*** Official Clevo P65xSA/SE/SG / Sager NP8650/51/52 Owner´s Lounge ***

Sharp 4K. Battery life depends on usage between 2-3.5 hrs. (using proper battery saving techniques). Scaling isnt an issue for me.

 

Damn, the sharp is like $275 more. Hmm.
2-3.5 isnt too amazing either. Maybe ill have to think about this.

 

Continuing to troubleshoot my P650SG that has developed a annoying habit of shutting off since my BIOS flash last week, today I flashed using Prema's BIOS. So far so good, I'm knocking on wood though, it's only been about 2 hours.

I don't know if it was a bad file that I got from Mythlogic or something just didn't go right with the flashing process, but whatever it was, I'm glad that it's *hopefully* behind me.

Now to turn to my temps. I ran another XTU CPU stress test and hit a max of 97 C and a max of 14% thermal throttling.

I have some AS5 that I could easily use but I don't see that being recommended on this forum like I usually do for desktop CPUs. I've seen some mentions of Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra. Is that generally what is recommended?

 

regarding thermal conductivity it doesnt get any better than CLU. just beware that this is a metal-based thermal paste, thus is electrically conductive and should be handled with extreme care!
if youd rather try non-metal-based pastes though, i can warmly recommend IC Diamond or Gelid GC Extreme, which are basically the two best-performing pastes out there at the moment

 

If you're careful is the CLU a pain to work with? I never seen it in person before and I've heard about it's electrical conductivity, that does sound a little scary.

Is IC Diamond or Gelid within sniffing distance of CLU performance-wise or is it in another ballpark entirely?

 

metal based pastes are in their own league, since u just cant beat liquid metal in thermal conductivity.

check for yourself: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-performance-benchmark,3616.html

 

Holy cow, thanks for that link. CLU looks like a PITA. I'm going to say not worth the risk, especially on a laptop, unless someone else wants to try and convince me otherwise.

 

yupyup ull surely be more than happy with gc extreme and/or ic diamond

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

97 degrees celsius? Thats insane.
Oof. I hope my ic diamond helps that...
On another note, i have another question.
I heard some complaints about m.2 ssds over heating. Is this an issue? Iheard it also wasnt in this laptop because they arent right next to one another

 

So we all love to fiddle and tweak with our hardware and especially so with this model lineup. Some want to squeeze every ounce of power out, some want to find the perfect thermal sweet spot.

For a variety of reasons I just wasn't satisfied with the temperatures I was getting from the CPU. I'm using BF4 as a benchmark since it taxes the CPU the most out of my games. Ambient room temperature 25.5c

With just a .0625v (62.5mV) undervolt I eliminated any thermal throttling possible and temps were stable, after a 1 hour session on high settings HWInfo64 displayed max temps around 89-90c. This wasn't good enough; too warm for me, too warm for the laptop and the components. There has to be more I can do.

There is.

In XTU there is a slider for "Turbo Boost Power Max" which is effectively your CPU TDP option. Lowering this without lowering say your core multiplier will only "Current Throttle" you. I also noticed when stress testing that at times I would get 1-2% "Current Throttle" with only undervolt active.

So what did I do: I set "Turbo Boost Power Max" to 37 watts, dropped all multipliers by 2 (effectively dropped total performance of the CPU 200mhz across the board) and literally turned my 4720HQ into a 4722HQ.

Performance wise I barely noticed a difference, I capped BF4 to 71fps and a constant 71fps was achieved the whole duration of the game less minor fluctuations. Game-play was smooth, everything felt great and no one would be able to tell you reduced some of the horsepower. With uncapped FPS I expect a 5fps drop.

Now here is the kicker, my max CPU temp was 77c after an hour+ I find the tradeoff well worth it, a 7% speed reduction alongside 21% TDP reduction resulting in 10c+ temperature reduction under full load is phenomenal. I will be continuing tweaking and playing around with settings however those who have serious temperature issues should consider doing this to some degree.

 

I made sure to screenshot this!! I hope it helps me when i get this laptop

 

Does Mythologic able to assist you in solving this?

I am about to purchase the same model from Mythologic, now I am getting worried whether I'll end up in the same spot as you.

 

Also to add: I spoke to Mythologic about their price being almost $200 more expensive than Prostar and the reply from Mythologic was they can't give any discount coz of the burn-in and calibration work they do.

Well I totally can understand that and am willing to pay for a good well-run in and tested product. BUT if I get the same sticky issues as @adampk17 here gets, man I would be furious if they can't directly involve to resolve

 

I've always had good luck when contacting Mythlogic with questions. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

 

You can take a look HERE.

Unlike many others, who do not even get to see the system that is send to the user, they test every system in house and push it through hell and back before shipping it out. Also they are real gamer and technology enthusiasts by heart, organizing local gaming parties and don't skip a chance to go to Vegas for CES.

 

Thanks, I found that on my own earlier today while troubleshooting my laptop. Flashing your BOS helped my issue, knowing my warranty wasn't affected gave me piece of mind too. Sent you a small donation for your work.

thanks

 

I have some worries about temperature too. I only received my P650SG a couple of days ago, and I'm concerned that when doing video encoding using Handbrake the cpu temperatures go up to the mid 90's within a couple of minutes of starting. Even when idling the temperatures seem to be sitting in the 50's which seems high to me? If I manually crank the fans up to maximum(why doesn't this happen automatically anyway?) the temperatures only go down to the mid to high 80's.
I tested doing an encode on my previous P370EM(with the 3740MQ) and during an encode the maximum temperature reached was 84.
Is something wrong with my laptop? It apparently has diamond compound applied since that's the standard for Metabox but this just seems plain wrong to me.

 

I'm thinking of getting a lap desk/cooler for the XMG P505 (P650SE rebranded) that I've recently bought, both so that I can use it on my lap without blocking the vents (though will probably not be gaming with it on my lap), but also for extra cooling whilst gaming at my desk. I don't intend to OC my P505, but want to try to keep fan noise down as low as possible by lowering base temps.

I also don't don't want anything too huge or "flashy" that screams "gamer" as will also be using this in my office, where I see clients.

The Cooler Master Notepal U3+ looks pretty good, and seems to get reasonable reviews, and I like the idea of the re-positionable fans. I also like the idea raising the screen up a little and to tilt the keyboard. On the other hand the 80mm fans seem to be nosier than some, and not particularly reliable. It also looks rather large, perhaps bigger than is needed for s P650? Would the smaller U2 be better or is that going to be too small?

Also, the design might not be the most comfortable for lap use, although it looks reasonably light and I assume would at least be feasible for lap use for relatively short periods?

If using the 3 fans, where would these be best positioned? Underneath the CPU and dual GPU fan intakes, or underneath the vents for the CPU and GPU themselves, so they get cooled before the heatpipes suck away more heat to the laptop's own fans?

Also, would it actually still help with temperatures even if used in passive mode, without fans? Am just wondering whether the grills would make it easier for the laptop's own fans to suck in fresh air and to avoid hot air underneath the laptop getting trapped.

Would the Cooler Master U3+ meet my needs, or should I be looking at alternatives? I'm not expecting spectacular cooling results, but even marginal improvements would be good.

 

Another product I've been considering is the Targus AWE55EU Laptop Cooling Pad, which looks better for lap use, but it looks like the surface of the cooling pad might interfere with the positioning of the P650s own feet for clearance of the laptop base. Has anyone actually tried this with a P650?

 

Actually, it looks like the standard Cooler Master might be a better buy than the U3 Plus for the P650 - it's a bit smaller (420 x 320 x 65 mm vs 435 x 333 x 76 mm), but still large enough for a P650, and sounds like it might be more stable (see one of the comments below this YouTube video review:

 

Yep, coolers still help with passive cooling by increasing the air flow underneath the laptop.

I have both the Cooler Master U3+ and the Targus AWE55EU. Also the Avantek Chill Mat. I bought the Cooler Master after buying my P651SG to see whether it made any difference to temperatures, I can't remember the results of my tests now, but I can re-run then again if anyone is interested.

Between the Cooler Master and the Targus, the latter is a lot more comfortable to use on your lap due to it's design. The P651SG fits both well, neither are too big or small. The Cooler Master fans have the ability to align perfectly with the vents underneath the P651SG, which the Targus can't achieve.

I use the Cooler Master for desk use and the Targus/Avantek for lap use. I got the Avantek because it is noticeably slimmer than the Targus and so better suited to pack into my suitcase when travelling on the train. The Targus is the most comfortable for lap use overall.

I will upload pictures so you can see the size difference between them.


Sent from my Nexus 5

 

I got the Cooler Master Ergostand Lite only because I needed the maximum possible height it has to use it at eye level on my desk. Any temperature improvements were a bonus, to me.

The pad is has perforated aluminium base to help with the airflow and it has a single, largish 160mm fan - but neither are properly aligned with the vents at the back of the laptop.

Thus, I was pleasantly surpised that the maximum GPU temp dropped 5-6C (from 81C to 75C) during an hour or so worth of intense gaming (Dragon Age Inquisition). The maximum CPU temp dropped 3-4C (83C to 79C) as well. I'm thinking this is mostly because the laptop isn't flat on the desk.

The U3+ seems much better ventilated than the Ergostand Lite, and the fans, although smaller, can be effectively placed, so I'm thinking you'll see a pretty nice drop in temps with it - especially if you mod it as per the guide in the forums.

 

Thanks, that's really helpful, would be great to see some pictures with your P650SG sitting on the different products, so that I can get some idea of the size.
Is the Cooler Master still usable on your lap, even though not as comfortable as the Targus? Most of my usage will be for the desk. Also, how loud are the Targus fans compared to the Cooler Master's
Where do you position your fans with the Cooler Master? Under the P651SG's GPU/CPU fan intakes or under the vents for the GPU/CPU? BTW my P505 has no HDD or M2 drives, only a SATA SSD which should run quite cool.

 

OK, bear with me, I'll upload videos to let you hear the noise from both of these (both a lot quieter than the laptop fans under full load). And it'll also give a good indication of the size too.

Sent from my Nexus 5

 

Thanks, that would be great. BTW for lap/bed use I'm thinking maybe just a piece of plywood cut to size might be sufficient, just to prevent the laptop's fans getting blocked and to reduce heat transmission, as I only really game at my desk. Though am still interested in the Cool Master or Targus for my desk

Actually for lap use I love this idea, though it might not work, depends where the laptops feet would sit, otherwise they might go down the holes: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/194356023/portable-modern-desk-laptop-table-eco

 

According to XoticPC, these are the likely display models you're going to get ordering from them:

PLS:
Samsung: 4k (Optional)
LTN156FL02-L01
http://www.panelook.com/modeldetail.php?id=23360

IZGO (IPS?)
Sharp: 4k (Optional)
LQ156D1JX01:
http://www.panelook.com/modeldetail.php?id=21688

IPS:
LG Display LP156WF4-SLB5 (Optional)
http://www.panelook.com/modeldetail.php?id=18872

TN:
AUO B156HTNO3.6 (Stock)
http://www.panelook.com/modeldetail.php?id=20474

 

So is an idle CPU temp of 50-55c and a full load temp of 95c normal for a P650SG using a diamond thermal compound?

 

Sounds high. May have put too much. I suggest repasting with gelid.

 

The Diamon Paste was done as part of the build. I'm taking it back tomorrow to get the screen swapped because of a dead pixel, so I'll ask them about it then.

 

By load temp do you mean during a stress test? The IC Diamond was part of my build too but I've never seen the max CPU temp go above 83C in any intense gaming situation.

 

Vids:

Cooler Master U3+

Targus AWE55EU

Compared fan noise in the coolers with the maximum fan setting on the laptop. Also, shows the difference between the lowest and highest RPM settings for the U3+.

 

My CPU temp while idle is around 40 degrees with ICD 7. I also have a underclock/undervolt on the CPU. You can see a video of that here.
Also, this is the pad I use. Got it for 10$ when it was on sale. It's sleek, quiet and professional looking. It's good for lowering the overall temperature of the laptop. Keep in mind guys, it's not just CPU/GPU temps you need to worry about; they are designed for it. The battery, RAM and all the other c

 

I read somewhere that's recommanded to keep the EC and BIOS version the same, is this true?

Also, what exactly _is_ EC anyway? I've searched but could not find a clear answer. I know what BIOS is, but what exactly does EC do?

Thanks!

 

Sharp 4K is IGZO aka IPS screen and not TN..

 

That pad looks quote interesting, I assume the large fan helps to keep it quiet. A couple of questions - does the USB power connector reach to the rear USB port (for tidiness)? Also, can you use this as a lap desk (maybe without the fan - I probably won't be gaming on my lap anyway)?

 

Yes it reaches to the back, that's how I have mine set up
Also, you can use it as a lap desk but I wouldn't see the need for it

 

The EC is the embedded controller. It deals with your fan profiles and whatnot.

 

But wouldn't your legs cover the fan intakes without a lap desk and your legs get hot? I've not received by P505 yet, so I can't tell yet. Or do you mean you never use your computer on your lap?

 

I use it on my lap all the time and I partially cover then vents as a result. It never gets too hot because when not plugged in I have it run on Power Saver and usually I'm just surfing the web or non CPU-intensive stuff.

 

Okay, well that's likely my usage for my computer when on my lap, so you don't really need a lap desk in that situation for the P650 then? I also thought of maybe just using a flat piece of suitable-sized plywood for desk/bed use (e.g. watching a movie)

 

No, you should be fine without one
I use this handy app to make it easier. In essence it switches you to High Performance when plugged in and power saver when on battery.

 

Thanks, that's useful. Both the U3+ (on max fan setting) and Targus sound similar in loudness, right? But the only the U3+ has a fan control?

You hitting fn+1 (I think) - is that forcing the fans to go to maximum? Sounds like a jet plane!
Is it rare for the Clevo's fans to get that loud when normal gaming?

 

I've never had the fans get close to full speed when gaming

 

Thanks, though I already use Battery Bar Pro when in Windows on my Macbook Air, which can do much the same as far as I'm aware.

 

Relieved to hear it!

 

I just flashed the stock bios from premamod, but do I also need to flash the vbios if i don't wanna overclock?

thanks

 

It's usually suggested that you flash the vBIOS to overall achieve better... everything... with the GPUs. But it isn't necessary.

 

If I flash my Bios to Prema Mod, is it possible to revert to the XMG Bios if for some reason I ever wanted to?

 

Yes. Only U3+ has the fan control.
Yes. That's the maximum fan RPM.
They never reach max unless you specifically hit the FN + 1 key combo - max auto fan speed is at 80%, which is noticeably less loud. Max fans really help keep things cool though (as they should, being so loud!).