Asus G53SW Owners' Lounge

Yes it is fine, I ran a monitor through mine for a month or 2 when I wanted a larger screen. I just plugged in all my peripherals, turned it on and closed the lid. Just like using a desktop. Then I got my server and needed the monitor for it, so I just switched out. Your be fine, the cooling comes from the bottom mainly, with a little coming from the keyboard I believe, but don't quote me on it. Ultimately, it runs cool either way.

 

I'm supposed to be getting the laptop today and I was wondering what I should do off the start in terms of drivers, etc. I saw some posts about performing a clean install, do I have to torrent a windows 7 iso and then use the cd key with the laptop in order to do that? Are there any special driver links or can I just get them off the nvidia/asus website? Thanks in advance

 

I'm glad to be a new member of the asus g53sw owners club! Question about warranties. For the Newegg Asus G53SW-XN1 owners out there:

How long is the manufacturer/accidental damage warranties? I've read in these forums some G53 notebooks come with 2 years warranties when you register at asus. Does this notebook qualify for 2 years also?

Also, where is the best place to buy warranties for the notebook and how much did you pay?

 

It's here!!! and the power button worked! xD Hopefully, it doesn't die. Can someone please answer my questions from the previous post?
Thanks xD

 

Personally, not unless you upgrade I wouldn't. I did because I added an SSD drive to mine and run windows off of it. Note to self.....I still need to update the firmware on it. If you don't plan on any changes just go delete the Micro Trend anti-virus offer if you already have an anti-virus and then any of the other goodies that you think you won't want. I'd also delete the AI Recovery portion and the Asus automatic updates program.

I repartitioned mine and put windows on the SSD and then reloaded the drivers off the disk. After that I updated windows using windows update, that took a lot of time, then go back and update any drivers you want to via the Asus website.

 

so 99% i'm going to buy this one... i'm only a bit concerned about the touchpad buttons. i hate using the touchpad itself to "click", but i heard the touchpad buttons are irritating. is this true?

found the g53SW @ $1099 from BTOtech... i was really tempted to buy the G74SX-XR1, but it costs about $220 more and i heard there really isn't a great leap in performance

 

Newegg.com - ASUS G Series G53SW-XN1 Notebook Intel Core i7 2630QM(2.00GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M

Only 793 after rebate, I would get this unless you want the A1

 

any noticeable difference between the 2?

 

nope they are the same save for the RAM, HDD and 1 extra year of warranty of the A1. You can use the saving you get from newegg to buy all that stuff and more.

 

A1 is about 1200 on newegg with only 2 extra gigs of RAM and 250 GB extra HDD. I would just buy the XN-1 (which i did xD). However, there have been complaints about power button problems from the XN-1 version. However, I wouldn't worry too much because newegg and asus both have great RMA policies if anything goes wrong. It might only be a hassle if you live overseas; otherwise, I would get the XN-1. You'd be much better off saving all the money and investing it in RAM and a SDD that you could install yourself.

 

can I get another opinion on my question near the top of page 116?

 

very helpful dragon & reke, big thanks! i'm a bit worried about the power button issue, because you see, I do live abroad (Europe)... so there are less power button issues from the A1? worth spending extra bucks to be safely covered. has anyone here heard of power button issues from the A1? or better still, has anyone here on these forums experienced it? because if it's a common issue, i think it's better to fork out an extra 220 dollars for a G74

 

Well, the A1 is 1049 here.

Let's see, to make the G53SW-XN1 like the A1, this is what is needed.
2 Year warranty: $90 from newegg
250GB 7200 Hard Drive: $50 from newegg
Extra 2GB Ram 1333: Varies, so I'll say $15
Backpack: minimum of $30 if you want a decent one that will fit it good.
Mouse: It's about $30 for the mouse that comes with it, or any mouse as good.

So:
Laptop: $893
Mail rebate(-100): $793
2 year warranty(+90): $883
250GB hard drive(+50): $933
2GB of ram(+15): $948
Backpack(+30): $978
Mouse(+30): $1008

That's with all speculated pricing, each could be more or less. If you pay an extra $42:

You don't have to deal with mail in rebates.
You get all your stuff in one package.
You don't have to open up the laptop, which apparently is complicated.
You get a big 750GB hard drive instead of 250GB and a 500GB, so you can add another later.
You get your piece of mind that it won't have a power button issue, since many of the newegg one's do.

So, if you have no problem with opening up your new laptop, have a backpack that your sure will fit the laptop, a good enough mouse, or don't even care about the differences, and just want to save money, the XN1 may be for you.

But, for many others, the A1 version is the better choice, for all the reasons I listed.

 

I agree with your reasons 100%. I picked the XN1 because I didnt need the extra hard drive space or ram.

I hope you like the laptop. I just received mine today and am opening it now to play with!

 

oops, spoke too soon. Won't even turn on! So what do i do now?

So was I supposed to wait 10 minutes or something? Because the computer magically turned on in one press of the power button 10 minutes later.

 

See if the problem persist, if yes then contact Newegg for RMA

 

I'll have to if the computer continues to lag as bad as it has. Basically, I haven't done a thing. I just opened up internet explorer and it lagged so bad. Then trying to navigate windows was such a hassle with it asking to close the program on every click. I don't know how my machine can handle games if it can't handle windows.

I'll see how tomorrow goes and if the computer improves its performance with windows updates update etc.

 

Software-wise please if windows update doesnt help, try a fresh install of windows and see if it helps. Hardware-wise regards my previous post

 

Where can you find the latest video drivers for the XN1? I performed a clean install and it won't let me install the drivers on the nvidia website

 

Please go to laptopvideo2go, look for 285.27 or the one you want and dont forget to download the modded inf also.

 

Doesn't work, I keep getting the error, "the graphics driver could not find compatible graphics hardware"

 

how about this?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...pdate-nvidia-drivers-any-windows-version.html

*courtesy of Kingpinzero*

 

Yea, power issue occured again this morning. I couldnt get it to turn on. Definitely going back. Will call newegg soon. Any advice on what to say to them?

 

Well, they should be quite familiar with this issue, since so many of the reviews said it had a power button issue. Just tell them the power button doesn't work, and they should know what your talking about.

 

Thanks! just did that. Said it will be 2 weeks without a computer though. kinda bummed and it's out of stock so she couldnt guarantee when I can get it next.

 

I am a new owner with the G53SW and have a couple questions. I tried a 90 degree LC53 connector for the power cable, but the connection must have been loose because it keeps switching to battery power. I have no problems with the normal power cord. I sent back the connector and am wondering if I just got a bad connector or if others have had this same problem.
Secondly, I have the default memory (4gb + 2gb). Any thoughts on if it is worth upgrading to 4gb+4gb to match the sticks for dual channel? If so, does anybody know the make/model of the ram to better match the 4gb stick? Thanks.

 

Don't sweat it! Same thing happened to me and they sent me a label to send it back with and as soon as they received it they simply sent me a new laptop. Had mine for a week and have been loving it. First decent laptop I've had in ages since I used to use my work laptop for gaming and that had a NVS165 or something like that in it.

 

I just added another 4GB stick under the keyboard. Not sure how much better performance I'd get with paired RAM. Does anybody know if the stock one under the keyboard is the 4 or the 2 gb stick?

 

Thanks Morpheus and repped!

How long from the day you shipped it out until you received the replacement at your home?

 

Thanks dragon! +1 rep

 

i think the problem is with your newly bought connector. Mine works just fine.

You dont need 4x4 to get dual channel as it show in CPU-Z. Also the improvement is tiny, you cant see much. Anyway the stock RAM is Elixir IIRC.

 

I just recieved my G53SW-A1, and it has two partitions.

One is 279GB, and one is 394GB.

That adds to 673GB, is it normal for it to have this much less that 750GB.

Just asking, I've never had this big of a hard drive.

 

Hi Guys, Have just ordered my Asus G53SW online, $1250 from electronics bazaar in Australia, they are cheaper in the US but not worth the hassle of getting it over here, then there's the warranty concerns etc.. Anyway specs are as follows.
Core i7 2630QM 2.9GHZ
500GB 8GB
1.5GB GTX460

These specs are probably more than what I need but the one thing I do want to do is add a SSD drive. So just want your opinion on which direction I should go.. Do I get a small SSD and just use that for booting windows etc?
Get a larger SSD and have windows and other small apps installed on that, using it for my main computing etc whilst storing videos, pictures and some older games/less used games on the HDD, I was thinking 64GB-128GB would be enough (currently only using 100GB on my current lappy)
Or go all out and just buy a massive SSD down the track when I can afford it and run everything off it while using the HDD for backup/other storage..

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!! sorry if this has been covered before! cheers guys/girls

 

Generally, you get a small drive for boot/some programs, and put everything else on the other drive. Basically, choose 60ish GB, or 120ish GB depending on if you think you'll want a lot of programs on the ssd, or some games on it. If you just want to boot faster, than 60ish should be enough.

 

Normally it should be around 697.7GB, you sure you count the total space not just the free space? 'cause its normal for windows to take up to 20GB of you hard drive but it will show.

Just buy 60-120Gb is kinda enough. Put your data in a second normal HDD and put programs you use most often in the SSD. Once you have a taste of it you wont want to go back.

 

Are you 100% sure 697.7GB is how much the G53SW-A1 always has? If so, that's a reason to return this laptop, since it obviously has a problem. I did count the total space, not just free space.

Edit: I'm not just returning it for that, it has signs of use, as if it is a used laptop. Also the chassis on the top left is cracked open a bit, so I can see the inside. Really weird washer marks on the wrist area, and the touch pad buttons have permanent wear, that looks like from pressing the buttons too much.

Very disappointed, I would recommend no one buy it from B&H, or anything if this is the kind of thing they do.

 

Heya, everyone..!

Newbie in this forum..=)
Have been gone through whole pages on this thread for the last couple of days..nearly decided to purchase this laptop..!

Now still looking for some bargains, it's really expensive here in Australia..*sigh*

The one I am interested is G53SW-FHD-SZ143V (which is one of few G53SW series available here).
Does anyone know what brand the wireless card is for this type?

I am also not really a gamer (haven't played games for ages) and want to plot this machine for graphic editing (Photoshop) and some light programming..hopefully it is not an overkill..

Nice meeting you all...! =)

 

The 20+ GB that are "missing" is probably due to the recovery partition occupying that space.

 

+1 for the recovery partition, probably hidden, and +1 for the 60/120gb max for the ssd.

 

Cheers for all the help guys! will def just go for a 60Gig.
I found mine on the electronics bazaar website, its an Australian site, They had the G53SW for $1250, no mention of which series it is. But if your not interested in Blu-ray or a stock SSD hard drive then its the cheapest one out there. Even includes a 'free' upgrade to 8gb of RAM. I sent them an email first enquiring about warranty and the sandy bridge defect (just to make sure its the revised version) and in their reply they offered free express post upgrade and said they would beat and lower price if I could find one. Hope this helps!
Buy Asus G53sw Core i7 2630QM 2.9GHZ 500GB 8GB 1.5GB GTX460 From Electronic Bazaar

 

oh yeah damn sorry! I totally forgot about the recovery partition. Changed mine to an SSD and a terabyte hard drive so yeah...

 

Wow, thanks a lot tsnowdon..!

I probably want to put an SSD by myself (never done it, but will give a go) if I go for this one.

Also, is having a Blu-ray really beneficial? That is one I am considering as well.

So, what was their reply for warranty and the revision? What did they mean by free post upgrade? Is it if the product is not the 2nd revision then they upgrade it for free?

I am still considering G53SW or Lenovo Thinkpad W520

W520 Specs:
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition
Intel Quad Core i7-2720QM @ 2.2ghz (3.2 Turbo) 1333mhz/6MB cache
8GB PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 (2 x 4GB) 16GB Max
Nvidia Quadro 1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Widescreen and WWAN antenna (95% color gamut, anti-glare)
720p Integrated Camera
500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
Intel Centrino Advanced-N WiFi 6205
8x DVD/RW Dual Layer Burner

How is this compared to either the SZ143V or the one tsnowdon mention?

I never use Asus laptop before. Only Toshiba Satellite and then Thinkpad X61. Not sure about that "business" class or whatever laptop classification..

 

@tsnowdon

I found this one ebay

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Asus-G53sw-Core-i7-2630QM-2-9GHZ-500GB-8GB-1-5GB-GTX460-/140596272271

The same one with electronic bazaars?

 

Okay, so I sent back the laptop, and plan to get another, but I noticed it didn't have a new revision sticker. Did the G53SW-A1's get a new revision like the G73SW? If so, how would I know if I have the new revision?

 

no idea about the A1 version but the XN1 have a little sticker right next to those nvidia, intel core i7 thingy

 

Does G53SW-A1 originally come with DVD Super Multi? Or does it have other option with Blu-Ray?

I saw on newegg that i came with DVD; just checked on ebay there was one offering A1 with Blu-Ray plus DVD Super Multi...

 

They said it was the new revised sandy bridge CPU, (intel had a problem with them a while back resulting in massive recals) The warranty is for one year, so unfortunatly not the full 2 years. Normally they only offer standard post, 3-5 working days, but offered me express post 1-3 days (because I emailed them expressing interest). Bluray is a personal choice really. I dont have any bluray movies and if I did i'd probably just watch them on the PS3 rather than fiddle around with HDMI cable and plug my laptop into the tv... So bluray wasnt needed for me. But if your a hardcore gamer im sure they will start bringing out games on bluray soon, so that might be something to look out for. I also saw that same one on ebay, but if you look closely its not brand new, it's been refurbished by the manufacturer. Most likely some one has purchased it, something has gone wrong, they got it changed over and then Asus or a service agent has fixed any problems with it. It is cheaper but when you look at it with postage its only +$70 for the brand new EBazaar lappy. Hope this helps! :-D

 

Yea, I just realised that refurbished information..

Thanks a bunch for your help..! =)

Now tempting for this, haha..

I don't really play games; haven't played for long time now. I don't have any console games or (F)HDTV either.

Tempting to watch Blu-Ray movies if I go with this but i prefer to download actually. I mean if I can purchase movies online, download and store them on hard drive to save some physical space in my place..Is there any service like this? Other than itunes..

So, probably spend $$$ to buy SSD? =b

But still considering W520 though..any thoughts..?

 

By the way, when will you get yours?
Could you please give an update once you try it? =)

 

I have a G53SW-XN1 ( this one) and would like to upgrade from its default 6GB of RAM. What type(s) of RAM should I be looking for? Thanks.