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    P35W V3 and P35X V3

    Discussion in 'Gigabyte and Aorus' started by azizfrost, Oct 7, 2014.

  1. markjk7

    markjk7 Notebook Guru

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    P35w v3 CF1 - mini review on my thoughts so far (hopefully help and answer some recent questions)

    Reasons for buying – I wanted a light 15.6 laptop for web, watching video etc and occasional gaming. I started off looking at the Gigabyte P15F and then Asus G550JK but decided against the 850m with DDR3. I looked at several 860 and 870 options but with 970m being released decided to up my budget to get the latest option. I wanted subtle styling so too much red and glowing dragons were a negative for me although I still seriously considered the MSI GS60.

    Initial thoughts – I really like the styling and the build quality seems pretty good, feels solid. Screen seems very good (I'm no expert) but watching video on it last night and colours etc all seem great. I have so far taken advice from users on P35x thread and resisted updating drivers, I have updated the Gigabyte tools via smart update, new versions are better and I actually find them useful. Advice was not to update drivers via smart update, but so far I've just done Nvidia ones direct from Nvidia, no issues with wireless or anything else so far though.

    Performance – Gaming I've only really tried Crysis 2 Maximum Edition, runs on ultra settings and runs very well as you'd expect. I ran 3Dmark11 on settings Gigabyte note on their website and got pretty much 9000 with monitoring running in the background so no reason to doubt their figures. CPU throttling and heat keeps being mentioned, my findings were during 3Dmark on auto low fan speed 5% throttling although max read 41%, fans on max reduced this to 0% but it does get a bit loud... CPU gets up to 91 max which I assume it then throttles a bit, but actual laptop doesn't seem to get too hot. GPU seems to stay pretty cool I've forgotten actual figures but pretty sure it was around 75 max after playing Crysis for an hour.

    Battery life – No idea how to really measure this, I unplugged last night, installed some bits of software (15mins) and watched video from HDD for 50mins and it reported 2hrs 44 remaining. Same charge and I'm down to 60% as I write this but now saying 3hrs 45mins left that's 30% brightness, wifi on. Its got a bigger battery than the MSI GS60 and same CPU so guess it should last longer, realistically I'd guess around 4hrs+

    Noise – I'd check out the Gentech pc youtube review of the P35x, its probably a good guide. I hate commenting on noise as it's so personal to what you are happy with. To me it's just audible in a very quite room right next to me when at idle, gaming it's fine with fans on auto but you would probably be better with headphones or move it away from you slightly and plug into monitor/TV as I do, running it to the max fan speed you'd want headphones and the volume at a reasonable level. The fan noise is just air being pushed through a small space though so no whine etc.

    Conclusion – so far very happy, I like the Gigabyte styling (sleek black box) , I like the spare and accessible mSata and HDD bays, I'm not worried by a bit of throttling of CPU I may try reducing turbo rates slightly on full core to reduce it as can't see the CPU will struggle in any game for a while.

    Sorry it got a bit long but hope an opinion helps someone.
     
    Arthedes and RobotDevil like this.
  2. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    some people have had issues with the intel 7260 card but you can get a different card put in if you want. I however never had an issue with the 7260.
     
  3. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    Sounds great just like I had hoped. Thx for the review.
     
  4. Solandri

    Solandri Notebook Consultant

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    Can any of you with the P35W v3 post the manufacturer/model of the screen? You can use the following tool to find the monitor specs.

    http://www.hwinfo.com/download.php
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2014
  5. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    Anyone know why my 970m isn't showing up on hw monitor or cpu-z but it is in the device manager. Also it seems to be taking forever to download the NVidia driver update all the others ive done went smoothly. And last but not least why does my keyboard look like its wavy? Can I fix this if not its gonna be an issue.
     
  6. DelFang

    DelFang Notebook Evangelist

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    Try download the Nvidia driver from their website directly instead of through Smart Update; as for the keyboard, it's not absolutely flat, you can try to adjust it a little by tightening the keyboard screws at the bottom.

    Regards
     
  7. markjk7

    markjk7 Notebook Guru

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    You should have a pull down with gpu#0 in hwmonitor change it to gpu#1 and it should show the 970. I downloaded nvidia drivers via nvidia experience no issues, smart update seems a bit slow. Not noticed any issues with keyboard you'll have me getting a ruler out to check it :)
     
  8. markjk7

    markjk7 Notebook Guru

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    Mine says 'LG Philips [Unknown Model: LGD040E' hope that helps, guess it means it's an LG IPS
     
  9. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    Well ive had my p35w v3 for 2 days now and seems to a pretty good choice. The only thing im not crazy about is the keyboard, mainly because there isn't a lot of travel on the keys, however when pushing down on keyboard there is virtually no flex. Track pad seems good, screen is gorgeous, battery life is great, seems pretty solid overall. I have yet to see my cpu temps go over 88c or my gpu to go over 78c although have only played Warcraft, swtor, civilization V, and will update if I see the cpu hit above 90c which im sure it will at some point. only other issue I did have was one of my SSD quit working for a minute but after I messed with its connector and restarted the computer it started working again so don't know what happened there . It wasn't a stock drive I had the 2.5 hdd replaced with a 256 SSD also had a ic diamond repaste.
     
  10. jiexi

    jiexi Notebook Consultant

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    How does this compare, quality and size wise, to a macbook pro? keyboard (flex) ? trackpack (smooth, fingerprints)? chassis (what's not metal?)?

    Any issues of extreme heat that the laptop doesn't throttle itself for? Should I be worried about components failing early due to the heat of the 980m in such a confined space?

    Is there any issue of the power supply not being powerful enough to keep the battery charged and power the laptop while gaming?

    Any specific issues people have had with this laptop already? Sounds like some people can't get their hands on it. BIOS trouble? drivers? quality control issue? lid not aligned with base when closed? Anything that is an apparent issue already.

    Thanks so much!
     
  11. brach

    brach Newbie

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    Hi, I got my P35W last week and updated everything except the nvidia drivers due to the issues the 35x users were having. I've had some problems with the wireless card, the ac7260, becoming disabled after sleep/hybernate. I was having to disable/enable the device to get it working. I've rolled back the driver to stock and it seems ok at the moment. I've not used the blue tooth, but I have an error in the event log which is a known issue with this card. Haven't tried to resolve yet. I have a dual band router/modem which apparently I need to try to modify the settings so this card works better, but haven't tried that yet. Wifi speeds are superb though.

    The general build feels very good, the keyboard is very solid. I like that the head phone socket has a red light. The track pad takes a little getting used to as I keep moving the mouse when trying to click the butttons. I've yet to have a long gaming session, so the fans haven't kicked in at max, but when turning them on at max, they are very loud. This is my first high end machine, so everything seems fast to me. I've just grabbed the 3dmark demo from steam and run the basic firestrike test. Not sure about the results as it says the graphics driver isn't approved: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M video card benchmark result - Intel Core i7-4710HQ,GIGABYTE P35V3
     
  12. brach

    brach Newbie

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    Just updated the nvidia drivers and re-ran the firestrike test with improved scores, (seems turbo didn't kick in the first time): http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/5018146?

    Idle GPU is around 45/46 and idle CPU is around 45-50. Max cpu in test was the expected 91.
     
  13. aqnb

    aqnb Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for posting this.

    I've got MSI GS60 with GTX 970M. I was getting worried about my lower-than-expected physics scores in several 3dmark benchmarks. One theory was that it was thanks to running memory in a single-channel mode (my model has just one 8 GB RAM stick installed, only this was available in my country).

    Everybody else with GTX 970M who had posted benchmarks had 16 GB RAM (2x8 GB, so dual-channel) and they were getting better scores in CPU sections. Difference was quite high, up to ~25% sometimes.

    Your results are the first I have seen from somebody with GTX 970M and also with just 8 GB RAM. And you too got lower physics scores than others.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi...t-pro-970m-owner-s-lounge-90.html#post9858975
     
  14. brach

    brach Newbie

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    Just to add, max GPU temp during test was 90 degrees
     
  15. Robbo99999

    Robbo99999 Notebook Prophet

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    Single channel RAM is gonna lower your CPU performance for sure, I think it's about 10% reduction.
     
  16. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    3rd day with my p35w v3 and loving it so far. Initially I didnt really like the keyboard, but have gotten used to it and its honestly not bad. Temps will cause cpu to throttle when games are completely maxed out but with a few minor tweaks i can keep them in the mid to high 80's (setting fps to 60, turning off AA, and sometimes going to very high instead of ultra) gpu never gets above 80c. Battery life still great, can get around 4.5 hours streaming HD video and over 6 hours web browsing, gaming is about 1- 1.5 hours. For those of you out there that want a laptop that is portable, sturdy, can game like a champ, and also can be relied on to last pretty much all day at school or work or wherever for basic tasks then this might be the one for you. As long as it continues to perform how it is now, ill be hanging on to it as its definitely the best laptop ive owned. Only weakness is the thermals, but i am fairly certain there isnt a laptop out there thats this thin, with an i7 processor that doesnt throttle when maxed out. (If its not then turn up the settings!!)
    http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/5024397? My firestrike result.
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2014
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  17. Reks

    Reks Notebook Geek

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    Does anyone think they might update the chassis with additional cooling by removing the swappable drive?
     
  18. DelFang

    DelFang Notebook Evangelist

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    With larger fans maybe, I don't think they'll add a third fan, but hey, that's just me thinking.

    Regards
     
  19. RMXO

    RMXO Notebook Deity

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    the new GS60 970m is thinner, lighter and doesn't throttle like the P35W/X. With that said, I'm glad you're happy with your laptop because in the end that's all the matters.

    Hopefully, the next revision, GB will improve but I'm weary because they still haven't learned how their lesson on the Aorus X7 Pro. But one can only hope.
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2014
  20. markjk7

    markjk7 Notebook Guru

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    I think all the talk of throttling is probably a bit over done with the P35, possibly because the first users to get the v3 had the iris pro CPU and 980m so higher temps, the results from the P35W V3 so far show only small amounts of throttling which seems to match the GS60, if you boost the fans up then it virtually goes away which i guess the MSI does the same.

    I seriously considered the GS60 but for the same spec it was slightly more expensive than the gigabyte and I liked the ability to upgrade easily msata drive, ram and repaste without taking the whole thing apart and larger battery at the expense of a little more weight too.

    I know the spotty 15 year old in me would of gone with the MSI and it's probably the safer mainstream gamer choice, but for some (like me) the Gigabyte offers a good alternative with the same gaming performance but enough differences to make it suit their needs better. I also feel much better taking the P35 to work than the MSI and I don't need to explain to my wife why I've bought a laptop with a glowing dragon on the lid ;)

    Summary - still more than happy with mine :thumbsup:
     
  21. Cakefish

    Cakefish ¯\_(?)_/¯

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    I really don't think the Iris Pro adds any noticeable extra heat - TDP is identical to the standard HD-equipped CPUs. Someone prove me wrong!

    I also think throttle talk is overdone because the fact is, despite CPU throttling, it plays all the latest and greatest games amazingly well :)

    Sent from my Nexus 5
     
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  22. DelFang

    DelFang Notebook Evangelist

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    I for one don't care much about the CPU throttle, it never bothers me, and did not have significant effects on the gaming experience.

    Regards
     
  23. lhkplayer

    lhkplayer Notebook Guru

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    hello guys,

    the gigabyte P35w v3 just came out here in canada, should i go for gs60 2qe or this one?
    the p35 is upgradable, you can upgrade it yourself very easily, but it has weaker wifi, lan,
    screen, keyboard, weight and the hd that it gives is only 5400rpm also 8gb ram only.
     
  24. DelFang

    DelFang Notebook Evangelist

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    Go for which ever one is cheaper.

    Regards
     
  25. Omnom

    Omnom Notebook Guru

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    I think I'm with you on that one. It doesn't seem that bad. But I'm more concerned about prolonged 90c temps, and the effect it has on the longevity of the components.
     
  26. markjk7

    markjk7 Notebook Guru

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    Hdd is 7200 on mine so maybe check that with seller, wireless is AC but Intel which some hat had issues with. Lan should be the same? After that its down to preference on battery/weight and looks etc.
     
  27. lhkplayer

    lhkplayer Notebook Guru

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    thank you guys, they are about the same price, its 5400rpm for sure, damn,, GS60 uses killer lan and wireless so its better i think,, i dont really care about the battery, cos both are not supposed to last more than 2.5 hours i guess,,,, i used to hate the msi shield, but i figured i can order some 3d aluminum sticker to cover it
     
  28. brach

    brach Newbie

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    My P35W v3 CF1 (bought in UK) also shows the HD as 7200rpm.
     
  29. Cakefish

    Cakefish ¯\_(?)_/¯

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    Yes, the HDD is definitely 7200rpm.

    Sent from my Nexus 5
     
  30. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    I actually owned the msi gs 60 ghost, the track pad was crap, the battery was crap, and the cpu hit high temps just like the p35 which is to be expected as its the same cpu and it has very similar cooling. The only thing that was better on the msi was the keyboard. Its definitely a good laptop but id take the p35w v3 over it 7 days a week.
     
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  31. aqnb

    aqnb Notebook Evangelist

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    Did you own a new MSI GS60 model with GTX 970M?

    I have one and my CPU temperatures are nowhere near Gigabyte ones (at least from what I'm aware of):

    Unigine Heaven: max CPU 69 C, max GPU 62 C
    Tomb Raider: max CPU 67 C, max GPU 60 C
    3dmark 11: max CPU 73 C, max GPU 70 C
    3dmark firestrike: max CPU 75 C, max GPU 76 C
    Cinebench R11.5 (64-bit, CPU multi-core test): max CPU 78 C
    Intel XTU benchmark: max CPU 76 C

    There was no throttling during any of those tests. This is out-of-box, no repasting, no undervolting, no external cooler, ambient room temperature ~22 C.

    MSI GS60 2QE is quite noisy, but not hot.
     
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  32. lamanian

    lamanian Notebook Consultant

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    Just ran 3d mark benchmark full test 3 times back to back on the max fan profile. Now keep in mind i also have a ic diamond repaste, but had no thermal throttling in any of the tests. Used intel ETU to monitor temps and throttling. Here are the graphs of results
    max fan 3dmark.jpg
    max fan 3dmark2.jpg
    3dmark maxfan no cooler.jpg
    Max cpu temp never hit over 86c in any of the tests. The Temperature throttle is the bottom green line that stays flat throughout the test. Every time i ran these tests on the auto-high fan profile i did see temperature throttling. Also in one of the graphs i moused over the cpu temp so u can see that the max never went above 83c on that test.

    As to the question of which msi computer i had it was the gs60 ghost 064 with the 6gb 970m. Its possible i had my fan at a different setting or got a bum paste job, but my msi cpu did hit 90c while gaming. Never ran any benchmark tests with it tho.
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2014
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  33. brach

    brach Newbie

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    Anyone have any tips on cleaning greasy fingerprints from the case?
     
  34. maxheap

    maxheap caparison horus :)

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    I find it kinda impossible to properly cool a haswell quad core inside 0.8inch thick laptop without some serious magic.. Though gs60 has a good design (intakes above the laptop) i dont think it will be fireworks, just get rid of propping the back syndrome we have with other laptops.
     
  35. PPX14

    PPX14 Newbie

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    So far, breathing on any fingerprints and then rubbing off with my shirt sleeve has worked fine, haven't had to reach for any cleaning products. But that might be sweaty fingerprints rather than greasy.
     
  36. jiexi

    jiexi Notebook Consultant

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    would anyone be interested in getting keyboard skins made for our laptops?
     
  37. markjk7

    markjk7 Notebook Guru

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    I just used a LCD screen wipe which seems to of worked pretty well, just be gentle i guess, but screen wipe dries without smears so worked for me.
     
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