Last minute questions on the G53SW-XN1...

Hello everyone,

I am about to purchase a Asus G53SW-XN1 ( Newegg.com - ASUS G Series G53SW-XN1 Notebook Intel Core i7 2630QM(2.00GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M) for my wife and I think it has the best bang for the buck (glossy hd screen, solid gpu, backlit keyboard, etc). My only questions are as follows:

1.) I recently purchased 8GB ram as a shell shocker on newegg ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226027). Based on the xotic video for the G53 it doesn't look hard to install, but are the 2 default sticks in the 'easy to get to' slots?

2.) Where can I get ahold of a hd caddy for it that is quick & easy and any ssd should be put wherever the default drive resides and then that data drive moved to the caddy, right?

3.) The reviews on these are mixed. I have a buddy with a G73 and no issues at all, but being from newegg and not a xotic, etc...are there enough folks around here to disuade from some of the odd newegg reviews?

Anywho, any input would be most appreciated. I'm also looking at the loose possibility of a Dell XPS instead (but it doesn't seem as good of a value and a tad more expensive, similarly configured).

 

I believe G53SW-XN1 has two HDD drives by default. You can install an SSD and a regular HDD in another slot. However if you still need more space, you can easily obtain them from ebay.

You can read more here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...-ssd-hdd-storage-using-optical-bay-caddy.html

I hate to be blunt, but about 30~50% of the newegg reviewers have no idea what they're talking about. Most of them have issues due to human errors, and others due to a genuine defective product. You can easily avoid the first one by consulting with experts on this forum. ASUS generally don't have a lot of DOAs, but Newegg would gladly exchange your unit if your unit is indeed defective.


Hope these help.

 

i got mine from newegg and no probs at all. i love this machine

 

Fair enough

Now with a sata III ssd, is it picky which bay has the boot drive? I know the sager 8150 im getting myself is, just curious on the asus..

Looks like I might be ordering as soon as tomorrow

 

I have the XN1, from new egg aswell. No issues here. Got it delivered in July . I got an SSD as well, check my posts in the owners lounge for the G53 to see what I got.

 

I also got 8GB of ram, but from the newegg daily deal, it was a pair of G.Skill 4gb sticks. Placing the HDD and RAM isn't hard at all. I like having the screws on the inside so everything looks like one solid piece on the outside. The HDD bay has a caddy in it already.

 

Excellent

Any value in upgrading the internal wireless card at all and/or can you throw in an intel 6230 on the cheap?

 

You should only upgrade the wireless if you're certain you will use the laptop in N-only environment. If you put it in compatibility mode, any N-wireless module will work at around 150MB/s.

The wireless module ASUS included should work upward to around 150MB/s. So if you often find yourself in mixed (G and N) wireless environment, there's really no reason to upgrade. However if you're certain you will rarely, or never see G wireless environment, then I think the wireless adapter upgrade would make sense.

 

Yeah the laptop will pretty much spend it's entire life in a dual-band N environment, with the exception of lugging it to school (when she starts up night classes).

Wheres the best place to nab an intel 6230 for cheap?

 

You can look at both Newegg and Amazon.

 

Indeed I did now the question is, besides bluetooth - is there any difference between these 2 or risk one wouldn't work with the G53?

6200 Newegg.com - Intel 622AN.HMWWB Wireless Adapter 6200 Centrino Advanced-N Mini PCI Express Up to 300Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, WPA, WPA2

or

6230 Amazon.com: SINGLE WHITE BOX CENTRINO ADVANCED-N 6230 WI-FI HALF MINI CARD. 802.11 A/B/G/N +: Electronics

 

Dude, since you are spending a lot, I would ask the etailer you choose to throw in the Intel card for free, or at least at a reduced rate.

 

Well the laptop is only 980 after rebate, and the SSD/Wireless/RAM upgrades only cost me $157...so it's actually still a little cheaper than if I were to config it on a custom site...

Plus newegg allows me the wonders of my pref. acct Thanks everyone for the input though, I have the laptop en route today!

 

So is it confirmed that G53SW-XN1 has a slot for a second HD ? I recently purchased the system from newegg ($939 after rebate) and I'm planning on adding a SSD in addition to the 500GB. If so, do I need any extra accessories in order to install the SSD? Best regards