How modular are the ASUS F3J notebooks?

Hi, I thought I'd start a new thread on the possibilities of refreshing the different ASUS notebooks. I am just about to order a new laptop, and is being held back by doubts and uncertainties.

To make it easier to reply on this subject, I might just as well narrow this discussion to one model series, the F3J. I am really fired up on the F3Ja, as the graphics (my primary concern) should be just fine with the X1600.

Of course you can comment on other ASUS models if you want.

1. Is the processor soldered on the F3J(a) or is there a socket, so you can upgrade the processor in the future?

2. I was under the impression that ASUS favored the MXM technology, with exchangeable graphics cards. How is the F3J in this respect? This model is after all coming with the new X1700 in it, the F3Jp, so how do they do that?

Thanks for any information on this subject. I can live with the X1600, after all I have heard on this forum about it, it should be fine for my avid gaming purposes. But the model I am interested in is lacking in the processor department, with a CD 2300E. I would very much like a Merom in it, so: can I upgrade the proc afterwards?

Thanks all in advance, Cheers //Patrik

 

IF you mean portable, I wouldn't say very... especially for todays world. They would have been considered "mobile" a few years ago, but anything 6 pounds or more is what is really a desktop replacement today. Years ago when 17" notebooks were 12 pounds, 6 was light... really light... but when the W2 is like 7.5 pounds, 6 is heavy.

1. socketed cpus
2. you're not going to see mxm on their notebooks all that much.... all the graphics cards are different in all the different models and I haven't seen any mxm form factor used at all this year.

 

Thanks for fast response!

So you're telling me that the CPU is end-user upgradeable, that's great! Is this true for:

1. This model only
2. All ASUS machines
3. Notebooks in general

That would mean, that apart from not being able to replace a graphics card, the following is:

CPU
Memory
Harddrive

That's plenty of future proofing, I like it. Cheers //Patrik

 

Thats for all notebooks in general, but depending on the brand, it depends how lenient they are towards user upgrading. The CPU usually means the warranty is voided(There is a sticker attached to it). The RAM/HD is easily accessible and upgradable though.

 

1. The only soldered cpu I've ever seen Asus use in 5 years and some months was on the S5ne, as that much had a 1.0ghz ULV Banias Pentium-M. I'm fairly certain they won't use it again on anything 11" or larger.

From there, I couldn't tell you or care about other brands... I know Asus was certainly socketing cpus on smaller systems much longer than anyone else and that is one reason we got into their products around the turn of the century.