Question 1

This could be a noob question, but I'm confused about the drives. It's listed as 1TB HDD with 128 SSD, but when I look on my Computer it says I have a D: and E:, each with 465GB, then OS (C:) which only has a maximum of 104gb (only 85 free).

I'm just confused by these numbers, is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes that is normal, it comes from the difference in how the Operating System counts the storage where 1024 bytes = 1kb which is how the computer sees it in binary. But drive manufacturers list their capacities figuring it as 1000 bytes = 1kb. Thus the size difference. The other D and E drive is just because they partitioned the 1TB drive into 2 logical drives. Logical = the computer sees it as a drive even if it is 1 physical drive, part of a physical drive, or multiple physical drives. In short all is normal :)

Question 2

Does it comes with a rog gaming mouse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does. It is fairly basic, with no weights or anything. It also feels slightly cheap, but it gets the job done and I find I can even play games like CS:GO fairly well with it.

Question 3

The ad says this is for the GL551JW-DS74 but when I scroll down the page to where it says "WHAT'S IN THE BOX?"- listed is GL551JW-DS71 Notebook. WHY THE DIFFERENCE? AND WHAT WOULD I  BE GETTING DS74 OR DS71 ?????
Thank you, 
Holly

Accepted Answer

The difference is that the DS-74 has the 128 GD SSD, the DS-71 does not.
I recently purchased this computer and can confirm that Newegg sent the DS-74.
The number in the "What's in the box" is probably a copy and paste error.

Question 4

Does this have a slot of SSD and HDD?

Accepted Answer

To be more specific it has a normal sized (2.5") 1TB HDD and a minature (didn't measure it to see which one) 128GB SSD. The SSD is NOT a standard 2.5" drive that you would generally have in your PC. Something more like this one, but NOT this one :) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0AJ16U0230

Question 5

Is the SSD card necessary or worth it? I could save about $230 not getting the SSD card. What would you recommend me doing? Also, I am new to PC gaming and I am just looking for a laptop that can work well for college as well as playing some games like CS:GO. If there are better or cheaper options out there for what I am looking for, any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Accepted Answer

It's nice having an SSD because everything on there loads faster, but if you don't want it it's not necessary - just a nice perk.  Word and Excel open instantly, the computer boots up instantly - it's very nice.

CS:GO can run on a toaster, so this computer would have 0 issues playing it.  If you're looking to run more high end games, this computer would be able to run it, too.  I'm playing Dark Souls (again, it can run on most machines) now on high graphics with a bunch of mods and it's able to play it no issue.

If you're really wanting to get into PC gaming, you would be able to build a far better desktop for the same amount of money.

Question 6

Can anybody confirm that by selecting the 128GB SSD model (GL551JW-DS74), it is in fact the model that has the IPS display?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the DS74 model is the model with the IPS display. It has outstanding color reproduction and viewing angles. I'm glad I went with it.

Question 7

Is this two physical drives? IE 1 SSD and 1 HDD that are removable and replaceable individually or something like the new dual drives like the Western Digital WD1001X06XDTL where it is all a single physical drive but with SSD and HDD?

Accepted Answer

I would like to point out after purchase and inspection myself that the SSD is not a normal size One but a mini and requires removal of the entire bottom to get to it from what I can see. I don't see this as an issue per say, but thought I would mention it in case others are wondering.

Question 8

Can the SSD be upgraded to 256gb without voiding the warranty cause I know that's a problem with the MSI Ge62 2qe?

Accepted Answer

The best thing to do is call the ASUS Service Center and ask them. I have read in forums that ASUS does allow the SSD the be changed out.

Question 9

Does this specific laptop come with any extra bells/whistles? I notcied on the ASUS website they include a gaming mouse and pad with the purchase for free. I didn't see anything stating that same mouse and pad came with this one. I was just curious!

Accepted Answer

The laptop came with a wired gaming mouse but not a pad.  The mouse is a standard gaming device nothing special besides it is wired which makes it rather cumbersome.  On a separate note I absolutely love the laptop.  I do not use it for gaming just business and personal use but it is an absolute screamer when it comes to speed and performance.  I am so happy that I bought this laptop as I researched many models for over a month before I decided on the ASUS ROG.  One of the best purchases I have ever made.

Question 10

battery life?

Accepted Answer

Battery Life is great!
The only Problem Im having with my new lap top is the annoying 
"Power Drive state Failure" i get all the time. 
Going to be contacting ASUS soon...

Brand	ASUS
Series	ROG GL551 series
Model	GL551JW-DS74

Color	Black
Operating System	Windows 8.1 64-Bit
CPU	Intel Core i7-4720HQ 2.6 GHz
Screen	15.6"
Memory	16 GB DDR3L
Storage	1 TB HDD + 128 GB SSD
Optical Drive	DL DVD+-RW/CD-RW
Graphics Card	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M
Video Memory	2 GB GDDR5
Communication	Gigabit LAN and WLAN
Dimensions (W x D x H)	15.0" x 10.0" x 0.6"-1.3"
Weight	6.0 lbs.

CPU Type	Intel Core i7 4th Gen
Processor Name	Intel Core i7-4720HQ
Number of Cores	Quad-core Processor
Core Name	Haswell
Turbo Frequency	Up to 3.6 GHz
CPU L3 Cache	6 MB

Screen Size	15.6"
Touchscreen	Non-Touch Screen
Wide Screen Support	Yes
Display Type	FHD
Resolution	1920 x 1080
Panel	IPS
Display Features	IPS matte

GPU/VPU	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M
Video Memory	2GB
Graphic Type	Dedicated Card

BenchmarksBenchmarks Information

ASUS ROG GL551 series - 15.6" FHD - Intel Core i7-4720HQ - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M - 16GB Memory DDR3L 1600 - 128GB SSD - Windows 8.1 64-Bit ()

Learn more about the ASUS GL551JW-DS74

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Warranty & Returns

Warranty, Returns, And Additional Information

Warranty

Return Policies

Manufacturer Contact Info

Memory	16GB
Memory Speed	DDR3L 1600
Memory Spec	8 GB x 2
Memory Slot (Total)	2
Memory Slot (Available)	0
Max Memory Supported	16 GB

LAN	10/100/1000Mbps
WLAN	802.11ac Wireless LAN
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0

USB	3 x USB 3.0
Video Port	1 x Mini DisplayPort
HDMI	1 x HDMI
Audio Ports	1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack

Touchpad	Yes
Keyboard	Illuminated Chiclet
Backlit Keyboard	Backlit
Webcam	HD Camera
Card Reader	SD / MMC / MS

General
Style	Standard
Type	Gaming
Usage	Consumer

Power
Battery	6-cell Lithium Ion
Battery Life	Up to 5 hour(s)

Item#: N82E16834232405