My ASUS G50vt-X5 and a few questions.

To start, I'd just like to say that these forums and this site were a BIG determining factor in my purchase decision, so thanks to all of you for making it a good one!

My ASUS G50vt-X5 has standard factory specs, so I'm sure you all know it by now. I just have a few questions about upgrades and the like.

Processor: I've seen a lot of threads about upgrading the G50vt-X5's P7450 to something as high as a X9100. Now, i'm not gunna shell out $1000 for that upgrade, as i could have just bought a better laptop with that money (G71 probably). I know that Clutch upgraded his to a t9600, but thats a little bit out of my price range. Would it be worth to upgrade the p7450 to something like the P8600? I'm also taking into consideration the fact that the P7450 doesnt support hardware virtualization and I had to reinstall almost all of my linux VMs from my old machine because they were 64-bit.

Also, there is nothing in the BIOS for hardware overclocking the P7450. I know that the DirectConsole can get it up to about 2.3GHz, but i feel i could squeeze 2.6GHz out of it, given the right tools. Is there any software of updates available to get this done?

Bluetooth: A small disappointment was the lack of integrated bluetooth on the X5. I was wondering how to utilize the bluetooth antenna thats just hanging around in the case. Would it be more economical to just get one of those tiny USB bluetooth adapters for about $20?

Webcam: Is it supposed to be really laggy?

Keyboard: Seems farfetched, but do they sell third party keyboards for the X5 that have backlights?


Overall, I must say I am very satisfied with the X5 and its configuration. The video card is what sold me on this computer and I'm so impressed by everything it can handle. To top it off, the X5 is also very aesthetically pleasing and makes for a great head turner in coffee shops.

Regards,
sarge21rvb

 

i dont think the p8600 will worth it since its not a big jump

yeah u will notice the difference but i dont thunk it will be that much

how much do u want to spend cuz u can find X9100 as low as 400 bucks on ebay

if u want to go low look at this one u wont believe the price

or this one even cheaper

if u dont want to spend too much get this one

or this one

good luck man


oh by the way i got the g50vt-x1 yesterday !!!

 

If you want to know about upgrades you should talk to Clutchx2.

 

Bluetooth: Assuming that the higher-end submodels have bluetooth, and they have simply removed it on the X5 to save costs: Do they sell the internal bluetooth on the ASUS eStore, perhaps? You could check.

Keyboard: I doubt it...

 

I was told by some one on this site that this should work with the X5.
http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=3254

 

I don't see anything linked from the G50 model, nor do searches reveal the exact model.

Maybe the OP can call the eStore and clarify that that is indeed the BT module needed.

 

Here is the forum where it was originally asked if there was a way to add bluetooth to it.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=370491

 

Yeah, even at 350, the x9100 is too much. That would bring the total cost of the computer to about 1100, which i dont want. The t9600 looks like my best bet, but even then its not worth the investment. I mostly want an upgrade for the Intel VT so i can 64bit VMs. Also, how would the DC work with a different processor?

As for bluetooth, that module looks ideal for what I'd want, but economically, I'd probably get the UBS adapter. The only thing is the adapter probably wouldn't work with the builtin BT light, which i find really cool, heh, but for $10 less, it might be worth it.

Still wondering about the OCing of the p7450.

Regards,
sarge21rvb

 

The main disadvantage with the external BT is just that: it's external, it takes space and an USB port. Personally I'd pay 10 extra dollars to avoid that. But only if I'd be sure that's the right part number.

 

Well i'd just stick in the USB in the back, and I'll still have 3 open USB ports that i could use. I only need my USB for my flash drive, as my external is eSATA and I can now use my phone via BT.

Also, I forgot to ask: What the hell is the antenna port on the side of the computer for? I'd assume some sort of TV tuner, but where would it go?

Regards,
sarge21rvb

 

It would go to an antenna, unless you mean where the other end goes. It goes to the Mini PCI-e slots thats inside the laptop on that side thats used for turbo memory, tv tuner in europe/asia or nothing as in your case.

 

I could get a p8600 or a p8400 for about $120. Do you think its worth it? I know GHz-wise, it's not a big jump, but the fact that the P8x00 series has VT makes a big difference for me. Also, from what I can tell, it's fairly easy to install the new processor as its easy to get to.

Regards,
sarge21rvb

 

The P8400 and P8400 have bigger L2 caches, so there's that.

 

P8600 for 120 is okay but the 8400 isnt worth more than 20 bucks lol 130 mhz? P8600 is a better jump in addition to the cache and VT-d support.

Second best cpu u can get for this at 300, normal unit too, T9800 - ebay

Expensive and will gt higher but 300 is about as cheap as ive ever seen a non es.

 

oops, double post...

 

I might end up going with the P8600. What tools are available for overclocking?

Also, does the X5 support more than 4GBs of RAM?

Regards,
sarge21rvb

 

SetFSB is the go-to app for overclocking on this forum.

Clutch is developing InDC, which will do what Asus Direct Console does. I do believe the X5 comes with DC, though.

And as far as I know the X5 maxes out at 4 GB RAM.

 

As far as I know it maxes out at 8GB of ram, also reported by everest ultimate. I havent seen anyone do it due to the insane cost of 8gb kits compared to 4gb and ive heard some chipsets being limited to 6.8 gb.

 

Ah okay, just wonder about the RAM. And I tried setFSB, but I can't find the chipset information for the X5. Is there something I'm missing?

Regards,
Tow'lin Tow

 

PLL is ICS9LPR604AGLF

 

would this be a Full mini pci-e or a half

thanks in advance
cge10

 

Is there an adapter for this antenna to a regular rf cable.... to connect to a cable box?