Asus N53SV & N53SN SandyBridge Owner Thread

What is full reference of your notebook? Each version differs a little bit...

 

Hi guys, could you do me a favor? I'd like to buy an external screen 1920x1200, will it work via HDMI? Could someone test this for me please? THX

 

> I did a clean install using the links from this forum
OK, so what links did you use exactly and which drivers exactly?
Lets make a good list.

Lets fix your problem and others people are having due most likely
to missing, incorrect version, or wrong order on driver installs.

> try to avoid to install crapware or applications from Asus disc do not need.
Exactly. Lets make a decent list of what IS needed/suggested.

> nvidia. In my opinion the official drivers should work
They will not install. Try it yourself.
We need a decent list of drivers for this unit and links to them.
For example:
270.51_desktop_win7_winvista_64bit_english is the driver from nvidia.
This finally supports the 500 series and it won't install by default.
Perhaps there is a certain method that needs to be used or different drivers?

 

Intel(R) Management Engine Interface

 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!

That was the missing driver. I didnt want to install the console so I didnt download it but after I did and ran the installer it gave me the option of installing just the driver or driver and console.

After installing just the driver, the problem went away.

To answer a previous question, I am using a ASUS N53SV-XV1.

I used Kalim's guide on this forum to do a clean install of Windows 7. You can view the post here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...lk-through-doing-clean-windows-7-install.html

I used the Windows 7 guide to download and create a bootable thumb drive with the Windows 7 Installer on it and it worked like a charm. You can view those instructions here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

Lastly, I have replaced the keyboard with a chiclet style keyboard which reduced some of the flex. While others have found that taping down the keyboard ribbon cable helps with reducing flex, I took an alternative route.

I purchased some Dynamat at a local BestBuy. Dynamat often used in car stereo installation to reduce vibration and noise. While I do believe it cuts down on vibration, it has created a very solid base for the keyboard and I am happy to report that I have ZERO FLEX even when my 2 year old daughter is pounding on it.

I left a gutter (or channel) in the dynamat for the ribbon cable to lay in and it has resulted in a completely level board as well (others report a slight bow near the center of the keyboard (due to the cable).

1. Clean Install
Here's an awesome thread which details a clean install.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...lk-through-doing-clean-windows-7-install.html

2. Windows 7 Service Pack
I am happy to report that I have successfully done a clean install and applied Service Pack 1. I also upgraded to Professional using Anytime Upgrade and had no problems whatsoever.

3. NVidia Drivers
I did not bother downloading the NVidia drivers from Asus during my clean install. I downloaded directly from NVidia and installation went without a hiccup.

4. Electrical Leak
I had a similar thing happen with an older Dell. When you used a 90W Charger it would have a weird electrical feeling when you moved your hand over the back of the monitor. Its hard to describe the feeling but you could "feel" the energy. However; when I used a 65W charger, there was no problems whatsoever. Maybe they are using an aftermarket charger or an incorrect charger.

I have ordered a Intel 6230 Wireless Card as it has Bluetooth 3.0 integrated. I will reply to the post once I receive it and have it successfully installed.

Anyone else try this card out ?

 

this has been happening a lot lately. everything just freezes, including the audio. usually it's the intel card, but now it was nvidia card. any ideas why? both video cards have the newest drivers, before the driver updates there were no problems like this.

 

Which exact nvidia drivers are people using and how do you get them to install?

> NVidia Drivers
> I did not bother downloading the NVidia drivers from Asus during my clean
> install. I downloaded directly from NVidia and installation went without a
> hiccup.

 

The Nvidia driver is on the disc that came with your computer. If you dont have it or it didn't come with a disc download from the Asus site.

 

Thanks to mwep11, Complete list of drivers for ASUS N53S series win7 clean install below. Perhaps someone can review and see if he missed anything else important or I got one wrong or older. Also mwep, did you download any of these and where from (do you have exact link(s) Did you get any from CD? I tried installing nvidia 270.51 with no luck.
However your version is 270.61 and has "notebook" in the name. Where are these posted at nvidia? Seems asus lags behind sometimes.

270.61-notebook-win7-winvista-64bit-international-whql
ATKPackage_WIN7_32_WIN7_64_zl00007
Audio_Realtek_Win7_64_Z6016301
Bluetooth_WIN7_32_WIN7_64_z625600
CardReader_Alcor_WIN7_32_WIN7_64_zl81726026
Chipset_Intel_WIN7_32_64_z9201015
e5921_N53_eManual_v2
IRST_Win7_64_Z10101008
KBFilter_WIN7_64_1003
LAN_Realtek_Win7_32_Win7_64_z702105312010
Power4Gear_Hybrid_Win7_32_Win7_64_Z1143
Touchpad_Elantech_Win7_64_z70516
TurboBoost_Monitor_Win7_32_Win7_64_zl04004
USB3_Fresco_Win7_64_Z3011012
VGA_Intel_Win7_64_Z815102253
WLAN_AW_NB037_Win7_32_Win7_64_Z900222BT72045
Intel(R) Management Engine Interface

 

Unless I'm mistaken, Nvidia is pretty behind with posting up the new drivers. So Asus is your only option.

 

I got my N53SV-XV1 and I love it!!!
has anyone tried to update the bios to latest version BIOS 209?
is it safe and change is noteable?
10x

 

At last i got my N53SV-XV1, after a clean Windows 7 Ultimate install everything runs like a dream.....this thread was deciding factor to buy this laptop at close eyes....thanks you all guys.......keyboard flex wasn't a problem for me the only thing i didn't like to much was the speakers , when playing music at high volume it distort a little bit (can ask to much for laptop speakers =S ) but fixed a little bit with media player equalizer & SonicMaster software....

Now im looking for a cheap ($35 or less) cooling pad for this baby (any recommendations?)

at the moment this cooling pad looks ok for my budget.....

Amazon.com: Cooler Master NotePal U3 Notebook Cooler with 3 Fans R9-NBC-8PCK-G: Electronics

 

you guys shouldn't celebrate yet.. at first i thought this lappy is a beast but after trying some old 2004-2006 games i changed my mind. don't know if it is the drivers or the hardware, but seems like this lappy can't even handle those old games with full resolution. wonder what happens when you try some new games? nvidia is sooooo slow releasing decent drivers too.

 

Sorry but I am not a gamer.... Rather I am a developer who wanted a strong machine capable of high resolutions as most IDEs that I use have tons of panels etc.

I do play WOW and I am able to achieve great frame rates at higher settings. While it's not the most graphically intensive game, the machine handles it without a problem.

I do run many different IDEs and tools. For example, I am able to run Visual Studio, Photoshop CS5, and Illustrator CS5 without any slowdown or issues. On top of that, I am usually running Outlook and generating presentations in Powerpoint. Again, no problems and I don't have to close any of my applications either.

As far as complaints about the keyboard... I already switched it out and could not be happier. There are several US based companies who sell the chiclet replacement keyboard so I didnt have to wait weeks for shipping from China. Honestly, the keyboard was so cheap I ordered a replacement replacement. If you want to completely eliminate the keyboard flex, then use Dynamat on the back of the board.

I did order an Intel 6230 Wireless Card but I am debating whether I install it or not. Contrary to others, I am getting very good wireless performance and speed.

For those interested in a replacement keyboard, I purchased from Machina which is based in the US and ships out of Chicago. Price is a little bit more than Ebay but you don't have to wait 3 weeks to receive it.

Asus G51 Keyboard (NSK-UGC1D) - MachinaElectronics.com

 

Yeah I don't know about WOW, haven't tried it. I tried Rockstar Games Bully, and with full resolution it was unplayable. The game is from 2006, so that's a little weird. Don't know if it's the driver then. I pass GTA IV with recommended settings at Can You Run It? but with these problems with a way older rockstar game I seriously doubt that gta iv is going to work at all..

Anyone else tried any games, and what settings did you use? Is there some tweaks in nvidia control panel that you changed? Any help and comments appreciated.

 

I don't have the laptop yet, but I've seen lots of people on YouTube running GTA4 with similar specs... Are you sure you were on the 540M and not the integrated when you were running Bully?

 

Yes, i'm 100% sure. It works great with 1366x768 but with 1920x1080 it's very laggy.

 

Portal 2 runs great. FHD...

 

Download and install Intel Management Engine Interface should take care of it:

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/Drivers/MEI/MEI_Intel_Win7_32_Win7_64_Z7001144.zip

Edit: Never mind, solved by nama8137.

 

Guys, just to be sure about my speaker performance on my N53SV-XV1 and having peace of mind, its common in this model speaker distortion at high volume?

 

anyone tried it?

 

Mine came loaded with the latest.

Here's what the bios is reporting

Bios Version N53SV 209
VBios Version 2089.I13N32.018

System is running smooth without any issues.

 

I just put in an Intel 510 120gb SSD and love the performance but I keep reading everywhere about TRIM. I run Windows 7 Ultimate, can anyone give me an dumbed down step by step to run TRIM with this laptop. Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but I've been googling all day and I still don't really understand!

 

amm that's what google gave me.
don't have ssd so your try:
How to Enable TRIM Support for Your SSD « Corsair Blog

 

I don't think it's necessary. I have Vista with Intel X-25M and there is a firmware which somehow supports TRIM also on XP/Vista. Don't ask me how it works, but that's what I read. I guess it has something to do with that firmware and Intel SSD toolbox, which I run once per week.

 

Ya i read that article off google but i'm confused as to what these mean and how i enable these?

Storage Controller configured in IDE or ACHI mode (is this already on by default since its hooked up via SATA as my main HD?)


Default Microsoft Storage Driver (MSAHCI) or Intel 9.6.0.1014 Drivers with Intel ICH and PCH Controllers (no idea what this means and which one i need)

 

yeah just tried it, runs quite nicely with default video settings, just changed the resolution to fhd.

did you do any tweaks @ nvidia control panel? have you people put nvidia card as preferred graphics processor? and what option do you use on "adjust image settings with preview"?

 

1) Check in BIOS if it's your HDD in AHCI mode, it should be, it's by default I guess
2) Read this - Intel® High Performance Solid State Drive — SSD Frequently asked questions - " Do Intel SSDs need special driver support?" section
... and download and install - Support for the Intel Rapid Storage Technology
3) Finally, download tool to update your firmware and Intel SSD Toolbox - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Solid+State+Drives+and+Caching&ProductLine=Intel%C2%AE+High+Performance+Solid+State+Drive&ProductProduct=Intel%C2%AE+Solid-State+Drive+510+-+120GB
4) That's all I think, no additional steps are needed, or am I wrong? (don't know if it's needed to disable defrag in Windows 7, or it's done automatically)

That's what I'm planning to do with my machine and SSD, when it arrives. So would be good to update this list if additional steps are required. But this is what I have done with Intel X-25M in Vista and it works more than year super-duper fast

 

No tweaks so far. did make portal run with nvidia.
Anyone knows how do I check BIOS version??

 

You can download CPU-Z and it will show you under the Mainboard tab.

Yesterday, I tried to upgrade my HDD to the new Vertex 3 SSD. Win 7 wouldn't install from the ISO disc I created following the 'clean install' thread. So, I installed it through my Rampage 2 Extreme mobo. After I installed the OS I installed the drive in my N53SV, but it wouldn't boot until I switched to IDE in bios. After that, I installed all the drivers but I couldn't get my wireless adapter to work. I finally gave up and am using it on my desktop as I was planning on getting a Vertex 3 for it anyway. So, I am going to get another and try it again, but what a pain in the butt.

Also, I purchased the drive bay dock from NewModeUS but it didn't fit in my N53SV-A1. Just a heads-up... The faceplate is a rectangle but the slot has a tapered edge by the bluetooth switch...

 

Thank you! turns out I don't need an update as well

 

thinking about getting this computer but I have some questions.

How bad is the glare? I can not stand glossy screens, but I know some are worse than others.

I have this idea to buy the one with a low rez screen, buy a new cable and matte screen and install it. It might only be $50 more than the xv1 stock. I'm guessing its premature for that till some part numbers come in though.

Are there two power buttons, one for express gate and one for windows? If so does anyone know anything about getting the second power button to boot an alternate OS instead of express gate? I have an EEE PC and it has two power buttons, but I reformatted and lost the express gate partition.

If you wanted to buy a hard drive caddy for the optical drive bay, does it look like the bezel will pop off so you can re-use it and be flush?

I'm also following threads about getting a back-lit keyboard in there, hoping someone figures it out.

Its kind of sad when you can't find the laptop you want, so you have to mod one so bad.

The Dell XPS is close, as is the N53-XV1. If one had a matte screen I would have probably bought already. Even if it was the Dell, and I HATE the dell brand.

Thanks for any comments you may have

 

If i were you i would look at a sager with fhd matte dual hdd etc

 

I agree, a custom Sager pretty much will give you pretty much all you asked for, it just wont be as pretty as the N53.

 

hey why are ppl changing out the wireless adapters?

 

corrupt: the intergrated wifi isn't the fastest, and people want to match the speed of their home network. something like 65mbps for the broadcom vs 150 or 300 on pimping intels? I kind of like the wireless bundled, all the other lappys have intel, and its not supported if you build osx on your machine. (at least not all cards).

I've looked at the sagers. Its like 1/3 more the cost of a n53SV-XV1. They do have better parts though. I just think they are really ugly and generic looking.

To me, modding is half the fun. I like getting osx running on standard hardware. I like replacing drives, removing opticals. A screen replacement would be the biggest mod I ever did though.

I'll probably end up waiting to see what comes out as companies update their lines to sandy bridge.

I'll research a little about the screen mod, maybe asus tech could help a little.

 

Does changing any of the parts like the wireless adapter void the warranty?

 

I am also wondering about replacing the screen of my N53SV-XV1... I prefer a matte screen over the glossy one. This model's screen setup is different than the N53JQ that I had previously for a short period of time. The N53JQ had the lower resolution screen, but had a highly glossy plastic piece over the entire display, creating a continuous smooth surface from the screen to bezel, etc. Even if you replaced the screen on this model, the plastic piece over top would still create the glossy effect.

The N53SV-XV1 has a separate bezel and screen, therefore creating a slight gap of about a 1/16th of an inch between the screen and bezel. It appears that you could swap the screen to a matte one with this model. Has anyone tried it?

I'm also considering ordering a new screen bezel and try to dull it down with scotch brite pad to give it the brushed look. Then there will be more more fingerprint issues. Inspiration comes from this article about doing the same thing to the back of a 3G or 3GS iPhone: The Brushed iPhone

 

Not sure if this is old news or not, but the N53S N has shown up on NewEgg. Unfortunately the version they have only has an i5, but it might be a sign of more GT550M equipped N53 laptops to come.

 

hello all, first post!

just ordered my n53sv-xv1 from newegg, and I am now looking for a sleeve for this laptop. I looked at many cheap sleeves on ebay designed for 15/15.4/15.6'' laptop and noticed that this n53sv is bit longer in length than most of the 15.6 inch laptop.

Has anyone purchased a fitting sleeve for n53 series? If so, would you mind providing me the source? Thanks all!

 

Built Laptop Sleeve, 16-Inch. yes, 16

 

I wonder if anyone here successfully replace the optical drive with a SATA HDD caddy to add a 2nd hard drive to the system? If so, which exact store did you buy the caddy from, and any problem after installation to get the system recognize the new hard drive?

 

what nvidia driver you people use? i just reinstalled win7 and got the driver from the disc. that new verde release doesn't support n53sv.

 

Hi, that is one of the reasons I decided to return my N53 . For me the discharges were extremely annoying, even sometimes provoking pain in my fingers.

Hi,

I had this two babies last week. I DON'T like Dell as a brand. However, finally have returned N53 to the store and I kept the dell xps 15. Both almost the same configuration and same price : i5 2410, 6GB, Geforce 540M, FullHD... was a difficult decision...

I hope the experience I have gathered may help you.

The Nice thing about the ASUS is lack of heating and lack of loudness when running even on heavy load.
Both screens are glossy, but sill great high resolution screens. The dell's however, has somehow better and deeper colors. Indoors you may not notice the glossy screen, but outdoors you have to keep the brightness really high with both of them. And avoid wearing shiny cloths lol.

The performance are comparable, if not the same. The programs I use, Corel, Autocad, Eagle CAD, Proteous, some occasional gaming (Aion).

My reasons for not keeping the ASUS:
Annoying electric discharges on the surface close to the touchpad.
Keyboard with some kind of odd distribution and a flex that make it uncomfortable for typing.
Bigger than the Dell and averages 15,6 laptops (not a big issue for me, but still).

The goods thing about the Dell. Nice design (a mater of taste only). Build in UTMS modem. Better sound, the subwoofer rocks. I loved it, the ASUS also sounds great for a laptop... but hearing both, the subwoofer makes the difference. The video card -although the same NVIDIA 540M - has 2GB instead of 1GB (haven't noticed a big difference in performance anyway)
The keyboard is not as great for typing as the SONY VAIO but MUCH better than the ASUS's N53.

Bad things of the XPS 15. Warms up more and faster than the ASUS under load (78 vs 89 celcius degrees in the processor measured with AIDA64). Louder under load, although is not annoying or disturbing at all the ASUS is MUCH more quiet. It only has 2 RAM slots (I don't mind since I have an i5, but if you are going for the i7 you can reach 8GB vs 16GB with the ASUS). I don't know what a hell were thinking about when deciding the access to the Hard Disk. You have to completely dismount the laptop if you want to change the HD in the XPS 15... with the N53 you are only at 4 screws from your HD.

Yeah not an easy task to decide, as I have experienced both are great machines... Since I use it as desktop replacement I haven't bothered in testing the battery duration...

Good luck

 

i just made this acount to post this...
i have a n53sv-a1
750gb
4gb ram +(installed 4gb 2x2gb ocz ddr3)

i keep getting screen flickers and even a full screen white out + crash
occasionaly bsod or random shut offs... i reinstalled windows 7 ultimate
and still i get a random assortment of these issues... i updated all the drivers along with a few neccasary asus programs and still... not to mention
i couldnt install sp1, so i had to create a new windows ultimate disc that included sp1(minor annoyance) i can play sc2 on high settings running on the g540m fine for hours sometimes... and others a few minutes in bsod... i think the specs are great but the manufacturing is not so much... i think im returning this (even if i lose the 15% restocking fee because i formatted the hdd)

 

perform MEMtest, I think that your new installed 4 GB RAM is issue

 

latest from nvidia's site...

 

I am writing this post because I couldn't find this information anywhere on the internet, from users who had actually got it to work. Notebookcheck.net states that it will work, but I wanted to hear from actual users.

I am about to purchase an N53SV for work and media playback. Before purchase, I wanted to check that the Nvidia GT 540M was capable of bit-streaming the HD-Audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD, DTS Master Audio) to a compatible receiver. So, I borrowed an N53SV from a colleague at work and did some testing.

Well, the good news is that it can, when you are playing back Bluray discs, but I had to install Arcsoft Total Media Theatre 5 (TMT5). The bundled Cyberlink PowerDVD 10 insisted on using Integrated Graphics (changing this in the Nvidia 3D settings is disabled) and wouldn't work.

The other issue is that TMT5 only outputs HD bitstream for disc playback and not file playback. There are guides online about how to get WMC to playback HD Audio bitstreams from MKVs etc. so I'm confident that if I purchase, I will be able to get it to work.

I also had a few problems with HDCP handshaking when I just plugged the HDMI cable in. If I booted the N53SV with the video output set to external display then it worked perfectly.

 

This "Electric Shock" intrigues me, is it due to not using a sufficiently grounded power adaptor?
Look here for more on this.

Looks like this isn't specific to any one laptop brand/model.

 

Only driver I can see there is verde release, doesn't support n53sv..