For those of you ordering an Asus C90...

1) Yes, and double the video memory at 512mb instead of 256mb, so for those intensive games that do focus on memory, like FEAR, you'll manage much better FPS.

2) It's expected to come early June, as far as I can tell.

3) GenTechPC does not, but MileStonePC certainly does. Only downside is that you're paying $200 more, but they do a price match. So first do a quote on the GenTechPC site, send it to MileStonePC, and you can dock the difference.

 

this is good news
kinda hell of a deal ^^

 

I really want to find out real physical dimensions and heat&noise of this book. If I can fit it into a normal laptop bag for 15.4'' notebooks and it doesn't come with a free electric turbo-heater in it's a**, then I could still go for it - it still has the best price/performance ratio with a decent brand and styling...

 

milestonepc just replied to me that the last time he tlaked to asus, they said it would be GDDR2 and not 3

any confirmation on this or 3? woulds be pretty p1ssed if ordering one of these oversea and get just another crippled gfx card like acer and the rest use

 

Im very much intrested in this. As a hardcore system builder for desktop units, finaly I feel more at home on the laptop market.

a 6600 or lower will do you just fine and you can even overclock them. Thats ALOT more cpu power for ALOT cheaper than there mobile brothers. Problem is as stated before 25w of heat dispursment for a gpu is not a whole lot given how much heat some cards give out now days. I guess this is a good reason for gpu makers to finaly dial down the power/heat issues on there gpus that have been going up and up latley. a Die shrink is just around the corner tho. ATI has some lower end cards on the new smaller process and I think Nvidia has some too comming out (desktop cards) they can easily incoroporate this die shrink into there moble parts and give you a remade gpu with about 20% less power use and heat produced than what we currently have.

Sadly tho no matter what notebook gpu you use, its not going to stand up to the desktop side, so when paired with a ultra powerfull desktop cpu that cpu power for the most part will go to waist. So dont expect gaming to suddenly be better. Its almost all gpu limited (few exceptions like FSX) but for other things like watching HD content, loading programs, compiling video, ect ect... there is a large boost to be gained with the idea of using desktop cpus.

So on that note anybody know about this place??

http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=C90S

gentech computers? they have dirt cheap prices for a one of these and just want to know if its legit... its the 1st google result so thats a good sign.

 

I would not worry too much about if it comes with GDDR2 or GDDR3, clock for clock they are pretty much the same.....if the GDDR3 one has a higher default clock, then it is another story.

http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjA4LDEsLGhlbnRodXNpYXN0
(yea a really old article but you get the idea..)

 

ZEPTO 6224W 8600M GT 512MB GDDR2 = 400mhz = aprox. 3850 3DM06
ASUS G1S 8600M GT 256MB GDDR3 = 700mhz = aprox. 4750 3DM06

at 1024x768, almost same rig (2.2ghz c2d, 2 gig ram, vista)

so that should be quite a difference
and if the C90S has 512MB GDDR3 it should even perform at least a bit better than the G1S when it comes to such high standard resolutions...

the question between GDDR2 and GDDR3 makes the final decision - at least for me

 

The difference is because the clock (400mhz vs 700mhz) not gddr2 vs gddr3(well..1-3% maybe)....what I am saying is clock plays a much much much more important role than gddr2 vs gddr3 itself....gddr3 does have a better overclocking potential though because it is designed to run at a much higher clock..

 

That's interesting that Milestone told you it was gddr2... Ken at Gentech in another recent thread said specifically the c90 had gddr3...

chris

 

i know that there is no difference when running at same clockspeed but the GDDR2 is limited to 400mhz only, while GDDR3 can run 700mhz or more easily (look at the desktopcards using GDDR3).

thats my only point

@ cmart4: he did not tell me that it will surely have GDDR2, he just answered that the last time he spoke with some1 from asus (which could be several weeks ago, even before it was clear what kinda vram to use) they said something about GDDR2. but i personally doubt they use GDDR2 cuz it seems their modulemanufacturer uses GDDR3 anyway (like the G1S already showed us)....

do you have a link to this thread or posting?

 

what the *** !?

The Asus G1S never reaches 4750 Points @ 3DM06 (without OC). Check G1S Review and you ll see it reaches aprox. 3816 Points, which is as good as the same as the GDDR2.

btw: Does anyone know when the C90 will be avaible in Europe ?

 

gotcha.

The GDDR2 had hit 1600Mhz(800Mhz) actually, but probably too expensive to manufacture so we don't see it around.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/memory/display/20030828165211.html

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1998253#post1998253

half way down the page.

edit:*** this is in the reply to skynetwork where he asked where ken said it was GDDR3

he was talking about at 1024x786 resoltion. The only resolution we have scores for both.

 

check post #125
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=125246&page=13

i sincerely hope it is gddr3...

chris

 

Brian from gentechpc just told me that it's GDDR3

 

so any news on current shipping status?

 

i checked today and my order is still in pending status... hopefully soon!

 

maybe kinda ridiculous question but i currently have no clue what kinda features the chipset supports... so my question is: are these "robson modules" usable in this book (vista only ofc)? or do only the santa rosa mobile chipsets support these mini-pcie cards? and also: how many pcie-ports does the c90s have? 1 (for wlan module) or 2? any infos?

 

Ok...so i dont really know to much about computers but i was thinking, instead of a desktop processor in the c90, is there a way you could just put in a laptop processor and make the battery life better. I mean it would basically be like a G1s if you could do that right?

 

But, you can't. The C90 uses a different socket (LGA775) than the Merom C2D's (Socket M, I believe). Which means, two very distinct pin layouts on the CPU.

 

Oh thanx, that sux..would be awesome if it was optional laptop processor instead of desktop.

 

That would defy the whole point of the c90

 

Yeah because a 2.6ghz desktop cpu is cheaper than a 2.0ghz laptop cpu...

Plus it can be overclocked

 

C90 for Europe plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!! I want to spend money, come on!

 

I can give you my paypal addy

 

Ahah ok, but I want a C90 then And you pay for the shipping if I need to use the warranty

 

I dont think Robson will work. Desktop chips have no need for it since their harddisks are much faster and the extra power consumption doesnt matter.

Maybe if other companies creat something similar to robson as a addin express card or mini pci-e then you can use it.

 

If this gets a good review, i'll definetly buy one! Im looking at the F3sv-a1 right now but very hesitant cuz I want a 8600gt, jus dont wanna spend 1800+

 

Yeah all these G1S owners, we need some c90 peeps to pop up.

have they even shiped any units out yet is the question. I think a small handfull of people here have ordered a c90 and it just hasnt been shiped yet.

 

I know! It's weird, Gentech says that the ETA is mid June but Milestone says it's late May. Well, May's over so I guess it's mid June

 

Guess that i'll have this as my future notebook..
loox nice by price and performance

 

Here is my rant on the C90 - because it uses the power-hungry Conroe CPU, the C90 will not last very long off of the battery compared to laptops using Intel's mobile CPUs. Plus, all of those fans on the C90 cuts the power down even more. 10-15 minutes off of battery running on performance? Ridiculous. You might as well buy a desktop if you are looking at having the C90 plugged in all the time.

There is a reason we pay a premium for Intel's mobile CPUs - they are nearly as strong yet they use much less power. Imagine if you actually have to use the laptop in an area that lacks outlets; your Conroe power-sucking laptop would drain the battery in no time. So of course the price/performance ratio looks very nice but if you look at the price/longevity ratio, you've just been skewered.

 

yes,but you can't buy a merom processor separately.
thats why asus c90 uses conroe processors.
you don't always have to put an E6700
means that you can choose lower clocks by sacrificing perfomance over the battery.
anyways,we all know that even conroe is at its lowest clock(lets say E6300 at 1.83Ghz) verses an T5600(same clock 1.83Ghz).
the winner,clearly is E6300.
and it would suck your battery power,and the notebook likely to be last longer maybe for 30minutes-1hour

 

You guys can undervolt the cpu too to match the moble version probably. I can run stock clocks on my Opteron with almost half of the stock voltage. C2D go up to like 3.2ghz average on stock volts, cut that down to the moble version and it should run in the mid 2ghz area no problem once you have it broken in some.

 

Well,u cant move a desktop around,right? maybe some people can but
for the rest of us its not an easy task. I think u r mistaken about the "10-15 mins on performance mode", its actually overclocked mode. Basically, if u do something naughty, it will get u. The battery life is on par with Dell E1705,about 2-3 hours. Besides, u can easily find power outlet this days in most area, unless u r stationed in Iraq. So i dont see what ur argument is getting at.

 

I agree 100%. Besides, the people that are looking at laptops like these aren't planning on moving them around A LOT anyway. Why would someone who travels all day (like someone in school for example) want a 7-pound laptop unless they didn't mind the weight? I only move for 5 minutes between classes so weight won't bother me too because classes are 50 minutes long (one heck of a break huh?). But the C90S only get 10-15 minutes when the processor is overclocked 25% (I think?). Oh, by the way, 10-15 minutes is definitely an exaggeration I'd say something closer to 20 minutes haha.

 

yeah..but how about E6300?
its 1.83Ghz
probably IMHO it would last at least 1.5 hours b4 coming to dead

 

seriously.... whoever buys this kinda laptop doesn't really care about batterylife anyway...

if batterylife would be an important criteria you would buy something else but not such a powermachine. this baby is all about power, not about total mobility. its more of a desktop to carry around.

 

Battery life is not a concern for me at all. I intend to use this in my office and to take over to my brother's house to play BF2142. Hence the mobility aspect of it. Nowadays you can find an outlet pretty much anywhere. I was also able to purchase the recommended cooling pad for this laptop from EggHead at a great deal as well. Check out the link: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16834999416

 

thanks for the link, i was looking for a good notebook cooler and this one looks great.

chris

 

isn't speedball better?
i don't think that cooler that has many fans is useful.

 

Asus C90S 15.4" WSXGA+/GeForce 8600M GT 512M MXM
II/Bluetooth/FingerPring/Webcam $969.00 $969.00

Installation: Hardware Install
Carrying Case: Included
Warranty: 2 Years Warranty $59.00 $59.00
RAM: Corsair 2GB DDR-2 667 SODIMM (2X1024)
HD: Seagate Momentus 7200.2 120GB 7200rpm S-ATA 300
Operating System: None
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo Conroe E6700 2.66 GHz 1066FSB 4M
Heatsink, Fan, Thermal Paste: Included
Arctic Silver 5 (CPU purchase required)
WiFi: Intel(r) PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/b/g/n
AC Adapter: One AC Adapter Included
Webcam: Built-in 2.0 MP Webcam
Bluetooth: Built-in Bluetooth™ V2.0+EDR
Optical Drive: 8 x DVD-RW Dual Layer Super Multi
GPU: Upgradable GeForce 8600 GT 512MB MXM 2.0
Screen: 15.4" WSXGA+ 1680X1050 Glossy
Availability: Pre-Order, ETA mid June
Fingerprint Reader: Built-in
Platform: Desktop Replacement Notebook

I want to hook this to the following things

mouse- Logitech MX518
external hd- Fantom G-Force MegaDisk MDC1000 1TB 7200 RPM
ups- CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD 1500VA 900W UPS
bookbag-Targus Black 17" XL Notebook Backpack Model TXL617
lcd- BenQ FP241W Black 24" (my 360 is going to this)
speakers- Onkyo HT-S790 home theater system

For those of u complaining about the power draining cpu, umm I think this is more like a... DESKTOP REPLACEMENT LAPTOP THAT CAN BE UPGRADED!!!! Jesus who is actually away from a outlet for more then an hour on a normal basis? If ur in ur car ac/dc converter! This is what everyone that loves pc's as much as i do has been waiting for, a true desktop replacement. If you are one of those people that wanted a user upgradable laptop and know ur moaning cuz of battery life, kick rocks and dont spoil it for the rest of us which is 9/10 true pc users an techies. Back to why this is the best laptop

For those of you who are in my situation, if you where considering the g1s-a1 then you where going to spend at least 1,900.00. I have the c90 configed with a E6700, a 160gb 7200rpm hd(might change that 2 120 cuz of the 1tb), 2gb cosair ram, wireless card, and it comes with GeForce 8600 GT 512MB MXM 2.0(it says included if u config it on gentechs site). And you know how much that config cost? a lil less then 1,700.00 bucks! If you where gonna build a desktop like me I think this is the smarter buy because you know have a portable laptop and a fully capable desktop. I just want to know what the deal is with upgrading the vid card before i buy. I emailed gentech this morning on it, still no reply

 

IMO, I still prefer G1S! You will realised what i mean one day if you choose C90S...

 

Im super tempted to hit the "buy" button for the C90S, but I am still waiting for reviews on the heat/noise/battery.

I have ordered other stuff to go with it tho that I can use no matter what notebook I choose.

I hit the go button for the 250GB Western Digital Scorpio for 192$ 2nd best performance right now just under the 160gb 7200 Seagate but for 35$ more you get 90GB more storage so sounds like a no brainer to me!

I hit the go button for Vista Home Premium Academic Upgrade 70$ shipped. Its an upgrade disk with academic pricing. Its a full retail code, can go on as many machines as I want, and also gives me rights for a free x64 version wich is exactly why I got it (well also I guess I need vista on my desktop too so its a win/win but I'll stick with XP till I get a DX10 card in there)

 

I am not sure if this was mentioned, but on RJTech's website they are offering two graphics options: an 8500M 256MB and an 8600M 512MB.

 

Well if its a desktop replacement, why not just build yourself an actual desktop? It'll be cheaper, run cooler, and you'd get better performance out of it (as far as the GPU goes anyways and maybe with the mobo too). I mean if you ask me, I think the only reason why you need it in a laptop form is so you can carry it around places, other wise it kinda defeats the purpose of making it in a laptop form. So in this regard, the battery life is a big set back.

And I have a feeling one of you are gonna say "Ooooh you can carry it to LAN parties", well you can build yourself a mini computer, in a smaller case, which isn't more than 1 ft^,3 prolly less. And you can get the same performance if not better than a laptop "desktop replacement" and you still retain some portability.

I dunno just my 2 cents on this.

 

I would not compare the C90 to a fully capable desktop, you can get a desktop with an E6600, 8800GTS 640 and 22" WSXGA+ screen for under $1500 (DIY, of course).

 

First of all, the C90S can upgrade to all of the 8m cards unlike the G1S. Basically the only thing the G1S has going for it self is a longer battery life. If battery life is a concern, buy extra batteries for the c90s and then you will get same battery life, way better upgradability and performance and still cheaper.

 

the c90 is like a very very very portable desktop.... It works perfectly for me since i just go from the office to my home, and once in a while i go to a friends house to play some games. Even if i go to a libary i always end up connecting it to a power outlet.

RJtech.com has ETA June 21!!!!!!!!!

 

Exactly - don't compare a laptop to a desktop, it is like apples and oranges. Laptops are great for simplicity, desktopsvare great for power.