Asus G73JH-B1 Owners Lounge

i've got no VAT to pay.. hehe... anyways , still praying.. this is a joke.. as guy with a similar thing as me had his clear customs in 2 days.. its more than 2 days now.. all i can do is pray.

 

Sean I think you meant to say its the same as A1 but....

 

My B1 *should* be here tomorrow. Ordered it through amazon by way of Mobile advance. Will be doing some experimentation, and I'll post the results.

 

Quick update: I reinstalled windows 7 from scratch and popped the Asus driver dvd in and chose what I wanted to install. None of the Asus apps, except Power4Gear. Overall a much nicer Windows experience.

The latest ATI driver/catalyst still did NOT work, but the stock is fine for my needs (the 5 year old Enemy Territory).

Currently contemplating an SSD...hmmm

 

u can do the simple GSOD fix by installing the new vBIOS from Asus Gaming forum.. and still no change.. 3 days.. this is a joke.. and a disgrace.

 

Mine just came out of customs with charges.. hopefully there isn't any as its warranty repair. ..

 

I was looking forward to getting a G73 model...even a lesser one via Best Buy but now...I'm terribly frightened about anything ASUS...

I hope you keep us posted.

 

I was just like you man, but the problems on the g73 are fixable and most important issues have been resolved by Gary and his crew at Asus.
The g73Jh is the ultimate gaming machine, most people on here would agree and it is at a very competitive price for this kind of system setup.
I didnt think twice, i had my eyes on this baby since day one!

My B1 is packed and ready to ship! 2 more weeks or so till i finnaly get my hands on it!

 

alright, I'm less worried then. I am on a budget though I'd love to splurge heavily. It seemed like a great price for a pretty good spec'd machine and awesomely cooled as well.

 

I received my g73jh-b1 tuesday and i must say i'm so satisfied with this laptop it's crazy. I had a sony vaio before and it's nowhere near as fast and awesome as this Asus laptop.

So the B1 revision was to add the bluray drive instead of the Dvd drive that was on the A2 and to change for a I7 740 instead of a 720.

ANYWAY THIS IS A GAMING BEAST.

If you have any questions it'll be my pleasure to help if i can.

 

Hi my new B1 kicks . Paid 2000.00 CDN at local store Could use some help and advice on customizing it. If anyone wants to help I would like to get together on windows live. Thanks

 

Got my B1 at last! Review up soon!

 

I just ordered mine, arrives Teusday. Decided on this model over the g73JW. I still like the 5870 over the 460m, and the 3d and usb 3.0 couldn't switch me over!

Can't wait to hear your review Sean!

 

hahahaha finally eh, congratulations sean

 

Hey guys. I've enjoyed the G73JH discourse on this forum enough to sign up and jump in the fray. I'm about to buy a G73JH-B1 myself, and I really want to see how things pan out for owners of this new model.

To be honest after hearing about all the GSOD problems caused by installing the latest drivers for the 5870, and the lack of an official fix by ASUS... I have seriously considered sacrificing some performance and instead getting the G73JW with the 460m.

Sean, I am very interested to know a few things about your new B1... does it come with the 211 bios? Are you going to install the latest video drivers and test for GSODs with and without the unofficial vbios fix posted by Gary?

I would much rather get the G73JH-B1 than the G73JW, but I'm uncomfortable not being able to install the latest video drivers for the 5870 without causing system instability.

I've been beta testing FFXIV using Win7 under bootcamp on my MacBook Pro, and it runs pretty bad even on the lowest settings. I'm going to buy a new system for the retail release in a few weeks. I was originally looking at the Alienware Laptops (m15x), but they are so gaudy I would feel like a huge dork carrying around a laptop that looks like that. Additionally I've heard of quality issues with the Alienware laptops ever since they became a part of Dell.

I like the more reserved design of the G73 series, and the performance and price point can't be argued.

Anyway, I'm eager to hear the rest of your review... please let it involve the latest 5870 drivers (what are they at like v11 now?), and how your system reacts.

EDIT: My bad, I see you have the 10.8 drivers installed for the first bit of your review. Have you experienced any issues as a result of installing these?

Cheers.

 

I'm not Sean but I can tell you that I got my B1 from GentechPC like Sean did. The B1 just arrived in my country and i have to wait till the next day to get it.. argh.. but anyways..

The issues that you have is solvable. I asked Ken @ Gentech to update the BIOS, vBIOS and Drivers before they shipped it. They were happy to do it for me and I have to say waiting for the B1 to become labeld as "IN STOCK" was a pain when i pre-ordered it. But one thing i can tell you... It shipped FAST and im in Taiwan. Just 3 days and it arrived... HOW QUICK IS THAT OMG

I think with the new vBios out and all, alot of people seems to have stopped posting (my guess is that they're too busy playing games that couldnt be played before with the older vBIOS)

You could contact Ken @ GentechPC, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM (like most people on here would agree!)

Good luck!

 

Ey, I just called over to GentechPC and talked to Ken. Told him he came highly recommended, I think he was flattered. Lol.

But yeah, he is more than willing to install the latest drivers and VBIOS before shipping... apparently they do it for every g73jh they ship! Thats definitely above and beyond the service I expected. Even after that and hardware customization, they only have a 3 day turn around!

Thanks for the suggestion, I'm most definitely going to order a B1 from them next week.

 

i had 211 BIOS installed.. no new vBIOS because it wasn't out or something.. i installed it myself. I installed 10.8 and played BC2.. getting about 30fps with 1920X1080 , DX11 , MSAA X4 AA X8.. which is awesome.. HBAO off of course.. hits fps hard.. i post a few screenshots as i play more games... HAWK one should be taken today. I'm still playing so my review will take a while.

 

Hello Sean, just got mine today and so far have to say absolutely amazing. I did notice it came with old 8.something ati driver. How exactly did u install 10.8, through catalyst by right clicking on desktop and using control center, or did u download from website and install? Everythin is going so well i dont want to mess anything up!

 

Huge images are huge.

 

fixed it. Sorry as it was my first time using that service.

I uninstalled everything and went to ATI's website and searched for 10.8.. downloaded their package which then downloaded the driver. Full steps below

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...e-graphics-cards-drivers-windows-7-vista.html

Gaming Pics will be up soon... got massive full HD 5 Mb shots so i'm resizing etc.

 

hi there, i just ordered my G73JH-B1; could someone tell me what i should do to have it running like a charm? should i update the graphic card drivers? the vBios? any recomendations?
i'd also appreciate if you could please leave the instructions to do so, or the links to where the instructions are, thanks.

one more thing, what is the benefit from updating the graphic card drivers and the vbios?

 

I can leave instructions in my review when i'm done. Basically , new drivers improve game performance in newer games as they're better optimised for them compared to older drivers thus u should always update. Te new vBIOS helps a lot especially on G73 as it makes the laptop stable wit newer drivers so it is a must. You can also update the synaptics drivers using hp ones which can be found on forum. That's pretty much all of what i did. I also uninstalled asus live update, trend micro anit-virus and recovery disk maker as they're useless.. that's all i did. Just remember to make ur recovery disks before uninstalling.

 

hey thanks a lot, i guess ill be trying that after i make my recover disks, thanks
ill be waitting for your instructions, so i can get started as soon as i get my hands on that monster

 

I'll try my best. I myself aren't 100% sure what to do but in my last post i have highlighted what you have to do basically. Gaming Pics of BC2 and HAWKS going up.

 

Thanks man, that's much better.

Probably isn't helped by the fact that I was using my A300 at the time though, lol.

 

I need some advice. I uninstalled the ati drivers though device manager. downloaded the 10.8 from ati, and tried to install. I could not get anything to happen. I would click through the install process, and then after a few steps, no response. I drove it to best buy and paid $29 for geek squad to install the 10.8 drivers. They said they did, but when i check driver version in device manager, it still says 8.8 something? Am I looking in the right place to see what drivers i have installed? If not, how do i check?

Thanks for any help!

 

I just got my B1, and IM LOVING IT

off to play games!

 

@DigiGrinder: The display driver is 8.762 for the Catalyst 10.8 driver package. To check your installation, right click on the desktop and select Catalyst Control Center. When open, click on Graphics, then Information Center and Graphics Software. It should look like this:

​

 

I guess I should have understood better before I pulled the trigger, but I'm expecting my B1 tomorrow and am getting more confused about the important updates.

Earlier in the thread, Gary Key's post was quoted, the one in which he wrote what seemed like a fairly complicated update procedure, but, Sean, you seem to be saying the B1 needs just a straightforward ATI Catalyst and drivers update.

What about the vBIOS flashing and using a USB drive and all that?

Thanks in advance for any soothing words of encouragement...

 

Thanks Revalator!
Mine Shows river Packaging Version 8.683-091217a-092929C
Provider ATI Technologies Inc.
2D Driver Version 8.01.01.984
2D Driver File Path /REGISTRY/MACHINE/SYSTEM/ControlSet001/Control/CLASS/{4D36E968-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}/0000
Direct3D Version 8.14.10.0716
OpenGL Version 6.14.10.9236
Catalyst™ Control Center Version 2009.1217.1632.29627

Looks like the tech didn't update my drivers.

Everything seems to be working perfect the way it is though, should i just not rock the boat?

 

Cary, don't regret your decision! This machine is unelievable.

 

Those date back to December, 2009, but they are noted for their stability and are widely distributed with new machines. If you are satisfied with the performance, there is no compelling need to update, but you will want to eventually. The newer drivers are more efficient, generally faster and eliminate various game-specific glitches, but again, no rush. Enjoy your new beast for the moment, and upgrade at your leisure.

 

Just ordered My B1 day before yesterday off of amazon. I also placed an order for a 17" notebook cooler by Zalman (their ZM-NC2000 series) and a 1TB Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex External Hardrive. I will be stickin around this forum for all the knowledge held therein.
Thanks to Sean for starting this forum.

 

That is because the GPU is place on the right and the CPU on the left.

YouTube - Asus G73Jh Disassembly Take Apart G73 Replace Video Card G73 service manual

 

Just FYI-
My g73jh b1 came with 211 vbios installed, and the upgraded 8 gb 1333ghz ram, which was a nice suprise since it was listed that i would get the 1033ghz version.

I play WoW on Ultra settings, 60 fps in dalaran, and well over 150+ in other zones.

Photoshop, Expression Web 4, Visual Studio 2010 run flawless, and no keyboard lag to speak of so far.

 

After watching the BTOTECH disassembly video, I don't want this g73jh because of the keyboard issues. Just trying to get the keyboard off causes lots of problems with it. I wonder how many of the keyboard issues discussed here were on machines that had repasting done.

My B1 is coming today; I'm going to refuse it. Ridiculous that a tinfoil keyboard is attached with two sided tape like that. Of course it is going to tear and warp when removed!

 

Quick question. I will be using this plugged in 99% of the time. Should i remove the battery, or just leave it in? I had heard that it will save the life of the batter if i remove it, any truth to that?

 

Cary, I think the b-1 fixed many of the issues, my keyboard works perfect, no lag at all.

 

These have been some great reviews.

I am buying a G73JH-B1 when I get back home from work.

A few questions though. Any suggestions for a cooling pad? Cost/noise aren't an issue. I want something that's very efficient in keeping this laptop cold.

Also, anyone have other modifications to help the performance/longevity of it?

Would really appreciate the replies.

Thanks!

 

Just buy from a reseller like gentech who do a proper repaste unlike xotic... you won't need a cooling pad. The GPU barely hits 80C in games and the whole notebook is really cool unlike my Dv5t.. speaking of it , someone buy it.. its excellent for a multimedia pc but crap for gaming.

 

A question for G73JH owners.

1. What is the BIOS recovery procedure for a failed flash.

Thanks.

 

I'm not sure about that. Just trying to update some images but fileshack not working.. i'll try to put some pics tomorrow. Just completed HAWK yesterday. I'll see if i have any new games

 

Thanks for the Gentech site suggestion. Never thought of it.

I was going to just pay in person and pick it up, but I think it's even better of a deal going through Gentech.

The upgrades I can get will be better too.

Not sure if I'll get SSD drives though....

 

Now I'm debating if I want G73JH-B1 or get the G73JW...

ATI or Nvidia...

 

ATI for sure.. just buy from online reseller and make them test ur unit and u shouldn't have any problems.

 

more pics up.

 

OK, I am obviously new to these forums, but am not new to the topic. i am ordering a g73 model of some sort, and have narrowed it down to to the g73jh b1 most likely because it has a better cpu than the a1, and I am just curious as to why the support techs at gentech and xotic (Both VERY knowledgeable and helpful by the way. (Hutsady at xotic was extremely friendly and helpful, I said I'd recommend them) both seemed to recommend I invest in the g73jw model with the nvidia gpu instead, but I am leaning more towards the ATI because of the obvious performance advantage....or is it really that much better. according to the techs, nvidias new drivers are supposed to increase performance by 15% or so. Also I am really curious as to whether the GSOD issues and other problems are as prevalent with the B1 as they seemed to be with the A series.
Does anyone have a real world figure as to the percentage of owners that seem to have these problems? I know that if you are looking for problem reports on forums, you will find them in abundance, because if people DONT have problems, they tend to not post very often, so I need to know some hard statistics if anyone can provide them.
Also, is it really advisable to go ahead and order the TIM paste upgrade? i could do it myself, but for the price of the laptop, I really do not feel like borking my system if I make a mistake, when i could just pay 75 bucks and have it done for me and still have the warranty.
Thank you for reading my post, and I sincerely appreciate any comments and help that you guys might have to offer. I hope to be a member of this family very soon. (waiting on the wonderful thing known as FINANCIAL AID) lol

 

Hey sean473 do you happen to have a link to your images? interested in seeing this beast in action thanks!

 

to be frank , whether u get the JW or JH ur going to have some disadvantages in each case.. in JH , u have no USB3.0 .. while in JW u have an NVIDIA card... which is weaker.. its really down to your choice of ATI or NVIDIA.. i chose ATI as i really didn't have good experiences with NVDIA... now as for repase, better have it done by the pros.. u can do it yourself but its very complicated and if your break something , you void your warranty..

look at the first 2 posts in the thread.. my gaming pics are there... i'll have more up as i play more games