The Gigabyte P2542G was a high-performance gaming laptop released, showcasing a blend of power and features designed to appeal to gamers and users demanding significant processing capabilities. At its core, the P2542G aimed to deliver a compelling gaming experience through a combination of a robust processor, dedicated graphics, and a suite of complementary technologies.
Core Specifications and Design
The P2542G was equipped with a 3rd generation Intel Core i7 Quad-Core processor, specifically the i7-3610QM. This processor, supporting Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, could reach clock speeds of up to 3.3GHz. This processing power enabled the laptop to handle demanding tasks, including modern games and resource-intensive applications, with relative ease.
For graphics processing, the P2542G featured an Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M GDDR5 2GB graphics card. This GPU supported Nvidia Optimus, Nvidia PhysX, and DirectX 11 technologies, contributing to a visually rich gaming experience. The laptop achieved a score of 12,194 on 3DMark Vantage, indicative of its graphical capabilities at the time of its release.
The laptop also boasted a Full HD (1080p) display, aiming to provide sharp and detailed visuals. The audio experience was enhanced by a sound system incorporating THX TruStudio Pro technology. Further features included a Blu-ray Rewritable Drive, USB 3.0 ports, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Storage options included a fast 7200rpm HDD or a 256GB SSD, depending on the specific configuration.
The design of the P2542G was described as resembling a sports car, featuring dual air vents designed to maintain cooling during extended gaming sessions. The laptop came in a vibrant yellow cover with a hairline aluminum brushed palm rest.
Intel Rapid Start Technology
A notable feature of the Gigabyte P2542G was its implementation of Intel Rapid Start Technology. This technology was designed to enable the laptop to quickly resume from sleep or hibernation modes. According to specifications, the P2542G could resume from instant-on in approximately 1.5 seconds and from sleep mode in about 6.5 seconds. This allowed users to quickly return to their previous session with applications in the same state, potentially minimizing data loss. This feature was only supported on models with SSD or HDD+mSATA SSD configurations.
Smart Recovery
The P2542G also included a Smart Recovery feature, simplifying the process of restoring the notebook to its factory default settings. By pressing the F9 key during the boot process, users could launch Smart Recovery and initiate the system restoration process.
Gigabyte P2542G: A Detailed Look
The Gigabyte P2542G aimed to offer a compelling combination of performance and features for gamers and power users. Its design incorporated elements to enhance both aesthetics and functionality, such as the cooling system and the choice of materials.
The inclusion of the 3rd generation Intel Core i7 processor and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 660M graphics card positioned the P2542G as a capable gaming machine for its time. The support for technologies like Nvidia Optimus and PhysX further enhanced the gaming experience.
The laptop’s storage options, including the availability of an SSD, contributed to faster boot times and application loading speeds. The inclusion of USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 provided modern connectivity options.
The Gigabyte P2542G’s Intel Rapid Start Technology was a significant feature, allowing for quick resumption from sleep or hibernation. This technology aimed to improve the user experience by minimizing wait times and preserving the user’s work state.
The Smart Recovery feature provided a convenient way to restore the system to its factory default settings, which could be useful for troubleshooting or resolving software issues.
Considerations and Legacy
Given its age, the Gigabyte P2542G is now considered a legacy product. While it may still be functional, its performance and features may not be competitive with modern laptops. Driver support and software updates may also be limited.
Potential users considering purchasing a used P2542G should be aware of these limitations and consider their specific needs and budget. Modern laptops offer significantly improved performance, features, and battery life.
Driver Download and Alternative Links
For users who still own and use the Gigabyte P2542G, driver updates may be necessary to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. The following link provides access to the Intel Rapid Start Technology driver 1.0.0.1024:
Here are five alternative download links for the Intel Rapid Start Technology driver related to the Gigabyte P2542G:
- DriverPack Solution: (Caution: DriverPack Solution often bundles software. Exercise caution during installation.) https://drp.su/en/devices/notebooks/gigabyte/gigabyte-p2542g?os=windows-7-x64 (Choose the Rapid Start driver, if listed. Be careful of bundled software.)
- Softpedia: (Check version number carefully before downloading.) https://drivers.softpedia.com/get/BIOS/Gigabyte/Gigabyte-P2542G-BIOS-F11.shtml(This link is for BIOS update, but often BIOS updates include updated drivers as well)
- DriversCollection: (Use with caution, verify file integrity.) https://www.driverscollection.com/?V=GigaByte&Model=P2542G&by=OS(Search for the Intel Rapid Start Technology Driver)
- DriverIdentifier: (May require software download to identify drivers. Use caution.) https://www.driveridentifier.com/scan/gigabyte-p2542g/device-list(Requires to install a program to detect and download the driver)
- Gigabyte’s Official Website (Archive): (Likely the most reliable, but might be difficult to navigate. Check web archives.) Wayback Machine Search for Gigabyte P2542G Driver Page (Search the archive to find the original download page, if available.)
Disclaimer: Downloading drivers from unofficial sources carries inherent risks. Always scan downloaded files with an antivirus program before installation.
These links provide access to the Intel Rapid Start Technology driver. It is recommended to download and install the latest available version to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.