[Review] Sager NP8651 / Clevo P650SE with GTX 970m HTWingNut's REVIEW

Nope. There are other brands that are also matte But more importantly, laptopscreen.com confirmed that they do not carry the actual Samsung LTN156HL01, only "compatible" models, i.e. screens from other manufacturers using different technologies, but that are the same physical size and cable connection. They've previously said, to me, that their best screen is the AUO B156HAN01.2.

 

So I'm guessing eBay is the place we should buy "real" screens?

 

Very nice HT.
Fan noise is well balanced and the speakers seem very good.

 

The best practise it to shop around and check with sellers if they have the exact panel you are looking for.

 

Definitely. ALWAYS ask before you order to make sure exactly what model it is that you'll be buying.

 

That is unless the listing explicitly states it's an exact panel. Some do.

 

Do we know what panel Eurocom uses for its 1080p matte IPS display?

 

Are you sure 101 is glossy? laptopscreen shows a 101 with matte as well:

https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/screen-part-number/LTN156HL01-101/

 

While I cannot swear to being 100% certain that -101 is glossy, what I am 100% certain of is that laptopscreen.com lists a lot of different models as being compatible, but to laptopscreen.com, "compatible" does not mean "different manufacturer, same properties", but rather "will fit, and will produce a picture". I am also 100% certain that when I went to laptopscreen.com, I saw 2 different matte and 2 different glossy screens both being offered as compatible with the LTN156HL01-102, and that when I asked in the support live chat, I was told that laptopscreen.com did not stock the actual Samsung panel, and that the best screen they had was the AUO B156HAN01.2.

The -101 being glossy and -102 being matte is info that came from another member here on these forums.

 

Thanks. It's too bad that you can't just find this LCD readily available as nice as it is. I mean I'm looking at the GS60 right now running benchmarks at a 90deg angle to my Clevo W230SS and I can actually SEE the image an not all distorted. The GS60 is also a very nice machine, just temps are about 10-12C higher in general. Still not bad considering they're below 60C for the most part on the GPU in the P650SE.

 

..... Thank you Was just worried that if i drop something on the top of the laptop, the screen back panel would bend easily and press against the back of the lcd panel..


Edit: forget about that signature.

 

Hey WingNut. Firstly want to thank you and the boys for looking into this particular laptop in such detail! I actually made my purchase yesterday and the existence of such an in depth forum has blown my mind! I actually saw your "initial impressions" video on youtube of the laptop, and I literally couldn't wait to grab one myself!

Anyway I was wondering, I am a motion graphics artist who works a lot in adobe software. Namely after effects, illustrator, photoshop and premiere pro. The current rig I'm using (and typing on now lol) is an ASUS K53SV with the specs:

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM CPU @ 2.20GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Memory: 8GB
Graphics: Nvidia Geforce GT 540M w/ CUDA 1GB
Storage: 570GB

As always, good things have come to an end and with this little guy, felt that with the demand of my work I needed something a little more nimble. You think that this laptop would be a good replacement?

Also noticed that you guys are talking about an IPS screen would be preferred. I'm kinda worried because I didn't have enough to buy that 4K screen, but it may be better grabbing an IPS one. Also I know nothing about laptop screens or installation, so I really hope you guys do make an installation / replacement video for this laptop. I definitely will be following it! Since I work with animation, high frame rates on the screen is also important, but so is color accuracy... any suggestions of something that has the best of both worlds?

Sounds like I'll need the $89 one. LTN156HL01-101. But someone I think said something about that screen. Gah these numbers!

LP156WF4(SP)(B1) Replacement Laptop LCD Screen From $59.99 Brand-new screens.

What I'm buying with it in case you guys are interested. My budget was $1300, it came up to $1304

- Free Shipping: FREE!!! – U.S. UPS GROUND SHIPPING (Use Coupon Code "FREESHIP" in Checkout) [U.S. Lower 48 ONLY / Restrictions Apply]
- Display: 15.6” FHD 16:9 LED Backlit Wide screen (1920x1080) Super Clear Matte Type Sager Screen (SKU - SSC005)
- Dead Pixel Warranty: Standard No Dead Pixel Policy
- Monitor Calibration: NO Professional Monitor Color Calibration
- Processor: 4th Generation Intel® Haswell Core™ i7-4710HQ (2.5GHz - 3.5GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache)
- Thermal Compound: - IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
- Graphics Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 970M (3.0GB) GDDR5 PCI-Express DX11 (Maxwell) w/ Optimus™ Technology
- Copper Cooling Upgrade: No Copper Cooling Upgrade
- External Display Video Adapters: No Video Adapter
- External Mobile Display: No External Mobile Display
- Ram: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz [1x8GB] Dual Channel Memory (SKU - RAM02S)
- Branding: Sager Branding
- Exterior Finish - Graphic & Textured Wraps: Standard Laptop Finish
- Exterior Finish - XOTIC PC Laser-Sketch™: No Laptop Laser-Sketch™
- Exterior Finish - XOTIC PC Custom Painting (A Panel Only): No Custom Laptop Painting
- Exterior Finish - XOTIC PC Custom Painting (Full Chassis): No Custom Laptop Painting
- mSATA SSD Drive - Configuration Option: Non-RAID Storage
- mSATA SSD Drive ( Slot 1 ): No M.2 mSATA Drive
- mSATA SSD Drive ( Slot 2 ): No M.2 mSATA Drive
- Primary Hard Drive: 1TB 7200RPM [SATA II - 3GB/s] (SKU - HDDYY1)
- Second Hard Drive: None Standard (Sager NP8651 can only have 1 x HDD or 2 x SSD. If SSD selected below; Primary HDD Bay must also have an SSD)
- Raid: HDD Raid Settings - OFF
- External Hard Drive (Back Up): No Back Up Hard Drive
- External USB Optical Drive: NO External USB Optical Drive
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth Included *With select wireless cards only* (See “Wireless Network” Section Below)
- Wireless Network: Sager - Intel® Dual Band AC 7260 802.11 A/AC/B/G/N 2.4/5.0GHz + Bluetooth™ 4.0 (SKU - WIFIP1)
- Wireless Network Accessories: No Network Accessory
- Memory Card Reader: Internal 6-in-1 Card Reader
- Camera: Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- TV Tuner: No TV Tuner
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Case: No Carrying Case
- Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery (4-Cell)
- Car Adapter: No Car Adapter
- Spare AC Adapter: No Spare AC Adapter
- Port Replicators / Docks / Adapters: No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Headsets: No Headset
- Keyboard (External): No External Keyboard
- Mouse Accessories: No External Mouse
- Notebook Cooler: No Notebook Cooler
- XOTIC PC Redline Boost™ Extreme Performance: No Thanks, Please do not Overclock my system (Overclocking will add 3-6 business days to build time)
- OS Redline Boost: No Operating System Redline Boost
- Operating System: No Operating System [Drivers & Utility Software Only (Windows 7 & 8.1)]
- ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE: None
- Antivirus Software: No Antivirus Essentials Software Bundle
- Back Up Software: No Back Up Software
- Cloud Backup - Unlimited GB Storage: No Unlimited GB Cloud Backup
- Microsoft Office Software: - No Microsoft OFFICE Software
- Software Bundle (Not Installed): No Software Bundle
- XOTIC PC Global Anti-Theft Protection: No Global Anti-Theft Protection (Options below require an operating system)
- Warranty: LIFETIME Ltd Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Technical Support (Labor through XPC)
Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Parts Warranty Repairs (SKU - WTY099)
- The XOTIC PC Difference: * 24/7 LIFETIME U.S. based technical support
* Extreme QA testing by dedicated technicians
* 24-72 Hour stress testing and benchmarking to ensure top performance and stability
- Build Time: Standard Production Time
- Outside of U.S. Shipping Coverage: No Outside of US Shipping Coverage
- White Glove Premium Packaging: No thanks, standard double boxed packaging is okay with my order
- XOTIC Gear: No XOTIC PC Gear

 

How does the fan noise compare to the gs60? That's a pretty great machine, but $1800 great compared to the P65XSx? Especially if temps aren't as great. My previous gs60 with 870m was really uncomfortable to use on my lap...way too hot.

 

If you're gunna be working with Premiere pro and after effects I think it would definitely be worth it to invest in at least 16GB of ram. 8GB imo is too little for the kinds of files I deal with on a regular basis (I use these programs too, with XVAC-S and AVCHD codec files, sometimes they are like 50mbps so it's good to have lots of ram for RAM previews and for fluidity with the timeline). You should be able to get an 8gb stick from amazon after you get your computer for like 70 bucks or less. It's probably not something you need immediately, but once you have some more cash I'd definitely recommend another 8gb, as well as an SSD, definitely!

 

Hey Sandwhale! Thanks for the fast reply and tips!

Definitely agree with the ram. I plan to invest and go overkill on getting the full 32GB on my next paycheck if the funds are good (of course if not I'll just settle for the 16, we'll see!). Since Ram is just that important for those programs! And agree with the SSD! Any recommendations on which SSD to get? Also with the 7200rpm drive I'm getting, can I fit the ssd in there with it? I heard something about one of the drives taking up both slots? I'm hoping thats not the one!

 

HtWingNut, what do you say about the weird temperature difference between your review sample and notebookcheck's sample (xmg p505 they reviewed). The difference in CPU temps (almost +25C) is ridiculous (even the GPU temp difference is almost about +15-20C). The only different spec is CPU (they had 4870hq and this is 4710hq), do you think it can cause this kind of difference? I have never seen two specimen of the same model/brand differ this much.. scares me a bit!

 

Please care to elaborate. Variable vblank in DP 1.2a onwards doesn't automatically mean it supports or enables adaptive sync or g-sync AFAIK. So using v-sync should still cut your fps if you fail to deliver 60fps or whatever your refresh rate eats.

--

And in case I missed it: thanks HTWingNut for the review. Like you said, the laptop is a LCD screen away from being "perfect" (so far). I just wish resellers in the US offered alternatives. I'd crap myself out of the possibility of messing with the screen.

Forgive me if I'm wrong but the discussion we had about this in the other thread resulted in:

"Because optimus force the display output through the integrated card, and the Iris Pro present in the 4870hq is crap as hell in thermals, outputting to a 4k display achieved NBC's results" or something like that.

 

The 1tb HDD is going to take up the other slot right next to it, but you will still be able to get 2 m.2 SSDs which come up to 512GB. I'm getting the crucial M550 m.2 512GB SSDs to install after I get it. They are about 260 bucks each I think. And Yea I'm getting 32gb ram too haha!

 

In addition to what rehv said, the tests performed by NBC were very very stressful and not really applicable to everyday use/gaming.

 

^^ Thanks guys, definitely 60 minute Furmark or Prime95 is a laptop killer that's for sure, but glad to hear it was Iris Pro related. That is a relief!

 

How long do you think it'll be until SAGER releases some upgrade options for CPU/GPU? I would like to get 6 GB of vram and a better CPU for video editing/gaming but just unsure when to buy...

 

eh, never ?

 

mmmm not quite correct. doubtful that there will be any GPU upgrades for this model, but theres still a chance that 49xxHQ series cpus will be released for the SG ETA completely in the dark though... should be later rather than sooner, considering that the 4870HQ already shows quite a delay...

 

Guys, should i pull the trigger on the P650SE now, or wait for the newer Broadwell CPUs?

 

now! since our haswell cpus are more than enough, the 4710HQ is colled efficiently in the P650, so i don't see the point waiting for the BW

 

its definitely amazing to see that the soldered 4710HQ reaches 97% of the performance of my previous 2960XM clocked at 4.7 Ghz Turbo Boost in Cinebench 11.5 Multi (Score 6.69 vs 6.89)

 

If that's what really is happening that would explain why everyone's P35X v3's have such bad CPU cooling ability. No one has got their hands on a i7-4710HQ version yet.

This adds to the reasons to return mine...

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

also, generally haswell cpus seem to react allergically towards prime95...

 

I find the GS60 fans are constantly running, even in power saver mode, you can hear the slight whirring of the fans even though the system is at idle and CPU is < 40C. I don't see a way to turn them off either.

See the "Storage" section of the review with images that show what's possible. 2x 7.0mm HDD/SSD or 1x 9.5mm HDD/SSD + 2x M.2 SSD either 42, 60, or 80mm.

Yes, Prime95 is basically a power virus. It stresses the CPU to its absolute limit, same can be said for Furmark and MSI Kombustor. They are good for stress testing a system if you're undervolting and/or overclocking to extremes. But even then I've found where it fails with Prime95 or Kombustor, it's 100% stable with every high stress game and program out there.

 

Fantastic news! Just heard from Schenker that my order for the XMG P505 with 970m comes default with a 180watt PSU.

You may recall that the early review sample sent to NotebookCheck was supplied with a 150w PSU.

 

Yes, but if you plan on using this laptop for video editing or 3d modeling etc, you will get that same kind of stress as prime 95. That's why it's useful to know how the system performs at its max....For software that can actually max out your hardware....

 

The LTN156HL01 seems to be a good compromise between color representation (60%gamut) and response time (16ms), and has received high praise at over in the GS60 forum. Be careful when attempting to purchase one, though - laptopscreen.com in particular lists many "compatible" screens, but these are usually NOT the actual LTN156HL01, but rather other models that are merely the same size and have the same connector - you could even end up with the exact same TN screen that came with the system! When I asked them, they told me they didn't carry the actual Samsung LTN156HL01, and that their best screen ($130) was the AUO B156HAN01.2, which is a 25ms IPS panel with 72% gamut. Obviously, their stocks might change over time, so be sure to ask them what exact model you'll be buying before you order!

Although it's not storage, keep in mind that if you want a 3G/LTE card, it will be 3042 and will go into the 2nd M.2 slot, above the 2.5" drives, displacing any storage that might have been there.

 

Ha wow, the way they build these clevos is so user friendly it blows my mind (new clevo user, can you tell? lol). Coming from the more closed source asus laptop I got, Having something so accessible to make upgrades on a mobile device is such a breath of fresh air! Anyway cool stuff! And thanks for the references!

I just checked amazon, they look to be 270 now for the cards.

Amazon.com: Crucial M550 512GB SATA M.2 Type 2280 Internal Solid State Drive CT512M550SSD4: Computers & Accessories

So I may be pushed to look on ebay for a deal or perhaps wait till a black friday sale shows up. Either way, Not having to replace that hard drive altogether is a relief haha.

Got it, hey ummmmmm what do you think if about this source then?

http://www.amazon.com/LTN156HL01-10...1416235949&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+LTN156HL01

I was like, "Omg I found it!!!!" lol, apparently samsung has these babies in stock on amazon. Of course the price isn't as nice, but it looks like its from them, you think it would be legit? They probably have those other screens too.

Also AU Optronics sells their screens on amazon as seen with that exact model that you talked about. B156HAN01.2. And it's 30 dollars cheaper! Holy, looks like these laptopscreen.com guys are scamming their customers! Say it ain't so!

http://www.amazon.com/AU-OPTRONICS-...607&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=samsung+B156HAN01.2

 

I saw that last night. If you're ok with the glossy version, buying through Amazon is usually a pretty good deal, in that you're protected from rogue sellers (at least, more than you are on eBay). My worry is that they photoshopped out the label on the back - if you examine the lower left corner, you can see the rectangle where they cut-and-pasted another part of the image over top of the label. This seems fishy to me. Especially when you compare to this pic: $146.55,LTN156HL01-102 101 LCD screen for lenovo Y50 Asus Q501LA (not touch) 15.6 inch LED 1920x1080 WUXGA and you can see that there are some differences... Finally, it's not actually being sold by Samsung, it's being sold by "Techorbits". Up to you, I guess, but even if I end up with dead pixels, I think I'm still more comfortable going with my eBay purchase than with that one.

In their defense, the $130 is my memory, which could be wrong... but then again, I find their whole business practice to be deceptive, so it wouldn't surprise me.

 

Good point. I've contacted them on that asking if they sell a genuine version. Hopefully they will respond.

EDIT: Just got an email from Glaiza at TechOrbits. Here's her response.



"Hello Xavier,

Thank you for your inquiry and for your interest in shopping with us. We're glad to assist you.

Please know that you will receive a 100% compatible screen. The exact brand and part number of the screen you will receive is determined by market availability. You will receive your screen from one of the following manufacturers: LG, Samsung, Chi Mei, Chunghwa, Sharp, or AUOptronics.

We hope this information has helped, please let us know if you have any other questions and we'll be happy to help you.

Regards,

Glaiza
Customer Care
TechOrbits Inc."

Doesn't sound good! But at least she's giving me options. Anyway though I emailed her back asking if I could then get the contact info to the samsung manufacturer since they have the original. Also mentioned that I do NOT want a 100% compatible version but the original. Hope we get a response!

 

Tempted to just settle for the 970m... I did the firestrike benchmark on my desktop ati 7970ghz edition GPU and received graphics score of 8948 and firestrike score of 7508 that is right there with the over clocked 970m... My desktop can chew up any game I currently play at 1080p... The 970 will also... Now the question is... Do I want to wait and pay more or just order now and save some money.... Hmmm

 

wait and spend more 30% more performance at stock plus the oc boost on the 980m will get u much further. unless ure swapping rigs every 1-2 years anyways of course...

 

Does the Sharp come in FHD resolution? Google seems to think not.

 

Why would waiting longer cost you more money?

 

Amazing review!

 

He'd be waiting for the SG model with the 980m that's more expensive to become available, and getting that instead of the 970m.

Yeah, that's not good. Oh well. Best of luck trying to contact the manufacturer - who knows, maybe you can place a bulk order and sell the extras

I'm sure Sharp makes FHD screens, but probably not with IGZO.

 

Is it because you can't wait two extra weeks or because really you find the 30% extra performance useless ? , never take a decision based on your impatience, if you're in the first case ^^.

 

Yea, that's what I've been googling: SHARP FHD IGZO 15"

No hits

 

It has a lot to do with impatience and also the fact I will also be wanting to purchase an IPS display and ssd separately. So my wife would appreciate it if I settled for the SE haha but I think you guys are right I'll prob kick myself later for not holding out

 

Hey HT, thanks for the great review.

What programs did you use to overclock the CPU and the GPU? For the GPU, is the msi afterburner enough? I don't know how to OC the CPU...

 

best tool for nvidia gpus is nvidia inspector for the CPU ud usually go for Intel XTU (extreme tuning utility)

 

CPU = Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU)
GPU = nVidia Inspector

 

I hope the price will drop in the couple of weeks for the SG version.

Normally the price for new stuff drops after the first month, look at the MSI GS series with the 970m/980m. Here in the netherlands after 2 weeks they dropped the price with 100/150€.

First week nov. and first week Dec. Is also a month, but i dont know how clevo does this.

 

Prices rarely ever drop for laptops like this. They are pretty consistent. The only chance is possible some money off for black friday, but even then probably no more than $100.

 

I'm hoping to see free steam codes or something with the purchase of these for the 900 series cards