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Review Update Asus G74SX Notebook

G74 reloaded. After already having taken a closer look at a US variant of the Asus benchmark gaming notebook several months ago, we are now providing a review update for the German version somewhat belatedly. Does the G74 still belong among the elite?
Asus G74SX

With the somewhat older G73, and the brand new G74 series, Asus is teaching the gaming competition the meaning of fear. Reason: Compared to many other notebooks, the 17 inch device also scores points in areas other than pure performance. What is especially impressive is the advanced cooling system: System noise and heat emissions stay within reasonable limits. The high quality display, the impressively good manufacturing quality, and the matte insensitive surfaces, are all additional positive aspects that make the device stand out.

Enough with the pleasantries, let us take a closer look at the specifications of the reviewed device. Asus provided us with the G74SX-91079V, which is one of the most commonly sold model variants of the G74 in Germany. With the exception of the reduced RAM capacity, and a few other small details, the notebook is identical to the previously reviewed US model G74SX-3DE.

What is of little surprise is the quad-core processor from Intel: The Core i7-2630QM is very popular with users as well as manufacturers. The graphics card also belongs in the high-end segment: Nvidia's GeForce GTX 560M provides a good compromise between performance and power consumption.

In addition there are eight GBytes of RAM (2x 4096 MByte DDR3-RAM), and two hard drives with a combined abundant capacity of 1500 GBytes (2x HDDs with 750 GBytes each). Movie fans will also be pleased with the Blu-ray combo drive. The operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit is pre-installed. Asus doesn't provide premium quality cheaply: The 4.6 kilogram weighing notebook will cost buyers around 1800 Euros - a considerable sum.

Display

The display definitely belongs to the big advantages of the G74SX-91079V. Asus has equipped the notebook with a 17 inch 120 Hz capable non-glare panel, which is compatible with Nvidia's 3D-Vision technology. The package contains so called shutter glasses, which makes the three dimensional presentation of photographs, pictures, and games possible (more on this later). A Full-HD resolution of 1920x1080 is also in line with high-end expectations.

427
cd/m²
459
cd/m²
441
cd/m²
426
cd/m²
463
cd/m²
425
cd/m²
410
cd/m²
428
cd/m²
401
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LGD02C5 tested with Gossen Mavo-Monitor
Maximum: 463 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 431.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 463 cd/m²
Contrast: 691:1 (Black: 0.67 cd/m²)64% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
87.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
67.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

Nevertheless the display doesn't only impress with its technical specifications, but also with its inner qualities. In our opinion the most respect is attributable to the exceptional brightness: An average of 431.1 cd/m² leaves the remaining competition far behind (normally about 200 cd/m²). Since the 3D operation requires a lot of light, this high level of luminance is definitely required though.

The display also scored a good to very good rating in the remaining disciplines. Thanks to the acceptable black level (0.67 cd/m²) the dark picture areas don't appear too gray, which can be especially annoying with games and movies. The contrast has an exceptionally good ratio of 691:1. Colors are relatively saturated and natural, and all sorts of media are displayed immaculately. The integrated LGD02C5 panel was also in the G74SX-3DE by the way (whereby we measured an approximately 80 cd/m² lower brightness in this case).

Asus G74SX vs. sRGB (grid)
Asus G74SX vs. sRGB (grid)
Asus G74SX vs. MacBook Pro 17 (grid)
Asus G74SX vs. MacBook Pro 17 (grid)
Asus G74SX vs. AdobeRGB (grid)
Asus G74SX vs. AdobeRGB (grid)

The combination of a matte surface and high brightness provides for an unconstrained outdoor suitability. Contrary to shiny alternatives, users won't constantly be distracted by annoying reflections. Indoors the location is relatively irrelevant, and the lights don't have to be dimmed.

Außeneinsatz
Außeneinsatz

The viewing angle stability proves to be acceptable. Although it comes to variations on the display beyond certain angles from the bottom left and right, the images remain stable in the horizontal plane even at relatively extreme angles. Result: An external monitor can be forgone with the G74SX without qualms.

Viewing angles Asus G74SX
Viewing angles Asus G74SX

3D Vision

Stereoscopy
Stereoscopy

Nvidia is able to distance itself from the competition with its advanced 3D technology. 3D Vision is a stereoscopic process for presenting three dimensional images, while guaranteeing a flicker free operation with wide viewing angles. At the upper display edge Asus has integrated an IR transmitter directly next to the webcam, which provides for wireless connectivity with the included shutter glasses. If the 3D mode is activated the shutter glasses blend out the two halves of the displayed image so that the user experiences a 3D picture (the human vision is tricked by the slightly warped perspective of the two individual image halves).

Setting up 3D Vision is expectedly simple: Put on the activated shutter glasses and complete a configuration wizard. 3D Vision usually automatically recognizes whether or not an application is compatible after this, and responds accordingly. Practically: The configuration for the graphics card (right click desktop) allows the configuration of diverse key combination shortcuts. There is also a comprehensive compatibility list, and there are even tips for ideal configuration options provided in games.

Nvidia 3D Vision
Nvidia 3D Vision
Nvidia 3D Vision
Nvidia 3D Vision
Nvidia system configuration
Shutter glasses
Shutter glasses

Whether users will be content with 3D Vision over time depends on personal preference. Along with the fact that a certain portion of the population isn't even able to perceive the 3D effect, some people tend to get dizzy or feel nauseous as a result of three dimensional images. A further disadvantage is the limited comfort for people who ordinarily wear glasses. As previously mentioned the surroundings also appear significantly darker when wearing the shutter glasses with 3D activated (luckily the G74SX has a backlit keyboard).

The biggest drawback however is probably the massive performance reduction. During a short test with the racing game F1 2011, and the action game Deus Ex 3, the image rate fell by about 40% in both cases. Since the GeForce GTX 560M already encounters difficulties using the native resolution with demanding graphics settings, users will have to compromise with low or medium detail settings and a moderate resolution in many cases. In order to enjoy current games in 3D with decent quality a potent desktop system, or an SLI graphics solution in a notebook, would probably be a better option.

3D Vision Performance
3D Vision Performance
3D Vision Live
3D Vision Live

In brief: 3D Vision is most suitable for movies and less demanding games for mobile use. On the subject of movies: Unfortunately there is currently almost no compatible 3D material. Those that for example look for 3D Blu-rays on Amazon will hardly be overwhelmed with possibilities. For the sake of testing 3D photographs and videos Nvidia has provided the website 3dvisionlive.com.

A few more words about the accessories. Along with the 50 gram weighing shutter glasses the 3D Vision kit also contains different nose adapters, a protective bag, and a short instruction manual. The glasses are charged by an included USB cable. According to Nvidia a full charge is enough for about 40 hours of gaming use. More on 3D Vision can be found out in our special article.

Performance

The benchmarks all finished in line with our expectations. Apart from small deviations the results are similar to those of the previously tested G74SX-3DE. Let's start with the processor. Thanks to six MBytes of L3 cache, four real and four virtual cores (Hyper-Threading) the Core i7-2630QM is able to deliver a good performance. The considerably successful dual-core Core i5-2410M (Schenker XMG A501) for example only manages to score 74% less in the multi-core rendering Cinebench R10 64-bit benchmark (17013 vs 9781 points).

With single-core rendering the Core i7-2630QM also benefits from Turbo-Boost, which accelerates the processor up to a clock speed of 2.9 GHz when possible (2.0 GHz standard clock speed). 4557 points are a little more than the result from the G74SX-DE (4438 points). Users are equipped for all scenarios with the Core i7-2630QM, a potent high-end CPU developed by Intel. The successor Core i7-2670QM (see the Medion Erazer X6817) is already primed for release though.

Systeminfo CPUZ CPU
Systeminfo HWiNFO
Systeminfo CrystalDiskMark HDD2
Systeminfo HDTune HDD2
Systeminfo CrystalDiskMark HDD1
Systeminfo HDTune HDD1
Systeminfo GPUZ
Systeminfo CPUZ Graphics
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM SPD
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM SPD
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM
Systeminfo CPUZ Mainboard
Systeminfo CPUZ Cache
DPC Latenzen
System information Asus G74SX-91079V

The GPU benchmarks made the G74SX-91079V sweat a little bit more. With the Unigine Heaven benchmark (1280x1024, high, tessellation normal) the GeForce GTX 560M managed a half way smooth 27.3 fps. For comparison: Nvidia's top model, the GTX 580M was more than 60% faster with 44.3 fps (Schenker XMG P501). With the current 3DMark 11 (1280x720, performance preset) we concentrated on the GPU score. 1836 points are almost exactly identical to the result achieved with the G74SX-3DE (1834 points) US brother.

The following are a few more details about the GTX 560M. Nvidia's DirectX-11 capable high-end graphics card is based on the Fermi architecture (GF116 chip), and is equipped with 192 shaders, and GDDR5 video memory with a capacity of 3072 MBytes (192-bit interface). The clock speeds are 775 MHz (core), 1250 MHz (memory), and 1550 MHz (shaders). An automatic graphics switching solution in the form of Nvidia's Optimus has unfortunately been omitted.

The system performance is also on a good level. With PCMark Vantage the 17 inch notebook scored a respectable 8553 points. Other gaming heavyweights such as the MSI GT780R (8599 points) operate on a comparable level.

5.9
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.4
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
7.6
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
7.2
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
7.2
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3683
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
14251
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5545
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
4557 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
17013 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
5561 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
39.95 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
4.83 Points
Help
3DMark 03 Standard
37816 points
3DMark 05 Standard
21859 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
15327 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
9231 points
3DMark 11 Performance
2044 points
Help
PCMark Vantage Result
8553 points
PCMark 7 Score
2490 points
Help
Seagate Momentus 7200.5 ST9750420AS
Transfer Rate Minimum: 14.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 110.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 74.9 MB/s
Access Time: 18.1 ms
Burst Rate: 69.1 MB/s

Gaming Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

Our three tested games show that not all new games can be played smoothly in the native resolution with maximum settings. While the football simulation Fifa 12 also smoothly rolls across the screen with high details and four times anti-aliasing (145.5 fps @ Full-HD), more demanding games often require a reduced configuration.

Thus the atmospheric and enthralling Deus Ex: Human Revolution became quite slow (27.4 fps) with 1920x1080 pixels, high details, MLAA, 16x AF, and DirectX-11 activated. The successful racing game F1 2011 was also less than ideal (32 fps, recommended preset 'high') with 1920x1080 pixels, ultra high details, 4x AA, and DirectX11 activated.

Altogether the GeForce GTX 560M isn't always up to the task of providing a Full-HD resolution - 1600x900 pixels would be better suited for the graphics card. Those that don't have a problem with making compromises when it comes to quality enhancements settings or reducing the resolution should find satisfaction with the GTX 560M. Hardcore gamers should however not make due with anything less potent than a Radeon HD 6990M or a GeForce GTX 580M.

low med. high ultra
Deus Ex Human Revolution (2011) 71.7 27.4
F1 2011 (2011) 76 32
Fifa 12 (2011) 218.2 145.5

Emissions

System Noise

For a gaming notebook the system noise is pleasingly quiet. Even under the maximum load the cooling fans rotate at a rather leisurely pace. The G74SX-91079V is neither clearly audible or even annoying at any time. In an idle state the system noise is also acceptable, whereby there is definitely still room for improvement in light of the heat generated. The US version G74SX-3DE led to slightly higher values in our test. Altogether even noise sensitive users have no cause for concern. Hardly any gaming notebook (especially when used for gaming) is as quiet as this.

Noise Level

Idle
33.3 / 33.5 / 34.7 dB(A)
HDD
33.4 dB(A)
DVD
37.1 / dB(A)
Load
35.2 / 36.4 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft SL-320 (15 cm distance)
Stress test (Furmark & Prime)
Stress test

Temperature

The case temperatures were also lower than in our previous review. An average of 24°C in an idle state, and 27°C under load, are both exceptionally good. The 'WASD hand' doesn't get uncomfortably warm after several hours either, so there is nothing standing in the way of a lengthy gaming session.

In addition to this comes a relatively low component temperature. According to the tool HWMonitor, the graphics card and processor temperatures didn't exceed 70°C during the stress test - brilliant. The only downside is that Intel's Core i7-2630QM was throttled to a mere 800 MHz clock speed under full load. This problem was already encountered with the G74SX-3DE. Although the throttling is limited to practically unlikely scenarios, Asus should make improvements in this case, especially since the cooling system should have enough free resources to provide for a normal clock speed.

Max. Load
 23.5 °C
74 F
32.8 °C
91 F
33.7 °C
93 F
 
 24.1 °C
75 F
31.5 °C
89 F
33.9 °C
93 F
 
 21.2 °C
70 F
23.6 °C
74 F
25.6 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 33.9 °C = 93 F
Average: 27.8 °C = 82 F
32.6 °C
91 F
39.4 °C
103 F
24 °C
75 F
26.2 °C
79 F
30.1 °C
86 F
21.6 °C
71 F
24.7 °C
76 F
22.8 °C
73 F
21.7 °C
71 F
Maximum: 39.4 °C = 103 F
Average: 27 °C = 81 F
Power Supply (max.)  54.4 °C = 130 F | Room Temperature 19.6 °C = 67 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.8 °C / 82 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 33.9 °C / 93 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.4 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.3 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 26.2 °C / 79.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (+2.7 °C / 4.8 F).

Speakers

With the THX technology activated the audio quality is better than average. The sound makes a relatively well balanced impression, although high frequencies distort at times, and a sub-woofer certainly wouldn't have caused any harm. Without THX the sound becomes noticeably more muffled and has a reduced spectrum. The maximum volume was perceived to be decent by us. To be praised is the supported 'EAX Advanced HD 5.0'. A technology from Creative which provides for more authentic surround sound.

Battery Life

Due to the absence of a graphics switching solution the G74SX-91079V isn't exactly economical in an idle state: 26.9 - 37.0 Watts are a little less than that of the G74SX-3DE (29.8 - 41.3 Watts). Under load the power consumption quickly increases: During the 3DMark 06 benchmark, as well as during the stress test, we measured about 120 Watts (G74SX-3DE: 120.3 - 137.1 Watts). Comparable gaming notebooks, which also throttle under full load, use a lot more in some cases (for example the MSI GT780R).

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 1.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 26.9 / 34.8 / 37 Watt
Load midlight 117.8 / 118.2 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC-940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

The absence of the Optimus technology takes its toll on the length of the battery life. Despite using the potent 8 cell model (74 Wh, 5200 mAh), the notebook has to be charged again relatively quickly. During the Classic Test from Battery Eater (high load) the 17 inch notebook lasted a mere 53 minutes with maximum brightness and deactivated power saving options. At least when opting for maximum power savings and minimum brightness it is possible to keep the notebook powered for up to three hours in idle operation (Readers Test from Battery Eater).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 07min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 53min

Verdict

Asus G74SX
Asus G74SX

The G74SX-91079V confirms the impressions of the previous review. Compared to other gaming notebooks the list of positive aspects is relatively long. Starting with the 120 Hz capable Full-HD display, which appeals with an exceptionally high brightness, a matte surface, and 3D support.

The impeccably manufactured and insensitive case also impressed us (with the exception of its size and weight). The rubber surfaces are very pleasant and also stay surprisingly cool under load. Other positive aspects include the moderate system noise, the white keyboard backlight, the integrated Blu-ray drive, and the relatively good audio quality. With some small exceptions the input devices are also a success. The performance is essentially very good thanks to the quad-core processor and the high-end graphics card, although proper 3D gaming would ideally require more graphics power.

One of the negative aspects is the limited selection of interfaces. For a price of around 1800 Euros, buyers could definitely expect an ExpressCard slot, a FireWire and eSATA port, and two USB 3.0 ports. Aside from this the excessive installation of software, and the limited battery life (no Optimus) also don't live up to expectations.

Altogether Asus provides a powerful, high quality, and thoroughly thought through gaming notebook, which belongs among the absolute elite along with its Alienware counterparts.

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In Review: Asus G74SX-91079V
In Review: Asus G74SX-91079V

Specifications

Asus G74SX-91079V (G74 Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M - 3 GB VRAM, Core: 775 MHz, Memory: 1250 MHz, Shader speed: 1550 MHz, GDDR5-VRAM, ForceWare 268.37
Memory
8 GB 
, 2x 4096 MByte DDR3-SDRAM (1333 MHz)
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, LGD02C5, Full-HD 3D, 120 Hz, LED-Backlight, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM65
Storage
Seagate Momentus 7200.5 ST9750420AS, 750 GB 
, 7200 rpm, 2x HDDs with a total of 1500 GBytes
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headphones, microphone, Card Reader: 8-in-1
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Atheros AR9002WB-1NG Wireless Network Adapter (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 3.0
Optical drive
Slimtype BD E DS4E1S
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 62 x 420 x 325 ( = 2.44 x 16.54 x 12.8 in)
Battery
74 Wh Lithium-Ion, 5200 mAh, 8 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0 Megapixel
Additional features
AC adapter: 150 Watt, 3D Vision kit (inc. shutter glasses), Express Gate manual, handbook, warranty card, drivers and tool DVD, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
4.564 kg ( = 160.99 oz / 10.06 pounds), Power Supply: 780 g ( = 27.51 oz / 1.72 pounds)
Price
1799 Euro

 

All pictures are from the identical G74SX-3DE.
All pictures are from the identical G74SX-3DE.
Despite of the potent battery the run times are not excessive.
Despite of the potent battery the run times are not excessive.
Asus charges a high price for its gaming benchmark notebook.
Asus charges a high price for its gaming benchmark notebook.
Next to the webcam is the transmitter for the shutter glasses.
Next to the webcam is the transmitter for the shutter glasses.
The touchpad is very large.
The touchpad is very large.
Qualitatively the 17 inch notebook is almost as good as Alienware devices.
Qualitatively the 17 inch notebook is almost as good as Alienware devices.
The G74SX belongs to the "Republic of Gamers" series.
The G74SX belongs to the "Republic of Gamers" series.
Graphics card and processor are unfortunately not directly accessible.
Graphics card and processor are unfortunately not directly accessible.
Only one screw has to be removed to open the base plate.
Only one screw has to be removed to open the base plate.
The cooling vents are clearly visible.
The cooling vents are clearly visible.
The maximum opening angle could be bigger.
The maximum opening angle could be bigger.
The selection of interfaces is rather limited.
The selection of interfaces is rather limited.
Normally the display hardly reflects at all.
Normally the display hardly reflects at all.
The lid also feels soft.
The lid also feels soft.
The palm resting area is pleasantly rubbery.
The palm resting area is pleasantly rubbery.
The case contains four RAM sockets and two hard drive slots.
The case contains four RAM sockets and two hard drive slots.

Similar Notebooks

Similar devices with the Same Specs

Devices with the same GPU and/or Screen Size

Review Toshiba Qosmio X770-11C 3D Notebook
GeForce GTX 560M, Core i7 2670QM, 3.58 kg
Review Toshiba Qosmio X770-10J Notebook
GeForce GTX 560M, Core i7 2630QM, 3.58 kg
Toshiba Qosmio X775-Q7272 Laptop Review
GeForce GTX 560M, Core i7 2630QM, 2.993 kg
Review MSI GT780R Notebook
GeForce GTX 560M, Core i7 2630QM, 3.88 kg

Devices with the same GPU

Review Schenker XMG P501 PRO Notebook
GeForce GTX 560M, Core i7 2720QM, 15.60", 3.1 kg

Links

Compare Prices

Pros

+High quality display
+Moderate volume
+Keyboard backlight
+Very good performance
+Matte surfaces
+Good manufacturing quality
+Large touchpad
+Blu-ray drive
+Two hard drives
+Cool case
+3D presentation
+Good audio quality
 

Cons

-CPU throttling under load
-Unfavorable port locations
-Restrained battery life
-Meager selection of interfaces
-Bulky and heavy
-Lots of bloatware
-No Optimus

Shortcut

What we like

Above all else the exceptionally good display.

What we'd like to see

A graphics switching solution and more interfaces.

What surprises us

How quiet the notebook stays under load.

The competition

17 inch gaming notebooks such as the Alienware M17x, the DevilTech Fragbook, the MSI GT780R, the Schenker XMG P701 PRO or the Toshiba Qosmio X770.

Ratings

Asus G74SX-91079V - 10/08/2011 v2(old)
Florian Glaser

Chassis
90%
Keyboard
86%
Pointing Device
84%
Connectivity
74%
Weight
49%
Battery
64%
Display
90%
Games Performance
92%
Application Performance
91%
Temperature
92%
Noise
84%
Add Points
90%
Average
82%
86%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Florian Glaser, 2011-10-14 (Update: 2013-06- 6)