Planning to order a P670HS-G from HIDevolution

Hey everyone. Not really new to the forums here, been reading off and on for several years. Have only posted once a while back though when I was considering a new laptop, which didn't work out at the time. This time I've actually got money ready to go and have a good idea what I want, but I have a few questions for you all before I go ahead with a purchase. I'd mostly be using the system to feed a WoW addiction, but I plan on playing other, newer games as well. Planning on ordering from HIDevolution based on the great things I've heard about them on here. With that said, on to the questions.

First up, RAM. I'm not sure how much is really necessary or even reasonable at this point. My current desktop and laptop (this one would be replacing both) are both about 8 years old now and running 6 GB and 8 GB respectively. I haven't really seen any issues with either one of those, so I'm guessing 16 GB would be plenty. Is there any compelling reason to go with 32 GB? Also, HIDevolution seems to offer a generic 2400 MHz option or a slightly more expensive G.SKILL 2666 MHz option. Any thoughts on whether to go with the 2400 or the 2666? Will it really matter if I have no plans to overclock at all?

Second question is about SSDs. I haven't really kept up with them at all since I built my desktop back in 2009, so I'm way in over my head on that. I'm planning on going with either the Samsung 850 EVO or 960 EVO 250 GB for the boot drive and would keep the default 1 TB 7200 RPM HDD for storage and game installs. The 960 is obviously appears to be the faster option, but is it enough to make any noticeable difference? Are there any big upsides or downsides with either of those that would be reason enough to go with one over the other?

Third, just curious how those of you who have this model find the sound quality on it. My current laptop is an Asus G73J series if anyone has been around both and can compare.

Possibly the most important question I have, how is the durability? I'll be travelling with it 3-4 days/week and using it at home as well. During those travel days, it will be going through airports/flying at least once a day, and often more.

I know I'm asking a lot here right now, so last couple questions for you guys, I promise! Is there anything else you think I should take into consideration or may have overlooked? And are there any specific things you'd recommend I request before I place an order? I know I've seen at least one recommendation to ask that the LCD be checked for light bleed. Thanks in advance for any input and suggestions.

 

16GB of ram is good for a while, you can add more later. The 2400MHz ram is also fine, I'd go for the higher one only if the price difference is on the small side. It doesn't usually impact non sli system hugely.

PCIe ssds do almost nothing. You're paying a ton of money for theoretical speeds. In gaming, boot times, and general usage you won't feel much difference. Video editing and constant huge file transfers are the only two situations I think it makes sense for.

Sound quality is not impressive. The headphones jack on the other hand is awesome, it has a SABRE DAC chip, so if you have high end cans you can tell the difference. It's quite large on my admittedly audiophile level headphones.

Durability should be fine. I carry my P650RS around every day with no issues so far. Flying once a day is worrying if it's not a carry-on. Not because of the laptop but the TSA and airline treats your stuff like crap. If you check it daily I'd want a business class to be honest.

Hit up @Donald@HIDevolution with any specific questions, he's a great guy (spoke with him literally today). Perhaps ask for light bleed checking that's always a good idea. Maybe wish upon a star for GSkill ram because sometimes the generic ram is that. (My friend got GSkill 2400MHz but not me ).

 

Regarding RAM, unless you're doing a lot professional caliber work or use virtual machines, 16 GB of RAM will be sufficient. My P670RS, the 17-inch predecessor to the P650HS, has the "generic" stuff, but the chips are from SKHynix, which is a respected company.

For the SSD, aside from slightly faster boot times, you won't notice a lot of difference in going to PCI-Express/NVMe. One thing to note, at least on the P6XXRS/HS line is that these systems have two M.2 slots. Only one is PCI-E compatible, and if you go that route, the other slot cannot be used with another SSD. The only way both slots are compatible with storage devices is to use SATA drives. That's what I have in my machine, with a Samsung 850 Pro as the boot device, which leaves one more standard 2.5-inch, 7 mm tall slot open for future expansion. This probably isn't the most optimal setup, but I got my two 1 TB M.2 drives insanely cheap, and they work perfectly for game storage.

 

Figured 16 gigs would be just fine. Price difference between the two speeds listed is about $45 right now, so probably not worth it, I'd wager.

Good to know about the SSDs. I figured that would probably be the case, and that'll definitely save a few bucks!

Sad to hear the speakers aren't great. I actually consider them pretty decent on my Asus, for a laptop. I guess if the DAC is good I should probably just pick up a case of some sort and some new ear pads for my Grados and put them back into service.

You're definitely not joking about the baggage handlers at the airport. I wouldn't even let those clowns look at my laptop, much less touch it. Guess I can't really stop the TSA if they really want to get at it, but I can certainly keep a close eye on them. Rest assured, my laptop will stay safe with me at all times!

I'll definitely be getting in touch with @Donald@HIDevolution as I've heard nothing but good things about him. Thanks for your input!

 

Didn't realize that about the M.2 slots. Guess that nails that down then. I'll just pick up the 850 EVO and maybe keep an eye out for sales on another one for later.

 

Actually...scratch that. What's the difference between the EVO and the PRO series? And is there any reason to go with M.2 versus SATA? I'd never even heard of M.2 until recently and don't know much about it.

 

Alright, I know it seems like I'm just talking to myself now with my multiple posts here, but it seems like M.2 had a lot higher bandwidth than the standard SATA. Would it make sense then to just eliminate the HDD entirely and get a 500 GB M.2 to run both the OS and games off of for now, or would there still be a benefit to keeping a HDD for anything other than just storage?

 

Oh boy...please call me so I can help straighten out your confusion.

 

For anyone who's interested, I e-mailed @Donald@HIDevolution and he got me straightened out and all my questions answered. Will be ordering soon and I'll report back!