NEW Gigabyte P34 V2

Haven't PC Pro reviewed this a while back? Obviously pre-release, but still...

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I'm on the verge of ordering this laptop however I need to know:

Is the version with just the HDD the only version with the big battery? Can you still have a dual hard disk set up with this model? Do any of the ssd models come with the bigger battery?

Thanks.

 

You cant tell until you opened the bottom cover, mine is mSSD only but with standard battery (Australia).


PS: bigger battery version cannot fit with 2.5" drive

 

hi p34g v2 owner, can anyone post a detailed reviews on this laptop? As I'm intending to get this but I've doubts about the build quality, fan and heat dissipation issues.

 

There are a few review & test videos posted on Youtube.

 

I bought it from GenTech PC with a 128 GB mSATA SSD only (I didn't need the 1 TB HDD because I already have some mSATA SSDs and 2.5" SSDs with bigger capacity). Anyway, I opened up the casing and change the original 128 GB mSATA SSD with my own 512 GB mSATA SSD straightaway - I didn't clone the original drive because I wanted to do a clean install of Windows 8.1. Just needed a flashdisk containing Windows 8.1 installation files. The installation went smoothly, Windows was activated automatically.

However I just changed the 512 GB mSATA SSD to a 1 TB mSATA SSD. This time I used Macrium Reflect Professional to clone the SSDs, because I have installed everything the way I want in the 512 GB mSATA SSD.

 

What country will you be buying this in?
Singapore

What are the primary tasks you need this notebook for?
Web Surfing, Office and Productivity Software, Listening to Music, Movie Streaming and Viewing, Graphic Intense 3D Gaming

Autocad,

What games will you be playing?
Dota 2, Tropico 5, PayDay 2, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Civilisation 5, Need for Speed: Rivals, Saints Row 4, Grid 2, Company of Heroes 2



I've a few laptops in mind but I unable to make up my mind on which to choose. Please give your opinions and advice. Is 13.3 inch screen too small? The Clevo chassis is actually used by my local(Singapore) assembler.

Clevo W230SS/Sager NP7338

• Intel Core™ i7-4710MQ processor
• GTX 860M 2GB GDDR5 Video RAM
• 8GB RAM
  [*]IC Diamond Thermal Compound CPU + GPU (Free Lifetime Thermal Compound Re-pasting)
  [*]13.3 Inch IPS FHD(1920x1080) Premium Matte Display with 72% Wide Colour Gamut
  [*]Multi colour backlit keyboard
  [*]30 Day 0 Dead Pixel Policy
  [*]1TB HITACHI 7200RPM HDD
  [*]Intel 7260 AC WIFI+BT
  [*]Windows 8.1 64 bit

https://www.aftershockpc.com/AFTERSHOCK%20XG13-V2/

Gigabyte P34G-V2

• I7-4710HQ
  [*]8GB RAM
  [*]1TB HDD 5400 RPM
  [*]NVIDIA GTX860M 2GB DDR5
  [*]14 Full HD 1920x1080 Wide Viewing Angle LCD
  [*]WIN 8.1
  [*]Auto-Adjusting Backlit Keyboard
  [*]Wireless LAN: 802.11ac, 802.11b/g/n
  [*]340(W) x 239(D) x 20.9(H) mm
  [*]~1.67kg (w/ Battery, m-SSD)
  [*]~1.76kg (w/ Battery, m-SSD, HDD)

GIGABYTE - Notebook & Netbook - Notebook & Netbook - P series - P34G v2

 

Saw that, but most of the time they don't give their detailed opinions.

 

Reading darkmilk's comment, I noticed that he listed the HDD-only version of the P34G V2 (CF3) with 2GB of VRAM instead of 4.
I have seen the same listing from one UK retailer. Would you guys know whether the CF3 version comes with 2GB 860m instead of 4?

 

Try my videos.

If you still have questions; comment on the videos and I will answer them

 

So Sebi, you never got around to posting the videos and updated temps when going with a better thermal paste (like IC diamond) than the stock paste. You mentioned that there are ways to removing the screws that have the warranty void stickers on them without damaging the stickers. Would you mind sharing with us how that is possible? I'm not really sure if it matters, I am reading all over the web those stickers can't enforce warranties if you safely, and correctly, upgrade your laptop (replacing HDD, ram, thermal paste) without causing any internal damage.

 

I'm really sorry, I've been really lazy. I have all the footage and it's halfway edited. I didn't think anyone really cared for it much, but I'll finish it and upload it sometime soon. I'm also thinking of doing gameplay footage of other games but I'd rather wait for the modded BIOS to come out so I can further OC the GPU and get the best possible performance.

 

Did upgrading the thermal paste provide any tangible drops in temps and/or lower fan speeds at the same temps as before (specifically the CPU, since it was hitting 90+ degrees under heavy load)?

 

Yes- you will see exactly how much in the video (I don't remember). It's taking a long time to edit as I am just learning Sony Vegas pro- all the fast forward parts needed are tricky xD
But, it will be up SOON

 

Mate, if you want detailed opinions please read this thread from page1. This is what I did and bought this laptop eventually

 

I won't be upgrading until the fall, but I am having a hard time deciding between the p34g v2 and the Lenovo Y50. The Y50 has a larger screen (15.6")and is cheaper, but I am not a fan of the red-tint keyboard and backlight. I am also reading the temps on the Y50 are better than the p34gv2.

Decisions, decisions....

 

I'm in Australia too, did you get the model ending in 4703S with only a 128Gb SSD? From the Whirlpool forums, it seems that the only model in Australia with the 4-cell, 63Wh battery is the 4701S (i7-4700HQ CPU) or 4701P (i7-4710HQ) that also has a 256Gb SSD, no HDD.

 

Mine is 4703S, bought from MSY. Yes, 128Gb mSSD only.
I added another 1Tb HDD (WD10JPVX, 5400rpm 6Gbps but less power consumption)

 

Is there a model that u can get in Australia that comes with the larger battery and either comes with or u can install a SSD (128 is fine) with a HDD?
I was going to wait for the 15inch p35g which i believe will have this.. but ive heard a few average things from them in comparison...
If anyone knows, would be good.

 

Do you mean larger battery and one combined ssd and HDD, or separate ssd and HDD? As far as I know the larger battery option takes up the space for the second drive bay.

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I meant a separate, so thanks for the response . Will have to consider if its worth only having an ssd in there..
How much extra battery life would the larger battery actually get? Any rough figures out there?

 

I think you're wrong on that. I'm sure here are several guys very interested in your videos including me (as i asked for them two days ago in the "860m is a beast"-thread as well )

You wrote that i could remind you, but i wanted to wait some more days as i didn't want to set you under pressure, because exams are priority of course
But that said and reading that you were lazy i DO REMIND you now with one of my previous posts!!

So, if you have time, it would be very appreciated by many guys here for sure if you could finish and uploading your repasting and OC video. :thumbsup:

 

I think PC pro said the larger battery gave about 7 and a half hours (can't remember off top of my head) light use runtime, and almost 2 hours (I think) gaming. Not sure what standard battery gives, but probably around 75% of that, based on larger battery having around 33% more wh (64 vs 48). My logic is probably way off the mark - happy to be corrected by more knowledgeable posters, or figures from owners

I've just checked the gigabyte p34g v2 specs on the official page, and there are now 3 batteries listed!? ? I don't remember that last night?

Battery
Li-polymer, 11.1V, 47.73Wh
Li-polymer, 14.8V, 63.64Wh
Li-polymer, 15.2V, 61.25Wh
*Models with a 63.64Wh battery does not support 2.5” drive.

Perhaps you can get the 61.25wh with 2 drives? Confused.com

I'd be happy with 61wh and 2 ssd drives if that's an option I'll post gigabytes response to my enquiry (couple of posts back) when I get it if anyone is interested, though likely only of interest for UK.

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Its a shame that it seems that the cf3 version with no msata seems to be UK only. I would very prefer to lose the msata to save money as I am likely to install my own anyway. If losing the msata chopped off around 100 dollars it would be the perfect deal...

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I'm also looking forward to sebi97's videos!
Guys, should I buy the p34g v2 or the clevo w230ss/sager np7338??

 

On Gigabyte official site: Models with a 63.64Wh battery does not support 2.5” drive:
GIGABYTE - Notebook & Netbook - Notebook & Netbook - P series - P34G v2

edit: Oops, siperiea posted it already. please ignore it.

 

Do you value portability? That's what the Gigabyte offers. Can't compare apples to oranges.
As far as I know, the only competitors to the P34gv2 are the MSI GS60 Ghost and the razer blade. The P34Gv2 is the cheapest of them and (in my opinion) the best value

 

+1
MSI GS60 was one of my choice, but there are 2 version: GTX860M 2Gb or GTX870 3Gb. Both are $2500+AUD (over my budget )
The P34Gv2 only about $1600! Similar performance but much cheaper~

 

Not to mention- no cheesy flashy keyboard to scream "look at me, such gamer I am!"

 

To be fair, the w230ss is plenty portable, its just relatively thick. However after its all said and done there is about 100-150 dollar difference between them. I'll spend that extra for everything that the gigabyte offers over the 230ss. The clevo does have 4810mq over the 4710mq, but I'd prefer the thinner frame and dual fans, better looking build, etc.

To me, the lenovo y50 is the best competitor to this. Lenovo is just as competitive if not more price wise. The TN panel of the lenovo is what is putting me off. If the 4k panel of the y50 is IPS or PLS comes with 512gb ssd and costs around 1800, I'll probably choose that over the gigabyte. However, if it is TN, or is closer to 2000 than 1800, I'll be getting this laptop almost for certain.

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Is it better to get p34g v2 or p35w v2?

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Depends whether you want portability or not. Personally, I think the P34G v2 is sufficient for most people.

 

860m enough for gaming on ultra? I really want gigabyte to put 870m to chassis really bad, though maybe it will have heat issues

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yeah, kind of. but I'm also concerned about heat dissipation, build quality, keyboard flex, durability issues. and will the p34gV2 last long? because I need my new laptop to last me at least for 3-5 years.

 

I guess no 1 knows about the durability, since the P34Gv2 only released 2~3 mths.
Maybe you can ask P34Gv1 owners...

 

Just a quick question, how can I adjust the keyboard backlight to some certain %? e.g., 20 or 30%
The SmartManager can only set to off, 50% or 100%.....

 

Mine came from Xoticpc pre-installed with Win 7 Pro and it mostly seems to run okay. The only issue I've had is that it blue screens on resume from hibernation most of the time. I haven't taken the time to debug yet, so this may also be fixable. Gigabyte does provide Win 7 drivers.

 

There was a rather acerbic discussion about this earlier in this thread. Apparently Gigabyte's Chinese literature and some of their pre-release English announcements said the version with the larger battery can take two mSATA drives, instead of a mSATA + HDD configuration.

One of the owners (Australian I believe) opened his up. While the larger battery prevents a 2.5" HDD from fitting, the SATA port is still there and a mSATA drive can fit in sideways. He even tracked down the mSATA adapter which is supposed to fit into this space and managed to get his hands on one. But the mSATA drive wasn't recognized when plugged into the SATA port with the adapter.

My guess is Gigabyte originally planned to allow two mSATA drives (otherwise they would've filled in the extra space with an even bigger battery), but ran into technical problems and either canceled those plans or have put them on hold until they can work out a solution. All the English literature so far says the model with the larger battery only supports a single mSATA drive.

 

Im getting confused with all the p3xx threads I'm subscribed to! I did read that and then promptly forgot. Thanks for clearing that up, my dilemma now is do I wait or take the plunge! I suffer from buyers regret/remorse very badly, so need to be very careful... Mostly I take no action so I don't regret

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re Big battery

Could the guys who get the one post from which country and the exact ref model ?

 

I'm also very interested in purchasing the P34G v2. The only thing that's stopping me is the larger battery question!

I've talked with 2 vendors including XoticPC, and it seems that the only version available in the U.S. is the one with smaller battery. No plans have been made to sell the larger battery version in the U.S.
All the other vendors I can find show the specs as the smaller 11.1V, 47.73Wh as well.

To those with the larger battery version, what country are you in?

TL;DR I'd buy the P34Gv2 14.8V, 63.64Wh in a heartbeat. If they have a new larger battery + 2 mSata option, that'd be even better

 

I'm fairly certain I was one of the (if not the) first person to get one of these on this board. Today I noticed that a mark is being left on the left side of the keyboard from my palm. It fits perfectly for when I use WASD

http://www.coflash.com/stuff/p34gv2_mark.jpg

It's not from heat as that area never gets hot. I game a lot on it, but I've only had it for 1.5 months. Never happened on my Mac, not even after 2 years with gaming.

I guess I can't expect much else for the cheap material they use

 

That's really odd; I've had it for just over a month and so such sign. Try cleaning with some rubbing alcohol. Otherwise, I'd seek a warranty replacement. The finish wearing out that fast is a manufacturing defect.

 

I just wanted to update you guys on the XoticPC RAM Situation.

These guys suck.

Nope, just kidding. In fact they are quite the opposite, they are excellent.

As a company it's "easy" to satisfy customers when everything goes well, they pay you for a product, you get it and that's that. The challenge, where most companies fail, is acting fairly when something does not go well. To give some background, I purchased my laptop from XoticPC while they had the 4gb RAM promotion going on. When I received the package I found no RAM. I checked all packaging at least 10 times and still no RAM... I let XoticPC know and they kept telling me all their techs/shippers remember it being included. Despite this, they still sent the RAM with Priority shipping to Canada. This is the way it should be done and I'm VERY satisfied with their service. I highly recommend buying XoticPC; you won't be disappointed. To XoticPC staff: the expense of 25$+shipping for the RAM stick was appreciated. I look forward to doing business with you guys soon and will continually recommend you to my friends/in reviews. Your work/fairness is truly appreciated!

 

I have tried. Also, look at the touch pad, similar wear and tear.

I wish people would stop trying to pretend this thing isn't cheaply made. It is, and it shows. It's showing time and time again. The screen has bleeding around the edges. The touchpad is the cheapest I've used. It wears. The inner case wears (as per the pic), the outer case easily marks. The keyboard bows in the middle while typing. Light leaks out where it shouldn't (more visible at night). Every time I bring something up, someone tries to point away from it being the fault of GIGABYTE's cheap components.

Cmon. How much more evidence do you need? Is it because you spent so much money on it that you can't have an objective opinion?

 

I think it is covered under warranty:

 

Thank you, I am aware of the warranty.

But I find it highly unlikely that I have the 'one' machine out of thousands that has this combination of issues that are only specific to the one I own. I wouldn't trade it for the world but people need to be realistic.

 

I ordered the p34g v2 (without OS and SSD) on Saturday, I have to wait until Thursday, but then I'm going to write an objective short review about build quality, hardware, battery, sound, emissions and of course I will upload some new pictures. I will compare it with the gs60 which I had four weeks ago for a few days, until I decided to return it.

There is no perfect notebook, we all know that manufacturing is settled in Asia. I'm looking forward to have a nice 14" notebook with power which can be upgraded by yourself. Everyone can create a list with positive and negative factors, weighing them and then decide returning it or staying with this non-perfect notebook for more than (in my case) 1200€.

My ordering list 2months ago looked like that: 1) msi gs60, 2) gigabyte p34gv2, 3) asus ux32ln, 4) acer v5 573g, 5) Apple MacBook Pro retina

For testing 3) and 4) I went in a electronic store, where I decided against them because of several issues. In the case of 1) and 2) there are no possibilities to test them in a store, therefore you have to accept the blind purchase. Fortunately in Germany I don't lose anything, because we have a 14 day returning period. If this notebook is bad again (I have high expectations), I will return it! All in all after testing four models I'm going to purchase a MacBook Pro (after 3 months of waiting and reading thousands of reviews and opinions, this is not a easy step, but I don't want to invest more time!!!), my girlfriend is really happy with it, not regarding my jokes about this crazy apple hype.

To conclude, the p34g v2 is my last try, I really hope for a nice notebook otherwise I will become an apple supporter because of lack in time, I surely don't want to invest further time in searching for a notebook, I definitely need it now!!!! That's it

 

Glad to hear it got worked. Definitely an off situation on both sides but always do our best to make things right when it's within the scope of possibilities.

 

Hey, I am from germany, too and have a question regarding your purchase:
Where did you find this version (actually, any version) in stock? I am searching since the weekend for this one and could not find it in stock anywhere (nor the other one)....
Since I registered to ask this question but cannot send any pm's I would much appreciated if someone could drop zar90 a note about my question.
Thanks in advance!