G74SW vs G73JH

The G74SW utilizes a 2.00GHz Sandybridge, which is a significant increase in speed (2nd gen i7 technology) over the G73JH i7-720qm at 1.6GHz. I currently have a G73JH with upgraded bluray and a Crucial M4 128GB SSD; however, I can notice the laptop choking even while holding 50+ fps in Starcraft 2 on high or max, depending on the map. I end up running in custom low settings with medium shaders/ultra terrain/high models just because it really throws off my speed to run everything else on high.

I know what it feels like to be held back by ram or cpu or graphics card, and this is definitely a CPU issue. The question is, would it be worthwhile to upgrade to a G74SW? My gut and brain tell me yes, but I'd like some outside validation. I saw a like new one go for $870 shipped on eBay, and it pains me that I didn't just go for it since I could probably sell my G73JH for <= $100 of that price (after removing the blu ray and SSD).

A side question - is the GTX 560M any faster than the Radeon HD5870? By how much? My search for benchmarks leaves me empty handed.

 

Firstly I cannot believe you saw a G74SW full version go for that price it will be a BBK7 and it will have the gimped 128bit GPU which will be a massive downgrade from the JH GPU performance.

Also you can just upgrade to the 920XM which is rated between a 2630/2720QM of the 2nd GEN when it is unlocked and all 4 cores run at 3ghz + I can personally bench mine stable at 3.33ghz over all 4 cores at 98watts and it contests with benchmark results of the 2720QM.

You will be looking around $1200+ for a G74SW unless you intend to get a BBK7.

 

I did see the Best Buy version (BBK7), though I didn't realize they gimped the GPU. I currently have the Best Buy version of the G73JH - did they gimp the GPU on this laptop as well?

The cpu upgrade seems reasonable for the G73JH for < $300, especially since you have a guide to make it easier!

Even if the Best Buy version has lower bit interface, wouldn't the lower resolution at 900p effectively compensate for it?

 

Upgrading to the SW wont get you that much of a better GPU. If you want to compare benchmarks the 5870 scores 7614 in 3D mark Vantage vs the 192 bit GTX 560M scores 7987. A very small upgrade. As Dallers suggested upgrade the CPU it will help you more especially in CPU dependent games like SCII

 

The JH is the only BB version that left the GPU alone we all have the full 5870M.

The 920XM and an SSD are the only upgrades required for the JH to outperform other setups especially as the JH was released Jan 2010, it remains a beast.

 

I second that. Now if only someone could pursuade me to buy the 920xm...
The only reason I'm doubting it is the power-usage, and how ur brick would deal with the heat. 98Watts for just the CPU ? Thats a lot to take if the brick only delivers 150W Max.. How does it deal with that ?

 

On newer drivers, the 5870 at stock clocks hits more around 7900 so it is very close to the 560m, even more so in actual games. I don't see a reason to upgrade to a G74 yet, if it had a 570m, then yeah.

 

98 watts is what my clocks are stable but it rarely draws anywhere near that amount because I do not have all 4 cores running at 3.33ghz 100% load all the time. I can comfortably run a Prime stress test which draws 98 watts and hits 92oC after 10 minutes but its stable. However,

I am using a Targus now I popped my other adaptor just before I went on holiday bad idea to run Prime and Furmark at the same time with max clocks on a stock adaptor I worked out it tried to draw around 190watts and there was a loud ZAP sound and I thought death haha but no it still works

Even so I thought 150 watts was max too and I was proven wrong a while ago by someone who confirmed the stock adaptor and the board can draw more than 150, it is not made to draw more mind and the inevitability for me was a meltdown. The targus does nothing for my OC's mind but certainly runs cooler.

 

And check what score you can get with a little overclock :


Edit: 5870M OC'd to 850x1350

 

Thanks bro, I've given into temptation and bought me a 920xm..

 

Bout time look forward to seeing your disgusting benchmark scores with your crazy memory clocks!

I need to re do my movies sometime this week they all got deleted when I closed my google account

 

I've decided to upgrade to the 920xm also. The difference in Starcraft 2 alone is worth it for me, though I bet I'll notice the difference in other applications. I should be able to get one for around $220 shipped on eBay while selling the 720QM for around $100.

I take it I'll need to reformat and reinstall Windows 7 after the CPU installation? Should I get a new power adapter to handle the 920xm increase in power consumption?

Also, wouldn't it make sense to repaste the GPU while doing the CPU? I get idle temps in the 60's and max in the upper 80's at stock frequencies.

 

Yep yep! Makes a difference in CPU intensive games and makes a clear difference in general processing especially when installing programs running alonside an SSD its obscenely fast.

No the CPU is plug and play fire up windows and it will install the 920XM and then restart and your done. You then use Throttlestop to get the full potential of unlocking all 4 cores which is all explained in my guide (sig)

If you are in there yes apply ICD to the GPU and CPU if its idling in the 60's you should drop that right down especially at load, have a good clean out of all the dust lodged in the radiators as well.

 

The 920xm does indeed make a difference, try playing civ 5 with a 720qm vs a 920xm, ending a turn might not be instantaneous, but it sure does make a difference. I use CFD software as well and the 920xm makes quite a difference there too. Besides, how could i pass up an OEM for $350...

 

Great!

I've noticed several different socket types in the 920xm mobile CPUs I've found on eBay:

Socket P
Socket G1 (rPGA988A)
PGA988

For chipset PM45, GM45...

What numbers and models do I need to know to make sure I get the correct CPU?

Also, I've always used Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste. What is ICD7 and the 0.5mm pads?

Edit: Found IC Diamond 7 Carat Thermal Compound on Amazon. What about the 0.5mm pads?? Where do I find those?

 

The 920xm only has one socket and that's PGA988, the others also mean PGA98 although, i'm not sure about socket P as it is a core 2 socket if i recall correctly. If that is the case, it is an error in the description on eBay and not a different socket 920xm.

 

There is only one 920XM they will just be listing it with different sockets for marketing reasons. The 920/940XM will fit the G53/73 JH and JW Gen 1 models.

 

Great, two more members for the Extreme CPU club. Happy overclocking!
BTW, Schokie, I hate you, mine only goes to 1120 mem, how is that even possible.

 

Lol. I can't believe how hard it is to spell my name correctly
Yea, I just guess I'm one of the lucky ones .
And thanks ^^.

 

That's what I thought; just want to be sure I have my ducks in a row before surgically operating on my laptop Thanks so much! I'll be using your guide.

Does anyone know what the 0.5mm pads are for? Where can I get them?

 

That memory clock is not normal, I have said it once I will say it again you have a mutant 5870M. Asus were probably laughing when they were creating your card.

 

First I was like , then I was like, , and now I'm like

 

920xm is on the way from Taiwan lol. Also ordered some Innovative Cooling Diamond 7. I'll be repasting the video card also.

 

Roll up, roll up people the 720QM is history! Get your 920XM's here!

 

Hey guys,
I'm also looking to do the 920xm upgrade. Coupled with the intel 160 ssd I think it will give it an extra kick (was also considering an upgrade to the g74sw until reading this thread).

Where is the best place to get the cpu from? pm or post in here if allowed

Also, I'm pretty decent with taking apart things and putting them back together. How big of task is it to do - I know its almost a complete take apart if I remember the video from months ago.

 

Yes, I've heard that an SSD + 920xm works well together. You should see an increase in performance for general processing as well as CPU intensive games such as Starcraft 2 and Civilization 5. It should keep the minimum fps closer to the max fps in games, which is my main concern. I don't care if my max fps is 105 fps in Starcraft 2 if it drops to 25 fps for a second or two while the CPU catches up.

I got my 920xm QS (supposedly just as good as OEM) from PC-Best-Buy-1 on eBay for $255.98 shipped brand new. The seller asked me my laptop model to make sure the cpu is compatible before shipping to me. The sale date was 10/13; as of yesterday, the cpu is on its way to me with tracking information.

In order to install the cpu, you have to completely disassemble the G73, take the old paste off the heatsink, and apply new paste (everyone here recommends Innovative Cooling Diamond). You probably also want to repaste the GPU unless you get really good temps (like under 85 C load). There are detailed videos and pictures which you will definitely want to follow, as you can lose your sound/keyboard if you're not very careful. This process seems to take most people around 3 hours. Good luck! I'll update this thread with my results and what kind of improvement I get in Starcraft 2.

All in all, the upgrade seems very reasonable to me. $250 for the new cpu, sell the old 720QM on eBay for around $100; total outlay - ~$150. In return, you learn more about your laptop by disassembling it, you improve the cooling of the CPU and GPU, and you no longer have to deal with minimum fps drops in CPU intensive games. Plus you get an overall stronger system. Oh, and you can sell for higher when you choose to upgrade one day. The downside: your battery life should decrease due to the increase to 55w TDP.

 

There is a guide in my sig and I am just uploading a new post about repasting and modding the heatsink shortly will be added to my sig.

The 920XM paired with an SSD shows a significant performance gain especially with loading and installing.