[Review] My New 8662

Before I start talking about my new best friend, I’d like to say that this is my first review of anything, and it is my first post on these forums. So go easy on me!

Overview

The laptop I recently purchased is the Sager NP8662 (Clevo M860TU). The configuration that I purchased had 4GB of RAM, P8700 (2.53GHz) Processor, Nvidia 260M GTX, 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) Screen, and a 320GB 7200 RPM HDD. I’m currently using Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit. I got the laptop for college, and I was looking for something powerful yet mobile. It cost me about $1500 USD from PowerNotebooks.com, and I'd recommend them wholeheartedly.

Pictures!

Front View



Right Side



Back View





Build and Design

I want to start off by saying that this notebook is amazing. It feels sturdy, has a solid keyboard, and seems to be very well constructed. I had previously tried out an MSI GT627-218US in my local Best Buy, and I was extremely disappointed with the amount of flex that the keyboard had. This laptop is nothing like that. The touchpad on this laptop is quite good, though I’ll admit I rarely use it as I just purchased a nice new mouse. The buttons on the touchpad are a bit tough to use, though. Another thing that I think is worth mentioning is that this laptop doesn't look like a gaming laptop, which is definitely a positive attribute for me. I couldn't even think about being seen with some Asus / MSI gaming laptop with bright orange and red stripes and unnecessary lights flashing. This laptop does more than the aforementioned laptops can do, and it looks good doing it. The laptop is a pretty solid 7lb, which isn't too bad for me. I have absolutely no trouble carrying it around with me. The screen's hinges are sturdy, and it doesn't seem to wobble. When I gently shake the base of the laptop, the cheap table I am using wobbles before the screen does. This thing is not as thin as, say, the aforementioned MSI, which boasts just about a 1.06” – 1.22”, but it is not obnoxiously large.

Screen

The screen is one of the 8662’s most glowing attributes (no pun intended). Everything is crisp, sharp, and colorful at 1680x1050. Whether I’m watching movies or playing games, everything seems to come out just how I’d like it.

Speakers

The speakers are one of the things that surprised me upon receiving the laptop. It wasn’t until I transferred all of my music from my other computer that I realized how decent (read: good for a laptop) they were. Though I prefer to put on my headphones when playing games or listening to music, the speakers are still quite good.

Performance

Now we move to the fun stuff. This thing has handled everything that I have thrown at it so far. Note that I don’t currently have any extremely hard-to-run games, but this thing gets a constant 75+ FPS on the following games on 1680x1050 (native) resolution: Counter-Strike: Source, Team Fortress 2, Left4Dead, Unreal Tournament 3, Burnout Paradise, and Street Fighter IV. Each of these ran on all high settings, with Counter-Strike: Source, Team Fortress 2, and Street Fighter IV using 16x AA and 16x AF. The other games all used the highest possible AA and AF. I may be purchasing Crysis in the near future as well, so I’ll be sure to keep you guys updated on how those run. I just recently ran 3DMark06, and I got a score of 10010.

Temperature

Yes, it’s that time: the dreaded topic of temperature. Don’t fret, though. It is not as bad as you may think. Upon receiving my laptop, one of the first things I did (after installing all of the necessary drivers) was downloading HWMonitor, as well as a few other temperature reading programs.
After three hours of using Microsoft Word, chatting with friends on both Pidgin and Steam, and browsing the web, my temperatures are as follows. Please note that the minimum temperatures are the temperatures at startup, following an 8-hour stretch with the computer turned off.



After five straight hours of getting obliterated Unreal Tournament 3, however, the temperatures are as follows. HWMonitor was started right as the game was being launched.



HDD Temperature

I know that this has been a very important subject for all of you M860TU owners, as well as prospective purchasers. I was, too. For reference, my laptop came with the Seagate Momentus 7200.3. At first, after installing all of my drivers, except for Intel Matrix Storage Console, I tried to get the HDD up to the highest possible temperatures. I transferred over thirty gigabytes of files, defragmented, and ran a virus scan. I reached temperatures of about 59-60 degrees at absolute maximum. Then I reformatted and installed the drivers again, but this time I installed Intel’s Matrix Storage Console. I also continued on and disabled some little Windows Vista hindrances. I disallowed Windows from creating restore points, I disabled Windows Indexing, and I disabled Superfetch. Then, I started transferring my thirty gigabytes of files, defragmented, and ran a virus scan, just as I had done before. This time, however, the temperatures did not exceed 53 degrees under maximum stress. After doing these tweaks, the absolute max I can reach is 52 degrees under gaming, 53 degrees after trying to stress my HDD completely, and 47 when I am idle or web browsing and chatting with friends.

Other Notes

Wireless

I am currently using a wireless G router, so I don’t really have much to say about the laptop’s wireless N capabilities. Everything seems to be working well.

Card Readers

The 7-in-1 card reader seems to perform very well. Though I haven’t tried every card that I could find, it was worked well with whatever I used.

Battery

The eight-cell battery seems to last for quite a while. Currently, as I type this and browse the web, I am running on battery in *gasp* high performance mode as I plan on bringing it down to 40% before I charge it up again. So far it has lost 20% battery in 28 minutes. I usually get about two hours and ten or so minutes from doing what I am doing now. I have yet to try the battery on low-power mode, as I haven’t really used it too far away from my home.

Fingerprint Reader

The actual reader itself and the software that comes with the laptop are absolutely perfect. It seems to work flawlessly. It is very easy to set up, and very easy to have it save your Firefox passwords so you can login to any website at the touch of a finger.

Microphone

This thing has a tiny microphone about ¾ the size of a pinhole right under the right alt key. Surprisingly, it is actually pretty clear. I just pop my headphones on now, and use the built-in-microphone to play my games. I’m glad they put it under the right alt key so my left hand doesn’t block it out when I use WASD.

Video Camera

The built-in video camera is two megapixels, and though I haven’t used it for much, yet, the software was still easy to install and it seems to work.

Final Thoughts

Pros:
• Good keyboard and touchpad
• Crisp screen
• Decent speakers
• Excellent performance
• Long battery life for being such a powerhouse
• Only 7 pounds

Cons:
• Disabling many Windows services can be a pain to lower HDD temperature
• This thing is a fingerprint magnet
• The touchpad buttons can be a little hard to press
• A tad thicker than some of the MSI laptops

Verdict

If you are looking for a 15” gaming powerhouse that doesn’t look stupid, definitely get this. If your only reason against getting this laptop is the HDD temperature problems that some people have experienced, don’t be afraid. I lowered my HDD temperature to a very acceptable level in less than five minutes. As we speak, my HDD is idling at 45 (just dropped 1 degree down from 46).

The price, the performance, and the quality of this laptop go unmatched in the gaming laptop industry.

If anyone has any questions about my review, or suggestions for it, just tell me.

Thanks for your time and I hope it was helpful,
Benjamin

 

Good job, Benjamin ;-)

 

Nice review, I was most happy with your HDD findings, I might format my 8662 soon and get a fresh start and hopefully it helps me like it helped you.

 

wow....great review. man i cant wait to have mine XD. i'm starting to wonder if i should do my review .this is a good review and i dont think i can compete. ill just post my results of the qx9300 lol. +rep

 

Yeah, another thing to note is that the HDD takes a while to cool down. If I play a game or defrag up to 53 degrees, it might take over an hour or two or even three of just web browsing for it to drop back down into the 45-46 range.

 

No problem with multiple keypresses while gaming? Heard that platform only supports 2-3 max, which is bad for FPS gaming..

 

Even 53 degrees for high-intensity gaming is very much acceptable imo.

 

Though this is true, I haven't had any real difficulty with it. The only real difference for me is the positioning of my pinky. Because of how my pinky used to press control on a real keyboard, I had to change up my buttons. Since the control key is even with the laptop surface, I can't lay my whole finger on it and press down. Therefore, I bound space to crouch, and scroll up to jump. I think 3 buttons at once is fine, and since I jump with the scroll wheel, I don't have any problems. I can crouch, walk forward, jump and strafe with no problems at all. (Not that I'd ever need to do that)

 

Pretty good review but I have to deduct 10 points for not showing your girlfriend around. Where are the dang pictures? I just want see if yours come out looking better than mine. ~sarcasm~

 

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Calms my fears as I await the arrival of my 8662.

 

Great review, I ordered the exact same setup as you from xoticpc. I can't wait till it get here. Do you plan on switching over to Windows 7? Also, I look forward to a few more benchmarks (including Crysis), keep us updated!!

 

You did a good job sir. The only improvement you could add is pictures.

 

Why can't you press the control key on the keyboard? I'm not sure I understood that completely.

 

Nice review!

Yes, the HDD isn't a big issue. It's only for a few people... like I've said to all of people worrying about this issue.

And yes... this computer is a finger fkin print magnet!!! I have a cloth ready for it... at all times.

 

It's just because of how I used to press the control key on my PC's keyboard. I probably had an unorthodox hand placement. The second section of my pinky used to rest on the control key, and this only worked on real keyboards because the control key was raised about an inch from the base of the keyboard. On any laptop keyboard, though, the control key is just raised to the base of the laptop, so I can't rest my pinky over it like I used to. Hope I made some sense

This doesn't have anything to do with the 8662 laptop, but rather all laptop keyboards in general.

 

very nice review with pictures. You're making me wish i had a digital camera so I could easily add pictures to my review

 

You have a pretty funky keyboard then if your control key is raised.

 

Just got mine today -- pretty much the same specs except I took the 250GB Hitachi. Darn.

 

Sorry if I wasn't clear enough. These two small pictures should illustrate what I was talking about. I marked how much the key was raised with a red line.

Real Keyboard



Laptop Keyboard



These aren't my keyboards, but I feel like they get my point across.

Awesome. How cool does the HDD run?

 

Haven't fiddled with it, but it runs a tight margin between 49 and 53 C. So far the highest load I've put on it was from orthos while undervolting it. I'll play some Crysis and see how it goes.

I'd pick the 8662 over the M15x's look any day but I still get the unshakable feeling it looks like the computer version of a panda '80s Toyota Corolla. I can't get enough of the optical bay door though.

 

Nice review. I plan on ordering this sometime later in the week. Wow i a excited.

 

Nice review. How do i plus rep someone? ><

 

click the rep icon.

 

okay, thanks.

 

Nice review. +rep

Duane

 

Did you buy vista with it? When I configure it how you did it comes out to around $1640...

 

Probably not.

My config is exactly like his and it was 1490 or something (with the student discount + shipping) without the OS.

 

No, I did not. I had a spare retail Vista Ultimate just begging to be used. Though if I didn't, I probably would have just skipped straight to Windows 7.

 

Sweet, didn't know there was a student discount. Who'd you buy with?

If you buy Vista you get a Windows 7 upgrade offer. Is this a free full version of 7 when it comes out? If so I'm probably going to go for it; two for the price of one?

 

I got mine from PNB.

Student discounts are- 20 dollars from PNB and 1% off from Xoticpc.

Shipping prices are- 31 dollars from PNB and 39 dollars from Xoticpc, I think? Going to NY, that is.

I believe Xoticpc is a tiny bit cheaper in spec wise, but in discount/shipping wise, PNB is a tiny bit cheaper. It comes about same.

This is for my spec, that is.

 

Have you run the battery on low-power mode?

I'm curious as to how long it will stay on if you just do office work... trying to figure out if I should get it for college...

 

If my M570TU can get 150 minutes from my QX9300 and GTX 280M, then the M860TU should be able to last 180 minutes easily.

 

Very nice review, thanks for the efforts.

 

I'm officially getting mine tomorrow through UPS!!! ^.^ I got the same exact specs as you.

I really just need assistance with tweaking Vista and getting that Intel Matrix Storage thing.

Oh and speaking of which, I also didn't get an OS cause I have a copy of Vista and was wondering, what is the process of installing an OS? how was it done on this laptop? Step by step instructions would be great for a n00b like
me

 

It was pretty much an extremely quick process. It took no longer than 30-40 minutes. Basically just pop the DVD in, type the serial in, and wait. If you have any questions once you get Vista on there regarding tweaks, just PM me and we can chat via AIM or Steam or whatever you have.

 

Sounds like a plan, will do so

Thanks!

 

How are the keyboard and touch pad? I've heard some people complain about the keyboard not being able to press two buttons at once. I don't believe that it will affect any gaming though, so I just want some confirmation from a person who has it that the keyboard is working fine.

Thanks : )

 

Had no problems with multiple key holds while playing FPSs. I think the problem usually occurs for people who play other genre keyboard-heavy games like FIFA.

Touchpad is great but the actual buttons are located a bit too far down/narrow/ and are a bit resistant.

 

CrazyLink, who did you order from and when did you order? I bought mine a week ago from xotic and I'm still in phase 2. Anybody else have a thought on when it should get here?

 

I believe it takes 7-10 business days to build your system. Then teh shipping.

 

I ordered from xoticpc.

Took me 7 days for phase 2. Shipping took 6 days.

So yep, heh.

I am using it now but having a hard time installing Vista....

I need help

 

I ordered from Xotic. Took 1 day for processing, 3 days to build, and 3 business days to ship.

 

This post has been made by my new Sager NP8662!!! ^.^!!!

 

@ sabricaze

Can you elaborate on the student discount as I am too looking at this laptop with about the same config...comes out to about $1427.00. Cheaper if I use that cashdiscount option from xoticpc (anyone use it before?). Trying to get price lower if possible...

Also can someone compare the thickness and size of this laptop compared to a thinkpad t61p? Weight?

 

How would you like me to elaborate more from this?

 

Is the student discount always offered? Because I've read somewhere that people "wait" for the student discount to be offered. So, I'm thinking they only offer it on designated dates...?

 

I'm not sure. I believe Xotic has it start in July until school starts?

Check with each. If you're purchasing a system 2000 dollars or more, the xoticpc student DC will be more... by a tiny bit.

 

I believe that it is always offered (Through XoticPC) All you have to do is show them some proof that you're a student, I scanned them my Uni Acceptance letter.

Its 1% off.. up to a a certain point (2000 I believe) then its 25$ off.

 

So far I have nothing but praise for this laptop. It truly is a spectacular piece of hardware and its performance for even the highly unoptimized Crysis is just amazing.

I am truly in love with a laptop.

Amazing. Breathtaking. Speechless.

Ad my HDD temps arent even clse to an issue and I have yet to download the Intel Matrix Storage!

 

In terms of the discount its either the cash discount (3%) OR the student discount (1%). In almost all cases its better to go with the cash discount and only the student discount if you don't have the cash to do it up front. I'm using the cash discount option but I put the order down with a CC then sent them a check so that they would start the build immediately. The check hasn't been cashed yet nor have I recieved the notebook yet (ordered 7-15 @ 6 PM) but I'll let you know how it goes.