G73: what should be done first

Last update on 27 july 2010

I know that this question has been answered more than 9000 times. I think that the ASUS Gaming Notebook Forum thread is the best place for a complete FAQ. I know I can't compile myself, so maybe with help of appropriate answers in this topic I could make at least a "what-should-be-done-first-with-G73-FAQ" Will be searching for info and add it as I find it. And one more thing: my English might be not too good - I'm Russian.
If you find it a bad idea - feel free to delete it

The only necessary step is the first one. If you are satisfied with efficiency of your laptop, don't do anything else.

1. Make a backup disk image with Acronis or similar software.
Some people use free Paragon software.
As billyray said:
The reason for making the image (of both drives if you have them, even if the one is blank) is:
1. Factory fresh system image which can be restored to your drives should you ever have to RMA your unit back to ASUS
2. As you own your notebook longer, and add more and more software as well as configuration changes etc., a Factory fresh system image can be used to troubleshoot problems which may appear to be hardware related.
This system image should be kept for as long as you own your laptop. Additional system images should not overwrite this one.

Run some tests to make sure that everything works fine. Try some games you plan to play.
If you are satisfied with everything - you're done, nothing else should be done

Tests which can be ran:
-Furmark stability test. Something above 95 C is not good (question to those who know the answer: what can be done if temps are above 95? OC videocard a little?)

2. Delete "junk" software, which you know you don't need. Removing unknown software might cause problems, e.g. disable functional buttons ("turbo-mode" and others).

3. Update videocard drivers. By 27.07 current stable version of drivers is 10.7.
Run Furmark stability test.

Tips:
-the left most button of the 3 top corner buttons (on the left) do control lights on this beast.. It turns the blue lights on and off and also can turn the kb light off but it cant turn it on... have to use Fn+F4 to turn it on (from here)

Useful programs:
HWinfo32 - shows info on your hardware. Free, v. 3.55-815 would do.

 

I don't have a G73 yet but I will tomorrow. Add to your list of things to do: update to the latest ATi drivers - 10.6.

 

like Josmol say update to the latest drivers and then run furmark stability test to check the temps and stability something over 95c should be not acceptable

 

Just a few more comments about making the system image. Besides the pay programs there are also freeware programs that can get the job done. I like Clonezilla (Live Clonezilla on USB flash drive) but there are others.

The reason for making the image (of both drives if you have them, even if the one is blank) is:

1. Factory fresh system image which can be restored to your drives should you ever have to RMA your unit back to ASUS
2. As you own your notebook longer, and add more and more software as well as configuration changes etc., a Factory fresh system image can be used to troubleshoot problems which may appear to be hardware related.

This system image should be kept for as long as you own your laptop. Additional system images should not overwrite this one.

 

About Furmark: how can one be sure that it won't burn their graphics card?
And another question: in order to add a link will this one do?
What should one do if temps under Furmark go above 95 C?