do we need to take out every parts in order to upgrade the cpu of Asus G73JW-A1

Hi Guys,

I am planning to buy the Asus G73JW-A1 .However, i don't like the default core i7 740qm and want to upgrade it.

The problem is that both Xotipc, Gentechpc, powernotebookpc charges the price of upgrading too EXTREMELY high . Just like they don't want us to upgrade.

So i want to ask whether you guy try to upgrade the processor by yourself. We can buy the core i7 940qm on ebay for 570$ instead of asking upgrading for 1100$(WOW).

I only has experience at upgrading the CPU of the hp pavillion dv6t quad from 740qm to 820qm i7. And i was very surprised that i had to take out all of the component of the laptop in order to be able to upgrade the CPU.

I don't want to have that kind of experience anymore. If it is too hard to upgrade, then i will go with the configuration 820qm for 1950$ from a seller on ebay. Xoticpc, Gentechpc, powernotebookpc charge too much for upgrading (575$ for 820qm and 1100$ for 940qm)

thank you

 

This should give you an idea of what it will take to get at the CPU and whether your up to the challenge ..

YouTube - Asus G73Jh & g73jw Disassembly Take Apart G73 Replace Video Card G73 g73jw service manual

 

thanks quadzilla, that's really challenge . Just like when i replace the CPU of the HP pavillion dv6t. Guess i will buy the default configuration and take up this challenge later

 

They charge high prices because when you change CPUs your warranty is void. BUT when they do it, warranty is kept intact.

 

make sure to keep that cpu cause you never know you might have to put it in for rma. i heard that if you talk to a rep while doing it they will obviously take note of it that you changed it and if you got it working that if in anytime something happens to your laptop with your new cpu it will not void warranty

 

Quadzilla, thanks for some helpful information and insights recently as I edge my way towards getting a jw.

Regarding what a pain it is to get to the CPU and the cooling fans, etc, aren't most of the big brand laptops like this now? The Sagers look good for working on, but the unique numeric keypad looks like it would take some getting used to. And the price is getting up there with the 17" models...

I asked Xotic about the upcoming Asus N series, and they said they are just as hard or harder to work on because you still have to flip the motherboard AND they are smaller.

If you ever have to clean your cooling fans, what do you do? All that tape, geesh.

 

I don't think having to take apart the whole thing should discourage you from getting it. The first time I took mine apart, it took me 2 hours to disassemble it and an hour to put it back. But the 2nd and 3rd time around, it only took me 45 minutes to take it apart and then put it back together.

 

Please don't spread information that is inaccurate and would lead to someone screwing over their warranty coverage if they followed your advice, when you clearly have no idea about Asus RMA policies.

You've always had to break a seal over a heatsink screw to get the cpu out, which clearly says warranty void if broken. Even if you somehow manage to get the sticker off one time intact, twice is not possible because the adhesive deteriorates; one of the first things the Asus NA Fremont techs do is a system info dump which would identify the new cpu if you didn't try and swap it again before RMA. End users cannot get approval from Asus anybody, over the phone or otherwise, to do a CPU swap and keep the system warranty alive.

Reseller upgrades are exceptions, but the warranty is generally then administered by the reseller and not Asus NA (Ken @ GenTech can clarify this further).

The only items that do not void Asus' warranty if done by the end user are HDD and RAM. This has been consistent for years.

 

How about the optical drive?

 

If nothing breaks in the process of just replacing the ODD with a new one you might be OK, but since one would usually just have Asus do that under RMA I'm guessing you're talking about an HDD caddy or Bluray replacement?

Modifying with a HDD caddy probably does void warranty, since optical drive replacement requires a fair bit of disassembly to accomplish. Likewise with installing a BR drive ... if you had to send it in for repairs later on, it could be difficult to hide the damage or evidence of modification.

That's usually the threshold Asus uses - if you can easily get to it, and don't have to take things apart in the process (HDD and RAM), they don't care ... if disassembly is involved (including HDD replacement in the newer Seashell and 1005 series Eee's), then you're on your own ... and you're usually having to break warranty seals to do it. Pretty consistent on their part for all models, including Eee, over the years.