Asus UL30VT FAQ / Official Owners Lounge redux

The following are the most frequently asked questions and answers from the huge Official Asus UL30VT-X1 Owners Lounge thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=439591

Hopefully this saves you from reading the 324 pages.

There is also now a Wiki for the UL30 here: http://asus-ul30.wikispaces.com/


General


What are the differences between the UL30VT-X1 and UL30VT-A1?

X1:

• Initial model
• Black
• 4400mAh battery (at least one user reported getting the 5600mAh battery from Amazon)
• Intel wirless chip with two antennas
• One year warranty

A1:

• Released about a month after the X1, higher price
• Silver
• 5600mAh
• Atheros wireless chip with single antenna (Asus claims it's "optimized for a single antenna", but some users report worse reception)
• 2 year warranty

Is there a weight/size difference between the two batteries?

No, they are the same size and the weight is virtually the same.


How do I do a clean install of Windows 7?

Use an external USB CD-ROM drive and use a Windows 7 DVD (preferably 64-bit), or use a different PC to prepare a USB stick to install Widows 7 from it onto the UL30VT:
http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/


What Windows 7 DVD/key should I use?

You can use any Windows 7 DVD (e.g. one that came with another PC), just pay attention to whether you want 64-bit or 32-bit (only use 32-bit if you specifically need it for some reason). When prompted, enter the key that's printed on the sticker at the bottom of the laptop. You may need to call Microsoft in order to activate, if your internet activation fails.


What Asus drivers/software should I install after?

Go to:
http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us
First you need to install all the ATK drivers (get the most recent version of each only).

After that, install the nVidia graphics driver, the Power4Gear Hybrid Utility 1.24 or 1.25 (to enable video switching, use version 1.25 or older as later versions have issues; 1.25 can be found at http://support.asus.com, under General Download select "Notebook", "Apps" and "P4GHybrid"), the Realtek audio driver (so you don't have a duplicate microphone device), touchpad, bluetooth and either Intel or Atheros network driver.

The other utilities can be more or less useful, such as FastBoot (delays certain programs during startup), Fancystart for changing your BIOS screen, or SmartLogon for using the camera to log you in (slower and not as secure as a password but neat).


Do I need to update my BIOS? How should I do it?

Not really but it's easy, just copy the latest BIOS file to a USB key, reboot, and update the BIOS from the BIOS menu. There are no known issues with the 210 BIOS.


Does the UL30VT support 8GB RAM?

Yes, you will need to buy two sticks of 4GB to replace your existing two sticks of 2GB.


I don't like how my TouchPad feels, should I try Synaptics drivers?

Some people have reported better performance with the Synaptics trackpad drivers (rather than the Elan driver), but you lose most customization functionality including as the keyboard Fn key that turns off the TouchPad. If you want to make your TouchPad feel more responsive, set PalmTracking to Minimum, and increase the pointer speed under the Mouse Settings, Pointer Options.


What's a good case for this laptop?

The Zeroshock III 13.3" sleeve seems to be the cheapest/favorite out there:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-ZEROSHO...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1271869389&sr=8-1


Can I overclock the CPU?

Yes, users report up to 1.9 GHz. Here's a CPU overclocking guide:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=472668


Can I run 64-bit virtual machines?

Yes you can, it's 64-bit and supports Intel VT.


What kind of spare power adapter can I buy?

19V, 3.16A, with 5.5x2.5mm connector, like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...617433&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_3535wt_939


What kind of SSD drive should I buy?

Users have purchased several kinds of SSD drives for the UL30VT and there were no issues reported. Just make sure you have plenty of space for Windows 7 and applications, e.g. a 30 GB drive might be too small.


Video


My graphics switching button doesn't work sometimes, or my Power4Gear profile does not switch graphics properly, what's wrong?

Are you using Power4Gear 1.24 or 1.25 instead of a newer version? Newer versions have a glitch where they may not remember what GPU each profile uses, or the graphics button may stop functioning after a suspend/resume.


What is the VGA patch for?

The VGA patch removes some files left over from previous driver installations, so you do not need to install this patch when you're doing a clean install. You might want to run it before re-installing the video driver.


Can I install a newer nVidia driver than what's on the Asus website?

Yes, you can install a custom nVidia driver that includes features like PhysX. Follow the instructions here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=474538

Note that as of today, the newer drivers don't provide any performance benefits at all (but don't seem to break anything either).


Can I overclock the GeForce 210M on the UL30VT?

Yes, you can download a tool such as EVGA Precision or nVidia System Tools and overclock it. A good setting to try is 750/935/1655 (that brings up 3DMark 06 from about 3200 to over 3900). Here's a GPU overclocking guide:
http://www.expertlaptopreview.com/?p=422


I connected the HDMI to a TV but I don't see anything.

Make sure you switch to the nVidia graphics, then plug it in.


Does the GeForce 210M work under Linux?

No, you can only use the Intel graphics.


Does the UL30VT support automatic graphics switching (nVidia Optimus)?

Currently there are no Optimus-enabled drivers for the UL30VT (official or unofficial).


Audio


Does the UL30VT support S/PDIF?

It does not have an optical mini-jack as some vendors reported, but if you plug the HDMI output it into an HDMI 1.3 receiver you will be able to get multichannel digital sound and you can configure AC3 or DTS pass-through.


Modding


How do I disassemble the UL30VT?

Here are some tips on disassembly:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5979592&postcount=2468


Can I add a second WiFi antenna to the A1 to improve reception?

Yes, some A1 users have bought a second antenna but check first if your A1 has a second port for it, as some A1s do not have it. You can check by unscrewing the HD panel.

If you have the second port, you can buy an antenna like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250465318826&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
http://www.oxfordtec.com/us/p120/La...eed-to-open-the-Base-or-LCD/product_info.html
To install it, remove the HD drive, screw it it and route it towards the speakers.


Can I get a backlit keyboard for the UL30VT?

Yes, you can buy a keyboard from Asus:
http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=5277
To install it you will need to solder or glue a wire to a 5V source on the board. Instructions are here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=465841

Be aware that the backlit keyboard is slightly taller than the standard one and may leave marks on the screen, unless you use some kind of protection like a cloth or felt pads.

 

you forgot to add cpu overclocking to 1.9ghz : )

3dmark hits 4k

 

For overclocking, you could also use EVGA's Precision. Go to: http://www.evga.com/precision/

Very nice tool-it's easier to manage and seems to work quite well!

 

UL30VT HDMI does support DTS and Dolby Digital passthru, no problem. I'm using 1.3 HDMI compatible receiver and display.

 

Might be useful to have this little disassembly guide. It's intended for replacing the wifi card, but it also pertains to the general disassembly of the laptop.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=5979592&postcount=2468

In addition, I would recommend putting any extra antennas the proper way, ie behind the screen instead of inside the main chassis. That way, there's going to be less interference.

 

Thanks, I added all the feedback. I was too lazy to test the HDMI with my 1.3 receiver before, it does work.

 

Awesome! The other lounge should be locked because it's just an endless repeat of all the same questions and no one uses the search feature.

 

Have to ask my question in this new thread

Question for anyone using Virtual Box.

I'm about to setup an Ubuntu Guest OS on my UL30VT-A1 and was wondering what sort of results you guys were getting when running a like setup and dedicating say a gig of ram to the guest os?

Does it run well, or could I dedicate less or should I dedicate more, but does it affect the windows 7 host os? Thanks!

 

I did that before. I just forgot to mention it in my last post, sry It didn't change things much.

I only have one question for all of you and I beg you to reply:
Which BIOS are you using? Do you have any problems with GraphiX Switch?
I'm using 210 and I do have problems.

I'm now getting more and more convinced that BIOS is to blame for my GraphiX problems. I blame BIOS because hybernation is the one that fixes my problem. As far as I know hybernation stores RAM content to HDD and shuts PC down, so when you power up next time everything starts from exactly the same point. Even music starts playing where you left it. The only thing that starts fresh from that kind of boot is BIOS.
We all know that it can affect power ups from different states (as in sleep, hybernation, fresh boot), since there was a bug with brightness settings in <=208 versions.

I'm looking forward to see your replays to my question, so I can prove/disprove my theory.

Ty

 

Sorry, forgot to mention: I updated my BIOS to 210 and I have no such issues.

 

I'm trying to decide between purchasing a UL30VT or a UL30A-A2. The current price difference is about $60.
This would be my only computer.
I carry it daily between home and work, so portability is important.
I prefer not to have to plug in at work, so battery life is important.
My primary uses are office type programs, internet, email, some Skype and photo editing. The only games are internet poker. I may some day view Hulu or such.
I am technology challenged.
Would I benefit from the VT on Turbo or would I just use up battery life with little or no preformance gain?

 

Go for the UL30A-A2. You will want the nVidia for any stressful video files or gaming, however, you will need to switch between the two on the VT books AND deal with the hybrid video drivers with their idiosyncrasies.

The Intel GMA 4500MHD chip is OK for light gaming but not sure of video over HDMI. I can play standard DVD and some 720P HD video on laptop. My VT auto switches to the nVidia when I use the HDMI so can't vouch for the Intel GMA 4500MHD for this purpose.

Photo and Hulu may have you running in turbo mode but not a huge hit on battery, ymmv, use PS-CS3 with no problems in non turbo mode.

A $50 question on your part...I would ask more questions on the UL30A forum.

 

i just recently setup an Ubuntu 9.10 64bit guest in virtualbox on my ul30vt-x1 and it works very well.

i dedicated 10GB of hard drive space for it (although it doesnt need nearly that much) and i dedicated 1GB of RAM to it. i also allowed it to see both of my cpu cores and enabled 3d acceleration. i also installed the guest additions. everything has worked fine so far. i havent done anything really stressful with it, so i dont know how much it would slow down in those circumstances, but when i am doing light work in it, i do not experience any noticeable slowdowns.

the only problems i have had is when i save state, close the vm, and reopen it, the screen will be mostly black, but if you do some stuff, it will redraw the screen and all will be fine. also, virtualbox crashed on me when i tried logging out of my account in ubuntu, so i just dont do that (either save state or shutdown the virtual machine when i am done).

hope this info helps!

 

Thank you for your input. I have asked on UL30 forem as you suggested, but that forum seems rather inactive.

 

what is a benchmark software?

and how do you the OS and DATA drive? is there anyway to combine them into one? I am currently using the OS but i ran out of memory. what can I do?

 

Expression "Benchmark" software is used to describe programs that are made for evaluating hardware (or even other software).

For example CPU benchmark gives you information about your CPU capabilities. Results are usually compared between same benchmark program but different hardware.

Here's example of extensive benchmark database from Tom's Hardware.


For combining partitions you have to use software like "Partition Magic" or something similar. I haven't used that in ages so I'm honestly not up to date. You'll have to wait for someone with more experience to answer.

Edit: Apparently you can do this without 3rd party software in Win7/Vista. Here's tutorial: Resizing partition

 

Is there anywhere with a comparison chart of all the UL30 models?

Does anyone care to put one together, I think a lot of people would find it very useful.

 

I just received my ul30vt and was wondering if the switch between intel gpu and nvidia is automatic or not. I can always manually push the button in the upper left corner to switch but that defeats the purpose of auto switching... Any comments in regards to this?

 

I see...what are some good software that can test my GPU benchmarks?

 

Auto switching was never advertised with UL30Vt. You have to do it manually.

nVidia recently announced new auto switching technology called Optimus, which will be part of UL30Jt and other new laptops.
There are some clever guys on this forum, who're trying to port it, in some extent, to laptops with older hardware tho.

I personally like manual switching, because it gives me complete control over laptop's power consumption. It's not that big of a deal to switch anyway.

3DMark is one of them. There are plenty of others which you can google.

 

What's interesting is the fact that the gpu switches on and off automatically upon connecting HDMI device or connecting/disconnecting the power supply.

 

Wisse:
The link you sent me did not work. I can shrink the DATA drive but i cant extend the OS drive(which is my main drive). I have 116GB on my OS drive and 334 on my DATA drive. Why cant asus let me choose my main or how many GB i want on my main(OS) drive =/

 

Yeah, that kind of switching is quite straightforward. "Power detection graphics switch" (one of the options of the switch button) manages switching between AC/Battery modes.
I think HDMI is bound to discrete graphics, thus switching when you plug it in.

What Optimus, as in completely automatic switching does, is detecting applications and switching accordingly. Which is not the case on UL30Vt.
So starting game on UL30Vt won't change anything on it's own.
I guess we're stuck with thinking about few seconds into the future

I see, sry for that. I guess you'll have to go with 3rd party software then. Try "repartition windows" in google. Or wait for more answers.
I only used Partition Magic once many years ago. It worked well tho.

 

..but you can! You have the software built in, goto Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Administrative Tools\Computer management\ STORAGE.

You will have to delete your DATA partition, D:, then EXPAND your C: partition; or expand/shrink your partitions.

BE VERY CAREFUL..really.

I like multi partitions but not on same physical drive. If you have a mechanical failure you lost it all.. However some like it for quick OS format, ymmv.

 

Great, glad to hear it's running fairly smoothly! Thanks for the advice, probably looking at giving it a go tonight. Wasn't planning anything too fancy either. Mainly doing some php, perl, etc stuff and want to do it in a *nix environment since I've been doing it in windows for a few months I need to refresh my memory a bit.

 

A bit off topic to what's before me. But, do you think the ul30vt-a1 price will drop under $650 when the JT's come out? It seems that the JT's will only give ~20% extra processing power, which isn't worth $150-200 for me. So, I might go ahead and get the vt-a1 now unless it drops a deal more.

 

I am sorry, but it's wrong about PowerGear4 Hybrid Utility above in the FAQ's: It's v 1.25 that is the stable, trouble-free version for this notebook, and others. People keep referring to v1.24, but that's not the one to use from my experience with this computer, and the new N71JQ-A1 that I recently purchased.

Where did this constant reference to v1.24 come from? If you look back through the old thread, it's v1.25 that gets touted as the reliable, trouble-free version of P4G, over and over again, and it's the one I use in both my Asus notebooks with fantastic, trouble-free results.

I don't mean to cause any trouble, it's simply my experience and recollection to be using v1.25 NOT v1.24, so please correct the FAQ to reflect this, thank you very much.

 

Alright alright, I changed it to 1.25. I think I put 1.24 because that's the other version that's on the UL30VT download page, not 1.25.

I just tested 1.34 and it's still broken, I went back to 1.24 and everything works again.

 

Where do i find the v.1.25 for PowerGear4 Hybrid Utility?

 

The extend is unclickable.
http://img26.imageshack.us/i/27888889.png/

 

A partition can only be extended into an unallocated space to the right. In your case, your D drive and the FREE SPACE partition is not unallocated. You'll have to format those partitions first.

 

Im sorry for asking stupid questions but i dont know a lot about comp/laptops but exactly how do i increase or expand my OS drive's GB?

 

..or just delete the partitions, D and free space, then extend C: You do not want to format C!

This worked for me...and you have backed up ur good stuff , right?

 

..well try here. Search is your friend!

http://www.windowsreference.com/windows-vista/how-to-use-disk-management-in-vista/

 

Actually, I think deleting the partition is the only way to do that. I was mistaken when I said formating the partition would work

 

Go to Asus Support web pages, where you search for specific model numbers of computers and software, and instead of specifying a model number of computer, simply enter "P4G"--without the quotes of course...hit Return...

That will pop up the entire historical listing of the P4G Utility from the very first version to the latest, and in the middle there is v1.25! Just click on the 'P4GHybrid' link which is clickable on the web page, and up comes the whole shootin' match...the entire history of P4G will be there for you to choose from. :yes:

That's how you do it! Good luck, and hope this helps...

 

..slaps self in head. There is good help with pictures using the built in help files. Click the ? box when your in the Storage screen.

There are no stupid questions, it's the one I didn't think of that kills me

 

Hey Dave,

Just wanted to let you know that the wireless antenna link, you posted back, is out of China. Great price but shipping a bit slow, no problem. When antennas arrive I'll leave feedback for anyone wanting to swap wireless cards.

I don't want to mess with sticker under keyboard, so plan to snake one toward speakers as others have posted.

Thanks..

 

anyone got a guide on how to install another antenna via the speakers?

 

Could you tell me what's broken in 1.34? I haven't used 1.25/1.25 for more than 15min so I can't tell what I'm missing on and maybe that's why 1.34 seems just fine to me.

I've managed to fix my switching problem for now. Yey! I was a fool and changed 2 things at the same time, so I can't pinpoint the problem again.
I removed nVidia drivers, cleaned up leftovers and installed new, moded drivers. At the same time I set my windows (English version) to stop installing certain programs in Slovenian. Every part of nVidia driver was translated before, but now it's in good old English. It seems very unlikely that language would cause problems in P4G/driver communication, since it's probably just for overlay, but you never know.

 

When I used 1.31 or 1.34 there was always a problem after I did a sleep/resume where switching P4GHybrid profiles would not switch the GPU, and/or the GPU switching button would not do anything. Also, I believe the GPU setting for each profile gets wiped out after reboot. If you never did a sleep/resume (e.g. if you use hibernate only) you may not see an issue.

1.31/1.34 doesn't seem to provide any benefits over 1.24/1.25 anyway. As far as I could tell all the versions look identical.

 

Currently v 1.25 for P4G Hybrid is the latest version that works correctly on a ULxx series. I suspect that later versions are not really "broken" but are designed for other laptop models.

 

But then why does Asus post 1.31 on the UL30VT download page, but not 1.25 which works fine...

 

Hi guys,

Got my UL30VT a couple of weeks ago, and am very happy with it so far. But I need some help running Mass Effect 2.

I've installed it, but whenever I try and run the game I get the error message 'Failed to initialise the physics system. Please ensure you have an updated version of the PhysX System Software installed'.

A quick look at google indicates that the Geforce 210M doesn't support Physx - does this mean the laptop can't run Mass Effect 2, even at minimum settings?

Maybe I'm missing something, but it would be pretty disappointing if that were the case.

 

You can try upgrading the nVidia drivers to the newer ones that support PhysX. Consult the FAQ under "Video".

 

Hey.. I need a little help. Whenever I put my laptop in my ZeroShock case, the lid is pressed too hard against the keyboard part of the laptop. So whenever there is any dust or tiny piece of sand, it makes little holes and scratches all over the keyboard part.

I know about the little rubber pieces in the display frame that are supposed to keep the lid away from the keyboard part but it is just not enough. Do you have any idea where I could get some kind of these little rubber stickers so i could keep the lid away from the bottom part? thx

 

What?? I just ordered the Zeroshock III, everybody else said it fits like a glove...

 

Anyone have any idea how much the price will drop once the JTs and the new Acer timelines come out?

 

Maybe try one of these?

Asus does not usually reduce the MSRP when a newer series is introduced, but instead, offers rebates. I'm guessing about $50 via rebate and that's if UL30VTs are overstocked.

 

Got $5 antennas in. Looks like good quality as described. I find that up close, same as single antenna but able to maintain speed and strength a bit better when out in den.

I just slid antenna up around right speaker so not optimum as in lid.

Linky; http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=6107912&postcount=3025

Cheers