G73SW and G53SW: Latest drivers and everything you need for a fresh install.

[sarge_]

Here are the latest (as of November 21, 2011) drivers, useful utilities and useful optional software for the G73SW or G53SW running Windows 7 64-bit, as well as tips on installing them. This is everything you need for your new laptop to function correctly and have all its functionality. Following this list will help prevent problems. I am trying to make this list as future proof as possible, so most links will be specially crafted search queries to the manufacturers' sites. Hopefully they won't break.
This list is based on Chastity's G73 Series Driver and Application Reference (alternative, if that one doesn't work: http://pcaudio.ath.cx/), but updated and tailored specifically for the G73SW.
This list was made because the drivers on the G73SW and G53SW support pages are often not the latest ones, and the ones on the Driver CD are definitely outdated. Plus, there are a lot of confusing, useless utilities included.

Preamble:

Once you get your G73SW/G53SW, I recommend formatting your drives, deleting the useless Asus recovery partition, repartitioning as needed and installing a clean copy of Windows. You can later make a backup of Windows to replace the functionality of the Asus recovery partition.
Guide for optimal partitioning for dual-HDD setups coming soon.
If your laptop came with a licensed version of Windows (there is a license sticker with the serial code underneath the notebook) or you have a license from somewhere else, you can legally download a Windows 7 ISO.
For convenience, it may be a good idea to download all the necessary drivers beforehand.
I also recommend turning Windows Update off until everything is installed, so that it wouldn't start installing Microsoft drivers on its own, and re-enable it afterward.


So here is a list of what is needed (and what's optional) for a G73SW with a clean installation of Windows 7 64bit:

1. Hotfixes

First things first, on the G73SW driver CD there were six recommended Microsoft Hotfixes for Win7 x64. They are uploaded here:
Hotfixes
Install them one by one. After installing them all, reboot. (No need to reboot after each hotfix.)


2. BIOS

The latest bios can be found here: G73SW G53SW
under "BIOS". The latest version is always at the top.
It is very probable that you have already got the latest BIOS installed. You can check your current BIOS version by entering the BIOS screen (turn on laptop and tap Delete until you get there). If you already have the latest BIOS, you do not need to update it.
The easiest way to flash is to place the ROM file on a formatted USB flashdrive (FAT/FAT32) and use the EZ-Flash BIOS utility, accessed by hitting F2 during laptop POST / Startup. This is the safest way.
Alternatively, you could download and use the Windows BIOS Flash Utility (under BIOS-Utilities), but that is more risky.
Keep in mind that if the BIOS flashing process is interrupted, your laptop will become an expensive paperweight. So before flashing make sure:
1) the battery is fully charged
2) the AC adapter is plugged in
3) nothing will disturb/interrupt the process (this is why flashing using the EZ-Flash BIOS utility is safer).

2.1. For those who have a Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid HDD:
Install the latest firmware.


3. Drivers

3.1. Intel INF Update
The latest Intel INF Update utility can be found using this specially crafted search query link:
Mobile Intel 6 Series Chipset - Windows 7, 64bit* - Utilities, Tools and Examples
Please download the regular utility (infinst_autol.exe), not the Zip Format version.
It is recommended to run this utility with the -overall switch. To do this, press WindowsKey+R, browse to the location of infinst_autol.exe, and add -overall (preceeded by a space). Example: "C:\Downloads\infinst_autol.exe" -overall
Reboot after installing.

3.2. Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver
The latest Intel INF Update utility can be found using this specially crafted search query link:
Mobile Intel 6 Series Chipset - Windows 7, 64bit* - Drivers
Reboot after installing.
An Intel RST icon will appear in your taskbar. You can disable it by running this .reg file: IAstoreIconDisable.reg. This will prevent the utility from launching at startup, but the driver will still work.

3.3. NVidia Graphics Driver (includes 3D Vision driver, if needed)
The latest NVidia graphics driver can be found here:
NVIDIA Driver Downloads
If asked, reboot after installing.

3.4. Touchpad
The latest driver can be found here:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download Touchpad
Choose the latest driver that has Touchpad_Synaptics in the filename (NOT Touchpad_Sentelic).
(The Synaptic driver versions start with V15 or later).
As of Nov 21, 2011 the latest was V15.3.17.0.

3.5. Keyboard
First, install the Keyboard Filter Driver.
Latest found here. There may be several files with the same versions. Download the one which has the latest date.

Then install the ATKACPI driver.
Latest found here.

3.6. LAN
The latest Realtek LAN driver can be found here:
Realtek
Download and run the latest "Win7 and WinServer 2008 R2 Auto Installation Program".

3.7. WiFi
For Atheros AR9285 or AR5B95 (default WiFI card in G73SW):
The latest driver can be found here (under Wireless): ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download WLAN
Choose the Atheros Wireless Lan Driver and Application with the latest date.
Latest driver as of Nov 21, 2011: Atheros WiFi AR5B95/AR9285 v9.2.1.459
Check Chastity's thread for updates, sometimes an even newer version is available there.
Warning: After you install this, Windows Update will automatically offer an older version of Atheros drivers to download. You must uncheck this update and hide it, so that Windows Update doesn't downgrade the driver.

For Intel WiFi cards:
Latest driver can be found in this link: Intel Download Center
Select your WiFi card in the "Select a product name" list.

For Azurewave NB037 (G53SW):
The latest driver can be found in the G53SW driver page under "Wireless".

3.8. Bluetooth
G73SW: The latest driver can be found in your laptop's driver page: G73SW

G53SW: Download the latest "Azurewave BlueTooth Driver" from this link: http://support.asus.com/download.asp...hashedid=n%2fa

3.9. Card reader
The latest driver can be found in your laptop's driver page: G73SW G53SW
under "Card Reader".

3.10. USB 3.0
The latest Fresco USB 3.0 driver can be found here:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download USB3.0
Download the latest Fresco USB3.0 Driver.

3.11. Audio
You have two options here.

Option 1: You can use the latest Realtek drivers.
Latest drivers can be found here:
Realtek
Choose "Vista, Windows7 Driver(64bits) Driver only (Executable file)". If the download links don't work, try refreshing the page. New download sites should show up.
If that fails, check Chastity's site or thread.
Reboot after installation.
Type 'Manage audio devices' in the Start menu, open it. Double-click Speakers. Go to the Advanced tab. Select the highest sample rate available (24bit, 192000 Hz).
That's it.

You may want to check out this: Fix for Realtek sound popping and/or high pitched tone/squeal

NOTE: It has been reported that certain versions of Realtek drivers cause the system to wake right after putting it to sleep, thus preventing sleep or hibernation. After you install the Realtek driver from either option and reboot, check to see if sleep and hibernation is working.

Option 2 [CURRENTLY BROKEN, CHECK BACK TOMORROW]: You can use the latest Realtek drivers along with Sound Blaster X-Fi software, which gives you these additional features: EAX Advanced HD 4.0 support, Creative ALchemy (enables EAX effects in games), X-Fi Crystalizer (crisper sound), X-Fi CMSS-3D (3D effects), volume normalization, equalizer, bass boost.
Installation:
1. Make sure you have the latest Realtek drivers installed. (see Option 1)
2. Reboot if you have just installed them.
3. Download and install the latest modded X-Fi software.
Latest as of Nov 21, 2011: X-Fi MB2 modded (2.1)
Check for updates here: Realtek/Soundmax Modds + SB X-fi MB 1.2 (don't download v1.2, that's old)
Don't reboot yet.
4. Download the activator. Extract. Ignore the virus warning, it's false. There should be two files, RUN.BAT and DDL_DTS_Activator.exe. Make sure your anti-virus isn't blocking or deleted the DDL_DTS_Activator.exe file. Right-click on the RUN.BAT file and select Run as Administrator. A black window should briefly pop up and go away.
5. Reboot.
6. Open the Creative Audio Control Panel. At the top of the window, Select device: Sound Blaster X-Fi MB 2. Click Close.
7. Open the Creative Console Launcher. Click the blue note icon to the left of "ENTERTAINMENT MODE". Click 'Select audio device...'. Select Sound Blaster X-Fi MB 2.
8. Use the Creative Console Launcher to configure the settings to your liking.
I use Bass Boost when using the laptop speakers, and sometimes activate the X-Fi Crystalizer when listening to music. All other settings are off.
9. Right-click on the Realtek driver icon in the taskbar and select Audio devices (or type 'Manage audio devices' in the Start menu).
You should see this:

Spoiler :

Make sure the Speakers - Sound Blaster X-Fi MB 2 is selected as the default device (Right-click -> Set as Default Device and Set as Default Communication Device).
10. [Optional.] You can disable the Realtek Digital Output if you don't use it to save some power.
11. Double click on Speakers - Sound Blaster X-Fi MB 2. Go to the Advanced tab. Select the sample rate. If you listen to mostly 44.1 kHz audio (like Youtube videos), select 24bit, 41100 Hz, otherwise, choose 24bit, 48000 Hz.
12. Do the same for Speakers – Realtek High Definition audio. In addition, in the Levels tab, make sure the Realtek HD Audio Output is set to max.
13. You can update the software using Creative Auto Update. When you check for updates, it will may show two new applications, Creative WaveStudio and Creative MediaSource Player/Organizer, both pre-selected. You can deselect them if you don't need them.

3.12. Webcam
The webcam has no drivers. It should work anyway with Windows 7. You can use the Asus LifeFrame software with it if you like (detailed below).


4. Utilities

The full list of Asus software can be found here: Asus Utility and Bloatware Guide
Here are the Asus utilities and software that I found to be useful:

4.1. Wireless Console 3 Recommended. You need this for Fn+F2 to function.
Allows you to switch WiFi and Bluetooth on and off.
Get the latest version here: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download Wireless_Console

4.2. Power4Gear Hybrid Recommended. You need this for the Turbo button to function.
Advanced power options and profiles management.
Get the latest version here: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download P4GHybrid

4.3. Asus LifeFrame (Optional)
Allows you to record video and take pictures with the webcam.
Get the latest version here: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- Drivers and Download LifeFrame3

4.4. Asus Web Storage (Optional)
A free service for select Asus notebook and netbook owners that offers 3GB (even though it says 2GB on the site) of web storage (more can be bought if needed). The functionality is similar to Dropbox. Has auto synchronisation and auto backup functionality. Also offers easy sharing of files over the web. The server can be slow sometimes though.
Get the latest version at Online backup, file sync, for pad, PC, Android and iPhone - ASUS WebStorage.


5. Desktop Gadgets (Optional)
Some useful desktop gadgets for your G73SW/G53SW:



5.1. Intel TurboBoost Monitor
Displays your CPU's TurboBoost state. The bar is empty when TurboBoost is inactive, and gets fills up when your CPU reaches its full turbo power.

Pictured here is the v1.0.400.4 version, which comes on the G73SW Driver CD. The one on Intel's site is v2.0, and IMO it is worse (it's huge and always always half-filled with the stock frequency; you can check it out here).
Download v1.0.400.4 (taken from the Driver CD)

5.2. CoreTemp gadget
Shows CPU load on the CPU cores, as well as CPU temperature and RAM usage. Better than other similar gadgets, because others show the load of all 8 virtual threads, and that's rather useless IMO.
Needs to have CoreTemp running in the background.
Pictured is my configuration. The Zoom setting is at 85%.
Home page

5.3. Power4Gear Hybrid gadget
Comes with the Power4Gear Hybrid utility (detailed above). Easy switching between power profiles.

5.4. GPU Observer
Monitors the GPU. Pictured is my configuration. The temperature reading, GPU load, Memory load and Clocks work properly with the G73SW/G53SW (as pictured).
Home page

Feel free to copy and modify this guide for other models.
@Mods - feel free to update this guide as needed.
Thanks to Chastity for her G73 Series Driver and Application Reference. (mirror)

Enjoy

sarge_

[dlai]

Great job, thanks for doing this. Adding the gadgets is a nice touch.

[cayocayo]

really appreciate this

[IgnisDR]

- 3.11. Audio <- will it work with 53SW?

[sarge_]

Yes, it definitely should.

Fixed some corrupted links.

[IgnisDR]

Cool, great work mate : )

[Chastity]

@sarge: Now you can enjoy everyone asking you about driver releases

[Selenarious]

What about the Intel MEI Drivers?

Can someone give me the link to the latest one? Cheers

[Chastity]

y'know, if you bothered to Google "Intel MEI Driver" the very first hit listed would be:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...&dwnldid=18532

Folks, can we please try the simple stuff first before posting link requests?

[tijo]

Folks, can we please try the simple stuff first before posting link requests?

Yeah try a search before asking . Sometimes we just get lazy though.