Asus UL30VT FAQ / Official Owners Lounge redux

Thanks for the quick response.

I hate to ask a noob question, but I am new to this computer, but how do I enable hardware acceleration?

 

I have it installed on my UL30VT and it works fine. So does my hybrid graphics. Just make sure you are using your graphics card and not the integrated graphics.

Right click on the video and select Settings. Check enable hardware acceleration.

 

I have seen many sleeve recommendations for the UL30VT (most notably the 13" Case Logic and Zero Shock) but I have not seen any recommendations for carrying bags.

What is everyone using to carry their notebook? Any recommendations on a particularly well equipped / fitting messenger style bag?

 

Hey guys,

I'm not exactly sure if my nvidia graphics card is working or not.

I try to watch 1080p video on youtube fullscreen, and it's stuttering a bit.
Yes, I've test with 3Dmark06 and I got the score of 3400. Is the nvidia chip unable to handle the 1080p fullscreen?

Also, if the screen goes black and comes back to the screen, does that mean the computer switched the graphics card? Are there supposed to be a blue back-light on the graphics boost button when nvidia chip is on?

 

Is this different from selecting from the ASUS dash board where they give you the option for "high performance, entertainment, quiet office, or power save?"

 

Yes, when you select hardware acceleration, this tells the program to use hardware (GPU) other than software. This is usually used for VIDEO acceleration. Several video playback software packages have this under the options settings.

The Power4Gear sets you up for CPU speed, either GPU of two available, for overall laptop performance and or battery saving settings.

After you get some time on her you will get the feel for stutter free performance with various video codecs and settings.

 

Dave, any noticeable improvements on games or other? I assume you had to use the mod files to install this or does the driver package recognize our machine?

I'm not l holding my breath for Asus to make this easy

 

Hank, Search through the posts, most of these items are covered several times. Please read thur your owners manual to cover which GPU is shown with the Green hash marks.

Asus uses the Graphics button for two functions depending on when it's used. It would be very nice if it lit up but again no as it would cause confusion depending on when used.

 

Hey guys - Great thread.

Is it absolutely essential to do a complete re-install of Win7? Or can I just remove the bloatware? Please let me know what you think.

 

I think if you do a good job of cleaning the bloatware it will probably be similar to doing a clean install (which is what I did). Why don't you try it and report back.

 

I definitely will.

I am getting my A1 tomorrow. What else do I need to know?

BTW: I ordered the black be.ez 13.3" sleeve (directly below) which I have read is an excellent sleeve and fits it perfectly. I'll report back on that as well.


Memory foam effect:

 

This is what I usually do when I receive a new laptop:

1. Inspect for visual defects (scratches, dents, dings, dead pixels etc)
2. Uninstall all bloatware (faster) or do a clean install (slower)
3. Register your laptop - by doing so, this will activate your 1 year accidental warranty.
4. Install an anti-virus software. AVG, Avira and Avast are great ones.
5. Perform windows update.
6. Install your desired programs, games and transfer data from your previous computer(s) that you want on your new laptop.

Since you mentioned you got a memory foam laptop sleeve, I'd get a bowling ball and a glass of wine to test it out j/k

 

Also install Glary Registry Repair and run it often, keeps your registry nice and clean.

 

Oh, almost forgot this these:
Flash 10.1 beta and klite codecs

 

Alright, first post here!
Well I decided that I'm gonna go grab a UL30VT-A1 for my college laptop, thinking that the wait for the UL30JT wouldn't even be worth it in the end.

Anyways, with buying this, I was also planning on buying this laptop, adding either the 40gb or 80gb Intel SSD drive (I don't plan on taking up too much memory).
I was planning on doing a clean install with the new SSD drive so that everything is running cleanly from the start. The thing is that I don't have any kind of Windows 7 installation disc at all. I wanted to install the 64 bit version that is supposed to installed in the stock 500gb HDD. If I don't have any disc (I don't really want to do any windows downloading either) could I use the recovery disc included with the laptop to do a clean install of Windows 7 64-bit?

If I'm way off, please guide me in the right direction...

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

@ armoredraver,

Welcome to the forums

First off, Asus no longer provides recovery discs on their notebooks, so you'll need to make your own from the recovery partition (pre-loaded on every Asus system) or simply have a reseller make you one for an extra $15. I haven't tried making a recovery disk from the recovery partition before, so I'm not sure if that actually gives you a clean install or not, but I'm leaning towards a factory setting with pre-installed bloatware.

Another option for you is to just uninstall all the bloatware from your control panel. This would be a much faster option and save you from any driver issues you may encounter.

If I may, I would suggest using Acronis True Image (free for 30 days) to clone your SSD with the stock hard drive after all bloatware is uninstalled. You'll need an external 2.5" SATA enclosure for this, but it would be an even better and more efficient process for getting your SSD up and running with your new laptop.

 

Wow! Thanks for the quick and welcoming response!
I figured that the process of using any kind of recovery disc/ image would be more complicated.
I'm guessing I'll take your advice with just manually removing the bloatware from control panel (you simply mean removing it like you would any other program right?)
Also, would using the Acronis True Image software trial have any limitations? I mean once I clone the drive, I can get rid of the software already, right?
I was already planning on making the original HDD a 500gb portable drive of some sort and I think this would be the best situation.

Edit: I also forgot to ask- If I do use the Acronis drive cloning method, does that mean I won't need to buy an external USB optical drive?

 

No problem

Yes, just remove the bloatware like any other program from your control panel. You can check out the bloatware guide I wrote (see sig) to help you choose the ones you'd like to delete/keep. There are a few utilities that are actually helpful, so I'd recommend give it a quick glance before uninstalling them.

As for Acronis True Image, there's no limitations as long as you use it before your 30 day trial is up. To uninstall it, just do so like any other program again.

I'm not sure if you're familiar with SSDs or not, but just in case, make sure you do NOT defrag your SSD. Unlike the standard mechanical hard drives, SSDs do not need to be defragmented and by doing so, it will only decrease the longevity of your SSD.

 

Awesome. This sounds way easier than what I was planning before.
Have you seen any guides that explain the process you were describing (cloning the drive)? Or would it be a fairly simple process once Acronis is installed?

Oh, and I don't really know that much about SSDs; just that they are faster haha; Thanks for that tip!

 

The cloning process is relatively easy. Here's a guide for your reference:
Acronis True Image Home 2009 Review - Clone a Laptop Hard Drive Tutorial

Here's another SSD tip. Make sure you purchase a G2 (second generation) if you are purchasing from Intel. The G2 differs from the G1 such that the G2s have the TRIM command. This is an important feature for SSDs that has been in use for some time and by running the TRIM command, it will help eliminate/reduce performance degradation.

 

Yeah. I was actually wondering about that, because I was looking at SSDs on eBay and some of the ones I saw were the older G1 models for cheaper prices.

 

Yeah, you'll want to stay away from the G1 models (ones without TRIM support) Those will be sold at a cheaper price, but the price difference of the G2 is well worth the investment.

 

How do you like the anti-virus software that is now free from Microsoft?

Thanks, btw. This place is great.

 

Is this free? If not how much is it and can I install it on more than 1 machine?

 

If we are talking second hard drive, then instead of cloning, I would suggest just doing a clean install on second drive.

The problem with cloning is that it is S L O W. I clocked over 5.5 hours to clone 300 gig drive using eSata dock, slower if using USB. If clone fails, you get to start over Another problem is you must test the clone to make sure everything is OK OK OK OK... I would put away the original and just run the clone until well exercised.

I still clone but only to preserve hours of application installs with keys but, again, YMMV depending on what point you want to start.

 

It's free but is it worth it? Lots of pros and cons to cleaning the registry; where is this stated to be performed by Micro$oft?

Repairing the registry is another matter.

 

The new hybrid hard drives look like a nice upgrade without losing any capacity and spending a fortune for an SSD.

Amazon.com: Seagate Momentus XT 500 GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 32 MB Cache 2.5 Inch…

 

Not a registry cleaner but an anti-virus/spyware/malware program.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

You were asking about Glary but the MS security is very good. However, I've been using Antivir for three years, free as well and no issues.

 

Looking to grab one myself for my ul30vt when they are released!

 

How exactly does this work?

Looks interersting.

 

Basically, it's a normal HDD w/ a 4GB NAND chip, and a bunch of algorithms that automatically store frequently used files on the NAND chip for faster access.

AnAndTech has a really good review on it.
Seagate's Momentus XT Reviewed, Finally a Good Hybrid HDD - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

 

This is probably my next drive..after it gets released...

I love how it whips up on the VeloRapter.

At near normal prices I think this is going to satisfy a lot of people who refuse to pay SSD prices.

 

I just wanted to let you guys know I got my VT-A1 yesterday. It's awesome! I couldn't be happier. I tested out CS:S on native res at high settings (no AA), and ran the graphics test and got 150 fps! Also, I played around in Heroes of Newerth at native res with high setting (no shadows) and it ran perfectly. This laptop totally out performs my 2.5 yr old desktop (8800 GTS 320mb).

I really want to pick up one of those hybrid drives as well. $129 for the 500gb on newegg!

Newegg.com - Seagate Momentus XT ST95005620AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ Solid State Hybrid Drive -Bare Drive

It's an awesome deal, and I can just throw my old HD in a case and have a new external, and with the awesome battery life already I don't have to worry about the small increase in power consumption. Any thoughts on how much battery time it'll shave off?

 

Whoa, thank you for this, I was lusting after an SSD but they cost too much for my taste and I'd have to give up on storing a lot of movies on the laptop, but this looks awesome! So they're not released yet?

 

I guess one concern I have with these new hybrid drives is their reliability since this is a brand new technology.

Seems ideal though.

 

Man the hard drive noise on these laptops is annoying.

 

Yeah, every new technology will come with some risk and the first adopters will always be the guinea pig. Benchmarks point to a solid hard drive, but only time can time how reliable these drives really are. Personally, I've dealt my fair share of faulty Seagate drives (both 2.5" and 3.5") variants, so I'll let this play on for a while before purchasing one for myself.

In that case, I'd suggest getting a replacement drive from newegg or from your favorite retailer. Even if you RMA your laptop with Asus, chances are they will give you the same Seagate drive which seems to run louder than other 2.5" SATA drives.

 

Man, that stinks. Last thing I want to do is to drop another $60-$70 on a quieter drive.

You would think that Seagate or ASUS would change this.

 

Supposed to be out anyday now. Newegg estimates 5/27

 

Has anybody tried the Shareware version of SetFSB? Supposedly version 2.3.137.101 added support for the UL30A clock gen ICS9LR3362CGLF.

SetFSB_HomePage

 

Best buy has a really nice "incase" bag for 13" macbook pros that I bought. $55, but well worth it - very solid, lots of nice features, and literally, you could not get a tighter tailor made fit. No flashy logos either, just plain black.



mitt

small picture for reference:

 

It's already out and a forum member has already received his from the egg

http://forum.notebookreview.com/apple-mac-os-x/486869-installed-momentus-xt-my-13-a.html

 

When I try to overclock my GPU I get the error message "The changes made were invalid and will not be applied."

Has anyone else had this issue?

 

The only time I've ever seen that message is when the wrong video drivers or wrong version of system tools are installed.

 

Ideal what? Trouble? Vibrating, oscillating, noisy HD's? Yup, I think so...this is what Seagate is known for...

You must also have a Seagate HD, have you checked the drive's SMART Status with a utility like HDTune Pro, Everest Ultimate, or HW Monitor? It might be failing for all you know...check it out, it can't hurt...agreed, the Seagate HD's are pitiful excuses for HD's, so YMMV with changing it for another one...I also suggest that you replace it asap with either an SSD or another brand like Hitachi for example, which makes great HD's!

It's not just that they are 'louder' than other HD's, it's that they are prone to failure at some point also. Any HD with an out-of-round spindle or platter, which is why they vibrate like they do fyi, will fail much sooner than later, so it's best to not wait and simply replace the thing before you lose your precious data by keeping it...get rid of it is my recommendation.

Seagate HD technology has been South ever since the year 2005, when they had terrible firmware problems across the board in their SATA 3.5" HD's, and ATA HD's also, and they have never recovered fully. To wit all these vibrating, pulsing, "laptop massagers" in the current crop of Asus notebooks, all types of them not just the UL30 series.

I returned a higher-end N71JQ-A1 notebook with TWO (2) of them, both Momentous 500GB HD's, and that thing vibrated so much it would actually *move* on my desk! It was just one of the things that was wrong with it, however, as it also had a faulty sound card and WiFi was 'iffy', would come and go, so that notebook was just a basket case from the get-go...

The point remains tho about the N71's HD's, and I removed both from the laptop and install my Intel SSD just to prove a point to myself, and the vibration just plain vanished...I had to be sure it was the HD's, and it was! There is no excuse for selling Asus or retail HD's with the characteristics that all Seagate 2.5" HD's seem to have in common: vibration, out of round spindles or platters, and premature failures.

For those of you tolerating the noise and vibration I have only one suggestion: do not trust your data to those HD's! If you value anything think about *LOSING* all your stuff at some point if you keep the HD's intact and *IN* your notebooks! It really is worth it to replace faulty HD's, $$ be danged, when there is no alternative. Asus won't replace the HD but with another Seagate, as they seem to be bound contractually and convenience-wise to replace like units with the same, so don't ever count on Asus to change their brand these days.

Hitachi makes the best 2.5" HD's in the world today, and I'd suggest taking a virtual trip to amazon.com and ordering the 500GB Retail Hitachi 7200RPM equivalent HD if you want speed, quietness, and reliability. I have one for a spare, since I went to all SSD's in my notebooks, but when I was using it that Hitachi HD was fast, in fact it was the fastest performing 2.5" HD I'd ever tested, bar none, even beating a WD Black Scorpio HD in speed.

The retail Hitachi 500GB HD costs a little less than $85 and it's worth every penny, and comes with a nice comprehensive 5-year warranty also, as I recall, so you cannot go wrong. Here's a link to the HD at amazon.com, and if you want history on it read my review there also under "Wavey Davey" moniker...it should be the No.1 or No.2 review on the HD at this time.

Amazon.com: Hitachi 500GB Travelstar SATA 7200 RPM Laptop Internal Hard Drive HD20500IDK/7K - Retail: Electronics

 

What exactly is it that you're going to get out of the Shareware SetFSB? The free version will overclock your UL30 series to 1906Mhz correct? Isn't that fast enough? It sure is for my purposes! I'm even using it on battery settings, by changing the preferences in P4G CPanel to be 100% CPU speed minimum and maximum, and it works a treat!

There's really no reason to use anything other than David's Mod to overclock this computer, at least that's what I think about it anyway, and I've been using that Mod for almost 3 months without any problems at all...

 

You might be using the wrong version of System Tools by nVidia...let me suggest something KUHL! Change your overclocker to EVGA's Precision Tool, which is foolproof and trouble-free x 100%, you just cannot go wrong with it. I've been using it for overclocking my nVidia GPU's in desktops and laptops for a couple years, and it just doesn't quit getting better...especially the latest version that I am using, which is v1.94.

You have to log into their customer database or join their Forums to be a member there to get the software, which takes about 5 minutes or less to accomplish, but after that you can download the software for free...

Get it here: EVGA | Support | Download Drivers

It really does work!

 

Using a random setting that happens to work with a similar clock generator is an inelegant, albeit effective method. However, $5 is a small price to pay for a version that offers real support and probably better performance and stability. I guess my only question is whether the UL30A and the UL30VT use the same ICS9LR3362CGLF chip.

 

I've had the UL30VT-A1 for about 12 hours and so far so good.

I don't think the hard drive is loud at all.

Took about 3 hours to remove all the bloatware and update WIN7.

Seems very snappy and responsive.

I was almost able to play the 1080p Avatar trailer with the integrated GPU. I will try the NVIDIA GPU later.

I have overclocked the CPU. Might overclock the GPU later as well.

So far, so good! A huge upgrade for me.