Asus G51Jx Owners Lounge

@ Hino

Yep, i have that problem. but on a much smaller scale (just the taskbar). I have no idea how to fix it.

 

Yes, I've experienced it too. Same solution (scrolling up and down). Happens very rarely so no biggy for me.

Regards,
Jan

 

Hi Rex,
Since I haven't heard anybody else with the BIOS 207 complaint, I changed the warning on page 1 to a general alertness. I don't see a reason to advise against 207 anymore. Agreed?

Regards,
Jan

 

janvandongen wrote: "Hi Rex,
Since I haven't heard anybody else with the BIOS 207 complaint, I changed the warning on page 1 to a general alertness. I don't see a reason to advise against 207 anymore. Agreed?

Regards,
Jan"

Most definitely take down the warning about it destroying BlueTooth or any other issue at this time, as I assumed the worst situation possible when the Tech Support at Asus, Taiwan told me what he did, and it may be just a small number of issues with BT, certainly not limited to just my G51JX-A1 but still statistically a small number that had this issue. I say just a general statement about it having some potential BT issue, and to watch for any anomalies when updating, but it's fine to apply the update now.

Remind everyone to do this sequence when flashing their G51JX computers also, for that matter any Asus notebook:

1) Go into BIOS and Load Mfr. Defaults, Save & Exit, Restart, let the drivers load, then Restart again, and enter BIOS once again
2) Flash BIOS using the EZ Flash BIOS update not "software flash" BIOS!
3) Power Down the notebook after the BIOS Flash, and wait 5 minutes
4) Power up the notebook, immediately go back into BIOS and Load Mfr. Defaults again, as this enables all peripheral devices and features, including BlueTooth, the WiFi card and drivers for both, etc
5) Save and Exit, Restart, and you are good to go!

I think that covers my concerns about BIOS updating in general, in addition to this particular BIOS v207. It is my understanding that my notebook NOW HAS BIOS v207 by the way!

The notebook is scheduled for FedEx Delivery Friday, August 27 before 4:30PM with a signature mandatory, so I am going to take off work early Friday and be home by Noon for the delivery of my notebook.

It will indeed be good to have it back in 100% working order!

 

Done; Page 1 of this thread is updated.

Regards,
Jan

 

@janvandongen, you can edit the section talking about Mac OS X Installation. Please remove the comment about audio not working well. It is working fine now!

 

Hi!
Anyone think we could upgrade the gpu?
I know Asus uses reverse MXm cards, but perhaps 5870 or 460m from Asus are mxm reversed too and could fit in the g51....

Only potential issue is the vbios.. Could fit but could not function...

 

So the G51jx-3DE out. Does that mean we can just swap the screen out with the 3DE/120hz screen, get the glasses and now we can game in 3d?

 

Every once in awhile (3 days) I boot the machine up, log in, but the user profile is different (Different Wallpaper, Favorites and ETC). I reboot again then my normal profile is back. Has this happened to anyone else? Anyone know a fix?

 

You probably haven't done a Clean Install yet, right? That will cure all problems like that and in general software issues that bug people. Please see my guide for Clean Install, which works 99% of the time and apparently all but the Chicony driver for the WebCam works 100% of the time, so we seem to be good to go with that guide as a resource. :yes:

Have you ever used a Registry Clean/Repairer on the OS? That is another thing that happens, ie the Registry gets corrupted and things are all screwed up with the slightest of applications, even the identity part of the OS can be messed up. I recommend for a "free" program Glary Registry Cleaner, which you can get at CNET.com by searching for such programs in the Windows side of software search.

If you want the best registry cleaner it's a yearly fee of $29.95 but then again it does things that no other fixer does, and that's called Registry Mechanic, from PC Tools.com. Either one will do wonders for the Registry in any Windows computer, any OS, and any version, in fact if you have never used such a tool they will find hundreds (100's) of errors and file association problems the 1st scan they do...so try one out and see if that helps your present situation, it can't hurt. :wink:

Here's the link for Registry Mechanic:

PC Tools Registry Mechanic | Download Registry Cleaner for Windows®

Again, it's not free, but it's the best of its kind...

@janvandongen--good show on updating the page No.1 about the BIOS update to v207, as it's apparently a good one but for isolated issues like the BT issue with my laptop. As I suspected my laptop now has v207 and BT is working 100% now! KUHL!

It arrived a day early today, @ about 11AM my sister tells me, as she signed for it, so Kudos to Asus for a good fixing session, and getting it back to me quickly (FedEx Saver shipping), which was Next Day shipping. I can report that it not only works 100% but looks 100% also, as they do this cleanup routine on laptops, apparently, when they are in for service that is 2nd to none...my laptop is shiny bright, no fingerprints and scratches of any kind, and it was obviously treated very gently and nice!

I am going to update the graphiX driver tonight after dinner, and hopefully that will go down fine and dandy also, since everything else is brand new...I installed all my custom gear and it's running with the SSD in place and 8GB RAM with the Intel N-6300 WiFi adapter also, so it's all good to go, and I can't wait to play GTA:IV and COD:WAW later tonight also.

FOR GENERAL INTEREST:

Amazon.com has a new 8GB upgrade for RAM in our notebooks, and it goes deeper than that...we can go as high as 16GB RAM with our BIOS and motherboard, and this upgrade will accommodate such an idea 100% for about $380 hard, cold cash. I am contemplating doing it, presently, as having 16GB RAM in this laptop would be the creme-de-la-creme addition, Hah!

Amazon.com: Corsair 8 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory Kit CMSO8GX3M2A1333C9: Electronics

OOPs, they raised the price $14! Yesterday that upgrade was $189.99, and I had a chance to order it at that price too but I waited too long it seems...

Oh well, there's this number here, and you could just order 4 x this 4GB SODIMM and save $25 or so:

Amazon.com: Corsair 4 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9: Electronics

I'm still "thinking about doing this" for my G51, haven't pulled the trigger yet, so do you all think I should go for 16GB RAM? I'll be waiting to hear your responses...crazy though, huh?

It is so good to have this notebook back in one piece and 100% aok fine, that much I am thankful for, and grateful for too. Now to have some fun!

 

Hi! fot those who have screen glitches , try to open one of the hinges (should be the one on the left when you're facing the screen) where the screen cable is. Just unplug it, clean it up, breathe with your mouth, and plug it.

That fixed the problem for me on a G50. Apparently it's a problem of dust creating interferences on the cable.

 

Hi nfshp253,
Done; I updated page 1. Good to hear that it works.

Is it correct that the wireless card (Intel 1000) still doesn't work?

Regards,
Jan

 

Hi thaddyusmaximus,
I've had this issue with several laptops, amongst which a Sony VGN-SZ. And indeed I had the issue twice with the ASUS G51Jx.

I don't think the issue is related to the G51Jx specifically, it seems to be a Windows problem.


I see in rexrzer727's post that he attributes it to a clean install, but I doubt this is the root cause. I do clean installs on all my laptops, and fresh installs every 6 to 9 months (often forced by circumstances), and I've had these issues straight after clean installs too.


Regards,
Jan

 

Hi Rex,
Good news indeed. 16GB, I'm tempted..

We had this so far on page 1 under the header 'component upgrades':
- Memory:
1) DDR3 1066/1333 MHz up to 8GB (for Intel Core i7 platform)
2) DDR3 1066 MHz up to 4GB (for Intel Core i5 platform)

- Is this distinction correct between Core i5 and i7?
- If yes, does the 16GB limit apply to Core i7 only?

Regards,
Jan

 

Hi all! I just received my laptop today, whom I have temporarily dubbed as "Puck" So far so good. I just updated my BIOS, which always scares me even if I'm an old hand at it. Will start taking the beast for a real spin tomorrow when I install my Adobe suite.

I downloaded HWMonitor to check out how hot Puck's blazing...mein gott...my CPUs are pushing 60 C while the GPU is averaging 70....and I'm just web surfing. I know that the G51Jx was hot, but isn't that a bit much? Airflow is unobstructed, although I don't have a cooling pad yet. Am I normal, or is this a bit of a concern?

 

Idle temps don't matter, cause the fan will kick in when under full load.

Use OCCT (for cpu) and Furmark (For gpu) to see the temps in full load. ^^

Remember you can cut the fake aeration under it, to improve the air flow :

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/411871-asus-g51-cooling-mod.html

And you can replace the thermal grease.

 

i just got myg51 a few week ago, when i do speed tests my ping i always 150 or so, even 5 feet away from the wireless router, will replacing my wifi card fix my ping problems? when i connect it to wired, i get 50 ping

 

I think I figured out my issue. Since I swapped the Hard Drive out with an Intel 160 Gen2 SSD I believe Windows starts up so fast that I can log in before the profile can be loaded. I see similar issues getting an IP address. I would have to wait about 10 seconds after I log in to get an IP address and this is through a hardwire network.

So my fix is to wait an extra 10-15 seconds before I log in. Kinda defeats the purpose of an SSD ya think?

 

Hm. Speakers are a bit underwhelming. I'll really need to get a good set of headphones. Any brand/model recommendations?

 

Never dealing with Canada Computers again, took my laptop in for an exchange, they said they'd have my New G51jx-a1 within the week

its been two weeks now and i am steaming, no chances at all that im paying for there warranty just going to stick to the ASUS Warranty
(Not to mention the jack for the head phones doesn't work anymore, i know this because i tried the headphones in another computer and they worked)

 

Just a simple question but what would be the point in putting 16 GB in a laptop... mine only has 6GB and I can do all kinds of stuff without it getting bogged down even play 2 games at once (GTA iV) (Mafia II) 16 GB in my eyes is major overkill and simply a waste of money....

 

Hey folks I recently pulled the trigger on the JXA1 after some research (and reluctance RE: the lid design/ROG branding ). Haven't been able to really put it through its paces yet as I still need to back up files from my old laptop but I was wondering if you guys could help me id the mouse that came packaged with it?

I had been reading it came with a re-branded 2 button mouse with a DPI switch on the bottom but mine came with the DPI switch on the top as well as back/forward buttons. There are 5 DPI settings with 4 LED indicator bars on the top (in the photo you can see it's on the 2nd).

Photos are below:

Pic 1
Pic 2

Thanks in advance!

 

Usually it cames with a mx518 or copperhead rebadged. I'm pretty sure yours is a logitech mouse, definitely not a razer. Which model, i don't know for now.


Edit : My bad, it's not a logitech. It an HP.

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ie/en/ho/WF06c/A1-329290-69998-329251-329251-3812855-3812857.html

The HP voodoo laser mouse. I would have preferred a razer or a logitech though.

 

Neither HP or Voodoo make the mouse...it is re-badged.

 

Whatever it is, that's quite a mouse! Does it work nicely, that is the question?

Those of us with *early* G51JX-A1's got either an "Abyssus" or a "Salmosa" by Razer, in my case the Salmosa, which I have used just one time for the Hellovit because my mouse of record is a Logitech V470 Bluetooth variety, which I use everywhere. My laptop was made on January 10, 2010 (I had the build receipts in the box when mine was delivered, along with full documentation and OS, and driver backup DVD's...so I was triple lucky), and even though I didn't get it until early May the nice people at B&H Photo Video/Pro Audio apparently had a good stock of the early G51JX-A1's, as others who have purchased there have commented about receiving the same mouse that I did, the Salmosa. :yes:

Welcome to the foray here, and congratulations on getting your new laptop with that far-out mouse included, it's NICE! (I assume it works well) So what do you think of the machine, or have you had time to run it through its paces yet? Please post your impressions once you do that, it would be nice to hear a fresh and new take on it, at least I'd like to read such a thing.

I just changed my nVidia drivers to the v.258.96 variety, finally getting modern with the GTS-360M, and I've found that one of our mentors here who suggested that these "new generation" drivers are more stable and test better than the old school drivers (aka v.197.16 etc) was correct!

I had no trouble with a high mhz overclocking on the GPU with EVGA's Precision tool, up to 630/2140/1635mhz, a new personal stable high clocking, and that yielded some 10,543 DMarks in 3DMark06, another personal best. I didn't try going any higher, quit while I was ahead so to speak. :smile:

For those who have issues with putting 16GB RAM in my laptop let me suggest one thing: beautify and function is in the eye of the beholder! I am not interested in pleasing all personal whimsical thoughts and/or attitudes. Fact is the laptop can take 16GB and utilize it, for whatever ends I choose to use such a RAM quota, and if you can't dig it then by all means don't! I'm not asking for anyone's permission or sanction to do what I'm doing, it's all good to me...I like lotsa RAM in everything I have, both PC and Mac computers, it goes without saying. :wink:

My G5 M9591LL/A PowerMac G5 server has twin RAID's and 16GB DDR2 PC800 ECC RAM; my wife's MBPro 13.3" laptop has 8GB RAM; my principle Core i7 PC server @ 4.2Ghz 24/7 has 24GB 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM; my 'daily grind' Core i7 PC @ 4.2Ghz 24/7 runs 12GB 1600Mhz DDR3 RAM; so maxxing out my G51JX-A1 will be nothing new, and I think it will perform admirably with 16GB DDR3 SODIMM RAM on board--of the 1333Mhz variety. :wink:

Stay tuned for an update soon, as my order is being filled right now at Amazon.com...

 

Paladin44 : ORLY? I wouldn't have guess.

Of course it's rebadged, but it's originally an HP voodoo mouse, you can't deny it. Like Asus' previous mice were logitech's and razer's ones.
You just get a slightly different shell, internal is the same.

 

BIOS 208
Fix that system without ODD will show BSOD 0xD1 when windows logo

 

I updated my bios to 206 and my nvidia drivers to 258.96 and I notice a performance boost. I would also install EVGA precision, and follow the Asus utility and bloatware guide to decide what to uninstall: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/380681-asus-utility-bloatware-guide.html

I got a Targus 15.6" laptop backpack for about $30 and it's been holding up.

 

Thanks for such a quick response (even if I wasn't able to see it). The logitech would've been nice but I do prefer having the extra two buttons over the razer for general use/productivity.

Overall the g51 has been pretty solid so far, however I have not been able to try out any games just yet. Hopefully I'll be bsod free when the time comes. There is quite a bit of keyboard flex, and while I do notice it, it doesn't really affect my typing speed or accuracy. Maybe I'm not as sensitive to that stuff.

I was a little disappointed though with the lack of an OEM OS disc. I wasn't able to do a proper clean install so that kind of irked me. I don't think I've ever seen a new computer/notebook with so many programs pre-installed lol.

I also tried installing 258.96 but had some problems with it last night as it didn't allow me to select any 16:9 resolutions, so I'm currently using the 19x.xx (from the first page of this thread). I might try installing those drivers again sometime in the next few days however.

 

That's really strange, as is janvandongen's response about having some of the same anomalies occur in his computer use. Personally I've never had such a thing happen, not in any Windows machine, ever, and I include my work computers at the office, and my own machines, both OEM and retail.

About Windows loading so fast that it causes a problem with logging in because you have an SSD? I doubt this is the case, but if waiting 10-15 seconds precludes the problem then so be it...very interesting! I have SSD's in *both* my Asus laptops and have never seen such an issue, so I just don't know about what is going on with your laptop. I'll get back to you about it...

I have a preference for Audio Technica real headphones, and I have a new pair of ATH AD700 headphones right here beside my PC desktop and I do use the pair with the G51JX-A1 also...but you might be interested in some IEM's also, yes? (internal ear monitors) My faves are the Ultimate Ears Triple-Fi 10 IEM's, and they ROCK! I use the Comply TX500 Foam Ear Tips with my UE IEM's with xlnt success also, a necessary ingredient, and here's some links for all those products:

Amazon.com: Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 Noise Isolating Earphones: Electronics

Amazon.com: Audio Technica ATH-AD700 Open-air Dynamic Audiophile Headphones: Electronics

Amazon.com: Comply Tx-500 Foam Tips (Black) 3-Pair Pack: Electronics

I hope that these suggestions help you out, as they are great with my listening uses, especially with my laptops.

Let me suggest something for your v.258.96 video driver installation: REMOVE the current drivers and everything that goes with them *before* you install the new drivers--and there's an uninstaller in your Control Panels for that function in Windows, so that is an easy thing to do. The installation should go down like a cool milkshake after that...and be sure and restart the computer after the uninstall, and after the installation is completed also. :smile:

As for the lack of an OS DVD ROM, I can only say that's really too bad about Asus changing their policy on that topic right after they built my machine, as it came with the OEM v1.1 Asus Windows Installer DVD-ROM, the Driver & Utility DVD ROM, not to mention a copy of PowerDVD by Cyberlink on DVD, so those of use with early machines got the whole 9 yards. :yes:

If you would like a copy of the Windows installer from Asus just drop me a PM with your contact info and I'll be happy to burn a DVD for you, duplicate what I have basically, and you'll be all set with respect to having an Asus DVD ROM installer, as I see no harm in distributing mine for those who would want such a thing. It's generic, and works with any Asus G51JX computer, and I am happy to share what I have considering what Asus has done in that regard. I actually have two of those DVD's, as Asus sent me a spare when I thought I'd lost mine, only to find it later, so My Bad!

Seriously, if any one of you would like a copy of the installer DVD ROM from Asus and you live in the USA, please drop me a PM and I'll get one out to you pretty darn quickly, how about that?

 

Tonight has seen the death of my ASUS G51Jx-A1 laptop...
Those bluescreens I got from playing games, began happening upon start up...
It can't even get to the desktop anymore... I have phoned Canada Computers asking why hasn't my new one arrived yet?? This one has quit out on me... to which there response is we currently don't know when your product will arrive -_- its been 2 weeks now... and they said it would take 1

 

Hi I am the owner of a brand spanking new Asus g51jx. now ive done my fair share of looking around on how to maximize this machine. Basically I need everything fixed. Asus site is complete trash so i just need some insight on what things to update from where and how to fix simple things.

Webcam drops fps to 6 in skype yet when im not streaming its perfectly fine and fast

Anyway to max the fpsout in a easy manner?


Thanks in advance

 

Have you updated all your drivers on asus website?

You can flash the latest bios IF you're used to flash, it could be useful (not for the webcam but probably for other things).

And watch your temps.

 

i have tried but it hasnt really done much. the only significant changes ive seen is just the nvidia update. my blue tooth still works (never used it so im guessing it does)

 

You want to "fix things"? Just what needs fixing other than the web cam, which we all know is problematical at best and "unfixable" with the present drivers...it is simply something we all "live with" and use accordingly.

I suggest that you consider doing three things to "fix" the laptop to its maximum potential: 1) install an SSD and replace the platter 7200RPM HD;
MAX out the RAM @ 8GB with a 4th 1333Mhz SODIMM (16GB is maximum, but I doubt you'd want to 'go there' at this point); 3) do a Clean Install to rid the laptop of every single piece of bloatware and crapolaware, and especially to get rid of "Express Gate", which is nothing but 350MB of junk that you'll never, ever use most likely...doing a Clean Install will "maximize" the OS in terms of speed for booting up and reaction time for program searches, reads and writes, and it will get rid of all the "junk" that Asus installs which slow the laptop down in so many ways. :yes:

The nVidia driver can be easily updated to v.258.96, and be sure to uninstall all the old driver before you do that critical piece of updating, and don't forget the audio component if you update that driver (nVidia HDMI audio).

If you do the above your laptop will transform itself and be much, much quicker in everything it does vs OEM box stock, and see my guide for doing that Clean Install which is linked on Page No.1 of this thread. There really isn't much else to do to this rather complete 'package' that we all enjoy so much, so barring those improvments I really don't know where to point you other than to suggest that those 3 things I suggest will be significant improvements across the board for any G51JX-A1 with the Core i7 CPU. :smile:

There are other subtle things to do once you get the backbone "repaired and functioning optimally", such as installing EVGA's Precision v1.9.6 to control any GPU overclocking precisely and completely 100%, and using a utility such as Everest Ultimate v5.5.x (licensed copy if you choose to go that route) to keep track of all systems, and give you a comprehensive view of anything/everything at a moment's notice.

That is about it for my take on improving this laptop to the 9th-degree, as there is little else to do really, and you will notice a significant improvment in everything the G51 does if you go with my suggestions, end of story.

Good luck, and welcome to the group!

 

Glad to be here

Ive already looked into getting more Ram as you said and I have cleared it of what bloatware it did have.

Well how are you coping with the webcam honestly?

 

You know, I must have a "magic G51JX-A1" because my friends/contacts never complain about the image quality on my webcam...and that's the honest truth of the matter with respect to my webcam's performance...it seems to work great in my case, so go figure! :rolleyes2:

I don't know if that is simply the luck of the draw, ie getting a computer that everything seems to work out 110% on or not, but I'd be the 1st to admit that things are not so great if my webcam was performing poorly. Nobody has ever asked me about it yet, you're the 1st, and I didn't want to "flaunt" the fact that mine is working great, and always has...on Skype especially...as that is the service that I use for long distance calls to Australia and also Europe, where some of my software partners reside, and to a one they have never once complained about my webcam being poor quality, or worse, that it is blurring or stuttering, doing things that renders communication impossible...it's simply never been like that with my 2MP Chicony webcam...it seems to be working great in my case, so your question is moot for me!

Perhaps you should ask some of the others what they are doing, and I know for a fact that Mr. nhp253, our Singapore correspondent in the group, is having the same sort of performance that I am getting, in that he has never complained about his webcam performing poorly, or bad at best...his has also always been working great, at least that is what he posted about it when queried in the older thread on these G51 laptops, the one that is now closed. He did post that he invested in some "lights" to help his webcam work 100%, but that is about it for his negatives about the webcam...mostly he posted only that it works great for him also, so... go figure that one out too!

Are you using the webcam in subdued lighting? If you are that may be the reason that yours is performing poorly...have you tried using it with more light on the subject. like a bulb shining directly on YOU when you are the converationalist in a Skype or Yahoo, (whatever service you are using) call? I am in no way suggesting that it's the answer for everybody's problems, but I have a bulb pointed AT me when I am using the webcam for Skype calls, principally, as that is my favored service for both Melbourne and Budapest calls, my two most called locations in the world as my software partners live in those cities. Other than those calls I don't know what to comment about, because I have never queried my other contacts about how good or poorly my webcam is functioning, as I assumed it is doing fine since it does great with Skype to Melbourne and Budapest chats...

If others are having terrible problems with their webcam by all means please tell us what is going on with that situation, and how you are coping with it...and if not, tell us what your positive experience is all about... It would be much appreciated at this time because I hate to be the only person here other than Mr. nhp253 who is NOT having issues with the webcam...or so it seems right now.

To be honest I don't even know how to calculate the FPS on my webcam, and /or if that is necessary in my case considering that all has been good with the webcam in my case, up to now...or so it has been with my G51JX-A1.

I really don't mean to say that I lead a charmed life or existence, nothing like that is meant by any of my comments tonight, but facts are facts, and I am not pulling out of the conversation a red hat that says, "My laptop is perfect" or anything remotely resembling that statement. What I am saying is simply this: my webcam is working great, and always has, and I DO give it plenty of light when I use it-- maybe that is why mine works so good, up to now in any case this has been true.

Thanks for any comments about webcams in advance, as we would sure like to get some comments about this subject, and immediately if not sooner please! Gracias!

 

Just updated bios to 208 and guess what, bluetooth is inoperable. Tried resetting and saving bios defaults as explained in FAQs, no success. Opened a trouble ticket with ASUS.
Funny thing is that at Win7 logon screen, bluetooth works, just once Win7 fully loads, no BT, not even listed in device manager....Ugh!
G51JX x3 Core i5

 

Finally fixed the high temperature issue I have been having.

When using a second monitor (G51 at 1920*1080 and SyncMaster 2443+ at 1920*1200)with the G51-Jx the silly NVidia drivers force the card into high performance 3D mode. This explains my high temps of around 80 idle.

Prior to today no other overclocking utility has been able to force the card into 2d performance mode with such low clocks of around 135, 330, 400 or around that somewhere. Only running on battery has given similar results.

Until today.

Nvidia Ntune has allowed me to underclock the card to its lowest settings of 136, 330, 405. Which is very close to 2d performance mode.

Now with 2 monitors at full hd plus some my idle temps are back to 60 degrees C. Woot

 

Hi Billmahan,
Thanks for letting us know.

To get a complete picture, how did you update the BIOS:
1) EZ Flash BIOS update
or
2) Software flash BIOS update

Regards,
Jan

 

Darkie,
Can you please let us know if completely removing / uninstalling the 285.96 drivers (as rexrzr727 suggests), and then reinstalling after reboot helps?

Regards,
Jan

 

Windows XP Professional x64 will recognize all the RAM just fine, I would think. However, I suppose if one WERE to install XP x64, there would be even more driver trouble that you already indicate in your post above.

 

Rexrzer - great post and much appreciated.

Unfortunately, my G51Jx came with only the driver disc. To do a "clean install", I'm assuming that I can either BUY a new Win7 Home x64 disc & license, get Asus to send me a Win7 Home x64 install DVD that corresponds to my OEM license, or some other solution.

I don't think I should have to buy a new license for my brand new notebook just to get it running stable. I suppose getting the disc from Asus would be a better way to go, but I doubt they're just sending them out if I complain, amirite?

Here's a crazy idea that I'm sure won't work, but people can clarify for me: Theoretically, the product key printed on the Microsoft sticker on the bottom of my machine should match my OS license, right? Does anybody think I could install from a retail ISO of Win7 Home x64 and use the product key on the bottom of my machine to succesfully install Win7 clean on my system? That REALLY sounds too easy to be true. I have to think you can't use an OEM product key with retail installation media, but it's worth asking the question.

Any thoughts?

Is there something I'm misunderstanding in your clean install post? I can make the AI Recovery discs, but those seem to just restory the factory hidden partition, then reboot for the F9 restore. So I think shutting down my machine after disc 1 of the AI Recovery process isn't going to get me anything like what you're getting.

Has anybody successfully forced Asus to send them a clean Win7 install DVD?

Thanks in advance guys. Love the notebook, hate the hassle.

R.

 

On the webcam issue, I can sit in a bright lit room. I have tried both using artificial light and good ol sun light. Now the webcam works fine when i am not connected to anyone and picks up my movement flawlessly. Now when I turn on Skype and actually connect to someone I slow down significantly. Its not my internet, not my lighting, not the ram, im really not sure. I have it set to the usb 2.0mp camera. It even is slow on programs such as lifeframe when i still had it installed. Kinda frustrated on it since ive tried uninstalling the drivers many times and reinstalling. Any ideas?

 

Updated to BIOS 207, then a week later, to 208 using EZ Flash. No problems whatsoever.

I did a clean install recently, and I was not able to install the Creative drivers for my G51Jx-X3. Before I reformatted I was able to upgrade the current Creative driver when it became available. What gives?

 

I did manage to successfully install the 258.96 drivers. I'm not sure what happened the first time as I did uninstall the previous drivers (although perhaps I forgot to reboot inbetween). Interestingly, after rebooting windows update auto installed graphics drivers (not sure which ones). I ignored the message to reboot and just went ahead with the installation of the 258 drivers and everything has been ok since.

I'd also love to know if this would work, as I was in the same boat as you. There was nothing I could really do but create the backup dvds using AI recovery, uninstall the bloatware, then create a backup of the clean OS partition once I had everything the way I liked it.


On temperatures and gaming:

As an aside I finally managed to try out some games and things have gone pretty smoothly thus far. I played Dead Space (2008) at native res and all settings maxed and it was stable at 30 fps (cap from vsync). I'll try again later without. I also played Mafia 2 at native res and medium settings (also applying a tweak I found here. Managed to keep it around 30 fps.

While gaming it did get pretty hot (stock paste, clocks). The GPU got into the high 80s but never 90+. The CPU slowly climbed and topped out at the mid 60s after a 2+ hour session. Not sure how it would hold up over a marathon session. Ambient was around 24-25C.

On low power settings and light productivity/browsing temps are 48 gpu, and 46-50 cpu. I've also ordered a zalman cooler so I'll see how much that affects things when it comes in

 

Of course it works, you can use the key on the bottom to install Seven with a DVD of Seven, downloaded on microsoft servers for example.

Perhaps you'll have to phone microsoft to reactivate it but not always.

 

This is most unfortunate, and EXACTLY what happened to my laptop, albeit a Core i7 variety of the G51JX but still a duplicate occurrence: loaded Defaults in BIOS, flashed the BIOS to v.207, shut down, restarted and immediately went back into BIOS and loaded Defaults, and BAM! BlueTooth was GONE from my system, Device Manager listed no components, either software or hardware relating to BlueTooth, it was GONE GONE GONE!

Reloading BIOS to v.206 as suggested by Asus Tech Support did no good, it was just GONE GONE GONE! When I called Tech Support (4th call about the situation) and finally got a Supervisor, as I told the group before, that Supervisor (name is "Sadiq", a Senior Level Supervisor at that) tells me that I am the 3rd call he personally handled on Friday, August 13th with this specific issue, and that Asus would be pulling the BIOS update out of the web channel completely...which never happened! It is still up there for people to download right now.

We created an RMA for my laptop and off it went UPS Red Label, little did I know with the *wrong serial number* no less, and it took 10 days to get my RMA handled when it should have taken 3-5 days, but eventually I got it back and two things happened with that RMA return: 1) I got a telephone call from Sadiq, and he apologized for the serial number screw up, but told me he had handled the re-writing of the RMA in Fremont, CA, personally, and got things finished there long distance (he is in Taiwan) 2) Asus Tech Support, in Fremont, CA, wrote me a long, involved email and told me that they "fixed the laptop by loading Defaults in BIOS, flashed the BIOS to v.207, reloaded BIOS with Defaults" again, and started the laptop up and Bluetooth was there in all its glory, no harm, no foul...or so they told me.

They also wrote that a complete hardware analysis of my laptop turned up negative, ie everything was in 100% working order after they flashed and returned BlueTooth to working order, and that was the end of the story.


I find all the above to be suspect, and still feel that BIOS v.207 was the culprit in my situation, because I did exactly what they recommended when I flashed the BIOS and it resulted in BlueTooth vanishing and GONE, GONE GONE (not to return until Asus service department "fixed" the laptop). Now it looks like BIOS v.208 does the same thing v.207 did to my laptop, so something is very, very FISHY at Asus regarding BIOS updates at this time, and I recommend that users do NOT flash BIOS until this is straightened out...and we need to let Asus Tech Support know about our concerns because they aren't fixing the situation apparently, they are stonewalling it and trying new BIOS out on us, the owners of these laptops, and personally I don't like being a guinea pig for their BIOS testing!

That is important to know, of course, but what is more important is that this apparently signals trouble with BIOS updates for our laptops at this time, and that what happened to my laptop was not a 1-time thing, an anomaly that never happened to other G51JX laptops...this confirms that it can also happen to the Core i5 version of the laptop, and that Asus has NOT fixed the BIOS updates yet, they continue to cause problems! :confused2:

I think that we as a group should be contacting Asus Tech Support in our respective countries and calling them down/out on this whole deal, because to me they are using us as Beta Testers for BIOS updates: they do NOT have things sorted out yet and this proves it to me 100%!

I think that this is shoddy Asus support at it worst, because it may seem like a small thing that BlueTooth is disabled by a BIOS update, but it is a serious thing and you all should be concerned about it, not just those of us who have had the inconvenience of losing BlueTooth, and having to RMA our laptops to Asus Tech Support for repair.

If BIOS v.208 is disabling Bluetooth it shouldn't be up on the web site, and neither should BIOS v.207, which disabled BlueTooth on my laptop sure as I am writing this note today, and I flashed my BIOS the "recommended" way rest assured, it is always the way that I flash my BIOS, nothing ever changed there.

I hate to see perfectly good notebooks ruined by shoddy BIOS writing, and bad tech support at Asus, and it looks like this has happened with the G51JX series of laptops at this time, sorry to write this I am. If any of you think this is a trivial issue and not something to be concerned about, think again...it could happen to your laptop if you update BIOS at this time, and then where will you be, and how will you feel about it? :cry:

I lost my notebook for 10 days because of this, and they "fixed it" at least, but still, how did they actually fix it, and why is Asus BIOS making BlueTooth vanish in the 1st place? We're all in the same boat with this BIOS updating business, it's not something to take lightly, trust me on this, so do what is right, and contact Asus Tech Support in your country and tell them that you are afraid to update BIOS at this time because BlueTooth might be GONE, GONE, GONE if you do it, and that you are not one to be a Beta Tester for BIOS updates! It's up to each and every one of you what happens about this situation because Asus just might do something about it if enough G51JX owners complain about it, and failing that they will most likely do nothing at all...

 

On the topic of Clean Install and how to "get a copy of Windows 7" for such a thing, Digital River has Win 7 32/64-bit on their web site, and MS has Win 7 32/64 bit available for download at the MS web site also, not sure exactly where and how you get such a copy in both cases, but others have written that it is where they got their copies of Win 7 to do Clean Installs. If anybody would have the exact source/time to figure out where to find such a source it would be appreciated, as I don't presently (at work), but I will try to figure that out for owners after I am finished if nobody posts up about it.

As for having a Retail Copy of Win 7 64-bit Home Premium and then using the OEM key on the bottom of the laptop, I have to echo Fendora's post: of course this is exactly what one does when and if Windows queries you for the product key! That is no secret, and I don't understand any reluctance to use that product license key...it is normal and put there for a reason, and that is the reason!

Those of us that did receive the licensed copy of Windows 7 64-bit from Asus in the form of DVD ROM v1.1 for the G51JX-A1/X5 laptops of course have no issue with this whole topic as we simply can use our Asus DVD ROM on the Clean Install and we are good to go, no need for downloading and sourcing anything or even entering a product key--that DVD ROM has a built-in product key and there is no entering necessary, it self-validates the OS upon restarting the laptop initially, and that is the end of that! :yes:

If you wish to get the DVD ROM from Asus it costs $30 plus shipping, for everyone's general information, and it is keyed to our laptops also, another thing to know. My Asus DVD ROM for my UL30VT-X1 for instance will NOT work on the G51JX-A1, or shall I say the install fails miserably, as I tried such a thing when I thought I'd lost my v1.1 DVD ROM for the G51 and that was the result. Since I had been issued a copy of the DVD with my purchase Asus gave me a 2nd copy 100% gratis, free, they even paid for shipping in my case. However I doubt if you gave them your serial number and they punched it up in their system and the build date came up as NOT getting a copy of the OS, my guess would be it would be a big NO CAN DO, and they would want to charge $30 plus shipping for a copy of the OS installer.

The whole thing is just silly stupid to me, this dispensing with the DVD ROM after February builds of the laptop, and yet there is nothing to be done about it...Asus controls the ball game and they don't want to play anymore it seems...a total shame, because I have never purchased any notebook, to this day, without having a copy of the OS and drivers furnished on DVD ROM by the manufacturer. Apple gives the owner a copy of Mac OS X Snow Leopard with each and every new Mac sold, regardless of type save for Servers, which get a special Mac OS X Server copy, so that is what I am used to when purchasing new laptops or desktops both.

I don't understand the logic of not providing a copy of the OS, as it's just a big headache to deal with Clean Installs and any other reinstalling of the OS if you don't have a copy on DVD ROM, and it's a situation that is unfortunately becoming common with PC sales. Sony does the same, while HP still furnishes OS copies, presently anyway this is the case. Who knows about the future? :confused2:

I guess I am wasting my time writing about it here, but it's totally unjustified for manufacturers to skip out/skate and not furnish OS copies to new purchasers and I never fail to mention this when I am talking to Tech Support on any subject, whatever the call is about I always mention this sad fact...

 

Jan,

I went into the bios and used it's update feature rather than using the Window's flash technique as I read flashing via Window's could be problematic. I had previously updated to Bios 207 with no problems. I'm also awaiting a response from ASUS via email. They replied to just reinstall the drivers, but I explained that it doesn't list the BT in device manager and errors out when trying to install saying the device isn't connected.