What setup/config should be done on a new G751JT out of the box?

[sgtrock]

Just ordered a new G751JT from Amazon, $10 for overnight shipping means it will be here tomorrow. 😄 (Many thanks to aeolisio for outstanding advice in choosing a model)

So what steps does the community recommend taking on new machine right out of the box? I figure run Windows Update to let it fully update, but I'd like to get some guidance from the power users here on things that should be done before I start installing my development tools and MS Office and whatnot onto it. I'm considering making a backup image after I get that baseline established just to make refreshing easier. I've read that I should download Asus Backtracker and I don't know anything about it but it can't be that hard -- unless there's things I need to watch out for. I've also read some complaints that the main drive is split partitioned, is that normal and if so what is the easiest workaround? Are there any utilities specific to high-end laptops that I should look into? (other than something that comes with Ninite -- I mean software specifically for monitoring performance, heat, etc that I should use) It has Windows 8.1 on it and I will upgrade to 10, but not right away as I want to get it operational and be able to roll back to a usable image if I run into issues with Windows 10.

I'm not looking to tweak the machine and push its boundaries, just monitor it and ensure a stable platform on which to develop and occasionally game. Thanks!

[Clintlgm]

Well you can download backtracker and create a restore to shipped condition. You should check all your drivers Asus Support Downloads update to the latest.
You can also download Macrium Reflect and create an image of your OS hard Drive/SSD. This also will return you to the exact time that your create the images.
There are no issues with partitions on hard drives. Asus seems to want to break them up in to two partitions each. C D E F. You can leave them that way or simple merge C with D and E with F then rename E to D. There will be no data on the D or E and F drive so all that is necessary is to delete the F partition and then expand E into the unused space left from deleting F. You can do the same with C and D. I use Mini Tool partition wizard to accomplish these type task. Or just leave them the way the are.
You will have to really pay attention when running windows update. MS will have window 10 install before you know whats happening. check each update when the upgrade to 10 comes up just hide it to prevent if from running.
Test Test Test run every benchmark break in program you can. You want to insure ASAP that all your hardware is working correctly, You also want to insure your CPU And GPU are pasted well. Not overheating, Really check everything you don't want to find out something is not working after your return to vendor period ends. I think Amazon is 30 days.

If you have any issues or think you might someone here will help you figure it out.

Hwinfo64 is good monitoring program the sensor part of it will show you your GPU and CPU Loads Temps and Fan Speeds + a whole lot more

[sgtrock]

Awesome thanks. Will check all those out. What tests should be run? Will it matter if I update the ASUS drivers before or after going through the Windows Update cycle?

I have upgraded a Surface Pro 3 to Windows 10 already, but I had to opt in. It just kept nagging me with popup balloons until I agreed, but it didn't do it automatically. But I'll watch for that sneaking through on the new laptop, thanks for the heads up.

Also Amazon has extended their returns to 31 January for most items, in case anyone is in the market.

Items shipped by Amazon.com between November 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015, may be returned until January 31, 2016, for a full refund, subject to our other return guidelines listed below. Items shipped from sellers other than Amazon.com are subject to this same holiday return policy unless otherwise stated in the seller's individual Return Policy. For more details on policies for items not shipped by Amazon.com, see Seller Returns Policies below.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=15015721