Going for a 970m (np8651)

G'day all, been reading some of the reviews on this forum (which are great) and thought it's be good to run by my situation to get some feedback.

So I'm in the united states (of cheap goods) for a while and thought it would be good to pick up a laptop that I could use while I'm here. For $1200 the Sager np8651 through xoticpc looks like the best deal for getting a machine with a 970m in it. However there's a couple of questions I'd like to find the answers to before putting the funds forward.

1. I've brought with me a 256GB Intel SSD which I intend to put in the machine when it comes as an OS disk. I've read that the default 1TB drive is 9mm which blocks another drive from being used simultaneously. Is it possible to get xotic to change this? Or will I have to use the HDD externally?

2. Screen options for the machine are a default TN or a $50ish upgrade to an IPS. People praise the IPS screen and recommend the upgrade as the default panel is bleh. As a high refresh rate gamer I'm a bit sensitive about input latency for monitors, but it doesn't seem like either panel would be the best for my preference. While the LG IPS panel has been quoted at 35ms delay is the benefit of a nicer looking screen +50 quid better than the TN panel which might not be any better? If not then I might consider the IPS and just hook up the machines to a proper monitor later instead.

3. Kind of a xoticpc question, is the promotion for MGSV still running? It says to indicate that you would like it but I don't see anyway of indicating aside from writing in the comments field "MGSV promotion plz". Also for anybody who has ordered using standard production time, how long does it usually take for them to ship the machine out? I've pretty much barebones'd the machines as I'd like to keep it at around $1200 (no windows, only 1x8GB dimm, default HDD).

Comments are greatly appreciated, also for any tips on any other models with at least a 970m dGPU at the same price would be awesome.

 

Hello,

Most likely you can have Xotic to remove that HDD from your laptop and get the costs lowered, that's at least what european resellers offer as an option.

I'd say take the IPS one, from what i've read nobody has noticed any actual lag on those screens even if the panels have 15-25 ms lag. There's also an option of changing the panel afterwards if you're not happy with it, it should be relatively easy if it's a eDP panel (connector type).

My own NP8651 is at home waiting for my inspection... Just got it yesterday. Xotic will have to answer that last question of yours, maybe try here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/ask-the-resellers-questions-to-reseller-thread.656776/

 

1.) Officially it's either 2x 7mm or 1x 9.5mm. However, on other dual SATA Clevos it is perfectly alright to use 2x9mm. Tight fit, but runs fine.

2.) Xotic's fhd IPS option is probably this one atm: LP156WF6-SPB1 (same panel). It's pretty good, but ... Eurocom offers the same laptop with an AUO B156HW01 V4 (erroneously listed as 17.3" ...). It has two things going for it, one; superb colours (full gamut), very nice with games and movies. Second, it's an LVDS+TN (a quality TN, this time). With an eDP display you're limited to 60Hz and, thus, a 60 fps limit (excepting g-sync and 3d panels+systems). The AUO can be run at 75-90Hz (ymmv), or even higher (shorter lifespan). No chance for ghosting issues, either.

If you order from Eurocom and pay in CAN$ (instead of default US$), then it will be cheaper then Xotic as well. Only thing is that that got a little too popular and they've since blocked that route for US customers. However, using a one-time $50 forwarding service would circumvent that (Canadian address).

Do consider that the SE/SG are all soldered models, so no future cpu/gpu upgrade possible. Does it have to be 15.6" or is 17.3" an option as well? See, you can configure the Clevo P377SM-A with 6GB 970M and the larger brother of the V4 screen for CAN$1600, which would get to US$1275, including the forwarding service. So, if you want a little extra power in a years or so; add another 970M or swap in a 4940MX, the option is there, at least.

 

We can remove the HDD for you upon request. You can do so by putting that request in the comments box during checkout. It wont show right during checkout but we'll change it up once we process the order.

That is all you need to do to get the MGS code, enter in the comments box during checkout that you'd like it.

Build times right now average 7-12 business days with standard production.

 

Thanks for the replies, really appreciate it. The Eurocom option is very tempting to go for, even though I'd be okay lugging around 4Kg's of Eurocom X8 I'll be moving around a lot as well as travelling to another country once my time is up in the US. I had originally planned to buy the sager and use it for 6 months to a year before I would be back home to my desktop rig, then sell it off as anything with a 970m back home sells for 1800-2000USD (Asus G751JT, MSI GT72).

Thanks Hutsady for answering the xotic question. If I request no HDD would the price be discounted? If it's the case where even though the HDD is 9mm you can still fit a 7mm in with it like t456 mentioned? If so then I would probably use it for storage anyway.

If I can figure out the forwarding service for Eurocom then I'll take a look at their options, but for now xotic's shipping and their deal for MGS is keeping me interested in the Sager.

 

There is a discount for removing the HDD, we are not allowed to talk about pricing on the open forum, but you can PM me for me info (will need 5 posts) or click on my name in my sig to send me an email.

 

I've sent an email, thanks Hutsady.

I found another thread on the drive size of the np8651. Looks like the 9mm HDD and a 7mm SSD should fit but barely.

 

They generally aren't going to fit in there at the same time. HTWingnut did a video of removing the housing from the SSD to make it fit, but that is not something that I would advise.

If you can make it work within budget, get an m.2 SSD in there and there will be no issues with having the HDD in there. Or do like you mentioned, use the HDD as an external drive.

 

Okay, because I would really like to have no issues with having more than one drive in the laptop I did a bit more digging and found out that the Sager np8258 fully supports a 9.5mm and 7mm drive together. The components are also not soldered which is a plus with the only downsides being the chassis is heavier and no IPS panel upgrade(which doesnt bother me too much). The np8258 is also the same price and specs as if I got the np8651 configured with the IPS panel.

Are there any glaring issues about the Clevo P157SM-A vs P650SE that should be known? I will most likely get an order in for one by this weekend.

Edit: Looking back at HTWingnut's video of the misaligned screw holes it really does looks like it would be possible to only screw in two screws diagonally and give space for the drive underneath to screw in the opposite diagonal holes. I think this is what the other guy in the link before mentioned doing and getting it to work.

 

No, would choose all-upgradable P157SM-A any day.

Can also sport the B156HW01 V4 (gaming+++). IPS is possible as well, but it's up to the reseller to offer the option. Both could be diy'ed after-market, if you want.