Upgrading a Pre-built

[rascalsblade]

Im currently using a ASUS ROG g20, the i3 4150 model, i upgraded storage buy going ssd for OS media, and the 1TB for storage, i see there is a 2nd slot for memory but its laptop memory and without proper PSU im concerned about adding anything more to my pre built configuration, such as the current processor as id like to change it to an i5 but wonder if that will kill the computer due to lack of power if the power usage on the i5 is slightly higher then the i3. Any suggestions.

 

[Chicano]

Power shouldn't be a problem... all processors work on 12 volts.. they may be of different wattage; for example those listed as options for your computer on the Asus product model page; the i3-4150 is 54W while the i5-4460 is 84W... but they both work on 12 volts.

ROG G20AJ
Processor Options
The 4th generation Intel® Core™ i3/i5/i7 Processor
Intel® Core™ i3 4150 Processor
Intel® Core™ i5 4460 Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 4790 Processor
http://www.asus.com/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/specifications/

Core i3-4150 54W
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i3-4150+%40+3.50GHz&id=2252

Core i5-4460 84W
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-4460+%40+3.20GHz&id=2230

 

[rascalsblade]

Well I know there is different setups for each unit but I own the i3 model and I know that's either the i5 or i7 has a 2nd power brick as I only have one because I have a lower end video card and since I don't have enough knowledge on how to input more power on a system that's using external power bricks not conventional psu I understand I'm limited but was wondering what I could at least improve within my means.

 

[Chicano]

The optional power adapter is on the specifications page... either should work with a i5 but if you have the 180W and should need more, you can upgrade to the 230W or 180W+230W. If it needed more it would be specified there, so that's probably all you will ever need.


Asus ROG G20AJ
http://www.asus.com/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/specifications/

Power Supply Options:
180 W Power adaptor
230 W Power adaptor
180 W + 230 W Power adapter

 

[rascalsblade]

The optional power adapter is on the specifications page... either should work with a i5 but if you have the 180W and should need more, you can upgrade to the 230W or 180W+230W. If it needed more it would be specified there, so that's probably all you will ever need.


Asus ROG G20AJ
http://www.asus.com/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/specifications/

Power Supply Options:
180 W Power adaptor
230 W Power adaptor
180 W + 230 W Power adapter

Well I know one thing for sure, when i opened the case, as well as the view from the back there is two ac spots, one is blacked out with a plastic piece as it isnt required for my model, so unless im mistaken i cant use two, my only option then, is to see about getting the 230 W power adapter and run it through the existing. That still only bumps me a little but i suppose it would cover the additional power for the two components i mentioned. I would be stuck with the current video card though. Then again i know most people can argue this is the reason we dont get prebuilts, but it was a gift, and i am a fan of ASUS ROG units so i figured if there is a way to tune it up, then im set.

 

[Chicano]

I'd suggest you look for more details on the 180 W + 230 W Power adapter because it may be what you have, and the output may depend on where you connect the AC cord on... otherwise I don't see the point of the converter having two AC current inputs. You may only need to uncover the black plastic and connect to it to increase the output to 230W. Or it may have a sticker with instructions for the second AC input, or the computer manual may also explain it.

 

[rascalsblade]

I'd suggest you look for more details on the 180 W + 230 W Power adapter because it may be what you have, and the output may depend on where you connect the AC cord on... otherwise I don't see the point of the converter having two AC current inputs. You may only need to uncover the black plastic and connect to it to increase the output to 230W. Or it may have a sticker with instructions for the second AC input, or the computer manual may also explain it.

I'll have to open the case again and get back to you, but yes there is 3 variants of this system, and the higher version has two power bricks as you wrote, so it has two ac inputs in the back of the pc, as mine does but the 2nd is covered, i will have to double check but i dont recall a connection to anything. Though im unsure of how to get another power brick as i have searched and searched and unable to locate a power brick and not just a new system with the included hardware.

 

[Chicano]

Check the info and images here...
http://www.asus.com/ae-en/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/

As I understand, the double power brick is for high end models of the ROG G20 with a GTX 760 and higher video card, and possibly a i7 CPU... for a model with i5 and a lower to mid end video card you may not need additional power.

Download the PDF manual and see if you find any info on what power brick (adapter) you would need for the i5 with the video card you want to use with it.
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Desktop/a/Manual/XX09_G20AJ_E9351_V1.pdf


You can find a more detailed user guide in the Programs folder:
The User Guide is located in the following folder in your Desktop PC:
C:\Program Files(X86)\ASUS\eManual

 

[rascalsblade]

Check the info and images here...
http://www.asus.com/ae-en/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/

As I understand, the double power brick is for high end models of the ROG G20 with a GTX 760 and higher video card, and possibly a i7 CPU... for a model with i5 and a lower to mid end video card you may not need additional power.

Download the PDF manual and see if you find any info on what power brick (adapter) you would need for the i5 with the video card you want to use with it.
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Desktop/a/Manual/XX09_G20AJ_E9351_V1.pdf


You can find a more detailed user guide in the Programs folder:
The User Guide is located in the following folder in your Desktop PC:
C:\Program Files(X86)\ASUS\eManual

Ive seen the pages, and many others, the only downside to this unit is that there is not many people out there who have actually tooken apart and changed things with it, so its an endless loop of the same stuff and overdone reviews. As for manuals, i do have all the original stuff from packaging and reading through doesnt help much, nor does any site give me an option to buy anything for the system. The manual on the system isnt there because within a day of owning i had run updates and it crashed the video driver, the dreaded bsod for nvidia drivers, once it was dealt with i decided to put in a ssd and just do a clean install of windows, use the 1tb for storage, i downloaded all the system apps for the rog direct from asus website and all works. Either way thank you for your help, and i suppose my best options are about as obvious as they were before, but i figured id ask someone else.

 

[Chicano]

I suppose you haven't tried contacting Asus support?... They may be the only source for the exact information you need.

Website contact
http://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm/TechQuery

Asus e-mail
http://www.asus.com/ae-en/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/HelpDesk/

 

[rascalsblade]

I suppose you haven't tried contacting Asus support?... They may be the only source for the exact information you need.

Website contact
http://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm/TechQuery

Asus e-mail
http://www.asus.com/ae-en/Desktops/ROG_G20AJ/HelpDesk/

Well last time i tried to reach them they said warranty product if there is a malfunction, but as for the power supply unless ive boughten the product that comes with it im basically sol. I have a tech savy co-worker who believes he can modify the case to put in a proper psu unit to give me power. Will see what that brings. thanks again.

 

[Georgeste]

Im currently using a ASUS ROG g20, the i3 4150 model, i upgraded storage buy going ssd for OS media, and the 1TB for storage, i see there is a 2nd slot for memory but its laptop memory and without proper PSU im concerned about adding anything more to my pre built configuration, such as the current processor as id like to change it to an i5 but wonder if that will kill the computer due to lack of power if the power usage on the i5 is slightly higher then the i3. Any suggestions.

Hello, I think there is no risk to upgrade your memory as long as you take the exact same one (on crucial website, you can run a test to know what to add).

I also have a g20aj and i'd like to add an ssd. As you already know it, can you tell me what size I need (2.5", 1.8" ...)

Thanks for your help,

 

[rascalsblade]

Im currently using a ASUS ROG g20, the i3 4150 model, i upgraded storage buy going ssd for OS media, and the 1TB for storage, i see there is a 2nd slot for memory but its laptop memory and without proper PSU im concerned about adding anything more to my pre built configuration, such as the current processor as id like to change it to an i5 but wonder if that will kill the computer due to lack of power if the power usage on the i5 is slightly higher then the i3. Any suggestions.

Hello, I think there is no risk to upgrade your memory as long as you take the exact same one (on crucial website, you can run a test to know what to add).

I also have a g20aj and i'd like to add an ssd. As you already know it, can you tell me what size I need (2.5", 1.8" ...)

Thanks for your help,

I can tell you its running sodimm laptop memory. I can tell you you can put in a 2.5" ssd. The Rog g20 comes with a connector for it in the box you will find after opening the case you have some screws the loosen the red lining case around. Then you also notice this area that looks like it could hold the ssd but impossible to get into. After you loosen that red plastic beside it you notice a metal tray lining the side. If you find a way to pull it out. Feed the ssd inside. Use the connector to wrap through the slot on the left and wraps underneath its cage you see where to plug it into the mother board. Put the metal casing back and it holds it in place once you put your screws back. Hope this helps as its hard to describe unless your in there actually doing it.