Is ASUS G73JH-A1 upgradable?

Due to budget constraints, I am thinking of buying ASUS G73JH-A1 with the minimum possible specs (i.e. with the standard specs). Would it be possible to later upgrade things like the processor and RAM by myself or through ASUS? Also, does the motherboard support Dual GFX (HD5870) like M17x (which supports HD4870)?

 

The cooling system on G73jh isn't likely able to handle the heat produced by dual GPUs. However it is possible to swap 5870 with more powerful single GPU in the future.

 

You can upgrade the CPU, RAM, HDD, wifi card and optical drive. The CPU will be hard to get to as it requires significant disassembling. The G73 can not support dual GPUs like the Alienware M17x and as of right now, the 5870 is probably the best GPU you can get. Also, keep in mind that replacing your CPU/GPU will void all manufacture warranties.

 

Thanks a lot David and dkianc. That was really helpful. I found a couple of websites offering IC Diamond compounds for the CPU and GPU, is it helpful? Would it still void the warranty if the compound is being applied by the seller (For example, http://www.powernotebooks.com/configure.php?special=694 ) and not by myself?

 

It is recommended to have all your CPU, and thermal grease upgrades through a reseller like PowerNotebooks because it won't void your warranty.

We know and I know cause I've taken it apart, the HD5870 is modular. If Asus decides to use the same modified MXM slot for the next ATi GPU, then you should be able to upgrade it.

Good luck.

 

And what would you guys suggest going with Win 7 x64 Home Premium edition or Professional? The only reason why I am thinking of Professional is because it has BitLocker and remote desktop. Will I be able to use Win 7 home premium as a control center (what do we call it, a server? perhaps) for other win 7 PCs at my home? And is there an alternative encryption software to BitLocker?

B/w thank you so much guys for your prompt replies. You guys rock! Big time!

 

I heard that only Windows ULTIMATE has BitLocker. Both Pro and Ult have XP mode.


I also have heard that the i7-720s only use 8GB of RAM...is it possible to utilize 16GB?

 

Oh yes, my bad. I just looked it up again. So what about remote desktop, do I 'need' windows professional for that? or will home premium be able to do the trick?

And yeah, thats a good question. I wonder what the gurus have to say about it.
Also, is it worth it to be a couple hundred more dollars to upgrade from a 1066 memory to 1333 mhz at the moment?

 

NO not worth the RAM upgrade...rumour has it the 1066 is as fast as the 1333 because of the better latency.

I wanted Windows Pro for the XP mode just in case I run old software, but most advise against spending the extra $ for the upgrade. Home Premium is solid.

 

I agree with Corpfan. It is in no way worth it to spend $200 for the 1333 ram. You will never see any real world difference unless you are running some special benchmark. If it was free, then I'd flip a coin but I would not pay more for either speed, go for the cheapest option.