G73JH: Compiled List of Issues, Fixes, and Remaining Questions

I just purchased my G73JH-A1 from BTOTech, and I've been combing several different forums regarding G73 issues and solutions. Here is my understanding so far, and unresolved questions.

Problem 1: Keyboard Latency, Backlight Issues
Solution 1: Update BIOS from 206 to 209, by way of these steps (Kalim's):

-Do not update your BIOS from an internal or external Hard Drive.
-Do not use WinFLASH. Do NOT update while on battery.
-Make sure your USB thumb drive is formatted with FAT32.
-Unpack the G73JhAS209.zip file and copy the G73JHAS.209 file to the root of a USB thumb drive.
-Eject the thumb drive and then shutdown the G73JH.
-Place the USB thumb drive into the front-left USB port.
-Press the Power button.
-Start tapping F2 key until you enter the BIOS.
-Select Advance tab in BIOS.
-Select Start Easy Flash and by default FS0 (USB thumb drive) will be highlighted.
-Press right cursor once and (if needed) scroll down to G73JHAS.209 file.
-Press ENTER.

Problem 2: Freezing, artifacts, display issues
Solution 2: Update to ATI Catalyst 10.6 drivers

Problem 3: System crash, Steam conflicts, freezing, and crackling sound issues
Solution 3: Uninstall all Creative software and drivers. Install Realtek HD Audio Driver 2.49 TWICE and Realtek HDMI Audio Device Driver 2.49 TWICE

Problem 4: PSOD
Solution 4: RMA

Unresolved questions:
1) What functionality do I lose other than EAX by removing all things Creative?
2) Will I still be able to push 5.1 surround sound to an A/V Receiver via HDMI?
3) What is the preferred or additional software required to play Blu-Ray without issue?
__________________
"Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war..."

ASUS G73Jh-A1 w/ Intel i7-720QM
1GB ATI Radeon HD5870 graphics
16gb DDR3 1333mhz RAM
Intel 160gb SSD Primary Hard Drive
500GB HDD Secondary Hard Drive
Blu-Ray Reader/DVDRW Super Multidrive
Intel 6200 Wireless Advanced Card
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

 

1) I dont have creative drivers but realtek drivers
2) yes ATI drivers take care of that
3)no idea try VLC or mplayer or somthing

 

There is only Creative software that came with the G73. No drivers, and certainly not any hardware.

I replied to this thread with a compilation with about the same information gleaned off this forum. Such a hassle without a G73 subforum.

There are some corrections at the end of that thread, along with Vicious's review thread with all the info on his first post in the ASUS review and owners lounge.

 

Thanks for the info, fellas. Here is an SSD specific question:

4) How difficult is SSD management on Windows 7? I assume TRIM is supported...

Also, if I've missed any known issues/fixes in my list, let me know. I'm somewhat OCD with ample time on my hands, hence the original consolidation.
__________________
"Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war..."

ASUS G73Jh-A1 w/ Intel i7-720QM
1GB ATI Radeon HD5870 graphics
16gb DDR3 1333mhz RAM
Intel 160gb SSD Primary Hard Drive
500GB HDD Secondary Hard Drive
Blu-Ray Reader/DVDRW Super Multidrive
Intel 6200 Wireless Advanced Card
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

 

I've played Blu-ray using the Asus DVD-8 that came with my G73jh-A1. The first time I tried to play the blu-ray, it required me to download an update. After that the Blu-ray played ok (going out the HDMI port to a hd tv)

Windows 7 does support trim for SSD, However there is an Intel Windows 7 utility free download for some of their own SSDs which optimizes the drive and should be used weekly according to Intel.

 

SO I guess the Intel app is "Better TRIM"

 

who noze? It's all voodoo!

 

For 34nm Intel X25-M/X18-M SSDs...

Windows 7 sends the TRIM commands, but to have them actually executed you need to use the latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver (9.6.0.1014). Using older drivers or the driver provided by the OS you need to manually handle TRIM using the utility in the Intel SSD Toolbox.


Not sure about other drive brands/models.

 

@MarkS: I have the 160GB Intel X-25-M, but the link to the Rapid Storage Technology driver you referred mentions all kinds of stuff about RAID. I know the G73Jh doesn't support RAID, so why is this the driver necessary to automate TRIM on my drive?
__________________
"Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war..."

ASUS G73Jh-A1 w/ Intel i7-720QM
1GB ATI Radeon HD5870 graphics
16gb DDR3 1333mhz RAM
Intel 160gb SSD Primary Hard Drive
500GB HDD Secondary Hard Drive
Blu-Ray Reader/DVDRW Super Multidrive
Intel 6200 Wireless Advanced Card
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

 

"Supports SATA RAID 5/10 on specific desktop platforms"

You don't have one of those specific platforms. The RST driver is for many chipsets and replaces the "old" Matrix Storage Technology driver.

Why is it necessary? Because the previous intel drivers do not execute the TRIM functionality when the OS requests it.

 

@MarkS: Thanks, I appreciate it. Also, is it worth it to update the SSD with the latest firmware? And do you find any use for the Intel SSD Toolbox, or is it unnecessary as the Rapid Share Technology automates the maintenance?

I know I am asking a bajillion questions, but this is my first foray into the SSD realm.
__________________
"Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war..."

ASUS G73Jh-A1 w/ Intel i7-720QM
1GB ATI Radeon HD5870 graphics
16gb DDR3 1333mhz RAM
Intel 160gb SSD Primary Hard Drive
500GB HDD Secondary Hard Drive
Blu-Ray Reader/DVDRW Super Multidrive
Intel 6200 Wireless Advanced Card
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

 

You do not need the Intel SSD Toolbox on Windows 7 as Windows 7 supports TRIM natively, however I do recommend installing it anyway (version 1.3) as it does have diagnostics if you ever have problems. Make sure you have the latest firmware on the Intel SSD first...

 

Yes I would check the firmware and update it if necessary. It's unlikely the pre-TRIM support firmware is still around but just in case you got an older one that fell behind a shelf or something...

The SSD toolbox has diagnostics that you may be interested in (and you can also check the firmware version there ), but you don't need to schedule or manually run the optimizer on Windows 7 if you use the new RST driver.

 

Good info Mark S +1 rep! I updated the driver and now shows Intel as source not MS.

 

is it safe to keep the battery in even when using AC power all the time?

 

I'm sure it's safe. In fact it acts as a UPS while you're plugged in. It may shorten battery life however, but whether by enough to matter, I don't know.

 

For the 5.1 surround question...

I would actually advise uninstalling creative software if you are going to use hdmi for sound.

Another really nice feature of these laptops is that they will bitstream HD audio formats in addition to basic AC3 and DTS tracks.

Guide: Setting Up Bitstreaming With Your Windows 7 HTPC – PART I ? MediaSmartServer.net

and

Guide: Setting Up Bitstreaming With Your Windows 7 HTPC – PART II ? MediaSmartServer.net

Are two great guides for getting you started

 

If youre looking for a more complete list of problems and solutions look in my sig.. Ive posted it a while back but it seams it isnt considered worthy of making it into a sticky or posting in the info thread...