Asus UL30VT FAQ / Official Owners Lounge redux

[belzebutt]

The following are the most frequently asked questions and answers from the huge Official Asus UL30VT-X1 Owners Lounge thread:
*Official UL30VT-X1 Owners Lounge*

Hopefully this saves you from reading the 324 pages.

There is also now a Wiki for the UL30 here: http://asus-ul30.wikispaces.com/


General


What are the differences between the UL30VT-X1 and UL30VT-A1?

X1:

• Initial model
• Black
• 4400mAh battery (at least one user reported getting the 5600mAh battery from Amazon)
• Intel wirless chip with two antennas
• One year warranty

A1:

• Released about a month after the X1, higher price
• Silver
• 5600mAh
• Atheros wireless chip with single antenna (Asus claims it's "optimized for a single antenna", but some users report worse reception)
• 2 year warranty

Is there a weight/size difference between the two batteries?

No, they are the same size and the weight is virtually the same.


How do I do a clean install of Windows 7?

Use an external USB CD-ROM drive and use a Windows 7 DVD (preferably 64-bit), or use a different PC to prepare a USB stick to install Widows 7 from it onto the UL30VT:
http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-in...working-guide/


What Windows 7 DVD/key should I use?

You can use any Windows 7 DVD (e.g. one that came with another PC), just pay attention to whether you want 64-bit or 32-bit (only use 32-bit if you specifically need it for some reason). When prompted, enter the key that's printed on the sticker at the bottom of the laptop. You may need to call Microsoft in order to activate, if your internet activation fails.


What Asus drivers/software should I install after?

Go to:
http://support.asus.com/download/dow...Language=en-us
First you need to install all the ATK drivers (get the most recent version of each only).

After that, install the nVidia graphics driver, the Power4Gear Hybrid Utility 1.24 or 1.25 (to enable video switching, use version 1.25 or older as later versions have issues; 1.25 can be found at http://support.asus.com, under General Download select "Notebook", "Apps" and "P4GHybrid"), the Realtek audio driver (so you don't have a duplicate microphone device), touchpad, bluetooth and either Intel or Atheros network driver.

The other utilities can be more or less useful, such as FastBoot (delays certain programs during startup), Fancystart for changing your BIOS screen, or SmartLogon for using the camera to log you in (slower and not as secure as a password but neat).


Do I need to update my BIOS? How should I do it?

Not really but it's easy, just copy the latest BIOS file to a USB key, reboot, and update the BIOS from the BIOS menu. There are no known issues with the 210 BIOS.


Does the UL30VT support 8GB RAM?

Yes, you will need to buy two sticks of 4GB to replace your existing two sticks of 2GB.


I don't like how my TouchPad feels, should I try Synaptics drivers?

Some people have reported better performance with the Synaptics trackpad drivers (rather than the Elan driver), but you lose most customization functionality including as the keyboard Fn key that turns off the TouchPad. If you want to make your TouchPad feel more responsive, set PalmTracking to Minimum, and increase the pointer speed under the Mouse Settings, Pointer Options.


What's a good case for this laptop?

The Zeroshock III 13.3" sleeve seems to be the cheapest/favorite out there:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-ZEROSHOC...1869389&sr=8-1


Can I overclock the CPU?

Yes, users report up to 1.9 GHz. Here's a CPU overclocking guide:
Overclocking the Asus UL30VT/UL80VT/UL50VT (Beyond Turbo Mode)


Can I run 64-bit virtual machines?

Yes you can, it's 64-bit and supports Intel VT.


What kind of spare power adapter can I buy?

19V, 3.16A, with 5.5x2.5mm connector, like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...#ht_3535wt_939


What kind of SSD drive should I buy?

Users have purchased several kinds of SSD drives for the UL30VT and there were no issues reported. Just make sure you have plenty of space for Windows 7 and applications, e.g. a 30 GB drive might be too small.


Video


My graphics switching button doesn't work sometimes, or my Power4Gear profile does not switch graphics properly, what's wrong?

Are you using Power4Gear 1.24 or 1.25 instead of a newer version? Newer versions have a glitch where they may not remember what GPU each profile uses, or the graphics button may stop functioning after a suspend/resume.


What is the VGA patch for?

The VGA patch removes some files left over from previous driver installations, so you do not need to install this patch when you're doing a clean install. You might want to run it before re-installing the video driver.


Can I install a newer nVidia driver than what's on the Asus website?

Yes, you can install a custom nVidia driver that includes features like PhysX. Follow the instructions here:
Modded 197.16 Hybrid Graphics Driver for UL30/50/80VT

Note that as of today, the newer drivers don't provide any performance benefits at all (but don't seem to break anything either).


Can I overclock the GeForce 210M on the UL30VT?

Yes, you can download a tool such as EVGA Precision or nVidia System Tools and overclock it. A good setting to try is 750/935/1655 (that brings up 3DMark 06 from about 3200 to over 3900). Here's a GPU overclocking guide:
http://www.expertlaptopreview.com/?p=422


I connected the HDMI to a TV but I don't see anything.

Make sure you switch to the nVidia graphics, then plug it in.


Does the GeForce 210M work under Linux?

No, you can only use the Intel graphics.


Does the UL30VT support automatic graphics switching (nVidia Optimus)?

Currently there are no Optimus-enabled drivers for the UL30VT (official or unofficial).


Audio


Does the UL30VT support S/PDIF?

It does not have an optical mini-jack as some vendors reported, but if you plug the HDMI output it into an HDMI 1.3 receiver you will be able to get multichannel digital sound and you can configure AC3 or DTS pass-through.


Modding


How do I disassemble the UL30VT?

Here are some tips on disassembly:
*Official UL30VT-X1 Owners Lounge*


Can I add a second WiFi antenna to the A1 to improve reception?

Yes, some A1 users have bought a second antenna but check first if your A1 has a second port for it, as some A1s do not have it. You can check by unscrewing the HD panel.

If you have the second port, you can buy an antenna like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT
http://www.oxfordtec.com/us/p120/Lap...duct_info.html
To install it, remove the HD drive, screw it it and route it towards the speakers.


Can I get a backlit keyboard for the UL30VT?

Yes, you can buy a keyboard from Asus:
http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=5277
To install it you will need to solder or glue a wire to a 5V source on the board. Instructions are here:
UL30 Backlit Keyboard Mod

Be aware that the backlit keyboard is slightly taller than the standard one and may leave marks on the screen, unless you use some kind of protection like a cloth or felt pads.

[dalamchops]

you forgot to add cpu overclocking to 1.9ghz : )

3dmark hits 4k

[lotsabs]

8. Can I overclock the GeForce 210M on the UL30VT?

Yes, you can download nVidia System Tools and overclock it. A good setting to try is 750/935/1655 (that brings up 3DMark 06 from about 3200 to over 3900). Unfortunately there is no way to make the overclock settings stick after reboot.

For overclocking, you could also use EVGA's Precision. Go to: http://www.evga.com/precision/

Very nice tool-it's easier to manage and seems to work quite well!

[hydra]

UL30VT HDMI does support DTS and Dolby Digital passthru, no problem. I'm using 1.3 HDMI compatible receiver and display.

[David]

Might be useful to have this little disassembly guide. It's intended for replacing the wifi card, but it also pertains to the general disassembly of the laptop.

*Official UL30VT-X1 Owners Lounge*

In addition, I would recommend putting any extra antennas the proper way, ie behind the screen instead of inside the main chassis. That way, there's going to be less interference.

[belzebutt]

Thanks, I added all the feedback. I was too lazy to test the HDMI with my 1.3 receiver before, it does work.

[Soulsaber]

Awesome! The other lounge should be locked because it's just an endless repeat of all the same questions and no one uses the search feature.

[telkionish]

Have to ask my question in this new thread

Question for anyone using Virtual Box.

I'm about to setup an Ubuntu Guest OS on my UL30VT-A1 and was wondering what sort of results you guys were getting when running a like setup and dedicating say a gig of ram to the guest os?

Does it run well, or could I dedicate less or should I dedicate more, but does it affect the windows 7 host os? Thanks!

[Wisse]

...Before I did a clean install and got rid of everything I didn't want to have in the computer, both software, control panels, and Energy Saver settings, I would now and then have this issue crop up and my personal fix was to go into BIOS, load Manufacturer Defaults, Save & Exit, Restart the computer, and voila! The switch and the nVidia CP would magically appear, and all would be well once again. I still recommend this "fix" for others who have the problem happening now because it *does work*, and you'll get the CP and the GraphiX Switch back every time if you do that exercise.

The next time you start/restart the computer for any reason, all you have to do is go back into BIOS and select "Load User Defaults" to make things perfect with Fast Boot enabled, and every other setting that you have in the computer returns to normal also, opposed to Manufacturer Default settings...

I did that before. I just forgot to mention it in my last post, sry It didn't change things much.

I only have one question for all of you and I beg you to reply:
Which BIOS are you using? Do you have any problems with GraphiX Switch?
I'm using 210 and I do have problems.

I'm now getting more and more convinced that BIOS is to blame for my GraphiX problems. I blame BIOS because hybernation is the one that fixes my problem. As far as I know hybernation stores RAM content to HDD and shuts PC down, so when you power up next time everything starts from exactly the same point. Even music starts playing where you left it. The only thing that starts fresh from that kind of boot is BIOS.
We all know that it can affect power ups from different states (as in sleep, hybernation, fresh boot), since there was a bug with brightness settings in <=208 versions.

I'm looking forward to see your replays to my question, so I can prove/disprove my theory.

Ty

[belzebutt]

Sorry, forgot to mention: I updated my BIOS to 210 and I have no such issues.