I need a help with upgrading options for Sager NP8170 (Clevo P170HM)!

Hello, I am new newbie here... Trying to learn something about laptop before spending my first thousands dollars on laptop...

I am going to buy a laptop from Gaming Laptops - XOTIC PC - Gaming Notebooks - Custom Laptops - Custom Notebooks.
It took me about a week to make some decisions but there are some options I am not really sure whether it is worth to upgrade or change some parts of laptop.
I will be truly gracious and thankful for sharing your expertise and opinions!
So, here is the specification of the laptop I am going to buy (the undecided part is EMPTY)



Sager NP8170 / Clevo P170HM

1) Display: Undecided

2) Processor: Undecided

Graphics Video Card: ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 6990M 2048MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11

Ram: 8GB - DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS)

HDD: No HDD

3) Wireless Network: Undecided

4) Soundcard: Undecided

5) Optical Drive: Undecided



0) Before asking about upgrades for the laptop, all I am looking for is IS IT WORTH MONEY? I really do not concern whether I have to spend $500 more on my laptop because of more upgrades. However, I will hate to spend extra $300 to upgrade CPU that shows $100 or almost no difference with the original CPU.



1) Display

a. Glare Type Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen (included)
b. Glare Type Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen w/ 90% NTSC Color Gamut (+ $185)
c. Matte Type Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Anti-Glare Screen w/ 72% NTSC Color Gamut (+ $199)

This the option for DISPLAY from Xotic [the cost for upgrades is (+ $XX)] I researched about Glare and Matte, and decided upgrading Matte is UNNECESSARY. However, I am still unsure about the "NTSC." I know it relates with the color vision but not sure whether it is worth hundreds dollars. So I would like to know whether the "NTSC" worth it.



2) Processor

a. 2nd Generation i7-2670QM, 2.2-3.1GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache) (included)
b. 2nd Generation i7-2760QM, 2.4-3.5GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache) (+ $160)
c. 2nd Generation i7-2860QM, 2.5-3.6GHz, (32nm, 8MB L3 cache) (+ $350)
d. 2nd Generation i7-2960XM, 2.7-3.7GHz, (32nm, 8MB L3 cache) (+ $870)

So here are options for CPU... Well I am going to use my laptop for high graphic games (Ex: Oblivion 5, Crisis2, Civilization5, War hammer2, etc) and MULTI-TASKING (using internet explore [with 4~5 taps], running a game, watching a HD movie, and typing on Microsoft word at same time). What I am looking for is what CPU is enough for my uses. If 2670QM is enough for my use, you can say 2670 is enough and I will stick with 2670QM. If 2760QM is necessary for smooth and 2670QM might be little lag, I will consider upgrading CPU to 2760QM. So I really want to know RIGHT CPU for me...



3) Wireless Network

a. Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card + Bluetooth (included)
b. Sager Intel® Advanced-N 6230 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth (+ $25)
c. Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (+ $35)
d. Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 (3x3) (+ $60)

The Wireless Network is the area I really have no idea what to choose... I never think about upgrading my wireless card in a laptop. Well, through web research, I found out that Bigfoot 1103 and Intel Ultimate 6300 are the best (and I am slightly inclined to Bigfoot 1103 since many reviews show Bigfoot 1103 is better than Intel Ultimate 6300). Well, I am concerned with Wireless a lot since I use wireless more often than ethernet (I move around often ). So if the Bigfoot 1103 or Intel Ultimate 6300, provide better connection [what I mean is internet speed or even online game connection using wireless], I will gladly consider upgrading it.
But I am not sure which one is better... For bigfoot 1103, I learned that it is better if a laptop has 3 antennas, but I do not understand what people mean by 3 antennas (should I buy extra like antenna and attach to the laptop or the router must have 3 antennas for greater connection?).
So, I am curious which product Bigfoot 1103 or Intel Ultimate 6300 is better and the comment about Bigfoot with 3 antennas...)



4) Sound card

a. Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio (Included)
b. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro THX 24-bit External USB Sound Card (+ $99)
c. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Wireless Sound Card System (Broadcast Xtreme Fidelity Audio from PC to other audio devices wirelessly) (+ $129)

Okay... This one I could not even find any comment or comparison between these audio cards. Anyway, I love music and pretty much I turn on a music every time I am on a laptop. But I do not use Bluetooth or wireless connection with other cellphone, mp3, or other computers. I really need any information about the sound cards and what is the difference.



5) Optical Drive

a. 8X Max. DVD±R/RW Writer/Reader / 4X Max. +DL Super-Mulit Drive
b. Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW/CDRW Drive w/ Software (When selecting a Hard Drive in the Optical Bay, No Optical Drive is Included)
c. Remove DVDRW Drive and Install Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy Only

This one I just want to know the difference between three options. I want to attach an extra hard drive instead of DVD reader, but I wonder which opition allows me to attach an extra hard drive. Also, what is the difference between DL Super-Mulit Drive and Optical Bay Hard Drive Caddy? (I think both are related with an extra hard drive... but why different?)



6) More questions about the laptop

a. I heard a rumor that 17.3 inch laptop with 1920x1080 resolution has a worse display view (more diluted color and less clear) than 15.6 inch laptop with 1920x1080 and exactly same other specification just because the 17.3's monitor is bigger than the 15.6's. Is this true?



b. I am not an native English learner and confused with the warranty of the laptops. What is the difference between "1 Year Parts and Labor Warranty," "1 Year Labor Warranty," and "1 Year Parts Warranty" ?



c. Lastly, I have questions about these options:

XOTIC PC Redline Boost™ Extreme Performance
No Boost (included)
Redline Boost™ Overclock My System (Operating System Required) ($ +75)

OS Redline Boost More Information
No Boost (included)
Redline Boost My Operating System (Operating System Required) ($ +55)

These two options, according to xoticpc's explanation boosts up the laptop performance and booting speed. But I wander is there such a programming upgrade other than overclock of Processors and Graphic Video Cards, that allows extra higher performance... Had anyone applied or used these opitions. Do they worth money?



Sorry for such a... ridiculously long questions...
But I will be glad if I can share your expertise experience or knowledge... Once again Thank You so much just for reading!

 

To answer some of your questions here:

1) NTSC color gamut refers to the range of colors that the display can support. The higher the percentage, the more accurate the color reproduction. Here's a thread with comparison between stock and upgrades:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sag...-between-different-screen-options-photos.html

The upgrade is worth it if you do photo editing or other color intensive work. The stock screen is not a bad choice if you don't find that upgrade necessary.

2) Unless you plan to do processor heavy work like video encoding, compression,encryption/decryption, etc, the 2670QM is probably more than enough. The things you've listed shouldn't be a problem on the stock CPU.

3) The wireless upgrades are really only useful if you have a router that supports them. You'd need a wireless N router with 300Mbps or 450Mbps support to notice any real improvement with the 6230/6300/1102/1103. The bigfoot cards are slightly better than the Intel cards most of the time due to the proprietary software they ship with. The 6230/1102 are 2x2 antenna cards at 300Mbps. The 6300/1103 are 3x3 antenna cards at 450Mbps.

4) The sound cards there are external options only. They don't affect the internal sound at all, rather they're USB models that you can use to bypass the onboard sound. They also don't affect the builtin speakers. You would need external speakers or headphones to notice a difference. That said, they would be a good choice if you want better bass and audio fidelity for external headphones.

5) If you're looking for an extra harddrive in the optical bay rather than getting a DVD drive, you want the third option for the caddy. A caddy is just an empty frame that adapts the bay to fit a standard HDD. You won't get an optical drive at all with this option.

6)
a) I've never heard this, but you may be comparing apples to oranges. It's not the size that would make the difference, but the fact that the 15.6 and the 17.3" models use completely different stock screens. See the first link for comparison photos. It is true though that you don't get any more real estate from a 17.3" screen at the same resolution- just bigger pixels.

b) The three options you listed for warranty seem to be the same. 1 year parts and labor would include 1 year of parts AND 1 year of labor. Parts warranties cover the hardware while the labor covers paying someone to replace the parts or troubleshoot the laptop. Repairs usually end up having parts and labor charges.

c) You would have to ask them specifically on these options.

 

1. If you can afford the 90% screen, you should do it. It's much more beautiful than the regular screen and games and movies look amazing on it. It's worth every cent.

2. Definitely stick with the basic 2670QM.

3. The 6230 is a smart upgrade.

5. You only need to decide whether you want to go with the regular DVD drive, Blu-ray, or an extra hard drive.

6 - a. That is not true, unless you're talking about the screen it used to ship with, but no longer does.

c. - Paying for overclocks is a total waste of money.

 

Hi toodlf823, welcome to NBR quite the first post.

1. Display: How I like to look at NTSC gamut is if you want a better picture the you want a higher range. NTSC is the color range made by the TV industry and 100% is considered all the colors the human eye can see. The higher % the screen the closer to all those colors it can display. If image quality is important (gaming, video, photos) then a higher gamut is recommended.

2. Processor: For gaming the i7 2760QM seems to be the sweet spot for price/performance. If you were doing more CPU demanding programs then you could step up further but for what you mentioned you plan on doing i'd suggest the 2760QM

3. Wireless Network: The Bigfoot 1103 and Intel 6300 both use 3 antenna. You dont have to install anything yourself, the antenna will be preinstalled and embedded in the frame around the LCD panel.
The 1103 typically will show to be a little better in gaming while the Intel 6300 is better at everything else. Since you plan on gaming alot i'd suggest the 1103. It will still do a great job at wireless connectivity outside of gaming.

4. Sound Card:
a. the standard internal one
b. USB sound card (external) made to hook up surround sound speakers directly to it.
c. USB sound card (external) mad to wirelessly transmit the sound to another receiver like your home theater.
Your choice depending on planned use, the standard is the most popular.

5. Optical Drive: The third option is what you want. With that there is no optical drive installed just a caddy in there ready for you to put your own hard drive. If you selected the DL Super-Multi Drive and the Optical Bay Hard drive Caddy you will have the Optical drive installed and a ODD HDD caddy included in the box so you could swap them out as needed.

6. More Questions about the laptop.
a. I have not heard or seen a difference in viewing angles. They could be if you compare the stock screen to an upgraded version but when you compare the same level they should be very similar

b. The warranties appear to be the same. Looking at the options on the customization options i do not see two different 1yr options to select. If you could let me know what warranties you're comparing i'll be happy to clarify it.

c. There really isnt anything you can do to improve performance besides overclocking. If you dont do that the GPU will have its set limits and thats the max it will ever reach unless you overclock it allowing it to get to higher clock speeds.
The PC Redline Boost is an overclocking of the GPU which gets better gaming performance, we average 10-15% increase in performance when doing so.
The OS Redline boost is going through and disabling unnecessary programs from starting up every time you start up your computer which will free up system resources. Sager computers come with a very clean install so you can probably pass on this one.

 

Guys, thank you so much for such detailed answers!!!

I really did not expect this much help... But now I apologize... YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!! I am now ready to order! Once again, Thank you very much !!!

 

May I ask one more question?

I know Sager NP8170 (Clevo P170HM) can have up to 3 Hard drives: One Optical Drive & Two Hard Drives Coexisting.

But I wonder do all three hard drives are compatible with SSD SATA III. What I mean is I know that some laptops allow 2nd hard drive but does not support SATA III which then turns into SATA II quality...

Moreover, is there difference between two SSD SATA III with raid 0 Vs. one SSD SATA III and regular 7200 rpm HDD SATA III with raid 0?

 

Both standard HDD slots are SATA III, while the DVD is SATA II.

 

Kevin is exactly right about the SATA ports

If you took two SATA III drives and put them in RAID 0 they would be twice as fast as a single identical SATA III drive.
You cant do "one SSD SATA III and regular 7200 rpm HDD SATA III with raid 0". For RAID you need identical drives.

For SSD you dont want to RAID them though, you will not have TRIM support which is made to help your SSD last longer. They will die prematurely.

The best configuration is a SSD primary then HDD in second/thrid drives