2014 Asus N550JK -DS71T quick mini review and opinion so far

Really? On the HDD Caddy website they claim that the caddy supports SATA 3. How can I be certain that SATA III is not supported? Is there anyway to check in the computer?

 

The Caddy is fine. The connector inside the computer that connects to it is meant for a disc drive. There is no point as a manufacturer to spend money on a part that is twice the speed it needs to be simply to read some DVDs.

This fact has been brought up quite a few times in this thread.

 

Unfortunately miniDP only supports up to 2560x1600. This is a limitation of the protocol not the laptop. You may be able to use HDMI instead though. The maximum resolution for the HDMI 1.4 port is 3840×2160p at 24 Hz/25 Hz/30 Hz and 4096×2160p at 24 Hz.

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That's good to know!

Im guessing a refresh rate of 30 Hz should be fine - maybe not for gaming, but for working and movies? I know 60 Hz is usually the standard though...

Has anyone managed to field test the HDMI port for 4k?

 

Yeah, good for movies maybe. I've never tested it so I won't guarantee anything. Lol

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I don't think it is the connector as SATA 1/2/3 are all the same pins outs, it more of a restriction in the BIOS and if not that then they are using a port that can only physically do SATA2

 

Yes, it's very odd. The HM86 chipset supports 4 SATA3 ports and 2 SATA2 ports natively. Why they'd intentionally cripple one of the two SATA connections is beyond me. But it is definitely the case, I verified it myself.

 

Maybe it is a physical SATA2 connection, could be better for stability reasons.

BIOS mod to enable if the physical connection supports SATA3 perhaps?

 

Thanks for the input.

I've had a look at the past discussions in this thread and came across a few people claiming that it would be a bad idea to install an SSD in the optical drive bay. Beside the fact that you won't profit from the speed of an SSD, are there any other disadvantages? I was thinking it would be good for power consumption on battery to have a solid state drive in there...

 

On Haswell platform, all SATA channels are all SATA3 (backward compatible with SATA1/2), because it's currently connected to an ODD therefore it's speed is auto-negotiated to SATA2 since that's what ODD is capable of.
Once switched to a SATA3 device then the speed will return to SATA3.
Special note: If BIOS has this port locked down to SATA2 then there's not much we can do, however it shouldn't be.

 

First off, according to Intel the chipset supports 6 SATA ports natively. Only 4 of those will operate at 6.0 Gb/s so it is entirely possible that Asus has hard wired one of the two slower SATA channels to the ODD. Why they would do this is a mystery to me.

I've also tested this extensively and posted my results along with screen shots on this forum. The ODD bay is only SATA2.

 

The trace limitations on SATA II transfer speeds will be easier so they may have done that to make PCB routing easier.

 

I call for a bios mod for the N550JK to unlock any secrets if may hide, anyone here can get this done?

 

You might should make the request at www.bios-mods.com. They seem to have several posters that knows what they're doing. Just be careful with unlocked bios. I've bricked a laptop before because I wasn't paying attention. Ended up having to solder a new chip onto the board. Not fun.

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You can also ask Svet at MSI forum to see if he can modify it.
But what rebelhell had said also made sense that it could also be a H/W limitation rather BIOS limitation.

 

I only have Nvidia Control Panel in my CP, and it doesn't have any update facility. Where can I find the Nvidia Geforce options? (I guess it's possible that I forgot to install something after I reintsalled the system to the SSD.}

 

You should have a program called Nvidia GeForce Experience. It is able to automatically set graphics settings in many games for the best performance and also has a driver tab for updating the drivers. Should be a checkbox for beta drivers if you want those. It runs in the system tray and keeps you informed if a new driver comes out.


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Thanks! I remember that now, and I didn't install it when I set up the new SSD b/c I figured I didn't need game-settings optimization. Good to know it has the update feature built-in. I've just installed it now and turned off all notifications/auto-updates (one reason I originally removed/omitted it). I"ll manually check it from now on, though. Thx.

 

Hi again!

Just wondering: Does anyone have any experience installing an SSHD (SSD/HD hybrid drive) in the optical bay? I'm thinking this might be a good midway to, as I already have the N550JK with SSD...

Thanks!

 

Installation should be no different than installing a standard HDD. SSHDs manage themselves internally. You won't notice any difference accept for a small speed increase. I don't know that they're worth the extra cost of you already have an SSD for your OS. The small cache is plenty for loading the OS quickly but really won't help much with large programs. If it were me I'd save the cash and stick with a standard HDD for storage.

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Hello everyone,

I am considering to buy this laptop, in my country there is a version with HDD of 1 TB 7200rpm.
I am considering to put ssd inside but i would like to have big storage.

Since i dont like the idea of removing optical drive and placing hdd in that spot, i was considering to buy WD Black Dual Drive which have ssd and hdd together and put it instead of HDD so i can keep the optical drive.

What do you think about that?

 

The Western Digital Dual Drive is an interesting concept. I think the technology is a little too new. I looked into this not long ago and found that most reviewers ended up frustrated trying to get it to work properly. Those few that seem to get it working do love it. So maybe it wouldn't hurt to try it. If it doesn't work you can always return it for a refund.

If it were me I'd just install an ssd, put the hdd in the optical slot, and get an external optical drive for the rare occasion I'd need to use discs.

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I bought this laptop a week ago and everything was going fine.
Was SO stocked about the fact that it is a very quiet laptop, even when gaming!

Couldn't resist and installed EVGA precision X GPU overclocking tool, was able to overclock a little.
But now i always hear the fan running.

I took an image of my windows 8 installation the moment I got it, so decided to restore that.
Didn't change anything, I keep hearing the fan running.
I loved my quiet laptop and my hunger for more FPS ruined it.

Any ideas to get it back to normal behavior?

 

lol, why are you soo worried?
It's normal. Overclocking GPU core frequency will boost up the temperature upto 99c within no time.
So I would recommend only increasing memory frequency. which will increase performance significantly and will keep temperature lower if you really want/need overclocking.

Also make sure that GPU is running on stock values.

I, to be honest don't care with games graphic settings, Because its all same above Medium preset whatever you try. It's just a gimmick feature and nothing else.
And far for FPS, 45 at average are best FPS to play any game!

As far as fans noise is concerned, You can manually have the total control of your notebook fans.
Just Google and install "NoteBook Fan Control" Software.
After installing Open it and select "ASUS N550JV" Preset (It works just fine with ASUS N550JK as well),
It's really brilliant and it by default manages fans speed optimally.

Hope this helps.

 

Or so you have the battery? (when the laptop is powered from the AC)

Power State - AC Line, Discharging

http://www.speedcomputers.biz/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Asus-N550JK-battery-info.jpg

I mean especially when discharging power supply connected

 

I just got this laptop recently and I love it but there is only one problem that annoys me. The fact that you have to hold the fn key when using f1-f12. Is there a way to automatically have it on all the time so I won't need to keep holding both buttons.

 

You should only need to hold the fn key for alternate functions(keyboard brightness, screen brightness, etc... ). Not for f-keys.


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yeah that's what I meant. Is there a way to have the alternate functions on all the time?

 

I remember seeing such feature with HP notebooks, however, your ASUS notebook's BIOS may not offer such feature.
If it's locked on, then you may run into different issues as rebelhell stated.

 

If there is a way to do it, I certainly don't know of it. Why exactly would you want to?

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If you really want the feature, you can talk to Svet at MSI forum as he may able to modify the firmware.
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?action=profile;u=29469

 

Ok thanks.

 

OK. So it's Sep. This is when Asus suggested their new models would be out. Anyone heard and update on the N551?

 

If it is September where you are it can't be by much. I've heard somewhere that patience is a virtue. That being said, I would expect any new releases for September to be released during the IFA in Berlin starting September 5th. Keep your britches on, we're almost there.

 

hey guys, please can someone take a picture about the screen, with a vivid background (non-touch model)
what your opinions about the screen ? is it beautiful ?

for everyone with i7:
what are your temperatures after stressful things like game ? does this laptop has overheating problem ? or throttles? turbo boost is always on if we need it ??

 

Screen has good contrast and brightness, however it does tend to get a greyish hue on wider viewing angles, particularly bad when the screen is tiled back. Far as I know from others here it is normal even on the touch model and either or.

Mine stays cool everywhere away from my hands, only hot more at the center back. My i7 will sustain turbo on all 4 cores at 3.2GHz indefinitely while gaming.

 

I have a question for people who might know a thing or two about Asus warranty service...

So on my replacement N550JK from Newegg (the first one had many screen issues) I have three of these:



The biggest one is almost dead center, with one being in the upper left and another in the bottom right. I'm considering getting a RMA with Asus to get a screen replacement. I've looked through the warranty and while they do mention "bright spots" I'm uncertain they're referring to what I'm experiencing here. Will Asus honor these as defects and replace the screen?

 

Can you run a monitor test that changes the screen color and post additional pictures? That looks like they may certainly qualify as bright spots. Just the area you have circled there looks to be 3 bright spots (pixels). Their return policy is 4 bright spots (pixels).

From N550JK Warranty:
...ASUS will provide the Warranty service for Your ASUS Product’s TFT
LCD screen only if there are at least:
• 3 bright Pixels or 5 dark Pixels or 8 bright and/or dark Pixels in total; or
• 2 adjacent bright Pixels or 2 adjacent dark Pixels; or
• 3 bright and/or dark Pixels within an area 15 mm in diameter.
(A bright Pixel is a white or sub-pixel that is always on under
BLACK pattern. A dark Pixel is a black or sub-pixel that is always off under
patterns excluding black.)

Not sure why it references TFT display when this model is only available with IPS. My guess is they just didn't bother changing the wording from their other laptops.

 

I can take more pictures later, but my research has found that these spots are damaged diffusion foil behind the actual pixel matrix. They are invisible on black, and most visible on white. If I pivot my head around the spots they appear to float around. I don't know if that classifies as a bright pixel in their description.

 

Doesn't sound like it. But it does sound like damage that should qualify for repair. I would contact Asus and see what they will do for you.

If they won't fix it for you and it's bothering you that badly, you can always attempt a replacement yourself.
I've had luck with replacement displays from laptopscreens.com. Looks like they have one for $90.

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I've definitely thought about doing a self replacement, but I've never done anything like it before. I think I know where the weak point is in the screen and how to remove it, but the fact it's a touchscreen makes it all the more difficult. I'd feel much better about it if a how-to video existed but there does not seem to be one. I'll have to contact Asus and hope that thirds a charm if they do indeed replace it.

 

I just ordered one of these. Should have it tomorrow. Excited to play with it. I currently have a g56 but it does not have the IPS like it is supposed to and finding the G550 is impossible now

 

Has anyone else tried and successfully setup WiDi with this system? It's supposedly compatible, having Intel HD graphics via an Intel CPU, Intel WiFi, Windows 8....but it won't work. I Can't install the helper app from Intel, and I don't have any options under Charms->Devices->Project for Setup Wireless Display. My drivers are as up to date as I can get them, but still....nada.

I just want to know, has anyone made this work?

 

I bought the ScreenBeam attachment for my HDTV and I've had no problem setting up the wireless display. There was nothing I had to install or change. Just make sure the display it's connecting to is transmitting a signal.

 

Anyone else having a hell of a time getting games to run using the correct GPU?

The settings in Nvidia control panel never stick when I specify to run a game using the Nvidia 850, have also tried just making it the global default and it always goes back to the Intel.

Sometimes I can get games running using the correct GPU and they look and run beautifully but it's like 50/50

I've updated, uninstalled and re-installed Nvidia drivers a number of times now and nothing works

 

Hi, I'm trying to get a asus n550jk-ds71t but was told by asus support that its not available in the UK and Ireland. None of the jk models for this part of the world have the same spec. Does anyone know why.?. Is there a power difference or software problem. Would be grateful for any information about this. Thanks

 

thats weird it does that. someone mentioned installing the intel hd graphics drivers first and then the nvidia one second. also restart after each install.

 

still, no one knows why it makes that clicking sound? I don't know if I should worry.

 

This could be a hard drive issue, have you tried disconnecting the HDD first to verify the clicking sound?

 

I've read a lot lately about the N550JK and the G550JK. But I'm still having a hard time telling if there is any difference between the two when configured the same. Is there any difference and is there any reason I might want one over the other (other than the cosmetic differences)? By the way are the keyboards and trackpads the same? I get really frustrated with bad keyboards or crappy trackpads and that alone could make a difference to me.