*** Official Clevo P177SM-P170SM / Sager NP8290-8270 Owner's Lounge ***

770M does not run at 708mhz though.

 

The default, non GPU-Boost 2.0'd clocks are 706mhz. Pretty sure though that the 941mhz he is showing for the 870M are GPU-Boost clocks, so it is closer to a 100mhz gain than the 235mhz they are trying to show.

 

It should be a nice jump still, just not quite that large

 

Hello all, I am considering picking up a 170sm from mythlogic (out of stock atm) or xoticpc sometime soon but I have a couple questions. Are the heat sink/temps issues still prevalent and how bad is the fan noise? (780m GPU, I keep hearing mixed opinions on the fan noise) I am upgrading from a Asus g74sx which was fairly quiet.

 

Noise level is really up to personal preference. I personally don't think it's loud at all for what it is, at idle it's pretty quiet. Under load it gets louder but for the performance it offers I've seen machines perform much louder. Then on the other end of the spectrum there are those that find even idle noise to be unacceptable at the same levels as I find perfectly fine. It's really up to the individual and what their threshold is. No temp issues I'm aware of. There are the occasional people who need to simply repaste or clean their machine, but when everything is done correctly they're solid running machines.

 

New models just began being updated to the reseller sites. Check em out!

 

Fan noise is subjective. Without load I think it is fine, Libraries would be OK. Under a game it can get noisy. You will notice the fan. I game with headphones, and with them I don't hear the noise.

As for heat... When I play Far Cry 3 with ultra settings, I see the card get max temps of 92C. My other games do not max it out. My feeling is that the heat sink/fan can just barely handle the 780M. If you get good silicone, then you will be under. If you get worst case, then you will peak at 92C.

At max temps I don't see lag or stutter or lower frame rates, but I didn't measure. Personally since it runs so well, I just have it throttle to a lower temp, and the games still run great. So not really a problem, just a concern.

 

Well I am pleased to see the CPU is also upgraded from the previous i7-4700MQ to the i74810MQ, which means more than 15% higher clock speed (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz) and more than 10% higher turbo clock speed (3.8 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The older chip did not support trusted computing, whereas the new one does, which is supposed to allow for safer, more reliable computing. The new GPU is indeed the 870M, and it has more memory than I realized (6GB instead of 3GB). It is DX11, not DX12 as I had incorrectly hoped/believed. The price is the same despite these upgrades, for everyone, not just for people like me that ordered while the older components were in the base model. I see the Sager model number has changed to NP8278-S, but the Clevo model number is still P170SM.

It may be too late for me, but I notice a new model, that either did not exist before or I overlooked. It is the Sager NP7378. The only game I really play on it is SC2. The biggest difference between the NP7378 and the NP8278 is the GPU (860M vs. 870M). My previous laptop had a 540M, which was not great but was passable for SC2 (handling high settings with at least 30 fps in all but the big multiplayer games). The 860M would be a big boost from the 540M:

1,020 MHz vs 672 MHz -- More than 50% higher clock speed
5,012 MHz vs 1,800 MHz -- More than 2.8x higher effective memory clock speed
80.2 GB/s vs 28.8 GB/s -- More than 2.8x higher memory bandwidth
1,306 GFLOPS vs 258 GFLOPS -- More than 5x better floating-point performance
16.3 GPixel/s vs 2.69 GPixel/s -- More than 6x higher pixel rate
2,048 MB vs 1,024 MB -- 2x more memory
40.8 GTexel/s vs 10.8 GTexel/s -- More than 3.8x higher texture rate
640 vs 96 -- 544 more shading units
16 vs 4 -- 12 more render output processors
1,253 MHz vs 900 MHz -- Around 40% higher memory clock speed
40 vs 16 -- 24 more texture mapping units

However, the 870M would be a big step up from the 860M:

2,529 GFLOPS vs 1,306 GFLOPS -- Around 95% better floating-point performance
80.5 GTexel/s vs 40.8 GTexel/s -- More than 95% higher texture rate
6 GB vs 2 GB -- 200% more memory
26.3 GPixel/s vs 16.3 GPixel/s -- More than 60% higher pixel rate
112 vs 40 -- 72 more texture mapping units
1,344 vs 640 -- 704 more shading units
24 vs 16 -- 8 more render output processors
192 bit vs 128 bit -- 50% wider memory bus

The 860M has higher clock speed, however: 1,020 MHz vs 941 MHz -- Around 10% higher clock speed and also higher turbo clock speed (1,085 MHz vs 967 MHz) -- more than 10% higher.

The issue is that, even if I outfit the NP7378 with an extra 8 Gigs of RAM (for $90, because the NP7378 comes with 8 Gigs standard), bump the CPU to the 4810MQ (for $35, because the NP7378 comes with the 4700MQ standard), and add a 120GB SSD (for $100, which comes standard with the NP8278, but not with the NP7378), the NP8278 is still $250 more. $250 seems like a lot more to pay for the 870M instead of the 860M and a backlighted keyboard, which seem to be the main advantages against an upgraded NP7378.

So should I seek to downgrade to an NP7378 and save at least $250? Really I would save $375, because I don't need the better CPU or the extra 8GB of RAM (but yes I need the SSD).

 

The two machines are in different classes size wise as are the GPUs. Which size would suit you better?

 

So now this is the NP8278. It's pretty much the same as the NP8275 except the CPU/GPU got upgrades, correct?

 

Correct, thats the direct replacement with CPU/GPU changes.

 

I had not noticed before, but you are right, the 8278-S is a pound and a half heavier. They are both 17 inch screens, so I assumed they were similar size wise. I wonder why the 8278-S is so much heavier?

I went ahead and switched to the 7378. The 540M GPU I had in my previous Sager (an NP5170) was adequate for SC2, using medium to high settings. I only ever experienced problems in very big multiplayer games, and at lowest settings I think the 540M would have handled even large multiplayer games at 30 fps. The 860M is a big step up for me from the 540M and should be more than adequate for my SC2 needs, so I could not justify the extra cost. Apples to apples, it looked like I would be paying $215 for the better GPU and the backlighted keyboard (in my previous post I had failed to factor in the $35 for IC diamond thermal compound, which came standard with the 8278-S). If I were anxious to play games that were more taxing to the GPU, the $215 could have been worth it. I actually saved about $340 because I did not opt for the CPU upgrade or RAM upgrades that it would have taken to make my 7378 more comparable to the 8278-S I had ordered. My 5170 had less RAM and a worse CPU than even the 7378, so I am comfortable that I did not need those upgrades.

 

It's heavier as it is designed to cool much more power hungry components.

 

Not sure what about the design to cool makes it heavier? More fans plus motors to drive them? More copper heatsinks? The physical dimensions of the cases seems awfully similar:

7378: 16.26'' (w) x 10.93'' (d) x .69''-1.73'' (h) vs.
8278: 16.22'' (w) x 10.87'' (d) x. 1.64-1.79 (h)

If the 8278 has dramatically better cooling than the 7378, that could be a significant factor helping justify the extra cost. I paid $25 extra on my 7378 just for the IC diamond repaste, because better cooling seems to me to have a high value.

p.s. I look forward to someday when Sagers have liquid cooling available. see, for example: this

 

Just bought a np8298/177SM-A wondering if there is any improvements on the design

 

The 7378 tapers towards the front. It's nearly an inch thinner than the 8278 at that point, more than 1/2 as thick. I would call that a significant difference.

 

Yes the 8278 is designed to cope with 57W CPUs and 110W GPUs so the cooling is more developed.

 

Does anyone know if there is big difference in noise and temperature between P170s vs ms-1763 ? The clevo machine is rougly 200$ cheaper so I'm wondering if there is anything that justifies buying the more expensive one ?

 

Main differences will be the audio quality and the keyboard. The Sager will have the customizable backlit keyboard still and the MSI will have much better audio and a single color blue backlit on the 1763.

 

The 170 has a larger power brick which is useful for tweakers as a plus for it.

 

In regards to the P170SM, I prefer a matte screen. Is the upgrade to the 72% gamut screen worth doing over the standard screen that comes with it?

I understand that there are different screens that come with these machines as a standard unit. How is a person to know what screen comes with the machine?

 

By default they'll come with a screen rated around 60%. There are times that when availability on the display is low that Sager will opt to include an upgraded screen at no charge to ship out in their timeframes. No way of knowing this until it arrives on your doorstep and check on the machine you were built.

The upgrade won't affect gaming since most games are made to use a lower gamut than 60% but for videos, pictures and just about everything outside of gaming it'll be a noticeable visual difference. Very hard to describe in words, like describing colors to a blind person, but there is a noticeable difference and most people love the 72% when they go for it. Becomes a little more important if you're doing graphic design or photo work to get more accurate color representation.

 

I understand. This machine will not be used primarily for gaming. That is kind of a side thing I do when I have time. I will be using this for business. AutoCAD (2D electrical drawings), Excel, and a bunch of niche software that isn't supported under Win8 yet, so I will order it with Win7.

I have no problem paying for a better screen if it's worth it and it sounds like it is. Thank you!

 

Has anyone bought a laptop sleeve for this series of laptops? I know it may sound silly to be asking about a sleeve for such a large laptop... My computer will see industrial environments which means crap will get in my backpack and scratch up the laptop. I want to prevent that if at all possible.

 

I'm so torn on buying a p170sm-a now or waiting to get one when high-end maxwell arrives. (Or on the same note, getting a 860m/870m over the 880m and upgrading in the next year or so)

 

What are you running now? I would wait if you can but if you can't then don't feel bad about getting something now.

 

I was running a Asus g74sx (560m), sold it recently to get a new laptop but with Maxwell on the horizon I am getting second thoughts. probably going the bite the bullet and wait. I can get a cheap basic laptop secondhand in the meantime for school.

 

You would still get a big boost from the maxwell based 860M...

 

I know its just that I wanted a top end gpu that would last for a good 4 or so years instead of another mid-range gpu. (Flawed logic in my thinking maybe?)

On a side note, how well is the 860m expected to OC?

 

My feeling is, if you can wait, then wait as long as reasonable. That way when you upgrade you see the biggest increase. Then again my dispossable income is tight.

 

If you need a system to last for four years then you need to be buying high end at the start of a generation of GPUs. These products in the past were the 485M and 680M.

 

I'm also looking at the p170sm-a its sad that it has a 860m kepler core

will they release a 860m maxwell on the p170sm-a?
cause my budget is kinda tight i cant go for the 870m(maxwell or kepler)

I have about 3 - 4 months before buying anything

My budget is maxed on the standard feature of a p170sm-a

 

We all have limits of some type.

Having to wait 3 - 4 months gives you an advantage because by then all the reviews for what is available today will be done. The rumors of Maxwell coming in the next month or two will either be proved or disproved. I happen to think (based on statements from the chip makers) that it will be later rather than sooner. Either way you will be more informed.

 

No 860m maxwell for the performance series.

They will get a massive kick when 20nm maxwell comes in.

 

Around June/July the next gen gpu cards are expected by some to be out. Those could be more powerfull and run cooler.

 

We will see, it all depends on yields and production levels.

 

Gonna be a long wait for my new machine to get here.

Is the NP8278 getting it's own user's lounge?

 

Depends if someone creates it or not. Just nominated yourself maybe.

 

Well... I think I need to wait until my new machine arrives before I do that.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

I hava a strange problem with my P170SM and 8970m or the Intel GPU. I have a LG external monitor connected via HDMI port (HDMI at Clevo to HDMI at LG) and everytime someone flicks the switch on a electronic device eg. printer, hi-fi, halogen lights, even my desk lamp - the screen on the external monitor goes black for 0,5 - 1 second - like the connection was broken for that time.

From what I investigated:
- it only occurs when the 8970m isn't loaded - eg. on webbrowsing, move watching, desktop iddeling,
- when the GPU is loaded, sometimes you can see a delicate "waveing" of the screen (like bad reception on TV) wehn someone switches the lights or electronic devices,
- it occurs when the PSU of laptop is plugged in or plugged out,
- it occurs sometimes - sometimes I can switch my light 5 times and nothing happens, and sometimes I switch it 5 times and all that times screen flick,
- it doesn't occur on other laptopts - tested on MSI GX740 (Akoya x7811) and Toshiba Sattelite with the external screen attached via HDMI
- the LG screen by itself (without connection to any laptop) doesn't go black by it self - it has a TV tuner and i've tested it watching TV.

First two weeks of owning this laptop I was at other house at my brothers, and there that problem did not occur - same setup - Clevo + LG - but i can't be sure 100% of it - i've noticed it when I returned to my house, 2 days ago.

What it can be? Can possibly the GPU in the CPU be damaged? Im gonna:
- buy a new HDMI cable first and test,
- buy a displayport to DVI connector and try it on display port - HDMI,
- buy a HDMI to DVI connector and try a DVI cable,
- buy a HDMI to D-SUB connector and try it,
- buy a cheap market monitor PSU to check if it is not a moniotr PSU fault - I've noticed that when i connect a HDMI cable to monitor port i can see a small sparkle jumping between the cable and the HDMI port - dunno if it is normal.


------------------------------
Alarm is off I say again alarm is off. HDMI cabel was damaged. After changing the cable everthing works fine. The strange thing is that the broken cable works fine with other laptops. Maybe Clevo needs the newest revision 1.4b? Old cabel was 1.4 (without a or b) or just maybe damaged during transport between places.

 

I am glad you got it sorted out. :thumbsup:

 

Here is a review of the refreshed machine with a GTX 870M. Looks pretty decent. I have read a lot of reviews on Notebookcheck recently and they don't pull any punches. I respect them for that.

Note that this is in German.
Test One K73-4N (Clevo P170SM-A) Notebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests

Looks like this model is #4 in the top 10 list.
http://www.notebookcheck.com/Top-10-Gaming-Notebooks-im-Test-bei-Notebookcheck.91065.0.html

 

Yeah, though their benchmark numbers are more guidelines but the general impression of the machine is generally reliable.

 

Hey, I just got my first Sager laptop.
I wonder what is on the front on the left side? It looks like IR port.

 

I believe so, check your manual to be sure though

 

Mine will be here Thursday. w00t!

 

Congrats, it'll be worth the wait!

 

First post! (from my new laptop...)

 

Congrats! How're you liking it so far?

 

I compared this to my Dell M4500 (15.6"). It's really not a huge difference. The keyboard is nice. I have to get used to typing on it because the layout is a bit different. I am not used to having a dedicated keypad. I keep hitting the Num Lock instead of Backspace. I use Backspace a lot...

The touchpad is a Synaptics. It took me a bit to figure out that the right side and bottom edges are for scrolling. I found that moving the finger not quite on the edge makes it scroll a lot better. I am pleased with the touchpad and keyboard.



The Dell has an extended battery that hangs out the back so it is a tad deeper than the Sager.



The Sager is about 1 3/8" wider. Overall it's about 1/2" inch thicker.





The fan noise is not bad. About 38 - 42db measured where my ear is located. My laser printer idling in the background is louder than this (I turned off the laser printer to check noise.)

The power brick is quite a bit larger. The Dell is a 130w and this one is a 230w so this is expected. Not as big as I imagined it would be though. <shrug>





First thing I did was check that the hardware was as configured. NOT that I don't trust the seller, but you have to verify. All is well. It's just like I ordered. :thumbsup:
The control center is kind of cool.

Things I don't like:

1) Numlock, Capslock, etc. aren't visible in a dark setting. The indicators are generic with tiny printed labels over the top that are difficult to read.

So far that's it.



Now I have to get all my work software installed.