ASUS G53SW-XA1 Republic of Gamers 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop

by Asus

• Intel Core i7 2630QM Processor 2GHz
• 8GB SO-DIMM RAM
• 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
• 15.6-Inch Screen
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Product Description

Amazon.com

They'll Never Know What Hit'em

Every gamer knows that the latest games demands the best performance. That's why ASUS made sure that the Republic of Gamers (ROG) G53SW-XA1 is jam-packed with one-of-a-kind innovation that will propel mobile gaming performance to unseen levels.

Now powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM quad-core processor, experience top-of-the-line adaptable speed and responsiveness for the most demanding tasks. Featuring the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics engine that comes with a massive 1.5GB of GDDR5 VRAM, the ROG G53SW-XA1 leads in DirectX 11 gaming for advanced tessellation and faster graphics rendering. And while others struggle to find the keys in dimly lit areas, the backlit gaming keyboard gives you the edge in the dark to put you ahead of the competition. The ROG G53SW-XA1 showcases a stealth fighter-inspired design with a unique thermal design that promotes airflow and keeps air away from you. Plus, its 15.6-inch LED-backlit Full HD display delivers the latest in high-definition entertainment with brilliant 1080p playback. The ROG G53SW-XA1 breaks from the heard of traditional gaming notebooks with built-in overclocking feature through the ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid utility—instantly giving you extreme power with a push of a button.

The ROG G53SW-XA1 also boasts a 500GB 7200rpm hard drive, 8GB DDR3 system memory, Super Multi DVD drive, high-speed wireless N, SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity, Bluetooth3.0, HDMI connectivity, 2.0 megapixel camera, and stereo speakers with EAX Advanced HD 5.0 sound.

Key Features

• 15.6-inch LED-backlit Full HD display for an immersive cinematic experience with a resolution up to 1920 x 1080 (Learn more)
• 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology for the best visibly smart performance that adapts to your needs (Learn more)
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics with 1.5GB GDDR5 VRAM for leading DirectX 11 gaming (Learn more)
• ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid that innovatively saves battery life and delivers extreme performance (Learn more)
• SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker device charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.0¹
• 500GB 7200rpm hard drive and 8GB of DDR3 system memory for smooth computing and ample storage for all your games and media files (Learn more)
• Backlit gaming keyboard with an ergonomic angled design for comfortable control in any lighting environment (Learn more)
• Stereo speakers and EAX Advanced HD 5.0 Audio for premium gaming sound (Learn more)

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Definitive Multitasking

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The ROG G53SW-XA1 gives you all the power you need to create digital video, 3D animation, or effortlessly play adrenaline-filled games with Intel's leading-edge processor. Powered by the 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor, the ROG G53SW-XA1 outperforms other notebooks with massive memory bandwidth for the ultra-smooth multitasking performance. Featuring Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, processor speed is automatically adjusted to your needs by accelerating performance for your task at hand. With a host of power profiles, this gaming powerhouse has a built-in overclocking mode via ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid that activates with a simple push of a button conveniently located above the keyboard.

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Leading Gaming Power for the Next Generation

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The ROG G53SW-XA1 features the new NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics engine for unprecedented visual performance. With unmatched DirectX 11 support, experience a new class of virtual interaction for more dynamic gaming. The ROG G53SW-XA1 also features a 500GB 7200rpm hard drive to store your movies, games, and pictures. Plus, the ROG G53SW-XA1 offers 8GB of DDR3 system memory for incredible multitasking capability.

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Enjoy Vibrant Media

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Featuring a 15.6-inch LED-backlit Full HD display, the ROG G53SW-XA1 lets you enjoy the latest in HD playback for an immersive experience with sharp images, smooth video transitions, and brilliant clarity. With HDMI connectivity, turn this gaming powerhouse into your personal media center by connecting to an external monitor or HDTV and enjoy flawless 1080p HD playback. The ROG G53SW-XA1 is complemented with stereo speakers and EAX Advanced HD 5.0 so you can hear every detail with enhanced acoustics.

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	Aerodynamic Design
View larger	Based from the intelligent design of a US stealth fighter, the ROG G53SW-XA1 showcases a sleek design. Its internal components are specially engineered next to the rear air vents to promote air flow and system cooling. Its gaming keyboard also illuminates to give you the competitive edge, so when others are fumbling for keys in the dark your brightly lit keyboard keeps you a step ahead of the game. Angled at an ergonomically 5-degree tapered slant, the keyboard is also positioned for an ergonomic typing experience so you're comfortable throughout long gaming sessions.

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Relax, ASUS Has You Covered

Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 4 independent sources,² readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. ASUS relentlessly strives to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC.

This notebook also comes with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.

1 Year ASUS Global Warranty³

Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars to the price of competing laptops:

• 1 year global warranty
• 30 day Flawless Display Guarantee
• 2-way free standard shipping
• 24/7 tech support

1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW)³

Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it for you during the first year after purchase.

• Covers accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
• Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
• 1-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
• 24/7 toll-free phone support

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What's in the Box

• ROG G53SW-XA1
• AC Adapter
• 8 cell Battery Pack
• Warranty Information Card

Specifications

• Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
• Display: 15.6-inch LED-backlit Full HD display (1920 x 1080)
• Processor: 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM quad-core processor (2.0 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.9 GHz)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M 1.5GB GDDR5 VRAM
• WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Bluetooth v3.0
• LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
• Memory: 8GB DDR3 1333 MHz RAM, 4 x SODIMM (expandable to 16GB)
• Storage: 500GB 7200rpm hard drive
• Optical Drive: Super Multi DVD drive
• Camera: 2.0 megapixel
• Speakers: Stereo speakers with EAX HD 5.0 and THX TruStudio
• Microphone: Digital Array Microphone
• Card Reader: 8-in-1 card reader (MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory stick/MS Pro/MS-Duo/MS-Pro Duo)
• Input / Output: 1 x Mic-in, 1 x Headphone-out, 1 x VGA port/Mini D-Sub 15-pin for external monitor, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Kensington Lock
• Battery: 8 cell
• Dimensions: 15.4 x 11.7 x 0.8 ~ 2.0 –inches
• Weight: 7.9 lbs (with 8 cell battery)
• Color :Black

© 2011 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos.

¹All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status.
²Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2009. Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html. Rated number 1 Windows-based PC brand in PCWorld.com survey http://www.pcworld.com/article/211074/the_tech_brands_you_can_trust.html.
³ASUS reserves the right to exclude certain SKUs; check with your retailer to confirm coverage of specific models. Valid for notebooks purchased in the US and Canada only. Certain retailers do not participate in ADW coverage. For complete details, please visit: usa.asus.com/event/ASUS360 and adw.asus.com/.

Check Out Other Great ASUS Products

ASUS G73SW-XA1 Republic of Gamers Gaming Notebook Take your action to a bigger screen with the 17.3-inch G73Sw-XA1. Almost identical in specs, the G73Sw helps to obliterate your enemies the same way on a G53Sw but with a bigger view.

ASUS VE276Q 27-inch LCD Monitor Made for action gaming and movies, the VE276Q has a full HD display with 2ms Trace-Free Technology giving you always the sharpest images and details without blur. Now you get to enjoy the awesome performance of the G series laptops on a 27-inch monitor.

Eee PC 1215B-PU17 (Black) Looking for a powerful netbook companion to go with your gaming laptop? Check out the latest Eee PC 1215B with AMD dual-core E350 processor and AMD Radeon HD 6310M built in for great visuals and casual gaming on-the-go.

RT-N56U Dual-Band N Router Made for gamers and advanced users, the RT-N56U is a simultaneous dual-band 802.11n router packed with high-performance specs and features in a sleek and compact chassis. Great for low ping gaming and torrent downloads.

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Product Description

15.6" FHD (1920x1080) (LED) / Intel Core i7-2630QM (2.0 GHz Quad-Core) / 8GB DDR3 RAM / NVidia GTX 460M 1.5G GDDR5 VRAM / 500GB HDD (7200RPM) / DVD Super Multi Combo Drive / Illuminated Keyboard / Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit) / 802.11BGN / 2.0M Pixel / Bluetooth / 8 Cell battery / 1 USB 3.0 port / 3 USB 2.0 ports / 8-in-1 card reader / 1YR Global warranty / 1YR Accidental Damage Warranty / 30-Day Zero Bright Dot / 2-way FREE shipping / 24-7 tech support

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 46 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A great piece of hardware, with some major flaws May 23, 2011

By _Aurel_

Amazon Verified Purchase

I've had this computer for about 3 days, and my feelings on it went from wanting to defenestrate it, to pure love. For starters, I ordered a separate 256GB corsair solid state drive so I can have fast boot and load times for the OS and apps. Now, installing an additional hard drive in most laptops requires mostly just removing the bottom plate, but not for this laptop. With this laptop, I had to remove the keyboard by prying it out and then carefully unlatching the connectors from the computer. Then, I had to remove the the piece with the touch pad and unscrew a set of screws that are holding the bottom plate in. Then, I'm finally able to remove the hard drive cover underneath the laptop after the last bit. Why did Asus have to make such a trivial thing so complicated?

Anyways, after I finally got to the hard drive bay I found out that the second empty bay has no bracket to hold a hard drive in. I looked online and nobody was selling them. Yes, that's right: this computer IS ADVERTISED as having the capability of storing an additional hard drive, but the company is not including or even selling any bracket to allow me to do it! I couldn't find them anywhere! So luckily, my drive was a solid state, with no moving parts. What I ended up doing is taping some business cards underneath the solid state drive and letting it rest evenly on those, and then folding one of them between the space that the drive and the bay would occupy so that it doesn't wiggle around. No issues so far, I'm pretty furious that I'm being put in this situation, and I'm definitely giving Asus a call and demanding that they ship or sell an extra bracket to me. There is absolutely no reason at all why I have to do this.

Lastly, once I got everything in place I decided to use the recovery cd's that I created in the beginning to reformate/unpartitian the primary drive and install windows 7 on the solid state drive... but guess what? The recovery cd's do not have the capability of reformatting. What I had to do was hunt down an .iso of windows and burn that to a disk, then use it as my windows install... because the recovery cd is not a 'true' windows. I don't understand why Asus doesn't include a generic windows dvd since, you know, I PAID for the licence and it costs them next to nothing. They did include a driver CD, which is generous.

So that's all the bad stuff out of the way. Once I got everything up and running and with the right setup, things got much better. For starters, the performance on this thing is top-notch. With a solid state drive as the main OS, this laptop boots up in 20 seconds. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I have the laptop outputting to a second 24 inch monitor as an expanded desktop and it runs starcraft at full resolution and mostly high settings at around 40-60 fps. Best of all, it doesn't 'downclock' to cool down like most of the laptops out there do. The reason for this is an extremely efficient cooling system in the back that blows air out one vent and sucks in air at the other. This keeps things relatively stable, and quiet. I'm not waking up my GF while I game on starcraft after she goes to sleep, and in comparison the Envy 17 I had and returned before this (which cost a beefy 2300) sounded like a jet engine.

This is a top-notch gaming rig, and I'm very happy with it so far. Would I recommend to anyone else? Well, it depends. If you're going to be happy with the measly 500GB of storage, then yes. However, if you want to do what I did or install a larger capacity hard drive, then I recommend you tread lightly or have a certified technician do it for you.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FIX POWER BUTTON YOURSELF!! Great Computer December 23, 2011

By Gibbs

Amazon Verified Purchase

We all know this is an incredible buy for the price, except for the reviews. I looked into this machine long and hard before I purchased it. Many from many vendors haved arrived "doa" and also had issues with the power button. Well believe it or not you can fix it yourself in about 5 seconds, all you have to do is swipe a magnet over the palmrest area (I go from right to left across the bottom) and wham your laptop WILL turn on. I recieved this yesterday as many had, it would not power on, let it charge for a bit, and tried the button some more, still didnt work, then tried the magnet trick and it has been working great ever since. There is a video on youtube of someone doing this as well if you need further assistance. Further what is actually happening is a sensor that is supposed to sense the lid closing is too strong (it is magnetic) it can over time while sitting build up a "magnetic charge" and thinks the lid is closed when it is not, by using a magnet you are resetting the switch. Should you have to do this? No, but at the price I dont find it to be an issue (mine has been working fine since the initial swipe of the magnet, ie the power button has been working, and if it stops in the future I know to keep a magnet handy).

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Greate laptop for small money December 29, 2011

By Simonius

Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent laptop, people who want to play games, but don't like to spend 1000$ +

It was problems with magnetic proximity switch it (is remain magnetized, so when you push start button nothing happened). Basicly it think's that Lid is still closed and preventing laptop from starting (this is Asus safety measures).
For people who are not advanced in PC hardware it can be a real chalenge. Cause they can think that laptop is not working and try to return it. Don't do it please... The laptop is ok, there are no any hardware problem.
This is my solution (I am assembling PC's since 1996):
you just simply need to demagnetize the Sensore/switch:
- Keep the system off, lid should be open and the battery in. It doesn't matter if the power cord is plugged in or not but its better if it is plugged in;
- Ok now take a paper and put it on the palm-rest to the lower right side from the touch pad. To give you an idea, this is a 2 inch x 2 inch spot under the small sticker that says "New Revision Certified Design" and lies between the touch pad and the large sticker that shows system specs and features. Furthermore this is the very spot where the magnet in the LCD lid (located to the right side of the camera) comes in contact/proximity when the lid is closed;
- Now take a light magnet with medium intensity, shouldn't be too strong or big and rub it in circles on that 2 x 2 inch square spot where you have placed the paper(The paper is only optional but it is recommended as it would save the palm-rest from scratches if any). Do this for a minute or two.
- Press the power button and voilà! You are done.

Happy New Year and Kind Regards