Help me try to break my refurb G73jh!

Hi all,
Soon I will take delivery of a G73JHRF-RBBX05 from Best Buy.
Basically, it's the refurb of the original BB G73jh.
My main concern, and first objective is to make sure that the common issues were resolved during the refurb - and with only 90 days warranty, time is of the essence.
Please recommend any steps in stress testing for temperature problems, and GSOD, and whatever else this thing has been known for, so I can throw the gauntlet it at and see if it's a POS right out of the box.

Thanks!

 

Furmark for the gpu. OCCT for the CPU. If your laptop can run them for long periods of time, you are good.

 

I would:

1) Update your video BIOS if it hasn't been done already

2) Install the latest Catalyst driver from AMD.

3) Install the latest audio driver from Realtek

4) Install the latest ATI HDMI Audio Device driver from Realtek

5) Run the stress test apps mentioned above

 

And as far as the GSOD, refer to the stickies in this topic which basically helps you update your BIOS and vBIOS. Then game as much as you can and if you dont get it within a week or 2 you should be alright as far as GSOD is concerned.

 

This is going to help me too guys. I appreciate the replies. I cannot wait for this thing!

 

Wow, thanks all! That was quick and exactly what I needed!

Hoping for an in-store pickup tomorrow, then off to the house for torture testing!

Thanks again, and will update how it goes.

 

Send me a PM when you get yours and I'll send you one if I get one before you :-D.

 

Thanks for the info, going to do the same for mine. Hoping it shows up at the store soon. Does any one know Best Buy's return policy on refurb?
Their site says:
Q: Can I return a refurbished product if I have a problem with it?

A: Yes, our standard Best Buy Return Policy applies. In addition, a manufacturer's warranty may be included. See individual product pages for manufacturer warranty information

So I am hoping they don't give us any issues if you want to return, but you never know with Best Buy

Good Luck everyone who picked one up!

 

I have had nothing but issues with taking a computers in for repair with Best Buy, And each store will treat you different on what they will do.
So take care on what you are told, write it down or record what is said.
This does not happen at every Store,but if you read you will see that it goes on nation wide.
ASUS will honor the warranty the notebook if Best Buy does not . And that is good. But you need to check on how long ASUS will because it is a refurb.

 

Another thanks, I am waiting for my reburb to arrive as well. (I am supposed to get it Monday)

I am hoping as a "Premire Silver" Reward Zone member, I will be able to take advantage of their extended return policy. In the meantime, I will do all the above, and hammer away at the system.

MarkS - Rep given!

 

Mine is at the store for pickup, I am going to ask them about return policies etc when I go pick it up, will let you know what I find out.

 

I went buy there today, mine wasn't there. She did tell me that they were getting a truck tonite so I'll remain positive :-D. Make sure you guys post back!

 

OCCT does more to stress the GPU than furmark, if you do a GPU test.

 

Got mine next to me burning up the desk. Structurally it looks fantastic, and not a scratch to be seen. Ended up with the newer Auo screen AUO139E, and I've gotta say it looks really good.
Haven't checked the ram speeds yet, but they didn't accidentally leave an extra stick in there, so it is in fact 6GB. Also no games accidentally left in the DVD drive

Furmark had her GPU up to 103 Celcius after about 15 minutes, so I'm thinking a re-paste is in order.
OCCT got the CPU up to a max of 67 Celcius which I think is pretty good unless I've got OCCT set wrong.

It has the 206 firmware which kind of surprised me that they didn't take it up to 211.

So far not bad for just over $900 after taxes!

m00n

 

All sounds good and well bro. Sucks the GPU got that hot, but nothing a lil thermal paste cant solve!!! I really hope mine works well and is in good physical condition. In my opinion as long as its functional and in good shape, the rest can be solved.

 

Picked it up yesterday, they told me 14 days and 15% restocking fee for return, don't know how they could consider it being open box, since it came in a open box but anyways.
Made all the updates running through some tests now to see where my temps end up. Right now the furmark has been running for a couple of minutes and I am sitting at 80c

I did get the LG screen, from reading here, sounds like that is good.


Good luck all

 

The 211 bios will lower your temps some.

 

I did follow some of the things listed here on my new g73jw..
I ran furmark (1920x1080, 8x aa, fullscreen) for 6 hours and it stayed around 78C, max was 79C. I guess the paste job was well done, right?

Here are the scored on 3dmark.. pretty avarage from what I read here..

Result

 

Last time I installed latest Realtek driver (2.55 i think) my speaker started sound quieter, and microphone's hearing became worse too. Would you know why?

 

Mines still not in... I hope it comes today. The store told me Friday that their ETA was today, but who knows. I'm ready for my new toy.

 

Are you sure you did the two reboots required for each Realtek driver?

The only time I've heard my speakers get quieter is between those reboots - when the generic driver included with Windows is used.

 

Well Omni? Too busy with it to come to the forums?