G73JH-RBBX05 Upgrades

Alright, since my G73 has been working perfectly for the last couple months, I thought I'd finally do some upgrading to this beast to make it even more...beastier! Anyway I bought myself a Blu-ray drive (LG Model CT21N) and a 2GB stick of memory to add in. I also have the Intel 6200 on the way but I'll comment on that later. Glad to say that both went well and without any major problems.

The ram was super easy to do. I just opened the bottom, stuck it in and that was it. I started the G73 and everything seems to be working flawlessly, Windows detects the memory and there seems to be no complications whatsoever.

Pic: http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6831/g73memory.png

I used this memory: Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 2GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model KVR1333D3S9/2G

The Blu-ray drive wasn't too difficult as well. Only problem I had was when exchanging the faceplate from the DVD drive to the BD drive, the DVD drive's just didn't want to come off. <_< But it all worked out in the end, but that thing seriously tight shut on the drive. Funny though since the BD drive's one just popped off effortlessly. After everything I turn on the G73, Windows automatically detects the drive and it works right there. Tried a CD and a DVD, both work.

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/3830/g73bluray.png Everything is a go.

When I try a Blu-ray it of course doesn't work. I knew that would happen but I tried anyway. I downloaded the WinDVD 8 software from the Asus website and I tried the Blu-ray and it works pretty much fine. Two issues though. #1: Whenever I play a Blu-ray, the software turns off the Aero in Windows. I have no idea why it does that. #2: It asks me to go update this AACS key or something. I tried but the website they take you to redirects you to the program installer I already downloaded but not the update. So I'm like what the hell?

Regardless if there's better BD software out there, I'd gladly get though. Any suggestions on some software to use or at least a way to update this thing that I can't seem to locate. <<

 

Cool, It amazes me you got your RAM before me. I ordered mine on Thursday and it is still not here...

DHL has never been fast though. It's the worst delivery service IMO

 

I used the default 3 day UPS shipping on Newegg. It actually came a day early, luckily. ^^

 

I think someone here posted the link to ASUS PowerDVD 9 which is shipping with Blu-ray equipped G73JH systems.

Found it

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...-software-package-now-available-download.html

Cheers,

 

I used the free shipping option. That was the default for me. Newegg uses DHL, and all DHL does is ship it to 2 of their hubs, and then end up sending it to me USPS 1st class. It amazes me that Newegg just doesn't cut them out of the equation and just send it to me that way.

 

Seems my favorite storefront on amazon.com is down.
I guess no more cheap PowerDVD 10 discs.

 

That was the same memory I was going to buy! I think it is the same memory in my computer. You made some great upgrades. I booked marked this thread so I can do the same thing when I get my G73 back from RMA.

 

Hello,

As far as I understand it, this is "Normal" activity - Lowering/Disabling Windows Aero before playing Blu-Ray. One of the system tests we run on our notebooks (Non-ASUS notebook manufacturer) includes testing BD (Blu-Ray) playback and in all cases the player disables Aero first. Supposedly it is due to the graphic intensive nature of playing BD and Aero can get in the way.

In Peace and Agape,
Trav...

 

Oh that's lame. Newegg doesn't even have a free option here, the default option is 5 bucks but that's a pretty decent deal for the speed you get it at. I've never personally used DHL, I pretty much stick to UPS and FedEX.

Thanks! Downloading now at amazing dial-up speeds.

But for a machine like the G73, is that really necessary? Sounds like something for a lower end machine but surely not needed for this laptop.

Awesome. Been running smooth so far, no complaints!

 

@KuroLionheart: You apparently missed my mirror much later in the thread

http://pcaudio.org/stuff/ASUSDVD_BDDVD_3in1_z702815.zip

 

@KuroLionHeart,

I agree that our high powered GPU ATI 5870 should be able to handle BD playback without lowering the AERO. Unfortunately this occurrs even on my companys HIGH end nVidia m460 (not yet released) gamer notebook.

Like I said, this is the norm, and has bascially become the "standard" way to do BD playback.

Just the way it goes - until someone complains loud enough to the right person, I don't think it's going to change any time soon - Since it's been going on from day one of BD playback in Windows Vista.

In Peace and Agape,
Trav...

 

Very speedy thanks!

Cheers,

 

I saw this too late unfortunately, I already got it lol. Seems to work fine enough, although it does the same thing as the other one and disables the Aero. I actually found the setting that stops it from doing that but of course, it doesn't work. Oh Cyberlink...

 

I ordered the same BD-ROM. It came in today via the post office but apparently I'll have to sign for it so it went back to the post office.

I did download the software from Chastity's mirror so I'm good to go there! Thanks, Chastity!

 

My Intel 6200 will be here on Monday, I can't wait to try it out. I hope it's a great improvement over the Atheros card, I'm a little tired of getting 2-3 bars just trying to browse. Also I've been looking into repasting with some ICD7, what's a good place to get it cheap? Real life retail stores are a plus since I can just drive there. Oh and after watching a couple Blu-ray movies, my drive seems to be working perfectly with no problems. Whoo. ^^

 

Micro Center stocks ICD7

 

Unfortunately for me it looks like that store is nowhere near my place, won't be a problem though. I just got my 6200 from FedEX, now to look for these drivers before I pop it in, it did come with a CD but I might as well install the latest version and just save myself the trouble.

Edit: Well that was pretty painless. I've never had 5 bars in my room before, that's certainly a first. http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/7876/intelwifi.png

 

Does your blu-ray drive play blu-ray movies? I bought the same one and mine does not. If I install AnyDVD HD it plays the movies just fine. However that program is cracking the encryption on the disk. Does yours work normally as far as playing movies?

 

Yeah. All my movies play no matter what Blu-ray software I use. Have watched at least 10 movies so far on this thing.

 

Maybe you bought a different blu-ray drive than I did. Mine came from eeshop and it was an HL-DT-ST BDDVDRW C10L. It is complete junk. It has the wrong firmware on it and can't play blu-ray movies although it reads blu-ray data just fine. Learned a lesson about buying from Asia directly. When they beat you out of money for a product that doesn't work, they just ignore you.

 

I checked and you are correct. It seems Newegg labeled it wrong on the day of my purchase, I have the CT21N according to the device manager. It's working flawlessly so far.

 

Where did you order the N6200? I'm having trouble finding it in France.
The store I found in the states only takes Amex and wire transfer for non US buyers... I got rid of my Amex years ago. It's basically useless in Europe.

 

I got mine from Provantage. PROVANTAGE: Intel 622AN.HMWWB Intel Wifi Link 6200 622AN.HMWWB Half Height Minicard VPRO Enabled Retail

I don't know about international shipping though.

 

I ordered mine from provantage too. It will be here tomorrow. Panzer06 spotted a used Sony bd-rom in the for sale section so I grabbed that for a reasonable price too. If we don't stop upgrading we will reach the point where we could've waited a couple months and purchased one with a 480m GPU.

I believe in business circles it's called "the point of diminishing returns".

 

Kind of a footnote:

Yesterday our BB finally put their latest g73jh variant on display, the one with the i7-640QM.

Device Manager shows it as having the Intel Advanced-N wireless.

And the price is $100 lower than the i7-620QM model, but the newer has a 5400 rpm HDD (640 GB).