Asus N55SF Owners Lounge

I've has an N55SL for 3 days. Some thoughts and questions. Why does Asus live update crash every time I run it? Why does the Nvidia card not show up in device manager - I have an Intel VGA adapter and a standard graphics adapterb(which is not "started"). How do I tell if the Nvidia card is running? I cannot seem to get Instant On to work - I press the power button and select the instant on option. Notebook powers down but when I press power button again, it goes through the regukar resume windows/enter password sequence.
Great screen and sound!

 

Forget the Nvidia problem! In attempting to upgrade the Nvidia driver, it had become uninstalled. Reinstalled so now just the Insyant on and Asus live update problems

 

Grats on the purchase

I purchased the N55SF from Comet electricals in December last year.

Your post is interesting on the differences between the N55SF and N55SL - looks like the SL has some significant upgrades, although the SF model I have is an i7 CPU not i5.

7200rpm on the SL is better than the 5400rpm on my SF.

The L-shaped power connector - my SF came with a straight one which sticks out from the side of the laptop like a sore thumb. I might invest in a new power adapter if they are available.

Whats the performance difference between the GT555M and 635M?

The keyboard has proved to be an issue for me. I like everything about the N55 except for the keyboard. Its not great for playing games, MMO's in particular (I use lots of keybinds). Ill be keeping my eyes open for any keyboard replacement options if they exist.

Rest of the package is great - I get very good fps on SWTOR and Starcraft 2.

I have been looking at the Asus G53 as well, but criminally its not sold in the UK with the Full HD screen - only 1366x768. Ridiculous for a laptop that retails at £1400.

 

Ive been stuck looking at the N55SF- i7 @ £750 and the N55SL- i7 @£789, both seem the same apart from the hdd and the re branded GPU.

What one would people recommend?

Thanks

 

Go for the one with higher RPM hdd

 

Just wondering those with N55SL, can you install skype? Seems a nono for me and keeps asking to reinstal which I did for 5 times!

 

Yup. Skype installed no problem. Sorry I can't be more helpful...

 

Hi all, I've just purchased an ASUS N55SL and wanted to do a clean install but I'm not sure how to go about it. I have Windows 7 Home Premium, but no OEM disc, just the product key. I've read the back-up disks aren't reliable. Can anyone share a step by step guide as to how they did a clean install of Windows 7 on this machine?
I know I need to back up the "esupport" directory as that contains the drivers...any help much appreciated. Thanks

 

You can download a legitimate copy of windows 7 64 bit then mount it on a usb stick boot and then re-use the key on the bottom of your laptop.

Windows 7 from official website

Use Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool

To make a bootable USB stick, l personnally use a 16gb.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

C.

 

Thanks very much, thats a big help but won't there be a problem activating it due to the product key being OEM? Would I have to phone Microsoft or will it activate automatically? Thanks a lot

 

Nope have never had a problem using the key that came with any laptop as long as you are using a 64 bit key for the correct 64 bit OS no dramas. Recently used it on my DM1

 

Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum and first of all I want to say hello to all of You!
I've bought N55SF S1472 and upgraded it with OZC Vertex 3 240GB, now I want to ask you several questions.
1. Could someone help me about 2nd hdd caddy which will replace dvd drive, I was planning to remove dvd drive and put there 750gb hdd that I got with this laptop, so if someone could provide me with a link from ebay for that 2nd drive caddy 'cos I don't know if they are the same for every brand of notebook.
2. I was also planning to buy a blu-ray optical drive (I know that I cann't put at the same time optical drive and 2nd hdd caddy but I want to buy it anyway) so then again I would appriciate someone to provide me a link to blu-ray burner.
3. And finally, is there some kind of tutorial on how to replace dvd drive and put 2nd hdd caddy/blu-ray burner when I buy one (I know that I'll be loosing guarantee)? what I need to do? Remove keyboard to remove screws or something else?
Thnx in advance!

 

Hi everybody,

I just upgraded RAM to 16Gb in my ASUS N55SF-S1262V - 2x8Gb Corsair SO-DIMM 16GB KIT DDR3 1333MHz CL9. Memory is located under front bottom cover (as like HDD is) - 2 screws, so change takes 2minutes. Result: ( CPU-Z Validator 3.1)


I'm also recommending SSD drive for booting windows and every day used data - the speed is amazing. I bought Samsung SSD830 256GB Notebook kit. I never use cdrom drive so I removed it and I mounted original HDD drive to cdrom bay. I used a $10 CD-Rom HDD caddy from ebay ( 12.7mm SATA 2nd HDD caddy for ACER BENQ HP DELL ASUS | eBay). It's simple 10 minutes modification: under middle cover (1screw) there is a screw marked with CD image which will release CDRom drive. Just get cdrom out, carefully remove cdrom drive front panel and put in onto hdd caddy (you must remove caddy's front panel). Then mount HDD into caddy, put back to cdrom bay... mount cdrom screw and cover back and you're done. I'm lazy, so I installed windows to SSD and left original system and restore partition on HDD drive - as backup.


Anyone wants increase graphic performance ?
[Mod] Asus N55SF - voltage increase for Nvidia GT 555m
(i didn't tried yet)

 

Hi All

I bought 2, N55SF, Core i5, last week, refurbished from PC world, looks new though, may be end of line as new N55SL has come in, hence sold as refurbished. Anyway, nice laptop, great sound and display.

I am just configuring it. Updated the Nvidia driver, but when i click on 3d vision pack, it says "primary display's adapter does not support 3d vision". Is it that I will need external display for 3D or some other settings need to be done?
The image through web cam is blurry (picture made up of small small square) in both the laptops, I have tried changing resolution in lifeframe not much different in between the resolutions. What can be the problem? Tried updating the webcam driver, it is upto date (microsoft 2006). Both the laptops are showing same blurry web cam image, and web cam has a bit of lag as well. Please guide me thru setting the web cam.

Thanks

 

Hi All,

Needed help here. i just bought the Asus N55SF, it comes with Win7 64 Home. Very works fine untill a tried to switch it to Win7 32bits. i dont seem to able to find (x86) drivers for the grahpic card and worst the wireless network. now i'm stuck. Asus site doesnt provide any 32bit driver for the PC. can any one here advice me?

it will be great if you can send me the link to download. fyi tried many driver online but non work. i guess the most important is the wireless driver. with that i should at least able to do a window updates and i should find the graphic or other drivers.

Thank you.

 

First off why switch to 32! You will not be able to use the full 6/8gb of ram that came with the system!

Nvidia Drivers

Wrt to wireless driver, use the factory back up then see what is fitted.

However l think you are MAD!

 

Memory Limits for Windows Releases

 

Aye you need a 3D enabled external monitor for the N55SF as the display that is fitted is your bog standard 2D affair

 

Hi guys! I have played with my lappy for a while and tried to get the best 3dMark06 score with out overvolting my GPU. So here it's is NVIDIA GeForce GT 635M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-2670QM Processor,ASUSTeK Computer Inc. N55SF score: 14467 3DMarks this is one of the best scores I got with my GT555m overclocked at 779(core)/1083(memory), ex. my score with out overclock is around 12000!
Have anyone tried the volt mod?

 

Hi Guys,

I am planning to buy asus N55SL this weekend. I am concerned about the keyboard. I am ok with the looks but I wanted to know whether there is enough feedback for key press? Or are there some other issues with keyboard?

Are there any issues with wifi signal strength/lan adapter issues so far in general?

PS: I need to buy it online , so I cant test a real one until I buy.

 

Hey, I own the N55SF, the keyboard is fine once you get used to it, l have typed plenty of report's on it with no hassle, plenty of feedback. You may need to invest in some cleaner as mine seem to pick up fingerprint grease easily (maybe due to my job as lots of oil/grime).

The signal strength is rock solid on the n-1030 adaptor fitted to my unit, no packet loss etc.

LAN was rock solid when l used it for 5+ months no issue.

I will say that if you plan to travel with this unit it will pick up little scuffs on the lid and around the display easily due to the high gloss finish (Invest in a good soft case), l can live with that some can't, if it is going to be a desktop replacement then no drama.

The i5 and i7 models are great when coupled with the GT 635m (rebadged GT 555m)

If you like games the system will handle all at med/high Game list, just browse this list to find the GT 635m/GT 555m.

At the moment they come with a 24 month warranty which rocks and l am adding a SanDisk 240GB Extreme Solid State Drive + Akasa N Stor 2.5 inch Slimline IDE Optical Disk SATA HDD Adapter. Reciently l tried Corsair CMXS16GX3M2A1600C10 16GB Vengeance Performance So-Dimm 1600MHz CL10 DDR3 Memory Kit before fitting it to my M11x and it worked without a hitch.

Hope this helps.

You may want to hold out for the N65 model.

Regards.

C.

 

Hey fella,

Do you have any step by step for the removal and refit of an extra hdd bay.

Regards.

C.

 

Dis-regard last re-read your post

 

hey guys
I'm having this BSOD blue screen problem every time am gaming. I have an N55sf with @gb gt555m graphics Core i7 2630 and 8gb ram. I must say heating is my main problem on this machine plus my asus music now isn't working when i boot with the function button...
Please help anyone

 

Compressed air to clean out the HSF and give the laptop a general good clean out.

Remember the CPU and GPU share a single fan.

Invest in a cooling pad.

Reduce graphical settings.

Re-install music now. Then try using quick key from cold boot.

Could be a failing HDD.

Use CrystalDiskInfo to check the health of the HDD or use Control Panel : All Control Panel Items : Administration Tools : Computer Management : Disk Management.

You should also see the smart status of the Disk ie Healthy.

If at fault and you are still in warranty give Asus support a shout.

Regards.

C.

 

Has anyone found a way to control fan speed manually or adjust the temps at which it ramps up? Even in active mode it seems to be too conservative for gaming with an overclocked GPU.

 

Nevermind, I modded the BIOS and found the fan was at 100% already. It's just too wimpy to deal with the heat of overclocking the GPU.

 

Hi everyone,
I'm considering buying an ASUS N55SF or N55SL, not sure, which one.
Can anyone tell me how does Diablo 3 run on it? I'm buying it mainly for this game.
I'm also wondering, if I should get the full HD or the 1600x900. Can I run Diablo 3 on full HD? And how do games in general run on 1600x900? Everywhere I check the resolution in games is either 1366x768 or full HD. I haven't see 1600x900 anywhere. Does it mean i have to play the game on 1366x768 and if so, do i have black stripes on both sides of the screen? (sorry for probably a stupid question, but i just want to be sure before I buy it).
I've been also considering the Lenovo Y580, but it's a bit too expensive for me and also the glossy screen is a huge drawback for me, i hate glossy screens.
Please advise

 

Follow this link Computer Games on Laptop Graphic Cards it gives an idea of how well the GT 635m and GT 555m will perform.

You may want to wait for the Asus N56 which comes with the GT 650m a much more capable graphics cards on par with the GTX 560m.

Regards.

C.

 

Follow this link Computer Games on Laptop Graphic Cards it gives an idea of how well the GT 635m and GT 555m will perform.

You may want to wait for the Asus N56 which comes with the GT 650m a much more capable graphics cards on par with the GTX 560m.

Regards.

C.

 

wrt to the resolution, if playing at 1366*768 the full screen is used and no black border will be present, when looking at gaming always compare against full HD then add some fps for the 1600*900, l have played D3 on my N55sf at native with no drama, however it is faster at 1366*768.

Regards.

C.

 

Here are some results for using the following GPU's on D3:

GT 555m:

119fps @ low 1024x768 Low / off
61fps @ med 1366x768 Medium / low
39fps @ high 1366x768 High onAA
28fps @ ultra 1920x1080 High onAA

GT 635m similar if not the same as above.

GT 650m:

162fps @ low 1024x768 Low / off
94fps @ med 1366x768 Medium / low
70fps @ high 1366x768 High onAA
50fps @ ultra 1920x1080 High onAA

Regards.

C.

 

Thanks a lot for your reply.
I'll think about it (i'm also thinking about MSI GE60 and Lenovo Y580, but they're a bit more expensive...)

 

Anyone using 16gb ram successfully? i read one person has, but i want a second source before i spend. I easily use up my 8gb processing massive panoramas in PS.

TY.

 

Hi there,

I can confirm that 16gb is usable (2*8gb) in this bit of kit, l went with Corsair Vengeance SODIMM 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C10 1600MHz SODIMM Kit.

Checked it in the N55SF before fitting to my M11x r3.

Regards.

C.

 

Excellent thanks mate.

Just bought a Samsung 830 SSD, ill treat myself to the ram next week I might buy 1333mhz as that is the maximum frequency supported by the 2670qm?

 

Na with 2*4gb of Corsair Vengence it is running at 798.4Mhz so 1600 is fine with the 2670QM.

Regards.

C.

 

According to intel

2760QM upto 1600mhz
2670QM uoto 1333mhz

But then asus say max 8gb, which is clearly not true.

 

Yip can defo confirm that the 2670QM runs 1600 DDR3 @ 1600 on the N55SF. either at 16gb or 8gb.

Regards.

C.

 

Hey - this is really great news! - My one 'regret' with the pair of I7 N55SFs we bought for my wife an I is that the memory limit was 8GB (According to ASUS) despite the I7 chip being good for 16GB - however i that is not the case, and it runs a stable 16Gb thats really good!!

For those interested - my N55 had a fault (burned out motherboard) within about 3 week of using it back in Jan (See my earlier posts about this and the ASUS returns process) - since then its not missed a beat despite use for 'intense' flight sims, plus the ASUS returns process was actually v. good (bear in mind its a consumer process - ie 3-4 week turnaround, not a business 1/2/5 day replacement process)-

So thus far, very happy with the pair of them, and even happier now I know about the 16Gb capability

 

Aye the i7 N55SF is a good bit of kit, just off the speed of the desktop i5 2500k @ stock

Regards.

C.

 

Nw SSD came.

Installed windows 7 in 7 minutes with samsung 830 SSD :-0

 

Hehe sweet.

Regards.

C.

 

Samsung 830 128gb SSD, 13 apps in 10 seconds. - YouTube

 

Hi.

Can you use standard nvidia.com drivers on this notebook or do you have to use asus only, are there any problem, loosing brightness control ect.

thanks

John.

 

You can use nvidias, brightness control works fine still. Im using the latest driver from nvidia. Need to install the intel driver first.

 

Just to let you folks know, 16Gb RAM fitted in my N55SF- no problems at all

 

Just bought n55sl yesterday from pc world, love it but would love an ssd as a boot drive my question is... Does anyone know if there's space to mount a 128gb ssd besides removing the Blue ray and using its caddy. So to be sure, I want to keep the 640gb hd and the blue ray drive in situ and add an sd internally.

 

I am afraid not.

Regards.

C.

 

What are the current screen, videocard, harddisk and cpu options on the N55SF?
Is there a better keyboard available?

Is text readable on the 1080p screen? Does Windows 7 scale well?