G50VT-X8 vs G51V-RX05

I can't seem to decide between the G50VT-X8 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220557) on newegg or best buy's G51VX-RX05 ( http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9366651&type=product&id=1218092150636). I'm leaning toward the X8 because of the faster cpu and all the heat issues I keep hearing about the G51. I was wondering if anyone's bought the X8 and can tell me how well it can play games and manage heat. Also I'm curious about the warranty on the newegg website. 1 year accident forgiveness, isn't that the same as no warranty at all? If not can I get a second year if I buy with a credit card?

 

You've gotta include more than that, such as, what exactly is pushing you back and forth?

 

Get the G51 everything is much better on it compared to the G50 except for the CPU but that can easily be fixed upgrading to a better one
Be warned it does void your warranty

 

Wait.... is that right.... that G51 has a 15.6" and not a 15.4"?

 

They both are 15.6" laptops

 

I mean the G50 sorry, so they have a 15.6" one now...

 

Didn't Asus recently release a BIOS update aimed towards fixing the heat issue? The GPU heat is relatively high, but it's in no way critical to the system. I would get the G51 simply because it just seems more future proof. You can replace the CPU eventually when it really starts to take a toll on your performance and the G51 is even quad core compatible. GPU is usually more of a bottleneck than the CPU in gaming, so why not settle for the better one?

 

The bios fix is for the G71, not the G51.

 

From the Asus facebook page: FYI to any G51 G71 owners from Best Buy, a new BIOS will be released 7/3/09 ill post a link once released
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/ASUSOfficialPage?ref=mf

So apparently there's going to be a G71 and a G51 BIOS update...

 

Sorry, I'm going back and forth between the two because while the G51 has a better GPU, the G50 looks like a better overall package since its GPU isn't to shabby and it has a much better CPU.

I'm also concerned about the warranty as well. I know that I can get 2 years warranty on the G51 (1 year plus 1 more by buying from a credit card) while the G50 doesn't seem to have any warranty. Can someone clarify how the accident warranty works? Does it work like any normal warranty (free shipping, full service etc) and can I double it by buying from a credit card?

 

Warranty info.

Plus, all Asus laptops come with a 2 year standard warranty ( well, not from BB, but they retain them from newegg and resellers ).

As for which to pick, I would say go for the whichever suits your needs. Personally, I am waiting for an inbetweener of the G51 to show up on newegg. The CPU on the BB model is lacking, as I need a high clocked Duo for what I do, but the one that Gentech and XoticPC have is expensive. Another reason I dont like BB is not only for the fact that they remove the Asus warranty ( well, they sort of replace it, though theirs is shorter ), but they also remove all the extra accessories that youre supposed to get, such as the mouse, bookbag, CDs, etc,etc.

I dont usually recommend it, but I say you should wait for a little bit for newegg to show their G51 models, and wait for Asus to apply fixes to their systems and then make a decision.

Personally, I may actually end up getting the G50 depending on the price and hardware configuration of the G51.

 

Since the X8 has the 30-day ZBD and 1 year accident forgiveness, it almost definitely also has the standard Asus 2 year warranty. I would call Newegg to get confirmation on this (or Asus possibly), but it should be warrantied better than the BestBuy version.

 

Oh hmm I'll look into it. Does the Best Buy laptop also have accident forgiveness? Is there a review of the X8 posted anywhere? Does anyone know how it performs compared to the RX05?

 

I dont believe so, you would have to ask someone else who knows, preferrably BB.

As for a review, not yet. To be honest, I believe that laptop is actually quite new. I think its only like a week old. That being said, I dont believe there are any reviews yet.

As for compared to the G51, its basically the 9800mGS vs GTX 260m. The GTX 260m is better, obviously, but how much better, Im not completely sure. I know they are based on the same core, but have difference clocks, and the GTX 260m has also twice the shader cores. As for the actually performance, gaming benchmarks are your friend.

 

Hey ladies and gets...

I have a question which I can't seem to answer.

My older brother ordered the X8 from newegg yesterday for me as I decided he could use his credit card instead of mine; and I was wondering, how would I be able to register for the 2 year warranty...

I mean, Do I use my name or my brother's name?

I am sure they wouldn't care who bought the laptop, right? What if someone buys the laptop for you as a present. I am sure there is a way to register for 2 year warranty at Asus's website which won't require the buyer's information? I know they require a receipt to be mailed, but other then that I have no clue. I apologize for so many question. My first Asus laptop, but this will be my 3rd laptop.

Can someone clarify it a bit?
I would surely APPRECIATE it.

Thanks in advance!
-Leonid

 

Guys, this is my newer account "xLeonid" From now on, I'll use this one.

Sorry for double posting even though they are 2 different accounts.

Also, I might do a quick review of the G50vt -X8 once I get it.

Thanks,
Best Regards, Leonid

PS: quote this one.

 

I'm not sure but I honestly don't think that it'll make a difference who buys the laptop as long as you explain it to them.

PS looking forward for your review, maybe it'll push me into buying this

 

Yep me too. I wish newegg would release their specs! ahhgggg.... this waiting game is driving me nuts.

Met too but I wish Newegg's G50VT-X6 would come back down to the ~$1200 price range it was at 2 weeks ago. grrr

 

;_; Me too...

It was a sweet deal when it was like $1150.

 

I should be getting this on Tuesday or Thursday of the next week.

I'll post pictures and frame rates of some games, perhaps.

Leonid M

 

One could only wish that the G51 that shows up is similarly specced with a nice price.

Is it just me, or do most people want the G51 with something like a P8600/8700 with WSXGA+ resolution ( or whatever the 16:9 variant is ) for a good price ( like $1200 or so ) ? Thats all I want, but it seems as if its too much to ask.

 

Basically the X6 with a better card, and with a sub-$1500 pricetag. I'd be sold too.

 

I know I do. If the newegg model comes out and it's as expensive as the xotic or gentech models I'm going to BestBuy to buy their inferior model because it's got more bang for the buck

 

If that happens, Ill likely go for the x8. A weak CPU like the 7450 just wont cut it. If not for all the stripping BB does, the G71 would be a good candidate as well.

 

/edit nvm... found it.

 

Concerning warranties, Asus says they are not transferrable. However, I don't know if that's before registering it online or not. In any case you could always have your brother RMA it in your name if you have issues.

As for performance... hmm.

For most games the G51 will come out on top, because the higher video card trumps the X8's stronger processor. Of course, it might be a close tie in some games, like processor-heavy, multi-threading oriented games like Supreme Commander.

For programs I will assume that the X8 would be better because of the processor. I don't so heavy application work on my X6, but I assume that even 3D-editting programs make more use of the CPU than the video card. Like I said above, though, some programs might make their performance very close.

At this point I think it's about warranty. The X8 is a competent-looking machine that will keep you satisfied for a while, and it has the awesome Asus warranty. In comparison, my slightly faster X6 has awesome performance in almost all the games I've thrown at it, and Crysis I can competently play.

The Best Buy g51 is more future proof, because of the weak warranty and its expandibility. After one year you'll be more inclined to slapping on new components, and this thing accepts quads. Hell, I'm buying a G51 just so I can experiment on it.

 

Thanks for the info about the Asus warranty. Now, the reason why I chose X8 because of the CPU. In my opinion, CPU is one of most vital parts in an any computer. I don't like when the CPU is the bottleneck in any given system. For example, at the moment I have Dell Vostro 1500 with core 2 duo 1.4 Ghz which is decent enough for everyday usage, but for the programs such as After Effect, Photoshop, 3Ds Max, is quite slow. Even though I am not majoring in Mass Media, I do intend to use those particular applications quite frequently.

All in all, I certainly know that 9800m gs is a brilliant card for the price I am paying. Hell, I paid 1100$ for my HP pavillioin DV6000 with Turion TL 60 90nm @ 2Ghz and 7200 Go back in November of 2006, which used to heat up like crazy. I learned my lesson... Don't buy an AMD processor for your laptop, unless you know that laptop has a VERY good cooling system or invest in cooling pads. NO, Thanks...! I'll just stick with Intel CPU in my lappy's.

BTW, my brother has TX2000 tablet with Turion X2 TL 60 65nm @ 2Ghz. That thing heats up like crazy. Of course, I do know that the tablet is quite small and the ~33 watt CPU needs rather good cooling. :/

Sorry for going [Off Topic]

Again, I surely believe that this is the best bang for your buck.

 

Also, in general Intel chips beat AMD chips in terms of power.

Anyway, for what you want to use your computer for--looks like rendering work and editing--then the X8 is the perfect package. Like I said, the 9800m GS is by no means a pushover, and with a heavier processor it'll thin the margin with the G51 somewhat. And don't forget the overclock when you need the performance.

(The 9800m GS is essentially a 9800m GTS--which is nominally a "better" card--with different manufacturing and slower clocks. Overclocking programs can raise your GPU to higher settings, making your gaming experience better)


Anyway, tell us how it works once you get it.

 

Couldn't have agreed more... I am in Computer Science field and I am well aware that CPU power is essential in Media content, so I think I am in a good position by choosing the X8

Yup! My Vostro 1500 with 8400m GS is currently running at 640/1450/540. I flashed the bios and no need to overclock with Rivatuner or AtiTool. I am also intending to bios flash the 9800m GS. By the way, I have a client who will buy the vostro for 300$.

I have planned on doing an in-depth review of the product, although I would like to know whether I should keep Vista or right of way install Win 7 and do a review with it. I suppose there wouldn't be any significant graphics performance difference between Vista and Win 7. Once I get, I'll see what I'll do. Maybe dual boot Win 7?

Best Regards, Leonid M

 

I recently traded my desktop for an x6. The guy contacted asus support and they removed the serial number off his account and they let me register it under my account. I don't know if they do this regularly, but I guess they do transfer warranties.

 

Hey xleonid do you know if the x8 you bought from newegg has the asus 2 year global warranty? I would to see you test it with windows vista because I'll probably be using that until 7 comes out but its your call I'll be happy with just a review

 

Would anyone happen to know how a 1366x768 res looks on a 15.6" screen? The only thing holding me back from buying this is the res as I'm sort of used to a 1900x1200 res on a 17". Would it be worth it to go with the X6 (although the price is a huge turn off)?

 

Okay, that sounds really good. I suppose I'll do the same thing with the X8. Thanks for the insight.

Now, about that I am not sure, but I remember people say that Asus G50vt Series from Newegg comes with 2 years of warranty + the "1 year ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty - Drops, Fire, Spill, Surge"

I've decided to stick with Win Vista for the reviews and testing.

As for this, I am used to 1280x800, so I think for me 1366x768 will be decent enough. As long as it has decent viewing angles, I am happy.

 

Yeah I'm not sure either, its seems that asus would only give you the 1 year accident warranty and nothing else as the newegg site says especially when the 1 year accident warranty is supposed to be complementary to their 2 year warranty. =/ if you could tell me how much warranty the laptop has when you find out that would be great as its the only thing keeping me from buying the laptop, that and your review

 

Well, I am sure it has at least 1 year of parts and labor warranty, but it's not mentioned on newegg. I'll contact Newegg about the warranty on Monday after work. The product is fairly new at Newegg, and they might have forgotten to mention that on the 'specifications' page.

As for the review, I can't wait to receive the laptop and review it.


Best Regards, Leonid

 

Newegg Asus laptops have the 1-year accidental and the two-year global warranty.

Just so you know though, I haven't had to use their warranties.

 

Thanks for the insight! ClutchX2 in other post also cleared out the problem quite well regarding the warranty.


Best Regards, Leonid M

 

Guys, I just took a look at the Sager NP8662 and Asus G51V.
The Np 8662 has a much cooler temp than the G51V, around 40ish and 70ish at full load.
Both have the same GPU, just the CPU is diff by .2 GHz. I'm thinking of gettting the NP rather than ASUS. The price diff is ard 500. But I guess itll worth the laptop's life span
Here's the link for NP8662 review
http://techcompnow.blogspot.com/2009/04/sager-np8662-gaming-notebook.html:D