I'm using g53sx and ocz vertex 3 as well. Its working fine for me now.By any chance did you upgrade you RAM as well?If yes, you might need to run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool just to be sure everything is ok.http://www.wintuts.com/Windows-Memory-Di...

I just reinstalled my g53 yesterday and these were the free apps I installed.vlc media player, open office, chrome,

Do check out this link to obtain all the required software.http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?5224-New-DriversIt was very useful to me. Good luck yeah.