Asus ROG G551

Hello Everyone,

I have been following this thread for a while now and I just had to join the conversation (eventually lol).

Firstly, I am from Australia and indeed do have information relevant to the G551/N551 laptops that may interest some of you.

The N551JM, N551JK and N751JK can be found the Asus' global website. They will feature either the GTX850m (GDDR3) or GTX860m (2/4GB GDDR5) GPU and you can get them with either a HD TN or a FHD IPS screen.

Now here is some juicy information but it may only be relevant for AUS. A major local computer store in my area will be getting the G551 with Maxwell CPU...and here is the thing that made me go WHOOOAA?....it will utilise the 900 series GPU! These will be available November-December and can be pre-ordered 2-3 weeks in advance when they go up on the website. Unfortunately not sure if you guys in US will get these that soon, but luckily we will.

I know that eventually Asus will roll these laptops out with the Kepler CPUs and 900 series GPU but it wont be at the same time in every country. Heck I had trouble finding the N550JK here since it went by the name or R552JK and it confused me lol.

Hope that helps.

 

Single fan.

 

Thanks for the info, very useful to see official specs available on the global site that aren't available on the US site!

 

are you sure? where did you get this info from?

 

Will the n551 also have the 900 series?

 

Will the n551 also be coming with the 900 series?

 

Well, there's only one exhaust vent (left hand side). Also confirmed earlier in this thread...

 

I highly suspect so - eventually lol.

As far as I know Asus has always been smart about which model sub-variants to push into which market (i.e. country). Since Broadwell CPUs are on their way, however, not due till 1Q 2015 for general laptops, the best way to promote their new line of laptops is via new GPU architecture. Said that, previous market data dictates which model sub-variants should be introduced where. A perfect example is of Asus' recent dsl-ac68u modem/router, which we Australians got first go (the router only rt-ac68u is currently available elsewhere AFAIK).

You guys in US got first go of the Asus ROGs G551 via Amazon. Australia may be one of the lucky first to get a go of the nVidia 900 series incorporated into Asus' N551/G551 laptops. Only time will tell and how the market reacts.

As a side note, I even saw the Asus NX500 appear on the results page of the Asus global website.

 

I received my GL551 from Amazon last night. I almost didn't open it and sent it back...but curiosity got the best of me. How bad can the screen be??

Okay...it is BAD! If the Y50 are worse than that...then..'oh my'. Everything just seems so washed out...I spent most of the night trying to at least get color calibration and gamma and brightness to tolerable levels..and got to point where i didn't even want to look at the screen. It is the worst screen I have seen on a laptop. I have had Lenovo Y500 and Y510p which seemed much better.

Other than the screen, other concerns is the location of the USB ports...right near the front on both sides. I like to game with a wired mouse, I have yet to find a wireless that worked well or felt nice. I just feel that the location of the port is poor for my use. If I plugged it in the right hand side it would be in the way of use, plug it in the left hand side...I feel the side of the couch will snap it off at somepoint as I like to game on a lapdesk.

I have had very little time with gameplay as I was dealing with trying to make the screen look at least okay. I did play a little Word of Warcraft, as I am very familiar as to color scheme. I played on 'ultra' settings...and the laptop had no problem keeping up and the computer didnt feel too warm and there was not a lot of fan noise...so Asus seemed to get this right, but I will need to try this with much more demanding games.

Other dissapointing aspects is that it only has an Intel 7260-N Wifi card, no AC

So...where do I stand on the machine. I would really like to return it, but with Amazon's poor open returned laptop policy, it would cost me close to $200 in return shipping and restocking fees. I will probably keep it and give it to one of my children. I have already tried and returned two MSI GS60 Ghost, both which had horrible light bleeding issues (see picture below)

In retrospect, I should have bought at Y50 and performed a screen upgrade myself with an IPS screen. At this point I feel that I will remain in limbo...and hope that 2015 brings some laptops worth purchasing.


**This is the MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 3k Screen with Light Bleed**

 

Thanks for the information, I will sent mine back. What a disappointment from Asus.

 

Oh man, what a pity this whole G551 debacle turned out. Not even an AC wireless...sigggghhhh. Alright more waiting for me, it will come down to the G771 or the Y70 by November.

 

I was waiting to get the SSD version but from some of the reviews here I think I will pass on it. Really a shame...

However I am in the market for a laptop and need one sooner rather than later. It will be used mostly for school but some gaming also.. I was leaning towards the MSI GS60 Ghost Pro (non 3k version) and was wondering if it had the same light bleed issues you mentioned.

Thanks

 

Really bad news on the screen. I kind of expected "techie guys" to kind of share similar concerns. But computer techies seem willing to settle for screens that video techies would find totally unacceptable. If you've wandered through a videophile forum you'd know what an incredible amount of detail goes into discussions of tvs or video screens, and how totally unacceptable it would be to a videophle to have a screen with poor contract, or poor black levels, or aritifical looking colors, or poor brightness levels. Why can't somebody make a laptop with decent performance specs that also has a decent screen in it? It doesn't have to compete to be the best available on any laptop in the world, just a good one without the flaws I read about on the Y50's, or conceivably this new Asus model.

 

How bad could the screen be?
I read two comments on GL551 that have totally contradicting view on the screen.

 

The N551 will probably be offered with IPS and only 850m. That's what I get from the official site, at least. (
http://www.asus.com/Search/?SearchKey=N551 )

 

The N551JM looks like it will have th 860m. at least that's what it says on the official site

 

You're right. Did not see right. Sorry for causing confusion.

 

I'm on the same boat and I already ordered a ghost pro-052 from newegg. Finger crossed now..

 

*edit

Sorry my fault! I'm just switching between different forums and messed up the language :S

So I was just talking about the N551 JM and that it looks like a good alternativ to the G551 caused to the IPS screen and in difference to the Acer Nitro there is a HDMI and a miniDisplayPort so you can connect 2 Screens at the same time if i'm not wrong?!

Also I wondered if there are still so many problems with pixel errors like there have been in 2008. So do you still have to buy something like a non pixel error warranty?!

So far thats it, dont get crazy with all that missleading asus policy ;D

 

I am tired, whats your excuse?

 

The N551 even looks nicer. I hate the 'gamer' laptop look. Will go with that if it has IPS...whenever it actually comes into existence.

 

just ban him pls. , hes trolling with his german or w.e language

 

i guess Asus will be losing another customer... was looking forward to the gl551 but im hearing bad news about it and single cooling fan..? I might buy a lenovo y50 already, i don't really know yet. In desperate need of a good gaming laptop NOW, cause my laptop is outdated.

 

Guys, hold on, take a deep breath and relax. Asus propably realeased the worst (just screens and maybe no subwoofers) version of G551 just to make money on worst and cheaper laptops. Everything points that Asus will release G551 (not GL551), but what will be diffrence? I guess G551 will have better screen, and MAYBE an external subwoofer just like N551. At the end.. if you're not happy with G551 with FHD IPS screen WITHOUT external subwoofer (which would be a very bad move from Asus, because older gaming brothers of G551 HAD an external subwoofer) you can go straight for N551 which have everything, including same specification as G551 and cooling (same case).
Official Asus N551 specifications. Just look at the N551 screen on this video, looks amazing for me (note view angles!)

 

Edit: NM, found it.

 

It's weird that the already released N551JM in China has been confirmed to carry the same TN panel as GL551 does, but your link states FHD IPS. Asus, you are really good at confusing potential customers..

 

Did you checked specifications of N551? Asus wrote on their site, that N551 occurs with non-IPS panel, so maybe it's that one

 

I think people are still confused about some things - perhaps reading back few pages would answer your questions. Anyways, here is a recap

The Asus N551/G551 will:
- be available in either TN HD or IPS FHD screen.
- utilise the GTX850m, GTX860m AND GTX 900 mobile series GPU.
- have a traditional HDD, a HSSD with HDD or an SSD.

The (most likely) reason why US got the Asus with a TN panel via Amazon website is to sell of the "old" technology FIRST. Also, the reason why it is called GL551 and not G551 is perhaps because of region. This also happened here in Australia since the N550JK was also called R552JK but since the latest iteration of the 550s utilising the latest Maxwell CPU they switched back to calling it N550JK - confusing indeed.

Lastly, for those who are disappointed with their GL551 product, I'm sorry but it is your own fault for succumbing into buying a "cat in a bag". If you are not sure about the product then why buy it - especially over the internet.

If I receive any further info regarding the N551/G551 I will let you guys know

 

You said with GTX 900 series.. which card and when they'll be released? In this year? It'll be avalaible in EU too?

 

Sure buddy! ...

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Sorry my fault! I'm just switching between different forums and messed up the language :S

So I was just talking about the N551 JM and that it looks like a good alternativ to the G551 caused to the IPS screen and in difference to the Acer Nitro there is a HDMI and a miniDisplayPort so you can connect 2 Screens at the same time if i'm not wrong?!

Also I wondered if there are still so many problems with pixel errors like there have been in 2008. So do you still have to buy something like a non pixel error warranty?!

So far thats it, dont get crazy with all that missleading asus policy ;D

 

Pixel error rates have dropped but they are not 100%.

 

It's confirmed in some regions of China a model with IPS screen + 860m 4g + 8g ram is released (G551 not GL551).

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I got my GL551JM this afternoon. To my surprise, I LOVE the screen. It's accurate and gives me an impression similar to macbook.
GL551JM is beautiful and powerful, running my games at high setting without trouble (although I didn't play for a long time).
The surface could get warm during gaming, but just warm, not hot.
Overall, I'm very impressed and satisfied with this laptop.

 

As per my original post: The info I obtained from my local computer store is that we, Australians, will obtain the G551 with the Asus 9xx series GPU (and Haswell CPU) between November-December. I do not know which exact model but it would not surprise me if it was either of the GTX960/970m.

 

Are you reading the thread? Someone posted a user review on the last page and talked about the screen.

 

Well yeah, I've been reading it... But as I said in a later post, I won't be buying this with a crappy TN Maybe next year Asus get their s*** together and I can buy something from them.

 

Well.. I know that in diffrent countries they'll release diffrent models, but putting the newest graphic cards in one country is just unfair deal for other countries. Guess I'm gonna cry.. xD

 

the specifications of the Asus GL551 says Intel Core i7-4750HQ 2.5 GHz, but the 4750HQ is only 2GHz base core, does it come oc?

edit: my guess it's that it is indeed an oc cpu cause its from june 2013, and the cost would be lower thanks to that, not really feeling a factory oc, buts if it doesnt have heating probs im good with it.

edit numero dos: OOOHHHHH, i know realize that other companies do this as well ,ehem lenovo with y50 the 4700 to 2.4, i guess it makes sense why the price can be lower since they cut prices around the screen and cheaper last year cpu and oc it and who knows what else. weeelp, its good to know at least

 

Well, I could say it is unfair that the US or China got first go of the g551. It all boils down to what the market dictates and connection between store managers and high-up asus reps - which is why this particular store of ours can obtain such a spec laptop.

Look, nvidia just recently announced their new 900 series GPUs so it's safe to say that in the next month or so specific computer stores in many countries will obtain laptops running these next gen GPUs. Said that, I highly suspect that the Broadwell-based iterations will be available early next year.

 

Double Post sorry

 

I do not know if it can help you, but as I said a few weeks earlier, the GL551 and G551 are two different laptops in my opinion.

We have all realized that the GL551 has a crappy screen as what we heard (as Y50). I am not an expert, I rely on what I have seen or heard here.

I saw a video of G551JM (not the GL551) Asus g551jm short review - YouTube
Here we see very well that this is an IPS screen. The viewing angles are perfect.

This laptop is not yet on sale in America, but it is already pre-order in France (1,099 euros) to October 10. : Asus - ROG G551JM-CN133H - 15,6''Full HD - Intel Core i7-4710HQ - HDD 1 To + SSD 24 Go - RAM 8 Go - GTX 860M - Win 8.1 - G551JM-CN133H - Achat/Vente Ordinateur Portable Grand Public | Rue du commerce

It is on sale in lots of other countries (except USA and Canada)
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So finally, I'll take the G551JM's IPS screen when available here in America. In the worst case, I'll go through the import.

I'll probably buy my laptop around December. It will be easy to find at this point in my opinion. Also, I'm sure Nvidia 900m graphics card will be here before Christmas. It will bring a lot of power.

860m or 960m, it's a detail. I'll take the one that will be available in December.
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In short, in my opinion:

GL551JM = TN panel
G551JM = IPS screen

 

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Now, I just find this laptop in Canada.
Unfortunately, it is only 2GB GDDR5 for graphics card.
maybe a error as the last time.

Is it worth it?

 

I'm sorry, but that's incorrect. I'm assuming that you got the processor listed for the ASUS GL551JM off of amazon. It comes with a Core i7-4710HQ which has a base clock of 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz turbo. Amazon has it listed wrong. NONE of the processors you mentioned above are 'factory overclocked'. Some of the Lenovo Y50 models use either the Core i7-4700HQ with a base clock of 2.4GHz (stock from Intel) and a turbo of 3.4GHz or the Core i7-4710HQ. Hope that clarifies things for you.

 

After a full day of use with the GL551, I have a little more to add.

Screen: I still do not like it. I did find a bundled utility called "ASUS SPENDID UTILITY" where you can choose from 3 monitor presets (Normal, Cinema and Vivid). I did find that Vivid lowered the gamma and made the colors a little more bright, but still I found things less colorful (dull seems to be correct word) than the screens on the Lenovo Y500 and y510p and especially the IPS 27 inch Desktop screen. My boys actaully 'like' the screen, and have essentially taken over use of the GL551.

Hard Drive: 7200 RPM is nice. Caution that comes partitioned as 2 x 500GB. I didn't realize that until after I had installed 15 large steam games.

Cooling: I don't know how ASUS managed this, but this laptop does run much cooler than the Lenono Y500 and the y510P (SLI) that I have for comparison.

Fan noise: Quiet...Very Very Quiet. The MSI MG60 Ghost Pro sounded like jets taking off. I cannot really even hear the fan GL551. I have been running games on High and Ultra to run it through it paces...and really really impressed.

Keyboard: Was a little concerned that I would not like the raised keys on this laptop, but I have found them very comfortable, easy to use, and quiet. I do however wish the keyboard backlighting was a little brighter. I usually game in a darken area in the living and a little more backlight would be welcome. Also...the backlight does not come on until AFTER you log into Windows 8...thusly you need to type in your password blind.

Wifi: It is an Intel 7260-N card - no AC, but no issue with connectivity. Been working fine.

Port Placement: Poor. Now wanting to use a USB headset, but where the USB ports are towards the front, on the right side they will be in the way of the mouse, and on the left side, may be easily damaged with the way I used the latop on a recliner and and lapdesk most time.

Sounds: I was hoping to be blown away by the sound but I find it very tinny sounding and not very loud, hence the desire to want a headset. Could not even hear Youtube videos very well.

Installed software: There does not seem to be too much for installed Bloatware. An ASUS Cloud based storage solution and an Antivirus suite comes installed on the windows desktop. There are a few utilities and such on the tiled interface, but not pinned, so only has 1 page of pinned apps on the graphical tiled interface. I don't venture in there much, so cannot comment further on that.

Overall: Besides the TN screen and the port placement, a very decent computer. Seems to play everything on High and Ultra that I throw at it with little to no lag. Runs quiet and cool. 802.11AC and a Bluray drive would be great additions to the machine and could complete it as an excellent Media laptop as well as Gaming laptop. I will be keeping the laptop for my boys to use, I will "inherit" the Lenovo Y500, which has a beautiful screen (was replaced from the original) until other offering from ASUS become available (G551 and the GX500) or perhaps the Acer Nitro V Black Edition. I am also tempted by the XOTICPC Phantom X1, but appears to look more like a spaceship/jet than a laptop, and will wait for reviews.

 

Um, how many screens you are planning to use it with?

 

yup, i figured out i got confused with the cpu models with the y50 and the amazon mistakes makes more sense. thank you.

 

Maybe one more screen...
Not more than one screen, for sure.

 

The viewing angles are limited, but the colors are fine, in my opinion. This laptop comes with a tool called Splendid that allows you to adjust.
I can't say it's the best screen I ever seen, but it's much better than the ones I owned before (G46VW), and it looks similar to Macbook (though not that vivid).
Just keep in mind I didn't own Y50 or other laptops so I couldn't compare them, this is just my opinions...

 

It would be nice to get G551 with GTX960M, diffrence between GTX860M would be 10/15% so it's always something

Im not sure if it's true but this laptop comes out with GTX860M 2GB on maxwell chip and GTX860M 4GB on kepler chip. I've heard only some rumours that there's GTX860M with 4GB vRAM on maxwell chip. Anyway maxwell is slightly better, less power consuming and produces less heat.

It seems you're all right but since I've heard that speakers on GL551 are poor, then maybe on G551 are also the same. Anyway I didn't heard about external subwoofer in GL551/G551 which makes one of best laptop speakers on the market and.. Asus adds it to the N551, which got the same configuration as G551, just diffrent design (I really prefer this gaming design, but I think it's better to choose better speakers with subwoofer, what do you think guys?).

 

I too prefer this design but i would really like the external subwoofer and the IPS screen ...im just hoping the true G551 comes with both of those things