted my Laptop the screen went fine. After few more weeks it worsen, I tired refreshing the Windows 8 but it doesn't work. Do you think its an Hardware or Software relate issue to cause my screen to be hazy and pixelated. I own a 4k screen.

Any has any issue related. Please Help

 

Sounds like a hardware issue. I experienced the same issue twice when during my first week with the G501. The display "fixed" itself and I have not seen it happen again since. Open a support ticket with Asus, but keep your expectations low, unless the issue can be replicated easily, it'll be a pain getting a replacement.

 

Thanks Eugenes, is there a way to upload a picture? it will be way better to describe my Asus issue.

My screen issue was sudden it went faded (Black turn out washed out black) and I could see the pixel at the lcd panel. It's a 4k screen so it should not be that obvious. I tried reformatting the whole notebook once again and today it appears. It seems that if I kept my computer awake/sleep for to long without shutting down. It would turn out like that.

I will forward this issue to Asus forum. Lets see what can they find out.

 

here is the link that i posted to Asus Forum and with the picture attachment in it. https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?62270-G501-LCD-panel-issue-(Washed-and-Pixelated)

 

Open an account at account.asus.com and submit a ticket. You won' get any real support out of the Asus forum.

 

Does anyone know which AC adapter works with this laptop? I found some online but in the reviews people said the G501 uses a 4.5mm jack instead of the 5.5mm.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Are you talking about 3rd party universal AC adapters? Why not just go with an Asus one?

 

Yeah I'm looking at the Asus one on Amazon but the reviews say it doesn't work for the G501

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Here is a link to the AC adapter that came with my G501. I looked it up by part number, so should be correct.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3ZH23R0995&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Laptop Batteries / AC Adapters-_-9SIA3ZH23R0995&gclid=CjwKEAjwwZmsBRDOh7C6rKO8zkcSJABCusnby6V9dXaZCc44JVmRzAH9pn36l7lEJMOdsHn2wiBq0xoC_Gfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

So long as the connector and voltage are correct it should be ok.

 

Thanks! $31.99 is not bad for an AC adapter!

 

Hey Guys,

Does anyone have any experience installing an m.2 SSD in the g501?
The different specs and keys are a minefield, but after heavy research I ordered a Samsung xp941 which as far as I can tell should work. It isn't detected by the BIOS however, and doesn't show up in DskMgr.
Reseated it and played with BIOS settings but can't get it working.

I contacted the laptop seller and told them the issue, and they advised that they recently installed a completely different drive and it worked (he said he was 100 percent certain) and he linked his drive:
http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=1115/ID=23894/SID=250823184/productdetails.html

Not only is that a SATA rather than PCIe SSD, it's a different key (which doesn't match the slot on the laptop)
the support guy doesn't even seem to be aware of these differences.

Looking for some advice before I send this SSD back and get the one they linked, because my knowledge tells me he has it wrong and that one won't work either.

 

That SATA drive is a universal key that will go in any slot.

What happened if you tried installing an OS to the drive?

 

I haven't tried because I don't have a windows install disk. My intention was to clone the HDD onto the SSD and then swap out the 2.5 inch for another ssd (eventually)

Surely if it's not seen my disk manager or in the BIOS, the the windows installer won't see it either?

 

Oh sorry I read it as was detected in the bios. No the slot is not pci-e capable and you need a sata drive.

 

What? The laptop is specifically marketed around using a Pcie x4 ssd. It's in all the documentation.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2895...d-and-even-thunderbolt-in-superthin-case.html

 

PCIE x4 is for the model with 4K resolution. Specifically, G501JW-DS71. AFAIK, models with SSD + HDD comes with SATA SSD + HDD and not PCIE. I'd check with the shop you purchased the notebook from and if they advertised PCIE x4 for your specific model, then ask for a refund.

 

Alright, thanks for the info. I'll have to investigate as the seller here didn't even mention m.2, but all the asus documentation alluded to it being pcie.

 

You wouldn't know unless you go to Asus Global's product page for the G501. The US page simply lists PCIE x4, since only one model is sold in the US. On the global page, SATA SSD/HDD and PCIE x4 are all listed as storage possibilities.

 

I'm raising this with the local retailer. without the PCIe SSD i wouldn't have bought the laptop, so I am hoping they will let me return it. probably not likely though.

 

Unless you have a specific need for large file transfer speeds it wont impact the experience at all.

 

I am assuming that you brought this model from Playtech in New Zealand, and if you didn't it was probably shipped on behalf from some other retailer, wholesaler is Playtech still.

In any case is sound like you are in New Zealand and we only get one water down bottom of the barrel model from Asus, which is the ASUS G501JW-DM271H with the worst spec out there. e.g. wireless N that maxes out at 144 Mbps, 960M with just 2GB, memory only 4GB on-board with a second 4GB module (single dimm), M.2 is only eclectically wired as SATA (as you found out) and most importantly no IPS, just a horrible TN panel.

Also no other extras in the package (not that I care about that), price for the above is $1270 US dollars

Be careful of Playtech website the spec are not fully accurate. Cannot be upgraded to 16GB, only 12GB due to on board soldering. It is meant to come with a IPS panel, but is has a very poor TN panel inside.

I called them yesterday about the why my G501 didn't have a IPS panel, they didn't have an answer, they just said they will check with Asus if it should come with IPS or not. I was like drrr it doesn't have IPS, I am looking at it and can clearly see it isn't with eyes and checking panel model number with HWiNFO, so you just going to tell me later no IPS to bad then, which isn't my problem for them falsely listing it on their website.
Then right after I got off the call Playtech removed IPS from the website in record speed in a matter of minutes, no way they checked this with Asus about if IPS or not.

I wouldn't of brought this either knowing no IPS panel inside. In NZ we are getting screwed hard with the G501

 

I just got it in the mail. Why did I expect anything different when it says in the description that it's a 5.5mm jack. Sad

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

So the AC adapter did not fit?

 

Sadly no. It's too large.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

Which version of the G510 do you have? FHD or 4K display? It would make no sense for Asus to have different AC adapters for different versions of the same notebook, but then again, they've made some really bad calls lately.