I did a fresh install of Win7 64bit from a retail disc and installed all the G73 specific software, save for the Creative junk. It went to a black screen with bars and locked again playing Alien Swarm. This is a totally fresh install, so I know it's not software related. It can't be, can it? How long is "long enough" on furmark to see if the GPU dies when stressed? Should I let it run for ten minutes? thirty? an hour? Since I work at the store where I bought this thing I'll just swap it out tomorrow, as it's still in the return policy. I'll put my SSD into the new one I get and see if the situation improves.
Is it possible I should use the drivers supplied by ASUS, and not the reference drivers from ATi? I have conflicting reports of people who say that upgrading the drivers fixed their GSOD and people who say using anything but the stock ASUS drivers gives them problems. What to do... Now that I think, I did upgrade my drivers before the first time it locked, I think.
I'll swap it at work tomorrow, then take it to Panera and play games for a while to see if it still locks. If it does it's somewhat safe to assume that it's a software problem, either that or I'm just that unlucky. If it still locks then I'll try the stock ASUS drivers. If it still locks...then I dunno. I really don't want to straight-out return it, as it'd be the best gaming laptop in existence if it would just work. It's also the only gaming laptop that isn't fugly, other ASUS G-series included. *sigh* Here's to hoping.
Edit: You mentioned the GPU temps I reported were high. What are good GPU temps for this chipset?