Are the new XMG Core models basically rebadged Gigabytes?

Hi - I can see the new XMG Core models listed on the XMG website, which are thinner and lighter than the other XMG gaming laptops, they look very similar to the Gigabyte P34W V3 and P35W V3 - are they basically rebadged versions of these? If so, I suspect they'll run hotter and louder than the XMG P505 (which is basically a Clevo P651)

 

yes the C (Core) models are Gigabyte models.

like any computer its a compromise between power and size.
the thinner they are with high end graphics the more risk of heat so fan speeds need to be maxed out to keep them cooler while gaming.
the thicker they are like the P (Pro) series there is more room for the heat to dispurse.

 

Okay, thanks. Sounds like the P505 would be better for me (quieter and mostly aluminium case)

 

That's correct, we have a long term strategic partnership with Gigabyte which gives us exclusivity in offering completely bespke versions of the P34 and P35 i.e. without OS, different WiFi, any HDD/SSD/mSATA configuration!

The Core series are also aluminium chassis so there's not much to differentiate on the material side compared to the P505. But you're correct in that a P505 has a bigger and more powerful cooling system so with the same GPU option in both the P would generally run cooler and quieter than the C.

 

From what I could see in the review of the Gigabyte P34W V3 on this site ( here ), it looked mostly plastic (more so than the P505 anyway) - does the XMG version use different case materials or is it the same? Which parts of the case are aluminium?

 

The whole outer chassis is made of aluminium. Exceptions: The LCD bezel/frame (aka front part) and the keyboard bezel (i.e. the round-edged part around the actual keyboard keys).

 

Okay, thanks, that sounds nicer than I thought... So even the lid and base cover underneath is aluminium?

 

That's correct, the base is alu and so is the main part of the lid - just the LCD panel surround and keyboard surround are plastic.

 

Does your C505 (Gigabyte P35W V3 with 980M ) have CPU throttling nonsence like what Gigabyte did? You know, throttling it the minute temps go above 70C? This was a BIOS thing.. Who builds/supports the BIOS in your Core series?

 

Good question, this was the main thing putting me off the Gigabyte version.

 

Just wondering, have any of you guys bought this laptop? And also, (if you live in the US) where are you getting it? I'm looking at the xmg c505 since it's thinner, lighter, and has a longer battery life than the xmg p505. I don't know, it's either this or the sager np8657-S. Any thoughts.

 

@dwang040 The NP8657-S is the same chassis as our XMG P506, you can read the first notebookcheck:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Schenker-XMG-P506-Clevo-P651RE-Notebook-Review.152021.0.html

The current C505 is based on the Gigabyte P35 v4 which is the Broadwell model. It's basically identical to the P35 v3 apart from the CPU option so you can compare the above review to ones lie this:

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/2015/02/new-xmg-core-series-–-thin-elegant-high-end-gaming-laptops/

Just be aware of the different GPU options which are designated by the X / W following P35

My personal view is that the C series are better for battery life and size, the P series (Clevo based chassis) are better for storage, features, G-Sync if you want it, better thermal issppation system (which means quieter and cooler).

 

Maybe this thread should be moved to the gigabyte section

 

@XMG
Wow, did not know that they shared the same body. Do you know where can i buy an xmg in the US? I looked on your homepage but the prices are all in pounds? Something like that.

 

@dwang040 We regularly ship to the US, you just need to convert GBP to USD and remember that the final price will be minus 20% UK sales tax. Any questions please send me a pm or email our sales team - sales @ mysn.co.uk (no spaces)!