G1s GPU Fried - Out of Warranty - Any Idea on Cost?

Posting this message using my G50. Wow! I'm very happy with my decision of taking the replacement route. I was pleasantly surprised that the unit I got did not have the flashy orange lightning design. Mine has just subtle blue streaks which is a lot better than the latter IMO. Is this a different variant?

The unit I got was in very excellent condition. No scratches. It's like it was only used with care for a week max. Overall build is better than the G1S. The keyboard is also better in terms of feel. Full num pad is also nice. Only downgrade really was the resolution, but after weighing it against all the upgrades that I got, it's still well worth the $250 I paid IMO.

Mine also came with Vista 64 and didn't have the initial charging problem reported by several posters here.

To those who got their replacement, when you go in to Control Panel -> System, does it also say that the processor is [email protected], but when you go into Device Manager, it says P7450?

 

Posting private information such as the email address of Asus employees and private correspondence such as emails is not allowed. I have deleted several posts and the next user to do so will receive an infraction.

 

Fine, I get it. I apologize for violating the forum rules. I was simply attempting to make my dealings with ASUS as transparent as possible so that others could compare their experiences with mine.

I suppose I don’t understand why you deleted my post in which I included a link to an article in which the author provided a reasonable explanation for the high failure rate of NVIDIA graphics processors produced during the period 2007-2008.

Since you appear to be a computer expert who specializes in notebook cooling, perhaps you can answer a question: Has NVIDIA ever actually produced 8600M GT graphics processors that are not subject to overheating and that do not contain solder that is subject to fatigue cracking with temperature fluctuations? Has ASUS ever produced a G1S motherboard that contains such a “new” 8600M GT GPU? Representatives of ASUS claim that ASUS has done so, but they are never able to provide any details at all on how the “new” G1S motherboard + GPU differs from the old.

 

I thought about e-mailing Mr. X again today, but I didn't want to be too much of a pain the a$$, which is why I called customer service instead (and now I'm "escalated"). Maybe they're busy searching for the most beat-up, fugliest refurbed G50VT they can find.

By the way, have you tried running a program such as SIW (freeware). I'm not sure exactly how it gathers information on the system hardware (maybe it just looks in the device mangler -- I don't know), but perhaps it could shed some light on the identity of your CPU (short of actually opening the case).

 

Wow it says duo P8400 @ 2.26Ghz as well! I'm gonna open up my unit if I find the time to verify what really my CPU is.

 

I believe you got a G50vt-X1, which has different (better) specs than most of us, who got the X5 model.

 

You're right, it seems that I got an X1. I did some research and basically their only difference is that the X1 has a better processor (P8400), but the X5 has a better battery (9-cell).

However, speaking of the battery, mine came with a sealed (bnew?) battery that protrudes from the back by almost an inch when mounted. I checked pics from X1 reviews and they had batteries that mounted flush. Is this a 9-cell batt?? Now i'm really getting my money's worth!

 

argh. My G1P is dead, no warranty or anything. Im pretty sure my next notebook will be an Asus though. LOL.

 

That's definitely a 9-cell battery. I'd been meaning to ask you guys what sort of battery was supplied with your replacement computer. I'd be interested in knowing how good your battery life is, say, in a DVD rundown test.

 

So that one contains the GeForce Go 7700 GPU? It seems that those are subject to the same problems as the 8400 and 8600 series GPUs. Do you plan to go through the RMA process, or are you just going to buy a brand new computer?

 

I got the 9-cell. It gets decent battery life. About an hour and a half running L4D. About what you'd expect for a gaming laptop; nothing spectacular, but pretty solid.

I'm very impressed by the performance of this machine. Even when power is set to "balanced," I can run Shattered Horizon (low details, 1366x768) with a silky smooth frame rate. "High performance" lets me set some details to medium and still retain the smooth gameplay.

Despite its strengths, I find myself getting concerned again about temps. My GPU is peaking near 90C after playing for only a few minutes in a room with an ambient temperature between 24-26C. Even with a ZM-NC2000 cooler the internal temps are floating around 82-83C. I'm not seeing any chugging or artifacting in-game, but the idea of hitting temps that high over an extended period of time worries me.

Using HWMonitor as a reference.

That's all tangential, though; I'll stop now before I derail the thread.

 

I just received notification that my G50 has been sent to me. However, it actually shipped on Friday, and Fedex has already attempted delivery today at home (I'm at work). Aaaaargh!!! Oh well -- at least they didn't leave it on my doorstep. Ironically, the package originated in Louisville and passed through Jeffersonville.

 

Let us know how it works for you

 

So I finally got my G50VT-X5 today. I was a bit dismayed when I saw the condition of the box it came in. Apparently it had been handed to a troupe of mountain gorillas before being forwarded on to me. When I picked up the semi-crushed box, I could feel the computer sliding around inside due to a lack of any substantial packing materials. The plastic bag in which the computer had been placed actually had holes in it where it had repeatedly smacked against the insides of the box. Oh well. Amazingly, the computer survived the journey westward to Sac’to with a minimum of scuffing or other damage. I actually think it’s quite an attractive beast. Not too professional looking (considering I’m a 40-year-old dude), but I don’t really care.

The computer is definitely used. I can see wear on the touchpad, and stickers on the bottom of the computer are worn and peeling from handling. However, the lcd screen and keyboard are in pristine condition and clearly are new (or at least haven’t been used). There aren’t any real blemishes of note anywhere.

Needless to say, I’m going to be much more conscientious about keeping track of temperatures inside the computer than I was with my G1S. I haven’t put much stress on it yet, but HWMonitor tells me that the CPU got as high as 72C while transferring a few thousand files from my external hard drive. The GPU has not much exceeded 60C yet. When the computer is idle, temperatures in both the CPU and GPU range in the low 50s C. After reading everluck’s post above, I remembered that I had some $$ left over from an Amazon gift certificate -- just enough to order a Zalman NC2000 cooler. I won’t stress out the GPU too much until I get that cooler, but I’m not a huge gamer anyway.

Although I’ve been preoccupied with transferring files and loading (or removing) software, I’m pleased with performance of the computer, and so far I don’t even mind the decreased display resolution. Then again, I’ve been using an HP P4 for the past month. The only strangeness I’ve encountered so far is during startup. The BIOS runs, and I hear the boom and see the ASUS logo, but then it appears to stop and then re-start, and so I hear the boom and see the logo a second time. Windows then appears to start normally. Has anyone else experienced this or know why it’s happening?

I’d like to thank all you guys -- especially kidd636, everluck, and p8ntbala -- for your help and encouragement during my RMA adventure.

 

ugh, glad to know that you finally got your unit. So what you got was the X5... the one with the orange lightning? I haven't experienced the "double re-booting" that you've mentioned. Is it happening everytime?



Update on my unit:

I should have posted this the day after I received my replacement unit, but I've been busy lately.

I originally posted that my unit was scratch free. I digress. When I had examined it thoroughly the next morning, I saw that the glossy black plastic around the LCD had some very fine hairline scratches but only visible at an angle though. Apart from that, everything else looks new. The LCD itself is scratch free. The lower portion of the notebook is pristine too... the keyboard, glossy black border, ASUS console, touchpad and the stickers all look new. I guess I was just lucky to get a replacement unit that was in very good condition.

I haven't had the time to stress test this baby yet. But when I do, I'll "Prime torture test" it and measure temps using HWMonitor. I might do some 3DMark on the side too.

 

Yep, the one with the orange lightning. I think it's bada$$

Startup now is completely normal -- for whatever reason.

 

Did you guys get the 9800M GS GPU or the 9800M GT? I just noticed that my G50 appears to contain the 9800M GT, though the spec sheet pdf indicates that the 9800M GS should be present (as does the sticker next to the keyboard). Perhaps my G50 got a new motherboard along with the new keyboard and lcd screen?

 

Should be around 200-300, my guess. Call them, they have excellent customer service.

 

Wow, lucky you! How did you notice that it was a GT? If it has 96 shaders then that's definitely a GT. Mine's a GS (based on Device Manager and GPU-Z).

I wouldn't be surprised if you got a "free" upgrade as well. In my case, I should have only gotten a 6-cell batt with my X1, but it came with a 9-cell.

 

Apparently I wrote too quickly. I had forgotten to check it with GPU-Z, which identifies it as the 9800M GS, as does the Device Manager. What’s strange is that HWMonitor, SIW, and CPU-Z identify it as the 9800M GT. This weekend I'll look inside to check for sure, though I’m happy with it regardless. As a side note, GPU-Z.0.4.2 does not work on my computer; I have to use version 0.4.0.

I got a huge scare last night when I got home and started my now beloved G50. A few seconds after I got to the Windows login screen, the screen went black, and then I got an apparent BSOD for a second or so. The computer then rebooted and repeated this process over and over and over... To make a long story short, I ended up having to do a system recovery, which appeared to solve the problem (I hope). At least it did appear to be a software glitch rather than a hardware issue (I hope, I hope, I hope). I really don’t want to invoke the 90-day warranty.

 

Ouch, BSODs are never a good sign. Hopefully it doesn't happen again.

Has everyone here with the G50 replacement checked their built-in webcams? Mine seems to be attached upside down. Works fine besides that, but it's a weird issue. Updating drivers and playing with Asus's webcam software didn't seem to help.

My biggest problem with my replacement is still the stripped screws securing the CPU. I so want to put in my X9000, but I can't

I have one more question: is everyone else experiencing buzzing when using headphones with this unit? Seems to be a rampant problem with the G50 line.

 

My webcam seems fine. I'll test my headphones out later.

One problem I recently experienced was with the speakers. Suddenly, sound only comes from the left speaker. I double checked that the speaker balance was at the center. Then I ran the sound test in control panel where it tests the left and right speakers, and when it was outputting sound to the right, it came out the left as if though my left speaker was also my right. I was about to download the latest Realtek driver, when I just decided to test one last time. Then suddenly the right speaker suddenly went alive again.

Did anybody else experience this? I hate problems that resolve by their own only to resurface again later. Although it's not really big of a deal since I'm using my Logitech USB notebook speakers most of the time.

 

Sounds like you all had better luck than I did. My replacement G50 was in my hands for all of 24 hours. Multiple BSOD, tried to restore, then recover, then dead.

Sent it back- What a bunch of BS. A tech. company that cant figure out how to build or repair their own equipment? How can that be? At this point I have no confidance that it will be fixed, and I now will have to start the reload process for my software once I get it back. Why bother.... will never buy ASUS again. Rock Solid- NOT...

 

Ha, I feel the same way. Including this G50, I've had problems with every Asus product I've ever used. It's incredible, like they're trying to make me buy from someone else.

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

As far as speakers and headphones, I've had no problems so far. At home I use an older Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi expresscard and a pair of Creative Gigaworks T20 speakers. The sound is decent, as it was with my G1S.

Have you guys had trouble using Direct Console? Mine has stopped working, and I haven't yet figured out what the solution is (uninstalling and reinstalling the same version doesn't work). From what I gather, it's a common problem with the G50VT.

Earlier today I was checking my credit card account, and I noticed that the balance seemed higher than it ought to be. Turns out that ASUS charged me TWICE for my G50. Needless to say, I was immediately on the phone -- first to ASUS and then to the bank. The bank was kind enough to remove the extra charge more or less immediately.

 

Yeah, direct console stopped working for me too. I'm not too bothered by that. It's not exactly a dealbreaker.

 

Just reporting back from my refurb G50. Like someone else mentioned I was a bit disappointed with the condition of the packaging when I received it. The laptop chassis was also pretty smudged up, although the keyboard and screen are in good shape, and after some cleaning with q-tips it looks pretty good.

The laptop seems to be performing fine, I was happy to see this model is "supported" for Windows 7 and so most of the little G-series features seem to be working.

I did notice a couple issues:
The direct console always shows CPU usage as 0% (no big deal).
The camera is displaying the image upside-down (anyone find a fix for this?).
After a brief effort, I could not get my second hdd recognized (going to look into it more when I have the time).

Glad to hear most made out OK. Hopefully these hold up better than the G1 did.

 

My old G1S HDD is working flawlessly with the G50. It also mounts very snugly (using its attached rubber bushing) that you'll think you no longer need to purchase a metal bracket for it.

Is the HDD at least being detected when you go into the BIOS setup?

 

Hi all,

I have a question regarding this whole process. I sent my G1S in last week (it's out of warranty) and the repair status inquiry is stating that the unit is being repaired. This is obviously not something I want to have happen, as it would just fail again. To people who were offered the replacement: did it ever reach the point where it said they were repairing it? They said they would contact me before they did anything, but I'm nervous they'll just repair it for free and send it back. Should I call? Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the "Fried G1S GPU Club"!

Just wait for the tech to email you the quotation. It will be indicated in there if they will just repair or replace the unit. If it says "repair", then just simply email back that you want to have it replaced instead, since you have concerns about the defective GPU issue.

Although I've read some cases here wherein they didn't notify the owner and just sent the "repaired" unit back free of charge. So just to be safe, you can call a CS rep and have them note in your RMA that you want to be contacted first before any action is taken -- even if it's a free repair. Goodluck!

 

I know I’m getting derailed here (but it’s relevant since we all seem to be receiving the G50 as a replacement for our dead G1’s)…

I found a discussion of how to make use of the G50 OLED display (without Direct Console) here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/310114-g50v-anyone-find-use-oled-display-7.html

It requires installation of LCDHype with addition of a G50 driver (link given on above page) and scripts from Predator_MF. Actually there is a more recent version of LCDHype, but I found it easier to follow the instructions at the above link using the older version of the program. Using one of the scripts from Predator_MF, I now have the OLED functioning as a simple clock (which I find really useful). There are also some more elaborate scripts available (in French), but I haven’t tried them yet. I haven’t tried writing any scripts of my own yet.

Does anyone know of software other than Direct Console to overclock the CPU? Or is it necessary to modify the BIOS?

Also, I installed the latest Nvidia driver, and now all programs that supply information on the GPU indicate that it is the 9800M GS. I wanted to take off the bottom panel to check it, but I also have a couple of mangled screws, and so I'll just leave it alone.

 

So here i sit waiting on ASUS again. 7 days they have had my "replacement G50" and I am told that the repair center is trying to locate it so I can get an update on my repair. 7 days and all you did was lose it??? I may as well sent to the three stooges. if wrong with this company?

I kept all my e mails, and detailed it out by day, sent that to the CFO on a seperate email demanding a new from the factory replacement. I wonder if I will hear anything back, it really looks like they are just trying to people off.

 

Looks like profanity gets edited.... hmmmm

 

Well, i just joined the party as my G1s went down on me yesterday . Freaking BLACK SCREEN OF DEATH! i was like is going on and did a little searching online to find a whole bunch of G1S owners with the same malfunction. Its all packed up and sending out my unit tomorrow but its wierd that i live 15 miles from Fremont but they have me sending it out to IN facility, lol. I hope i too get an offer for the G50VT replacement. I'll keep you guys posted on my situation as well.

 

They WILL try to push a replacement G1S motherboard on you, as there apparently is no longer a mobo “supply” issue. However, if you ask for details as to how they have addressed the problems with the 8600m GT GPU, namely 1) overheating due to faulty engineering, and 2) use of solder (attaching the silicon chip to substrate) that is prone to cracking with temperature fluctuations, then they should respond by offering you the G50VT as a replacement (for $250). Be persistent, ask a lot of questions, let them know that you’re aware of the problem with the original GPU, and tell them that you won’t accept a replacement mobo that contains the same defective GPU.

Of course the G50 will be a refurb and could have problems (as illustrated above). However, I think that most of us are satisfied with the replacement.

Keep us all informed of your progress.

 

Right on ugh, thanks for the info buddy!

 

Just tracked my package i sent to them and they have it in their possession. How long did it take for them to email you guys back with an update?

 

Mine arrived in Fremont on April 13th, but I didn't get an e-mail with offer of repair/replacement until April 26th. (I called CS 888-678-3688 on April 15th, but I don't think is sped up the process at all.) It seems that the wait time can be really variable.

 

Yeah, it has the 7700 gpu. I live in the dominican republic so warranty isnt really an option... unless im willing to pay all the taxes they charge you for sending a laptop out of the country and then again when receiving it back. That would be like $500 lol.

So yeah, im thinking of buying the Asus UL30VT... as i want something smaller and better looking this time

However the MSI GX640 does look good...

 

UPDATE:

Shipped out my notebook last week on monday and got it back today. Same notebook, just repaired.

Repair Results: repair with new components/parts
Replaced Parts: G1S MAIN BD._0M/AS

They however never contacted me in any way, just shipped it back to me fixed. I wonder if they installed the same old defective board in there. How would i be able to tell? Do i have to open it up?
Hopefully it holds up and i guess im pretty happy with the outcome so far, fast service but no communication whatsoever.

EDIT: No charge for the repairs as well.

 

Was yours still under warranty? This might explain why they never contacted you. Most of the rest of us were beyond the warranty period.

Looks like you probably got the same GPU as you had before. If you don't want to open the computer, you can verify by looking under "device settings" in the NVIDIA control panel.

I'd invest in a notebook cooler of some sort if you don't have one already.

 

i was out of warranty since i have the Bestbuy version, only 1 year warranty and i got it back in 2007. They completely forgot to connect my wlan card and my bluetooth aint working

Under device settings, what am i looking for? Under the system info?

 

That's bizarre. The ASUS rep with whom I dealt swore that no out-of-warranty customers had ever received a free repair. This despite the fact that others (out of warranty) on this forum and elsewhere have also described receiving free repair or replacement. I don't understand why ASUS doesn't seem to have a consistent policy on this matter.

In the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to Performance > Device Settings > Current Settings. If, at the top, it says "GPU: GeForce 8600M GT," then you're stuck with the same GPU that you had before.

If you don’t have it already, HWMonitor will conveniently tell you temperatures in both the CPU and GPU. Also, I monitor GPU temperature using the sidebar gadget “GPU Monitor” installed along with RivaTuner.

Have you looked inside yet to see if there is an obvious source of problem with wireless and bluetooth? I hope you don't have to RMA again.

 

RMA'ed it again but this time requested to send it to Fremont facility.

Bluetooth module was there but not detecting anything. Called service tech and went thru different drivers with no luck. They had me do a recovery but that also failed. I get a white screen and a HUGE "ERROR" in red. Removed recovery disc and now wont even boot into windows, says missing "Bootmgr" or something.

I asked to speak to a supervisor about the faulty gpu, which the phone tech knew nothing about, but later came back to say the sup was taking another call and acknowledges that there is a problem with the GPU in these notebooks.

I requested to have a tech call me and explained that i would like to get a refurbished replacement unit instead of fixing my G1S. We'll see what happens. They received it today since im only 15 miles away, i shipped it yesterday.

 

It seems this problems keeps occurring for people with G1S notebooks, so I added this thread to the Info Booth to -- hopefully -- make it easier to find.

E.B.E., ASUS forum moderator

 

I hate to say it folks, but I am another victim of the Asus G1S-A1 GPU failure and have been indoctrinated into Asus' "Fried G1S 8600m GPU Club"

Maybe it is a Canadian thing - I am in Edmonton Alberta - & (like Canada Goose) I was getting very strange green stripes on the screen during the boot.

Lawcheehung mentioned seeing that his friends G1S-A1 was getting red squares all over the screen (mine were orange and in a checkerboard pattern), but you get the point.

It just started for me June 22, 2010. Bought my G1s-A1 in July 2007.

It still starts, but from what I have read (all 30 pages) there is no stopping it now.

Got an RMA - I just need to get some data off of it before sending it in.

Will let you know how it goes.

 

There is a lot of stuff in the Info Booth. Where exactly did you put a link to this thread? I don't see it there.

 

Any word yet on the status of your repair/replacement? As you've seen from reading this thread, the general consensus is that replacement with the G50VT refurb is the best course of action. I'm still very happy with my G50 despite the fact that I had to update many drivers, install missing inf files from Intel, and ought to flash the BIOS (version present is 209, while current is 213).

 

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.

I finally got my ASUS G1S-A1 back.

First of all I'll give credit where Credit is due.

My repair went to:

ASUS Computer International - Canada
802 Cochrane Drive - Unit 2, Markham, ON L3R 8C9, Canada

and I had the pleasure of speaking to Henry S. Cowan.

He was very professional and didn't belittle the situation, play dumb, or treat me like I didn't know what I was talking about. Thank-you for that Henry!

However, his hands were tied in what he could do for me. All he was allowed to do was replace the motherboard which had the same inherent problem.

Via Henry I was able to find this out from his technicians:

1. They were using a 'new' thermal paste that was 'supposed' to help keep the system cool. FYI the thermal paste they said that they were using was "OCZ Freeze". (I've checked the reviews, it appears to be fairly decent stuff - however, it DOES NOT solve the problem like the technician - not Henry - implied!)

2. The technicians said that I was supposed to try to keep the GPU temperature below 80 degrees Celsius. How I am supposed to do that, I have no idea

For those who are wondering how to monitor these temperatures, I am using TechPowerUp's GPU Z 0.4.4 and it can be found here: techPowerUp! :: Downloads

It is free and seems to work quite well.

When you click on the "Sensors" tab you'll notice that there are "Log to file" and "Continue refreshing this screen while GPU-Z is in the background" check boxes at the bottom. I leave them both checked (then minimize the screen) and it records the temperatures, GPU core Clock, etc, (every couple of seconds) to a text file so that you can go back and review the history. This is very handy.

NOW FOR THE BAD NEWS:

With the new thermal paste (like I thought that would make a difference - not) with my power profile set to High, and the machine just Idling, the GPU temperature ran all the way up to 78-79 degrees Celsius! If I am just doing emails, are surfing the web it will hover right on 80.

Play just a simple video, and it will blow right through 80!
ASUS IF YOU ARE LISTENING, I AM VERY UNIMPRESSED!
. . . so much for gaming!

After screwing around with settings, here is the only thing that I have found that seems to help a little bit.

When you run your system on "High performance" I noticed these readings under GPU-Z's sensors tab:

GPU Core Clock: 475 Mhz
GPU Memory Clock: 702.0 Mhz
GPU Shader Clock: 950 Mhz

When I selected the "Power Saver" option these readings dropped to:

GPU Core Clock: 275 Mhz
GPU Memory Clock: 300.9 Mhz
GPU Shader Clock: 550 Mhz

What this appeared to do is reduce the GPU idle temperatures to around 74 degrees Celsius.

So what I did was copy that plan and then went in to customize it. Even though there is no way to customize the GPU there, I went in and jacked all the rest of the settings back up to what the High performance settings were (for things like CPU max and min settings, screen brightness, etc).

The notebook seems to be running good, and the temperature for everyday office stuff seems to be 4-5 degrees cooler - around 74-75 instead of 78-79 (I'll take what I can get). If your run anything graphical however it shoots right up there!

I am so unimpressed with ASUS' policy regarding known issues like this that I REFUSE to buy from them again!

Henry did a great job, but his hands were tied. He couldn't even tell me how many boards they had left, and couldn't let me order another one as a spare so I could change it out myself when it fails again.

I have numerous laptops, and have helped many friend purchase ASUS in the past. Never AGAIN! I am going SAGER all the way! I am running them now and all I can say is, "WOW".

Asus has given me a survey to complete, and it reflects everything that is being said on this thread, and I am sending them a link to this post. If they decide to do something as a result, I'll amend this post. If not, then it stands as a warning to others.

Their support and repair centres were good, and again Henry was excellent, but if they won't take responsibility for known issues like this (replacing parts with another that has the same problem), well . . . that is TOTALLY unacceptable, and they will have lost many more than 1 past happy customer.

Bye, Bye ASUS I am taking my Dollars, AND ALL RECOMMENDATIONS elsewhere.
RMA Number:
N-CAA1061908

 

im just about too sell my g1s a1 i really hope it doesnt fail on the new owner right away