G73 Owners come on in

So thus far, there is LOTS of good stuff, good threads on issues/opinions regarding the new G73! Thank you to everyone! We all make it much easier on each other by educating, diagnosing and fixing issues as they arise. I wanted to make an all inclusive thread in which consolidates most all issues/opinions where all my ASUS/non ASUS peeps can feel confident in sharing their knowledge thus far. So far, from my own G73 personal experience as well as what I have gathered reading here, I wanted to make a list of things (common issues/complaints)

1.1600x900 vs 1920x1080
-I personally have the 1600x900 and I must say that yes, the viewing angles everyone speaks of are quite eh "not so good"! I use mine as a desktop replacement so I am looking at it straight on from one angle so this does not bother me. But for others, I can see them being a little bit annoyed at times My personal opinion, the 1600x900 is a good rez (notice I didnt say great, great would be 1680x1050) and the colors are BRIGHT and screen glossy...If I had a complaint, it would be that the LED never really lets the monitor get "black" or pitch dark in dark eeery games such as Batman and Metro2033/Dead Space so I always feel that the darker games are "fluffed" up because of this lighting of a LED "glowing" screen. Guess it comes with the nature of LED screens.

2. Keyboard-Flex
-To be quite honest. The display of the keyboard is gorgeous, but who uses a keyboard for the display of it? I must say, the keyboard by no means is "bad", just has slight flex and some smaller than normal keys...overall I am happy with it though (would like bigger arrow keys as I dont use WASD)

3. Touchpad
-Huge, works fine, teeter totter rubber "bar" clicker....blows!

4. Build
-Simply amazing...love the matte finish..plasitc is hard and durable and NO FINGERPRINTS which is huge for an OCD guy like me Compact, sexy and durable. The exhaust ports make baby jesus happy

5. Cooling
-Innovative and FINALLY a dedicated fan and heatsink for each major component, The CPU and GPU! The heatsink consisting of all copper and bezzels aluminum. Cools as it should..pulling air from up top was ballsy but I think it payed off.

6. ATI HD 5780 1 GB GDDR5 DX11
-Thus far, has lived up to its hype.

7. 6GB vs 8GB and 1066 vs 1333 and best buy version vs non-best buy version
- Honestly, no performance difference between 1066 and 1333 RAM. So actually, this isn't an issue. I was actually hoping for 1066 in my 6GB best buy version so when/if I even need to go above 6 GB (prolly not) in the future, the 2GB stick will be cheaper! For 97% of us, 6GB vs 8BG does not matter...I have hard time reaching 4GB in this system

8. Known issues upon arrival
-I had and still HAVE an audio issue. The symptoms were identical to most users who had this issue in that the "Creative" bloatware was causing incompatibilities with the RealTek audio drivers...I have uninstalled just about all the bloat, and customized my rig to exactly where I want it, drivers and all and really I have done everything under the sun to alleviate this issue, and still randomly from time to time get a BLARING STATIC noise through my speakers.. I have come to the conclusion that I will just live with it and that one day, if my faith is good, 6lb 4ounce baby jesus will fix it for me. Other known issues are a faulty GPU upon arrival and issues with GPU or audio drivers.

Cant think of any more issues at this point but thats why I wanted everyone to chime in and give their feedback, bombs away!

 

Hay I'm considering buying this notebook, and I'm wondering if you've had the battery related slowdown mentioned in other threads yet? I really like the specs of this, but all of the possible problems are a turn off. Also does it have a backlit keyboard/how is it?

 

BackLit keyboard is gorgeous! Sorry I havent even taken the battery out of its plastic as I use mine as a desktop replacement..its in the fridge

"I really like the specs of this, but all of the possible problems are a turn off"
Honestly, there's not many "issues" with the G73...no laptop is perfect so you've just got to weed out the "possible problems"

Quick question for anyone, for my power management I am using performance mode customized as Im always on AC power. I have the screen set to dim at 10 minutes and the screen to turn off at 1 hour and set it to never go to sleep...last night I set it for hours and when I came back it was sleeping!? Is there some other area setting that is overriding my custom power plan?

 

So would a cooler still work for this? How about using arctic silver? I am also considering buying this notebook

 

A cooler (assuming the ones that blow air up at the underside of the laptop as opposed to the ones that suck air away) would only benefit the G73 by cooling the underside plastic of the laptop thus possibly cooling the inside components through transference. Co-currently, it may provide the surrounding air to be relatively cooler which in turn would slightly lower the air temp that the intake fans suck in around the top of the laptop (keyboard and speakers). In real life, the temperature of the air surrounding the laptop, i.e the room temperature, is the main determinant of the hardware's temps. put the "best" cooler you want on any laptop, but if you are computing in 80 degree environment/room, you will still see higher temps.

Best cooler is Zalman NC2000 - all aluminum

 

I bought one, just waiting to get it from NCIX.com. It should be in my possession on Tuesday and I will let you know how it goes.

Thermaltake Massive23 Aluminium.

@ 780Cinco

Are you sure it was sleeping or did the display just turn off? Also, your hard disk might have turned off. If you go into Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Power Options\Edit Plan Settings and click 'Change Advanced Settings' click on the Hard Drive, click on the Turn Off Hard Drive After and see what it says.

 

No it was def. sleeping, I had to re-login.
Hardisk was it! Thanks! I set it to NEVER turn off hardisk when on AC power...this is safe right guys?

 

Good THREAD. The differences aren't much. I need to go to BB and see if the screen angles would bother me? That's the only thing I would care about.
Personally Blu ray or gaming differences wouldn't matter much to me. I truly doubt there would be much difference? Unless someone has them side x side for comparison?? Or have some sort of measures specs. But I will wait another week and see if the Genetic gets mine? If not maybe I will give BB a visit ? But I would rather give Genetic my $$ Than BB.

 

15 inch coolers will fit on this thing? the zalman nc2000 is a 15 inch i believe

 

http://www.xoxide.com/zalman-nc2000-b.html

 

HI guys,

I dropped by canada computers yesterday and picked up the thermaltake massive 23ST for 35$. I am trying to actually properly see how effective it is for the G73. I will post up a review of it later. But as of now...temps are only 2C less than without cooler + under load it still goes to 87 whereas before I have seen like 91 or so. so I am not entirely sure if the act of the laptop being above the table lifted by the cooler itself is doing the temperature change or the fan. Either way...I will keep ya guys posted. But so far...no dice in keeping load temps lower than 80. But I guess that is too much to ask for?

 

Under load, GPU temps of 91 are fine..going up from there to say 95+ Id be weary...my CPU idles at 50 and 73 under gaming load, my GPU idles at 60 and sits at 89-91 under load, but no higher. These temps look to be the norm and should not be an issue

 

Hey so what does everyone think about leaving the backlit keyboard on max and surrounding blue lights on 24/7? I am not educated in the durability of such small LED lights...I mean the little white bulbs under the keyboard are TINY...Id like to keep em on 24/7, but not if they will burn out much much quicker..any electrical engineers or guru's in here? Thanks

 

led's are noted for their long life

 

I just bought one from Best Buy on Saturday and I'm liking it so far. I'll follow OP's format.

1.1600x900 vs 1920x1080

This pretty much sums it up. The viewing angle is sad and yet doesn't really come into play as an issue often. The color is decent. 1600x900 is an acceptable resolution and better suited to the GPU. I was running most things @ 1680x1050 on my 7805u anyway. It's an acceptable gaming resolution to me.


2. Keyboard-Flex

Minor Flex. I prefer real keys like on the Gateway FX.


3. Touchpad

Hate them to begin with. I've used this trackball mouse for years.


4. Build

Looks Hot. Pictures don't really do it justice.


5. Cooling

The air out the back is warm but not worrisome. The rest of the laptop feels cool.

NOTE: Do Not use a USB powered notebook cooler. I had a shutdown to insufficient power running Uningine DX11 bench for 10 minutes. Ran Crysis w/o the cooler after for over an hour with no issue. What this means for OCing the 5870, I'm not sure.


6. ATI HD 5780 1 GB GDDR5 DX11

Gets the job done. I don't like CCC layout or lack of features on it compared to Nvidia's Control Panel, but I can't do anything about that. Haven't OC'd, looked into OCing, or found a game where I really need to OC.


...yet


7. 6GB vs 8GB and 1066 vs 1333 and best buy version vs non-best buy version

I know most say that there isn't a difference between 1066 and 1333, but there is. RAM can be good for a second or two. Another consideration is that the 1333MHz RAM is C9 [9-9-9-24]. Some games really respond to tighter timings. I don't know how accessible the BIOS is on this, but if I could get hold of 4GB of 1600MHz C7 and tighten the timings further @ 1333MHz on this G73 I'd consider trading my 6GB... if I really felt like going through the hassle.

The drop from 8GB to 6GB is negligible for most purposes.

As I don't also have a non-BestBuy G73, I can't really pick up any differences other that the 2GB less of RAM, the lower resolution and no Blu-Ray... Oh, and I don't have the option of IC7 on the CPU/GPU. [...$40 extra @ xoticpc, when it costs like $8 a tube. :laugh: ]


8. Known issues upon arrival

So far I've been blessed. The sound on my laptop has been fine. Expecting the worst from my previous experience with a G50, I was quite happy with what I heard. My Toshiba SLi1's harman/kardon were better, but these are still a step or two better than average. So far the GPU is fine and I'm using the 10.3 driver.

I was going to wait for something with Crossfired Mobility HD5870, but I was able to score 40hrs of OT in one pay-period which just about pays for it. And as I work the overnight and game at work, this laptop will make those two 60 hour weeks go by much easier.

Of other note: New word is that ATI's 6xxx aren't going to be 28nm, but a new architecture. Then comes the die shrink. I'd rather wait for 28nm with a Mobility HD5870 1GB than a 9800m GTS 1GB.

...wouldn't you?

With tax this come to ~$1300.

 

I am using a USB powered cooler and have not had any issues to date.

Are you sure you would advise against this? Possibly a one-time issue for you?

 

Possibly a one time issue for me.

Possibly only an issue for me??

For now I'm just using my laptop cooler as a stand.

I just thought I should mention it. If I overstated it, then I take that back. Just a thing to be aware of if you are using or thinking of using a cooler.

 

hey guys...

those of you are using laptop usb coolers....how is your performance with it? I mean are the temps really going down? for me its only 1-4C max difference. I am contemplating returning this thing for a 5$ restocking fee out of the 35$ that I paid. What do u think?

thanks,

V

 

I got the same cooler (the Aluminum version). I am getting about a 5-7 degree difference. To me that is worth it. I like the angle the laptop rests at on the cooler and every degree helps for longevity.

Remember usually the tipping point for hardware failure is just 1 degree too high....

You are not going to get more than a 10 degree effect with any cooler for this machine.

 

corpfan1....did u get teh thermaltake massive 23 or the zalman NC-2000???

thanks,

V

 

I'm thinkin of getting this notebook, what cooler are you using exactly?

 

I think any issues you experience are good to post and should be posted. Keeps people informed what potential issues they might see.

When I got my G73JH I expected the worst, I have experienced only the best so far.

 

The Thermaltake Massive 23 - Aluminum version.

 

Just curious, what are you guys seeing for steady temps on your G73's? CPU and GPU?
At idle, and even after overnight idle, my CPU stays at 49-50 and my GPU at 58-61
At load (gaming), my CPU 68-75 and GPU 88-91

I just wanted to compare it to others...with my idle temps looking like they are, I think can keep this laptop on for days/overnights on end due to the system not heating up. the cooling system seems to manage itself well (I do have the LCD turned off after an hour though, I just dont put the system to sleep or have the hard disc shutdown) I was weary, bc we all know heat kills, but with temps like CPU 50 and GPU 60, I dont think Im worried to leave it for days on end anymore.

Actually, after an overnight idle, this morning when I checked it, I dont even think the fans were on!

 

I don't have time to get some load temps, but here are my idle temps. Laptop has been on for little over an hour.

 

My idle CPU temps range from 39 - 45C. (I'll have to check load temps while gaming.) The GPU usually ranges from 77 to 85C at load. At idle, it usually hovers around 58 - 60C. It went to 87C max once while playing Dragon Age Awakenings.

I'm using a passive laptop stand.

 

Thanks jester and thegreatsquare-looks like we are in the same boat!

greatsquare-We also both had FX 7805's as our last laptops...I miss the keyboard on the 7805 compared to the G73 but thats about it

I assume you are using Catalyst 10.3's? Because you are using HWmonitor, and HWMonitor does not work on my stock drivers...so currently Im using HWInfo32....I'm just scared to update GPU drivers

 

HWMonitor works fine here with the stock drivers. What kind of error are you receiving?

 

Your image is showing the wrong laptop.

 

Same deal here. I'm using stock drivers.

I'm coming from a Gateway P-6831FX. So, idle temps for the CPU/GPU seem higher than I'm used to seeing.

In my experience, ATI videocards seem to tolerate heat very well.

You're welcome and glad to share information!

 

Kalim-regarding the error in using HWMonitor with the stock drivers, I cant remember what happened but It either just did not run after installation or gave blank readings..I will check again when I get home

Jester-Ya the G73 CPU/GPU temps are "slightly" higher (idle and load) than our old FX's...but I attribute that to the now i7 45W CPU vs the old Core2Duo P8400 which was 25W...Ya Im not worried at all about the duarability/heat tolerances of the ATI 5870 ; ) Everything looks within range!!!

 

Joined the club Saturday, haven't had time to play any games yet, but did do a couple quick mods today:

Installed 2nd 500GB HDD that was in my G51, caddy is NOT included from Best Buy, so had to tweak my G51 caddy to work, which it did with minimal effort.

Installed a Bluray combo drive that was installed in my G51, worked perfect, face plates easily snap between the two and worked well.

Nice machine, will post performance comments once I get a chance to play with it a bit.

Ram wise, I had 3 2GB PC8500 sticks.... assume this is normal? And it appears there is a 4th slot, so I guess it would be cheap and easy to bump up to 8GB when wanted or needed.

Only real issue so far is the keyboard. It appears to be the same keyboard as my G51, but this one is much worse feel wise,and the SPACEBAR only works intermittently or with a BIG push. Gonna investigate further, but the keyboard on my G51 has been GREAT, so this has suprised me. I think mine is just defective, or atleast hope so, as surely ASUS hasn't ruined this keyboard in some way. Any ideas, is it interchangeable with the G51 keyboard? If so I'll pick one of them up from ASUS,I think they were cheap online. This of course assuming I don't run into other issues with the machine that would require an exchange or refund.

Screen,also, IMO is just fine, and is as good or better than the G51's, only with an obvious bump in resolution. And personally, I'm just fine and actually prefer the 1600x900 resolution to fullHD on a monitor this size.

EDIT: G51 keyboard swapped out just fine, and works great... so, will try and get a new one from ASUS to replace the defective keyboard that came with my G73. Feels just as solid as on the G51, and types so much better. Color is black though!

 

Welcome be77solo- Yes you have (3) 2 GB sticks PC3 (means ddr3) 8500 (means 1066) so 6GB DDR3 1066 RAM. I am assuming Hynix brand? I have the same setup. some people got kingston and 1333, no real diff. That open slot is ready for another 2GB stick should you ever need it (5 yrs from now).

Keyboard has slight flex and a little mushy..I do miss my old FX7805's keyboard compared to this one, but thats about it...yours sounds a little extreme though so id look into it if the spacebar is not registering properly!

I feel the same way about the 1600x900 screen as you. good stuff, despite what you will read around here regarding it..

 

so far so good, just loaded up BC2, and an online game at 1600x900, all high and 4x AA it ran great... looking forward to trying some more games.

And, as a followup, the G51 keyboard I swapped in is working much better, in both games and typing, so maybe there was a bad batch of G73 keyboards that went out, so just be aware.... this keyboard is WAY better than the keyboard that came with my G73, only problem is it is black ha, so will harass Asus for a replacement G73 keyboard soon.

 

Some in game benches while playing BioShock 2 with everything on high.

-CPU maxed@64C
-GPU maxed@84C

I used this passive cooler which is perfect for the G73. No need to even extend the arms out on it.

 

What do you mean? Do you know of another laptop with a Quad and a Mobility HD5800 Series?

This is a G73 from Best Buy.

 

For convenience here's your image:



The above image shows that your G73 has a Intel Core 2 processor. When I run HWMonitor my G73 is reported as having a Intel Core i7 processor.

Perhaps a better question is, why is Best Buy selling G73's with an Intel Core 2 processor?

I suppose updating HWMonitor could also explain it and would prevent future misunderstandings. LOL

 

thegreatsquare-check other places for the description of your processor, that would be very interesting if Kalim is correct and you truly have an Intel Core 2 quad in there!

Kalim-Possibly HWMonitor has some issues with some G73's and their drivers? As I have stated before, HWMonitor does not even function on my rig yet HWInfo32 does??? Hmmm. Possibly his HWMonitor is skewing things? In this case it is misrepresenting/reading his CPU?

 

has anyone traveled with this thing yet? How is it opening one up on a plane?

 

LOL!

The "Core 2" thing slid right under my radar.

Speccy and HWiNFO32 have it right. I'm of the mind that I might just not update HWM so to screw with peoples heads in the future.

 

I would never pull this thing out on a plane. People on either side of you would get upset.

Besides, battery life is about 1hr, 45 min on light duty. I just leave mine under the seat and pull out a book. Oh, and word of warning- on some smaller planes getting it under the seat is a trick in and of itself, especially if you're along the window.

 

Yeah I thought so. I only travel twice a year so most of the time this would be on my desk but would like to pull it out mid-flight to watch a movie. It probably would be a tad better for me to get a 15-16 incher with better battery life but everytime i spec any other laptop out with comparable specs they end up costing more.

 

The other problem is that movie watching isn't light duty, and I'd be surprised if you can get through playback on battery. Of course, my only experience with that is blu-ray, which is more taxing to system resources.

I LOVE having this thing at the hotel, or even at the airport near an outlet, but honestly forget it for the plane.

 

Don't we already have a G73JH owner's lounge thread?

Besides, any comparison on temperatures is useless I think without some discussion of the ambient (room) temperature as well.

 

We have like 20 threads that honestly could all be combined. It's kind of maddening.

 

Well I cant until tomorrow. my g73 arrives tomorrow. i ordered the A1.

 

Hehe, that explains it.

To me what's maddening is trying to find information in a 100+ page thread. I don't know how practical it would be, but perhaps individual ASUS model sub-forums?

Adding context is your friend.