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    New Aorus X5 (GTX 965M SLI) and X3 (GTX 970M)

    Discussion in 'Gigabyte and Aorus' started by Nand@, Jan 6, 2015.

  1. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    AORUS Storms CES 2105

    AORUS Storms CES with X5: World’s First 15” SLI Gaming Laptop with GTX 965M SLI & 4K IGZO Display

    X5:

    aorus_x5-1024x452.jpg

    • 15.6" 4K UHD IGZO (3840 x 2160)
    • NVIDIA GTX 965M SLI GDDR5
    • 2.5kg
    • 22.9mm
    • i7 ????
    • 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz Memory
    • USD$ $2299 - $2799

    In stock: 2Q-2015

    X3 v3:

    • 13.9" QHD+ (3200 x 1800)
    • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M 6GB GDDR5
    • 1.8kg
    • 23mm
    • i7-4710HQ (2.5GHz - 3.5GHz) Quad-Core
    • 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz Memory
    • 256GB mSATA SSDs x2
    • USD$ 2,199.00

    In stock: AORUS X3 Plus v3-CF1 for Intel Core i7-4710HQ (2.5GHz - 3.5GHz) Quad-Core Processor


    Good news for many around here. Throttling? Heat issues? We'll see
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2015
    Nand@, Jan 6, 2015
    #1
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  2. zxaceofspadexz

    zxaceofspadexz Notebook Enthusiast

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    wow the x5 looks good. but kinda pricey. sli config at less than 2.5kg its really portable with a 4k display. but i have doubts that games can actually run on native resolution even with 2x gtx 965m
     
    zxaceofspadexz, Jan 6, 2015
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  3. cookiesowns

    cookiesowns Notebook Enthusiast

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    Will probably be fine. I'm guessing 60 ish fps on all HIGH no AA at native 4K on the X5 pro in BF4
     
    cookiesowns, Jan 9, 2015
    #3
  4. iglaze

    iglaze Notebook Consultant

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    X5
    Nice specs, but I wonder why they went with dual 965m. Maybe so it doesn't cannibalize sales of the X7 Pro. Also could be due to cooling issues.

    X7 Pro
    I was hoping they would either switch to m.2 SSDs or add more VRAM to the GPU. Or they figured out a way to get the 980m in SLI... ok now I'm dreaming...
     
    iglaze, Jan 9, 2015
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  5. Sager99

    Sager99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am very skeptical of them using the 965m, even in SLI. Early reports suggest it may have only 2gb of VRAM. That is current as of right now, but in 2 years it will be minimum specs. Is this a>$2000 machine that will be obsolete in short order? What they should have done is a 970m SLI in the x5 and a 980m sli in the x7. As of right now, the Sager/Clevo 9752 seems like the much better buy to be honest.
     
    Sager99, Jan 12, 2015
    #5
  6. zxaceofspadexz

    zxaceofspadexz Notebook Enthusiast

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    probably heating issues are preventing them from implementing the 980m sli in x7 and 970m in x5. most prob would be due to cpu heat. but might change after broadwell release. hopefully it will bring down overall temps for the 980m to be fitted in!
     
    zxaceofspadexz, Jan 13, 2015
    #6
  7. Sager99

    Sager99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I thought it was using the Broadwell Core i7-5557U. I think Gigabyte was just looking to cut some corners to to keep the price down. A 2gb card, even in SLI for over $2000 just isn't worth it.
     
    Sager99, Jan 13, 2015
    #7
  8. iglaze

    iglaze Notebook Consultant

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    There is a 4gb version of the card of the 965m, so let's wait and see. Hopefully they use that version or they would be shooting themselves in the foot.

    Also, I hope the reason that they haven't released it yet is because of Broadwell. That should help them out some. When are the higher versions of the Broadwell CPUs coming out?
     
    iglaze, Jan 13, 2015
    #8
  9. Sager99

    Sager99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I hope you're right. But the X7 has a 3gb 970m, so I am not very optimistic on the X5. Gigabyte makes some machines that are so close to being in the top tier. But their are always some very big flaws that hold them back. For me, the choice of GPU is definitely a drawback. That said, I think the X3 Plus, is definitely best in class. I don't really like such small laptops and keyboards, but if I were getting a smaller laptop, I would get that for sure.
     
    Sager99, Jan 13, 2015
    #9
  10. Hiche

    Hiche Notebook Enthusiast

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    Was it 4GB or 3GB? I remember reading that the 965M can hold up to 3GB.

    I'm not too keen on the 4K display and the pricing though.
     
    Hiche, Jan 13, 2015
    #10
  11. moviemarketing

    moviemarketing Milk Drinker

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    Would be sad if the X5 is limited to 2GB VRAM.
     
    moviemarketing, Jan 13, 2015
    #11
  12. funkybudda

    funkybudda Notebook Consultant

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    Are the Aorus laptop GPU user upgradable?
     
    funkybudda, Jan 18, 2015
    #12
  13. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    No it's not, at least the X3 it's not upgradable. I don't know yet the X5 but I don't think so
     
    Nand@, Jan 18, 2015
    #13
  14. moviemarketing

    moviemarketing Milk Drinker

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    They are most likely soldered like X3 and X7, highly doubt any manufacturer could offer socketed MXM GPU in .8 inch chassis.
     
    moviemarketing, Jan 20, 2015
    #14
  15. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    Can you update your OP and change the "M.2 SATA SSD" to "mSATA" they got rid of M.2 Sata, thank god.
     
    LVNeptune, Jan 21, 2015
    #15
  16. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    It's done... :thumbsup:
     
    Nand@, Jan 22, 2015
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  17. Lendari

    Lendari Notebook Guru

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    Yeah, with the 4K screen and SLI, limited VRAM would indeed be a frustrating bottleneck.
     
    Lendari, Jan 27, 2015
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  18. iglaze

    iglaze Notebook Consultant

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    Unfortunately, that would probably be the case. While it may only be 4GB of VRAM, they may not have enough space or cooling requirements to fit this into both GPUs. But hopefully, they figure out a way since they know that gamers want the best they can if they are buying this laptop. Which is supposed to be their ultimate gaming laptop. Especially at that premium cost.

    They did manage to fit a 6GB version into the X3 Plus though, so that makes me happy. :)
     
    iglaze, Jan 28, 2015
    #18
  19. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    X5 looks great, hopefully we get the 4GB GPU's but also get better cooling than the other AORUS models.
    We need more info!
     
    IKAS V, Feb 1, 2015
    #19
  20. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    Aorus X5 preview

     
    Nand@, Feb 1, 2015
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  21. daza100

    daza100 Notebook Geek

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    I have the Aorus x3 v3 and I am impressed with the cooling for such a small laptop. 900 series are cool I haven't seen my 970m past 78c yet.
     
    daza100, Feb 2, 2015
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  22. ChrisAtsin

    ChrisAtsin Notebook Evangelist

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    It's especially the GPUs that are super cool. It was also a great thermal decision to switch to the 4710HQ.
     
    ChrisAtsin, Feb 2, 2015
    #22
  23. daza100

    daza100 Notebook Geek

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    yes a great thermal decision it has a lot of overclocking potential :)
     
    daza100, Feb 2, 2015
    #23
  24. SeagateBoy

    SeagateBoy Notebook Consultant

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    Can a gigabyte Rep confirm specs and launch date of the X5? but it's really sad if it only has 2GB ........ :(
     
    SeagateBoy, Feb 2, 2015
    #24
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  25. Breezerex1992

    Breezerex1992 Newbie

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    How are your cpu temp underload? Mine was like 19th max? Is this too high or normal?
     
    Breezerex1992, Feb 3, 2015
    #25
  26. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    Nand@, Feb 3, 2015
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  27. Sager99

    Sager99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Soldered GPU's look to routinely sport the lower bound for VRAM. If I had to bet money, I would bet on 2Gb of VRAM. And on a 4K screen that will NOT be enough. Even in SLI.

    http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_960_SLI/25.html


    Now to be fair this is the desktop 960, but I think the analysis is still pertinent here. It would be very embarrassing to have the X3 v3 outpace the larger, more expensive offering because of insufficient VRAM. If this is what Gigabyte is doing, then they "cheaped" out and this item is a turkey. So I sincerely hope it comes with 4gb of VRAM.

    http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonev...gtx-960-review-part-1-the-new-1080p-champion/

    So in 1-2 years the 960M won't be up to snuff, and may not have enough VRAM to power games at level definition at 1080p, MUCH LESS 4K. No thanks.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2015
    Sager99, Feb 4, 2015
    #27
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  28. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    The X5 come with GTX 965M not 960M, which are significantly better.
    Yeah it would be a shame if they used the 2GB version but otherwise it looks pretty good.
     
    IKAS V, Feb 5, 2015
    #28
  29. daza100

    daza100 Notebook Geek

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    I'm loving my Aorus x3 v3 this thing is a beast.
     
    daza100, Feb 9, 2015
    #29
  30. SeagateBoy

    SeagateBoy Notebook Consultant

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    so the x5 only has a dual core broadwell cpu? that's quite sad, can a gigabyte rep confirm this?
     
    SeagateBoy, Feb 9, 2015
    #30
  31. SeagateBoy

    SeagateBoy Notebook Consultant

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    where did you get it from? newegg? amazon? or some other reseller? and how much did you pay for it?
     
    SeagateBoy, Feb 9, 2015
    #31
  32. moviemarketing

    moviemarketing Milk Drinker

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    These days 2GB is not even enough for 1080p display, for a number of games already released, let alone the awesome cinematic 24fps console ports of the future.
     
    moviemarketing, Feb 10, 2015
    #32
  33. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    Anymore news on this laptop? Is there a release date?
    Really interested to see what exact version of the GTX 965M they use.
     
    IKAS V, Feb 20, 2015
    #33
  34. ChrisAtsin

    ChrisAtsin Notebook Evangelist

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    I think we'll hear more in April-June but I expect these cards to have 4GB VRAM considering the X3+ and the X7.
     
    ChrisAtsin, Feb 20, 2015
    #34
  35. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    Aorus said in an email to someone that there will be no X3 refresh.
     
    LVNeptune, Feb 20, 2015
    #35
  36. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    Well that sort of sucks if true, the X3 is a pretty slick laptop.
    The only thing I can think of is the P34 being a pretty close match to the X3 while costing much less.
     
    IKAS V, Feb 21, 2015
    #36
  37. Game7a1

    Game7a1 ?

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    Don't know if it has been said, but the X5 comes with a i7-4720HQ.
    http://www.3dmark.com/3dm11/9340779
    (There are a couple more benchmarks with these specs).
    Since some websites have said the i7-5557U is an option, that Broadwell-U CPU is either the CPU on the $2299 option or is pure speculation.
     
    Game7a1, Feb 22, 2015
    #37
  38. Sager99

    Sager99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, 2GB VRAM on a so called premium gaming laptop is a non-starter for 2015. So this is a definite pass. Will just go with the Clevo 750zm
     
    Sager99, Feb 24, 2015
    #38
  39. sisqo_uk

    sisqo_uk Notebook Deity

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    it might be wrong but everywhere i seen has the 4gb version the 965m in the p35k if you want a 15" of course its not in sli though.
     
    sisqo_uk, Feb 24, 2015
    #39
  40. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    It needs 4GB GPU to be taken seriously as a gaming laptop, any less is a joke.
     
    IKAS V, Feb 27, 2015
    #40
  41. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    Since it hasn't been updated in a while found a vid with specs.



    GTX 965M SLI GDDR5 4GB.
     
    IKAS V, Mar 5, 2015
    #41
  42. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    LVNeptune, announced in January, was supposed to ship last month, with 970m replacing the 870m.

    http://www.notebookcheck.net/Aorus-...-laptops-with-GTX-970M-graphics.134802.0.html

    Has anyone seen one? The Aorus website still has the old 870m showing for the X3 / X3 Plus.

    But the X3 Plus V3 has the 970m listed :)

    http://www.aorus.com/x3plus.aspx

    13.9” Gaming Laptop X3 Plus
    Exceed with Less
    • Most Powerful under 15”: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970M GDDR5 6GB
    • 13.9”QHD+ Display: Ultra-high 3200 x 1800 res.
    • 1.87kg (4.12 lbs): Lightest 13.9” Gaming Laptop
    • Blazing-fast Access with AORUS RAID Xpress
    • Macro Engine: Highly Customizable Macros
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2015
    hmscott, Mar 5, 2015
    #42
  43. LVNeptune

    LVNeptune Notebook Virtuoso

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    NBC has never truly been reliable. My co-worker emailed Aorus about the X3 refresh and they said they wouldn't be doing one.
     
    LVNeptune, Mar 5, 2015
    #43
  44. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You might want to let your friend know the Aorus website now has the X3 Plus V3 with 970m 6GB listed :)

    http://www.aorus.com/x3plus.aspx

    13.9” Gaming Laptop X3 Plus
    Exceed with Less
    • Most Powerful under 15”: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970M GDDR5 6GB
    • 13.9”QHD+ Display: Ultra-high 3200 x 1800 res.
    • 1.87kg (4.12 lbs): Lightest 13.9” Gaming Laptop
    • Blazing-fast Access with AORUS RAID Xpress
    • Macro Engine: Highly Customizable Macros
     
    hmscott, Mar 5, 2015
    #44
  45. ChrisAtsin

    ChrisAtsin Notebook Evangelist

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    We already know that. I believe LVNeptune already owns one. He was referring to the X3, not the X3+
     
    ChrisAtsin, Mar 5, 2015
    #45
  46. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    ChrisAtsin, thanks for the clarification :)
     
    hmscott, Mar 5, 2015
    #46
  47. house3272

    house3272 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thinking about getting the X5 when it launches.
    Quick question though, since just like the X7 with SLI gpu's, is there any way to use the integrated intel graphics?
    I haven't been following the X7 so I don't know much about it cept that optimus doesn't work with sli configs?
    Thanks~
     
    house3272, Mar 7, 2015
    #47
  48. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    Just looking for any updates on the X5, seems like AORUS forgot about this laptop :(
    Was hoping for a release date, anything just to keep things updated.
    Anyone ?
     
    IKAS V, Apr 20, 2015
    #48
  49. Nand@

    Nand@ Notebook Consultant

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    Nothing yet
     
    Nand@, Apr 20, 2015
    #49
  50. brelding92

    brelding92 Newbie

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    Hey guys, so I have an update on the X5, RE: release date and the amount of VRAM.

    It will be released on the 23rd of this month (June), and it will have 8Gb of VRAM.

    Sources
    The release date is from a "Tom's Guide" review of the laptop,

    The amount of VRAM was from an Aorus contact direct from their website, when asked about upgrading it:

    Kindly note that the upgrade program for X7 is a little bit different from this case. X7 v2 came after with a new GPU release to the market.

    For X5, those GPU were already ready in the market before X5 release to the market and it is design to go with NVIDIA GTX 965M SLI GDDR5 8GB GPU. At this moment, we do not see other plans yet, if there is other product specification available, we will post on our web site.
     
    brelding92, Jun 3, 2015
    #50
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