Which Asus G74SX model should I choose?

[BrodyBoy]

@CPalm44:

The model numbers are confusing, because some are exclusive to particular retailers. It's a headache to try to keep all the configurations straight. The easiest approach with Asus laptops, IMO, is to figure out which components can vary in the given model you're considering. In the G74, that includes:

• CPU speed: 2.0 or 2.3GHz
• RAM: 8-16Gb
• HDD/SSD configuration: many options
• Optical drive: CD/DVD combo drive or CD/DVD/BD drive or BD writer drive
• DIsplay: Full HD or HD+
• GPU bandwidth: 192bit or 128bit
• VRAM: 1.5Gb or 2Gb or 3Gb
• WLAN card: WLAN+BT combo card or WLAN+WIMAX combo card

Decide which options are important to you, and then just look for any configuration that comes closest to your desired specs. There are some components that are very easily & cheaply upgraded after the fact (RAM, WLAN card), so I wouldn't let those be deal-breakers. Even the HDDs and ODD are pretty easily changed later.

Beyond that, choose a retailer that has a good return policy...i.e., no-questions-asked returns accepted within 15-30 days. If you have any of the known hardware issues, like a bad keyboard or touchpad, you want to be able to just return that unit and get a new one.

(Note also that Asus laptops purchased through certain retailers, like Best Buy and Staples, are not eligible for Asus' extra warranty features.)

[CPalm44]

@CPalm44:

The model numbers are confusing, because some are exclusive to particular retailers. It's a headache to try to keep all the configurations straight. The easiest approach with Asus laptops, IMO, is to figure out which components can vary in the given model you're considering. In the G74, that includes:

• CPU speed: 2.0 or 2.3GHz
• RAM: 8-16Gb
• HDD/SSD configuration: many options
• Optical drive: CD/DVD combo drive or CD/DVD/BD drive or BD writer drive
• DIsplay: Full HD or HD+
• GPU bandwidth: 192bit or 128bit
• VRAM: 1.5Gb or 2Gb or 3Gb
• WLAN card: WLAN+BT combo card or WLAN+WIMAX combo card

Decide which options are important to you, and then just look for any configuration that comes closest to your desired specs. There are some components that are very easily & cheaply upgraded after the fact (RAM, WLAN card), so I wouldn't let those be deal-breakers. Even the HDDs and ODD are pretty easily changed later.

Beyond that, choose a retailer that has a good return policy...i.e., no-questions-asked returns accepted within 15-30 days. If you have any of the known hardware issues, like a bad keyboard or touchpad, you want to be able to just return that unit and get a new one.

(Note also that Asus laptops purchased through certain retailers, like Best Buy and Staples, are not eligible for Asus' extra warranty features.)

Yeah, finding a good retailer seems to be the hard part right now. I hear Amazon is a good one as far as a purchase like this goes.

And as far as the specs that I need goes, that is the issue. I am not too great with computer lingo or understand what each spec improves what, etc. All I know is that I don't need bluray, and I would like a computer that is not a piece of junk like my Dell Inspiron that can barely play games made in the early 2000's. Haha. And also like I said before, to be able to play some games, i.e SWTOR.

[CPalm44]

NONE if you play games.

The list of games that I cannot play with any level of enjoyment due to missing the numlock ability:

7

That's of $400 worth of games that are useless on the POS laptop.

Like what games? I know WoW is apparantly tough to play on this laptop unless you reconfig the keypad or something. Would I be able to play Diablo 3?

And if anyone has suggestions on another laptop besides a G74, please say so.

Also, does Asus make a laptop that has the same specs as a G74 but smaller screen, for example a 15 inch?

[BrodyBoy]

Amazon is an excellent choice for Asus laptops. You get the fullw arranty coverage (including the ADP and "360" coverage, if you remember to register for it), and a 30-day return policy. I can't overstate the importance of having an easy, low-cost return option with this model. (I had to return two of them, and because I use Amazon Prime shipping, there's was no extra cost whatsoever.) If the configuration you want isn;t available there right now, keep checking back. They seem to come and go frequently.

As others have said, the Full HD display and the 3Gb GPU options are best for gaming. Beyond that, get the HDD space you need, if you don't want to upgrade later. Not needing the BD drive should save you quite a bit of money.

[BrodyBoy]

Also, does Asus make a laptop that has the same specs as a G74 but smaller screen, for example a 15 inch?

The G53 is the "little brother" of the G74.

[CPalm44]

So it looks like im leaning toward either the NH71 or the AH71 or possibly the G53SX-AH71.

Right now the NH71 I can find on Newegg.com (I couldn't find it on Amazon) for $1,379.99:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834230142


The AH71 on Amazon is currently running at $1,499.99:

http://www.amazon.com/Republic-Gamer.../ref=de_a_smtd


And the G53SX-AH71 model on Amazon for $1,199.99:

http://www.amazon.com/Republic-Gamer.../ref=de_a_smtd

Let me know what you guys think based off what I am looking to do. Which is playing games (MMOs, Diablo 3, RTS, etc.). Or if you think I should go a complete different route. (I am a little nervous about the whole "no num lock key" issue with the keyboard. Im not sure if thats easy to fix or if it would cause me to run into issues when playing games down the road. Anyway, thanks again for all of your help.

[Northforge]

Which one should you choose? The one that doesn't display lines in shadows. So, don't get one. >:[ NVidia, why would you let me down after years of supporting you!

[BrodyBoy]

Let me know what you guys think based off what I am looking to do. Which is playing games (MMOs, Diablo 3, RTS, etc.). Or if you think I should go a complete different route. (I am a little nervous about the whole "no num lock key" issue with the keyboard. Im not sure if thats easy to fix or if it would cause me to run into issues when playing games down the road. Anyway, thanks again for all of your help.

Keep in mind...all those G74s are the same model, so they are much more similar than different. Minor component differences really won't make any difference in terms of using the machine as you describe.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the G53 has the calculator key, does it? If it's a concern for you (with the G74), then you probably shouldn't get it. There's no "easy fix," and many owners have been frustrated by this feature, or lack thereof.

[jclark65]

I was going to order the Newegg model and had actually bought it but waited 5 days and it was still not shipped so I cancelled and got the AH model. The NH has 12 gig of ram vs the 16 in the AH and has a 500 gig hd vs the 750 in the AH. The NH has a 2 yr warrentee I(I think) and the AH has 1 yr. I was ticked at Newegg, I talked to them 3 times and they told me it would ship soon... The other items shipped almost immediately so not sure what was up with the computer.

[Aras]

men are u serious? wait 2 weeks for G75... i can already make preorder from shop in my country with 2 options of graphics cards...