How does my NP8170 build look?

Howdy! I've been doing a little research on gaming laptops and so far what I've came down to is the Sager NP8170 or the NP8150. I leaning more toward the 8170 but worried that it my be TOO big. What are your opinions?

I customized the NP8170 as follows

Sager NP8170 / Clevo P170HM
- FREE!! Continental (U.S. Lower 48 - UPS Ground Only) Ground Shipping on ALL Sager Laptops (Enter Coupon Code: "SAGERFREESHIP" during order process)
- SAGER Sale!!! - $100 OFF When you spend $1500* or more! (*excludes non-sager parts, accessories, shipping, & taxes)
Confirmation of discount will be provided after Order Processing.
- FREE Digital Copy of Battlefield 3 w/ Any Intel 120GB SSD or Higher Hard Drive Upgrade
- 17.3" FHD 16:9 "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen (1920x1080) (SKU - S1R506)
- NO Professional Monitor Color Calibration
- No Spare 3D Glasses
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM, 2.2-3.1GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache) (SKU - S2N224)
- -Stock OEM Thermal Compound
- ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 6990M 2048MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11 $100 OFF (SKU - S3R151)
- No Video Adapter
- 8GB - DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS) (SKU - S4R365)
- Sager Branding
- Standard Finish
- 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) - Default (SKU - S5R207)
- None Standard
- HDD Raid Settings - OFF
- Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW/CDRW Drive w/ Software (When selecting a Hard Drive in the Optical Bay, No Optical Drive is Included) (SKU - S7R455)
- No Extra Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy
- No Back Up Hard Drive
- NO External USB Optical Drive
- No Floppy Drive
- Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- No Back Up Software
- None Standard--
- Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (SKU - S8R112)
- No Network Accessory
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- No TV Tuner
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- No Car Adapter
- No Spare AC Adapter
- No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- No Headset
- No External Keyboard or Mouse
- No Notebook Cooler
- No Thanks, Please do not Overclock my system (Overclocking will add 3-6 business days to build time)
- No Operating System Redline Boost
- No Operating System Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- No Office Software
- No Software Bundle
- LIFETIME Ltd Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime -24/7 DOMESTIC Based- Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Warranty Repairs (SKU - X9R009)
- No Outside of US Shipping Coverage
- Standard Production Time
- No Xotic PC Gear

I chose not to include the Solid State Drive because I was told that I can install this on my own for much cheaper. Also what are your opinions on the upgraded screen (17.3" FHD 16:9 "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen w/ 90% NTSC Color Gamut (1920x1080)).

Lastly is Raid or Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy necessary?

Please critique my build! Thank you!

 

If you intend to regularly transport the laptop around on your person, I'd definitely stick with the NP8150 as these are all heavier laptops to begin with. If you do not intend to manually carry the laptop over any distance, I'd go with the NP8170. An extra hard drive bay, a bigger screen, and more space for cooling never hurts.

As for RAID, no, don't get it. Stick with a SSD + HDD set-up. Also, you won't need the optical caddy at all on the NP8170 as it has two hard drive bays to begin with. You'd only need the caddy if you wanted three storage drives. However, you'd need to get the caddy on the NP8150 if you intend to use a SSD + HDD set-up.

 

Thank you for the quick reply! That brings me to a couple more questions.

Should the SSD be my primary and HDD my secondary?

If so, can I switch the (500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) - Default) that comes with my computer to my secondary and install my new SSD as my primary?

Which SSD do you recommend?

I can save $50 by swapping my ram with (8GB - DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (4 SODIMMS) (Not Supported by Intel i5 CPUs) - Special!) The difference is this one comes with 4 SODIMMS. What do you recommend?

 

Why would you spend over $1600 on a laptop but not get the best thermal paste.

Unless you were planning on self re-pasting. But would that void the warranty, I wonder?

Just writing out my thoughts.

 

Use your SSD for Windows, programs, and games. Then use the HDD for storage of documents and multimedia. It won't matter which hard drive bay you use in the NP8170. In the NP8150, you want to use the SSD (assuming SATA III) in the hard drive bay and the HDD in the caddy as the optical bay is only SATA II.

The most reliable SSDs are generally considered to be the Intel 510, Samsung 830, and Crucial m4. The more economical options of those would be the 830 and the m4.

As for RAM, the use of 4 SO-DIMMS is fine if you don't intend to add more down the road. Well, even if you do, it is not that bad as it just means you sacrifice two 2GB sticks which are pretty cheap anyway.

 

It doesn't really matter which order the drives are in. If you're just debating the primary and secondary HDD bays, they're both SATA III, so you can have the SSD in either of them and run it at full speed. If you're talking usage of the drives though, the only way you'll benefit from the SSD (on this laptop) is by installing Windows directly to it. Only the desktop chipsets allow it to be used for SSD caching. Most retailers will highly recommend the Intel series SSD's for reliability and performance reasons. That said, nearly any SSD should work out (though some Sandforce drives may still have compatibility problems).

You shouldn't have a problem using the 4 sticks of RAM. There's no appreciable difference between 2 or 4. The only thing that you might run in to is that using 4 sticks will fill up all your available slots, which makes upgrading more costly down the road.


For your original questions- RAID is useless for you because you've only got one drive configured. It would require at least two drives, and they'd have to be identical in size. If you're adding an SSD, there's no reason to bother with RAID at all. The optical bay caddy also seems like something you won't need. If you order one installed in your optical bay, you won't get a DVD drive. It's something you'd order if you wanted to install 3 HDDs/SSDs.

Repasting won't void your warranty. It's often a recommended troubleshooting step down the road if you end up having heat issues, or just want to upgrade from the stock paste.

 

That is cool. But I would say just get the upgraded paste for $40 USD. I wouldn't want to go through the hassle of re-applying thermal paste just to save $40 dollars...

 

Upgrading the screen on computers is an option I always think is one of the best things you can do. While on the computer you're always looking at the screen and having a higher quality 90% gamut will make it nicer.

Don't forget Windows unless you already have copy to install.

 

Question:

Is there a 90% gamut or higher MATTE screen for the P170HM series?

 

For 17.3" screens the 72% matte is the higher gamut I've seen. While it is a lower gamut compared to the glossy i think it actually looks better then the glossy.

I do alot of photo editing and always prefer a matte over a glossy even if it's gamut range is lower.

 

Yeah I would buy the 120hz 72% gamut matte screen over any of the other options.

 

I think you can manage to re-paste by yourself, it's more economical. The tube is less than 15$ (4-5 applications).

And during the life time of the laptop, you will have to open it up a few times and clean for better ventilation anyway.

 

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it! I went ahead and ordered my 8170 today with all the same specs mentioned before and can't wait to get it. As for the diamond thermal paste, I will be reapplying myself to save a few bucks. I took a look at SSD drives and I think I will be purchasing Crucial, just not sure how big of a drive to get. What are your thoughts as to this laptop being used mostly for gaming?

 

Congrats on your order!
The most popular configuration we're seeing is a 120GB SSD and 750GB HDD.

 

It depends on how much work you want to do. I have some older 64GB SSD's, and while they're still relatively fast, they're a pain to manage space on. If you move your C:/Users folder to your HDD, Windows and a pretty decent number of apps should fit onto a 64GB drive- just as long as your pagefile and hibernation file are shrunk/disabled/moved. I'd recommend 120GB or more just to save you a lot of effort. More than 200GB or so and you start paying a huge premium for size though.

 

This entirely.

I bought my laptop because it was large to begin with. I wanted a machine that would completely fit the description of a desktop replacement and it does that. However, on that note, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they were looking for a huge machine.

The NP8150 would be a better choice if you were planning on taking it to and fro. My machine weighs in at 12 pounds. Add the power brick, mouse, cables and extra stuff in the bag and it's up to 20 pounds in no time.

15.6" machines are where it's at for moving around.

 

your a pretty smart guy OP.

having anything faster then the baseline cpu shows a lack of intelligence. picking the 6990m is also a sign of intelligence.

I bought the 8150 and its the perfect size coming from a 17inch. I say go for the 8170 though because hard drive fill up fast when your a gamer and you will have the option of 2 hard drives.

 

Hey guys, well this morning I woke up and had a change of thought. I canceled my first order and made a few changes. Here is my new order.

1x Sager NP8150 / Clevo P150HM
- Warranty: LIFETIME Ltd Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime -24/7 DOMESTIC Based- Toll Free Telephone Tech Support (Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)
Includes FREE Shipping Both Ways for Warranty Repairs (SKU - X9R009)
- Software Bundle (Not Installed): No Software Bundle
- Microsoft Office Software: No Office Software
- Operating System: ~Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Installed (64&32-Bit CD Included) w/ Drivers & Utilities CD's + Microsoft Office Starter 2010 - Included with OS Purchase
- OS Redline Boost: No Operating System Redline Boost
- XOTIC PC Redline Boost™ Extreme Performance: No Thanks, Please do not Overclock my system (Overclocking will add 3-6 business days to build time)
- Notebook Cooler: No Notebook Cooler
- Mouse / Keyboard Accessories: No External Keyboard or Mouse
- Headsets: No Headset
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Port Replicator / Dock / Adapters: No Dock/Hub/Adapter
- Spare AC Adapter: No Spare AC Adapter
- Car Adapter: No Car Adapter
- Battery: Smart Li-ion Battery (8-Cell)
- Case: Basic Black Business Case - Included
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- TV Tuner: No TV Tuner
- Camera: Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Wireless Network Accessories: No Network Accessory
- Wireless Network: Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (SKU - S8R112)
- Bluetooth: None Standard--
- Back Up Software: No Back Up Software
- Memory Card Reader: Internal 7-in-1 Card Reader (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/MS Pro Duo/SD/Mini-SD/MMC/RS)
- Floppy Drive: No Floppy Drive
- External USB Optical Drive: NO External USB Optical Drive
- External Hard Drive (Back Up): No Back Up Hard Drive
- Optical Drive Bay Hard Drive Caddy: No Extra Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy
- Optical Drive Bay: Remove DVDRW Drive and Install Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy Only (SKU - S7R951)
- Primary Hard Drive: 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache) - Default (SKU - S5R207)
- Exterior Finish: Standard Finish
- Branding: Sager Branding
- Ram: 8GB - DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (4 SODIMMS) (Not Supported by Intel i5 CPUs) - Special! (SKU - S4P369)
- External Display Video Adapters: No Video Adapter
- Graphics Video Card: ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 6990M 2048MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11 $100 OFF (SKU - S3R151)
- Thermal Compound: -Stock OEM Thermal Compound
- Processor: 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM, 2.2-3.1GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache) (SKU - S2N224)
- Dead Pixel Warranty: Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- Monitor Calibration: NO Professional Monitor Color Calibration
- Display: 15.6" FHD 16:9 "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen w/ 95% NTSC Color Gamut (1920x1080) (SKU - S1R323)
- Current Promotion: FREE Digital Copy of Battlefield 3 w/ Any Intel 120GB SSD or Higher Hard Drive Upgrade
- Sager Winter Sale: SAGER Sale!!! - $100 OFF When you spend $1500* or more! (*excludes non-sager parts, accessories, shipping, & taxes)
Confirmation of discount will be provided after Order Processing.
- Free Shipping: FREE!! Continental (U.S. Lower 48 - UPS Ground Only) Ground Shipping on ALL Sager Laptops (Enter Coupon Code: "SAGERFREESHIP" during order process)
- Xotic Gear: No Xotic PC Gear
- Build Time: Standard Production Time
- Outside of U.S. Shipping Coverage: No Outside of US Shipping Coverage

I decided to downgrade to the NP8150 for transportation issues and realized that with the NP8150, it's only $95 to upgrade to the 95% NTSC color gamut screen, so I went ahead and upgraded. Also I removed the CD/DVD disk drive and added an optical bay caddy so I can install a SSD in the future.

I am much happier with this purchase. Just curious how many of you purchased a laptop without a cd/dvd drive and your thoughts on this.

 

See, you're getting good at this now.

The only thing I'd consider is a thermal paste upgrade. If you aren't averse to the idea of repasting yourself, that would be cheaper. If you aren't comfortable with it, the $40 upgrade to IC Diamond they offer is well worth it.

As for the DVD drive, most folks would agree that they are becoming antiquated:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/639373-how-often-do-you-use-your-dvd-drive.html

 

Also, since this is the NP8150 model, wont I need to switch my HHD to my secondary and my SSD to my primary when I decide to purchase my SSD? How difficult is the switch and will it effect my warranty?

 

It is really simple. There are two screws to remove to access the hard drive bay. Then there is one screw to remove in the hard drive bay to access the optical caddy, which you just slide out of the DVD bay. Then you can slide the hard drive into the caddy at an angle and secure it to the caddy with a screw or two in the back. Then reverse the whole process to reassemble it all. It takes 5-10 minutes at most, even if you've never done it before.

No, it doesn't affect the warranty.

 

Awesome! I think I made the right decision with the 8150. I'm going wait on the diamond thermal paste and apply it myself. Watched a couple video's and it doesn't look too hard. Also I read that I may need to apply it a few more times in the future so I'll be learning how to do it and save a little money. I just notice my build looks quite similar to yours, haha. Thanks for all your help!