* Asus N61JQ Owners Lounge *

My A1 has a fresh install of Win 7 Pro x64 (no freezing issue). The only ASUS software I use are the hotkey programs and Wireless Console 3. That said, I have 74 processes running on a clean boot, with 31% physical memory in use. Do you notice any of your processes utilizing CPU? At idle, my CPU usage is 0%, despite 74 processes running. Check out the driver thread; my laptop is fully functional with only the drivers installed + Wireless Console 3 (in the software section).

Edit: Also, what antivirus are you using? I use AVG Free on my desktop and Avast on the laptop. It's possible that the freeze-ups during web surfing could be your AV scanning links or web pages.

 

I am also using AVG, though I do have Trend Micro still on there (Should I kill it?). as for CPU usage, no that's par for the course. I'll see if I'm missing any drivers, but any other help and suggestions is appreciated.

 

Omg i lol'd. For a car you just have to change engine oil in time and don't do harsh acceleration on start and have vents on sides or bonnet. But yeah a car is easier to upgrade then a laptop. You get performance fan, oil cooler, ECU etc .. And btw the reason i got this laptop because i thought i've done enough research and i liked everything, the service manual on the first page showed the bottom cover and i thought everything will be the same. But when i opened it wow! the chipset doesn't have heatpipe on and is not there and the mobo layout is not the same.

And hey i use other laptop with extended daily usage for over 3 years Is a hard job to keep it alive good as new.

I'm same spec with you now except i'm using 160GB HDD slows to 5.3.

I only had problem with the 640GB HDD comes with my N61. The respond time was very slow, i did a full-write zero for over 9 hrs and is still the same.

So i switched to my extra 160GB, and i used to have about 77 processes on task manager i too experience slowdown sometimes so i did a clean install to W7 32bits and works very good now.

 

Definitely uninstall the Trend Micro. You should only have 1 AV/anti-malware program running. AVG has anti-malware built in, and Avast works in conjunction with Windows Defender.

 

Eset, MSE and Windows Defender works together all fine. Is just an experiential on my old laptop and works quite amazingly with no no conflict. And i'm still using it.

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9877/tadau.jpg

 

Hi Turbogear,

what can I say I feel for you but I think you agree that the spanish team were amazing with their ball control, they were so cool headed, well apart from Sergio Ramos I guess.

BTW don't go blaming it on Paul the Polyp

YouTube - Il polpo Paul prevede la vittoria della Spagna sulla Germania

What makes me laugh even further is that it's bloody english the polyp

 

Yes it was a big disappointment for us here. :confused2:
I would have to say this with a heavy heart but the Spanish team played very good and they deserved to win. I believe this was the best game Spanish had in this tournament.
I think this time German team did not have the right strategy to win over spain.
Maybe they were taking it too lightly after their big wins against England and Argentina.

It really amazing that Paul the oracle is right again!!
So far in this world cup all his predictions were true.
Some people are angry with him. I hope nobody will try to harm him.

 

I definitely hope not, why are there so many crazy people around it's just a football match!?

 

I play it. Must be the game itself or something, but I haven't noticed anything wrong with it. I tone down the details to just high and medium and play full HD res and pull 28fps or so.

 

100 processes seems a bit excessive, I have about 70 running at any one time but I don't do a lot of multitasking. Even with fewer processes I still have about 50% memory use at all times. I doubt your problem is related to memory use. More likely some software conflict or incompatibility. As far as bloatware goes, it's safe to remove all of it, that's why it's called bloatware. If you end up missing the features of one of the bloatware programs you can always install it again.

 

the same of... WHAT ?

 

Can you send me your bcdedit.exe results (copy/paste) ? I don't understand very well why you have both same boot...

 

Wow, 7.5 score for RAM was what I was expecting with my RAM...wonder if the BIOS update to 210 did something?

 

So i have decided to put a SSD in my optical bay like some others in this forum. I was going to get a 64gb one to just have my os and applications and my 320 will be for data. For the people that have done this install, can you give me a breakdown of the necessary parts and any suggestions you may have. I am a true tech noobie and have read every page in this thread. I just don't understand some of the lingo. Thanks so much in advance. Also, has anyone upgraded to the max 8gb on ram? I was thinking about doing it as well since I am a heavy multi tasker and there is some lagging occasionally. I did not know if that would be the best thing to do or the SSD.

Thanks in advance and really appreciate all the input this thread provides.

 

you can go back to bios 208. If you do, please share your results with us about memory performance.

 

I have 210 version and used mike2010's patch. Same score as his. We both on 32bits OS btw.

Mike i just rechecked on the normal boot and seems like the "(2.93GB usable)" shows up again. That means not both boots are affected, so is my bad.

 

I have been doing some research and learned a lot but the main questions i have to make it more clear is:

1. Which brand of OBHD did everyone use and where did they get it?

2. What brand/type (sata, sataII, sata III, etc) did everyone use, what size, and where to get it.

3. Did you put your SSD in your primary HD spot and move the factory one to the OB?


I'm sure I will have more questions as they come, I just don't know much about the procedure and want to make sure I do the best set-up possible.

Once again, thanks.

 

I can only answer 2 of your questions:

2. > Intel's SSD is so far the fastest known, and make sure you get SSD uses SLC known as Single Level Cell, that SLC has better performance and reliability then cheaper MLC (Multi Level Cell). The HM55 chipset supports up to SATAII as shown on intel site. I want to get 64GB for OS, or else a 128GB for games.

3. > Both slots are actually using the same ATA channel. So shouldn't really matter which is better. Both will have the same performance. And ofcourse you can switch around easily when you get that optical casing.

 

Going back to a previos bios to improve a WEI score!

 

I think it's a combination of Win 7 32-bit and the (normally unachievable) 4 GB memory using the patch giving him a high score (he's got a lot of memory for 32-bit Windows). Obviously, the actual transfer speed to/from memory should be higher with a 64-bit OS, but it will take more than 4 GB to get a high score.

See the code here (green post). If you are running x64 and have <= 4 GB RAM, you are capped at 5.9.

 

For the resellers out there, I have 2 new versions of andLinux coming out. One is just an update to the current version and will be released in the next couple weeks. The other is going to be the pseudo 64Bit version. I am going to add some free (but limited) advertising for you guys so PM me if you are interested in getting in. The ads will be placed in the installer.

I am also selling some some premium (READ: $$$) advertising in the installers, launchers and in the OS, but the free ads should still be effective... and... well... free. Just a "thank you" for all of the help you guys give us.

Since andLinux is used worldwide, please make sure that you list the areas that you sell in. As well, which andLinux you would like to be in. The updated version should get a few hundred thousand downloads where the 64Bit should hit a couple million. The 64Bit will sell the most premium ads so they may overshadow the free ads a bit more.

 

Free Stuff !!
Seriously David, Best of luck with the roll out of your new versions. Maybe our resellers should consider giving you some free ad space for the buisness you have helped feed them.
I'm just sayin .....:wink:

 

1) I suggest an optical bay from newmodeus as they seem to be built well and allow you to disguise the caddy with the faceplate from your DVD drive. I bought another model off of Ebay, it was cheaper but I am not happy with it. You want this model here:

Code:

Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy(p/n OBHD-SATA-SATA-B) Black, 12.7mm

Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy(p/n OBHD-SATA-SATA-B) Black, 12.7mm [OBHD-SATA-SATA-B] - $42.00 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks

2) SATA I, II and III are all versions of the same connection interface, like USB, firewire or HDMI. The plugs are the same and they are backwards compatible. Nothing you need to worry about. Serial ATA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

3) As NEX_SASIN said, speeds will be the same regardless of where you put the SSD. Personally, I suggest placing the SSD in the primary HDD spot. In this configuration it would be very easy to swap the data drive for the DVD drive in case you need access to the DVD drive. In this case you can remove the caddy and still boot windows. Naturally you will want to move your Windows install from the 360gb drive to the SSD.

Newmode has a decent install video here, you can also refer to the pictures in my earlier post to see where everything goes.
YouTube - Replace a laptop's CD/DVD optical drive with a Hard Drive
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6127169-post3083.html

It is true that SLC drives are faster than MLC drives but I can't support NEX_SASIN's suggestion. SLC drives are very expensive, in some cases almost 2x more than a MLC drive of the same size. They are very good drives for corporate database servers but I doubt you are working with a corporate IT budget. It's debatable whether the Intel drives are the fastest as the Sandforce drives beat them in a number of benchmarks.

You should make your decision based on how much space you need and how much you are willing to spend. I have an Intel 80gb, with a spartan collection of software, Crysis, SC2 Beta and a couple of Steam Source games, I still have 30gb free.

-If you don't have a lot of programs and games a 64/60gb SSD is very cheap and probably your best bet. Drives with the Indilinx controller have good performance for their price and perform comparably in real-life performance to the Intel SSDs. In this category the OCZ Vertex, Agility or Solid 2 series of drives are all good choices and offer similar but decreasing performance and prices as ordered.

-If you have a medium amount of files going on the SSD go with the Intel 80gb SSD.

-If you have a lot of software and games installed then you should probably go with a 128/120gb SSD. The three OCZ models mentioned earlier are still your best choices.

-There are drives in the 160gb range and up but I can't recommend them for most usage cases. Exceptions A: you work in a design environment where you are using a number of programs with large installations and editing large files that see notable performance benefits from SSD speeds. B: You are a professional or hardcore gamer and regularly play a number of games that would be inconvenient to re-install. C: You use multiple operating systems and need adequate space for a multi-boot environment on the SSD. Otherwise, work on cutting down your software footprint and buy a smaller SSD.

Other things to think about: If you haven't organized your computer (does your desktop look like this http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/WindowsLiveWriter/7ee01215eeb1_6543/image_3.png?) now is a great opportunity. Large files and collections like videos, music and photos should be moved over to a data folder or partition. Smaller files or ones that you access often should stay with your main windows install and eventually end up on your SSD.

Next up, organize your programs. Uninstall any programs you never use. Try and consolidate software as well. If you have 10 different programs for watching movies get rid of them and use VLC or CCCP instead. Things like video downloaders can be replaced by Firefox plugins, bookmarklets and simple webapps. Install only what you need from large software packages, you probably don't need those 5million extra clipart images and Russian language translation that come with MS Word or the 500mb audio editor and 1gb DVD creator bundled with your CD burning software. In the same vein you can replace most large bloatware with free lightweight alternatives, ditch Adobe Acrobat Reader for the smaller SumatraPDF or Foxit Reader. Also see if your software is available as a portable application, many are. Portable applications are easy to back up and transfer. You can just drag and drop your software from your old windows install to the new one on the SSD and all your settings and preferences will be copied with it without having to install or configure the program again. You could even keep portable versions of programs you seldom use backed up on your data drive and copy them onto the SSD to use as needed.

To get a good idea of how much space you will need for your SSD, use the following formula:

(Total current hard drive space) - (free space) - (size of movie, video, picture and other folders that will be stored on your data drive) + (an extra 10~20gb for new games or software you might want to install in the future) = (size of SSD, round up to nearest drive capacity)

 

Great stuff David.

 

2MNY, my compliments very well explained as usual .

 

Sorry i didn't know that it will be twice the price. I wanted a SSD (consumer class) but not thinking getting one until next year. And Sandforce, never heard of them, i'll check into it.

 

Still sitting here twidling my thumbs regards my rma I finally got the direct number for Asus Uk centre direct. Lady there was helpful and she is calling me back later today. Seems they are still waiting on Asus head office getting back to them :S

 

I feel you man, want to get it so bad and waiting forever, is a torment! And why head office? Your laptop suppose to be in a repair center somewhere, and should call to the head office yourself check out what's holding back.

 

Awesome awesome reply. I really appreciate the help. That answered a lot of questions I was having. I used others advice from yesterday and ordered a caddy from newmode. But I ordered this one....

2nd Drive Caddy for ASUS N61 Series (add 2nd HDD or SSD) [OBHD-SATA12-SATA-BU] - $44.75 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks

It is different then the one you put, but it said it was asus n61. Do you think it will be fine? I have also done a lot of review reading and researching on the SSD and I think I have narrowed it down to the Intel Newegg.com - Intel X25-M Mainstream SSDSA2MH080G2R5 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

and the OCZ vertex 2 (the majority of tests it outperforms the Intel and it utilizes the sandforce controller) Newegg.com - OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Out of these two, which would you suggest? I am having my OS on the drive, Microsoft office suite, a few other programs, and a few games. I would rather keep my videos and music on the data drive.

Thanks again!

 

Is it possible to put a 2nd he'd without removing the optical disk drive?

 

I don't think so. There would be no where to put it in the laptop. You would have to use an external I believe.

 

There's no any more internal slot but there's eSATA you could use and still get decent speed.

 

Ok, thanks guys. I just like having a second hdd for dual booting instead of having to cart an external with me.

 

Anyone think this OBHD will work?

IBM LB010587 2.5" SATA-to-SATA 2nd Hard Drive Caddy UltraBay :: 2.5" Enclosures :: Enclosures...

 

I think it would be in your favour to use the optical drive as a second hard drive and the buy a USB based dvd drive.

Because your more likely to use a second hard drive than a dvd drive, at least I believe so.

 

I think the caddy you ordered is the same model as I posted earlier with an updated link to cater to all the N61 users looking for an SSD upgrade. As I said earlier, try to find what is within your budget and how much space you need for software. Organize everything and try out the formula that I posted. The larger drive is better future proofed while the smaller drive will save you money.

@Risco
The choice is one HDD and an optical drive or two HDDs. As others said, you can always boot off of an external drive. I currently boot Linux and OSX off of the HDD drive in the optical bay. Having a second HDD for booting other operating systems is nice since I can leave my Windows drive untouched and boot other OS's off of my data drive.

The N61 can boot off of external USB drives or eSATA drives. The following patch will let you boot your Windows install off of a USB drive and might come in handy. [project] PWBoot *Updated: Version 2.1*

 

Same caddy as the one I bought on ebay. This model doesn't have any mounting holes to secure the drive and doesn't have any way to mount the DVD drive faceplate. Cheap but ugly.

 

@MNY

Thanks again. I'll let you know how it goes after I get everything installed. I think I am going to go with the OCZ vertex 2.

 

Go for a 1 TB and partition it!

 

Hey Guys.. any smart ideas to put this express card port to use??

 

TV tuner, premium audio, SSD, wifi/LAN, bluetooth. There's more then those, but that's all i can think of at the moment.

 

We already get bluetooth. Extra USB, firewire, or eSATA are also options. I'd love a decent capture card that supported HD inputs. Someone mentioned one earlier, yes? Would be convenient to hook my gaming systems up to the notebook.

 

Right now I use mine for Firewire 400 ports. I always find that a firewire 400 is much better than what normally comes with laptops (and thankfully didn't come with this one) as there are no dropped frames at all with video capturing even with the highest bitrate stuff.

On a side note: I'm very happy with this laptop after today, it worked on four different HD projects, one being a feature length film and it rendered and encoded speedily and with no hiccups. Pat your Asus N61 on the back people, its a workhorse

 

I think a 64GB ExpressCard would be nice. Since the speed i checked PCIe 1.0 reach 250MB/s just like SATAII.

EDIT: Downside - Speed from ExpressCard SSD is not great around 120MB/s read.

 

2MNY, I also would like to thank you for the very informative post on SSD upgrades. I posted it on the first page under SSD upgrades and reviews.

 

I'm having headache that this i7 is not any faster then my Core2Duo 2.0GHz.

It doesn't inject SQL faster then my old C2D and ingame mass skills implementation is as slow as C2D.

There's no much improvement over single-threaded apps.

 

Well some of that might be perceived lack of speed, but it also could be that single threaded apps don't have a huge speed improvement. A lot of apps have not taken advantage of multiple cores yet. Are you using turbo gear? Is it set to performance? If its set to "quiet office" you'll never get any boost.

 

Looks like they are finally fixing my laptop today. Got a phonecall letting me know that the tech should be getting the information from Asus today and that it should be here by Wednesday. Let's hope it is totally fixed this time!

 

Hello:

How to install mini pci TV and asus n61jq?.

PD: Perdón por no extenderme, pero no domino el ingles, no se si alguno sabrá español.

 

Not using turbo gear, and power i have here is Balance, but i've set GPU and CPU at 100%. That doesn't matter, could even set performance settings on Power Saving scheme. TurboBoost doesn't seems to help much, 1 to 3 sec boost is definitely not enough.

Hope they replaced you a brand new mobo, read the receipt, might mention it or ask them. GL!