G51JX-A1 Hardware customizations

Hi. I've never customized a computer and only know some basic things about architecture (enough to understand specs, basically) and I was wondering that down the line when this laptop starts to go out of date if I can get add-ons/customizations for the hardware. I heard some laptops are more customizable than others, and being a 15.6" Asus I would think it would have some customizing capabilities.

In terms of adding on to it, I was thinking about getting some boosts for it so it will still perform exceptionally for games and other intense processes like that. Graphics card, RAM, processor, w/e, just give me a good idea of what I can take out and replace for this laptop.

Also, on a side note, I own an HP Touchsmart IQ526 all-in-one computer. Do you know what I can customize for this one, by any chance?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/what-notebook-should-i-buy/477878-asus-g51jx-sager-np8690.html

this discussion may be of some help. If the ASUS you are looking at is anything like the G73 series, Ram upgrades, and Video card upgrades are not easy. The hard drives in the Asus G51 and G73 are very easy to upgrade and I would highly recommend getting an intel 80 or 160 GiG HD depending on your storage needs. There is a great thread by Kalim on how to install Win 7 sans bloatware on a new hard drive. (look at any recent post by him and check out his signature, he did an awesome job).
If you need even more storage and a 17" HD screen I would at least look at the G73Jh-A1 or -A2. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

I just bought this comp a few months ago. I have no current interest in buying another for a while. (Plus my laptop is used lightly for portable purposes, and since it already weighs 10 lbs I couldn't buy a 17" even if I wanted.)

 

Iceshark, I hear that, these ASUS machines are pricey! Sorry I misunderstood your question, This thread has the instructions for a similar notebook
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/318551-asus-g50-notebook-disassembly-guide.html

Hope this helps. Are you looking to go Nvida or ATI for the GPU upgrade?
HAve you done any benchmarking with your present system?

 

Not sure what benchmarking is, really. I have a nVidiea GTS 360M, so if you know anything about that then there you go.

I was thinking nVidia just because it would be the same brand as the old GPU (if I replaced it) so yea.

 

Your rig's stats look excellent,
programs like fumark
Download FurMark v.1.8.0 | Catalog - X-DRIVERS.COM: eXtremly full software portal
let you 'stress' test your machine and/or give it a numerical score. Opinions about running this particular test vary widely on this forum. I ran it once and once temps got to 85 degree Celcius I stopped it. (only took 10 minutes)
I am not planning on running it again (no game I have played made temps go this high). I want to get 5 years out of mine.

 

Upgrades? Well, the g51 is easy to access - EVERYTHING is within reach with the bottom panel off.

In the future, get a Core2Quad, max out the ram and put in a second hard drive (if your model supports it). Video card upgrades may/may not happen ... the laptop may not have enough power to run a high end card in a year or so.

If you get the g73, there isn't much to upgrade - MOAR ramz? but seriously... even the low-end g73s are quite futureproof.