NP8150 Review

I have now had my computer for almost three weeks, so I figured it was time to write a little review on it. So far, it's been a great machine and has given me only one headache, which was quickly remedied by the AWESOME tech support at XoticPC. I had read some mixed reviews on their service, but they were extremely helpful to me.
Pros:
Screen-The 95% gamut matte screen I chose is stunning. The colors are vibrant, 1080p HD is awesome, even for web browsing and such because everything is crisp and clean. This screen is well worth the extra money, it's that amazing.
Speed-This thing is FAST. Anything I click on, at least simpler programs (web browser, iTunes, Office) is fully loaded, ready to use, in less than 5 seconds.
Wireless-I'm not sure if the Bigfoot card is just that good, but my speed using wireless is almost exactly the same as plugged into ethernet. Downloaded Crysis and TF2 at 1MB/sec.
Noise-Even when I'm running something demanding, the computer is quite quiet.
Random comments
Temperature-I'm fairly new to high performance PCs, this being my first one, so maybe this really isn't a gripe...my GPU idles around 45C, CPU cores are usually between 55C and 60C at idle. This seems hot to me, although not extremely so. Crysis 1 runs consistently at 78C to 80C, while TF2 runs at around 65C (GPU temps). GPU reached 96C after a 6 minute 1080p furmark run.
My Headache- Crysis was the first game I put on my machine, and when I got to the second level, it would, randomly, either turn of my monitor or my entire machine. I panicked a bit, because my machine was so new. XoticPC told me to re-install the game, and when that didn't help, they sent me links for various tests and new version AMD device drivers. They also helped me (if you haven't realized it already, I'm quite the novice) run furmark, which I was hesitant to do, which proved that my hardware was fine. I got Crysis back up and running fine so far the other day, so +1 to Xotic tech support!
Cons
Fingerprint scanner-The fingerprint scanner was not the reason I bought this thing, and I am quite glad of that. It works most of the time, but only if one runs their finger EXACTLY the right way. But whatever, it's just a gimmick so who cares!
Keyboard-The keyboard on this machine takes some getting used to. It makes a racket if you are a hard typer and sounds fairly cheap while typing, but overall it's not that bad. It flexes a little bit, but one will only notice this if they are looking for it.
USB ports-I have found it difficult sometimes to get things into the USB ports, especially my Logitech receiver (the little tiny one), although it may just be because they are new. I haven't forced them it, just applied pressure and wiggled it a tiny bit and things went in eventually. Overall not a huge issue.

Overall I love my computer, and would recommend to most people. I have not run it off the battery yet, so can't comment on battery life either way. I can definitely say that I would shy away from this if I were using exclusively for basic functions, it isn't lightweight and simply costs more than many people want or need to spend. My primary reason for choosing a gaming computer was the potential need to run engineering software, as I'm starting college this fall with a Mechanical Engineering major. My gripes with it are trivial, overall it's a very solid machine. I definitely recommend XoticPC, their tech support people have treated me very well.

 

Thanks for the review! Happy to hear that the issues you had were taken care of quickly. If anything else comes up let us know!
Great to hear you're happy with the purchase, looking over your specs you do have a great machine.

 

Nice review! What CPU are you running? Because 55- 60c is hot for idle, I usually idle around 30-40c with my CPU ( i7-2760QM). Though I do have ICD 7, so that's helping with the cooling.

Also, I find it interesting you have had problems with the fingerprint scanner, because I, like you, thought it would just be a novelty that I wouldn't use. But, I've found that it works really well and rarely misreads my finger.

Have fun with your machine!

 

Thanks! My CPU is the i7 2760QM, and I thought that was a bit high for idle. My idle temps there are actually more along the lines of 50-55 now that I look at it, but that's still pretty high. I had ICD applied by the company when I ordered it, so I wonder if I have an issue there?

 

what room temp do u have??my cpu is i7 2720QM and idles at 32-39.my room temp is 21 celsious.

 

Idle temps can vary because of a lot of factors. You shouldnt worry too much about what they are. Of course the lower the better but what really matters is the temps under load. 78C -80C while gaming is great and if you're maxing out at 96C while using Furmark I'd be happy with those temps.

 

just wondering do you use IC Diamond or any thermal compound?

So I assume the AMD drivers is what was causing the crash?

Also How's the FPS on the 8150?

I'm still waiting for mine to start production. I wish they would just build it then ship it once payment received blah. But If I canceled i'm sure they be screwed at that point. blah blah

 

Excellent review. I was considering the NP8130 and the NP8150. I'm close to order the NP8150 but just waiting for the next day or so, to hear about the new models coming out.

 

The NP8130 was discontinued a few days ago. You may still be able to find it as a Clevo P151HM1, but stock isn't guaranteed as the current lineup is being phased out.

 

I'm not sure on the FPS during gaming, it was around 23-25 running FurMark at 1080p. I hope it was the AMD drivers causing the crash, that was by far the easiest fix...haven't had the problem after it! I have no idea how to apply the ICD thermal compound, which is why I just had it applied by the factory.

 

I like the random comments, makes it feel very real life stationed

 

Ok, so I've still not had my problem, played a couple other games, seems that it may have been the AMD driver (yay!). But, I have had some pretty high temps with my CPU, and I have no idea why. I may have something set up wrong, or not at all, considering my lack of knowledge. I have IC diamond thermal compound on it, room temperature around 19C, and it idles around 50C. I have seen it hit 88C playing Team Fortress 2, at which point I backed off immediately. After that, it was consistently between 68C and 75C, which I think is still way to high. I ordered a cooler, NotePal U3, although I doubt that will be the silver bullet considering my temps. HELP!!!