Asus ROG Strix GL502VT

It looks like there wasn't any mention of the GL502's in the presentation, but in the LOL Competition session the players were using GL502's, see the video post above for time spot.

This Zen themed Asus Presentation looks interesting, I haven't looked through it yet, but skimming shows TB3 mentioned with Zenbooks

16:00 Start


17:50 Zenbook 3 or 24:50 Transformer Pro 3 + TB3 + ROG XG 2 Station support, still deciphering presentation. Not sure which supports the XG 2

 

IDK where you are seeing the GL702 description, but it isn't on the page you linked above

I am seeing some GL702 17" google hits, in other languages...

 

IDK where you are seeing the GL702 description, but it isn't on the page you linked above

I am seeing some GL702 17" google hits, in other languages...

 

You gotta click the press release button down below then it will expand the official press release of Asus.

 

You gotta click the press release button down below then it will expand the official press release of Asus.

 

Ahh, that's why a page search didn't find it

Here it is as a separate web page:

ASUS Republic of Gamers Presents Join the Republic Press Event at Computex 2016
May 30, 2016
http://press.asus.com/PressReleases...oin-the-Republic-Press-Event-at-Computex-2016

"ROG Strix GL702 comes with a 17-inch panel, an improved triple-copper thermal module for better cooling performance, and a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 for external graphics support."

That's not a lot of information to go on... I searched Asus site(s) and didn't see the GL702 mentioned anywhere else.

I would prefer a 17" thin laptop, should provide more cooling space, and I like a larger screen too.

 

I believe a portable 15" gaming laptop with an external gc is the way to go for the future, hence why I don't feel like getting a bulky 17" right now

But the problem with the GL502 is the lack of thunderbolt 3....why Asus why

 

The ROG XG 2 doesn't use TB3, it uses 2 PCIE x4 paths, one from the USB 3.1 port and another port - at least on the unannounced laptop the XG 2 showed with. Not sure what it is using now.

The Xen presentation I linked above mentions the XG 2 in connection with the Zenbook 3 and Transformer Pro 3, but it's not clear which or if both interface with it, at about 28:30. It could be a Xenbook 3 keyboard-less or the Transformer Pro 3 in the photo with the XG 2.

If the GL702 is of the same design direction as the GL502, it won't be a bulky 17", but a slim 17"

 

Based on video previews of the prototype from January, it's using 2x USB-C ports, well that's another problem for the GL502 because it only have one of those. Not sure whether they changed it for the consumer release.



A slim 17" will still be heavier than a slim 15". I already have sleeves and laptop bags for 15" laptops, not gonna get a new one just for 17"

 

Yes, that's the one I was referring to, and not sure if the XG 2 is now TB3, as the Zenbook 3 / Transformer 3 Pro have TB3, and that's what was referred to when introducing the XG 2.

I guess we will need to wait for more info.

The GL502 doesn't have TB3 either, so that won't work with the XG 2. I wonder if the GL702 has TB3?

Your cases for 15" laptops aren't going to fit the thin 15" GL502 anyway, you might as well invest another $40 and get a new slip cover and $100 for the case, and get the 17" GL702, why let old cases hold you back?

 

http://www.cnet.com/uk/products/asus-rog-xg-station-2/

 

So it's unchanged, TB3 in PCIE x4 mode + another USB 3.x port in PCIE x4 mode.

 

I've already said it, I prefer the portability of 15". End of the story

 

True!!!
4K plus tax....even the new msi gt83 and 73 are for less 3500....so... also the msi dominator gt72s dragon version is for under 2900 in newegg...open box...

 

GL502 is not the end of story if you want XG 2 support

So far Asus has only announced the Zenbook 3 and Transformer 3 Pro as connecting with the XG 2, very odd.

I wonder what Asus is going to release in the ROG line to interface with the XG 2?

Also, the Asus site has gone down...

We'll be back.
Hi, our website is temporarily closed for service enhancements.
We'll be back shortly.Thank you for your patience!

 

Asus put up a number of new product videos in their Youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/asus/videos

The one for the Transformer 3 Pro, shows it connected to the XG Station, doing VR...

Meet the ASUS Transformer 3 Pro



I wonder if Asus considers the GL502 not a candidate for the XG 2, since it already has a 980m/970m + Full 4/8 core/thread CPU.

Asus may only connect light laptops without a discrete GPU?

The Zenbook 3 video doesn't show it connected to an XG 2 Station:
Meet the ASUS ZenBook 3 | ASUS

 

This is the only picture I can find of the GL702, on an Indonesian website

http://www.jagatreview.com/2016/05/computex-2016-asus-pamerkan-notebook-rog-terbaru/

 

Google translate to the rescue, the GL702 has TB3 + eGPU support.

"ASUS ROG GL702 have similar specifications Strix hardware with Strix ROG GL502 except on the screen. Strix ROG GL702 comes with a larger screen size is 17.3 inches. Not until there are, the cooling system was also upgraded and the presence of connectivity Thunderbolt 3.0. The connectivity allows the notebook / laptop is one of them can use external graphics card modules and use desktop graphics card."

Maybe Asus will come out with a GL502 that supports TB3 + eGPU, or maybe a firmware update will bring TB3 to the USB 3.1? MSI did that.

 

Yeah was hoping for a firmware update since MSI could do it. Why not Asus?

 

MSI included the chipset required for TB3, but only enabled basic USB 3.1 until they could pass acceptance testing to approve enabling TB3.

If Asus did the same, included the chipset hardware, then they can and likely will do it.

 

so how do we know whether Asus have the hardware controller for thunderbolt support installed on the GL502?

 

I thought the GL502 had a USB 3.1 port, but it looks like it has none, at least according to this specifications page Interface list:

https://www.asus.com/ROG-Republic-Of-Gamers/ROG-GL502VT/specifications/
1 x COMBO audio jack
1 x Microphone-in/Headphone-out jack
3 x USB 3.0 port(s)
0 x USB-C Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps)
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
0 x HDMI
1 x mini Display Port
1 x SD card reader
1X AC adapter plug

This is crazy, a Zero count for the port??

If the GL502 doesn't have an HDMI or a USB-C 3.1, then it can't have Thunderbolt through that port, sorry.

I can't find a GL702 product page, or specifications page yet, but it's supposed to have a Thunderbolt 3 port.

 

Actually, I think there's something wrong with the specifications they placed cause it's full of typos and such. Lazy bums over there at Asus. Last I checked, there is a USB-C port.

EDIT:
At around 5:05 you can see a Type-C port.

 

I thought it was weird they listed the specifics of a Zero count port

It's Gen1 though, so that's the other killer.

You could open a ticket with Asus and ask if the GL502VT can enable it's USB 3.1 port for Thunderbolt 3 use.

And, ask if Asus intends on offering a 15" Strix model with a Thunderbolt 3 port like included in the new GL702.

 

double post

 

on the GL502VY page they listed different specifications

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/ROG-GL502VY/specifications/

1 x COMBO audio jack
1 x Microphone-in/Headphone-out jack
1 x USB 3.1 TYPE C port(s)
3 x USB 3.0 port(s)
1 x RJ45 LAN Jack for LAN insert
1 x HDMI
1 x mini Display Port
1 x SD card reader
1X AC adapter plug

and on the overview page they stated it's USB 3.1 Gen 2

 

Asus is listing differently than MSI did.

New generation MSI had USB-C 3.1 ports listed, which became Thunderbolt only (now) and then they only list USB 3.0 ports.

So, again, you need to ask Asus support about current TB3 support for your model, and ask if new GL502VY models will offer TB3 like the GL702's now releasing.

 

Video of Asus ROG products on display at Computex.

Once again the ROG XG 2 is shown connected to that mystery laptop, and the video skips showing the model / description card.

This is the best ROG over view from Computex I have found so far, still looking.

Avalon @ 2:22.

 

Asus ROG XG Station 2 release rumor (from Asus booth at Computex) stated by Kyle as "trying to push this in time for Christmas Season", @ 03:25:

 

Asus Video Card Product Manager goes over the Strix 1080 and XG 2 Station - mentions connecting to GL702 and other laptops, XG2 shipping end of Q3 2016

Asus ROG Strix GTX 1080 & XG Station 2 Graphics Dock (Computex 2016) | Allround-PC.com

 

Hi I've been looking at this laptop on excaliberpc for a while. Looks pretty nice! Today I read the review on laptopmag.com and am a little concerned about the heat build-up during game play. So, has anybody on this forum received one of these and can tell us what the heat is like? Also laptopmag said the speakers were unimpressive, I'd like to hear from an owner on this too!
Thanks, Jeff

 

15" laptops, due to their small capacity internally for cooling, do have heat build up no matter the effectiveness of the cooling under constant heavy load - so do many larger laptops.

If you at least prop up the back, so heat can escaped underneath and free up better intake, you should be ok.

If you have space for a laptop stand/cooler, you could try a couple of those to see if they work.

A couple of quick tricks, use Balanced power plan - set Min/max to 0%/100%, and that will allow the CPU to downclock and cool down between heavy load times. Use Intel XTU to set an undervolt for the CPU - start at -20mV on CPU/cache and vary until reaching as high as -100mV.

Some take the drastic measure of turning off turbo boost (setting power plan Max CPU to 99%), but in my mind that is admitting defeat.

Another I use on all laptops is setting the display refresh as high as it will go, usually 100hz is good these days - sometimes 75hz, some won't go much over 60hz, ymmv. Then use an FPS limiter to set the FPS to refresh+1.

G-sync may limit you to 60hz/75hz, if your's comes with G-sync - I think only the 980m model's have a G-sync version.

Limiting the FPS keeps the game from running away at high FPS and generating a lot of CPU/GPU heat, while syncing the refresh/FPS avoids tearing, and this stops SLI micro-stutter as well in some games - with 1 GPU that's not a concern.

100fps maybe be too much to hope for, not that the 970m/980m can't run games that fast, but running them that fast generates a lot of heat. Maybe try 75hz/75fps if 100hz/100fps is too high - then 60hz/60fps, or some spot in between.

I wouldn't count out 15" gaming laptops due to heat, it's not so much an obstacle as it is a variable to tune out of the equation.

I prefer the larger frame laptops, gives me a bigger view at 17.3"/18.4", and I am a big guy, so the larger size / weight isn't even noticed.

Laptop speakers are rarely satisifying, not really something to judge a laptop for me - laptops are not physically friendly for audio - get a BT Speaker set up for mobile, and a nice 2.1 or greater speaker set up for your desk - or do what I do, carry / wear headphones.

 

Try checking out this guy's review too for another point of view. Laptop speakers are normally unimpressive but this guy also has another video showing how to tweak the settings a bit for slightly better sounds.

 

Hi Wanderlife and hmscott! Thanks for your responses. I especially liked the youtube video. Am going to order one of these babies!
Jeff

 

Go for it, and you won't be disappointed.

You should also take some parts of the review on laptopmag with a huge grain of salt. The person who reviewed it seems to deem it less important, whether such a slim and powerful laptop overheats on the inside or not, than whether you can ...place it in your lap while under full load. (and apparently 132F -> 55°C is scorching hot too??)
I mean, they didn't even mention ANY internal temperatures at all, which are definitely more important than whether you can play demanding games on your lap, which I'm not sure anyone even does.
Another thing is, I don't think this person is able to tell the difference between aluminium and plastic. "Lifting the lid reveals a black plastic palm rest" - eh, no lady, the palm rest is actually a thin aluminium finish.

The rest of the review I would probably agree with, even though there are still multiple points missing. Better to look out for a more professional and more complete review (e.g. notebookcheck).


P.S.: Scroll back a few pages in this thread, in case you're interested in temps that are actually relevant: CPU & GPU while under load.

 

Hi I have one othe question. I've heard that Asus laptops come with lots of bloatware. Do you guys think its worth the $15 charge to get a clean install of windows?
Thanks Jeff

 

That doesn't apply exclusively to ASUS. Pretty much any device with a pre-installed OS is going to contain bloatware from the manufacturer. Be it a laptop, a phone etc. You should always perform a clean install right after purchase and seeing that you can create yourself a Windows 10 installation media within a couple of minutes for free, paying $15 for having it done is really a waste of money in my opinion. Just use the official Win10 download tool ( https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10) to create a bootable USB for whatever version that is licensed to your new laptop (Home/Pro).

 

Technically, if you are buying through a boutique shop, they have their own OS image, they don't use Asus's image, so you should get that free, with no bloatware.

Except for TrueColor and any LiveUpdate type stuff, you want to have the Asus tools. I wouldn't bother having them removed, you can uninstall them as needed yourself. You might find something you like, and keep it, and uninstall the rest.

For $15, you can save the $ and do it yourself.

If Asus Backtracker is installed, use it to make a backup copy of the Recovery Partition, so you can always boot on it and restore your laptop back to the out of the box configuration.

 

Has anyone used the GL502VY (980M) version yet? I'm about to get one off Amazon and I need to know how cool it runs... Trying to decide if I need an external cooling fan or not.

 

Definitely agree. "I settled on the Vivid setting, as it delivered the best-looking results", she writes. Are you blind? Vivid setting results in innatural contrast and 'over-exposed' white, like dynamic contrast on tv pan (e.g. dynamic on samsung display). In the last years there're plenty of reviewers who don't know what they're talking about (recent example: huawei p9/p9 plus camera, supposed to be not so good in many reviews. On the contrary, it's denitely not so bad, with natural colors and light). I tought it was an italian problem (i'm from northern Italy), but evidently is a sign of our times. Fortunately, we've forums and people like fw85.

 

With asus, the airflow design blocks the fan and cooling pad won't do you any good.

I suggest a GT72 if you buy off amazon.

 

That's not true at all.
Had you read this thread, somewhere along the very first few pages I've mentioned that the cooling pad I've purchased (Cooler Master ErgoStand III) together with the laptop has actually made more of a difference than I've expected. At first I expected to just use it primarily as a stand, but it has actually proven to be helpful in the matter of cooling as well.
It constantly keeps the laptop 5-7 °C cooler while gaming, when I turn the pad on the highest speed, which gives me an even higher temp ceiling. In the hot summer days it might help even more.

 

Thanks for letting us know an external cooling pad + fans helps with internal temps on the GL502.

My GT80 with the Ergostand III didn't get any benefit from the cooling fans, just propping it up with the Ergostand III was enough. I ran without the fans turned on and got the same temps.

There are pads with better fans, generate more air pressure, and some people even take those fans out and put in higher CFM fans to improve cooling further. That could help with the GL502 slim form factor.

 

How is the battery life in classic usage (Word, Internet etc) ? Is it loud in gaming ? I want a gaming laptop but I do not know which to choose between the GL502 (i7, GTX 970m, 8 GB RAM, SSD 128+HDD 1 TB : EUR 1 424.00) and the MSI GS60 (same config : EUR 1 299.00)...

Please help me. :'(

 

If you want to make your choice about a gaming laptop, take 30 minutes of your time to read this thread from page 1.
Every single question you've asked has already been answered here, some even multiple times so please don't make people repeat themselves all over again.
You may not even have to read all the pages, as I believe all of your questions will be answered within the first 10 pages, at most.

 

Hi @fw85, just wondering if you can give us a quick update on the laptop since you had it for a few weeks now. Anything good or bad about it you found out recently? I'm planning to buy the GL502VY model and was originally going to wait for the notebookcheck review but they are taking their sweet ass time, so I might just buy it now!

 

Hello,
Yep I've had it for a while now and pretty much everything I've mentioned still stands. It's a great machine and I couldn't find anything wrong with it that would bother me in any way.

Also, because there's a sufficient temp ceiling on the GPU, I've overclocked the 970M a little bit using MSI Afterburner, which would let me increase the GPU core clock by +135Mhz and memory clock by +1000Mhz (I went with +700Mhz on memory).
I could definitely go higher, but the card's stock vBIOS doesn't allow that and I would probably have to flash it with an unlocked one. That could, however ultimately have an effect on my warranty.

But even with the overclock that Afterburner allowed me to do, I pushed the core clock to around the same level as it's desktop counterpart (1172Mhz) and got about 20% extra performance out of it, while still maintaining an acceptable GPU temp, at around 80°C.

Some GTA V benchmarks on Ultra settings (with graphics mods as well):
Before GPU OC:
Frames Per Second (Higher is better) Min, Max, Avg
Pass 0, 16.390079, 111.190475, 43.280224
Pass 1, 15.278045, 75.584549, 41.809299
Pass 2, 17.727587, 78.862541, 44.690506
Pass 3, 18.327923, 99.655548, 44.487896
Pass 4, 14.217716, 107.653259, 44.567154
After GPU OC:
Frames Per Second (Higher is better) Min, Max, Avg
Pass 0, 17.556517, 72.695175, 51.471592
Pass 1, 19.575022, 135.935028, 49.136826
Pass 2, 19.005346, 133.716110, 52.488628
Pass 3, 26.300301, 156.182266, 52.197338
Pass 4, 19.192827, 112.680107, 51.854485

So that's a nice little boost for free..
Soon I'm also going to look into undervolting the CPU a little bit as well.

 

Hello
Thanks to everyone here, I decided to buy my own GL502VT

my country only provide 1 spec, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD, GTX 970M 4GB (weird, the brochure said 6GB), intel AC wireless (yay no atheros), and IPS display
Been trying for a few hours, installing games and work things..
Nothing to complaint except it get quite hot when I test dota 2.
Display is awesome!

 

Hello,

Glad you like it!
About the GPU - try using software such as GPU-Z or HWiNFO to view the exact specs of your 970M, including video memory.
As far as I know, there's no 4GB version of the 970M (or at least I've never encountered one), just a 3GB and a 6GB one.

 

Oh right! stupid windows only showing 4GB which is very weird. it's 6GB on hwinfo
memory module using samsung 8GB. didn't know samsung has their own memory module
ssd : samsung NVME MZVPV256HDGL-00000
monitor : samsung SDC324C which I think it's quite good
but damn I don't really like windows 10 :'(