Remember this FAQ is still being updated as frequently as possible, and without the helpful suggestions and additions by forum members, this wouldnt have been possible. That being said, feel free to Private Message me or any of the ASUS moderators (AuroraS, Goren,Jason and Mujtaba) if you want to add something. Of course, credit will be included.
New ASUS Notebook How to upgrade BIOS? What is an ODM?
Remember this FAQ is still being updated as frequently as possible, and without the helpful suggestions and additions by forum members, this wouldnt have been possible. That being said, feel free to Private Message me or any of the ASUS moderators (AuroraS, Goren,Jason and Mujtaba) if you want to add something. Of course, credit will be included.
| RULES:
Due to constant and uneccessary anger in the Forum I have decided to put a short list of rules which I hope people can abide by. BUT first a welcome to all new members who read this..I hope you can find the information you need to maximise your ASUS laptop experiance! 2) This means that its quite possible that the same question will be asked more than once (replaceable GPU anyone?) While this maybe annoying its not the end of the world, users you have the choice to NOT reply…if you DO feel the need to reply then: 3) On the flipside new users please have a read through the FAQs first….and or try a search for the info you want this will often be the quickest way to find info and will help keep the forum more manageable through less repeat posts. 4) Personal attacks or disagreements are not for the forum…nor are expansive personal rants in posts…it clogs the forum which in turn reduces the effectiveness of the search feature. So if you take offense at someones post then contact them directly (im) or report the post to the mods. From now on all personally directed posts will be removed. 5) Take a chill pill. The world doesnt reside inside this forum…if its making you upset maybe thats a good time to switch off the pc and take a walk outside or something. I think that should just about do it…not quite the 10 commandments =) Thanks for reading and please play nice |
To the new buyers : Please post your opinion about your purchase here.
Table of Contents
- 1. ASUS General
- a Who is ASUS?
- b. What is an ODM?
- c. Why buy an ASUS?
- d. Interesting Information about ASUS
- e. How to contact ASUS
h. Whats in a name?
i. How do I upgrade BIOS?
j. Ok, I have a barebone, how do I build it?
k. How do I upgrade my RAM?
l. ASUS Benchmarks
| From DigiTimes IT News
Asustek currently has notebook orders from Apple computer, Sony, Samsung Electronics and JVC, the sources indicated. Asustek has forecast that it will ship four million notebooks this year, with 1.5 million going to the OEM/ODM segment. |
| March 10 2005. iF Design Awards won by ASUS
On March 10, 2005, the ASUS W1 notebook took home the iF Gold Award. It is the first time in iFs 50-year history that a Chinese company won this distinguished honor. In addition, ASUS also received four honorable mentions for the V6 notebook, MyPal A730 Pocket PC, SDRW-0804P DVD rewriter and P505 PDA phone, making this years iF award ceremony the coming-out party of a new industrial design giant. |
| • We all know, Asus is the No.1 of the Desktop Motherboard manufacturer in the world. Why ASUS is the No. 1, Quality and Quality Control is the main reason. Please reference Asus Corporate Mission. ASUS made some models for SONY, Apple and IBM.
• Asustek received volume orders for 12.1-inch OEM notebooks from Sharp Asustek may produce about 30,000 12.1-inch notebooks for Sharp, who will unveil the model in Japan on January 21, the paper said, adding that the contract project may carry over to include another 12.1-inch model and one 10.6-inch notebook in the near future. • Asustek to begin volume shipments of 17-inch notebooks to Sony in 2H • Asustek likely to land OEM notebook orders from IBM Asustek and IBM are expected to soon finalize an initial order for up to several hundred thousand units a year, with deliveries starting in the second half, the report said. Sources at Asustek declined to comment on the report but are confident that the company will be able to ship about three million notebooks in 2004, according to the paper. • Asustek passes Wistron to become third-largest notebook maker in Taiwan • Asustek replaces Acer as a larger notebook vendor in China in 3Q |
ENSEMBLE is ASUSs premiere line, where everything is included and is not customizable. This line is usually more expensive as it is the top of the line high quality machines made by ASUS and engineered and designed to be the best. From the slim v6 to the Media Center known as the W2, everything is included, The Windows OS(In a recovery style disc), a case, a mouse, 2 years of international warranty and a great notebook. Note this is usually for Europe and Asia, in North America, it is a standard 1 year, and may or may not include freebies. However, as of Q4 of 2006, All the Merom(Core 2 Duo) ENSEMBLE units will include a 30 day Zero Dead Pixel policy, a Mouse and a Bag, as well as a full 2 year international warranty.
The new warranty(As of Q4 2006) for ENSEMBLE units in North America is an 2 year International warranty on parts and labour. There is an option to add 1 more year of North American warranty for a fee, and is valid in N.A. only, with the first year being global. Check out ASUS support site for more info and locations of their service depot, at
| THE Vista Express Upgrade Thread Below is all you need to know about Microsofts Vista Express Upgrade as it pertains to your new Asus notebook. I, like many others have grown tired of answering the same questions over and over (at no fault of those asking), but because the questions are being posed in various off topic threads, others cant easily pick up on them. For that reason Im going to start this thread and include some basic information…. read it, understand it, follow it… get your upgrade! Feel free to drop me a line if you dont understand or they throw back some lanuage you find confusing… If you follow the steps below you should do just fine. ARE YOU ELIGIBLE: WHERE YOU GO: https://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/vista/Asustek/ When you get on the page youll be asked what language and country youre from. Then youll click on the big “Windows Vista” button on the bottom. From there youll be asked what version and language OS you currently have. When you make that choice, youll then be given the options below depending on the OS you have. WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS: Windows XP Home Edition: Windows XP Professional Edition: Windows XP Tablet PC Edition: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005: There is NO Option to upgrade to Vista Ultimate (which I believe will come in 32 and 64bit, and is basically ALL of the added stuff in the business OS plus the media center side of Home Premium) WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: WHEN WILL YOU RECEIVE VISTA: COMMON ISSUES: For good measure, there are three other threads that have these questions have been asked and answered over the last few weeks… you may like to glance over them: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=96989 |
For discussion, the original thread is here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=98906
Thanks to Justin from PROPortable for writing the guide.
1l. Where can I find the Vista drivers for ASUS notebooks?
The thread is here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=100357
Thanks to Ken from GentechPC for compiling and finding them, as well as various others for finding them.
Definition of ColourShine/CrystalShine from ASUS themselves:
| Crystal Shine LCD Technology Crystal Shine LCD Technology makes ASUS notebooks screens brighter and more vivid. Movies and images that are more vibrant. Text is clearer and easier to read. Color Shine LCD Technology |

As shown above, it is an example of the Z series.
Heres a quite long and intensive breakdown of all ASUS laptops, the info is compiled by Androo and hiomin.
|
Note: not all models are available in the United States, this is a global list.
“Digital Home” : These laptops are at the breaking edge of portability and multimedia capabilities. These models are the exceptionally thin and light versions of typical media centers. Capable Tasks include: Higher level gaming, video and audio playback/editing, and web browsing Models include: W1, W2 series “Personal Entertainment Center” : ASUS considers these laptops “Multimedia Stations for Room-to-Room Enjoyment.â€� Similarly to the w series, the A5 is smaller in size than the A7 series. Capable Tasks include: (Similar to the “Digital Home”) Higher level gaming, video and audio playback/editing, and web browsing. Models include: A5, A7 series “Superior Mobility” : This is Asuss line of ultra portables. These laptops are less than 14.1 inches and often weigh far less than 5 pounds. Capable Tasks: Low functionality gaming, video and audio playback, and web browsing. Models include: M5, S2, S3, S5, U5, W5, W6 series Business� : This laptop series is Asuss mainstream (15.4â€�) portable line. These laptops are large enough to be used as a primary machine or small enough to carry to classes / office meetings. Asuss power4gear technology allows for longer battery life unplugged. Capable tasks include: Audio and Video playback/editing, moderate gaming, and web-browsing. Models include: A3, A6, L4, M6 series Performance� : These laptops are meant for stationary use and occasional travel. They are equipped with either intels power hogging: Pentium 4 or AMDs powerful athlon 64 processor. These computers also utilize atis older AGP mobility radeon series. Because of increased performance and battery life, these power hogs are soon to be obsolete. Capible Tasks: Gaming (with higher performance), video and audio playback, and web browsing. Short battery life. Models include: A2, A4, L5 series Portability� : Asuss version of the thin and light notebook (14.1-15â€�) weight is also a determining factor of this category. These computers vary in power and battery life, and can be larger rival of the ultra portable series, or a smaller version of the mainstream line. Capable Tasks: Mid-Upper level Gaming, video and audio playback/editing and web browsing Models include: A8, M2, M3, M9, V6, W3 series The First Letter: W The W in this model number is the chassis style. There are many versions of notebook chassis such as: the “W” series, the “V” series the “A” series and the “M” series. Each chassis has specific benefits and features. Examples include: thinness, construction of carbon fiber, etc. Although this is an over simplification, it is a good starting point. You will see that there is a lot more to the first letter than simply a chasis type or style. In fact, this is the most confusing part of the model number system. You will see what I mean when I break it down into the Asus categories. Now, heres where the exceptions come in: Although two models may have the same starting number, Asus has still taken the liberty to separate them into different categories. Now this may seem odd, but it makes quite a bit of sense. To clarify: Concentrating on the popular “W” series, lets take a look at the W2J and the W3J. Although they share similar builds, they are not placed in the same categories due to size differences. The W2J is a 17″ multimedia machine while the W3J is a thin and light laptop. It is not a good idea to classify them in the same group.NOTE: A fourth additional letter can be found in specific models. A prime example is the A7 series from the portable entertainment center category. Rather than create a customizable version of each series, ASUS created lower, middle and higher end models of each. This changes the model number from the A7J (which is a model in itself) to a A7Jb or A7Jc. Often these differing models may offer a better video card or another upgrade such as a larger hard drive as well. Breakdown of an Example Unit, the ASUS W3j The First Letter: W The W in this model number is the chassis style. There are many versions of notebook chassis such as: the “W” series, the “V” series the “A” series and the “M” series. Each chassis has specific benefits and features. Examples include: thinness, construction of carbon fiber, etc. Although this is an over simplification, it is a good starting point. You will see that there is a lot more to the first letter than simply a chasis type or style. In fact, this is the most confusing part of the model number system. Because there is so many different types of areas a laptop can specialize in, there is no single model base that a laptop belongs in. To make it even more complicated, ASUS North America tends to rename the unit. Though, there are exceptions: Although two models may have the same starting number, Asus has still taken the liberty to separate them into different categories. Now this may seem odd, but it makes quite a bit of sense. To clarify: Concentrating on the popular “W” series, lets take a look at the W2J and the W3J. Although they share similar builds, they are not placed in the same categories due to size differences. The W2J is a 17″ multimedia machine while the W3J is a thin and light laptop. It is not a good idea to classify them in the same group. The Second Digit of the W3J: 3 This number differentiates between other various models of the same chassis type. The 3 in W3J separates it from the W2j and the W1J. Generally these numbers have to do with differing screen size. This is where it gets weird. The W2J is the largest (17″) “W” while the W3J is the smallest (14″), and the W1J (15.4″) will be in-between. WHY IS THAT? You would think the W1J would be the smallest, while the W3J would be the largest. Why is the largest one in the middle? Now, I am guessing that when ASUS created their first ensemble models in the “W” series, the first model made was the 15.4″ version, the second was the 17″ version and the third was the 14.1″ version. Thus the order of W1, W2 and W3. (Please correct me if I am wrong, just an assumption). The size of the number does not correlate with the screen size in this case. 3rd digit (letter): J This my friends is the easiest to explain. This is the chipset type. A good example again is the difference between the W3V and the W3J. The W3V is the Pentium-M chipset while the W3J is the Core Duo chipset. Another popular example: V6J versus the V6V. The most commonly used suffixes are: Pentium M(Centrino) generation: Core Duo Generation: The rest of the suffixes are shown below: J—- : Core Duo/Core 2 Duo with dedicated graphics[/i] |
Its under the keyboard.
Just do this:
1. Turn off notebook, flip it over
2. Unscrew the screws marked K, should be two
3. Flip it over, open the lid
4. Take a credit card(or a hard plastic card of some sort) and press down on the 4 tabs that are located at the top of the keyboard(Usually above Esc-F1-F2, F5-F6, F10-F11 and Prt-Sc-Ins)
5. Keyboard should pop up at an angle
6. Place KB face down on wristpad and look for the RAM(Should be right there).
To take off the RAM, unlock it by pressing the metal(aluminum?) tabs, it should pop halfway at a 45 degree angle.
To put back the RAM, place the contacts in first at a 45 degree angle, then press down and lock it back into place.
Related posts:
- ASUS Eee PC 1000H LaptopLike a set of Russian nesting dolls, each successive Eee PC from Asus seems like it can encapsulate the previous mini-notebook in its portfolio. The latest, and the largest of these matryoshkas is the Eee PC 1000H, which shares many of the same features of its predecessor, the Eee PC 901 (including a 1.6-GHz Intel [...]...
- ASUS LightScribe 20X SATA DVD Burner – DVD-RWASUS LightScribe 20X SATA DVD ReWriter, 6X DVD-RW, 8X DVD+RW, 8X DVD+/-R DL, 14X DVD-RAM, Model: DRW-2014L1TLightScribe Drive enables personalized and professional labels!The ASUS DRW-2014L1T is the Light Scribe drive enables CD images and disc labels to be burned onto disc using the same drive that is used to burn the data. Make a label [...]...
- BTI HP-DV2000 Li-Ion Battery for Presario Series and Pavilion Series NotebooksBTI HP-DV2000 Li-Ion Battery for Presario Series and Pavilion Series Notebooks, 11.1 V, 4400 mAhAs a leading manufacturer of portable computer power accessories, Battery Technology is dedicated to providing innovation, reliable and affordable battery technology to generate power and functionality for notebook computers, camcorders, portable peripherals and cellular phones. This product is designed for HP [...]...
- ASUS N4L-VM DH – a micro-ATX motherboard Intel 945GM chipset with ICH7-M DHASUS Introduces Viiv and Dolby Certified N4L-VM DH Motherboard ASUS has announced the availability of its N4L-VM DH — a micro-ATX motherboard that packs a myriad of new features not available on other motherboards even twice its cost. ASUS positions the N4L-VM DH as the definitive motherboard for the home theater enthusiast. At a glance, [...]...
- Best Laptops Under $500Although ThinkPads have a reputation for being pricier premium notebooks intended for business travelers, a little smart shopping can land you this budget model on a shoestring. It's not as fast as the flagship T-series, or as light as the X-series, but the R61 has been reviewed favorably in its price range and ...
- Asus Maximus II Formula Intel P45 Motherboard ReviewAt first glance, Intels technical documentation for the new P45 / G45 Express series chipsets, youll note looks alarmingly similar to the previous generation P35 / G35 Express series that this new lineup of chipsets is meant to replace. As the P35 series was a rather successful architecture, this immediately struck us on a positive first note about the P45. The more [...]...
- new dell and apple laptopsA new laptop If you are feeling really generous this holiday season, you can get that special someone a new laptop. After all, laptops are one of the most wanted items on peoples Christmas lists this year. All of the major players have been working to make their laptop offerings more attractive heading into the 2007 Christmas [...]...
- Best Gaming LaptopsArea-51 m9750 Intel® Core™2 Duo Processors NVIDIA® SLI™ Dual 7950 GTX 667MHz DDR2 Memory Up to 500GB of Storage 1080p Video and HD Audio A monster of a machine capable of playing the most demanding gamesBudget Gaming Laptops – Acer Aspire 5920 1. AcerAcer Aspire 5920 Gemstone Currently there are two versions of this very [...]...
- Driver Checker v2.7.2 Build 2009-02-24 | 2 MBNew Manage Your Windows Drivers with Ease.Driver Checker allows you to easily detect and update the latest drivers for your entire hardware devices. It can also back up the existing drivers and restore the drivers in case that you needed to reinstall or upgrade your operating system. Driver Checker provides an easy-to-use interface through which only a few clicks can make your jobs completely done with ease.DOWNLOAD...
- Windows 7 Coming Next YearMicrosoft has dropped two strong hints in the past two days that the next version of its Windows operating system will arrive in 2009, shaving up to a year off previous expectations. It could also be a signal that Microsoft intends to cut its losses with Windows Vista, which has been poorly received or shunned [...]...
- Computer Buying Guide – The choices among desktop and laptop computersThe choices among desktop and laptop computers can be confusing. New desktops can be smaller and less-conspicuous than some laptops. Meanwhile, some portable computers offer features and capabilities that rival traditional desktops. Here are the types of computers—and the pros and cons—you need to consider....
- Gresso mahogany wood enclosed USB drivesGresso has come out with limited edition USB drives enclosed in 200-year old Royal Mahogany Wood, further more it is engraved with the image of the bull and the hieroglyph associated with the year 2009. The drive will be offered in four different models in 4 and 8GB capacities. Only 2009 pieces will be produced. [...]...
- Integrate Serial ATA (SATA) Drivers In Windows XPOne problem found in lots of newest computers or notebooks are fitted with a SATA interface hard drive that not all recognized by Windows XP installer. It would ask the SATA driver for the hardware and you must provide it before continue to installing the rest processes.It is because Microsoft now stopped Windows XP selling product to new computer purchasing in order to overcoming Windows Vista. Now these days, new computers or notebooks product which has the requirement hardware are now capable to use it.It will run, but slow.To make it double faster running OS, try to using Windows XP.For example,an Acer sub-notebook are comes with 80 GB SATA hard drive.From the selling box, Acer recommended to use Windows Vista hence there are no Windows XP driver CD software included.So there will no chance to installing it with Windows XP since the installer didn’t recognized the SATA interface.Acer website provides all of the Windows XP drivers software, including the SATA driver to support the Windows XP installation. So, how to integrating the bootable installer with the SATA driver software..?First of all, get the SATA driver manufactured from your hardware factory website (Acer link) & download nLitehttp://www.nliteos.com/download.htmlInstall nliteTo create a custom Windows XP installer (note that you need .NET Framework 2.0 available from Microsoft download site before running the nLite).Next, from nLite application, browse to the Windows XP CD installer (I’m not responsible to any legally use of Windows XP installer).Then, press Drivers & Bootable ISO button to inserting the SATA drivers & continue to create an ISO image to burn in a CD:Clicking on Next button, you will be prompted to inserting from the source disk of SATA drivers software.Insert the source disk contain SATA driver files:Finally, confirmed with YES button to continue to burning the ISO image:After it finished, let it try to boot from this bootable CD next to your computer or notebook....
- Western Digital 120GB USB drive (model WD1200B005RNx)Pentium II processor or higher Windows 98SE (Second Edition) or higher Macintosh Users Available USB port (USB 2.0 host required for Hi-Speed USB performance) 32 MB RAM or higher True G3 processor or higher Mac OS X v10.0 or later...
- Realtek AC 97 sound Drivers 4.06 download freeThis driver supports all ALC series audio chipsets from ALC101 up to ALC861. It is used as onboard sound on many motherboards. Chips covered include ALC101 /201/ 202/ 203/ 250/ 650/ 653/ 655/ 658/ 861.It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.Do not forget to check with our site as often as possible in order to stay updated on the latest version.Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed a wrong driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer ...