ASUS UL30 Review

They're saying it does have the over-clocking feature.

Strange. I think it's just regular clockspeed.

 

No kidding, anyone see what they list the processor speed at?

# Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300
# Processor Speed: 3.9 GHz



Liquid Nitrogen cooling anyone?

 

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2353258,00.asp

Would be interesting to know what clockspeed the High-Performance mode is running on. I wonder if it's actually higher than stock.

 

One thing I noticed was both the Entertainment and Office modes put the processor into the odd switching mode that CPUz was showing a higher than normal clock speed. High performance locked it at the rated spec. If I had to guess they probably ran into a situation like running benchmarks in balanced mode over max performance.

 

lol. i didnt notice that!
CULV processor in 3.9Ghz!

or.... maybe Asus gave them a tweaked model.......hmmmmm.

 

haha I noticed that too. seems like the 3.9 is a typo from the weight (since its 3.9 lbs).

 

So there is no Turbo33? That would have been, for me, the biggest selling point of these. Getting 33% more from 1.3 would have put performance above that of the SU9600..........

 

As far as I know this feature is only present in the models with dedicated graphics.

 

I wonder if the turbo33 is some sort of special software or actually a different hardware design altogether.
If it is just software, I don't see why people without that version wouldn't find some way to install it.
just a thought...

 

From their press release:

but:

or:

 

As far as I know, models ending with "t" will have that feature. Probably only dedicated graphics V models, so it should go something like UL80VT. This one is listed at my regional distributor's site. UL50VT has been reviewed at AnandTech. I haven't seen UL30VT or even UL30V. Only intel graphics UL30A model.
I thinks that Turbo mode is or is not displayed at Power4Gear Hybrid depending on detection of bios model via ATK drviers. People reported that without ATK drivers they had Turbo mode missing in some Asus models. Maybe VT to V bios crossflash would do the thing.
Also, You can always try with setFSB by checking all available PLL models form its list.

 

Check this out. I also see some bios overclocking.

 

Interesting find Embrion ... at least from the images proper.

Is there anyone out there who could read this and give brief summaries for those of us who can't read the language?

 

I had problems with understanding English translator result but it says something about strange things like that at the end of review CPU-Z reports very high clock but no visible/benchamrkable change in performance.
Some of recent English reviews mentioned something about strange things with clock and some n/2 multipliers

 

On Acer 1410/1810T CPU-Z has been reporting weird clockspeeds as well. It's just an error in CPU-Z as far as I know.

 

The author suggests that Turbo33 is only available on the UL80 and UL50. This is also confirmed in the first image, where the orange bubble of text mentioning Turbo33 is only next to the UL80VT but not the UL30/UL20.

Other points in summary:

- The tests are done on a UL80VT

- The Easy Over Clock option in the latest BIOS versions, which allows a max 5% overclock which raises the FSB from 800Mhz to 840Mhz. CPU-Z shows idle processor clock at 1260Mhz, "max" at 1680Mhz. Not sure if this is Intel's Turbo Boost at work but at what he called the "max" or "load" freqency screenshots, notice that the multiplier jumped from 6.5x to 8x.

- The Turbo33 option is in the Power4Gear Hybrid application at the lower left corner of the app. It's simply an Enable/Disable option. Turbo33 raised the FSB to 1066Mhz, bringing core speed to 1600Mhz idle, "max" at 2133Mhz

-Enabling Turbo33 does not improve the Vista Experience Index

-PCMark05:

PCMark Score improves from 3973 to 4768
CPU Score improves from 3230 to 4317
Memory Score improves from 3198 to 4061
Graphics Score improves from 4439 to 4834​

- 3DMark06 score improves from 3218 to 3355

- Street Fighter IV benchmark score improves (barely):

7402 -> 7406
29.98 FPS -> 30.03 FPS
E Rank -> D Rank​

I need to check my UL30A-A1 BIOS and the Power4Gear utility when I get home to see if the options mentioned are available. I don't remember seeing the Turbo33 option in Power4Gear though.

If anyone has the UL30 handy, please give it quick check!

 

Thanks Kuri. I believe You won't find Turbo33 but You could check for latest bios and 5% option.
Now I'm definitely taking UL80VT version when it's out

 

No problem embrion. Thanks for sharing the original link with us!

The author also made personal comments at the end saying by having the UL80VT with Turbo33 option, it really closes the performance gap between the UL80 and the U80.

He also wonders about battery consumption when Turbo33 is enabled. He didn't perform any battery tests.

 

Confirmed that the Easy Over Clock option exists on my UL30A-A1, with the default set to 3% (max is 5%). BIOS version is 206.

No Turbo33 option in Power4Gear as expected though.

 

Thank you very much for the summary!

I actually put my hands on a core solo ux50 in best buy today ... to try and get some sort of "tactile" based reference point for what these machines are going to be like in general - and to be honest I was not overawed. The rocker style mouse button and the touchpad were a total drag to use ... worst I have ever used on a notebook in fact. Other than that the other aspects of the machine were only "okay"....

 

I can confirm this, the BIOS offers a 0-5% easy overclock feature and it looked like the mode it has been in was 3%.

 

This notebook seems too good to be true, has all the features I want... BUT.. the resolution looks like a killer to me. I've had an older asus 13.3 with a 1200x800 screen and remember barely being able to tolerate it. I've been running the asus g50v for about a year now and I no longer have the need for a portable desktop as much as a quick "basic tasks" notebook with the ability for quick photoshop/dreamweaver/indesign work. Any of you guys who have this now can sell me on the smaller resolution?

 

Well here some food for thought. I don't wear glasses, but my eyes aren't the best, so there's no way I could handle a larger resolution. So if you're like me, this resolution is perfect.

 

I suggest against getting this notebook based on your prior experience with this resolution.

Personally I am an advocate of high resolutions (1920x1200 on my desktop, 1680x1050 on my laptop), but on a 13.3-inch screen, 1366x768 or 1280x800 are acceptable. On a small notebook, resolution can be sacrificed for portability and also price. If you want high-res on a small screen you can look at the Sony VAIO Z, which has 1600x900 on a 13.1-inch display. However it is $1,700+ . . . whereas this ASUS is $700.

There are things you can do to compensate for higher resolution . . .
-Move the task bar to the side
-Browse the Internet in full screen mode ([F11])
-Use the zoom out feature in browsers

 

+ decrease DPI

Other 13" options with high res include HP Envy 13 and Lenovo X301 but both are very expensive too.

 

Great review!

I just have this single question. If the HDMI also outputs audio, I could use this as a HTPC (instead of buying the Zotac ION platform)

Do anyone know if it does? I've search google but haven't found 100% proof yet..

wepc writes:

"HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD"

amazon confirms with the exact same phrase under key features.. but still, no reviews comments on the feature. Could someone check, if its possible to connect the HDMI to an surround reciever and get video + audio?

Thanks in advance,
Vikezz

 

Yes. HDMI supports audio/video. The audio comes from your TV though.

 

wauw.. thats awesome, thanks for the quick reply! That means I can save the money on a HTPC.

I've have absolutely no idea about how this works.. but I have this surround reciever: SR4003

Which recieves the following codecs:
• 7.1 Multi-channel PCM decoding for High Definition (HD) Audio from Blu-ray Disc™ including lossless converted DTS-HD or Dolby True HD

Does the HDMI Audio on the UL30A support that?

For instance if I play a MKV file with AC3, AVI or a MP3 file the surround reciever will pick up the audio/video signal or?

In another way, is there a difference on the UL30A HDMI Audio out vs the ZOTAC ION (B) HDMI Audio out? Thanks for the help

 

I'm not a Home Theatre guru, but I think 5.1 is the max supported by the notebook's HDMI Audio.

If you are playing a vid/audio file at the same time, then whatever the HDMI cable is going to should receive both. You will have to switch the default speakers in your PC to whatever device is hooked up to get the audio to go through (this is done in the Control panel--> Sound--> Manage devices menu).

There is probably somebody who knows more about this stuff than me, so they can feel free to jump in any minute...

 

I checked but I did not see this topic answered:

I had a chance to look at the UX50 at Best Buy, the black finish was seriously a fingerprint magnet. Does the silver finish have the same issue?

 

I never noticed an over abundance of fingerprints on the silver finish. That said my fingers rate pretty low on the oil scale unless I am eating pizza or something near the computer.

 

Well then go eat some pizza .

 

Can somebody using Windows 7 confirm whether the Power4Gear Hybrid V1.1.24 would include an option to enable Turbo33 in Windows 7 32 bit version?

I noticed the version in UL30A is kept at V1.1.20 but the version in UL50-VT is V1.1.24. I doubt it wouldn't make a difference, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try? It is just weird because in principle we are running the same CPU.

 

IMHO Turbo33 option is displayed when proper S/N or BIOS information is detected.
You can always try setFSB and post results, I can help.

 

Does any UL30A-A1 owner regret not holding out for the 64-bit Windows 7 that ships with UL30A-A2?

 

I am running BIOS Version 206 right now. The only OC feature I know at the moment is that under the Advanced Setting in the BIOS, I can set the ASUS Easy Over Clock from 3%(default) to 5%.

I am not sure if one wants to edit their serial number.

I am a real N00B in SetFSB. How would you do it?

 

Probably better off asking in the Asus owner's lounge, not here.

 

I've read a few other reviews that state that the UL30 has some issues with running 1080p, but this review states it ran 1080p with 'no problems'. I realize there might be slightly different configurations out there, but I just was looking to verify that there weren't any issues considering the integrated Intel graphics.

 

Anyone knows what the difference between these 3 European models are, I can't figure it out from the specs:S

ASUS UL30A QX072C
ASUS UL30A QX056V
ASUS UL30A QX165V

 

How is it that the HP DV2z stomped this in 3DMARK? The X1250 in the DV2z is not much of an IGP over the Intel 4500MHD. And DV2z probably have a single core 1.6Ghz Neo MV40. How would it compare to a DV3z?

I purchased the HP DM3z specifically for the HD3200 IGP with dedicated VRAM and it costs less, but this Asus looks really good, would be something I would recommend with great Asus warranty.

 

Has anyone had a chance to compare the black & silver?

 

The black one is darker. Much darker.

 

Impressive how this laptop is one of the best on the ultra-portable area.
Asus did make a winner with this.

 

How do I enter BIOS????

I have tried F2, Delete, F11 but nothing works?

 

Looks like you have 10 function buttons and insert left to try Maybe F8? Are you hitting them repeatedly after you hit power button?

 

how does this compare withe lenovo u350 (there is a su7300 option now), or hp dm3?

thx!

 

Hello imoumni, someone asked the same on the U350 review thread, and there is a response there if you are interested.

 

is the HDD 7200RPM?

 

thx for the heads up.

 

Carphone Warehouse are selling this in the UK for £350 - the 3gig/320gb hd version.
Worth picking up? I'm after a replacement for my toshibal satellite pro and this seems like a good choice- how is it for casual (older) gaming? Like, say Half Life2?