AORUS Gaming Notebooks with Pascal, RGB LED keyboards - GTX 1060/1070/1080 13.9"/15.6"/17.3"

The things that have the asterisks ("*") after them are better the smaller the value (for all non-asterisks denoted fields, the higher value is better). For example, Black Level of .5 is worse than .23 by 54% since it has an asterisks, whereas Contrast of 1178 is 72% better than 686 since there is no asterisks.

 

Aside from the clouding/spotting, how do you like the 1080 TN display? Do you happen to have an IPS to compare it to?

 

Damn okay, so the msi gs73vr which is also 120 hz with slightly better response time isn't effected by the banding/stripping issue and has better color accuracy and contrast, is this a better trade off for the lack of g-sync that the aorus x7 v6 provides?

 

As a 1440p 120hz x7v6 owner... what striping??

 

Well I'm coming from BenQ's 2430T monitor so I don't have any problems with having a TN Panel. I do have an IPS and colors are definitely better on it, but it's not to say this TN panel is bad at all.

 

Are you able to notice the pixels on your screen? The striping issue on the X7 is when alternating rows of pixels are unevenly lit. Its more noticable to certain users. Use a darker background to try to find it. Apparently according to Aorus, its a by-product of the manufacturing process used by the panel maker AUO. Clevo and Alienware users that have the same 120hz screen are also reporting the same issue


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I have the X7 V6 with 1440p screen, tried a couple games at 1080p. Because the screen is so small compared to monitors, the scaling isn't bad at all. Obviously the image looks less crisp and sharp compared to 1440p but I have no idea how it would look next to a similar size 1080p native screen.

If switching to 1080p from 1440p using this machine, you probably wouldn't notice any scaling/soft edges/fuzziness after a couple of minutes of playing.

 

I scale my games to 1080p on my 1440p native desktop monitor. Most if not all programs SHOULD scale properly as both these resolutions are even scalers. Unless your eyes are like super sensitive, then the fuzziness/edges should not really be noticeable, maybe for the first day or two at most (thats how long it took me to not notice that stuff anymore YMMV)

 

I'm sorry, my reply was in a bit of jest.
I had stated a few pages earlier in this thread that I cannot notice the rumored striping issue.
I can attest that this TN screen is not as bright or crisp as an IPS, but no stripes to be seen.
To be fair, while I can spot individual pixels in a 1080 17" laptop, I'm having to really squint to notice them in this 1440.

If you ask me, the TN is worth it because the 1070 will easily push more than 60fps in most modern titles onto the 1440. And for productivity, the extra real estate is awesome.

 

Hi, everyone. New here. First post.

I ordered an X7 V6 from GenTechPC with the 1080p IPS display, multiple SSD upgrades, and most importantly... Liquid Ultra.

I'm not sure what the temps were before the repaste, but Ken just sent over the temps after testing and holy crap they are low!

Running FireStrike (overall 15064, graphics 18985), the max temps for the CPU cores were 72, 70, 69, and 68. And the GPU max temp under load was only 63*C.... 63!

I don't have any other info except for the one screenshot, but I'll probably run some more benchmarks and games when it arrives sometime next week. It should be shipping out today.

http://imgur.com/l7XheMB

 

Awesome results! I also got liquid ultra but won't have my unit until Tuesday next week (ordered from HID). Very promising temps, IC on the gpu right?


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My X7 V6 (w/QHD screen) should be delivered within a few hours.

Can't wait.

 

Let us know how it goes! Who did you order from?


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Thanks!

I won't get mine till Friday... you win lol

CLU on both.

 

I wonder why HID only offers CLU on the CPU and IC on the GPU. I figured it had something to do with the heatsink material/construction, but maybe not.


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I was also curious as to why HID only applies IC to the GPU. I hope it's just because they've wanted to be more cautious and don't know whether or not any aluminum is present. I have an email to Ken awaiting a response on this issue, and will update as soon as I hear back from him.

Ken knows his stuff, and I dont think they would apply CLU to a GPU without checking with Aorus about the heatsink and heat pipe's material composition.

 

Hey guys! I have talked with Donald from HID before about the liquid metal only on the cpu and not gpu. They do not put it onto the gpu due to concerns and issues they have had in the past with the liquid metal shorting out circuits on the gpu side of the laptops. Basically, they had too many laptops coming back in under their warranty due to liquid metal. Don't let this scare you, it's simply something they noticed and corrected based on their data. Donald and HID are awesome. Also, if I'm wrong anywhere in my interpretation I am open to correction.

 

Deleted.

 

Glad to hear it's just a precaution. I figured that may have been the case after only seeing two possible issues concerning GPU application (aluminum composition, mainly heatsinks; or circuits next to the GPU).

I'm guessing the tech guys over at GenTechPC haven't had many issues or warranty repairs concerning the Liquid Ultra. Only time will tell if their application of the Liquid Ultra stays put and doesn't get on any nearby circuits.

Regardless, I am so excited to get my laptop in next Friday and spend the whole weekend benchmarking and gaming!

 

Yep, just a precaution. I have seen people place electrical tape around the gpu due to alleviate the spilling of liquid metal compound, but I totally understand if people and companies don't want to do that. Ken at GenTech is awesome too! If my laptop coming in Monday cannot be tinkered into awesomeness, Im ordering the x7 dt v6 from him. I just wish I had the ability to test it somewhere before I order. XD

 

Got my X7 v6 with the 1440 screen Thursday, finally got to play with it today. HIDevolution repasted with CLLU on the CPU and ICD on the GPU.Screen looks great and super smooth while gaming. I don't see ANY striping. The screen definitely needs color correction, no big deal. Played Witcher 3 for 45 minutes on ultra (hair effects off) at 1440 and max CPU temp was 85C with no uneven temps across the cores according to HWiNFO64. Firestrike 14,286 with graphics score of 17,993 (updated drivers, but no attempt to max the score, background programs were running). (Sorry, I haven't figured out how to upload screen shots on this site). Fans quiet when not gaming and not bad under load. I really like the Aorus control center and lack of bloatware. I'm going to try undervolting next (first time for me), then more extensive benchmarking... if I'm not too distracted playing games. as well. Couldn't be happier so far!

 

Awesome!! How was your FPS in witcher with and without hair works? Try and other games? How do you plan to calibrate the screen? Happy to hear your screen is issue free, since we ordered around the same time I can only hope my unit comes issue free as well.


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With Ultra hair works off at 1440 FPS were running 58-72 on average. I just tried it with hair works on for about 20 min and was getting 42-62. Still very playable. The game looks fantastic either way!

 

Keep in mind the Aorus x7 DT v6 only comes with a 230w power supply. It's not enough to let the 1080 stretch it's legs. GenTech did a review on it and IIRC it got a lower fire strike score than my x7 v6 with a 1070. I may be wrong on that though. All I know is 230w is not enough for the 6820hk and a 1080. That's one of the main reasons i went with the 1070. And the price difference.

 

Can one of you with a v6 let me know if you see CPU or GPU being used when playing back 1080/4k content? I'm curious it will use the CPU's hardware acceleration in the media block for decoding, or if instead the gpu gets used. Normally (and optimally for battery life) I'd expect the CPU to be used, but not sure since the CPU's iGPU is bypassed in these laptops cause of gsync, I'm not sure if it's able to utilize the media block which would leave either the GPU's hardware acceleration or (even worse) software decoding.

 

How can it be that we still have an open question about this? Some people and reviews claim that the DT is limited due to lack of power and seem to verify this with benchmarks, while other people and reviews claim it isnt a problem and manage to verify that with benchmarks?

I believe that the newest revieww claim this isnt a problem, could Aorus have made some changes to the DT recently, like addee a better power brick?

(I have no opinion myself in the matter)

 

Quick question concerning the x7 v6 with the 1080p IPS display... what is the response time of that panel?

We already know it has a 75Hz refresh rate, but I haven't seen a single review of the laptop with the 1080p display. It's quite frustrating when manufacturers don't advertise the full specs of the machines they sell.

 

I've not seen anything definitive, but since it's IPS I'd guess it will be around 25 ms? I've not aware of any fast response IPS screens.


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That's what I assumed. Hopefully we will figure it out in the future once more people start obtaining these laptops.

I really wanted the 1440p 120hz screen, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy it with the stripe issue. I'm quite particular, and once I notice it, it would be in the back of my head nagging me every time I used the laptop lol. I just hope I will still enjoy gaming on it without the fast response and refresh rate.

 

It should be within the 25-35ms area. Typical of IPS laptop screens for now

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Whats the latest review to have come out? Sorry i haven't been catching up. Had a couple of frisbee tournaments over the past week


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Well, my return for the AW 17 w/GTX 1080 has been initiated. So now that you have it in hand, how is build quality? Is there any keyboard flex? How strong is the hinge? Any screen wobble or bounce from it? I don't think I can handle another laptop disappointment, haha.

 

Build quality is excellent. I played with a AW 17 at BB and the X7 is comparable. Keyboard is good, not great. The hinge is perfect. Rock solid but opens with one hand.


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Loving my x7 v6 so far! No screen issues and its running cool! Just did firestrike and pulled in 18382 on graphics and 13618 overall. *No GPU overclock and CPU @ 3.6 in CC. Seems as if i need to update my drivers as well.

OC'd Firestrike score : Graphics: 18967 Overall: 14806. This is with the CPU @ 4ghz and the GPU on a level 4 overclock in CC. Temps on CPU cores averaged at 87C and GPU maxed at 75C. On the shipped Nvidia drivers.

More to come.

 

Woah, sounds excellent! What makes the keyboard only good? Just curious. Already put an order in with GenTech.

 

I'm loving the keyboard thus far. Coming from a 07 Macbook Pro its oddly similar, and I enjoy it. Keys are a tad more narrow than i'm used to, but I've only been typing on it for 3 hours so I'm sure i'll adjust. RGB lighting is impressive as well. Brighter than I thought it would be.

 

Keyboard is a little spongy to me. It's not a problem at all. I agree on the fusion lighting. Very cool.


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It's very refreshing to hear people getting good laptops with no problems from the get-go. Props to Gigabyte/Aorus. I cannot wait to get this CLLU cooled beast. Not sure I'd GenTech has em in stock; my order is processing but I'll wait.

 

Call up Ken at GenTech or shoot him an email. He is quick to respond and is very helpful!

You're going to love that you decided to get the Liquid Ultra. Temps are drastically lower so the laptop should last much longer.

 

You're OC Fire Strike scores are almost identical to mine. Glad to see the consistency.

What I'm really curious about though is why your CPU cores averaged 87C with Liquid Ultra. 75C on the GPU with IC is understandable, but 87C seems a little high. Possibly different testing environments and ambient temperatures?

 

He is awesome! Unfortunately I'm what I consider a trouble customer. I'd placed two orders already and cancelled them just out of uncertainty (only to be returning the AW laptop I originally went with). And yeah. Liquid metal really is magic. I love the OC these units have off the bat!

 

I do (unfortunately) sit by our heater so perhaps that may be one reason. Those temps were on the 4GHZ OC so I expected it to be in the low to mid 80's. I'll try again in a cooler room. What were your results?


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Running FireStrike (overall 15064, graphics 18985), the max temps for the CPU cores were 72, 70, 69, and 68. And the GPU max temp under load was only 63. Ken said the benchmark was run with the 4GHz OC. They must have had a really low ambient temp when testing.

I'm obviously going to benchmark everything again once I get it Friday, so I know for sure those are legit temps. Ken assured me they are though, and they know what they are doing.

http://imgur.com/l7XheMB

 

Yea those are amazing temps for a 4Ghz OC. Not saying they are too good to be true but you could possibly just have good luck with the silicon lottery and a perfect paste job. Let us know how it goes when you run the tests yourself! I'm going to do another run when I get home after I update the gpu drivers.


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I definitely will update. I have purposely freed up my entire weekend for benchmarking and gaming! Should be fun.

Random question... Has this thread essentially turned into the Aorus Owner's Lounge? And do we even need to have separate threads for each model?

 

Environment is certainly important, as the laptop is being cooled by air, which comes in at a certain temperature. But volume of air is even more important. Under the highest OC conditions, using firestrike and playing games, I cannot get the temp higher than 80 C while using a CoolerMaster U3 cooler. Even if I take off the fans and just use it as an elevated surface to allow more airflow, I still can't see temperatures over 83C. This is with stock paste in an environment with 21-23 C air.

Cooling was my biggest concern while ordering. At this point I see no issue whatsoever.
I think the keyboard is fine, coming from an Asus G700 series and having used a Lenovo thinkpad for work. It has a good travel distance and works fine for gaming. Unlike the ridiculous almost non-existent travel distance on the new macbooks. The individual RGB lighting is nifty, but more importantly, unlike the razer backlight, the entire key is lit. In other words, when you look at the numerical 8, both the 8 and the asterisk are lit. In the Razer, you'd only see the 8 in a dark room.
Also, there is no flex to speak of. The metal is reasonably strong to stand up to normal typing, probably not as strong as razer, but I couldn't tell the difference. The MSI GS series on the other hand, you can see flexing with every key stroke.

The hinge is also perfect. Strong but can be opened with one hand.

The screen back is sturdy. Earlier in the post someone posted pictures of one with bent corners. Almost anyone can bend metal if they try hard enough, but these covers are just as sturdy as the AW ones I've seen. They're much stronger than MSI, but not quite as sturdy as Razer or Mac.

I made the "mistake" of trying a razer first due to it's quality. But after experiencing a throttled down performance (razer issues), I switched to Aorus. I fully agree with one poster on this thread that said the X7 (and likely the X5) is the most under-reported beast in the gaming laptop world. Reviewers will tell you that it's the best combo of sleek and powerful, but I'm surprised with the quality and sleekness as well. This machine doesn't get the respect it deserves... and BOO to anyone who complained about thermals.

 

These great reviews keep popping up. Literally no issues with these machines. I always looked the other way at Gigabyte's offerings in the past (laptop-wise). Not anymore. I got ahold of Ken and the next dt v6 shipment comes in next week! I can wait that long.

 

Update on 376.19 drivers and no OC. I moved to a different part of my living room and on this test achieved 13000 for the overall score and 17326 for the graphics score. Averaged 69c on the CPU and max of 72c on the GPU.

Definitely lower than my previous score, but much cooler temps. I'll try an OC run later.

 

I got my A7 V6 last week and my Firestrike score out of the box was 15064, with some tweaking I'm at 15304. None of the cores passed 80c, GPU was 75c. I did no re-paste, this is completely stock. Guess I got a good one. I have the 1080p version, not the 1440p.

 

So what do you recent owners have to say about the screen? The problems with the QHD screen is the only thing preventing me from ordering.