Asus N53SV Sandy Bridge Notebook

[Lead Team]

Introduction

Just a few years laptops were inferior in performance desktop PCs for miles. While there have been repeated attempts, processors with high processing power in mobile devices to transplant, lack of matching graphics chip, the overall performance was still unsatisfactory. Recently, the picture but a little has changed. Thus, the two major graphics chip maker AMD / ATI and Nvidia graphics solutions increasingly brought to the market, the two rivals AMD and Intel did the same for the main processors. Now even takes just a few weeks for the technology of modern desktop components in notebooks is available. With Intel's Sandy Bridge mobile processor and Nvidia's 500-M series are currently available only two straight on the market where representatives of their kind.

The desktop variants of the second-generation processor core was high performance and numerous additional functions provide enthusiasm, while at the Nvidia DirectX 11 graphics chip, a head-to-head race with the rival AMD has duration. In the new models in the series N53SV from Asus you will find the latest news from both categories. The tested model is to test equipment, its equipment and accessories out of the commercially available devices must comply.


Pre-installed Software

The software equipment meets the most extensive of the freely available devices on the market. These include not only Windows 7 - in this case, the 64-bit Ultimate version - some systems and security programs. The pre-installed software at a glance:

• Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit
• Adobe Reader 9.1
• Asus AI Recovery Burner
• Asus AP Bank
• Asus Express Gate
• Asus Game Park (Various Games)
• Asus Live Update
• Asus Sonic Master
• Asus Splendid
• Asus Virtual Camera
• Asus WebStorage
• Boingo Wi-Fi
• Cyberlink Blu-ray disc Suite
• CyberLink PowerDirector
• Cyberlink PowerDVD 9
• Syncable Desktop SE
• Trend Micro Internet Security

As with many computers running Windows 7 is already installed, is in the User Account Control - UAC - only the second-highest alert level is set. Can thus also programs such as virus scanners without user intervention will be removed. A special feature on many Asus notebooks pre-installed "Express Gate" software. This is based on a Linux operating system that can be started within a few seconds. Here are the user then various social networks, a browser and a YouTube client and various casual games available. Really, this mode is convincing, however, since on the one hand, the system speed is not particularly high, offering the browser in many cases no proper page display. "Look what s wanted" For the typical however, it is quite sufficient.


Properties

If the latter is the model of Core i7 2720QM at a nominal clock speed of 2,200 MHz, but this can be increased depending on the situation up to 3,300 megahertz. Each of the four processor cores can have two threads running in parallel, with compatible software processor promises so high performance. Nevertheless, Intel promises as with previous models, a thermal design power - in short, TDP - 45 watts. This - in the comparatively high value - but comes about through the revision of the integrated graphics processor in the unit. Here, Intel uses the fastest version "HD 3000", which, compared to earlier solutions of the chip manufacturer allows some significant performance, as evidenced by various benchmarks. While the basic clock of the chip is 650 megahertz, it can be doubled in turbo mode. Way that was not at the first core processors have the models of the i5 and i7 series of the same features. These include, among other things, the support of the AES instructions as well as AVS, TXT, and Intel's virtualization technology VT -x and VT-d. But the so-called "Anti-Theft Technology and Wireless Display 2 are supported by the processor. These two functions need but corresponding motherboards, or compatible wireless modules. Whom the integrated graphics are not sufficient, to resort to the new 540M chip from Nvidia. Or rather, let the operating system and driver choice. The so-called "Optimus" function is to ensure that the respective applications more suitable for the graphics solution is activated. However, the user before launching the program, a manual selection of active, confident in principle, but the automatic solution.

The dedicated graphics unit is based on the GF108 chip, like the previous models was the 400 series to use and has 1,024 megabytes of DDR3 memory. However, Nvidia has raised the core, shader and memory clock speeds, which leads to slightly higher bandwidths. however, remains the same is the specified maximum power dissipation from Nvidia, this should be at 35 watts. Even with the rest of the equipment one finds current or at least powerful components. The RAM is eight gigabytes in size, the test device, however, four modules of two gigabytes installed. Upgrading is expensive so unnecessary, it remains to be seen whether Asus dispensed with the standard devices to the assignment of all banks. When the drives Asus is speed. Although we no need to use a SSD, the traditional hard disk with 7200 revolutions per minute and a capacity of 500 gigabytes, however, belongs to the faster representatives of their kind, the optical drive can not only read CDs and DVDs in all kinds of variations, but also Blu -rays. When writing, you have to but then again with the two - make do small sizes - from the perspective of capacity. Of interfaces in addition to USB 2.0 ports are also a USB 3.0 connection. Furthermore, the device has an HDMI - and VGA port for connecting an external display or projector, the usual inputs and outputs for audio signals, a network port and a card reader. Is a webcam for video calls with a resolution of two megapixels with fixed focus is available, which has a status LED next to even a physical switch for turning on and off. The picture quality is average, but the recorded video even at VGA resolution is anything but smooth.

While it has moved the VGA connector and power still on the back side, all connections are located in the anterior lateral area beneath the palm-rest. This is the distance of the four USB ports - two on each side - with each other and the adjacent audio connectors on the right side is very low. Wide USB Sticks Sun cover the adjacent port. In addition to the wireless communication is Bluetooth 2.0 and WLAN for 802.11 b / g / n available. The speaker system comes from Bang and belong to the rather better laptop speakers. Too much can be expected, however, as it lacks depth.

[Lead Team]

Design and processing

The optics of the N53SV knows how to please. Instead of sober or futuristic forms Asus is the case on solidity, especially the lateral line is probably unique. With the lid on the lettering used by the manufacturer and part of the speaker cover to supplement the cover which is on the exterior of brushed aluminum. When you open this fall, first cover the already mentioned on the speaker and the solid look of the display hinges. The coverage in mesh optical extends over almost the entire width of the notebook look, in color but not quite appropriate - but ultimately a question of personal taste. The display is covered by a plastic frame in piano-black finish, which acts as compared to other devices not cheap. Is marred by the very good impression of the cover only from the webcam, or rather of the switch. Here you have to - because of the choice of color, feel and look - Asus assume simply that one has to seek the cheapest solution.

This pas is the appearance of the "interior" but made up again. The palm rest is like the outside of the lid in brushed aluminum, next to and above the keyboard one finds dull plastic that looks cheap or feels like no way. All gaps are even, with intent is the case no creaking out of it. The hinges hold the display firmly enough on impact as it resonates not at all so well. Optical somewhat incongruous act built above the keyboard status LEDs and switches. Besides the power switch are located here also several buttons for media playback and the switch for the choice of operating modes. In the off state can be launched from these, the "Express Gate" software.


Display

Often provides just the component for bad grades, which the user has most frequently in the eye: the display. While you are at a desktop PC in the event of cases may simply set a different screen, must be decided in a notebook before you buy, whether a display quality is sufficient. Unfortunately, Asus is a display with a glossy finish. What to make at first sight for crisper colors and higher contrast, provides the latest in outdoor use for more than frustration for joy. However - and this must be said - there are much worse than the display of the test device. Although already seen in normal daylight annoying reflections, but the viewing angles can convince some extend. Although colors are displayed when viewing from the site quickly falsified, but the user does not like other poor display in a cramped position. Away from the center - of a 90-degree angle - the image is displayed even "normal".

Less well presented but then again the illumination. While cd in the middle of the maximum of 257 / m is achieved, in particular the two bottom corners are right and left significantly, only 81 are respectively 77 percent of the maximum value reached. At minimum, the brightness level was 52 cd / m², this would be a lesser value rather convincing. The contrast of 214:1 is once again a bright spot. This also applies to the color temperature, at least at maximum brightness. Then she lies with 6,300 K close to the optimum of 6500 K. However, the values increase sharply at lower brightness, the image then acts slightly bluish. The maximum resolution of 1,366 × 768 pixels for a 15.6-inch display actually too little. With a pixel density of 100 ppi, the screen is at the lower end of what is perceived as pleasant. Particularly with regard to the built Blu-ray drive, the question arises, why was not put on a full-HD-compatible display.


Keyboard and Touchpad

Unlike many other manufacturers Asus built a keyboard in the traditional style. The keys are angled to the user on the side facing downward, the usable area data over time. Because the text copy to any device is conceived, the button layout differs from the nature of this country used QWERTY design.

This should not change the fact that the keyboard for exceedingly prolific writers is not appropriate. In addition to a more moderate pressure point prove to be particularly some undersized keys - for example, the cursor and function keys - as uneconomic. The smaller compared number buttons prove to be disruptive, why Asus is not like some other manufacturers here on uniformly sized keys, opens up not. For this stands out in the "Futura" held key label on a positive note. The touchpad, however convincing in every respect. Asus omitted here in a separate area for vertical scrolling, and is here entirely to Multi-Touch gestures. These are - as well as the individual with a finger issued commands - clean recognized and implemented.

As mentioned above, it is the tested model is a pure test device. It is therefore unclear whether there will be a variant of the N53SV in exactly this configuration. And the proposed models are not yet known. All members of the family are over N53SV i7 processors 2xxx series and a 15.6-inch display, also have found in all models, Nvidia 540M graphics chip. currently starts at the entrance about Rs.60000, but the buyer including a 2630QM i7 with two gigahertz, eight gigabytes of memory and a 640 gigabyte hard drive.


Performance

The system performance is also important in notebooks, especially in units that are designed for multiple uses. Therefore, the speed of the components of synthetic benchmarks, and with different games is determined.

PCMark Vantage

With the PCMark Vantage will be tested in the first place performance in productive use. In addition to the CPU are in demand here, especially memory and hard drive. The latter performance is measured separately by the HDD score.

The PCMark score shows how powerful is the new "Sandy Bridge" processor, especially in Verlgeich with models of the first core generation. In the HDD test, the test device benefits from the relatively fast hard drive that works with 7,200 revolutions per minute. To the values of a SSD but is also even the fast HDD not approach.


3DMark 11

The performance of current graphics hardware can be best determined using the latest version of 3DMark. This requires DirectX 11-compatible graphics chip and makes excessive use of appropriate functions. In addition, the CPU is required with various tests.

While the physics score still quite good values are achieved, the total value and the graphics are rather disappointing score. This shows that the graphics chips used in notebook computers in terms of performance almost on a level with it - are desktop "siblings" - sometimes the same name.


Battlefield: Bad Company 2

The current part of the Battlefield series graphics cards in particular calls, among other things, will also support DirectX 11 features. To determine the performance of the beginning of the third mission will use the single-player mode, with lots of trees, water, and the outlook is for a large portion of this valley - in relation to the performance of the system - one of the ford serious sections of the game.

During the tests is Battlefield: Bad Company 2 - apart from synthetic benchmarks - the highest demands on the system performance. While you can play smoothly with minimal details with two graphic chips, both in an already at medium quality settings at their limits. At highest settings with Nvidia's chip is a better gaming nearly impossible.

[Lead Team]

Battery life

On paper, the included six-cell battery works with its capacity of 48 watt-hours significantly undersized. There shout a quad-core processor and a DirectX 11 graphics chip out for power, on the other hand raises the integrated graphics solution in the CPU hope for a measured approach to the contents of the battery - at least for less demanding tasks. We tested with a specially for the measurement of notebook run times Battery Eater program written in version 2.7. Battery Eater allows the simulation of a full load situation - CPU and graphics card at full capacity - and in so-called "Reader's Test" to determine the lifetime at low system load. In both cases, with a brightness of 140 cd / m² measured in order to create similar conditions to other devices. In addition, the wireless module is enabled.

In the high power test will come true fears. With close to one hour running time, the battery turns out to be much too small. However, to get in the determined 59 minutes thanks to the Nvidia 540M a very high system performance. At low load - here goes the Intel HD 3000 chip - the N53SV missed the mark by four hours. Although this period is sufficient for many cases, still is at this point the question is why recourse to such a small battery. Even with optimal settings - including wireless disabled, minimum display brightness - to extend the term of only half an hour. After all, the device offers the ability to switch by hot key between the programmable operating modes. Here, in addition to the display brightness can also use the minimum and maximum power of the processor can be set. Unfortunately, in this way is set but not the image to be used unit, this must be set before the program starts from the context menu.


Temperature

The fact that the built-in fan not only produces noise, but also provides for cooling, shows the measured temperatures. Upon reaching too high values, while it would in the respective component protection functions - access, suffers in the long run, however, including the life expectancy of the notebook - such as lowering the clock speeds.

At idle - was measured after half an hour at room temperature - heats up the case only slightly. Above the built-in hard drive - the hottest item on the top side - were 28.3 degrees Celsius can be determined. Under load, it becomes clear how effective the cooling done its work: On the top of it with respect to the maximum level hardly changes, the average temperature, however, is minimally lower than idle mode. Who has the device in operation on the lap, must worry about any burns or the like. Although the base is a bit warmer overall than idle, with 31.2 degrees Celsius, the hottest point - about the height of the exhaust vent - but far from being dangerous or unpleasant. The highest value was - as one might expect - are measured on the fan. Here the thermometer at 53.4 degrees Celsius.


Conclusion

What was suspected before the test has been confirmed. Both by the new Sandy Bridge processor and the new generation graphics from Nvidia has the N53SV a very high performance, many benchmarks show it. Pleasantly surprised, especially the performance of integrated graphics solution in the CPU. Also above average is the processing of the device, here is Asus with among the best. More negative points can be on the battery. With less than an hour running time and less than four hours for undemanding tasks, the N53SV is one of the few perennial representatives of its kind here, the question arises, why is a small battery compared to competitors. Due to the advantages and disadvantages, it is actually two Resumes: Who is using his laptop mostly at home, within reach of a socket with the N53SV makes no mistakes. Much more capacity is currently not available in such a compact form. For mobile use, the device is not very recommended here disturbs the reflective display, with the 2.9 kg was no longer quite so light weight and especially the lack of battery.