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    Asus M51Ta Owners' Lounge

    Discussion in 'ASUS Reviews and Owners' Lounges' started by Tshroom, Aug 10, 2008.

  1. paulemeister

    paulemeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm really getting to like this laptop. It seems to run much more quiet than before.

    but it's a shame that some inofficial site offers this bios update and asus does not!
    in conclusion I'll never buy again a notebook based on good hardware...
    and I won't buy any asus products anymore...

    nevertheless I hope linux battery performance will be improved.
     
  2. giangy11

    giangy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    hi
    i've the same notebook, version x56ta (zm-80, hd3650,3gb, amd puma)

    i want to know if someone has tried to install win7 x64 with all drivers working fine...
    specially regarding vga drivers, hd3200 and hd3650, does vista 64's drivers works good?
    i've tried but win7 doesn't more recognize hd3650 after catalyst 9.2 installed
    (by default both vga are recognized by win7, but i can't switch because ccc isn't installed)

    have i got to install before south-bridge driver and after 9.2 catalyst driver?

    and for windows XP is it the same problem?

    thank you
     
  3. giangy11

    giangy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    did someone upgraded ram to 4gb? (with x64 os)

    does it run better now?
     
  4. paulemeister

    paulemeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't know what you are up to do with your laptop but upgrading from 3 to 4 gb ram won't affect the laptop's general performance. of course some applications and simultanious use of many applications will benefit from your ram upgrade.
     
  5. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is anyone having any issues still? I'm running Vista x64 Business, with the Catalyst off the ASUS CD (I think they are 8.5), though I've tried the 9.2 Catalyst as well.

    My laptop gives me hell any time I try to boot up on battery power. It always crashes 3-4 times, and then is fine. I get errors like PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGED_AREA and messages about unrecoverable hardware errors, but often there isn't even an error and it just goes black and resets.

    Additionally, when running on the 3200, if I standby the laptop, it will come back up with no fan speed issue, but it will hard reset with no error just several minutes later.

    One thing I don't have installed is Power4Gear. Is anyone else having any issues, or do you have any suggestions? I really don't want to RMA the laptop, and I still think software is to blame.

    Bacon612 or one of you other experts want to chime in?
     
  6. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    houndeyex: what BIOS version are you using? Have you tried the searching for a newer BIOS version from the Asus website?
     
  7. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes, I installed 207. It fixed the fan speed issue, but that's about it.
     
  8. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Check your ram using Memtest86 to see if it's faulty ram that's causing the errors. If not, I would try a fresh install of Vista as it seems like you're suffering from driver issues.
     
  9. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is a brand new install of Vista x64 Business that I'm running.

    It fails with version v3.5 in single CPU mode and does a hard reset in single CPU mode. However, in the experimental multi-cpu mode it seems to work, along with the old version, 3.4. ? Can anyone confirm this on their laptops with Memtest86 version 3.5 single CPU? http://www.memtest86.com/

    I took a video of it here for proof. I have BIOS 207.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znGq5RbOgtg

    Additionally, here's a shot of the memory settings it picks up. These look wrong to me. I thought this was at least 400mhz RAM? Again, can anyone confirm what I'm getting? This was in multi-cpu mode on version 3.5.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Single CPU = single core CPU which doesn't apply to you.
    If you passed the tests in the experimental multi-core and the 3.4 version, then your ram is fine.
     
  11. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    Any idea why the memory settings seem wrong? Shouldn't it be at least reporting DDR2 memory instead of DDR1? Test is 50% passed, but other things seem incorrect to me.
     
  12. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Is this memtest86, or memtest86+? You should use the latter.

    You should also use another memtesting program if the output of the current one seems wrong or doubtful.
     
  13. plato_1974

    plato_1974 Newbie

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    Hello everyone,

    I updated my firmware. The fan issue is GONE.. yay.. but I'm having issues with getting catalyst 9.2 working with my 3650 card (working off of the 3200 only right now) :( . How do you "Force" it to be loaded. Can someone tell me step by step how to do this? Please.

    Thank you all for the help!
     
  14. paulemeister

    paulemeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm running vista 32 with bios 207 and it works fine. (catalys 9.0 or 9.1 I guess)
    did you reinstall vista after the bios update?

    I'll check tomorrow what memtest86+ says about my laptop. I'll let you know.
     
  15. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got the latest Memtest86+ per your suggestion and it seems to be completing fine. However, all the RAM settings still come out wrong. I dug around in their forums, and I think this is because the laptop's chipset is unsupported. I am going to submit the chipset information to them later and see what happens.

    There are a couple ways to do it. IMO, the easiest way is to install the drivers from the ASUS CD and then upgrade them to 9.2. Make sure you install the 9.2 southbridge driver as well! It should all be on ATI's site in the integrated section.
     
  16. plato_1974

    plato_1974 Newbie

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    Hi,
    wow, thanks for the blazing reply. Unfortunately after installing 9.2 on top of 8.12 and installing the southbridge drivers I still cannot see the card... I can't believe this is such a pain in the . How can a company make their customers lives so miserable. Unbelievable!

    Well, can I ask anyone for some guidance...

    Thank you all!

    Plato
     
  17. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    Try uninstalling all the ATI software and using Catalyst 8.5 for integrated. That set is packed differently, and usually works right. The northbridge is rolled up into that one or something. If that works, you can upgrade to the 9.2 southbridge and catalyst.

    I have this thread on subscribe, so I get emails when new stuff happens. I'd recommend that to everyone who wants to stay posted :)
     
  18. plato_1974

    plato_1974 Newbie

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    Holly mother of.. thank you. Finally. If anyone else is having issues then, after the great tip from houndeyed, here is what I did. I do have a x56ta but it's the same machine (cheap version).
    1) install from the Asus CD I have no idea what they have there but it installs both cards.
    2) 9.2 Southbridge. If you do the Catalyst first it might not work (did not for me)
    3) Catalyst 9.2. and it all works.

    NOTE: do this after the m51ta 207 firmware update. I did it before and the upon switching between card I got the blue screen. Now it works like a charm BUT why do we need to go through this rubbish to get our notebooks up to date!!

    Thank you and good luck,

    Plato
     
  19. giangy11

    giangy11 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i've installed succesfully ati 9.3
    for puma platform, you have to do these things:
    1)uninstall previous drivers
    2)download from ati.amd website, the southbridgbe driver of the corresponding version (9.3 for me) on ati-integrated chipset or something similar windows menù
    3)install sb-driver
    4)don't reboot
    5)install the 9.3 catalyst drivers, remember before to modded it with mobility modder utility.
    6)reboot

    In this way i've powerXpress working fine also with latest driver version.

    I've problem with win7 x64, powerXpress doesn't work, and only hd3200 works...hd365 disappears
     
  20. SIK_L_CELL

    SIK_L_CELL Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have followed all instructions but it seems that the drivers for the 3650 are staying the same. They are listed in the device manager as 7/11/2008. But the 3200 is listed as 2/25/2009. What am I doing wrong? Thanks, SIK.
     
  21. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have noticed that as well. It seems like the 3650 just never gets updated. Sometimes you an force an update to a "Radeon 3600 Series" by saying "I Have a Disk" and manually pointing it to where the new drivers extracted.

    I don't know if there is really any benefit to this, since it seems like other things like PowerPlay go away. Also, I'm not sure if works with the newer drivers. I think the last time I did it was with 8.12 or something.
     
  22. SIK_L_CELL

    SIK_L_CELL Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have tried 9.2 and 9.3 no joy.
     
  23. paulemeister

    paulemeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone managed to get a lower power consumption when using linux so far?
    Battery still won't last for more than one hour, which is pretty weak!
    Don't know if acpi support still doesn't work or if it's related with the two graphiccards?
     
  24. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've read that it has something to do with the CPU using more power than it should while in Linux. It may be defaulting to the high power GPU, but somehow I doubt that. Lots of people with Windows can't even force the computer to use it.
     
  25. imanol

    imanol Notebook Consultant

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    Do you apply mobility modder on the unpacked drivers before installing? I'm on 9.2, and it installs just fine.
     
  26. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone ever noticed the high pitched squeal when using headphones before? I have just dealt with it so far, but today I noticed if you open up "Sounds" in the control panel and go to the "Recording" tab... the noise stops. I have no idea why, all I can assume is that something in the recording panel is messing with it.

    However, you can disable anything and everything and as soon as you close that window the noise begins again. What in the world is going on? I'd love to get rid of that noise forever.
     
  27. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Are you using any USB ports on your notebook? A few other models including the M50 had that issue where a high pitched whine occurs whenever the USB ports closest to the audio jack is in use.
     
  28. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    I do use them sometimes, but it doesn't matter if there's things plugged into them or not. It also doesn't matter if it's plugged into the wall or on battery power. I did see that issue with the M50 after I did some Googling.

    The fact that I can get the sound to stop just by looking at the Recording tab bugs me. I think it has to be a software issue, I just don't know how to stop it permanently.
     
  29. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Try reinstalling the driver and see if that helps. There may be a newer version on Asus' website.
     
  30. houndeyex

    houndeyex Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, I got the latest ones dated March '09. No luck there. Does this happen to anyone else's M51Ta?
     
  31. maus64

    maus64 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Nope, I don't have that issue.
     
  32. Alex84

    Alex84 Newbie

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    Hi!
    I am contemplating whether to buy this notebook or not. At this price, it seems to be very compelling. I have read through all 39 pages of this thread and gone with you through the up and downs.
    I know all the issues and only have a couple of questions left which I hope one or some of you guys will hopefully answer.

    1. Are both major problems fixed now (lcd AND fan issue)?

    2. Does this thing ever turn off its fan? I had a Asus notebook before and it was loud as hell which was just completely unacceptable in the library. I don't care about the fan volume in full load but can't stand loud notebooks while idle or using OpenOffice.

    3. Does this thing turn (as) hot (as my former Asus notebook did - which is: terribly hot)?

    4. How long does the battery last while using office without WLAN activated?

    5. Does this notebook have a 1280-resolution or the 1440 as stated on newegg?

    6. Does the keyboard lag still exist?

    7. Is the numeric keypad a good or bad thing? I just don't know whether I can get accustomed to the off set keyboard...

    8. Would you know recommend it, with the newest 207 bios?

    I know this is an awful lot of question. But I'd really appreciate you guys answering at least some of them!
    Thank you very much in advance,
    -Alex

    PS: Ooooooh I almost forgot! The most important question: how's the build quality in this one? My other Asus had its hinges literally breaking apart. And on the photos, the hinges look a lot like the ones of my Asus A8Js... Didn't one of you guys have that notebook before, too? How do the two compare?
     
  33. maus64

    maus64 Notebook Enthusiast

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    #1 Fan issue Yes, LCD no

    #2 Yes it does, while normal surfing mine turns off 3-4 min and turns on for about 1-2 minutes. I don't find the fan to be noisy when surfing, you will hear it but most like a low hum

    #3 I'm not so much in gaming but mine stays cool when playing games like EVE

    #4 About 2,5-3 hours with normal office work

    #5 Mine is 1280. I suppose the X2's are 1440

    #6 I'm a slow writer so i havn't encountered that issue ;o)

    #7 You will never regret it. I cannot be without that

    #8 Absolutely. This laptop is really nice one.

    #9 It's plastic but does not feel like cheap. Hinges are good and sturdy

    By the way, the LCD issue is really no issue and appears only with the discrete graphics card. By setting the "turn off the display" in P4G to never, that issue never occurs on my laptop. You can always get back the screen by turning to the other card with short keys. I hope this answered most of your questions.
     
  34. Alex84

    Alex84 Newbie

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    Thank you for the reply and answering all my questions.
    It seems you are really content with your aus M51Ta. I am still not sure whether to really get it or not. I had such a bad experience with those darn hinges which pretty much look the same as these.
    As things are right now, I'd rather buy a Samsung R505 Aura RM-72 Deelano, even though it is more expansive than the Asus M51TA just because it looks sturdier.
    If you pick up the M51TA while the lid is open, does it shake a whole lot? Are there any "screaky" noises? Does the base unit band under light to medium pressure?

    Sorry to be so annoying about it but I don't want to pay 600Euros for something that fails on me AGAIN. :(
    -Alex
     
  35. maus64

    maus64 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It does not shake if you just pick it up but if you shake the laptop it will shake a little. You can't demand so much of a plastic construction really. It also crackles a little when squeezing it at the left side, not so that bothers me. But I would of course not drop it to the floor to see if it holds. That is to much for this one i think.
     
  36. Alex84

    Alex84 Newbie

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    Thanks. I might be over-cautious and timid but unfortunately this does not seem like the right notebook for me. Enough of la-la-construction for me. I'd rather stick to the slower Samsung that will hopefully be sturdier.
    Thank you a whole lot anyway!
    -Alex
     
  37. maus64

    maus64 Notebook Enthusiast

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    No problem, good luck with your new computer.
     
  38. banana128

    banana128 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i have a short question about the fn keys and the pop up interface diagramms.
    e.g. the volume and brightness bars
    is it possible to disable these graphics and keeping the fn keys working?
     
  39. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    Yes, I think you can disable the graphics by uninstalling ATKOSD2. Then you should either get no graphics at all, or get simpler graphics in the corner of the screen. If you get the latter, I am not sure you can disable them.
     
  40. banana128

    banana128 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thank you i will try that.
    some applications and games crashes when i switch the volume or whatever ingame with the fn keys because of the popup graphics, thats kind of annoying.

    edit: i figured it out, you just have to delete or copy the C:\Program Files\ATK Hotkey\atkosd.exe anywhere else
     
  41. Arcean

    Arcean Notebook Enthusiast

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    Somebody tried changing Core 2 Duo (ie T9600) to Core 2 Quad QX9300? It is possible that it could not work?
     
  42. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    I highly doubt the QX9300 would work on the M51. Even in the unlikely even that the BIOS does recognize the QX9300, the power consumption would most likely be too high for the M51 to handle.
     
  43. imanol

    imanol Notebook Consultant

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    He probably posted on the wrong thread. M51Ta uses AMD's puma platform.

    No Intel inside.
     
  44. tonyST

    tonyST Newbie

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    Hello!

    Sorry if it's a wrong thread, but I cann't find any other about Asus M51.

    I need advice. I'm buying M51. We (in Croatia) have two options:

    1. AMD Turion X2 (ZM82) + HD3650 (link: http://www.notebookshop.com.hr/product.asp?id=3139 )

    2. Intel Core 2 Duo (P8400) + HD3470 (link: http://www.telebit.hr/default.aspx?SifPro=515604371 )

    I'm not a gamer (I play only ISS PE soccer and Football manager sometimes), so i really want multimedia laptop.

    Which is, in my case, better solution and why?

    Thanks!
     
  45. paulemeister

    paulemeister Notebook Enthusiast

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  46. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

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    M51Sn owner's lounge: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222056

    The M51-series ASUS notebooks are a bit outdated at this point, why don't you have a look at newer models? I am not sure which would best fit your multimedia requirements because they are a bit vague. You can fill in the FAQ and get suggestions (even outside the ASUS world, if you don't make it a requirement that the notebook is an ASUS)
     
  47. imanol

    imanol Notebook Consultant

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    Has anyone managed to get the powerxpress gpu switching to work with the new drivers? Since catalyst 9.5, gpu switching seems broken. A balloon will pop up notifying you of the switch, but nothing really happens.
     
  48. paulemeister

    paulemeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    has anyone tried using windows 7 so far? any good / bad experiences? how is the driver support?
     
  49. maus64

    maus64 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes I have. I'm running W7 X64 and the driver support is excellent. But unfortunately the graphics switching in Catalyst(9.8) does not work.
     
  50. bacon612

    bacon612 Notebook Consultant

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    Maus, which GPU does win7 detect?
     
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