ASUS G73SW-A1 Tests and Q&A

[Keeper]

This thread is where I will post any interesting facts, issues, and updates on the SW. Coming soon will be the benchmark comparisons between the JW and SW models. So, for less confusion I will update this thread rather than the other we were posting on.

Also if you have anything you want me to test for you feel free to ask, I do not know when I will get to it, but I promise I WILL get to it. Keep in mind the current specs are the standard. Let the fun begin :D

[acheronx1]

Post your specs before we start any comparisons of SW and JW.

Mine are on my signature. :)

[Keeper]

Post your specs before we start any comparisons of SW and JW.

Mine are on my signature. :)

Specs updated.

[acheronx1]

You certainly will smoke the i7-740QM that is in the JW.

And my wireless is the ultimate 3-antennae one. Aside from that....

Should be interesting to know if that affects any of the GPU benches. And by how much.

[Keeper]

You certainly will smoke the i7-740QM that is in the JW.

And my wireless is the ultimate 3-antennae one. Aside from that....

Should be interesting to know if that affects any of the GPU benches. And by how much.
I am pretty curious myself, it should be fun. I wish I was done with all my updates and installs, then I could run a few tests, as it is looks like I will have to start tomorrow morning....

[acheronx1]

I have a thread with JW benchmarks, but I'd like to do an updated version.

As you can tell, I like seeing what these things can do. :P

[Keeper]

Okay so, Update time. I have been raiding in WoW for about 2 hours running real temp and I am running at 55 C, 70fps, all on Ultra settings The only complaint so far is about every 5 or so minutes I get a screen stutter for about 3-6 seconds, any thoughts on why this is happening?

For the most part it is eating this game alive and yes I know it is not very graphic intensive, but when raiding it is always a little rough, however this is just eating it alive. Have not gone above 56 degrees and not gone lower than 60fps.

Any thoughts on the screen stutter would be appreciated.

Note: I also lost my backlit keyboard on a reboot, turns out I needed to re-install the ATK drivers, not too sure why, but that solved the issue.

[acheronx1]

Keeper: I use to have the same issue. That is because of the Seagate XT drives. You need to update to 2.4 firmware.

[Keeper]

Keeper: I use to have the same issue. That is because of the Seagate XT drives. You need to update to 2.4 firmware.

Thank you, I will try to update those when I get out of this raid. Can that firmware be downloaded from seagate I would assume?

[acheronx1]

Yup. Right off the website.

Also, in regards to the backlight... just hit Fn + F4.

[Keeper]

Yup. Right off the website.

Also, in regards to the backlight... just hit Fn + F4.

I am aware of the F4, but if you lose your ATK drivers none of your function keys work.

[acheronx1]

Ignore this post, I didn't read your last post.

[Keeper]

Oh, right. Grab the drivers off the ASUS website, or from the Drivers DVD that comes with your laptop.

Yup, it is already taken care of, I was just making a note of the issue since all I did was a reboot and somehow I lost that driver. More of a reference in case anyone else with an SW has the same issue. I would not want them breaking their Fn or F4 keys trying to get the lights to come back on ;)

Did you have any issues when updating your firmware? Anything i should expect?

[acheronx1]

Nope. Updated the firmware easily and only took a few minutes.

No data was lost. I cannot promise you will not lose anything, but I haven't read anywhere of people losing data, so you should be safe.

[Keeper]

Well, here's to hoping it works without any issues ;) lol I'll let ya know if it fixes the stutter.

Hmmm, been sitting here copying files to memory for about 30 minutes, is that abnormal?

[acheronx1]

Yes, that is a bit long. The entire process from start to finish only took me about 5 mins. Tops.

Just let it do it's thing. But possibly it froze. Which is weird. Try restarting it if it keeps trying to copy. Although, you have 2 hybrids, both 500gb, so it may take longer to load it onto both drives.

[Keeper]

Yes, that is a bit long. The entire process from start to finish only took me about 5 mins. Tops.

Just let it do it's thing. But possibly it froze. Which is weird. Try restarting it if it keeps trying to copy. Although, you have 2 hybrids, both 500gb, so it may take longer to load it onto both drives.

Should the HDD light be on when doing this? Because if it is, there must be an issue, I just tried restarting the Util, and it is still doing nothing. Thoughts?

[acheronx1]

Ah. You need to make sure to run it as admin. (Right click, Run as Admin).

Also, if you have done any other updates, I would suggest rebooting first. Or really a reboot to clean up anything you've done in the process, a way to start fresh.

You should get the window which lists your harddrives, and tell you the firmware currently on them. Which should be 2.2 stock. Select just 1 harddrive (if you can, I can't say I've tried multiple) and see if that works.

[Keeper]

Ah. You need to make sure to run it as admin. (Right click, Run as Admin).

Also, if you have done any other updates, I would suggest rebooting first. Or really a reboot to clean up anything you've done in the process, a way to start fresh.

You should get the window which lists your harddrives, and tell you the firmware currently on them. Which should be 2.2 stock. Select just 1 harddrive (if you can, I can't say I've tried multiple) and see if that works.
Okay, I do have the 2.2 stock, there is a tool that JUST checks the versions you're running. So there is no option to just choose 1.

I have attempted to run it as admin as well, and I am still at the firmware update util telling me to wait (HDD light is not on).

Not sure what the problem is here :confused:

[SmogHog]

Okay, I do have the 2.2 stock, there is a tool that JUST checks the versions you're running. So there is no option to just choose 1.

I have attempted to run it as admin as well, and I am still at the firmware update util telling me to wait (HDD light is not on).

Not sure what the problem is here :confused:

Have you looked here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/529912-new-g73jw-3de-info-specs-pre-ordering-available-41.html#post7015102 (http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/529912-new-g73jw-3de-info-specs-pre-ordering-available-41.html#post7015102)

[Keeper]

Have you looked here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/529912-new-g73jw-3de-info-specs-pre-ordering-available-41.html#post7015102 (http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/529912-new-g73jw-3de-info-specs-pre-ordering-available-41.html#post7015102)

I saw that, and I must be doing something very wrong since I cannot even get the thing to burn, I assume I put all the files on the disk? (not great with stuff like this) It seems like it is a bad file or something. Or I am just doing it flat wrong.

[acheronx1]

Hm, you shouldn't have to download the ISO and burn it. The program that tells you the version number is just a checker application.

The firmware update application is called "MomentusXT-ALL-SD24.exe".
http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/support/downloads/firmware/MomentusXT-ALL-SD24.exe

*NOTE* Please check http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=207931&NewLang=en before you download the firmware. Make sure your serial number is listed that it's compatible.

Just download that, and run the update software. It should install the firmware to your drives, automatically restart your computer, and once you're restarting, it will update on it's own. Just read the screens carefully before you continue on as it may ask you something.

[Keeper]

Hm, you shouldn't have to download the ISO and burn it. The program that tells you the version number is just a checker application.

The firmware update application is called "MomentusXT-ALL-SD24.exe".
http://www.seagate.com/staticfiles/support/downloads/firmware/MomentusXT-ALL-SD24.exe

*NOTE* Please check http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=207931&NewLang=en before you download the firmware. Make sure your serial number is listed that it's compatible.

Just download that, and run the update software. It should install the firmware to your drives, automatically restart your computer, and once you're restarting, it will update on it's own. Just read the screens carefully before you continue on as it may ask you something.

Yeah I have done that about 6 times and it will not run, I checked my drive serial numbers and model numbers (they're correct) and attempted to run as admin. It is a very simple update util, it just isn't working. There are tons of forums that have others with the same issue, and the only way they fixed it was by downloading and burning the ISO.

[kyman73]

I'm afraid I don't really have much advice to offer since a couple much smarter fellows than me are stumped.

I might have a solution to your ISO burning problems tho. Install a free virtual drive (Daemon Tools lite or Alcohol free version) and try mounting the image instead of making it into a disk.

[Keeper]

I'm afraid I don't really have much advice to offer since a couple much smarter fellows than me are stumped.

I might have a solution to your ISO burning problems tho. Install a free virtual drive (Daemon Tools lite or Alcohol free version) and try mounting the image instead of making it into a disk.

Sorry, I have the ISO disk problem fixed, I was using a dvd versus a cd and did not realize it. But I am still having issues loading these drivers, the commands suggested on the seagate forums do not appear to be working.

[Keeper]

Okay, so here is the deal. If you have this issue, you will need to create the ISO from seagate with the SD24, change your settings in bios to IDE boot to the cd ISO you made, get into the seagate util press ctrl + c to break the connection then type at the prompt "fdl487a -m anak -f anqsd24.lod -i st95005620as -s -x -b -v -a 20", let it reboot or press the power button once complete, it will bring you back to windows, reboot again and change it back from IDE in the bios and you're all set with the SD24 firmware.

[acheronx1]

Well, I personally used the .exe as it was very quick and simple to install/update.

*EDIT* There are 2 applications... 1 is a hardware checker. It does nothing but display the firmware currently installed. The second is the actual updater program. Are you using the updater or the checker program?

But if you got it working, then the results are the same. :)

How's it running now?

[Keeper]

Well, I personally used the .exe as it was very quick and simple to install/update.

*EDIT* There are 2 applications... 1 is a hardware checker. It does nothing but display the firmware currently installed. The second is the actual updater program. Are you using the updater or the checker program?

But if you got it working, then the results are the same. :)

How's it running now?

The exe does not work for many people and though you got lucky, I did not, it was not a user error, it simply would not work, not when I tried it or Seagate. I am making this point clear in case anyone else has this issue, updating with the Util is the easiest (if it works) but if does not, it is not likely you did something wrong since it is very easy, and you will likely have to use the workaround.

The hardware checker does nothing but tell you what the serial# model# and firmware. The Firmware Update Util is what I attempted to use (didn't work for me, and didn't work for a lot of other people) so if you cannot get the update util to function you'll want to go with the work around which is what I posted. the ISO is the util, but in some drives it will not work so you force the update to happen.

To answer your question, I used both applications, first checked firmware, second to update. I spoke to Seagate and they're aware of the issues some people are having so this is a known issue.

It appears to have fixed my screen locks, I played BF2BC for 2 hours on max settings with no issues, and also played WoW for 40 minutes with now issues.

[acheronx1]

At least your issue is fixed, at least. :)

[Keeper]

At least your issue is fixed, at least. :)

No data loss either, even with the work around, and the performance is quite a bit better, though I am hoping to get more with time.

[Keeper]

The only complaint I have has thus far is the image quality from HDMI is not fantastic, I am not sure if my cable just sucks (it is very old) or I am just not familiar with the settings yet. I will let you know. That being said, the screen on the laptop itself is nothing short of gorgeous.

Also I know it is recommended to uninstall the creative drivers, I have not done so, and have used itunes and played movies with no issues yet, sound quality is quite good.

[acheronx1]

Yeah. I noticed a huge difference as well.

They fixed some timing issues from what I read.

Doubt they will release many more updates for it... there is only so much you can do for firmware.

[SmogHog]

Yeah. I noticed a huge difference as well.

They fixed some timing issues from what I read.

Doubt they will release many more updates for it... there is only so much you can do for firmware.

SATA III SSH drives are set to appear in early fall but by that time the SATA III SSDs may be priced low enough to make them irrelivant due to lower cost manufacturing die shrink and higher volume of sales?

[powerpack]

I think SSH will remain relevant. Even SSD price reduction will still leave market for SSH. Both because of cost but also capacity. Lower cost flash benefits SSD's and SSH. But then again I did not see the US economic collapse until it happened. So take as you will.

What about SSH's with 16GB/32GB? That would be nice. The more I think about it. SSH might have a future. 80GB flash on 1TB drive? The firmware algorithm controlling the data placement? Better than seperate SSD+HDD.

Time will tell.

[Maverick494]

SATA III SSH drives are set to appear in early fall but by that time the SATA III SSDs may be priced low enough to make them irrelivant due to lower cost manufacturing die shrink and higher volume of sales?

I think the larger issue for SSD's is making drives that are as big as most laptop hard drive as reasonably priced as the SSH.

I mean last I checked a 256GB SSD was like 500 dollars and a 500GB was like 1300. If they can get a 256 GB drive down to like 100-150 dollars and a 500GB down to like 200-250 it might well be worth it to the more mainstream user.

[SmogHog]

I think the larger issue for SSD's is making drives that are as big as most laptop hard drive as reasonably priced as the SSH.

I mean last I checked a 256GB SSD was like 500 dollars and a 500GB was like 1300. If they can get a 256 GB drive down to like 100-150 dollars and a 500GB down to like 200-250 it might well be worth it to the more mainstream user.

As the price of a technology falls it meets the wallet of a buyer along the way.

The meeting takes place at different points according to the thickness of the wallet.

1986 10mb add on Macintosh HHD $2000
1994 420mb HDD in Windows 3.1 PC $850
1997 5gb IBM Deskstar $595

CD>DVD>BD burner same price evolution

Remember the USB flash drives in MBs before GBs....$$$$

[acheronx1]

Technology is a wallet's worst nightmare.

As one technology falls, another is born.

The way I always thought of it was that they already have the technology, they just spread it out over time to make more money. That's just hypothetically, though.

Why release a 1000 GB SSD drive right from the get-go? Instead, release 32, then 64, then 120, then 250 etc... you'll make so much more money over time.

I still have my first 16mb flash drive... lol. Doesn't work, but it's still a reminder of where we came from.

Just like the Atari, people keep it because it's what shaped the gaming console world today.

[Keeper]

Okay, so here is just a general update on the laptop. Will start benchmarks this week. I played BF2BC, high graphics settings, on Saturday for 12 hours straight at a LAN party with no issues at all, heat never went over 63 degrees C. I then played WoW for 6 hours the following day on Ultra with no issues at all. The only issue I have seen thus far is the pain in the butt firmware upgrade, and the one time my ATK drivers went missing. Other than that, it has performed everything I throw at it flawlessly.

The sound is incredible for a laptop, though still not as good a solid speaker set, the screen is amazing, the overall build and feel to the machine is truly impressive. I am thoroughly impressed with ASUS as this laptop is one amazing machine.

[Keeper]

Prime Score.http://i55.tinypic.com/w71kpd.png[/IMG]

[Keeper]

I just realized something, do the JH & JW models come with the LED light bar underneath the Asus badge on the laptop screen? I see the option for them on the customize part and I just noticed that the SW does not have one. Not important really, but just noticed and was curious. So.... Do you guys have a light bar?

[acheronx1]

Yeah, I have the light bar. Although, it's not very bright/noticeable. Would have preferred red though.

[Keeper]

Yeah, I have the light bar. Although, it's not very bright/noticeable. Would have preferred red though.

Weird, wonder why mine doesn't especially since it shows it on the customize page. Thinking Xotic should perhaps change that just in case someone orders the different color and does not get it?

[acheronx1]

Good point.

Mind testing something. Press down (doesn't have to be hard) on each side of the laptop. Like, between the edge and the touchpad mouse buttons, and on each side of the keyboard, and on the top by the speakers.

Just wondering how tough the SW is. The JW is solid everywhere except the left side. Some reason it is very flimsy. Although... that is where the Blu-Ray drive is... but I figured it would have a bit more protection than what it has.

[Keeper]

Just pressed down pretty hard on all angles and did not have any crazy flex anywhere, seems to be pretty tough throughout and does not feel any less so on the left side.

[acheronx1]

Okay, thanks. Doubt it's a design flaw. The Blu-Ray is not stock (upgraded to the 6x version :D) and it's pretty flimsy itself. Probably the housing of the drive which causes the flexibility.

[Keeper]

Okay so not sure what to do about the errors on this but here is the link to my 3D Mark11 scores. http://3dmark.com/3dm11/503546

3D Mark Vantage

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/503546

[acheronx1]

That is rather... low, no?

I would download 3DMark, but that would take hours, possibly days. >_<

I'm sure you should have higher scores though. Unless the bottleneck is the stock drivers... 261.14 are fairly old. Once I finish testing the 266.43, I'll let ya know.

[Keeper]

That is rather... low, no?

I would download 3DMark, but that would take hours, possibly days. >_<

I'm sure you should have higher scores though. Unless the bottleneck is the stock drivers... 261.14 are fairly old. Once I finish testing the 266.43, I'll let ya know.

I think it is because it is just not recognizing half my stuff. I will update everything here in a few.

[Maverick494]

Huh I figured that the sandy bridge would help boost the 460M a bit above my 3D mark 11 score, but it didn't. Pretty interesting. My stock score was about 100 points more, which isn't saying much, but I just thought the CPU would boost the physx score well up and get you into the 2-2.1K range on an Nvidia card over an ATi.

[acheronx1]

As mentioned though, I think it's because of the stock drivers. Or are you using stock drivers as well?

Wait til he updates the drivers, then we'll see how the scores look. ;)

[Keeper]

I am using the stock drivers yes.

[acheronx1]

Sorry, that question was directed at Mav. :)

I know you were as you posted you were already.

[Maverick494]

Sorry, that question was directed at Mav. :)

I know you were as you posted you were already.

I guess if an incremental driver update gives 10-15% increase then Nvidia really is screwing their drivers up these days.

[acheronx1]

Well, stock Jw was uh... 258? Perhaps 259. Updated to 266 something, and my performance increased by around 15%.

[Keeper]

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/503724

Did a bit better with a slight OC, I need to go through and update some things. I will re-run after I get my drivers updated.

[Maverick494]

http://3dmark.com/3dm11/503724

Did a bit better with a slight OC, I need to go through and update some things. I will re-run after I get my drivers updated.

well yea if you want to compare O/C to O/C I was at 2374. So I would like to see if it makes a big enough impact to get to like 2500 or so on your machine overclocked.

[Keeper]

well yea if you want to compare O/C to O/C I was at 2374. So I would like to see if it makes a big enough impact to get to like 2500 or so on your machine overclocked.

Let me re-run and see what I can get out of it.

[Keeper]

Achero, can you put up the link to where you're getting the drivers you are in the middle of testing? I am getting weird results on these tests and want to start the download.

[acheronx1]

Just from the laptopvideo2go.com website.

Look under the lists for 266.43 ASUS Mobile.

[Keeper]

Just from the laptopvideo2go.com website.

Look under the lists for 266.43 ASUS Mobile.

sO 266.43 is the one we want?

[acheronx1]

So far that is the one I found to be containing PhysX and Optimus.

Still downloading... 4% to go.

[the1laf]

keeper, your saying this lower led bar isn't on the SW?
http://www.xoticpc.com/images/G73red1.gif
That's good to know, I was going to order it in red!:eek:

[Keeper]

Unless there is some sort of switch that I do not know about yes, there is no light bar on my SW.

[Maverick494]

Unless there is some sort of switch that I do not know about yes, there is no light bar on my SW.

there is.

the farthest left hand button on the laptop makes it turn on or off. Up above the esc key and slightly left are three buttons.

[Keeper]

there is.

the farthest left hand button on the laptop makes it turn on or off. Up above the esc key and slightly left are three buttons.

I knew about this button, but it does not turn on any light bars.

[acheronx1]

Keeper: Try Fn + F4?

That controls the LEDs on the laptop. Also the lightbar.

[Keeper]

Just confirmed with Xotic, there is no light bar for the SW model.

[acheronx1]

Well, that kinda sucks.

The lightbar isn't very bright, but still looks good.

Looks awesome in the dark. ;)

JW > SW... ;)

[Keeper]

I am not terribly worried, I think it looks like an elegant badass monster, no need for more lights, the keyboard is plenty :)

[Keeper]

Well, that kinda sucks.

The lightbar isn't very bright, but still looks good.

Looks awesome in the dark. ;)

JW > SW... ;)


How do you like that driver btw? I am using 266.43 at the moment.

[acheronx1]

Feel like doing some comparison benchmarks? I'm bored. :)

I'll put my GPU/CPU to stock for the first tests.

I can make a chart based on both of our results into an easy to read layout.

[acheronx1]

How do you like that driver btw? I am using 266.43 at the moment.

It's good. I had to reinstall PhysX.

So far it's running good. Using GameBooster 2 and SystemCare Booster my FPS and scores increased a lot compared to everything stock.

I haven't decided if the 266.43 drivers are better than the 266.36 (or was it 266.15?) drivers.

But at least 266.43 has PhysX and Optimus support.

[Keeper]

Feel like doing some comparison benchmarks? I'm bored. :)

I'll put my GPU/CPU to stock for the first tests.

I can make a chart based on both of our results into an easy to read layout.

I would be game for that in a bit, I am using my work laptop at the moment while I am in the conference. I should be taking notes right now but..... I will PM you when ready. How do your Prime scores compare to mine?

[acheronx1]

Anyone reading this thread with a G73JH and would like to help out with the test?

[Keeper]

It's good. I had to reinstall PhysX.

So far it's running good. Using GameBooster 2 and SystemCare Booster my FPS and scores increased a lot compared to everything stock.

I haven't decided if the 266.43 drivers are better than the 266.36 (or was it 266.15?) drivers.

But at least 266.43 has PhysX and Optimus support.

Can you even use Optimus? I do not think I can on the SW, as the only options I have anywhere for display is the 460 not the intel chip. So even if we do have the driver with Optimus, I do not believe we can actually use it.

[acheronx1]

I don't believe so. But it is included with the driver.

[sarxsvt]

I wanted to post a thanks to Keeper for the information on how to update the firmware on the drives to the sd24 version if the updater doesn't work for you. I had found the iso file already but I don't know how long it would have taken me to figure out to switch to IDE on the sata mode. It kept having errors on the write before that.

I got my G73SW today, first windows laptop I've owned in a long time, and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far.

Good riddance to the Macbook.

Thanks for all the info in this thread!

[acheronx1]

I thought I mentioned the update to the firmware...?

[Keeper]

I thought I mentioned the update to the firmware...?

I think he was simply referring to the part of changing it to IDE in the BIOS before updating.

[Keeper]

Well it looks like I got Optimus running, I will let you guys know of anything note worthy that comes up regarding it Going to see if battery life is affected tomorrow.

[SmogHog]

Can you even use Optimus? I do not think I can on the SW, as the only options I have anywhere for display is the 460 not the intel chip. So even if we do have the driver with Optimus, I do not believe we can actually use it.

I think the Optimus support will come later.

Sandy Bridge/Huron River appears to be a work in progress
and might have been rushed out the door without all parts wrapped in pretty pink bows.

Nvidia and Intel have kissed and made up so better things will come of it with the patent agreements.

[the1laf]

Just checked the order page, the lower LCD light bar can be an option, standard run is without.

[acheronx1]

Optimus runs on SW? I'm going to find out if Optimus works for the JW...

What did you try out to see if it was running?

[SmogHog]

Optimus runs on SW? I'm going to find out if Optimus works for the JW...

What did you try out to see if it was running?

The JW doesn't have embedded graphics.

The Sandy Bridge CPUs in the SW do.

Only nVidia and Asus can make it work on the SW;that is,if they want to.

Nvidia is figuring out which way will help them sell more chips.

[acheronx1]

Ah... makes sense.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Kinda wished they did have it on the JW.

At least my desktop will take full advantage of it. :)

[SmogHog]

Ah... makes sense.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Kinda wished they did have it on the JW.

At least my desktop will take full advantage of it. :)

Desktop,with Z68 chipset

[acheronx1]

Indeed.

Any word on a release date yet? I'm itching to buy that mobo so I can get the other parts. :)

[SmogHog]

Indeed.

Any word on a release date yet? I'm itching to buy that mobo so I can get the other parts. :)

A third member of the 6-series chipset family that should begin shipping in Q2: In desktops it will be the Z68. Take the desktop P67, add processor graphics support and you’ve got Z68. It’s as simple as that.

The Z68 is also slated to support something called SSD Caching, which Intel hasn’t said anything about yet. With version 10.5 of Intel’s Rapid Storage Technology drivers, Z68 will support SSD caching. This sounds like the holy grail of SSD/HDD setups, where you have a single drive letter and the driver manages what goes on your SSD vs. HDD. Whether SSD Caching is indeed a DIY hybrid hard drive technology remains to be seen. It’s also unclear whether or not P67/H67 will get SSD Caching once 10.5 ships.

No exact release date yet.

[acheronx1]

They like teasing us with things like that...

But they could just say "Sorry, next motherboard release."

I'd have to go hunt someone down if that happened.

[Keeper]

BTW, the software that controls when an external mouse is plugged in and shuts off the touchpad is Synaptics Pointing device, can be downloaded from Asus under the SW model for drivers. Didn't check the other G7 models but I think someone wanted to know.

[acheronx1]

Yes, that's under the Mouse Properties -> Device Settings then check "Disable internal pointing device when....".

[SmogHog]

BTW, the software that controls when an external mouse is plugged in and shuts off the touchpad is Synaptics Pointing device, can be downloaded from Asus under the SW model for drivers. Didn't check the other G7 models but I think someone wanted to know.

Or directly from Synaptics for the latest version.

http://www.synaptics.com/support/drivers

[viperkind]

hi guys.

im about to buy an asus g73sw (sandy bridge), and i wounder if its sata III or only II???

if its only sata II am I then able to connect a SSD sata III disk and is there any purpose in doing so?

Best regards

Anders

[Keeper]

hi guys.

im about to buy an asus g73sw (sandy bridge), and i wounder if its sata III or only II???

if its only sata II am I then able to connect a SSD sata III disk and is there any purpose in doing so?

Best regards

Anders

SATA III, if you get an SSD get the Vertex 3.

[SmogHog]

Here's another G73SW review.

http://hothardware.com/News/Asus-G73SW-Sandy-Bridge-Gaming-Notebook-Review/


Article conclusion:

"Ironically enough, the graphics chip doesn't have the moxie to run more demanding games with the visual quality settings cranked all the way up, but it does have enough strength to pull respectable frame rates in all other scenarios".

[snoopyisdoglike]

what are the latest nvidia drivers that work on the g73sw? i want to upgrade it because im getting pretty low frame rates on games with the stock drivers but i dont know which version to update it to..:confused:

[JP@XoticPC]

Grab the drivers from ASUS' Support site (http://support.asus.com/download/Options.aspx?SLanguage=en&type=1).

[Z3R0115]

+ rep most of you (I'm too lazy to go back and see who all posted lol) My SW-A1 is supposed to be here tuesday, glad I read this first Or else I wouldn't have known about the firmware stuff, I can also run benchmarks if you'd like but I got my gpu Redline Boosted by Xotic so It wouldn't be the same stock (I'd assume)