F8Sn: Review, Benchmarks, and Photos

Asus F8Sn-C1 Review
By EXcaliberPC.com on Friday, March 28, 2008



We received today the F8Sn-C1 notebook. The F8Sn is based upon the same design as the F8Sv notebook we reviewed in late 2007 except that the video card is now the Nvidia 9500M as opposed to the 8600GT on the older notebook AND that the CPU are now the Intel Mobile Penryn. The C1 in the F8SN-C1 denotes the current highest model of the series and sports the Intel T9300 CPU and 320GB hard drive.

Here we will highlight on aspects of the F8Sn-C1 because the base unit is essentially the same as the F8Sv we had reviewed earlier. Please see the F8Sv reivew for details and our thoughts on items such as ports, keyboard, screen brightness etc.

To begin with we still quite like the styling on the notebook and the F8Sn-C1 is quite sturdy in construction. The speakers are adequate but not loud enough in our opinion. The screen itself is still very pleasant to look at with clear text and being soft on the eyes and comfortable. The new screen seem to have a little better viewing angle than the F8Sv. Battery life seem to have been extended by 10 minutes or so on the F8Sn-C1. Keyboard, touchpad, wireless, ports, have remained the same. The F8Sn-C1 is a cool notebook in temperature but this time we have more quantitative measurements on that so please look at temperature readings carefully. The F8SN-C1 is definitely a nice notebook to have.

Members are more than welcome to request for additional review content on here and we will be more than happy to assist users with any questions they might have via private message.

Specifications for the F8Sn-C1 model used for this review are as follow:

• Screen: 14.1" WXGA+ (1440 x 900) Color Shine Glossy LCD
• Processor: 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (800 MHz FSB, 6MB L2 Cache)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS (512MB dedicated VRAM)
• Memory: 3GB RAM (DDR2 667 memory, 2 sockets for up to 4GB)
• Hard Drive: Western Digital 320GB 5400RPM Serial ATA
• Optical Drive: 8x DVD Super Multi Dual Layer
• Camera: 1.3 megapixel webcam w/240 degree swivel
• Card Reader: 8-in-1 card reader (MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo)
• Ports/Slots: 1 x DVI, 1 x VGA, 1 x Express Card, 5 x USB 2.0, 1 x IEEE 1394
• Wireless LAN: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n)
• LAN: 10/100/1000 Base T
• Communication: Bluetooth V. 2.0 + EDR
• Security: Fingerprint Authentication Reader
• Speakers & Mic: Built-in Stereo Speakers and built-in microphone
• Battery: 6-Cell, 4800mAh, 53Whrs (2~2.5 hours)
• Accessories: Optical Mouse & Carrying Bag
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
• Dimensions: 13.6" x 9.8" x 1.5" inches (W x D x H)
• Weight: 5.70 pounds
• MSRP: $1449 USD

Device Manager


Benchmarks:

Vista Windows Experience Index: 4.8 WEI Details



System Hardware:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5GHz 6MB L2 Cache)
Memory: 3GB DDR2 667 (Hynix 2GB + 1GB)
Graphics Card: GeForce 9500M GS 512MB

System Software & Drivers:
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 156.80 (Stock Driver)



3DMark06 Score: 4402 (800x600) Non-overclocked , NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 156.80


3DMark06 Score: 3571 (1280x720) Non-overclocked , NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 156.80


3DMark06 Score: 3085 (1440x900) Non-overclocked , NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 156.80


3DMark06 Score: 3557 (1440x900) Non-overclocked , NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 174.31


System Hardware: (Overclocked via RivaTuner v.2.08)*
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 (2.5GHz 6MB L2 Cache)
Memory: 3GB DDR2 667 (Hynix 2GB + 1GB)
* Graphics Card: GeForce 9500M GS 512MB

System Software & Drivers:
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 174.31

Overclocked

3DMark06 Score: 5955 (800x600)
Core: 561MHz - Shader: 1122MHz - Memory: 451MHz, NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 174.31


3DMark06 Score: 4705 (1280x720)
Core: 561MHz - Shader: 1122MHz - Memory: 451MHz, NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 174.31


3DMark06 Score: 4205 (1440x900)
Core: 561MHz - Shader: 1122MHz - Memory: 451MHz, NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 174.31


3DMark06 Score: 4679 (1440x900)
Core: 650MHz - Shader: 1300MHz - Memory: 530MHz, NVIDIA ForceWare Version: 174.31


Heat:
Below are images with the temperatures listed in degrees during our benchmark testing. (Fahrenheit):


Overclocked






Default Programs & Features


Input and output:



note: TV-Tuner Antenna Jack is currently not listed as available feature on US models.

Battery Life:

• 6-Cell, 4800mAh, 53Whrs

Battery Saving Mode (DVD Movie Playback) :
Approximately 1 hour and 48 min.
Display Brightness: 60%
Maximum / Minimum processor state: 60% / 5%
Wireless/Bluebooth: Off

Battery Saving Mode (Internet Video Streaming & Web Surfing) :
Approximately 2 hour and 26 min.
Display Brightness: 60%
Maximum / Minimum processor state: 60% / 5%
Wireless/Bluebooth: On



• Accessories included with F8Sn-C1:
1. 6-cell battery 4800mAh, 53Whrs x 1
2. 90 Watt AC Adapter w/ power cord (ADP-90SB) x 1
3. Asus branded optical mouse (Logitech M-UAG120) x 1
4. Asus branded carry case x 1
5. S-Video to RCA Cable x 1
6. RJ11 Phone Cable x 1
7. Cable Tie x 1
8. Microfiber LCD Cleaning Cloth (Blue x 1 , Brown x 1)
9. Notebook Warranty Card w/ serial # printed x 1
10. Quick Installation Guide x 1

• Software:
1. Asus Recovery DVD v. 1.3 (EN/FR/SP/CS/CT)
2. F8Sn Driver & Utility CD v. 1.0
3. Nero OEM Suite CD v. 7.9.6.2





Size Comparision:

F8Sn (14.1") v.s. M50Sv (15.4")

 

Some BEAUTIFUL pics...thanks ! I guess 1440 resolution ? has been answered re the C1.

I'm now convinced the B1 is the way to go re money-wise & what you get.

There's very little difference in the 3Dmark scores in the 1280 resolution (tops on the B1) with the overall difference , besides the few 10th's cpu , being larger hard-drive.

I think Asus has a big winner in these F8Sn series. I've been a Sony notebook user for years but Asus has jumped to first place. Especially in the all important what-u-get-for-$$-spent category.

 

Excellent! I've been waiting for this review by ExcaliberPC for like a week now haha! Still finishing it though I see. (By the time someone else reads this it could be finished!)

You must add a link to this review in your sig!

Ok, I'm waiting on the 3Dmarks from the GPU with updated firmware and the overclocked GPU with updated firmware.

Thanks ExcaliberPC!

EDIT: Forgot to say thanks.

 

to me this looks like a 14" version of the M50SV-A1.
It is also slimmer as i have noticed (thinner), but same prices.

So... F8Sn-C1 > M50SV-A1?

 

Yeah, all the specs are the same. Well other than different sizes and number of keyboard side features, and maybe the M50SV has more connections? The M50SV-A1 at ExcaliberPC is USD$40 cheaper than the F8Sn-C1 too.

Thanks for mentioning this model, I wasn't aware of the similarity's.

Hmm...should I consider 15"'s for my next laptop? I sure do like the other features on the keyboard side, like number pad, function keys(?) and those things on the touch pad.

 

F8Sn / F8Sv (14.1")
13.6" x 9.8" x 1.5" (W x D x H), 5.7lbs

M50Sv (15.4")
14.7" x 10.5" x 1.7" (W x D x H), 6.65lbs

V1s (15.4")
14.3" x 10.4" x 1~1.4" (W x D x H), 5.9lbs

 

You know I don't know if it's a optical illusion or something but the V1S-B1 looks ALOT larger in the keyboard area.

Maybe it's the way its setup ?

 

Thanks for the picture! I should have realised that the V1s comparison picture you had was almost the same dimensions as the M50Sv >.<

Well the dimensions were slightly different, so I went ahead and edited the dimensions. I did it so it would be almost 100% accurate. Photoshop FTW lol.

Remembering that the actual M50Sv's keyboard layout and overall finish is alot different to the V1s's, I think the M50Sv will look in proportion and well, just damned sexy with that touch pad and its glossy interior!

Note: You can compare the two pictures easily by saving them in the same directory, in Windows, and using the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer to go between each picture pressing right or left.

2nd EDIT: Added a picture with the M50Sv's keyboard stuck on the V1s's model

3rd EDIT: The previous picture of the V1s with the M50Sv's keyboard on it, didn't have the M50Sv's keyboard at all, it must have been the M51Sn's keyboard or something. So I removed that incorrect picture correctly used a M50Sv's keyboard in the picture this time. And it looks EVEN BETTER! I should put this comparison somewhere else so it will actually get noticed...any ideas where I should put it people?

Oh and instead of using the forums attachment files, I hosted them elsewhere so non registered users can see them.

Virtual Size Comparison

 

Oh wow, thanks for posting the overclocked benchmarks and temperatures! I didn't see it before >.< haha.

Those OC'ed scores are awesome! I'm not sure if i would use that configuration with the core at 650MHz, well unless I used a docking station for the laptop to keep it mighty cool.

Thanks again ExcaliberPC for you great reviews and future customer support!

 

Good stuff ExcaliburPC!

By the way, I bought my F8SN-B1 from Excalibur, awesome customer support and it arrived fast. I highly recommend him!

 

BuNsiE,

Per your request.

 

Thanks for the size comparison EXcaliberPC.
I'm still struggling to choose between the M50Sv-A1 and the F8Sn-C1. Those pictures you put are a big help.

 

Thank you so much for these really clear pictures!
So happy, I can finally compare properly now! So much better that using my virtual comparison haha!



Want to include these pictures in your F8Sn review? Or in both the F8Sn's and the M50Sv's reviews! That would bring these helpful pictures towards the people easier. ^_^

Again, thank you so much. Your help has been great over that past few weeks! Its obvious that I will be a future customer of EXcaliberPC! Haha, you have the best prices and the best support to boot! Zomg

 

Thanks a lot for the review and info! Can you (or anyone who owns this) please comment on how loud the fans are in this system? Perhaps compared to an A8JS? I had an A8JS before and could hardly notice the fans. Is that the case with this system? Would you say the build quality and battery life is similar to the A8JS?

 

I'm sorry I can't compare, but there is a review of the Asus F8Sn done by Notebookcheck.

The review stated that,
"The fans aren't really silent, whereas the noise is not really annoying. Even without load the fan sometimes reaches a noise level of up to 38.5 dB. The average noise level of 33.5 dB is acceptable. Even under load the average noise level of 37.2 dB are acceptable."

I don't intend to lead the thread off this forum but yeah, thats their opinion on the noise and I thought it would only be fair to include a link.(I think its illegal not to? Or just rude haha.)

 

I can't compare to the A8JS, as this is my first Asus....but I think the fan is really quiet. Having the Penryn cpu and the 9500gs gpu helps keep the heat level low.

 

On the ExcaliberPC website, I noticed a new model, F8Sn-D1. It seems upon inspection that it is exactly identical to the F8Sn-A1, even in terms of price. So what warrants this new version?

 

A slightly faster processor from T5450 (1.66GHz) to T5550(1.83GHz). Asus is offering this minor upgrade on both F8Sn (A1 to D1) and M51Sn (A1 to B1). Thanks!

 

Cool thanks, must have over looked the CPU

 

Thanks for this review.

May i ask you to expand a bit on the quality of the screen.
You said that it is equivalent to F8sv but my first findings are to say that the LCD manufacturer has changed from CMO to AUO.

AUO is known to deliver grainy LCDs...

Can you please double-check the hardware IDs and maybe give us some comparison display photos.

I am holding my order after having returned a grainy dell XPS1530...

thanks again!
Eric

 

Eric,

The F8Sn-C1 we used for this review has a LCD hardware ID of CMO 1431. We believe this panel was manufactured by Chi Mei Optoelectronics.

 

the only reference ive heard to grainy AUO screens was on the s96js, which had auo screens (i have one myself) this was found out to be a software issue relating to the mobility x1600, and was fixed in the bios. The grainyness was not due to AUO screens, the AUO screens were infact one of the best screens in that price range at the time. My understanding was, dell owners were actually sending back their notebooks hoping to get an exchange unit with an AUO screen seeing as how dell hardware is always a crapshoot on if your going to get a decent manufacturer or not.

 

Thks Excaliber.

Any other comment regarding the quality of the display?

Line98
Dell users were looking for an LG unit to replace their Samsung one, at least on the XPS1530


Cheers
Eric

 

Please refer to page one of this review, that is our first impression regarding the LCD display. Thanks!

 

in the a8js and a8jp the cmo screen was much better than the auo screen.

Theres no real name brand you can latch on to as being best though.

But if I had a blind choice I would take a cmo screen because its a smaller company and it might have fewer mass production defects. Auo is the 2nd largest lcd maker in the world.

Also I have a random fact that doesnt probably apply but asus is the major shareholder in cmo

 

Hey guys,
Does this PC come with an HDMI output? Please let me know..

Thanks,

 

No, comes with DVI output only.

 

Ok so I could hook up to my LCD using DVI and get the video out....but then if I bought this machine, what are my options for audio

 

3.5 mm audio out, to stereo RCA red and white audio in.

 

Oh thanks! this notebook looks promising..

 

I bought a F8Sn and is almost fine, except the crapy grainy display.
Asus say that is because of technology "Color Shine" when is evident is about the crapy lcd painel (AUO1447).

What i can do ? Contact Asus International ? (i'm from Portugal)

In light colors, grain apears a litle bit, and kill the image quality ...

 

Could you take a picture of this screen? It would be great if you can, I would like to see how grainy it is and then I will feel your pain if it is.

 

Unfoutunaly i can't, i don't have my digital camera right now

Today i go to store i bought my asus and talk to they. In Asus Forum, a lot of people have same problem, and this is very bad for Asus reputation. I thinks i need gone ask my money back and buy another laptop.

 

Oh ok, well I'm sure it isn't as bad as you say, for all the ASUS F8Sn's in general. Maybe you were unlucky..

 

I contact Asus again, with a link for their own forum with some post of same problem i have, and finaly they gone pick up my laptop.

With dark colors is a prety monitor, and in games/videos don't noticy the grain, but with photoshop, paint, or other application with light colors, the grain is bad.

And have a bleeding problem, but grain is far worst ... but if o look up with 70º up do the screen, grain is no longer there, but i can't work like this ...

Well, i hope they change for a CMO painel, and i will live happy with this laptop forever ... let's see what happens.

 

Well goodluck with the repair, I hope you will end out with what you want and need, and I'm sorry to hear that the screen is bad >.<

All the luck for the future! haha

 

BuNsiE I love that sig of yours. Almost makes me want to donate to your new laptop fund. I say almost but not quite.

Good luck on your upcoming purchase !

 

Are there options for a bigger 9-cell battery and/or modular bay battery (or is DVD drive fixed)? Asus has some awesome laptops but their battery life seems to still be the biggest drawback.

edit: if so, what are the specs and/or pics? thx!

 

Interesting, it seems that my fear has become a reality, Optronics panels are now used on F8SN at least for Europe market and they are grainy...

Very bad

 

The DVD is "fixed". And I don't know what more re pics is needed that's not already in this thread.

 

That's unfortunate. I have no problem at all , F8Sn-B1 , re "grainy". Matter of fact I was a little worried getting a notebook with a 14" (+/-) screen as I've always had larger notebook screens. But I could not be more happy with mine.

Wonder why Asus would use different screens with the same laptop ?

 

Thanks for the support red!

It was my last day at work today, school starts again next week! So with todays earnings my funds have gone up past the $1000 mark!!

I hope my dad will pay for the rest haha. I don't live with him and he owes me money from last year some time, and lately he has been working alot so hopefully he can chip in, yesssss.

On subject, I'm curious as if the grainy screens in the F8Sn were only put in for certain country's..Racist. xD

 

Which LCD manufacturer is yours ?

CMO or AUO ?

cheers
Eric

 

According to PC Wiz it's a CMO.

 

Bingo!

CMO panels seem fine, AUO grainy...

 

Thx, added to the info booth sticky.

 

Just wanted to add that my new F8Sn-B1 (got it yesterday) uses a CMO1425 panel according to PC Wizard, and Manufacturer is shown as: N141I3-L02. No graininess when viewing colorful or bright photos. Good with dark photos too.

 

do all F8SN B1's use the CMO panel?

thanks

 

anyone with the F8SN D1 want to chime in on getting an AUO or a CMO panel?

 

My F8Sn-B1 has CMO panel (obtained wia PC Wizard)