Asus N53SV & N53SN SandyBridge Owner Thread

Honestly, first time i've ever put something back together and not had left overs! was stoked

Oh, one other thing, for future repasters... The Elan smart pad automatically disabled itself after the rebuild which had me worried, just had to re-enable it from the task bar.

 

I asked the question and i was already busy with it.
i installed windows 8 and it's easier then windows 7 in any way, almost all drivers are installed bij the OS itself, even the webcam.
Just updated the intel drivers/nvidia drivers and sound drivers ( to be sure, i dont like ms drivers) and i was ready to go.

sjoerd

 

My N53 will celebrate 2nd birthday soon and I'd like to upgrade RAM to 16GB. By the way - little off topic - this machine is still very powerful when compare nowadays machines. I have i7-2630QM, Full HD, 250GB SSD Intel 510, what else I would get these days? I have just checked that my machine did cost me 800 EURO and SSD 500 EURO, LOL. BTW, your config looks very nice too

OK, back to RAM. Thank you very much for sharing your RAM experience. It says that Crucial Model CT2KIT51264BF1339 Laptop Memory - Newegg.com does use 1.35 voltage? Is that OK?

I'm attaching photo of my current RAMs (6GB total, 4 + 2)


It's HMT351S6BFR8C-H9 Hynix 4GB SODIMM Memory PC-10600

Can anyone else add here also working RAM type please? It's strange that some type does BSOD and some works fine. It would be good to know which one/what params really works. Does anyone tested 1600MHz, or these are not supported?

I know too many "stupid" questions, but I'd like to buy best, fast, and working memory

UPDATE: Little more googling:
This one should work too - http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Venge...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

There is someone happy with N53 in review.

Question is, does it really support 1600Mhz, or better does i7-2630QM support 1600Mhz memory?

By Intel website i7-2630QM support only 1333Mhz memory, but I'm sure I read somewhere that these processors were ready to support 1600 memory before these memory existed. I have googled more and found only confusing informations, but some users says it supports and works fine with 1600 after changed frequency in BIOS.

UPDATE2: More googling, this sounds good - http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/642655-8gb-ram-1600mhz-i7-2630qm.html - but I don't think it runs at 1600, I guess it runs only 1333.

1600 is supported only from i7-2720QM ( http://ark.intel.com/products/50067/Intel-Core-i7-2720QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz). Unfortunatelly, my i7-2630QM does support only 1333 by Intel - http://ark.intel.com/products/52219/Intel-Core-i7-2630QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-2_90-GHz

I believe Intel website but I think I could get some benefits from if I buy http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Venge...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

Kingston ValueRAM works fine: KVR1333D3S9/4G

 

Thank you, Nice RAM and good price.

UPDATE: Hi again guys, don't kill me, I'd like to share my research:

Our chipset Intel HM65 supports 1600 memory, but it also depends on manufacturer. More reading at:
G73SW DDR3-1600MHz
hm65 maximum memory speed

My CPU Intel i7-2630QM supports only DDR3-1066/1333. More readin at:
ARK | Intel® Core

Now something new for me about 16GB is quite interesting:
It will use dual channel only when applications consume up to 8GB, over 8GB it will use single channel.
Did you know about it? Any slow downs for 16GB?

I've checked also BIOS - ASUS - N53SN and it says for BIOS 207 update description:
2.Restrict system memory frequency at 1333 MHz.

I'm quite curious what exactly they did, did it support over 1333 before that update?

Anyway, I think it's wise to order 1333 and don't experiment, and what I've read, cheaper RAMs are good option, not worth to spend 2x more on "hyper/ultra/super-duper" expensive RAMs. Do you agree?

 

My understanding is that you can access up to 8GB in dual channel mode. Now, I sincerely doubt you have many applications that would require more than 8GB. Even so, it still beats the swap file.

I personally went with the cheap option as I already had 8GB of Elpida with the same specs.

 

>8GB RAM is usefull when you use virtualization.

 

I was happy with 'only' 6GB so far, but now attacking 6GB quite often. Started doing some Unity3D stuff + many other apps running at the same time and I'm working on two external screens.
Usually I had to replace machine every 2 years, but this time, this machine is still very powerful for everything I do.

 

I have 3x:

Type DDR3
Size 4096 MBytes
Manufacturer Kingston
Max Bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz)
Part Number 9905428-043.A00LF

and

Type DDR3
Size 4096 MBytes
Manufacturer Hyundai Electronics
Max Bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz)
Part Number HMT351S6BFR8C-H9

 

Also remember with 6GB only 4GB is dual channel while 2GB is single channel.

 

Hmm... interesting...

Thank you guys!

 

i have N53SV and i bought 4tb external HDD , but my notebook wont recognize it , can anybody help me with this

 

What type of connection is it? What brand? Have you tried it in another machine? Does it power up at all? Have you tried another device in port you are trying? Does the drive come pre-formatted? What file system is it if it is? Does it require an external power connector? Can you try the power connector with another compatible device?

 

How do I access the webcam settings on this thing? Asus lifeframe wasn't installed for some reason, and I can't seem to find a version that is compatible!

 

Hi, I have a problem. I have a laptop n53sn with i5 2410M processor. I bought a i7 Q2720 ES Q154 processor, updated bios reset done but with a new Processor and it does not work. In what could be the problem? Lights are on, cooler spinning, but the screen does not work (internal and external).

 

Compatibility issue?

 

You can never be sure with an ES, but have you checked for any differences between the dual core and quad core edition motherboards or bios?

 

Im not 100% sure but I believe there are two versions of the the N53S boards. One will support the i5 and one will support the i7. Looks like all i5 chips are dual core. i7 can be quad core. I think your motherboard may not support quad. you might also be able to tell which board you have by checking how much memory slots you have. I believe the i5 versions only have two....

this is all "in theory".... I've been doing some research trying to convert my older N53JF-XE1 to an N53S. So far I have fitted the motherboard with 4 memory slots and an i7 2670QM. I have not been able to power up the laptop yet because I ran into a snag where the power button board/ribbon is different...

if you really want to attempt an upgrade you may have to buy a motherboard off ebay like I did.... n53sv, n53sn, or n53sm with 4 memory slots is probably what you want.... once again this is all experimental, im not sure that this would work, its a chance you'll have to take.

here's the guy I bought my motherboard from....
For Asus N53SV Laptop Motherboard | eBay

despite all that, depending on what kind of user/person you are, you may be better off selling that laptop to upgrade to another.. I like to do stuff like this as a hobby so Im taking the chance...

 

Thanks, but buying the CPU and motherboard expensive, easier to buy a new laptop, and the old sell.

 

@up

But it a lot of fun. I love to modd my N53SN.

 

Thank you for sharing your research and links.

My N53SV EH 71 (i7 2670QM) is currently running:
3x 4GB Kingston PC3-10700 / DDR3-1333 CL 9
Part # 9905428-056.A00G
and
1x 4GB Elpida PC3-10700 / DDR3-1333 CL 9
Part # EBJ41UF8BCS0-DJ-F (stock 4GB stick of the 6GB total factory installed)

CPU-Z reports 16384 MB Dual Channel.
View attachment 97138
I'm really curious about the whole "It will use dual channel only when applications consume up to 8GB, over 8GB it will use single channel" issue. I've seen this referred to elsewhere, but never with any documentation. My hope is that CPU-Z is accurate, and Intel® Flex Memory Access is working correctly without restriction by the Motherboard or BIOS.
ARK | Intel® Core
Desktop Boards — Single- and multi-channel memory modes
Please note that the second link is for DESKTOP boards. I haven't found corroboration for our chipset yet. The link in the quoted post states that the HM65 supports 1600 MHz RAM, but not that this is the upper limit. The ARK.Intel link for my processor says it supports DDR3-1066/1333, but it also specs two channels and a Max Memory Bandwidth of 21.3GB/s, which is the transfer rate for DDR3-1333/PC3-10700 in dual channel mode. DDR3-1600/PC3-12800 would not be supported by my processor, as 25.6GB/s bandwidth is required in dual channel mode (12800*2). I'm using Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PC's re: transfer speeds, bibliographic info on request.

So, four (and 1/2) questions:

1) Does anyone have any more info on this? In particular,
2) What effect, if any does RAM quantity have on dual channel mode, or
3) Is there really an 8GB limit for dual channel if all installed SO-DIMMS have equal capacity?
4) Which of the four slots on my board are channel A and which are channel B, or does it even matter with four equal capacity sticks?

I'm certainly not experiencing any slowdowns with 16GB. In fact, I highly recommend it for anyone who can use it. Here's my WEI, if you're interested:
View attachment 97140

I'm about to install 4x 8GB sticks of G.Skill F3-10666CL9D. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

SANDY BRIDGE DRAM CAPACITIES AND BANDWIDTHS

Start piling wood around the stake now.

I'm going to try to be brief, but I think many of us have been looking for this info for awhile, and I'm pretty sure I've got it figured out (hubristic noob smiley).
First of all though, to correct a mistake in my previous post, the Intel Support Community page hm65 maximum memory speed does indeed read "the 6 series chipsets support up to 1600Mhz speed"; it does NOT however say anything about BANDWIDTH.
And, as it turns out...

HM65 SPEED AND/OR BANDWIDTH IS COMPLETELY IRRELEVANT TO THE CPU.

Sandy Bridge systems use an Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) for CPU/DRAM data transfer. http://download.intel.com/products/processor/manual/253665.pdf?wapkw=253665 This provides for direct communication between the CPU and the DRAM. This data is not routed through the South Bridge or even the Front Side Bus. Further, there is no more North Bridge. As such, the South Bridge, HM65 in our case, is now called the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) intstead of "South Bridge".

Other functions embedded on the processor which might have been formerly handled by the North Bridge, depending on generation, include communication with Discrete Graphics (PEG), which would be the NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M in my case, and the Embedded Display Port. 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Mobile Processor Datasheet, Vol 1 , 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Mobile Processor Datasheet, Vol 2, 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Family Mobile: Spec Update

View attachment 97242

The CPU connects to the PCH via the FSB. Any speed or bandwidth restrictions of theses two elements concern only those subsystems which have traditionally relied on the relatively low speed South Bridge. This includes any functions that might take advantage of the so called Direct Memory Interface (DMI), say by Serial ATA. PCI Express connections routed through PCH are limited to 5GT/s on my machine, however, PCI Express connections directly to the CPU, for example PEG, are subject to no such limitation. GPUZ reports available bandwidth on my machine at 28.8GB/s (not to be confused with GT/s, which does not indicate transfer size).

View attachment 97243

I have to admit I find this a bit dubious, as Intel specs my processor's Max Memory Bandwidth at 21.3GB/s. ARK | Intel® Core But these are two independant connections, and I don't know enough about this stuff to tell.

It is worth noting that Max Memory Bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s is exactly what's required for dual channel DDR3-1333.
PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 clock speed = 667 MHz
At 2 cycles per clock = 667 MHz * 2 = 1334 MT/s (million transfers per second, at 2 transfers 667 million times a second)
At 8 bytes per bus = 1334 MT/s * 8 = 10672 MB/s
Over two channels = 10672 MB/s *2 = 21334 MB/s

We can also infer from this that my machine, while only spec'd for DDR3-1333, might be able to handle DDR3-1600, but not in dual channel mode, as that would require 25.6 GB/s bandwidth. I don't know, but assume it would throttle back these PC3-12800 SO-DIMMs to 10600, rather than using them at rated speed in single channel mode.

Size Matters:
My processor is spec'd for a maximum of 32GB RAM. Some of the other quads are too, e.g. i7 2720QM ARK | Intel® Core , but some can only handle 16GB, e.g. i7 2630QM ARK | Intel® Core . Some, if not all, of the dual cores are also limited to 16GB. Find yours at ARK | Your source for information on Intel® products before you shell out for sticks you can't use.

I'm also running Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. You may be running an OS that limits your RAM capacity, e.g. Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, limited to 16GB; Win7 Home Premium 32 bit limited to 4GB. Memory Limits for Windows Releases (Windows)
In terms of dual channel ceilings, SO-DIMM size only comes into play in asymetric DIMM slot loading. (Be aware, by the way, that Intel literature refers to multiple devices on multiple cards in multiple slots as single DIMMs or SO-DIMMs when it comes to channels, with the terms "device", "rank", and "module", not specific to scale. When you read "one DIMM per-channel" it doesn't mean only one stick per channel. Some literature also refers to more than one stick in a given channel as one slot.) If you populate both channels identically, dual channel is not limited to any less than maximum allowable capacity per channel. My machine is limited to 32GB total RAM, split into two channels, so I can run dual channel at 16GB per channel. And I do.

View attachment 97244

The controller cannot, however, interleave addresses of different total size DIMMs in two channels. Intel Flex Memory Technology deals with this situation by using as much memory as it can in dual channel, and the rest in single channel. If you put 6GB in channel A, and 4GB in channel B, you'll have 4GB of dual channel and 2GB of single channel. If you put 8GB in each, you'll have 8GB dual channel. If you put one 4GB stick and one 2GB stick in channel A, you'll have 6GB single channel. If you put more in channel B than channel A, you're asking for trouble. 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Mobile Processor Datasheet, Vol 1

I'm convinced that...

THE ALLEGED 8GB DUAL CHANNEL LIMIT IS A MYTH.

According to other threads in this forum, there are ASUS notebooks out there with RAM soldered to the motherboard. If you started out with 8GB soldered, but could add RAM, you'd be limited to 8GB in multi-channel mode. But apparently, those particular machines start out with 2GB soldered and dual channel mode disabled anyway. Ouch.

If your processor, operating system, or perhaps even BIOS limit you to 16GB total, you have a practical limit of 8GB in dual channel, but you're not limited to using less total RAM configured in dual channel mode than your overall total RAM capacity dictates.

So, in brief:
Some quad core N53S notebooks are upgradable to 32GB DRAM in 16GB per channel dual mode. Some N53S notebooks are limited to 16, 8, or 4GB DRAM, depending on CPU, operating system, and possibly BIOS. All N53S notebooks can presumably utitlize all of maximum capacity DRAM configured properly into two equal channels of one half total capacity each. Some N53S notebooks are limited by CPU Max Memory Bandwidth to PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 when loaded to maximum DRAM capacity in dual channel mode. No N53S notebooks are limited in ICM bandwidth by FSB, "North Bridge", or PCH HM65 speeds.

Sorry to go on and on about it, but I've been trying to find this information for at least a year, and these here internets are full of outdated info, undocumented info, misinfo, and outright hooey.
Much of this stuff can also be found in Scott Mueller's Upgrading and Repairing PCs, Que Publishing/Pearson Education. I can't cite specific references, as my 2010 edition just barely predates Sandy Bridge--although the Memory Controller was moved onto the CPU as early as November 2008 with the 5x series chipsets. The current 21st Edition, March 2013, is readily available.

Finally, since they didn't appear at the bottom of my previous post as I expected, here are my notebook's specs:
ASUS N53SV-EH71 1.0 | BIOS 215 | i7 2670QM 2.20GHz | 32GB G.Skill DDR3-1333-9| Seagate ST750LX003 | Win7x64 Ult SP1

Thank you for your patience.

 

Woah big post. Memory speed also is restricted by the trace design on the motherboard and the bios.

 

I've been wondering about motherboard trace design, but didn't know what to call it/search for. Any good sources for general principles or specifics for these notebooks?


ASUS N53SV-EH71 1.0 | BIOS 215 | i7 2670QM 2.20GHz | 32GB G.Skill DDR3-1333-9 | Seagate ST750LX003 | Win7x64 Ult SP1 | Pickett N600-ES

 

PCB trace layouts are usually considered protected IP.

 

I want to replace my factory keyboard with a backlit one. I'm not sure if the N53SV can support a backlit keyboard, but if so which backlit keyboard fits the N53SV? I don't want to mod my laptop to get a backlit keyboard to work for it though, so it would still help me to know if it isn't possible without saudering, etc.

 

Not without the mod (check out elbolo's post).

 

Thank you. I might actually do it then.

 

That is a lot to go through for a backlit keyboard lol, but good luck.

 

Hi guys

I thought about new display. I found FHD Matryca 15,6 LED FULL HD 1920x1080 ASUS N53SN (3326913240) - Allegro.pl - Wi

Do I need to buy anything else besides the display? Cables etc.?

 

You'd need a FHD cable as well (check out elbolo's post).

 

Which always amuses me as the cable must only be a fraction of a cent cheaper.

 

hi everyone...i'm starting to have a few issues with overheating and noise coming from the fan...do you know if there is a way of accessing the fan to remove the dust without taking the whole pc apart?...i removed the keyboard but the fan is not visible directly...

 

Hi! I have an Asus N53SV notebook. Soon I will buy a Dell U2413 monitor, which have 1920x1200 native resolution and AdobeRGB gamut support. My question is: the HDMI output can support HDMI 1.4 in this laptop? 1.4 need for AdobeRGB output. Is there any drawback, if I connect the monitor to the VGA output?

Is there any software which can detect my HDMI port version?

Edit:
This cable is HDMI 1.4 or 1.4a compliant?
http://www.cmple.com/p-937-28awg-high-speed-hdmi-cable-with-ethernet-wferrite-cores-black-10ft.aspx

 

Hi

I want to do a fresh install of my asus notebook but I am wondering if it would be a good idea to do a complete reinstall from a Windows 7 disk or should I do a factory restore?

 

Do complete reinstall from a Windows 7

 

Windows 8 bios for n53sv built by myself.. fixes hotkeys issues
http://n53svwindows8.altervista.org/

 

Impressive, +rep on that.

 

thank you, would love to get some feedback by the way

 

Hey, what do I have to do to disable the bluetooth function?
I want it completely disabled.
-> Disable it in control panel? Remove drivers?

 

Please can you build a modded bios version with this fixes for the N53SN ?
Thanks..

 

Just disable it and it should not re-enable.

 

Hello everyone!

My last post in this thread was in 2011, I believe, and I've yet to get around to making the changes I wanted to my N53SV-XE1 (other than swapping out the infernal keyboard for a much more comfortable chiclet board).

Anywho, my problem right now is that I'm getting random disconnects with my wireless internet. The router's in the basement, yes; but my sister in the next room says she's had no problems at all, and I can get five full bars in my room at times, never less than three.

Has anyone else experienced this? It's incredibly frustrating. Would I have to update my network adapter even further or something? (In Device Manager, under Network adapters, it shows a Qualcomm Atheros AR9002WB-1NG wireless network adapter, driver version 10.0.0.251; and a Realtek PCIe Family Controller, version 7.41.216.2011.) Or would I have to actually replace the adapter in the laptop? Or is there another possibility?

Please, if any of you have a suggestion (or two), then share them. I can't be nervously glancing at the bottom-right corner of the screen constantly, fearing the internet access will cut out in the middle of a stream or download (like it just did earlier today).

Thanks in advance for the help! Much appreciated.

 

Hehe, I'm on windows 8 and I tried disabling it. Every time I reboot it's enabled again...

 

N53SN windows 8 bios added to the site

 

has anyone tried Michyprima's N53SN bios for windows 8?

 

Works like a charm, thanks a lot.

 

Hello all. First post on this website ever.

I have a problem with my N53SN if anyone could please help me with...

The original problem is that my laptop would encounter problems picking up the charge from my power jack. This problem gradually got worse over time until eventually it stopped picking up a charge at all.
I assumed it was a problem with the DC connector/board so I had the DC board replaced. (professionally)

After the replacement, all seemed well. My laptop was no longer dropping the charge and it appeared to have been fixed.
Unfortunately, the problem came back. However, this time... it wasn't a gradual process.

After about 30 minutes of use after I had picked up my laptop, it stopped picking up a charge completely.

Does anyone have an ideas what the problem is now?
Could it be...

-improper installation?
-non-compatible dc board?
Amazon.com: New DC IN Power Jack Board ASUS N53 N53JF N53JQ N53SV N53SN: Everything Else

-motherboard issue?
-bios issue?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.


P.S. I bought a replacement adapter so I am certain its not due to a faulty adapter.

 

cheap repleacement part most probably
I don't know how it works in your country, but in mine I would go back to the guy who repaired it first and get a repleacement for free

that has nothing to do with bios since battery is managed by a dedicated software.

 

i hope that is the case.
i already spoke with the guy and i am dropping it back off today.

"cheap repleacement part"
-it was the only replacement part that I could find. where else can I find better quality parts?

ALSO... I just realized after looking over my laptop... the wifi stopped working as well.
Not only can I NOT manually turn it on, but the physical switch for it is not working. Its stuck.
Could this simply be an issue of the part not being properly installed? (Perhaps the switch)

p.s. how do i PM people on this forum?... i found someone else on this thread that experienced the same exact problem as me but I don't know how to get a hold of them. (USER=PMAC)