The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    Asus G51Jx Owners Lounge

    Discussion in 'ASUS Reviews and Owners' Lounges' started by janvandongen, May 28, 2010.

  1. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hello B&H Photo Video & Pro Audio, my favorite online merchants (along with Amazon.com) for electronics and video, and photography...they have it all! So how was your buying experience there? Were they nice, and kind, and KUHL!? I hope so, as they sure took care of my difficult situation back when I got my G51JX-A1, with the backpack, special mouse, et al.

    As for those lights, they are "On" as long as the laptop is not on battery, and then they are programmed to go "Off"...but only then, unfortunately. We all would like to have a switch or something to control those suckers, as they are garish, loud, and scream "Idiot Lights" all day and night long, don't they fellow owners?

    I'd love to hit Asus Support Central with about 100 phone calls in the same day about those lights, and see if that lights up THEIR CLOCKS about how much we all hate the dang things, when we don't need them on anyway! I mean come on Asus, give us mature guys a break! :mad:

    What should we be doing as a group about this whole deal, anyway? If you would like to see a change in the "lights" situation please post up in this thread about it and let's see if we can get a collective effort about it going down, because maybe, just maybe, we can get some Asus action on it if we play our cards right. :(

    Here is the Asus support telephone number, for the USA, in Fremont, CA for the Western operations headquarters fyi: 1-888-678-3688. I for one, am all for a mass telephone symphony in Asus's ears about this! What say you owners out there, is it about time they did something GOOD for us for a change? :cool:
     
  2. jezzer

    jezzer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Im not sure if its possible for asus to make an app to control those lights atm, it really depends on how and from what they get their power.
    Tho i think they get their power directly from the motherboard and if so their is probably an cable bundled or sided next to the LCD cable. Disconnecting that cable would turn them off but u can't turn them on then anymore except by connecting the cable.

    But to see if that is an option u will have to open the system.
     
  3. PrivateReid

    PrivateReid Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    122
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    DANM!
    explorer.exe kept crashing. I didn't know why but no matter what I did I couldn'd fix it. So... I deleted explorer.exe and used the recovery disk. Expecting it to replace explorer.exe..... BUT NO! It formmated my hard drive! Then re-installed Windows 7!

    ...And I was just getting it how I liked it...

    Edit: I'm actually really depressed by this... Too much for one day. I'm going to bed =(
     
  4. jezzer

    jezzer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    This sucks :( I set al Nvidia options to performance and i managed to get 9.5k in 3dmark06 without Turbo Boost just ONE time.

    I then enabled Turbo Boost and i got 8.5k (My cpu score increased with 100/150 but my GPU scores drastically lowerd.

    Now when i run 3Dmark without TurboBoost i also get only 8.5K and when i enable Turbo boost i get scores below 8k..!


    Both GPU scores are between 3000-3500 and they should at least be 4000

    Seems like a serieus issue. Any ideas welcome i don't accept a score under 9k stock on this notebook :(
     
  5. wolverin0

    wolverin0 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Maybe I miss-read or informed about some of this questions, but for those who already own this, I have some questions

    Is it possible to upgrade screen to 3D (like 3D model)?
    what about a GPU upgrade @ Express Card?

    Possibility of extra-battery like G73?

    Is this worth it?:
    Thermaltake Massive23 Cs Cln0008 U$S 99,99
    ( COOLER NOTEBOOK THERMALTAKE MASSIVE23 CS CLN0008 Color Fan - U$S 99.99 en MercadoLibre)
    or should i get this
    Thermaltake Cooler R150n0 U$S 3090
    ( Base para notebook thermaltake cooler R150N01 Negro - U$S 30.90 en MercadoLibre)

    I can't find the "N100" from Asus...

    What about a RAID?
     
  6. jezzer

    jezzer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Okay seems like a serious issue, tried every setting possible but without any result. As how strange it sounds i got a single time a result how it should be i am gonna do another install and hope it will work if not, im gonna request a swap at asus or a refund at my retailer.

    If it still does not work i think i know why the system was wraped like it has been at some previous owner and why he sended it back and then i think its a very bad thing asus puts a sys back on the market as new but im not gonna assume anything before i tried another install.

    And wolverin0, If u would (if possible) a 3D screen in it, it would be more a downgrade then an upgrade imo, the 3D screen is only in a lower resolution, not in FHD and gaming in 3D will give FPS problems with new games.

    And i think it is not possible to put in a second HDD as the compartment is used as a memory bank and the HDD connector has been removed there, at least in my model.
     
  7. jezzer

    jezzer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    LIKE W>T>F ? (excuse my bad language)

    It seems the bad graphics performance is linked to power issues?

    When i run my screen at max brightness and do 3dmark i get a below average score of 8k with only 3000 SM scores

    The score increases every time i dim my screen a bit more. The CPU score always stay the same but only the GPU scores are changing when changing the screen brightness.

    I have to totally dim my screen to get a bit normal but still not extremely good score for a GTS 360 of 9.5k

    How am i supposed to play games with a totally dimmed screen??
     
  8. wolverin0

    wolverin0 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
  9. Kinetik.Kid

    Kinetik.Kid Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Does the Asus G51JX-X2 have EAX Advanced HD Audio + CMSS Sound Effect with Altec Lansing speakers for premium gaming sound? Because I want to be able to use the laptop for some audio editing. Or is it only available in the Asus G51JX-X3 and above?
     
  10. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    jezzer my man: don't give up on the notebook just because your scores are a little low in 3DMark06, because that could just be a matter of a quick overclocking to a reasonable mid-to-high and wild couple of numbers, and/or try a different driver for the GPU than what you are using.

    I've never changed from 197.16 nVidia GPU driver because it's rock solid and good for my purposes, but I can't vouch for everybody. I scored 3DMark06 10,700 3DMarks with just a slight overclocking and running the CPU @ Extreme Turbo mode, no sweat, no harm, no foul, and it was loafing along at that speed. If you search for my posts in the other now diminished thread you can find those scores, and also those of Mr. 253 who scored similarly with a much stiffer overclocking on the GPU.

    I'm certain that your notebook is fine, or it would be scoring below 6K or worse, something ridiculously bad like that. If you are @ 9500 3DMarks or so, it's just a stone's throw to 10K+ and that's a matter of tuning the GPU, and leaving the CPU alone @ Extreme Turbo settings. That's all there is to it, easy!

    Don't get "tunnel vision" about testing on us now, not with a brand new notebook like you got so lucky on! Take it easy, and do things logically and slowly, and get your GPU overclocked with EVGA's Precision CP for good measure, and see if I am right or not. :D

    Maybe I just got lucky and got a perfect notebook, but then again I think you did also...! With nice, free stuff to boot, in yours...I had to pay for all mine, Hah! ;)

    Take it easy on things, and go slowly, surely up, up, up to the 10K Point scores and it will come to you, just do what I said...increase the GPU timing and leave the P4G CP @ Extreme Turbo setting-- things will be fine, and you'll score higher than 10K before you know it. :)

    Good luck, and paleeze calm down about it a little, all's well and good... :cool:
     
  11. mooch49

    mooch49 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    what version of P4G is recommended when doing a clean install? thanks.
     
  12. jezzer

    jezzer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The out of the box score of this machine should be 9.5k on 1280x1024 resolution.
    My score is an average of 8k oreven lower, that is a very big difference.
    I only get 9.5 key when i totally dimmed my display and turned off keyboard lights.
    I can assure u that, that is no driver issue and i am totally not going to OC a new product so it will perform like it should do on stock. The notebook has a defect, got it confirmed by asus so i am totally goin to give up this notebook sorry :)

    Unfortunatly my retailer is out of stock on these so i have to go with a refund.
    Since they out of stuck and i have no option to buy it elsewhere i have asked if ASUS is willing to swap it for me but waiting on a reply for that. Hopefully they will and then i will be a happy owner otherwise i am not happy but 1500 euros richer.

    But i bet if the notebook worked like it should i would have loved it. No ASUS hate here, just this situation :) But it's not the end of the world... It's worse! ;)
     
  13. jmogannam

    jmogannam Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hey so I was wondering if any of you have any experience with an external bettery with the Asus G51Jx. The battery life i hear isnt very good and along with gaming I'm going to need to use this for classes sometimes and I'm scared that the standard 6 cell battery might not hold up if I have 2 classes in a row. So I was thinking of getting an external battery rather than the 9 cell because I think the external battery is not only cheaper but also gives me more battery life overall and I can just plug it in when it is necessary. What are your thoughts on this? Is it better to go with the external battery or go 9 cell? And do any of you know an external battery that would work with the g51?
    thanks in advance
    John
     
  14. SLR722

    SLR722 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I posted on here a few days ago, a few pages back and I guess my post must just have been overlooked so I'll repost.

    I'm a new Asus G51jx-A1 owner and I have some concerns regarding the performance.


    First, is Power4Gear Hybrid the only way to put this thing into Turbo or Extreme Turbo mode? Every time I restart the machine, I have to open up the program, and select High Performance, then Extreme Turbo, and even though I hit Save, it doesn't save it, I have to do it every time.

    Also, the touch buttons to the left of the power button, just want to see if they are the same for everyone, from LEFT to RIGHT: Asus ROG logo button = pre-set color/gamma changes. Then little guy running logo changes from Battery mode to High Performance, etc. Then the third button enables/disables the touchpad. Is it the same for everyone?

    Now my original post:

    I just got this laptop a few days ago from newegg, and I have a few questions/concerns:

    1. I searched this thread, and it seems the only way the twin, side LED lights on the lid turn off is under battery saving mode, yes? My cousin has an earlier G-Series laptop and through an Asus OEM program called Direct Console 2.0 he can turn off the side LEDs on his machine (as well as control turbo boost, etc.) Did Asus remove this option?

    2. In World of Warcraft, I can rarely get 60fps, even in isolated areas, without ANY other characters around, just me and the enviorment. Average seems to be 30-45 FPS. This is running the game at 1920 x 1080 on highest settings. My almost three year old desktop with an upgraded Radeon HD 5770 1GB DDR5 and a Intel QQ6600 runs at 60FPS no problem. Shouldn't this machine at least do WoW at 60fps?

    I have updated the bios to 206 and the nvidia drivers to 197.16.

    Also, is the only way to enable Turbo Boost through Power4Gear Hybrid?


    I'm going to try and run 3DMark 2006 and post my results if that will help.


    -Hope to get some help with these questions from you guys, thanks!
     
  15. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hi, I just bought the ASUS G51Jx-A1 like a week ago, and about everyday for the last 3 days i've gotten 3 BSOD's, non hardware related I believe,
    the first two were about bad pool caller so I completely wiped the graphics driver and reinstalled the newest version 258, I also got the current drivers for various stuff from the ASUS Webpage....

    Well I got a 3rd BSOD, this one wasn't bad pool caller it said something about memory... so idk... right and all of thee bsods happened while playing starcraft 2 for a long time

    Current BIOS is 204
     
  16. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    P4G v1.25 is the preferred version, and the one that Asus recommends also.


    That would be KUHL, ie if Asus will swap you for a new version, especially if they will equip it similarly to how it is right now! Sorry about your bad luck, but Asus is capable of building a bad unit unfortunately, it can just happen...


    Sorry, there has been no mention here, or before in the old thread, about an "external battery" for the Asus G51's, nor do I recommend it. Those things are basically unsafe at any setting, or speed, and can short out the PSU of the notebook, so stay away from them. :( Recommendation: buy the 9-cell, and use both batteries, if necessary, just take the extra battery fully charged in your pack and use when needed, if needed=problem solved.



    Get Rid of that BIOS! IMMEDIATELY!! Everything will change for the better, and your BSOD's should go away...if that doesn't cure it please follow my Clean Install recommendations in this thread, which are keyed at the 1st page of the section, and THAT will cure all BSOD's once you rid the notebook of that blasted 204 BIOS!! BIOS 204 is Bad JuJu for this notebook as it's just full of problems--v206 fixes all of that, barring hardware difficulties.

    Good Luck, and congratulations on your purchases, to all of you who are just now posting up about your new G51's! These are great machines when they are working right, and my job is to help you get them & keep them that way!! :cool:
     
  17. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    THX for the info rex, I was alittle worried about updating the bios because it could turn into a vegetable but I found out I had Easy Flash, so it was all good, now running Bios 206, if I run into any problems Ill use your Clean Install



    O right, and when playing starcraft 2, is it natural for the GPU to get as hot as 91 degrees celcius
     
  18. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    All of the latest updates can be found at the ASUS website for our notebook right? because I noticed in Graphics driver is was an older version, meaning do they not keep them current? or are they listed because there compatible

    Not to mention you say get P4G v1.25, but the ASUS website for our laptop has only 1.1.22.... soooo where exactly do we get these...

    Official ASUS web for this product http://ca.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=bplbQOy6w8myYSq5
     
  19. ninedragon

    ninedragon Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    37
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Where can I get P4G v1.25?
     
  20. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Catch-22, Search is your friend, but then again Asus never makes it easy for people to BE current or specific about drivers and utilities for the G51-series notebooks. In order to find v1.25 you first go to the Asus.com Support web pages, and where you would normally input the model of the computer to look up drivers etc for a given model... you simply input "P4G" without the quotes...then hit "Enter" to begin the driver and utility Search, and voila!

    "P4G" will bring up a huge history of the utility from Day No.1, and you must simply scroll down the long, long list of P4G drivers until you find v1.25, the preferred and most stable of the lot for some reason (God knows why it works so well, but that's another story I don't want to get into), so go ahead and use that v1.25 when doing a Clean Install, as the G51 will appreciate it!

    I also own an Asus UL30-series notebook (see signature) and I use v1.25 in that computer, too, and I never, ever have troubles with the control panel---with the UL30VT-X1/A1 we are using it all the time because of the switchable graphics engines in the notebook, so it's gotta work right in that one too...and therefore I use v1.25 exclusively vs any other version.

    You know these are just small things, and I don't mean to get anal/retentive about it for everybody, but it's the small things that makes the difference it turns out! Add them all up and they equal a Big Thing, and I like Big Things to go well... when I take care of the small things...the Big Things seem to be fine.

    For all I know you could use v1.22 with this notebook and it would be aok fine, maybe this one isn't so "picky" about its CP's, but just to be safe as milk I like to keep things under control, copacetic (sp?) and nice, so I stick with the small favors and CP's that I know will work 100%, 100% of the time.

    OK, enough of that, I mean no harm, just want everybody to have the nice, seamless reference for this computer that I do, and I mean mine really hmmmmms like a Swiss watch! Damn it's a good computer, and I have real experience behind those words so believe me these can be incredible when they are right, right as rain.

    OK, next subject: Rex is selling his 2009.5 Sony VGN-FW373-J/H VAIO! If you know anybody interested in a primo example of the VAIO lineup please send me a PM and I can hook them up with my Sony, which is an incredible computer! Trouble is it's not getting any use these days, other than being a FAHome computer, and that is a drag for such a nice piece as that. It's fully loaded, has all the right stuff, 2.4Ghz C2Duo (non-extreme) so it's sporty-fast, and it goes with a Square Trade 100% parts and labor warranty PLUS ADW (Accidental Damage Warranty) for the next 2 years, so it's 100% protected should anything, literally anything happen to it, including a bad accident.

    It's got a Full HD 1920 x 1080P soft-touch display (non-reflective satin finish to the LCD surface vs the glass-reflective type, so it's reallllllly nice!) @ 16.4", thus it's just marginally larger than our G51's LCD is. Typical Sony Style stuff all over it, and Sony media software galore including everything from HandyCam software to AVCHD software. I just Clean Installed Win 7 HP on it last night, with all new Sony drivers and utilities, so it's ready, just like brand new, right now!

    You can make movies, media, any sort of presentation with video and sound, and don't have to buy a thing with this laptop, it's all inclusive in the software packaging! It's got everything from FireWire, ExpressCard 34/54, SDHC Slot, HDMI out slot, VGA, 3 USB ports, built-in v.92 HD Audio/FAX/Phone modem even (!), so it covers all bases, business to personal, a truly amazing computer.

    It is literally just as NEW, not a scratch, ding, chip, or travel mark on it, and it's not black either, it's gray, silver, and metallic beige for a very Sony-Style type look, waaay different from our Asus stuff. I've never even taken it out of my studio at home, it's been there since Day No.1, so it's a luvly piece of work!

    Further details are available via PM and email, so let me know if anybody needs a Sony VAIO in the family or friends departments, because I can take care of business for a paltry sum, WITH the Square Trade "good anywhere" warranty for 2 full years from this past March, through 3/2012!

    Hope everyone is having a very nice evening, while I am working like a devil and will be up late tonight doing a big media project for my boss at work, the owner of our company...a personal multi-media project using everything from Sony Vegas Suite, to Dolby Sound Labs Suite, and throw in a little Pinnacle Studio and Adobe Premiere for good luck, and BAM! BluRay Ready, too, no doubt! :cool:
     
  21. mooch49

    mooch49 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    i am having performance issues, more with the gpu than anything else. i got my g51jxx2 a couple of days ago. i did a clean install according to the source on the 1st page. i also added a SSD. load times are good, cpu seems okay, but the gpu is really lagging on all games. it's not benchmarking the way it's been listed. i am using the newest nvidia drivers. i even tried setting my display for games at lower resolutions, still very laggy and low fps. any suggestions? thanks.
     
  22. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Is the X2 the same hardware setup as we have in the A1-X5 models? I am not familiar with it, so excuse my questions, but if it doesn't have the same hardware as I am used to working with I won't know how to advise you. :confused:

    If you have a GTS-360M like the other models it should be performing amazingly well, in any game or circumstance, so I really don't know what you are referring to until you get more specific, also...like *what game* are you talking about, and *what FPS* results are you getting, and *what temp* is it generating (if they are high, low, whatever...it can give us an idea about what performance is being achieved), so please let me take out my crystal ball *after* you get more specific with your situation, as right now I am at a loss to advise you with such general complaints are you are listing here. :(

    Are you using the P4G control panel and hitting the games with P4G's Extreme Turbo setting, and getting it up to 1.7Ghz speed? And how about overclocking, if any, are you doing that with the GPU (whichever GPU you have)? And what are you using for overclocking, if anything at all? EVGA Precision? Do you see what I am asking you? I can't help if you won't help me, simple is as simple does! :)

    Once you give us something to go on we can assist, but it is nice to read that you have done a Clean Install using my guide, because it works and it's an easy way to get the job done, so way to go there! These computers are pretty easy to figure out, if you have the same hardware and software that I have, for example, as there aren't a lot of variables once you get the Clean Install handled, and use a proven overclocking assistant like the EVGA Precision CP on the GPU, and the P4G CP to control the CPU to Extreme Turbo setting...the machine is pretty basic without a lot of software hedges and interfaces. I mean it's got a great CPU, fantastic GPU, and there are not a lot of software tricks and treats to deal with, nothing like with my UL30VT-X1 for example, which has switchable graphics and a couple software engines to get right before the computer is right.

    Tell us exactly what is going on with your computer, please, as it's the only way to find out what is happening with it. Give us some specific games, some temps, some FPS readings, some examples that are concrete and real and then we can help, but what you've posted so far isn't giving us enough info for generating interest or responses at this point... :cool:
     
  23. mooch49

    mooch49 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    thanks for responding. i believe this particular model is basically the same as the A version. the differences are smaller hard drive and less memory. i took the hard drive out because it was so slow. it's a seagate 7200.4 320 gig. i put an intel ssd 40gig. eventually i'll get a bigger one, but is still much faster than that seagate. this model comes with 4gigs, rather than 8.

    i installed P4G CP version 1.25. i enabled turbo mode and the intel turbo boost software. the cpu goes up to about 2.7. i am not sure if you can manually overclock with this lappie. i didnt see any such options in the bios, which i did update to 206.

    the main problem i am having is with the 360m. it seems to be under performing. i've used the latest drivers, as well as the ones recommended. i have tried games like mass effect 2 and batman. my fps are in the 20's. i also use the dolphin emulator, fps are also very low. i realize the 360m is not a 5870m, nor a 480m but i was expecting a little better performance. i am kinda regretting not getting the higher model that comes with the 5870m. i didn't because this particular one was a good deal at tiger direct for $1,000, probably at least $300 to $500 less than the g73. i just felt the difference between the 5870 and 360 was not enough to justify that extra cash for the games i play.

    i really appreciate you working with me and suggesting tips. besides the disappointing 360m performance, i love this lappie.
     
  24. mooch49

    mooch49 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    it doesn't seem to matter the resolution i game at. i would start with 1920/1080 and go down to 1280/720, still really no difference in fps.
     
  25. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I've asked this question before, but um I just want to make sure my laptop is not a risk with overheating, is it normal for the GPU to run at 91 degrees celcius when playing games? it idles at 35-45 degrees celcius
     
  26. SaxArtist

    SaxArtist Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    13
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Future owner here. I payed for it 2 days ago, and I'll have it on Aug 19. Anyway, I was wondering if you all think it's worth it to buy the Squaretrade warranty. For $200 you get 3 years of accidental damage, parts, and labor. If they can fix it they do, and if it gets "totaled" they reimburse you its original cost. Sounds like a good deal to me. Also, does anyone know if they include depreciation? Couldn't you drop your laptop 3 years down the road when its worth $200 and get the full price back? I don't get it.
     
  27. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If you have enabled everything in the hardware department and are getting miserable performance in games, as you say in the "20's FPS" range, then let me suggest that you give the nice people at Asus a ring and discuss the situation because that sounds ominously like a hardware issue to Rex, unfortunately. It is rare with these GPU's but you can *get a bad one*, and 20's FPS in games is outrageously slow for the performance window of the GTS-360M.

    You should be, minimum, in the 30's to 50's FPS in all of the games you mentioned, and you should be able to boost those FPS's to higher numbers (60-80's) when using nominal resolutions...such as 1280/720 pixels, where the rate should bounce up there to be with desktop machines!

    There is no excuse for the GPU to be performing as yours is, unfortunately, and I seriously recommend that you get some *advice* from the nice Tech Support people at Asus USA in Fremont, CA, on Monday if you cannot resolve this by the weekend...they are most sympathetic about such things, and knowledgeable to some degree about FPS rates in games, as many of the Asus staff play games in online tournaments with the G73 and G51 laptops fyi (!)...ie some are enthusiasts it turns out...suprisingly...but that is Asus Tech Support (or so I've found out!).

    If you can't boost FPS by using some overclocking with EVGA Precision Tool, which I would immediately download and start using if I were you to see if it makes any difference, then it's definitely a hardware issue of some sort because the GTS-360M is no slouch when it comes to games, and I am talking about a vast array of games, from GTA:IV, COD:WAW, Mass Destruction, Rally Gumball, whatever the game is this GPU can shine given the right overclocking and driver setup...even stock things are much, much better than 20FPS!

    At the very least you should be seeing FPS in the 35-50FPS range with the games you mentioned @ 1920 x 1080 pixels, and much higher at the lower resolutions, so somewhere, somehow, there's something screwy with your laptop...at least so it seems to me if everything ie enabled hardware-wise.

    I have a feeling about your laptop, strange as it seems, but I have some heavy-duty ESP from genetics (family history of it), and if you have done everything correctly in terms of software installs and CP installs, then you have every reason to be thinking that your particular GPU is suspect and faulty somehow, hardware-wise. It is a rare GPU that comes out of nVidia faulty, but it can happen, or the install at Asus can be faulty and they miss something in the motherboard, some enabling device or two, and the results are not pretty, as you may be experiencing at this time.

    If you are still within the 30-day window at Tiger Direct I believe you have recourse there as far as documenting a hardware defect with Asus Tech Support, then requesting an exchange unit from Tiger Direct, because they have a pretty liberal exchange policy as long as you watch the timing. Not as good as Amazon.com's of course (30-days exchange/return privilege for virtually any reason!), but good nonetheless, so if push comes to shove, and you can document the hardware defect with a Case Number and Tech Support from Asus pronounces the GPU bad, then Tiger Direct should exchange that unit for one that has a working GPU.

    That is what I wanted to write you tonight, and I wish I had different feelings about it but I don't, as these things sometimes just happen, but in no way should you be feeling that you bought the *wrong laptop* when comparing it to the G73 series, as the nVidia GTS-360M is about 80-90% of the ATI 5870 GPU all day and all night long, and that does not equal 20FPS!

    Good Luck, and I hope that this has given you some perspective on these things, as I don't think we need to be negative about the G51 laptops overall from a bad experience like this, just get it figured out, document things 100%, and if necessary get an exchange G51 from Tiger Direct-- and it really is possible if you know how to deal with those type of people. They are mostly willing to make you a happy customer, and you cannot be with things the way they are, you know?... :cool:


    Do not worry about the GPU getting up to 91+ degrees C in games, as that is normal! If you were to take apart your G51 and look underneath the GPU/CPU cavity, you would see a common copper heat sink for the two devices, and they are only cooled by a single fan, believe it or not! That means things can get a trifle warm in the GPU/CPU departments when intensity strikes, like when doing maximum FPS in games for example, or using the GPU for a Folding@HOme project or two, Hah-Hah!

    Things are quite normal for your GPU so don't fret...it's all good and 35-45 degrees C idling is really quite good! One of our members lives in Singapore and his idles in the 50's!...:cool:


    The Square Trade Warranty is one of the few warranties that is worth the price of admission, should you need such assurances. Many take their chances with laptops, but I am not one of those either, and I have the Asus warranty for 2 years, and by then I'll have another laptop I am certain so after two years I don't consider a laptop warranty for myself to be of concern...but for the 2 years that I DO have the thing I want coverage, and I get it or make certain that the factory warranty covers it.

    I have about fifteen or more (15) devices here in my home covered by Square Trade Warranties, including the Sony laptop which is in my signature, and it's got that 3-year warranty with ADH (Accidental Damage Warranty) strange as it may seem, but I knew I'd be selling the Sony after 1 year was up, so I got the warranty on a special pricing program for a $1500 laptop, ($149 total cost), and I bought it as a selling tool more than any other reason.

    If you are certain that you are keeping the laptop for 3 years then go ahead and get the warranty from Square Trade--however you might check with Asus on Monday if you're in the USA, because you can extend the factory support to be 3 years for a fee also... Check it out, call them on Monday and see what the fees are for doing that with Asus, and that is always preferable to a 3rd party warranty like Square Trade, as long as the fees are reasonable (*and I think they are*)... :cool:
     
  28. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Thx for the info, makes me rest ez knowing my laptop wont blow up xD
     
  29. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    oopps didnt mean to post
     
  30. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hey does anybody know if the neew bios update is anygood, check the asus website its, bios 207...
     
  31. daemon33

    daemon33 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Just want to share, that since being replaced by a brand new unit last July 19, my unit did not have any BSODs up to this day. Maybe I'm lucky this time, well I deserve it since I paid quite a price for it.
     
  32. mooch49

    mooch49 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    thanks for the input. i def think the gpu is not working right. i will give asus a call tomorrow. i have a question about intel boost and p4G. where can i find the driver just for intel turbo, not the app which shows the gadget. i ask because when i put p4g into turbo or extreme mode while the intel turbo boost app is installed, i am not sure which is doing what. for instance whether turbo mode is enabled or not in p4g, the intel turbo monitor shows it going up to 2.8. so how do i know p4g turbo mode is working. sorry for sounding so confused. i am new to lappies. lol.
     
  33. mooch49

    mooch49 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    24
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    it seems this laptop is about to die. its making these squueaky noises. wont even boot. should i return to asus for replacement or send back to tiger direct for refund. what a dud they sent me.
     
  34. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    For starters you need a utility to monitor the CPU, and GPU for all that matters, and there are several, but one is the Standard by which all others are measured, and that is CPU-Z...get it here:

    CPU-Z - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

    Now to really tell what is going on with your computer, and whether the thing is working correctly, you need to put it through some stress tests, bottom line, and I recommend PRIME95 and LinX 0.63 for an ultimate test to see whether things are right in China. PRIME95 is an xlnt long-term test, and by that I mean you should run it ideally overnight without WiFi being turned on so that there is ZERO interference with the program, and then it can do what it does best--tell you whether the CPU/RAM is stable, all Cores are working, and at what speed it is happening.

    LinX 0.63 is the most CPU-intensive test you can give a computer, and it also will tell you whether your RAM is working right as it uses ALL available RAM that the OS isn't using (and I mean ALL of it!) as a sort of theoretical "battering RAM" and tries to break the OS and the physical parts and pieces of the computer all at the same time...it is almost VIOLENT in its actions, and it will test a computer 110%, all systems at the same time, and when you are done with a LinX test you will know how good, or bad things really are with a given CPU and RAM setup, at what speed things are good, etc.

    I use LinX 0.6.3, but that may be unavailable at this time, so I host it at my web site for others to download...the current version is, I think, 0.64, but I don't prefer it for a reason or two and use the earlier version. I test each and every computer that I maintain and build with those two utilities, without fail, to make sure that everything is good and the hatches battened down so to speak, when I am finished with a build, add new equipment, parts or pieces, or if I am in need of a stability check for one reason or another.

    Those are my tools, and you could do the same with your G51, to be certain that it's all working 100%, if you have any questions about your performance or CPU stability, RAM stability, etc. Google those topics, do some reading, and figure on spending a couple hours with each test minimum, to be certain that things are aok fine with your CPU and RAM, and cooling system also.

    Now you need to MONITOR what those tests are doing also, you don't just flatten the computer with those tests and randomly say, "Oh, it's ok"...you view the progress of a given test with a couple test aids, and one is Real Temp for checking the temperatures of the Cores and the CPU itself, and the GPU also for that matter, because you cannot do testing without gauges. Use CPU-Z for monitoring the CPU and Mhz per se, and between the tests and the gauges you will quickly know what is up with your G51.

    Good luck, and if you have any specific questions about any of the above feel free to write me a PM, and we can discuss this perhaps more fully and completely... :cool:
     
  35. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Lucky my arse daemon33, it's simple: you finally got what you paid for! I would have been incensed and fully pissed if something happened to my laptop like happened to yours, and I would not have rested until things were right. I recall what happened to your situation, and all I can say is "Good for you!"

    My G51 has been letter-perfect since Day No.1, and I don't feel lucky at all about it: Asus is supposed to build 100% functional laptops, with all the cylinders firing in order, GPU and CPU that works 100% without fail, and barring anything less they would earn my wrath...We pay awfully good $$$'s for the privilege of complaining, don't you think?

    I just ran 3DMark06 for the 1st time since new on this G51JX-A1 and I am pleased to report that nothing has degraded over time, and that EVGA's Precision overclocking tool works 100% on my GPU, plus the overclocking seems to enhance scoring to the tune of about 1000 points!

    This is how these notebooks should be performing, and I have no doubt that this one will continue to perform 100% and perhaps even improve a little as GPU drivers get better and better, as hopefully they should do.

    As a group we are a very critical body of people from all walks of life and work, and our common bond are these laptops. So let's stick together when it comes to troubled times, and as they say in Rome, "Strength in numbers!" :cool:
     
  36. daemon33

    daemon33 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Well said rexrzer727 :)

    BTW what drivers are you using? I am at 197.16, Im thinking of upgrading drivers to the 258 series.
     
  37. Rhinosaur

    Rhinosaur Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I just purchased a G51JX-X3 from Amazon. Only $999 with free shipping. :D

    I have a question, has anyone found any skins or stickers that fit the lid of the laptop?

    I'll be carrying mine around the office and I fear that my awesome "Republic of Gamers" machine may not be well looked upon.

    Edit: Also, has anyone had any experience or can recommend www.schtickers.com? If their stickers look decent, they might be a good alternative.
     
  38. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Question, I've heard mention of a Turbo mode for P4G... I now have v1.25 but I only see High Performance, is that the equivalent of Turbo... or is there something I need to do to see Turbo Mode...

    Right and any reviews on the newest bios (207) would be great
     
  39. oneb1t

    oneb1t Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    127
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    just updated to new 207 bios and nothing changed at all :D
    same stability and performance as on 206
    flashed it via winflash with no problems
     
  40. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Thx for the information! Ill be sure to look into updating to it myself



    Another question whats a good 3DMark06 Score
    and what settings sould i hae the test on :/
     
  41. oneb1t

    oneb1t Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    127
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    it depends on your configuration ;-)
    around 9000-9600 with default configuration
    10000-11000 overclocked
    if you want to see intel turbo boost there is program called hwinfo32
     
  42. Jack2727

    Jack2727 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    196
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    if i recall correctly, on default i roughly got 8000
     
  43. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Did you get that figured out yet Jack?

    Turbo and Extreme Turbo are in the smallest of places on that
    Control Panel, on the lower, left side of the panel click on that
    Pop-Up and Voila! There you so...Turbo and Extreme Turbo!

    Hope you got it before now...but just in case that's where those
    settings are... :cool:

    And welcome to our group! :)
     
  44. ninedragon

    ninedragon Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    37
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    @rexrzer727:

    Where do the G51JX-A1 take air in to cool the laptop?
     
  45. Lomas1

    Lomas1 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
  46. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Two areas of interest, which you should never block with anything:

    1) the keyboard and surrounding areas of the top chassis

    2) various vents on the bottom of the laptop, especially from R to L

    This is why I always use a notebook cooler with this laptop, ie the bottom vents, and you never want to block them for any reason...such as when people literally have them on their lap, on top of clothes or a pillow, whatever, as that directly blocks the air vents on the bottom! Use a notebook cooler, everybody, it pays off in many fine ways!

    The keyboard you never have to worry about blocking, of course, but just in case you wondered what it did, it also is a source for cool air for the fan.

    Good question, and one that a lot of folks just don't understand. :cool:
     
  47. rexrzer727

    rexrzer727 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    792
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'm still where you are, since there seems to be no real benefit to changing unless you want slightly higher test scores, which is debatable in any case. I find no benefit to changing drivers in desktops or laptops unless there's a drastic change in the driver write itself, and a huge benefit in performance (read, hardly ever this is the case, if ever!)...

    One laptop where there is a good reason to change is my UL30VT-X1, which OEM has a "hybrid driver" made by Asus in a proprietary manner, whereby it doesn't work in any other GPU but the nVidia G210M in the UL30VT-X1/A1. So I changed those to the hybrid drivers that some of the posters concocted in that Forum, and the GPU works much, much better than with the OEM drivers. But that is hardly the issue with our G51 laptop.

    If there are good reasons to change for the sake of performance in our laptop then somebody please show me "Where's the Beef?" and I'll change...but up to now no takers on that idea. :cool:
     
  48. farfus

    farfus Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I saw this on sale early monday, also, but decided against it. It doesnt have as good a rating as the ASUS N61JV-X2 on Amazon, although im sure if you get a good one it can be a very good laptop. Overall im getting the impression its just a crapshoot, you have about a 50-50 chance of getting a really good running machine against one that craps out almost the minute you get it...
     
  49. jezzer

    jezzer Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    My Unit seems to have major problems on every aspect :(
    Still deciding if im gonna send it back and get my money (since retailer is out of stock)
    Or let ASUS repair it. Kinda insane for an out of the box unit but ASUS itself does not want to swap it :S

    But now i found out that the screen has no single good viewing angle. Especially when gaming u will allways have a bad angle, there are always parts on the screen shown in negative wich really sucks. Also the overal screen has major backlight bleed wich gives a white annoying glow over the colors!

    Made a vid of the bad viewing angle. U can check it here. YouTube - ‪G51JX Bad Viewing Angle‬‎
    The only good angle is when the lid is almost closed but that is unviewable and also the backlight bleed is massive then
    Do all Units have such a bad angle with no single good viewing point?

    I really need to decide if im refunding it and if the bad viewing cant be solved with a new screen im done with it..

    Thanks for replying in advance
     
  50. Rhinosaur

    Rhinosaur Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Yeah, I know there is a bit of a risk involved (especially in my case, since I am an overseas customer). However, I hardly think that it would be as bad as 50/50 or, at least, I hope not!

    I am not that concerned, though. Many of the common problems seem to be solvable with a BIOS upgrade or things like that. A good part of the complaints do not seem to be hardware related. Plus, all the reviews are highly positive and I really like the bigger resolution on the screen.

    The only thing that concerns me is the quality of the keyboard. I have seen mixed opinions. Do any owners care to weigh in on the quality of the keyboards?
     
← Previous pageNext page →