*** ASUS Zephyrus M (GM501) Owner's Lounge ***

That took a little while, but finally got a reply from Asus with the Zephyrus M memory specs:

------------------------------------------------------------------
As regards query of latency expected of RAM modules installed in GM501 Notebook, please see table below:

MT/s: DDR4-2666
Grade: -VK
tCK (ns): 0.75
CAS Latency (tCK): 19
tRCD (ns): 14.25 (13.75)*
tRP (ns): 14.25 (13.75)*
tRAS (ns): 32
tRC (ns): 46.25 (45.75)*
CL-tRCD-tRP: 19-19-19

 

I am going to get my Zephyrus on tuesday would it be a good idea to do a clean install of windows when I receive it?

 

Beware everyone of asus's TB3 implementation!

I own a GM501 just recently using it for private and work. The TB3 was very inportant to use a docking over 40GB/s and connect external monitors.

They are making false statements here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Laptops/ROG-Zephyrus-M-GM501/Features/


"Zephyrus M comes with Intel Thunderbolt™ 3, enabling a total of 40Gbps of bandwidth for data and display-signal streams, combined. Thunderbolt 3 is up to 8x faster than USB 3.0, and offers 2x the bandwidth and 4x the speed of USB 3.1 Gen 2. Its USB-C connector makes it the most advanced and versatile port available — providing single-cable docking and connections to up to two UHD displays"

THIS IS NOT TRUE!
The tb3 implementation ONLY support 1 display, haha. A 2018 high end laptop costing EUR2000+ which has no other Displayport connection only support 1 monitor over it implresive 40GB TB3 port!!!!

Asus reply:
"On our specification list we recomend to contact the store of purchase for the excact specifications:
All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers. Products may not be available in all markets."

I just spend EUR2000+ on your product and this is the reply. Dell's G7 cools beter, has a ful TB3 implementation and costs a lot less!!! Shame ASUS!

Here is a video where I explain the problem (made for Asus) and show that my wif's XPS 13 does the job with no fuss:


I should have bought the Dell! Needed TB3 but also 2.5"hdd so others are not an option.

 

After doing an image backup of the Asus image, using either / both Macrium Reflect and Asus Backtracker if it's available for your model, you are safe to do anything you like, with the ability to re-install the out of the box OS when needed - like for RMA or re-sale or as a sanity check when nothing else seems to be working or to verify if a problem is software or hardware related.

What I do is uninstall or disable anything I don't need that a vendor ships with a laptop, instead of doing a from scratch "Clean install", preserving the OS image.

Make sure before uninstalling an application that there is a version the same or newer available to download before uninstalling.

Asus usually ships installers with a copy of each tool in C:\esupport so back that up too, so you can copy / install anything you need of the original installers.

Good luck

 

Thanks for quick reply I will try this

 

Just wanted to pop in and say hi. I’m about to order a Zephyrus from HIDevolution and this post (which has nooooooothing to do with the NBR discount ) is mainly to say thanks for all the good info in this thread. You guys (plus @Donald@HIDevolution over the phone) really helped me make up my mind.

 

Oh hey, while I’m thinking about it: any of you use a USB to Ethernet adapter? Any suggestions? Or would you go thunderbolt? Thanks!

 

Both the type A and type C ports on the Zephyrus are advertised as 3.1 Gen 2 so they should theoretically they should have the same speed for non thunderbolt 3 devices. Thunderbolt 3 docks with Ethernet are too bulky to carry around so a USB - Ethernet hub that supports 1Gbps should be enough.

Here's the one I am using (should've got the skinnier one): Amazon

 

Ah, cool. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Is it possible for someone to upload the aura core for the zephyrus M I'm having an issue with it now.

 

When I did a clean install it is no longer working now​

 

was there any update with this I am running into issues too

 

Many people have that problem and it's not clear there is a solution. ROG forums have the best threads I've seen on it. Hopefully I don't get in trouble linking another forum... https://rog.asus.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?218

 

Thanks it was a big help

 

I have a question about the undervolting which bob talks about, he says that when we switched the power setting to high perfamnce its pretty much useless, now if we were to switch to powersaving mode when on battery will this also mask the performance settings. he talks about this at around 8:45 of the video.

 

Ask him, he responds here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...070-any-questions.816966/page-3#post-10741999

 

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?102880-esuport-folder-ROG-GM501GS-Please-!!/page2

Someone posted the link for the drivers he said

"You can download if needed also a ISO of the driver DVD here:

https://www.asustreiber.de/downloads...gm-treiber-dvd "

Let me know how it goes for you guys for the aura core.

 

So I managed to fix my Aura core from those drivers, but when i installed ROG gamevisual this is what I am getting





Does anybody know why this is happening?

 

I had similar problems with aura core etc after doing a fresh start. I ended up doing a factory reset and uninstalling all the crap, because I couldn't get aura to work properly

 

has anyone tried undervolting the GPU yet?

 

Has anybody had issues with the audio not working after undervolting?
I found this thread: https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthre...r-and-mouspad-stop-working-after-undervolting
He has the same issues as me. I undervolted -150mv/-70mv cache and the laptop works fine I stress tested it VERY intensely and it was fine. Then I turn my laptop off and put it back on a few hours later and all of a sudden it's not working. I have absolutely no idea why. I reverted the undervolt and it still didn't work.

 

Hey people,

Asus might've released updates to their software like Aura Core. I woke up this morning and the Aura core app from Windows store now works. Also, the ROG armory software now works even when Aura is running (albeit still not as streamlined regarding sync).

 

https://www.asus.com/ie/Laptops/ROG-Zephyrus-M-GM501/HelpDesk_Download/

Try to download the appropriate driver and see if it works. I'm not 100% sure if this will help solve your problem but I hope it works.

 

Really happy to be receiving mine on Friday afternoon! Can't wait to get the @Phoenix treatment too!

Any consensus on what the best undervolting levels should be in Throttlestop for this machine? Thanks!

 

Core: -.125V
Cache: -.05V

Source: Youtube

No BSODs so far during 3 weeks of use with heavy gaming (multiple hours of Witcher 3 that is modded to oblivion).

Temps
CPU: Max - 90C but it is a hot day. Avg: high 70s to low 80s C
GPU: High 70s C

Keep in mind these temps are undervolted + LM repaste and Fujipoly pads by HID

 

Thanks for posting. I am always curious about these numbers.

 

Excellent thanks @Th3GamingL0L ! I have the same cooling solution by HIDevolution too, so it's a perfect suggestion!

 

I found this FAQ on the ASUS website today. It is dated yesterday:

https://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1036506

It talks about the new 2.5 version of ROG Aura Core. I am on a chat now with ASUS trying to get this new version. The one on the Microsoft store is still 2.1.18.0

The support person said that the ROG Aura apps are now only on the MS store. Interesting...

I am off the chat. Case is escalated up to higher tier in support. They said expect an email in the next 1-2 days.

 

I have a few questions:
1) Is the tb3 4 lanes?
1) if so will gsync still work if it's connected to an egpu with a nvidia card?
3) Can the bottom raised plate be removed cause i think it's just ugly.
4) ls the bezel plastic or metal?
5) Any keyboard flex
6) will the software switch from gsync to optimus still work in a few years time when say a new Windows os comes out. The system will have to last me 7 plus years

 

The problem fixed itself when I booted up one day. Weird thing is I was still undervolted -125mV core/-50mV cache but I've never heard of speakers ceasing function based on a cpu undervolt. Regardless, I'm glad it did but I would've enjoyed a shiny new GM501 which was exactly the same

Anyone here know of vinyl skins available for the GM501? I've seen some for the GX501 but I really want some for the GM501 as this thing is a fingerprint magnet and then some. Also, anyone heard of them affecting thermals?
Cheers!

 

@Phoenix I got my laptop today!! Would love to work on your tweaks with you when you get an opportunity!

Can't wait to test this bad boy!

 

PM Sent

 

Well this is good, its becoming a pain for me to keep reinstalling the aura core component software every time it stops working. It happing pretty much every time I keep restarting the laptop and I'm not sure about everyone else but I am still having an issue to make ROG visual to work it has not been functioning since I did a clean install which was about two weeks ago.

 

Hello Ladies and Gents, I'm joining the owner's lounge as I just picked up the GM501 yesterday. I really like it, thick bezels and all!

 

Also new Aura core on the Asus website for download. Mine stopped working the first day of ownership. Downloaded the new version and I works again. New utility dated June 15, 2018

https://www.asus.com/us/Laptops/ROG-Zephyrus-M-GM501/HelpDesk_Download/

 

Q56_Monster,
Same thing happened to me. I just downloaded newest from the ASUS website. ROG Aura Core works again! I can change and apply everything. EXCEPT... Brightness. My keyboard is at 33 percent. Aura Core slider moves, but does not change the keyboard brightness.

Does this happen on your laptop?

Thanks! Scott K.

 

No Scott, my brightness slider works, but it's odd it only allows brightness of 33%, 66%, and 100%. Probably and Asus thing...

 

Interesting... So, just to clarify, you can see the brightness of your keyboard lights changing as you adjust the slider in Aura Core? Also, are you on the very latest Windows 10 update?

Thanks! Scott K.

 

Is there any Australians on here that know where we could get a ram upgrade from? Our model in Australia (GM501GS-EI002T) comes with a single 16gb stick, part number HYNIX/HMA82GS6CJR8N-VK. I want to add another one so I can enable dual channel.

 

Or can anyone help me with this part would be suitable to replace the memory in the GM501GS-EI002T? Ram is a bit confusing for me as to what to look for. I'm looking at
F4-2400C16D-16GRS

 

I have a question about the partial opening of the bottom part when you open the laptop.
Is all that "solid" and stable ?
I often use the laptop on my leg or on my body while I am laying on the bed, expecially if I want to watch a movie. Is usage in that position feasible or not ?

 

While it is best used on a solid surface, I was surprised at how well it works on my lap. It is a metal plate the hinges out when the display is hinged open. It is thin and light and flexes a bit. It keeps the heat off your legs as cool air is pulled into this area. I place my legs towards the edges of the laptop for the best stability.

 

Yes I see the brightness change and I have the latest Win 10

 

You'll have no problem propping it on you leg while in bed. I do that every night myself. And as Scoot said the thin plastic keeps the heat off your legs.

 

Very odd. Today, I just did a clean WIN 10 install, then installed Microsoft Store - ROG Aura Core, Aura Core Component, and Aura Lighting Service app exactly as instructed on the ASUS support site. Restarted and still the Brightness slider in Aura Core moves, but does nothing to the LEDs under the keyboard. I then ran the ASUS installer to install all the rest of the drivers and ASUS applications, as well as the v1.0.5 keyboard firmware hoping all that would fix this brightness functionality. No go. Very frustrating!

What BIOS do you have? Mine came with 3.0.3.

 

Thanks you and @Q56_Monster .

Do you think it is something can last for years ? Or the continuos close and opening can bring to a break or to other problems ? I know you don't have the crystal ball to predict the future but...just your view will be helpful.

Also, I read online feedback about the loudness under stress. Is that something above the average of laptop in the same categories ? or is it a "normal/usual" noise level ?

 

Based on what I saw when opening up mine to do thermal repasting, I think the lifting mechanism is pretty solid. I believe it will hold up under use. Even if it fails one day, it's trivial to remove the cover plate and use it like a normal notebook.

There is some loudness under high stress, which is why doing thermal repasting (either when getting it or afterwards) is recommended to minimise how often it happens, and good earphones to isolate yourself from the fan sounds at those times. Under normal use and under medium loads, noise levels are fine to me.

 

This is very interesting because I realized that i still did not understand how is done the bottom part of this laptop. When you say "remove the cover plate" to which piece do you refer ? I mean, if I remove the cover plate then the inside of the laptop (motherboards and other components) are not exposed ? Or there is a double layer ? I don't understand

 

There is 2 layers, I’m planning to bring mine to a computer shop and tell them to do it for me

 

Well for the old zephyrus I never heard it break but I got the M one, feels solid