**D900F (Sager 9280) Owners Lounge**

Yes but i have read on this forum about i7 975 overclocked to 3,8GHz stable, so practicly its possible.

 

I have a few questions (I am always asking question in this forum) about Sager 9280:
1) Is it worth paying 300$ more compared with NP5797?
2) I watched the size of this computer and is it still usable as a laptop or it should be on top of the table.
3) Heating problems (but I guess all powerful laptops have those) are they serious. If i hold it on top of my legs is it going to burn them?
4) I know its really powerful, but all of the reviews that i have found are made using the most powerful processor. Would it run smoothly with Intel Core i7 Quad 920 2.66GHz 8MB Cache 130W processor as well?

I am choosing between those two (NP9280 or NP5797) laptops right now (still keeping in mind smaller (and cheaper) NP8662) . Future of the 9280 seems brighter, because better graphical card (I mean upgradeable) and very powerful processor. Because choosing 4 core processor for NP5797 will level the price between those 2 models little bit (difference would be 300$). Any help guys (and girls) would be welcome.

 

I you have got the money then choose the D900F.
The only negative point is the weight around 6 kg

but U can have up to 3 internal hard drives or mix ssds with hardrives.It is very easy to add and remove harddrives)

U can easily change the GPU (it is not that easy for the ram coze U have to elevate the keyboard,better choose 6Gb from the beginning)

Yes a I720 will largely do the job do not worry !!(better than the q9300)
even if it is not that satisfactory U can take a look at this processor benchmark there and U will see that the I720 ranks within the top 15 .

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

and is even ranking 3 if U leave xeon processors aside

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html

 

1: Only you can answer that. To me, having a i7, x58 motherboard and triple channel DDR3 memory is "worth" the extra cost.

2:The size is like any other 17 inch laptop - but a bit thicker, and a bit heavier than a standard 17. Add the size and weight of the much bigger than standard power supply. It is still pretty easy to take with you on travels. But to actually use it on your lap .... leads to your question no. 3 :

3: There are no heating problems. But I would imagine there would be heating problems if you put it on your lap, or any other soft and uneven surface; you could be blocking the fans inlets. Not good. This machine should sit on a flat and hard surface only.

4: I have a 920. And it's smoother and faster than any computer I personally have had the chance to work on, desktop or laptops. The speed at which this machine does anything you ask of it, is quite frankly amazing. The combined power of the Core i7 processor, the triple channel RAM and the Intel SSD is truly awesome. The very capable mobile gpu, I regard as a bonus. It means I can play any game that's out there, if I want. And 99% of them at max eye candy settings.

If you are looking for a laptop to do real work on, there is no better.
If you are looking for a gaming platform only, there are better options. Like that other Clevo that has SLI capability.

 

On another note:

The screen on this laptop is nothing to be excited about. It's not bad, just
standard laptop LCD quality.

Out of the box, the colour temperature is way off, giving a much too cold and blueish picture. You can get it more in balance using the colour settings of the Nvidia software, but it will never be quite right. The greys in the greyscale will never be true grey, you will always have either a blue or a brown/green/red tint to it. I have run some calibration software on it - and while I have manged to get considerable improvement - the base quality of the onboard LCD is simply such that it is impossible to get a great result.

The black levels and shadow detail is quite good though.

In other words; if you are working with video or images, and need some control of color quality - use a good external screen.

 

I am yet to have or see any Clevo laptop that has a good quality LCD. They use such food componets internally but when it comes to the screen, no matter the price point, Clevo always goes to the shrtest distance to put the crappiest LCDs on all their machines, some, the most expensive in their segment... I dont get it... I mean I do... money talks and b...t walks and I am sure till people stop buying these units because of the screen quality or seriousely complain, nothing will change... what a shame...

Its either a ty slow laptop with a good screen, or a screaming fast Clevo with a sub-par one... hmmmmmm...

 

I wouldn't say the screen on the D900F is particularly poor, just that it is not one of the best. I have certainly seen much worse. Standard laptop screen quality, I would say. The screen that HP uses in it's HDX 16/18 is better, and certainly the RGB-LED screen in Dell's Studio 16 XPS. I have not seen the screen in Lenovo's W700, but as it comes with a onboard calibration device, I reckon it will be quite good too.
Most laptops uses the cheapest possible screen, a TN panel LCD. The RGB-LED panel is a step in the right direction.
I do not know of any laptop that uses either a IPS or a MVA panel LCD - but that would improve things a bit too.
We''ll just have to wait for OLED's to be installed in a laptop, I suppose.

 

In you opinion is the machine user friendly enough for a semi-novice?

What about the 12gb of 1067mhz verse the 6gb of 1333mhz? Is the 12gb really usable? I have 8gb now and never get near 100% is why I am asking? The 3 channel with 1333mhz should pick up 33% (becuase of the extra channel) + 33%(ish) based on the mhz? or am I a newbie without a clue? or maybe I have a clue and I still dont know.. tee hee

The changing of the ram by lifting the keyboard comment made here made me nervous as I am not a small guy and not known for not being a clutz..

I have also read here and followed links that lead me to believe that sli will be coming for the i7, or do you think the tick tock of intel will stop it?

I would work more than Game but that is not to say that the GPU power is not a toy I would not like to have.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWfWlTeoIgA after watching this and this... http://software.intel.com/sites/webinar/introduction-to-core-i7/
and... http://scoop.intel.com/2008/11/video-the-making-of-intel-core-i7.php

So.. I know enought to make me want to know more.. the practical physical side of handling real hardware.. I will buy 2 of everything.. that way when I break soemthing I will have a backup on hand.. I am kidding (kind of).

The thing I like about the Clevo is that it is user upgradable..

Sager says they test for 96 hours before they send thier products out..

I was hoping those things would make the computer a little more stupid proof.. so that I would not get myself into to, too much trouble.

The screen issue discussed above to me seems simple.. if you are willing to spend $6,000 dollars on a laptop but you are not willing to spend another $500 (retail) dollars to upgrade the screen.. well... that is more aimed at the problem than you directly.. I am sure you see my point...

I own an HDX now.. that is very, very very and I could go on saying very for a long time stable.. thus it is dull.. which is great for work.. I have a quad.. I have 8gb of DDR3 Ram.. I have 1gb 130m GPU (which is where I started looking to upgrade, MXM2 slot 1 thru 4 does not matter as the Bios is locked in HP and I here the sli qx clevo is locked as well.. everyone is locking the 18.4's it would seem).. Point being the i7 and dual sli would be ideal.. the screen I would just buy another better screen.. the 12gb of 1067mhz verse the 6gb of 1333mhz is worth it or not unless I am creating video content?

Sorry to ramble and ask so much..

Thanks in advance for any time and be well, JW

 

Seamulator 2009 1920x1200 each option to the max





Kransimulator 2009 1920x1200 each option +AA to the max





Gabelstapler 2009 each option to the max

 

gophn, where is your review, mate?

 

Is there an "upgrade" available for the 9280 LCD screen? I have a stuck red pixel I am trying to fix. I can live with it, but the idea of a screen upgrade appeals to me. Side by side with my desktop monitor, the 9280's screen is dull.

I found a parts list online and it gives 4 different screen models by 2 manufacturers.
- AU B170UW01 V.0 (GLARE TYPE)
- AU B170UW01 V.1 (6.6MM)
- LG LP171WU1-TLA2 (GLARE TYPE)
- LG LP171WU1-TLB2 GLARE TYPE
I can't find any statistics on those models, ie refresh rate, contrast, etc. Does anyone know the stats or know where I can find them?

Thanks in advance for any info.

P.S. Very happy with solid stability and performance. Got the "Targus Black 17" XL Notebook Backpack Model TXL617" for it. The 9280 fits with a lot of room to spare.

 

AU B170UW01 V.0

http://auo.com/auoDEV/products.php?sec=monitor&func=info&product_id=2&items_id=1

I dont know iof this screen works with the 5v power issue but this place rocks for info..

The scroll down and choose your screen option is great.. now can they install as good as they sell? just kidding.. sorry.. great place though easy to use.

Be well, JW

Sorry.. the screen I posted is not a laptop.. it is a desk top..

Size 17"
Model B170UW02 V0
Resolution (pixel) WUXGA (1920 x 1200)

The information is there for this one for sure though.. sorry I thought I was helpful for one moment.. it is now gone..

be well, JW

 

Did anyone tried to run the DPC Latency program from http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml ? I am interested to see how it compares with the D901C.

 

I get that

 

Thanks. Looks like my D901C. The Alienware M17x though has some serious issues with the DPC Latency:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=408300

 

Thanks for the link and info JWnFL. Here is the 17" notebook monitor, http://auo.com/auoDEV/products.php?sec=notebook&func=info&product_id=137&items_id=2

By the numbers, that particular monitor is somewhat lacking compared to many desktop monitors. I'll keep looking for more info.

 

Sorry I got carried away and clicked the best resolution I could find and ignored the fact it was a desk to monitor.. sorry.

Upgrading to a 16:10 1920 x 1080 or something close to a DV7t screen.. as an upgrade to the 900 clevo..

Sorry to post a bad monitor.. I hope the site was helpful inspite of my silly click.

Be well, JW

 

Well today is my happy day, just got my d900f!

I LOVE it, all my worries were trashed upon opening up the package and trying it out

Anyways, I ordered with only 1 hdd because I figured I was going to use 2 I have laying around or buy my own for the other 2 slots.

My question is can I use the 2 hdd from my dv9535nr or are they a different type than the d900f uses?

My broke down dv9535nr specs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...10&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3439698&lang=en


If they are incompatible I will just buy new hdd but would be nice to be able to use them since they have soo many usefull files in em already. thx.

 

You can rip out any notebook hard drive and stick it in your new D900F. And for you nitpickers, yes I mean 9.5mm and yes I mean SATA.

 

Hey can someone help me please? My sister spilled a little juice on my keyboard and now it isn't working, I want to take apart the machine and try to clean it and see if it works. I live outside the USA and it costs me about $500 USD to send it in for repairs, and that's just too expensive for anyone in my family to afford especially after actually buying the 9280 in the first place. (yes my sister is alive still, I'm surprised myself I know).

If someone can post some pics or instructions to open and clean I'd be very grateful

 

It may have reached the ram located under the keyboard.U have to lift the keyboard .It is explained in the manual.I have posted a filefactory link in previous posts.

 

full service manual in my sig

 

Wolfenstein2 v1.1 1920x1200 vert synch each option to the max

 

OK, First post. The D900F meets all my needs but one. I need to drive an external display at 2560X1600 (NEC LCD3090WQXi) and that seems to require dual-link DVI. The photos of the DVI connector on the D900F look like a dual-link DVI-D connector and some Clevo/Sager report a dual-link DVI interface. But elseware in this thread (page 84) and in a couple other places I have seen where the D900F does not have or does not 'support' dual-link. So my questions:

1. Has anyone in this forum tried to drive an external diplay at 2560x1600?
2. Does the D900F truly support dual-link?
3. If the D900F does not support dual-link, where is the limitation? graphics card? mother board? something else?
4. Is the limitation something that could be worked around for example, through wiring, new drivers, new video card, new firmware, new motherboard!, etc.?
5. Is there an i7 laptop that does support dual-link?

Thanks for all your help to get me even this far.

 

Can somebody explain me the difference between
The i7 vs Xeon X5550 as possible in a NP9280

(same peformance with lower temps..?)
as you can select on eurocom.com

Thanks

 

X5550 has a max TDP of 95W compared to i7 920 is 130W.

 

i mean it's the same 2,66 Ghz.. also the same architecture
the i7 has 4,8 GT/s and the Xeon 6,4 GT/s
but is there any differents in performance i7 vs a Xeon

i don't use my notebook for gaming, more Autocad, Coraldraw, etc..

so maybe it's more intresting for me to buy a Xeon

 

yes but for the x5550 price (even less btw) u can have an I7 975 which is by far more powerful

 

on the eurocom site

to add i7 975 =1200 US dollar
to change to a Xeon X5550 = 237 US dollar

 

Sorry Guys and Gals,

Noob question time.. AVA Direct is offering the new Xeon as mentioned above.. I understand it is a new item (thus limited info available).. But AVA had a review here removed? and then the same poster who was booted came back and the AVA Direct slam stayed up? My question is.. Sager verse AVA?

Also the $1,490.63 price tag for the chip alone? I think its top heavy but maybe the Pro's can give me a better view? i7 975 is a $801.14 upgrade... $689.49 difference? Will I have a w32 bench mark of 3 seconds verse the 7 seconds with and i7 975? Sorry.. I know I am not a Ninja like you guys but I am in training and I promise to get better..

I have a 18.4" HDX now.. and I have written off the 98XXnu series from Sager as they will not be offering an i7 or the newer W5580... let alone raid 5(which I have never worked with but it sounds great)..

Any feed back minus the person with 2 posts that hates AVA would be great..

Once again sorry for the Noob questions..

Thanks in advance for any time taken.

Be well, JW

 

Very very rarely, when dealing with top end parts, does a large price increase result in an equally large increase in performance, i.e. the 975, even though it is 3x more expensive than the 920, does not perform 3x as fast.

The W5580 is essentially the same chip as the i7 965 (1st gen Extreme Edition) which means clock for clock it is slower than the i7 975, even though it is significantly more expensive.

Why use the W5580 then at all? In certain environments, the extra features of the W5580 are desirable - for example, the ability to run two W55580s on a single motherboard on a desktop workstation. You can't run a regular Core i7 that way. The Xeon Nehalems also have certain virtualization features that may perform better than a similarly clocked Core i7 but unless you're doing datacenter class virtualization (i.e. with vSphere or similar - unlikely on a notebook) you won't notice any difference.

 

Thanks for the clear info..

 

Thank you for not making it hard to understand.. I went to intel and read up on the chip and it sounds great when intel is talking about it.. and it being scalable in a server may hold value for some.. but nothing I would need in a laptop..

I thank you for taking the time to answer my novice question.

I was bouncing between 3 laptops..

The 18.4 Clevo... did not make it for me..

The M17x becuase of the user group being outstandingly nice and helpful (not that I ever posted I just stalked the thread).

and my choice of a Clevo D900F.. I will say that everyone on this thread that posted.. made my mind up and I thank you all! sounds corny I understand but it is how I feel about it.

I now need to figure out who to order from? Sager with the 96 hours of testing or a Sager re-seller who adds thermal paste.. (I want it.. I have seent he Video's on how to apply but I will not be that brave just yet.)

And another Noob Question... The 1333mhz 6gb verse the 1067mhz 12gb?

I have read here that to change the ram the keyboard has to be removed and that does seem to be a lil bit over my head skill set wise.

Thanks and my to you and yours theelectic, JW

 

Hi there,

you should check out the server edition D900F version.

From what I see, it is cheaper to make the same rig
as a server edition. Use just add optical drive, I cant see bluetooth
option though....

Summary: it is little cheaper to build your (the same) rig in the SE section
compared to D9F section

 

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review/6682-3/alienware-m17x-review-full-review

you guys seen this. is alienware pulling another one.. ??

 

that's not the point otherwise we (all DF900owners) would have bought a M98NU with sli 280 gtxm (less expensive )

We are only missing a more powerful mobile CGU (as we never have sli) That may be put to the market within 8 monthes.

on the other hand for ripping converting etc we can't complain

A couple of firms may have bought great quantities of xeon processors and offer interesting upgrade from an I7920

Better take advantage of it coze that won't last for ever !!
Even if 130 watts output I7 stay cool, as U cannot fit 2 xeons into the d900f I do not see any interest in it (but for the price by some firms)

 

Hi All, I was wondering if someone can help me.

I am very interested in buying one of these machines.

I want to know about the sound through HDMI. I have a decent A/V reciever and I want to output the sound into the HDMI port.

After reading through the manual posted in this thread, it says that the HDMI ausio is only for windows media player? Is this correct.... i want to know if all sound can be outputted over this medium, including games.

 

I think there are multiple upgrades from multiple re-sellers for HD audio by wifi / bluetooth type delivery..

Sound Card
Learn More ⊲

http://www.xoticpc.com/express-card-sound-card-options-a-9.html

Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Channels 24-bit External USB Sound Card ( + 99 )

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi ExpressCard 24-bit Sound Card ( + 119 )

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xmod Wired/Wireless Sound Card System (Broadcast Xtreme Fidelity Audio from PC to other audio devices wirelessly) ( + 147 )

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9280-built-clevo-d900f-p-2577.html?wconfigure=yes

Just to name one that I have seen thrown around in here who seem to have a good rep.. thats why I posted XoticPC..

If you need any noob questions answered I will help you the best way I can.

Be well, JW

 

The HDMI allows pass through, sort of like S/PDIF it might be an option you need to set in the driver menu & os. It should work.

I highly recommend the X-Fi Xtreme Audio, if you have PC speakers check out the 7.1 docking module that connects to it. The older Audigy 2ZS version comes with it I believe too. All of these cards though allow Optical with the mini plug/Analog only though, no hdmi.

I'm not very fond of the new redesign models though.

 

The user manual that I have for my D900F says that the HDMI port supports video and audio. Also, the D900F has an S/PDIF port for digital audio.

 

Hey guys, update on the keyboard issue. It's totally fried, can't even leave it plugged in because it randomly presses up, down, left, right, 7, *, enter, /, 9, 0, and about two other keys repeatedly without me doing anything, and only about 5-8 buttons work on command. So I had to send it in (my pocket is crying... but yes my sister is STILL alive... I don't know how).

Anyway, I am using it with an external keyboard now but I need a function button to turn my fan speeds on high for gaming. I obviously don't have one, but the gamekeys intrigued me, if I could somehow get it to recognize pressing and holding fn I could set G1 to turn fan speeds on max and G2 to turn on bluetooth and the like. Any ideas on how to do this or am I screwed?

 

You're screwed until you get a new kbd.

 

OK, thanks for that. I think i was thrown by reading that HDMI only works for HD sources, which is fine when watching a blu-ray.

However having to use SPDIF for games/mp3s, and then changing to HDMI for HD content is annoying and is a hassle with too many cables. The thing i like about HDMI is that its one cable for video and audio (and high bandwidth)

That is why i wanted to find out. Here in Australia I have found 2 resellers for Clevo and they ddo not let you change the sound card when you order it.

On my PS3 I can play any music or video, no matter what content(HD or not), through hdmi to my amp. Which is great as my amp reprocesses interlaced signals, etc, and is great with sound. This is what i want my laptop ro do also, if its possible.
I also want one with a core i7 processor

 

*saddened* oh well.... I'll keep a fan on the machine to help I guess... or I'll just steal someone else's laptop keyboard, plug it in, set the game key, remove it, return their keyboard to them, then be done.

Or maybe I'll just wait until my keyboard comes back T.T

 

I tried it with my gamekeys, but it did not work. The gamekey utility did not recognize the Fn key.

Autohotkey should work. I have't put it on my D900F yet, but it recognizes and can do just about anything.

If the Fn+1 launches an execuatble, then you can set it to the application key that is next to the power button.



As a side note, does anyone else have a small window for their gamekey utility? When I launched the program, I couldn't see the whole thing.

 

i don't know of an executable otherwise I could launch it myself, but i'll try auto hotkey

UPDATE - AutoHotKey does not have fn recognized in its inherent commands. Without being able to press the fn key once, I cannot set it to recognize that such a key exists. I really don't like when people make such things where the completely useful fn key is absent from all keyboard simulators. Especially since so many people have laptops these days

 

Unfortunately, the fn keypress does not get to windows, it is filtered out by the keyboard controller (in the bios), so there is no way to simulate it in windows. You will find this is the case with most laptops.

 

Whatever happened to Mr. Gophn's review?

 

Hey guys!

I just ordered my D900F from Xotic about three hours ago! I snatched up three X25M G2 drives from Amazon for a RAID 0, so hopefully I'll have a nice snappy machine.

I sold my desktop with a 6400+BE Dual Core with a 4870 and my HP TX2500z laptop/tablet so I could pick one of these up. I'm going to be doing a lot of moving in the near future so getting something with power and mobility was important. I opted for the 920 though because 600 mhz isnt worth 800 dollars to me. I'll just wait for the i9 processors to come out later on and get one of those, or get one of the later vidock models when they come out instead!

So do we have any leads on overclocking via software yet? I'd love to be able to clock it up, even a little.

Also, I have a feeling my review of the D900F will be out before Gophn's =P

 

I like the raid 0 but the third drive maybe a HDD and in a raid 5?

http://www.photofast.tw/eng/SSD_G_Monster_V5.html

2 of these and you have 4 SSD drives to raid 0 / 5..

call it 2,000mb per second read times..

a w32 time of 3.5 seconds(ish)..

and still a regular 500gb 7,200 rpm hdd for safety..

In IMHO..

Sounds great though.. the over clock for the 920 is near 3ghz on air if memory serves.. search here in NBR there is a lot of friendly info on ocing and very cool people who post BIOS upgrades for under and over voltage..

Best place I have seen for ocing and info.

And where is that review Gophn.. think of the lil people man..

Be well, JW