Gigabyte P34W V5 - Considerations

Hey folks,

I'm getting ready to make my order for a P34W V5, but there are a few things I need to consider and get answers on before emptying my pockets for this little beast. I understand this laptop has just been released, so most likely people won't be able to respond straight away, but it would be great to get some answers once the units start rolling in. The two main concerns I have are battery life and physical construction of the laptop chassis.

On either model (the FHD or QHD,) how is the battery life for day-to-day tasks such as browsing the web, taking notes, watching videos etc.?

Is the laptop chassis fairly rigid, or at least more rigid than that of previous models?

I'm going to be using the laptop for classes and programming on-the-go, mainly, and hoping to get a rough 4 hours out of it at least. I don't think this will be a problem, but figured I'd ask just to be sure.

There have been quite a few comments on other forums wherein people have complained about the rigidity of the previous models. This thing is going to be in my backpack and on-the-go with me almost every day, so it just won't do to have something that's flimsy or at risk of ending up with bent panels on top or bottom just from day-to-day use.

Many thanks!

 

Hey NorthernEnd,

We are confident in the build quality of the new Skylake platform.

Here is one of the first unboxing/reviews for the P34W v5 from an independent reviewer to give you a better idea of the build.



Thanks,

GIGABYTE NOTEBOOK

 

Thank you for the feedback and the video, Mr. Gigabyte Laptop.

Maybe you can tell me - have any changes been made to the chassis of the laptop since the V3, or is the body of the V5 the exact same?

Thanks!

 

My question is that if the USB Type C connector is also compatible with Thunderbolt 3 so you can attach an external box with a full size GPU when they becomes available.

I also wonder if you get the model without the M.2 SSD can you add one later and clone the OS over.

 

I too am ready to make the purchase, but need to know the answer to Wiz33's question.

 

I just subbed per some threads I used when deciding on a system. I have a P34W V5 on order and I'll answer any questions when I receive it. I have high hopes for what I had built.

 

Thanks Rykno! Getting some feedback from someone who actually has the laptop would be incredibly helpful You rock.

The things I'm wondering about:
- What is the battery life like for general productivity/day-to-day use outside of gaming?
- Does the laptop feel solid, or are there concerns with rigidity?

When it comes to rigidity, I've heard a lot of complaints regarding the old versions. 1. the keyboard's plastic insert being weak and bendable, 2. the top panel being wobbly or very easy to bend when twisting one side forward and the other back, and the lid can be flexed inward easily when it's closed, 3. the general structural rigidity of the unit feels light/weak.

The issue is that all of this comes from old versions of the laptop (V3 in particular) and the user's experience is somewhat subjective depending on what they've used in the past. I'm comparing it to something like the Macbook Pro and my Samsung Series 9 ultrabook, both of which are extremely solid because of their completely metal construction. I wouldn't expect the P34W V5 to match these at all, of course, but it would be good to know that the thing doesn't have to be treated with extreme care.

Thanks in advance! Let us know how it goes, and enjoy

 

I was quoted 5+ hours using conservative brightness and moderate multitasking (music, browsing, spreadsheet/typing etc) from another recent v5 owner. I'm re-pasting and undervolting, so I hope to exceed that number. I'll also be using 2x ssds instead of ssd/hdd.

I can't speak to the tactility of the keyboard, as that is subjective and I have high standards for keyboards. If it's 75% as good as a thinkpad/unibody asus/macbook I'll be happy -- I carry a Pok3r and Roccat for more extended typing/gaming.

Let me know if there is other things you'd like to report on when I receive it. It's the rare user review that helped me when deciding on a purchase, and professional reviewers (imo) can be hesitant to knock points off in a review. I'll be using it mostly for it's insane specs and form factor to create a really portable desktop-quality system, using mouse/keyboard primarily. As long as the keyboard and touchpad are passable for short term browsing/drafting emails off the cuff; I'll consider it a Razer Blade killer at 2/3rd the price given what I've configured.

 

There have been some changes yes to improve overall quality.

The "A" cover (screen lid) - is Aluminium
The "C" part of the chassis - keyboard surround and palm rest is Aluminium
The "D" part of the chassis - the base of the machine is toughened plastic composite.

 

Good morning,

You mentioned in the v5 thread that the new version is going to have an aluminum lid...I am getting ready to send mine v4 that I have had for 3 months, in to get the lid serviced due to a malfunction where the screen is peeling from the lid. Seems to be a rather common thing.

Any chance in your good graces, I could pay the difference for a v5 and trade out this v4. This screen/ lid combo makes me cringe due to the sound of the peeling lid catching the body.

I know little info is being provided here on my part, its just frustrating.

Thanks,

Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk

 

Hi Nebulaz,

That isn't a decision we can actually make on notebookreview's forum, if the machine is already in a service center contact customer support and talk to them regarding this.

We have an account on this forum to try and answer questions or help customers, as far as direct support you'll still want to contact our customer support directly.

Thanks,
GIGABYTE NB

 

All versions have an aluminum lid. The problem is that everything is just stuck with adhesive and this adhesive becomes soft from running the machine under full load with the heat rising up and warming up the screen. They need to use a far stronger adhesive.

 

Great insight. Thank you for the reply.

Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk

 

I'm curious to know if the improved thermals from Skylake solved the adhesion problem you're referring to.

 

Do the improvements in the p34 v5 also translate into the p35x v5? I just purchased one of those, hopefully the build quality is up to par. That was my 1 concern.

 

I had a similar defect on the U2442N (ancestor model of v4, late 2012). I fixed it myself by squirting superglue into the gaps where the panel was coming apart. Seems to have done the job so far! Economy fixes 4TW.

 

I might have to try that, can't really live with out it for the 3 weeks or so they say it will take.

Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk

 

It wasn't answered yet, but I'm quite curious as it will inform my next purchase: Does the P34W v5 have a thunderbolt controller or just USB-C 3.1? the current Aorus X3 v5 doesn't have Thunderbolt, are there plans to include it in the future releases of the aorus x3 line?

 

The USB Type C port on the P34W v5 does not have Thunderbolt 3 support, however it does come with an HDMI 2.0 port for 60 Hz output.

R&D is looking into supporting thunderbolt in the future.

Thanks!

GIGABYTE NB

 

Thanks for your reply. I (as well as many others I'm sure) am eagerly awaiting GIGABYTE/Aorus support for TB3 and eGPU devices. It would put your laptops back at the top of my purchase list.

 

Hey all !

I am thinking about buying the p34w v5 FHD, 128gb nmve; 1tb 7200rpm and 16gb ram. It is gonna be cheaper than the base aero model (at the price of losing the gtx1060m).

What i was wondering about is: how long does the battery last ?
and does it have thermal issues ?

thanks !

 

Yes, thermal paste would be applied to this model and the batter life is about 2 hours on this model. A few other models to check out are listed below.

1. GIGABYTE P55Wr7-KL3

2. GIGABYTE P57Wv6-PC3D