* Asus N61JQ Owners Lounge *

For a desktop 89C would be fine, for a laptop I would have some reservations. Also you really are mad overclocking your laptop gpu, it is not user replaceable! When it goes you are fooked, and will need an entire mobo replacement as the chip is soldered to the board.

 

I'm not too worried. Even stock I reach 86C so a few degrees higher I doubt will harm anything, and if it does I learn a lesson and buy a new one, which I hope doesn't happen.

 

On it's bigger brother (N71JQ-A), I am using Samsung M471B5273BH1-CH9 2x4GB DD3-1333 ram.
It works perfectly.

I don't know where you could buy it in USA.

I bought it in Germany from an eBay seller:
2x 4GB =8GB SAMSUNG DDR3 Notebook SO-DIMM RAM 1333Mhz bei eBay.de: (endet 27.05.10 14:01:34 MESZ)

Like N71JQ, I think N61JQ has only two memory slots so you have to consider the more expensive 4GB modules

 

I am getting 50MB broadband next Saturday. Is the stock wireless card up to the job?

 

Thank you for the confirmation. I'll go with the higher clocked memory then. I have a site that I purchase from located in the states, the brand of memory I'm getting from them is Black Diamond, but from what I understand these days brand doesn't matter, just make sure it fits.

In terms of the price, its no problem, for the work I'll be doing it won't even be an issue.

 

Good luck with that.

In Germany unfortunately, I did not have much choice.
Most seller were only selling Hynix and Samsung 8GB DDR3-1333 ram with a similar price range.
There were only a few selling corsair, but for around 100 Euros more.

I am not 100% sure if DDR3-1333 is much faster than 1066.
Some reviews say that 1066 comes to almost similar speed due to lower latecny.
The price difference between 1066 and 1333 was not that much so I went with 1333.

 

I looked online and although 89C is hot, it's not too hot for a laptop. But I did blow out my laptop with canned air, now I see the gpu peak at 84c-84c under full load for an extended amount of time. Afghan dust FTL!

 

Wireless near router:


Tested using the Atheros wireless about 1.5 feet away from my $60 80211.n router. It's a cheap Korean brand with a cheap chipset but it has worked fine for me and has a wealth of config options (too bad I can't read any of them). I'd say it will handle 50Mbps (I'm assuming you meant Mbits instead of MBytes, cause 50MBps would be outrageously fast) with ease.

Wireless far from router:


Tested from the farthest point in my apartment. Not very far, this is Asia after all, but the signal still has to travel at an angle through at least 2 foot-thick concrete walls.

Wired:


Note: I don't get speeds like this to any servers outside Korea and some websites can be painfully slow at certain times.

 

At some point you may want to pop open your laptop case and do a thorough cleaning of the fan assembly. Excess dust and such can clump together to form clots that canned air won't remove.

 

Is that difficult? Never opened up a laptop before save for adding ram and installing a new hard drive, just light panel work.

 

Removing the bottom panel(s) is what 2MNY meant so that you get access to your CPU and GPU thermal solution for cleaning.

 

Exactly. The same panel that blocks big chunks of stuff from getting in your laptop also has the side effect of blocking it from getting out sometimes. I haven't opened the bottom panel on mine yet but I would assume there isn't anything else blocking the fan assembly that would have to be removed for cleaning. I wouldn't recommend doing anything that might void your warranty.

 

I guess it's my turn to write a review on the N61JQ.

I received my N61JQ-A1 late March, so I've had it for little over a month to use and abuse (well, not too much abuse).

Physical:
While I had looked at similarly sized notebooks at stores, having and holding it in my hands was different. It's dimensions definitely have a wide-screen format. The thickness of the laptop tapers from about an inch in the front to about 1.5 inch in the back. It was a little heavier than I expected. I suppose it's about the same weight as heavy textbook. I carry it in a backpack so the weight is not too bad.

Aesthetics:
It's definitely not visually loud like the G51JX-A1's cover and MSI GX640 red trim. It'll fit in nicely in an office environment while not calling out too much attention to itself in public. It looks black most of the time but under the right lighting condition you can see the elegant-looking "brushed copper" finish. It's very subtle otherwise. The rubber-coated palm rest feels great and it stays cool for the most part. Though I've read about the cases of peeling and I'm trying to be extra careful with not scratching it, I managed to scratch a little spot off on the edge of the laptop with my fingernail trying to take off a speck . Hope it doesn't grow bigger.

Internals:
Mine came with 1333MHz RAM. Lucky me . 500GB hard drive is quiet and seems to run cool. Thinking of getting an external eSATA drive so I can get an SSD. I don't know what people are talking about about the 3 partitions. I only see 2 partitions in Windows, a "system" and a "data" unless I need to go into Manage or something. DVD drive was loud the only time I used it (burning backup DVDs). I've connected the HDMI to our 52" Samsung LCD TV. Nice.

Performance - everyday tasks:
While I've heard Win7 can be a RAM hog, 4GB seems to work fine for most everyday tasks. I've had Firefox open with 8 or so tabs, streaming music, Pidgin, uTorrent, eMule, and Windows Live Mail running. I think the bottle neck was the wireless bandwidth. Of course I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for more RAM on sale. Battery life leaves a bit to be desired. I can turn it to battery saving mode, wireless off, and have the battery meter say 3+ hours. Great for office work. But turn on the wireless, start web surfing, and it goes down to around 2 hours. Windows 7 is great for laptops with the drag to the sides split screen. Makes the most of the relatively small screen, which actually looks pretty good considering its size.

No BSOD or freezes other than that intro movie that seems to freeze everyones computer the first time they run it.

I've been watching TV shows, both regular HD and 720p HD (the Pacific ). Looks great on the screen.

I've kept the default audio programs (SRS surround and something else) installed. Have not had any conflicts except the one time after I updated the ATi video drivers and the HDMI sound output was not working. It took a little experimenting to get it to work but I found out the problem and HDMI audio output works like it should. By the way, stock speakers are pretty darn good for laptop speakers. Lacking bass of course but volume and clarity are good from what my ears can tell.

Performance - gaming:
While the only game I've played so far is Team Fortress 2, it performs great. I don't have FRAPS or anything monitoring fps but I did not notice any performance issues except maybe a dropped frame once or twice when the action got crazy over at a capture point with dozens of people, explosions, and giblets and gore flying everywhere. Details was set on recommended settings. Definitely runs a lot better than my old desktop (see signature).

Accessories:
- Logitech Anywhere MX mouse: works great on just about every surface.
- Tucano 9 Dot Second Skin 16" sleeve: also works great. I like the internal err...flap? that holds the laptop in place to keep it from shifting around inside the sleeve. Should keep the rubber from peeling.
- North Face Big Shot backpack: my everyday backpack with a laptop compartment big enough to hold the sleeved laptop along with accessories and my school stuff.

Hope this review helps. I probably didn't add anything new; just more support for a great laptop.

 

Wow, what an awesome post, rep added! It is people like yourself and Ally, Stevedogg, TurboGear etc that keep me posting.

What a great forum!

 

This laptop is really powerful except for the HDMI output on HDTV.. when compared to a PS3 performance, the PS3 is 10X time better and beautiful. Unfortunately the PS3 is unbeatable and.. unbeatable ! Its disappointing...

 

well, think of it this way:

the PS3 is a dedicated video machine. A majority of it's processing power is dedicated to graphics while the rest is dedicated to computations.

This laptop has that reversed. Much more of it's power is dedicated to processing computations and the rest is dedicated to graphics.

considering how long the PS3 and Xbox 360 has been out and only recently has computer graphics caught up to their levels shows you how much those two gaming machines were designed for and dedicated to graphics.

 

Just ran some video encoding with megui. Files were stored on the 500gb drive. I'm amazed at how well this machine multitasks, system performance was downright snappy for the entire encode process even while the CPU was running at 100% utilization. DXVA High Quality Single-Pass profile encoded at about 55fps. Plus audio conversion and muxing the 1:40 movie encoded in just under an hour. Megui is a fantastic piece of software and highly recommended if you find Handbrake doesn't offer enough options or crashes too often.

 

Welcome back Donald!

 

Hehe...thanks!

I have just been buried for the last several days.

I am not complaining though

 

Hey Greg, hope you saw my review .

 

Wishmaster, I know you are watching! Where is your new N61JQ? :wink:

 

Thanks, Hope you saw it already posted on the first page!

 

woot! at the top of the list. Thanks, Greg!

I hope it's helpful to perspective buyers. I tried to be as thorough as possible.

 

Thank you for this post. I have fully corrected the colours on this machine for proper photoshop and colour correction work.

 

My gpu overclocks for miles too, as you are not adding voltage the gpu will be safe to use at those clocks. You may find backing your ram off improves things. I was running 750/900 for a while which appeared stable but I later found out error correction was kicking in on the ram and making games stutter here and there.

I dropped it back to 750/850 and things got a lot smoother. Overclocking ram on the new ATI chips is different to before.

 

I'll have to trust you guys for the color corrections. I have what some call "color-deficiency" aka color-blindness.

so what program are we overclocking the GPU with? I read somewhere someone was using MSI software?

 

I use MSI Afterburner and I set hotkeys to enable standard clocks and overclocked clocks at the press of a button. This is handy so you aren't running over spec all of the time.

Overclocking does not work by default with the program and you have to manually edit the programs CFG file (Found in the programs installed folder.) to read enableunofficialoverclocking=1 instead of the 0 its set at.

Find it here:

Afterburner 1.6.0 Beta 5 download from Guru3D.com

 

Hey Kitch was wondering if you were able to get the function working on msi afterburner that switches profiles automatically from 2d to 3d from the options whenever you are doing a 3d task etc and back to lower clocks automatically on 2d?

 

With my GPU @ 775/925 I run Crysis at native res, all settings on medium except for physics and textures, which are on high, and shadows which are on low. And I run about an average of 45fps, low of 31 when it's most intense.

Marked improvment over standard clocks, and I'm guessing Crysis is a CPU limited game because my GPU is about 7C cooler after an hour of gaming with Crysis than it is with STALKER, which I run native res, maximum settings (save for low shadows).

I'll try out the 750/850 clocks. Find the sweet spot.

 

I've never got it to work. I just use hotkeys to quickly change clock speeds.

 

Hi all! New on the forum and I'm loving my new N61JQ but it's loaded with crapware. I'm trying to get rid of some startup programs in MSCONFIG and see that there's 4 instances of Cyberlink's "MUI StartMenu". Is it Ok to disable them all?

 

You should be uninstalling programs you don't want in Control Panel>Programs and Features, not in Startup.

Cyberlink is your DVD software...why would you want to remove it at all?

 

Does it have features beyond what's available in Media Center?

 

Okay Donald. Now that you are back, we have a little project to get back to. I am getting sidetracked restoring these arcade cabinets so, I even need help staying focused.

 

I'm also trying to disable some startup programs so it boots faster and I know how to uninstall programs, no need to point that out to me. I'm also not trying to remove Cyberlink at all if you understand that startup in MSCONFIG is not for removing software.

What I am unfamiliar with is what MUI StartMenu is and if it's important at all.

 

In my experience, it is safe to turn off EVERYTHING in msconfig startup options. If a program REALLY needs something, it will start it when you turn on the program.

Otherwise, I found it easier to reformat the N61JQ with a fresh copy of Win7, and then use the included drivers and applications disk to customize your install. I actually noticed a pretty nice performance boost after this (although in reality I'm sure it is infinitesimal). This may not be possible if you don't own a retail copy of Windows 7, so in that case tuning MSCONFIG is fine.

 

To anyone who has gone from 4GB to 8GB on this machine, please let me know the difference you have felt in terms of performance with high intensity multi tasking or single applications.

 

Focus David,Focus!:yes:

 

Please forgive the noob question. I saw some debate on the Lenovo Y560 in previous pages and figured worth a shot.

I was "thisclose" to pulling trigger on N61JQ-A1 before the Y560 popped up on sale this week (Y550p as well, but not going that route). Nearly identical specs between Y560 and N61 with ASUS having number pad and USB3.0 over the Y560.

Build quality seems to be a concern on the Lenovo based on comments, but I really am not liking hearing about this "peeling" on the ASUS. Has anyone ever seen and better yet typed on a Lenovo? Is the keyboard/touchpad better/worse? Too much plastic?

Is the palm rest on the N61 rubbery like the current G73JH or plasticky? Besides the G73, I am assuming N61 to be similar to a Best Buy model that looked very similar (brown lid, i3 I think) and it was quite acceptable.

All in all, I need to justify the extra $100-150 for the ASUS.

Sorry if miscategorized post but there is good action in this forum and I hope to visit here again soon if I can make up my mind. Cheers.

 

Here is another option for a faster boot up. Go to programs/Asus Utility/Fast Boot. Using Fast Boot you can select start up programs to delay until after start up. I find it works very well. Of course this is assuming that you haven't already removed this Asus Utility ( Or what most call crapware).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The Y560 looks good but you might be mistaken on the price. The Y560 has a list price of $1299 if you get the i7 model. It comes in an i3 and i5 also which might be what you are using to compare to the N61 which only comes with the i7. As far as the N61 keyboard/touchpad goes it is a rubbery coating. Pesronally I like the keyboard. The peeling is not a certin thing and I have posted all the reports of this on the first page. One could conclude from the amount of reports that this is a problem with a very small minority of the N61's. My opinion is that if you rub on the front edge while in a bag or on your lap you can cause peeling of the rubber coating. I am being carefull and it seems to work. The coating is cosmetic and eventually could start to wear off like paint. That being said it is nice to have and I would rather have it for some time than to not order this laptop and never have it.

 

Lenovo website has like $400 off the suggested price this week with code USPMOTHERSDAY. I did not know if we can quote prices, but it's $949 shipped. Lowest N61JQ-A1 is $1065-1099. Identical processor and video, and I think the Y560 has 1333RAM. Problem is that one can never see an Ideapad in the flesh.

Thanks for the description on the rubber feel. One thing I forgot to ask is the precise width of the N61. I see both 15.4 and 15.1" which believe it or not makes a difference in my work bag when I need to travel with two machines on longer trips! If it weren't for all the nitpicky things, life would be easy...battery life, backlit keys, keyboard feel, speakers, shared delete/insert key, Ctrl key in the wrong place (see Y560), lid latches, lid design, hinges, tray vs slot DVD, etc., etc., etc. One goes mad shopping once you decide on the processor and video.

At least I know either one will blow away my current laptop and even rival my desktop. So I'll be happy...I think (until the battery runs out!!)

Thanks again in advance for any info.

 

Asus lists the width as 38.4cm if you want to convert it. I come up with 15 1/8". As you say you really can't go wrong with either one. I think quite a few people struggled with waiting for the Y560 or just getting the N61. Personally I would choose the N61 but obviously I'm biased. I understand your difficulty choosing. I wrestled for a month over this one and a couple of other models. If you haven't already done so then check out the owners reviews on the first page. Good luck and let us know which one you pick.

 

Nah, unless I got ripped off i5 520m here

 

Woo Hoo, got my laptop yesterday. Been busy setting it up and updating the drivers. The updated drivers listed on the first page are godsend. My hat off to our friend Greg for constantly updating the first page and keeping this thread alive.

The good:
Mine came with DDR3 1333.

The bad:
I am not sure, I think I might have a dead pixel.

Backlight Keyboard:
As soon as my wife comes home, I will ask her to verify the serial number for me, so that I can email it to Asus.

My small contribution:
Definitely, the Intel Turboboost technology is different from the Asus 33 Turbo. I spoke to soon and I apologize to everyone for it.

A newer version of Intel Turboboost Monitor v1.04 was released on May 4, 2010. Here are the links for it:

Intel Turbo Boost Technology Monitor Free Download and Reviews - Fileforum

|MG| Intel Turbo Boost Technology Monitor 1.04 Download


Review:
I will post a review soon comparing the N61Jq and UL50Vt. Two different Asus machines, with satisfaction levels. Hope the comparison that I will do is alright with Greg.

Best regards,

KOR!

 

Unless you are upgrading your version of windows 7 (expensive and not recommended for the few features it adds) there is no need to buy a retail copy of windows 7. Just reinstall using the CD key located on the sticker on the bottom of your N61. Your N61 purchase includes a license for Windows 7 Home Premium. Meaning, you can run one copy of Win 7 HP on your N61, regardless of who installed it or how many times it is installed. Downloading the windows 7 install disk from the internet and burning it to DVD or copying to a USB key IS NOT illegal. Activating Windows using a license you did not purchase and own IS illegal.

The ASUS utility isn't necessary for this but it can make delaying startup programs a lot easier. If you want to do this without the ASUS utility, use the Windows Task Scheduler. Create a new task that runs the program you want to delay. Under the Triggers tab, set it to run at logon or startup with a delay time of your choice. Now disable he program from running immediately at startup from MSCONFIG.

You can also speed up your computer by hibernating instead of shutting down.

 

Hi guys i own Asus N61JQ also for three weeks.I have been so happy with my laptop so far.But today when i add Microsoft Notebook Bluetooth mouse 5000 , its added correctly.But after a minute mouse dissappears from device and printer list.Anyone knows how to solvethis problem?

Also ,
Is there any order for driver setup after clean setup of windows 7.

Thanks for answers

 

I am not sure if this is legit or if this was the battery that was discussed before, but someone on EBay is selling a 9 cell battery that is supposed to be for the N61 line. Ebay 9 Cell Battery

 

I wonder too!

It says, "original battery". If this statement is true than they should have it at Asus store.

Though, a good find!

 

It may fit, but does it affect opening the lid?