Intel-TongFang QC7 (Element/Fusion 15/MAG-15/Vapor 15 Pro)

So this is very encouraging but if they make a Linux version to control the rgb on the keyboard, wouldn't it be possible to make an sdk or some sort of API to control the rgb lights programmatically? If there is any way to ask Intel if this is possible that would be amazing considering there are projects like aorura (GitHub project to unify rgb lights across games and add lighting effects to supported games)

Also I heard recently that lenovo's laptops suffered performance drop because of an Intel feature that uses a gyroscope to determine if the machine is on a lap or table and since the software is proprietary, there is no Linux package to toggle the feature on or off and leads to the laptop always thinking it's on a lap.

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For those that may be curious found the issue that was limiting FPS on my MAG 15. Xbox one controller was causing my frame rate to be stuck at 130.

Others have had these issues as well:
https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/7/1486613649675847002/

To fix it, I did the following:
1. Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings
2. Check "xbox configuration support"

 

But who said that? Where is it? I cannot find / see. This matters and I would also like to know why they changed it from the previous one.

This is great because they have done such an excellent job in the past on other laptops. So I look forwards to that.

Perhaps how annoying it is depends mostly on your ambient noise floor. Which is much higher for some than others. And really the most annoying aspect is the hysteresis of alternately ramping up, then ramping down, then ramping down, etc.

This is a situation where I feel being able to tweak the fan curves makes sense. At least just some outside way to access that. Even via an undocumented API or firmware mod.

I would also very much like to see this too. Perhaps what we are waiting for is the people at TUXEDO Computers to do their work first. IDK...

But yeah if it is intel's own rgb controller chip then there should be no 3rd party closed source / proprietary licencing restrictions for Intel themselves to say "we cannot do this because the other company who makes the chip won't permit us to release infos about it, etc.". So perhaps that's the reason they made their own RGB chip in the first place? Because they are going to extra efforts to be nice and kind to the open source community?

 

We have now opened a ticket with Intel to share as much API and documentation (under NDA) as possible. I'm excited about support for Project Aurora but I wouldn't get my hopes up yet. The ODM's are notoriously scared of releasing API's because they might be misused and even cause damage and RMA issues. For example, LED's might burn out more quickly if driven with too extreme settings. Protections against such issues are usually implemented on a software level, not in the firmware itself.

Sounds like either a Convertible (360/Yoga-Style or Detachable) or like the famous ThinkPad feature of shutting down the HDD before impact in case the laptop is dropped.
At any rate, XMG FUSION 15 does not have any gyroscope IC inside. So that's one issue less to worry about.

True. We have opened a seperate ticket (next to existing issues about Idle temperature) and request to allow us to constantly run fans at slightly below 30% (if pssible). This could be an extra checkbox in the Control Center.

But again, this is a minor issue. The fans are already programmed to run at minimum speed for at least another 3 minutes, even if temperatures are below "fan open" point. Usually, in those 3 minuntes, you will actively keep using the laptop, causing the temps to go up again - so the fans usually don't even fully turn off during normal "work" situations. Instead, they keep level at 30% which is the official minimum speed that is guaranteed by the vendor of the fan. You definitely won't have any "cyclical on/off" situations with this laptop. The built-in "Silent" profile will help you to minimize any temperature spikes if you work in dedicated silent environments (e.g. libraries).

Wow. The more you know...

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

Guys, I hope it will be possible to compare the MAG-15 against the new Razer Blade 15 with 1660ti. I see they just started offering that option and it's about $250 more than the MAG.

 

@XMG can you share specification for laptop fans ? I was unable to find it on Sunon page.
I'm considering replacing my MSI GS65 as it's build quality is poor and fans already failing after 1,5y of light usage.

 

Can anyone other than XMG confirm gsync works over thunderbolt 3? There are SO many posts about thunderbolt 3 not supporting gsync because it's hooked up to the integrated gpu and I just want confirmation that's not the case here.

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Right, that's great. I guess we wait and see if Intel will be kind to the Free software/open-source community

Thanks for the detailed reply! That's indeed good to hear, that we can switch modes in Linux even without the control center (since it writes the settings to firmware). Synaptics touchpad has excellent support so no issues there, same for nvidia card and wifi cards, also Fn-keys should work out of the box if they send the standard key codes/key commands .

It's also great that Tuxedo Computers have their hands on a unit I'll wait to see their evaluation just to be sure, but this laptop is pretty much locked in for me.

 

@B0B Thanks so much for this comparison. Definitely the only two devices I'm considering at this point. A device for everything.

What are your thoughts on the Intel 660P? Doesn't really seem like the fastest SSD out there.

Also what exact RAM are are they using? They mention DDR4 2666MHz and say it's "house brand RAM", but what does that even mean? And how does it compare to Corsair, Kingston or Samsung RAM?

 

If the GPU is the only different thing from the base model, then the Razer is not only more expensive but also heavier and with a worse battery. I can't think of something that would make the Blade definitely stand out over the MAG 15, apart from its looks.

 

Quick question, i've read that the MAG 15 had a "Windows Hello" compatible webcam, does that mean that you can unlock it simply by looking at it via face recognition, as I think it does ?

 

Yes

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thanks !

 

It's fine and is nothing to worry about. The spin-up drives versus an 8 year old 2.5" ssd was the biggest real world jump and now these blazing fast NVMe drives while benchmarking miles above what we'd think possible 10 years ago, the reality of life with these drives doesn't make my system read or write content that much faster to where my mind is blown.

I have so many different ssd drives here and the real world difference is so little I can barely recall what drive is in what system.

 

Perhaps this is more of a general question: is Intel Optane memory worth the small premium on the MAG? From what I’ve gathered, I understand it may speed up some parts of day to day usage at a small cost to battery life. I’m curious what difference it’ll actually make in practice.

 

The main benefit is mitigating the massive write speed drop on the Intel 660p when it runs out of SLC cache during extended usage.

 

Optane is targeted at people who use HDDs and SATA SSD. If you have fast NVME SSD you will not see any difference. Just buy Samsung 970 as OS drive from Amazon or other place.

 

My review is live. I’ll get the OP cleaned up and better organized here soon.

 

That was a fantastic review, thanks a bunch. Most definitely secured my purchase.

IDK if you remember me asking, you seemed to have had your plate quite full these past few days, but did you have the time to try and remove / replace the keyboard keys ?

 

Would the 75c GPU limit have an affect on non-max setting & non-AAA title games?

 

@XMG can I buy the thunderbolt 3 to display port adapter anywhere on Amazon in the US? I cant seem to confirm from anyone that gsync actually works through the thunderbolt 3 port to external monitor.

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You know something I would think would be pretty cool would be if there was a button that would turn off all the rgb in the keyboard and only light up 9 keys that are temporarily bound as a numpad within the keyboard, maybe I sound crazy saying this but I think it'd be an interesting use of the per key rgb lighting

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Hey @B0B if you have an integrated aux with audio and mic, would it still work in the audio port? Or does the mic need a separate plug? Thanks for all you've done getting the information out there!

 

What great review B0B, thanks so much. How hard was it to repaste the machine? This laptop seems to be very well made and for a casual gamer like myself who's also looking for lightweight\portable machine and does not care about ultra graphic settings this hits all the right spots. I gotta say I was very skeptic at first and I even tried to compare to the new Razor Blade 15 1660ti, but the MAG-15 holds its ground steadily. I was also thinking about y740, but it weights 2.2 kg and I am definitely looking for less than 2kg. Hopefully Christmas sales will chop some of that 1600 EUR off.

 

Hello everyone,

we are back from a wild national holiday yesterday. Still shipping pre-orders every day. A recent user review has popped up here.

Does it help if I tell you:

• I know for a fact that the Thunderbolt 3 port on this laptop is tied to the dedicated GPU. The same is true for our XMG PRO and XMG ULTRA series
  
• I'm a big fan of variable refresh rate and I have personally tested this with XMG FUSION 15 on my Acer XB271HU 144Hz G-SYNC monitor while playing various high-speed games

You can use any adapter that uses the "DisplayPort Alt Mode".

Example: https://www.startech.com/AV/display...deo-adapters/usb-c-displayport-adapter~CDP2DP

Rule of thumb: if the adapter or cable is marketed as supporting "4K @ 60Hz" then you can be 99.9% sure that this is a native DP adapter and it will support G-SYNC, because it will just serve as a passive conduit between your NVIDIA GPU and your monitor and it will not get in the way of your native DisplayPort signals.

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

@XMG,
thanks for taking the time to answer all of these questions. I have another that my have been answered before (but I can't find it). Do you have any specs on the barrel connector used for the power adapter? I'd love to see if there are any thinner/lighter adapters that would work for this laptop for "light use." Really I'd like to see if the Razer 165w adapter I already have would work, lol.

*On edit*
I see this was already answered here. On a quick glance it looks like the 165w adapter would work. Now I have to figure out a way to make this purchase sound like a good idea to the wife .

 

Sure thing.

Inner Diameter: 2.5mm
Outer Diameter: 5.5mm
Length: 12.5mm

Check out this chart:



(click picture for full version)

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

Thanks, appreciate the dedication to all the info.

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Quick question: length of power supply cable? A short cable is surprisingly annoying. I even bought another adapter for my current laptop because the one included was so short.

 

will high refresh rate (g-sync if possible) external monitors work via the usb c port?

 

It is 1m20 (120cm) between laptop and power brick. The second cable (between brick and wall socket) you can easily replace.

Yes, it supports everything that is supported by DisplayPort 1.2, including G-SYNC and "G-SYNC compatible" (aka FreeSync).
The USB-C port is driving two seperate DP lanes, so that's basically 2xDP1.2.

With the right Adapter cable, it should even be able to support DisplayPort 1.4 because this is what's coming out of the NVIDIA GPU which drives this port.
The USB-C/DP-to-DP adapter that we currently ship is officiall rated for DisplayPort 1.2.

Check out this table for reference.

Cheers,
XMG|Tom

 

Another question, does Project Aurora works with this laptop ?

https://www.project-aurora.com/

 

I wish someone would post a guide on how to modify BIOS using UEFItool, which options can be unlocked or which field people need to edit in UEFItool to unlock them. I know there will be a guide to do this in other forum but it would be interesting to see it here ;-)

 

Not currently, we are awaiting to see if Intel will release an API to manipulate the keyboard

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I think for the next iteration of this laptop, I'd consider adding virtual link if it isn't too much of a hassle along with a USB 3.1 port in the back. Makes it easier for VR

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What is the better value? These are virtually the same price and specs, so what is the better machine?

MAG 15:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X6MJ4X7

Aero 15:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QS8T7HM

 

Wow great to see the changes so soon! Hopefully this mod a sign.

In the OP there’s a comparison, some opinion and some fact between these two chassis’s. I use the Aero as a daily laptop. It has the 2070mq but that’s not too relevant to the comparison for me.

 

XMG posted a video on reddit about removing and replacing keycaps, seems super easy

 

You never said if you will continue to use the Aero as your daily laptop

 

Do you have a hunch which of these two will age better? E.g. state in 2-3 years?
How does the webcam quality compare beyond Windows Hello? Also how do the microphones compare?

 

The MAG15 looks amazing but down here in australia the Vapor15 has a $700aud/450usd premium for the battery and chassis for the same specs.
(0.2mm thinner and 100g lighter)

Bigger battery is nice, but for gaming it doesn't matter a whole lot.
Value wise its a no brainer, but am I better off going the apex 15 and having higher TDP limits or are there improvements in the MAG15 worth picking up

https://imgur.com/a/JQSAicM

 

Honestly and I mean 100% honestly I’d go MAG. But I’m not sure if ditching a perfectly good Aero would be a responsible decision. To each their own.

Having spent an enormous amount of time with the MAG at nearly a month, it makes the Aero feel and look old.

I will always have a soft spot for the underdog. But the MAG is something more than something that we just want to “win” as an underdog. It actually embarrasses its competition for its target audience for less.

I purposely chose the model I have for a reason. It ticks all the right boxes and the 1660ti is within spitting distance of the 2070mq considering the price.

$1499 for essentially a $1999 laptop per its spec makes me happy to have one here!

So yeah, switching is very likely lol.

 

sorry to derail the conversation, but is anyone else having performance issues with the mag? Just got it today and wanted to test Overwatch, and was getting massive stuttering on the title screen. Was actually getting 16 frames max in the practice range. I checked the display settings and it was using integrated graphics? Also, checked the device manager, and got a code 28 error. dunno if thats related at all, but it was something i was worried about.

EDIT: so, after installing a windows again, and restarting for the past few hours, the performance is finally normal. I still have that device bug thing tho

 

Now you know how well Overwatch runs on integrated graphics. Go into the Nvidia control panel and select your discrete GPU for Overwatch and report back.

 

Yeah, restarting and putting a fresh windows fixed it. I don't like how they made nvidia control panel a windows app :c.

 

Glad to hear everything is working as it should after a fresh re-install. I completely agree, being required to install apps when you connect to the internet such as the NVIDIA control panel is irritating. Unfortunately this is becoming a standard for apps through Windows 10.

 

Are you still having the device manager bug? What are your thoughts in the keyboard and display?

 

Yeah, still having that bug unfortunately, so if anyone has any suggestions I am all ear.

The keyboard: like a lot of people have already said, it does get some getting used to. But personally, as soon as I tried them out, I loved them. I've used blue, brown, red, silent, and green razer switches, so I love mechanical keyboards. This one feels like a more tactile chiclet(?) style keyboard bc the travel is similar to other laptops. but overall, its super tactile, which i like. the initial force to push is a little high though.

display is great: better than I expected. Then again, I do look at a 1440p tn panel. I really like the display its solid

i would also like to note that the speakers..... are not good. I would be all for paying an extra 20 for better speakers.

 

I love the keyboard, and the display is REALLY nice. Or at least mine is.

My CPU is running extremely hot, and the fans are running LOUD. My CPU when playing NBA 2k20, Ultra settings, is getting to 95+. This is with the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut upgrade from Eluktronics. The fans are running full throttle, which is aggravating as well, because they're loud. It performs well, and the GPU hovers from 70-74, but man... the CPU and fans are ruining my experience so far. I'm not sure if there are any options to help this. I'm just not sure if they applied the Conductonaut on my system or not. Surely the "norm" for a sports game wouldn't be constantly hitting 95 with Conductonaut, right? My 9880 in the MSI GS65 didn't get nearly that hot. It stayed around 87-89 for the most part.

 

any mag 15 users have shortish battery life? im getting around 5 hrs of video playback on this thing when I realistically should be getting around 7

 

Screen brightness will have a significant impact on battery life.

 

I really hope the fans aren't much louder than Alienware m15..... :/

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