First time ASUS owner with new S56 laptop - Questions within

Hey everyone,

So excited to finally have a new laptop after dealing with a 4+ years old Dell that can barely get anything done anymore. I've tried to keep my hands off my new ASUS S56 ultrabook because I kind of want to make sure I can get the most out of it. Therefore, I have some questions.

1. Any fellow ASUS S56 owners, or ASUS owners in general, want to give some advice on some things I should do right away?

2. It has a 1.7 GHz i5 CPU, should I upgrade it, if so, what exactly can I upgrade it too besides maybe the same option that ASUS offers for it? That would be an i7 1.9 GHz.

3. I know that reading about the laptop all over the Internet before I received it mentioned all the CPUs could reach 2.x GHz levels with Turbo Boost, is it wise to just run the laptop on Turbo Boost to get all that extra juice out of it? How can I access the "Turbo Boost" options to do so if anything?

4. Includes 6 GB of RAM already, should I upgrade to the max supported already which is 16 GB? (8 GB x 2)

5. I have integrated graphics right now, is it possible to upgrade graphics at all or not? What are my options?

PS. What's the difference between the models S56CA and S56CM? Apparently my laptop is a S56CA.

Thank you in advance, please help me out.

 

100+ views already, should I just post this over in the Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades section?

 

AFA upgrading hardware I would recommend using the system "as is" and see if you run into any issues that require hardware upgrades. Turbo is built into the Intel processor, it will "ramp up" as needed and clock down also automatically.
I would recommend a full system image to an external hard drive with a program such as Free Backup Software: Paragon Backup & Recovery Free Edition - Overview before you change anything. If you are comfortable do a clean install of Windows especially if your system is sluggish.Or at least disable as many unneeded programs with MSconfig Windows 8 Msconfig | Microsoft's Startup Utility.
PS I do not think the graphics are upgradable GenTech PC - Customize System or it would be posted on this site

 

No integrated system has EVER been upgradable.

Even those systems with a sister that did have a card, the slot was never soldered onto the motherboard, so no luck there.

Faster ram will help your graphics performance.

In order to modify any intel CPU settings your system must support their extreme tuning utility (XTU) and only high end 17 inch clevo and alienware machines do.

 

1) Relax and enjoy the laptop. Make sure you check the laptop components and ensure you received what you wanted as well as check for any scuff marks or damages that could have been done to the machine either through shipping or at the warehouse.

2) The processor is weak and I'd replace it. As with what, it depends on your needs.

3) Not sure

4) I've personally never exceeded over 4GB of ram and I currently have 8GB in my laptop and unless your doing video, I don't see a need for anything over 4GB of ram unless of course for bragging rights.

5) Dunno

Hope I've helped

 

Re #2: How can I found out what exactly I can install as a CPU upgrade into this laptop? As it is a fairly new machine there isn't much CPU upgrade info yet.

 

You can't, it will be soldered in as it's an ultra book.