ASUS U500vz/UX51vz Owners' Lounge!

The raid on the u500vz is weird as hell, where is the raid config utility?? Usually when using a hardware raid, there is supposed to be some shortcut to enter it at bootup, but I can't seem to find it.
Does anybody know what to press??

 

Check in the BIOS and verify.

 

@ Guilden_NL: Thanks, I'll look for yours and the other posts about breaking the RAID. I guess I'm wondering about the pros and cons of keeping the RAID config, other than having one logical drive. Are there reliability issues? For example, if there is a defect/failure of one of the drives in the RAID, how does that affect the data of the other drive?

Also, what were the improvements you found with Win8, other than perhaps faster boot (which I imagine is already pretty fast with Win 7 and the SSDs?

Thanks!

 

The way RAID 0 works, is data is split half and stored onto each drive.
If one fails, then the data you can recover is only half of it, which is pretty much destroyed.

 

Your right - 2xSSDs will double my space, should last for at least another 6 months

 

Well, In bios you can only change SATA settings between RAID, AHCI and IDE.
If I change to AHCI, the stripe still exists and is presented as such when I try to install Linux.
However, IF I instead try to install windows, I can only see one of the SSDs during the installation.

There must be a way to change between raid0-1 and delete the raid all together, but I can't find anything like that...
I want to run them separatly, one for windows, and one for linux to dual boot...

Edit: Nevermind, I found it. Its Intel RST. Needs to be fixed in the RST UI...

 

If you switch to AHCI, then the RAID utility isn't activated.
You will have to purge the header in each drive individually, such as diskpart utility.

 

And a two drive RAID 0 array doubles the chance of failure, though overall the chance is still quite low statistically. Of course, the only answer is still: BACK YOUR **** UP. I'm just sayin... ;-p

 

Good point. I can't remember if I included the Linux command to clean the detritus left by RAID. Windows is a dumb OS and doesn't see it. Linux does and won't install until it is wiped from the remaining drive. Am mobile, so won't search for the post, but either I posted it, or someone else did.

 

Uh, that remaining drive is pretty much trash too. You might be able to hand recover a few files, but don't count on it.

 

There isnt any utility besides the Intel RST GUI to edit the RAID tables in this laptop if you want to use the Intel Matrix Raid (which I highly discourage when there are better options available, well, for Linux anyway).

Anywho, heres a guide to dual boot Arch Linux with the Windows 8 install without breaking the Intel RAID:

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/ASUS_Zenbook_UX51Vz

 

I'm not sure you read the response properly?

There are two main models of UX51VZ/U500VZ machines, one that have SSD RAID and one that have a small SSD + a 2.5" HDD.

The machine delivered with SSD RAID can't be upgraded with a 2.5" drive - there is no connector and there is no space. The SSD uses an Asus specific design.

The machine delivered with 2.5" HDD can be upgraded with any 2.5" standard size drive but the small SSD device is on a chip soldered onto the motherboard.

TL;DR: If you have a machine with SSD RAID you can't upgrade using a 2.5" drive.

 

In Vietnam now and following the instructions of the forum, contacted ASUS support center to order recovery media. Apparently they don't offer the service here.
Any kind soul have the time to upload their ISO images from the ones they made so I can pull them and recover.
UX51VZ model windows 8 pro my license key is still in bios so it should work fine.

config quad core I7 +8gb + 2 x 256gb SSD

 

Your W8 came in which language?

Here in Brazil mine came with a Single Language Windows 8 version in brazilian portuguese.
I found on internet an ISO of the Brazilian Portuguese Single Language Windows 8 and install it. It's a clean install without Asus crapware. W8 automaticaly recognized serial in Bios.
Try download an ISO of the same version of W8 that came with your U500.

 

Mine in English, and so far not spotted a windows 8 pro 64 bit oem iso image to resolve it.....but thanks for the idea

 

It's a Windows 8 PRO or a Windows 8 Single Language?

On the properties of the computer mine shows this:

 

Hi guys,

I just bought an Asus UX51VZ-CN066H. I had it for 3 days, and I am overall satisfied with it.
The model comes with 128GB SSD from Sandisk (X100 model) and only 6GB RAM(soldered 2GB only )

I will add a SSD drive which I already have(Crucial M4 SATA3 -- needs conversion to 7mm) to replace the existing HDD. Also, I want to put in a stick of 8GB(I am using VMs allot).

So far, Win 8 is ok; . I never tried out W8.1 so I want to install it, since it is free.

I do not have any noise issue with the fan, but it is almost audible only in a very quite room (that is not my work place ) Otherwise, since I spent more than 10yrs among noisy networking gear, my brain is trained to ignore any ventilation noise.
I also gave a try the Notebook Fan Control software; it works well. My CPU temp is wobbling around 54-55C(room temperature is 23C) and the fan is completely off. Great software, I recommend it.
I remember some settings for the fan in W7 registry doing the same thing(HP Envy 14 B.E. had the same problem with the fan being too loud), but I need to pick my brain for that; I do not remember where exactly.


Now, the bad parts;I made a list below. I really appreciate any input you guys can provide.

1. The Keyboard: one of the keys("s") is having not a smooth clicking; it is like having dirt stuck under it, and makes a 2-step click. Except that, it is rather ok to use, but not impressive. My previous HP Envy 14 had a great kb, and I don't see any improvement(the keys are stiffer, which I don't like, but well positioned)

2. The ports are SOOO tight, that anything I plug in, takes serious effort. I hope the loosen up after awhile.

3. One of the screws that hold the back in place has its head damaged; I tried with my screwdriver to loosen it up, and I managed to do that
without additional damage, but looks like it needs replacement. I wonder how the hell did that happen?

4. The power jack is flimsy. I mean REALLY flimsy. With a little pressure, one can see how it moves inside the laptop inlet. While doing that, I even got a message that warn me about it being plugged in wrong. I took the DC jack out, put it back in, nothing happened. I had to reboot to get rid of it. I am a bit sceptic about this issue, as another user reported this problem. Does it feel flimsy to you as you plug it in?

5. Touchpad is also ok(7/10) but it drives me crazy about one thing: it needs to register my hand presence so the click buttons can work. Is there a way to make them work only by clicking that button, and not depend on what clicked it?

I am doing some gaming tomorrow. Lets see how that works.

 

liviutum,
Two points from me.
I personally hate the touchpad. It's not centered, so it's in the way. I automatically disable it in both Windows and Linux whenever I plug a mouse in. (All the time.)

Second, the power port is a complete, unadulterated piece of feces!

In 10 months of ownership I had to send it in twice. Once to replace the sub woofer jack and most recently, for the power jack. I use this laptop in an office, unplug it at most twice per week. Yet these jacks died. I am recommending everyone to stay away from this overpriced POS.

Since you've joined us as an owner, do yourself a favor and see if you can get an extended warranty. I also suggest informing ASUS that you are aware of these problems, and you expect them to cover them past the warranty period.

Sorry to say it, but this is a POS laptop.

 

@Guilden_NL - Thank you for your feedback. I can see that you are very upset with this and I understand it. This is quite an expensive, high-end product and it should not have all the issues that were listed.

I have the option of returning the product within 15 days, no questions asked. Initially, I wanted to exchange it, as I like this laptop alot. But there aren't any left in stock, and the importer is not bringing in CN066H models. I can opt for a different model with RAID SSD, but that I do not want, since I would like to have a possibility to use my own SSD. I am now assessing the level of FAIL that ASUS has.

So far besides you, nobody else has complained about it. But I would really like to hear other owners say their piece here.
How about now? After fixing it twice, do you see any visible improvement in the power-jack/inlet stability?

As for the trackpad position, I personally think it is a well positioned one, because when typing, you have it between hands; I know I do. The sensitivity is a bit low, but I can manage.

 

The touchpad driver (Asus Smart Gesture) doesn't have much options and I can't change the sensitivity on it.
I tried to uninstall it and install Elantech driver but the Asus Smart Gesture appears automatically when I install the Elantech Drivers.

 

Use MSI one.
Elantech Touchpad driver

 

I uninstalled the Asus Smart Gesture. When I installed this one nothing happens. It says that was succesful installed but in fact it's not installed. Weird!
There is another one that I could try?

 

Windows 8.1 have one big feature: it supports boot to desktop. Combined with Classic start menu (free and part of Classic Shell: Classic Shell - Start menu and other Windows enhancements ) and disabling the very irritating Window 8 gestures makes the machine work like an improved Windows 7
Or you maybe like the metro style interface? Heard some people actually do

Ouch that'd drive me crazy! I actually have the same problem - or rather had as it's mostly fixed. Luckily for me it was the tab-key that had the problem and it was fixed ~80% simply by carefully using a tiny screwdriver to move a piece of plastic sheet (part of the keyboard assembly) a tiny bit through the gap around the key. I can still feel the difference when pressing the key but it is acceptable.

Well they are a bit tighter than most machines but they should get better after using them for a while as the spring mechanism adjusts.

Must have been a bad screw in a batch that was good enough that the operator fastening the back plate didn't notice it. Happens.

Mine have a loose fit and it is as designed. However the plug should still sit safely plugged in and if it doesn't it's a clear hardware fault and should be fixed.

AFAIK that wouldn't work as the buttons are actually one button with the capacitive sensors used to determine which key should be activated. It should be possible to map the click to a certain button like on an Apple machine but that don't play well with Windows. :/

Personally I use Samsungs Elan drivers and never use the click function. Single and double finger taps is easier after learning to use them. But tastes differ.

 

Hi Megol,

Thank you for taking your time and writing down answers to all of my comments. I was almost close to return the laptop today, but I changed my mind after some time, because I really like it and I see no alternative to it other than a MBP which here in Ro is 600E more. I am quite happy with the screen(1080p anti-glare - YAY!) and overall it is a great piece of technology. Also, being able to add any SSD I want is a plus.
I will try to fix the key, I have the tools for it.

I will start an update to W8.1 to check it out. I usually am working in Linux, but I use Windows for games usually.

Is your trackpad driver from Samsung working ok with W8.1?

Is there someone here using encrypted drive? I want to enable that, since I will have personal documents on it. Any suggestions(TrueCrypt looks simple to use)?

 

I have a similar problem as well. I have a BenQ G2400WA. It´s a couple of years old now, but it has worked fine before connecting it to my u500vz with the VGA-adapter. Has anyone found a solution so far?

 

Hi,
Last week the three finger gestures for back and forward stopped working in chrome. The scroll still works in other programs/metro interface. I've attempted a re installation of chrome but it hasn't fixed it. Also some attempts to right click links in chrome fail. Anyone have any ideas? Much appreciated.

 

Check your touch pad settings and reinstall the drivers if the gesture options don't fix it.

 

Looking everywhere for UX51VZ WUXGA IPS 15.6 screen model nr and connection pin data but this one looks like under big secret, anyone can help, want to upgrade my Samsungs 1600x900 screen and was told it should be compatible

 

If it's also using LVDS cable (which should be) then it should be compatible.

 

Using the Moninfo it says:
LG
LP156WF4-SPB1
Digital (DisplayPort)

 

Moninfo claims that it's a Displayport screen. Not sure that's correct though.

 

Hi U500vz owners! I have encountered a huge problem since my screen has broken somehow. I an using it for my studies, so i Would Like to replace it myself, if possible. I Found this screen on laptop-lcd.co.uk Asus Zenbook U500vz Screen Replacement £60.95 | laptop-lcd-screen.co.uk. Will this fit my Asus u500vz, the One with touch screen?

 

I can confirm that my 2880x1620 model is using DIsplayPort. Here is what NVIDIA-settings in Linux has named my monitor:
DFP1 - Panasonic VVX16T010D00

 

Well it should fit however you will lose the touchscreen functionality as that screen doesn't have an integrated touchscreen.

 

High res screens use eDP connectors which are usually 50pin.

 

There are 40 pin connectors too (same size as most LVDS). The Panasonic 2880x1620 panel uses a 40 pin connector.

However that the high-res panel uses eDP doesn't necessarily mean the FHD panel does - there are pads for another screen connector on the motherboard which could be for eDP versions. Or not.

 

They will use a different pad yes as the pin outs will be different.

 

Does anyone else having problem with BT-drivers? After I upgraded from win8 to win8.1 I cannot send files via bt from my phone to pc - or vice versa. Now I tried updating drivers (reinstalling, uninstallin, fix-installation several times) and same error message all the time:


I cannot find fix from net...

 

For wireless, download it here.
For BT driver, download it here.

 

Tried a reinstall and it hasn't worked, the option to three finger swipe is ticked in Smart Gesture and it works fine in ever other programme except Chrome. I've tried a reinstall of chrome but that also didn't work. Any ideas?

 

Hi, anyone knows how to disable the keyboard while I'm using an usb keyboard?

almost all the time I use a usb mouse and keyboard from Logitech and sometimes I need to put some book or some papers over the notebook keyboard and I need to disable it sometimes. Do you think it's possible?

 

I have not seen a way to disable the keyboard, just the touch pad by Fn + F9. Any reason you want to turn the actual keyboard off? I can't picture in my head how the keyboard could be in the way when using an external keyboard. How you do have things set up?

 

As I said sometimes when I'm working and using an USB keyboard I need to put some papers or a notebook on top of the notebook keyboard because I don't have space enough in my table. These papers or notebooks sometimes is accidentally pushing the keys. This is the only reason that I want to disable the notebook keyboard.

 

Oh read that as you put the notebooks on the keyboard to guard against accidental key pushes.

 

Hi Folks, I own an ASUS Ultrabook, Model UX51VZ-DH71. I prefer to use Linux instead of Windows, and was able to cobble together what I could find online for putting Linux Mint onto this type of laptop. I sketched up what I did here to try to help others out. Comments welcome. -M

 

Have been running Mint since Day 2, which was Dec 5, 2012. Dual boot with Win 8.1. Linux never had any issues that all of the Windows users are constantly posting here. It's just a necessary abuse that must be tolerated by some.

 

You are starting to sound like an Amiga fanatic
I have had no problem using Windows and don't think there's any "abuse" involved. Don't know what you are getting at?

P.S. good idea to do a detailed write up how to install Linux on this machine - e.g. the RAID settings aren't that obvious.

 

Has anyone else had issues with some of the fn keys not working. In particular my F3 and F4 (back lit brightness), A, C, V, enter and Spacebar functions don't work at all. Just wondering if I am alone with this. Thanks.

 

That sounds like the keyboard cable may be slightly disconnected. If comfortable doing so open up the bottom of the computer and re seat the cable from the keyboard to the motherboard.

 

I think you should have some Asus software to put all of this to work. The F3 and F4 doesn't work if you are using it with auto brightness on.
Have you uninstalled some Asus crapware?