The Comprehensive ASUS G50 Guide (Models, Troubleshooting, Vista/XP/7, Overclocking, Undervolting, Mods & Upgrades)

MASSIVE WORK IN PROGRESS
Table of Contents

Post 1 - Model/Part Information
ASUS G50 Models
Compatible Parts
Part Numbers
Accessories
Miscellaneous
Post 2 - XP/Vista/7, Linux & Software Mods
Setting Up XP for the G50 (Downgrade or Dual Boot)
Vista and the G50
Setting Up 7 for the G50
Overclocking the G50 (ASUS Direct Console, SetFSB)
Undervolting the G50 (RMclock, CPUGenie)
Post 3 - Troubleshooting & Repairs
G50V Specific Troubleshooting
G50VT Specific Troubleshooting
Maintenance and Dis-assembly
Frequently Asked Questions

ASUS G50 Models
The ASUS G50 is a mid-range gaming laptop based around the Intel Centrino 2 Platform using the Monetevina PM45 chipset. It offers performance with a budget as well as unique features such as sporting dual hard drive bays in a 15.6 inch package. The original G50V models where equipped with an nVidia GeForce 9700M GT while the refreshed G50Vt offered a more powerful 9800M GS. The Intel ICH9M SATA Controller gives the G50 RAID 0/1 capability while providing compatibility options for XP and earlier operating systems. ASUS offers a 15.4 inch 1680x1050 16:10 screen as well as a 15.6 inch 1366x768 16:9 screen in various models.

Model Comparison and Specifications:

Some G50VT Model Information came from a thread compiled by DeltaCT - Source.

All models included these specifications and features:

Compatible Parts
Compatible Processors: All Monetevina Core 2 Duo Processors should work in the G50, Core 2 Quad Processors do not work. T6400, T6600, T9400, T9550, T9600, T9800, T9900, P7350, P7450, P8400, P8600, P8700, P8800, P9500, P9600, P9700, X9100

Compatible Ram: 200 Pin DDR2 677Mhz and 800Mhz Ram up to 8GB.

Compatible Hard Drives: 2.5 Inch SATA 150/300 up to 1 TB (2 x 500 GB).

Compatible Optical Drives: Standard SATA laptop optical drives of both the DVD and BluRay variety should work only requiring the faceplate swap to properly fit the unit. (Will list known stock and usable models).

Compatible Screens: The stock screens are AU Optronics B156XW01 V.0 for the 1366x768 models and B154SW01 V.B for the 1680x1050 models. X5 owner motok has reported his screen was made by chi mei.

Part Numbers

Accessories

Miscellaneous

MASSIVE WORK IN PROGRESS

 

MASSIVE WORK IN PROGRESS
Setting Up XP for the G50 (Downgrade or Dual Boot)
The G50 can install and run XP by simply changing the SATA mode from enhanced to compatible in the bios. This however is no fun if your running other operating systems already installed. The simple solution is to use nLite to slipstream the Intel SATA driver into your XP install and while your at it you can slip stream the latest service pack. This whole processor only requires a working computer with a burner, your xp cd or iso and a blank CD. The drivers where originally listed by GenTechPC for the G50V HERE and mentions of the known dual boot method installing after vista HERE.

Slipstreaming ICH9M driver and Service Pack 3
You may skip this step if you plan to run XP by itself, I however recommend taking the time to do so as it is very simple. Download the latest nLite from http://www.nliteos.com/, download the ICH9M driver from Intel and finally if you want to throw in Service Pack 3 (or 2 if you dont have it and dont wish to use 3) download that from Micosoft here is the SP3 link.

Install and run nLite, select the CDRom drive as the installation source and then specify where to put the files that are being created. It will take a few moments for nLite to copy the CD, if you already had the files extracted as some experienced slip streamers are used to doing this will be alot faster. Click next and again skipping the presets and you will be presented with your menu of things to do. You will need to select at this time each thing your planning todo so for me its drivers and service packs and bootable iso. If you planned on doing a service pack you will be presented with this step first after clicking next. Direct it to the executable you downloaded from microsoft and it will automatically begin the process of integrating the service pack. The next step is the Intel SATA/RAID driver, extract the contents of the downloaded driver and click insert and single driver selecting iaStor.inf as the file for the driver. Leave textmode driver selected, from here you can select all the drivers or just the next to last ICH9M-E/M it doesnt matter but you do need that one. After this is finished click next and say yes to starting the update process you will be brought to the ISO/CD creation. You have two choices here and its mainly do you want a backup copy of the iso and do you know how to burn one, if not change the mode to Direct Burn to just have it burn a cd. After creating and burning you are done congratulations, easier then it sounded right?

Installing XP after the OEM Vista Install (Also triple booting with 7RC)
If you are installing XP after the oem vista installation, Vista will not be able to boot until it is repaired. This repair can be done from any Vista or 7 cd but if all you have is a restore disc then download a stripped repair disc from HERE and burn it. Run the repair/install disc and select the first step of setting up the OS and look to the bottom left you will see an option for repair, run and reboot. You will need to download and run EasyBCD from HERE to add XP to vista's bootloader.

If you are trying to triple boot The Vista OEM, XP and 7 RC this is VERY easy. Partition the drive for the 3 OS's and install XP killing vista's bootloader. Install 7 and the bootloader will be repaired and all 3 OS's will be automatically added to the bootlist with no need to edit.

Preparing for, and installing XP
Unless you have two computers one thing you will want for sure is the WiFi driver as Vista is temporarily disabled as we install XP. If you are dual booting you will need a separate partition, this can be done within Vista or using a bootable gpart cd. If you are installing XP only then you are ready to go, if you slipstreamed the driver everything from here is normal. If you are using a vanilla XP cd then you will need to change the SATA mode to compatible in the bios accessed by pressing F2 at boot time.

Drivers
Note that the install order does matter for a couple of things. GenTechPC note the Intel chipset driver for the motherboard should be installed before some of the others. In practice the first two things we install is the Wifi Driver and the graphics driver. Wifi if you dont have it already - Intel 5000 series WiFi driver You have a few choices in your graphics driver and can grab them straight from nVidia if you so wish however if I may point to a time tested driver DOX 182.05.

If you still have your G50V/VT Driver disc most of the stuff you need is on here and works on XP. As mentioned by GenTechPC the ir driver, direct console and the facial recognition do not work. If you do not have the driver disc you can click the mirror link next to each driver. I installed in the order as quoted with reboots where GenTech placed the spaces.

The ExpressGate is only needed (if you want it) if XP is the first or only OS installed, If already installed on Vista its there. On my G50VT the touchpad setup did not work, if you want the extra functionality provided by the driver try the synaptics website.

Vista and the G50
All of the drivers needed for 32 and 64 bit vista are included with the G50. The G50 itself comes with 64 bit Vista and outside of a couple of frames per second in 32 bit gaming (XP) it is the best operating system at this time for those who want to get the user experience intended.

Setting Up 7 for the G50
Video driver aside windows 7 works with most of the G50 out of the box. The video driver is avaliable from windows update or nvidia as well as my choice of DOX 185.85 works well with 7.

As of the current RC many things dont work unless you follow a specific install order. aidar77 has found a method for getting the software to work and is posted here - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=388422

Linux on the G50
ALLurGroceries, our resident Linux on ASUS expert has started a G50/51 thread here - http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=394692

Overclocking the G50 (ASUS Direct Console, SetFSB)

SetFSB

Undervolting the G50 (RMclock, CPUGenie)

Overclocking the 9700M GT (G50V)

Overclocking the 9800M GS (G50VT)

MASSIVE WORK IN PROGRESS

 

MASSIVE WORK IN PROGRESS
G50V Specific Troubleshooting

G50VT Specific Troubleshooting

Maintenance and Dis-assembly

Frequently Asked Questions

MASSIVE WORK IN PROGRESS

 

I love you Clutch.

 

This is the best Idea I've ever heard.

 

Go ahead Clutch . I hope you have enough time to do your job, to program the Direct Console replacement, and finish this work. Bloody good work.

 

Great!!

I know this will be a favorite thread.

 

Very nice idea !

We did the most part in French here !
If you need something, feel free to register and PM me there, i'm the board admin. We could help each other, and free the time you need to finish the InDirect Console ^^

 

Next is a g50-g51 internal convertion!!!

 

I'm pretty sure all G50s can take up to 8GBs of RAM, not just the G50vt. I'll find the link and post it up asap

Edit: eh, does anyone know where the search button went? I can't seem to find it :S

 

I wasnt yet sure, ASUS originally claimed 4 but sometimes this is because of the max config amount.

The chipset will support 8 GB i had pm'd several G50v owners to ask and so far only one got back to me and didnt have an answer.

 

Nice guide so far, Clutch. I'm looking forward to read the completed version

 

Don't wait up. While I will probably add a little everyday I have paused for an extensive review of the Logitech MX Revolution. Will probably be more extensive then the Zalman review.

Who knew there was so much to test in a mouse lol.

 

Nice, can't wait.

 

Why don't you list G50V(t)'s 9-cell battery, BD Combo drive?
That would help a lot of people to upgrade their G50V(t).

 

.........do I even need to comment on that suggestion at this time..... *Resumes writing XP and 7 sections of guide*

 

Lol, seriously. Good stuf man. My primary OS on the G1S is Windows 7 x64.

 

I'd like to know your take on the Zalman versus the Antec 200 coolers?

 

Aw man, that Windows 7 incompatibility is lame! I'll probably still use it though since its so much snappier than Vista x64.

Thanks for the info and keep up the good work!

EDIT: Will I even need a laptop cooler for this machine? I only need one on my G1S when I'm playing overclocked.

 

In the early days of these models there was talk of wonky keyboards - key presses not being registered.

Is that still the case?

I was going to pick up another Gateway FX, but the refurn G50s on eBay have really caught my eye.

 

The keyboard on mine works fine. It just takes some getting used to cuz its larger than the one on my old G1S-X1.

 

There doesn't seem to be any complianing about it, so you are right. It is probably safe.

 

I'm looking forward to this thread getting finished. I'm most likely going to order a G50VT-x6 at the end of the month when the Windows 7 Upgrade program begins!

 

It is pretty sweet. Mine is a G50 with a G50Vt mobo (according to the refurb sticker on the bottom).

I got 8800 3dmarks out of the box in extreme turbo mode. I think thats about what I got with my 6831 after I installed C2D extreme CPU.

The off center kb takes some getting used to.

 

i got the hotkeys to work in win7

 

The current RC or an older version that has more of vistas code then vista does?

 

Do the GTS flash (assuming your machine can hold the overclock) and install the Dox 185.85 drivers for a better boost. I got 8875 out of the box and after doing that stuff, I got 9386. Also, make sure to measure in Extreme Turbo with all apps off.

 

Has anyone experienced studdering in games and music when the CPU gets full?

 

That would be any computer.... yeah see when the physics are overloading the cpu it kinda off puts the ability to process and send data to the sound card and the video card.

Kinda way getting 30 fps in GTA4 on a dual core is hard, its not the gpu in GTA 4 its the cpu.

 

I just installed SP2 last night, the GTS mod and dox driver will be tonight.

I am impressed so far.

 

It never happened on my G1S-X1. Even when the CPU was full, the audio didn't studder and neither did the game.

I upgraded my Everest though so lets see if perhaps it was the culprit.

 

Never had this happen in game, though at my res I'm probably GPU limited. The only thing is that sometimes youtube sound will skip if there is heavy CPU load, especially in Quiet Office or Battery Saving mode.

 

After switching from PipBoy to SICOPOLY&Predator's Megascript, the problem has gone away

Also, combined, Everest 4.5 and Pipboy ate 13% of my CPU. Megascript 3.1 + Everst 5.0 only eat 3%

 

i got it to work with the current RC..

 

If you get bored maybe we can figure out how, no need to screw up whats working though lol.

Im gonna finish the mouse review tomorrow and get back on this. I did all my pics except for two while I was shooting the HDD Pics.

 

I just got a refurb X5 today and I'm planning on flashing the gpu sometime soon. I've seen both the DOX 182.05 and 185.85 drivers recommended; which is a better choice?

 

I personally use 185.85 now a little decrease in minor areas but all over seemed better.

 

Dox is the man.

 

according to the chart the G50Vt-X5 doesnt have bluetooth?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...ffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-NDfri1T1j_O6smE5DDPsJQ

tiger direct says it does. Are they wrong?

 

Yes they are wrong, I think I would know too lmao, best buy models do not have bluetooth.

 

ClutchX2:

1) not sure how you are going to go about explaining disassembly, but David has a nifty post here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=318551

which I am sure that you are aware of, and I have compiled it into a PDF file here:

http://viceless.net/G50/AsusG50Disassembly.pdf

2) I did not see an XP IR Receiver driver, which I also have here:

http://viceless.net/G50/infraredR710ITE.zip

3) Also, InDirect Console beta, please?! ^_^

 

this thing doesn't come with the IR driver? Hmm.

 

i meant for XP installations, sorry. D=

 

Just means you never saw the original post made before i started structring the guide. Specifically said i was going to be using davids posting of the asus manual and that i would be providing a pdf.

Thanks for the xp driver, as far as a beta test. There is no working application at this time. Any beta i can provide to you at this time is no better than the screen shots, all you can do is stare blankly. I have alot of other programs im finishing at the moment, an ALPHA test version will be out ofr G50s when it is done, a beta for the most current asus models will be avaliable after that. Its done when its done.

 

I got my G50Vt-X5 about 2 weeks ago. 3DMark06 : around 8900 out of box (turbo extreme, all other apps turned off).

But, then I got some issues with Vista:
1. Random-like resolution change to 800x600. It just happens, no clue why.
2. Lotsa Bloatware, and Crapware like Windows Media Player (which even fails to turn off filetype associations permanently, or go to the tray as an icon).
3. Many apps are not compatible with Vista64. I need those apps badly.
4. Vista is considered worst Microsoft-made system - and, every day I'm finding out those little (and bigger) nuisances responsible for such belief.

That's why I want to install XP32bit ASAP. From what I learned, there are some replacement drivers for almost all features; except direct console.
Main functionality of Direct Console is to switch CPU speed and/or play with LEDs and LCD.
As for the LCD, LCDHype does a lot more than Direct Console, but does not work with LEDs on the lid (or I'm just unable to use it properly).

So, on my quest to create versatile G50Vt-X5 XP32 configuration there are two important tasks left: CPU speed/LED control.

According to many threads in this forum, SetFSB will be able to max out the speed of CPU. But, I couldn't find details on how to get it done (thus, I'm still waiting for advancements in this guide - which already proved very useful).
But, what about the LEDs? TouchPad LED is controllable trough LCDHype GLED plugin; but lid LEDs (Republic of Gamers LED, horizontal LED, Left/Right LED) aren't. What can be done about it?

Note: I modified some parts of PredatorMF's LCDHype Megascript 2.0 to fit G50 LCD display, I also made some changes to its Winamp Peaks screen and to screensaver. It is still work in progress tough (to convert Megascript from G1S to G50), so I'm not going to put it up for download yet, albeit I'll send "current" version if someone requests it by PM. But, all credit goes to authors of Megascript - I only tweaked some things.
I think it can be useful resource for XP users, so I'm gonna share what I'll be able to work out.