ASUS Zenbook UX303 (Nvidia GT 840M)

Bought the UX303LN today, and I'm extremely pleased with it. It has everything I could ever need on an ultrabook and more.

I'm lucky because the only configuration available was the 1080p matte non-touch display with the i5 processor, 4GB RAM and 1TB HDD. I had the store swap out the HDD for a 250GB Samsung 840 EVO SSD and add in an extra 4GB of RAM.

I just love it so much. Best laptop I ever bought, hands down. No complaints, really. Maybe one, but it's just the trackpad and the super loud click, but other than that, I couldn't have asked for a better laptop.

 

That's a really balanced spec, i'm not surprised you are happy

I'm more of a touch pad tapper myself.

 

Here is my list:

Genesys Logic USB3.0 & 2.0 Card Reader Controllers Drivers Version 4.5.0.0

Intel Proset/Wireless Bluetooth Software Version 17.1.1434.2

Intel HD & Iris Graphics Drivers Version 15.36.8.64.3977 WHQL

Intel Management Engine Interface (MEI) Version 10.0.30.1072 (1.5Mo)

http://www.station-drivers.com/inde...Firmware-Version-9.5.41.1904-(1.5--and--5Mo)/
Warning: Only flash that firmware if you know what you're doing! Make a backup before! Use the 1.5Mo image! I will not answer any questions regarding this update!

Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software Version 17.13.2.2 WHQL

Intel Rapid Storage Technology Version 13.5.0.1056 WHQL

Intel Smart Connect Technology Version 5.0.10.2907 WHQL

 

Another to add to the list above:

Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Version 8.0.10100.71 WHQL

 

I have not added this to my list because I get errors in the event log after installing this update.

 

@TheUntouchable
Thx so much for add drivers list.
Have u also a display profile?

 

I am really interested in buying this ultrabook but the yellow issue is messing my mind... Confused if it will be a fix for it, I guess not

where I can find the different specs/models for the UX303LN?

 

Is there a guide on how to do a clean install of Windows on this laptop and making boot image etc?

 

Just take the one with FHD and not QHD and the problem should be fixed

 

I think I'm gonna buy this ultrabook too. However, all models sold in my country are either HDD + FHD IPS, or SSD + QHD. I'm gonna go for the HDD + FHD IPS one, I don't mind replacing the drive by a SSD. I just would like to know my options here, regarding the SSD drive. Besides the 2.5" SATA slot, is there other slots available on the motherboard ? M.2, mSATA ? Thanks.

 

Nope,there's just one SATA slot because of dedicated graphics and battery which takes quite a lot of place

 

Okay, thanks ! A MX100 should do the trick, then.

 

Yes, there is half-height mSATA slot. You can put up to 128 GB drive there (that's highest currently available in that form factor).

Here's the slot

 

Yeah, no way of modding it to fit a larger card either.

 

If you can find some space to fit full size mSATA drive anywhere in the case then this extender might help.

 

Any suggestions where to put it?

 

Nope, I'm not in dire need of more space currently (I have 1 TB SSD as main drive). Not for this laptop anyway. However, I plan to experiment with making mSATA drive an encrypted private storage. 128 GB is plenty for that.

 

Yeah I may go for msata half card too but just wanted to get some feedback how it performs and if it is too slow as compared with a full msata. Was it difficult replacing the main ssd? By the way did you know there was this tweet from Asus saying that replacing the ssd in this laptop voids warranty?

 

Don't care about warranty. I've been heavily modding my laptops for a long time. There were a few posts on this thread regarding disassembly procedure and hints/tips. I contributed too.
Replacing drive is neither hard nor easy. Don't know if you plan to migrate OS or do a fresh install.

I have not posted it before but I tried a couple of 2.5" enclosures that host 2 mSATA drives and RAID controller that can be switched to 0/1/JBOD. I tried JBOD thinking this laptop has builtin SATA port multiplier. Did not work for me. Could have been an interesting way of having up to 2 TB of SSD. I am talking about this.

 

So I've been thinking about buying this ultrabook (303LN) for general use and some light gaming, maybe some digital drawing in the future but nothing too intensive. After reading through this thread a bit, I see there are some problems with the screen not displaying yellows right and the resolution being an issue. I don't think I would mind the yellows too much, but the fact that things are un-optimized for such a resolution bothers me, and it bothers me that the screen will drain more battery. I'm wondering if it's possible to replace the panel with a 1920 x 1080 one found in the 303LA Zenbook. Also after reading the few posts above me, it seems there's no good way to upgrade the storage space? I'm sure 256gb will be fine for me, but I'd always like the option. One last question that I didn't see while browsing the thread, but how hot does this run while just browsing and playing videos? Thanks in advance!

 

Well, there are CPUs which are made to run cool, so it is not hot nor warm, no noise - fans aren't spinning while just browsing/watching YT...
CPU temp around 33-45 not more...

 

It's quite useful to know that you considered number of different options. I am kinda split between using the empty msata slot and replacing the main ssd. The msata is available only up to 128 gb which might be ok as I am using number of cloud based services to save documents etc but I am more concerned about the speed as compared to standard ssd. Any thoughts on that? I may end up replacing the main ssd. The physical replacement part is quite well documented and there is even a youtube video but I am not sure how to configure it. So what needs to be changed in bios and what software to use if I clone the built in ssd. Also if I do clean install how do I make up a bootable usb and how do I install the windows as there is no installation dvd provided. Do you mind writing a short "list of instructions" to address these issues please?

 

Good afternoon to all! Could you please suggest me a good temperature monitor with a tray icon?
Moreover, does anybody have a good screen profile made with a calibration took for a 1920x1080 screen?

Thanks!

 

The mSATA slot is SATA III (6 Gb/s), plenty fast. Nothing to configure regarding the main drive - it's set to AHCI in BIOS and that's the only option (optimal). There's plenty of drive cloning software around, well established, hard to go wrong there. To make a bootable USB from DVD, you can first create ISO image and then use one of many ISO to USB applications. If your Windows 8/8.1 is a download version (ESD), then the downloader/installer contains an option to you to create bootable USB. There are many, many guides around.

 

Thanks for the reply. I think the speed issue is not with the slot but with the msata half size cards. I have heard they are considerably slower than standard ssd and the normal longer msata cards. My laptop ux303ln US version did not come with a Windows 8.1 dvd so how do I go about making a bootable usb in this case?

 

Use Backtracker from Asus

Gesendet von meinem HTC One mit Tapatalk

 

Control Panel > Recovery > Create a recovery drive

Good luck, Jim

 

Thanks Jim! Any thoughts on using the msata half card vs replacing the main ssd for additional storage?

 

I would only recommend to use Asus Backtracker. It will create an usb stick with only the recovery partition. With that usb stick, you can recover your new hdd or ssd like it would be after buying it with that one. It will create the C: and D: + the recovery partition on your new hdd/ssd if you use it.

Sent from my using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for your advice. I am not in front of the laptop right now. Do I have to download and install backtracker or it comes installed on the machine?

 

You can download it here: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support-

 

Thanks mate

 

You're welcome

 

Hello everyone,

I bought the UX303LN laptop with FHD touchscreen display and I really love it.
I have nothing to complain about except the random battery life.

I've noticed two problems, one is mentioned several times in this thread.

1) First of all, the process wmiprvse is using 1 or 2% CPU every 10 seconds, and when I check with CPU-Z it means that the clock speed goes up to 2 GHz instead of staying idle. Therefore my fans are constantly running. At very low speed, but still, this is very annoying for me.
Do you also have that problem ?

2) Of course if I use only the tactile screen instead of the touchpad, I have a MUCH better battery life. The ASUS Smart gesture driver pushes the CPU up to 3 GHz, this is non sense at all.
I like the touchpad a lot, I don't want to use only the screen when I'm on battery, but I don't want to lose all the features like mutitouch gestures.
What is the best solution so far to avoid that problem ? I have not read the 150 pages but it seems the problem is not really solved.

Thanks everyone for your feedback !

 

Here's a thread on your second problem. You may have luck with solution suggested in it.

 

Thanks but even with the driver uninstalled and the first service off, my fans are not off at idle, which is driving me crazy !!!!
Really I'm pissed right now, everything seems to be set up perfectly, the passive mode is selected in the battery mode...

EDIT : I finally have a nearly stable 800 MHz on idle, so that's better, but on fan is still running all the time, eventhough the computer is very cold.
The setting are not overwritten by Smart Gesture, but even with the solution the processor jump to 3 GHz...

 

Are the fans supposed to be really completely off while idle ?

 

One way to improve battery life is definitely uninstall Intel Smart Connect.
Also, in advanced power settings under "Processor power management" -> "System cooling policy" select "Passive" for "On battery" if it's not already set like that.

 

It's already like that, but the fan is still on, very low speed but on.


EDIT : I installed Notebook FanControl.

Actually the CPU fan is running very low because at idle the proc is about 39/40°. The GPU is off.
I dunno how but the CPU remains now at 800 MHz while idling, so I guess it's ok.

Impossible to fix the Asus Smart Gesture, but it's very well made I love the trackpad, I guess I'll use more the touchscreen while on battery...

Anyway, amazing laptop, let's see now how long it holds without prompting any issue.

 

I think the half length mSATA cards max size available is 128 GB. If that would give you the storage you need OK. I replaced the main 128 GB ssd with a 240 GB Evo 840.

The suggestion I gave on using the Windows Recovery creates a bootable USB with the recovery partitions. It will restore your system to the factory conditions.

Good luck, Jim

 

Amazon Germany lists die UX303LN now as "ready for shipment in 1 to 4 months". Does waiting make sense - or did Asus possibly pull the model from the German market, as some have cautioned here?

 

Zugzug how's your msata mini drive performing? Are you using it to boot windows or extra storage? Any benchmarks to compare against the main ssd drive? Thanks

 

Driver update:
Intel HD & Iris Graphics Drivers Version 15.36.9.64.3995 WHQL

 

Asus told me more books will be available mid-end of December. Saturn's newest Information is that they are going to get a new bunch of books the next weeks. All we can do is waiting. I think the i7 ln model will be there later this month.

 

If you ask me no one really knows what is really going on, including Asus Germany! Following the release dates is like playing bingo, every week there are new numbers and you're waiting for the correct one. I'm surprised that Amazon now also joined the club of gamblers. Latest news so far is that the new Broadwell ultrabooks/tablets with core m processors are also on delay ( Intel Core M zu Weihnachten kaum verfügbar - ComputerBase). Maybe that's good for a release of the UX303LN at christmas time (to have at least something to sell), maybe not (maybe they still have a general manufacturing problem).

If you found another interesting notebook, go for it. If you can wait, maybe wait. Just don't trust any release dates, they're always vague and pure guesswork from the shops and Asus Germany.

 

-deleted for research-

 

Hello everyone. UX303LN user reporting in! :hi2:
Apparently in Malaysia we only have one specification. i5 4210, 1080p matte, gt840m, non-touch. Perfect specs for me. I swapped the internal 1TB to a 120GB Samsung 840 EVO though. Extremely fast!

 

Just a quick bump to see if anyone can help with my power draw issue. The only suggestion i've had so far is that it could be that the Nvidia card is running all the time which is sadly not the case.

Any help would really be appreciated.

 

Do you see any program in the task manager always using a small percentage the the CPU, or disk writing ?

 

No, there doesn't seem to be anything. And CPU-Z shows that the cpu is running at idle (800mhz).

I've attached a screenshot here that shows task manager open, cpu-z and the power draw all at the same time.