M860ETU/NP8662 short review, info, & guide

With the arrival of my new NP8662/M860ETU just over a week ago, and my Zalman NC2000 a few days later, this weekend offered the perfect opportunity to do some benchmarking and review. Thanks to the wealth of information on these forums and from its members, getting my system up and running has been relatively pain-free; so I'd like to contribute back what little I can in addition to getting some feedback/comments on the benchmarking results.

Along with a mini-review for prospective buyers, this guide contains a compilation of useful information, links, and tips gathered from across the forums that may prove useful for first-time owners. It is intended primarily as a resource to answer the sometimes-daunting question: "I just got my new M860ETU... what now?" ([1] [2]).

In this topic:

• The purchasing process
• The M860ETU / NP8662
• The Zalman NC2000 Notebook Cooler
• Drivers & software
• Quirks & comments

The purchasing process
After much time spent researching and reviewing on these forums, the decision was narrowed down between the Asus G51VX-A1 and the Clevo M860ETU (Sager NP8662) (based on my own personal requirements ([1] [2])). Despite competitive pricing and specs between the two, no surprise, a combination of good reviews ([1] [2] [3]) and build quality led me to choose the M860ETU.

In deciding where-from to buy, I considered Eurocom, Sager, and XoticPC. As a Canadian (in Toronto), I hoped to buy from Eurocom to reduce shipping and promote local business. However after reviewing prices, customer service, and reputation of all three ([1]), I came to the conclusion that XoticPC best fit my expectations, even despite location.

XoticPC features some of the best laptops for great prices (even lower than primary resellers, i.e. Sager) and offers price matching, discounts (student & cash discounts), and excellent customer service and support (even covering one-way shipping ([1])). The representative I was in contact with, JustinW, was prompt, helpful, resourceful, and an all-around good guy to deal with; furthermore, the staff at XoticPC are an active part of these forums.

The ordering process progressed through four phases, from confirmation, to building & testing, to shipping. For Canadians, the shipping method you choose can be vital to the total you pay in terms of shipping, duties, and brokerage. There are several different options, but choosing UPS' Express Shipping results in both fast shipping times (mine arrived in just over a week) and exemption from brokerage fees. Livesoft's comprehensive guide for shipping and Canadians was an excellent source for information on this process.


The M860ETU / NP8662
Sleek, sexy, black, with a touch of silver prestige; the Clevo M860ETU / Sager NP8662 (henceforth referred to as the M860ETU) boasts an impressive presence that is modest yet striking, understated yet powerful. The specifications (listed below) make it a solid computing platform, well capable of running demanding software, including the latest graphics-intensive games (as seen in Benchmarks below).
*note 1: the M860ETU is a designation used by many retailers to refer to the revised M860TU model, which supports quad-core processors as well as the new series of graphics cards (NVIDIA's 100M & 200M series). Despite this, Clevo (as well as some resellers) still list it as the M860TU (or in Sager's/XoticPC's case, the NP8662) even if it most likely is the revised model; in either case, it never hurts to ask!

Specifications:

• 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) (Glare type)
• Intel Core2 Duo Mobile P8700 @ 2.53 GHz
• 4GB DDR3 @ 1066MHz
• 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M
• 320GB Seagate 7200.4RPM SATA
• Intel PRO/Wireless 5300 a/b/g/n
• Internal Bluetooth + EDR
• Realtek HD Audio
• UPEK Fingerprint Reader

Images:
*note 2: some images display the M860ETU with the Zalman NC2000 notebook cooler, reviewed further below


Benchmarks
The following benchmarks were obtained from 3DMark06 and Crysis Benchmarking Tool (see Software further below). Two sets of three tests were done, one set without the Zalman NC2000 Notebook Cooler turned off and the other with it set to maximum.
*note 3: in the former test, although the cooler was off, the laptop was still resting on it, which may or may not have acted as minor passive cooling (due to its aluminum construction and ventilated design).

Cooler off
3DMark06 (1280x1024, defaults) (respectively): first run (from power-on/idle state), second run (from first run state), third run (from power-off/cool state)
Average marks: 9965
Average temps (significant degrees celsius): ACPI = 60, Core #0 = 44, Core #1 = 45, GPU = 57, HDD = 53


Crysis BM (1680x1050, High) (respectively): no-AA (three runs), 2xAA (three runs)
Average FPS (respectively): 25.03, 19.745
Combined Average temps (significant degrees celsius): ACPI = 62, Core #0 = 46, Core #1 = 47, GPU = 61, HDD = 44


Cooler at maximum
3DMark06 (1280x1024, defaults) (respectively): first run (from power-on/idle state), second run (from first run state), third run (from power-off/cool state)
Average marks: 9971
Average temps (significant degrees celsius): ACPI = 59, Core #0 = 43, Core #1 = 43, GPU = 56, HDD = 45


Crysis BM (1680x1050, High) (respectively): No-AA (three runs), 2xAA (three runs)
Average FPS (respectively): 24.99, 19.755
Combined Average temps (significant degrees celsius): ACPI = 60, Core #0 = 43, Core #1 = 45, GPU = 58, HDD = 40


Although not depicted in the above tests, some previously undocumented runs were able to surpass 10000 marks (around 10016), however the above results seemed fairly consistent over a longer period of testing.


The Zalman NC2000 Notebook Cooler
Providing additional cooling is the Zalman NC2000. The decision for this cooler was based on X2P's Notebook Coolers: A Buyer's Guide as well as user reviews ([1] [2]). The purchase was made from NCIX with price-matching based on results from shopbot.ca (as advised by Livesoft in his previously linked guide).
For more cooling ideas, check out NBR Cooling Central.

With it's matte black aluminum frame and piercing blue LED, the NC2000 forms an almost-perfect symbioses with the M860ETU (although it is designed to also accommodate 17" laptops). Its function matches the quality of its form: though running at an audible whir, its noise-level is quite acceptable (especially considering its inaudibility when in the same room as my sonically-over-bearing desktop); it provides in many cases a temperature reduction of 5 to 10 degrees celsius per component. And although this is not immediately apparent in the benchmarking tests, its positive effect is mildly reflective in the overall averages.

Barring that, Its impact on performance seemed somewhat inconsistent/negligible (as did its overall impact on temperature as reported by system monitoring utilities); however the tests were not performed with the utmost control over variables. Additionally, the perceived effect of the cooler (as measured by the reduced heat emanating from the system towards the user) seemed to indicate that it was, overall, at least beneficial in reducing perceived heat.

Images:
*note 4: to see the cooler in use, refer to the M860ETU images further above


Drivers & software
One of the most involved tasks in getting the system set up & running is the installation of drivers and software. The next two sections detail the necessary drivers and recommended software to maximize and monitor the performance of the M860ETU.

Drivers
Common places to check for updated drivers:

1. The "download" or "support" section of the manufacturers website (i.e. Intel, Nvidia, etc.)
2. Clevo's website
3. Sager's website

The following is a list of the drivers that should be installed (in their listed order) along with suggested links for obtaining the latest versions of these drivers.
*note 5:This list of drivers follows the same order as described in the manual that comes with the M860ETU, it also assumes the drivers are being installed manually
*note 6: before installing your OS, you should configure the BIOS, specifically under the Advanced section, set the "Installed operating system" option to it's appropriate value (use "Vista" for Windows operating systems Vista and later) and enable AHCI. Also, if you've equipped your system with Intel Robson/Turbo Memory be sure to enable the Robson DFOROM option in the Advanced section.
*note 7: if ever you come across what seems to be similar drivers from multiple sources (i.e. driver CD vs. Clevo vs. Sager), simply check the file properties for each, check the details for version numbers and dates and choose the latest one.

1. a. Chipset - Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset
   b. Storage - Intel Rapid Storage Technology (improves hard drive performance and cooling, also required for proper RAID and e-Sata)
2. Video - NVIDIA GeForce Drivers (be sure to select the "mobile" version of the drivers). You may also want to install the PhysX system software, though the video drivers should also install this. As alternative to NVIDIA's drivers, you can also check out the laptopvideo2go drivers.
3. Audio - Realtek HD Audio
4. Modem - Motorola SM56 Software Modem (see "Support" tab)
5. LAN - Realtek RTL8168C
6. TouchPad - Synaptics custom driver, recommended to use the version on the driver CD, or Clevo's/Sager's website (linked above).
7. Hot Key - Clevo custom driver, recommended to use the version on the driver CD/Clevo/Sager (as linked above).
8. IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - JMicron JMB380, since it's the same chipset as the CardReader, I assume the drivers are the same; however the 1394 Filter Driver from the driver CD/Clevo/Sager seems different from those linked for the CardReader below. My advice is to install the 1394 driver from the driver CD/Clevo/Sager, then the CarderReader driver; this way any updates will be applied last.
9. CardReader - JMicron JMB380, alternatively you may use the drivers from the driver CD/Clevo/Sager if you feel more comfortable doing so (also see JMicron's website)
10. Wireless LAN - Intel Wifi Link 5300 a/b/g/n, it's advised to choose the driver-only install and use Windows' built-in connection utility rather than the PROSet Connection Utility package.
11. e-Sata - Intel Rapid Storage Technology, as installed in 1.b above.
12. PC Camera - Bison camera, I used the drivers from the Clevo's website (there may be newer versions, but I could not find any reliable sources).
13. 3.5G Module - Sierra Wireless, you may use the drivers from the CD/Clevo/Sager if you feel more comfortable doing so; newer versions of 3G Watcher may be found as AirCard Watcher, available through any of their AirCard series downloads (for example, here).
14. Fingerprint Reader - UPEK Protector Suite QL, recommended to use the version on the driver CD/Clevo/Sager website (as indicated on their website).
15. Intel Turbo Memory - Intel Turbo Memory, Intel Matrix Storage Manager must also be installed. (note, I personally do not have Turbo Memory).

Remember to reboot when prompted (or after any critical driver install). After installing all drivers, open Device Manager to ensure that all devices are recognized and specifically that none are displayed with a warning icon next to them.
Now that the critical software is installed, the next section details additional software and utilities that aid in monitoring and assessing system performance.

Software
Now that the system is up and running, it's time to make sure it's running up to par. The following software utilities are suggestions gathered from topics by Gophn and MrDJ; for a comprehensive listing see the linked topics, the below is an abridged version.
*note 8: all the following software is freeware at the time of writing.

• HWMonitor - all-in-one utility for monitoring temps of critical system components.
• CPU-Z - reports and monitors vital CPU statistics & specs
• Crystal CPUID - reports and monitors vital CPU statistics & specs
• GPU-Z - reports and monitors vital GPU statistics & specs
• Fraps - benchmarking and video capture tool
• RivaTuner - tweaking and monitoring utility for NVIDIA GPUs.
• RMClock (see h0w1er's posts as to how to get around multiplier limitations)
• HDTune - Hard disk diagnostic and analysis tool.
• Orthos - CPU stress test (see also here for other versions)
• 3DMark06 - de facto industry-standard graphics benchmarking tool.
• Crysis Benchmark Tool - graphics benchmarking tool based on the Crysis engine (requires Crysis full version or demo)
• DriverSweeper - cleans-up files left behind after driver installs. Useful tool to run after uninstalling/before updating drivers.

Quirks & comments
As I hope the review heralds, this is an impressive and praiseworthy compact powerhouse of a laptop. With that in mind, here are a few of the quirks I've noticed:

• screen brightness - despite being of "glare" type, I find that the maximum screen brightness could stand to be more brighter, crisper and vivid.
• power button - it requires a 2-second hold to power on, which seems to be just milliseconds too long to get used to (often requiring multiple attempts).
• AC adapter - the connection in the rear for the AC adapter is not as robust as it could be, allowing AC power to sometimes be disconnected unbeknownst to the user.
• crunchy keys & buttons - depressing the keys can sometimes seem a bit crunchy as they rub against each other, sometimes causing larger keys to stick. This also occurs with the mouse buttons which are slightly resistive to depress (and in my case, initially quite elusive ). This seems to have reduced with use of the keyboard.
• branding - depending on which reseller you get your M860ETU from, it may come with varying amounts of branding/stickers. You learn to live, but as I explain here I could definitely do without (which is possible with a bare-bones system (i.e. from RJtech) or even a custom skin from XoticPC).
• fingerprints - the materials used on the laptop frame and panels leaves it highly susceptible to fingerprints, smudges, and residue. Fortunately they tend to disappear on their own and/or rub off easily with a soft cloth (don't use anything but a water solution!)
• brushed texture - the striations of the brushed finish takes away from the luster a bit and makes it look slightly retro.
• palmrest heat - especially on the right-hand side (presumably where the harddrive is) and around the touchpad, it tends to get warm-approaching-hot during prolonged use (but not uncomfortably so).
  
• battery maintenance - for tips on optimal battery maintenance check out these topics: 1, 2, 3.
• be sure to check out this other excellent reference for first-time owners.
• For a cool topic to discuss all things M860ETU, check out the M860ETU Owners' Lounge

Needless to say, the pros evident from the rest of the topic outshine the quirks in spades.

I will be updating this topic on an on-going basis.
Omissions, additions, comments, and queries all welcome!

 

Well done.

 

I will reserve my critical judgement. Good review. 7/10.

PM sent.

 

What series GPU drivers are you using?

Seems like you should be doing over 10k in 3DMark06.

 

Thanks for comments guys.

Steelers, I thought so too, especially after hearing similar setups reached the 10ks (and I hit it just once). Although to be fair most of those were using P9700s, so I think my P8700 may be bottlenecking, any suggestions? now that I've got the cooler, I'm willing to attempt an OC as well (GPU only tho).

Currently I'm using 186.03 WHQL.

 

That would be the issue then.

Try the DOX 185.85 and you may well see a 500 - 600 point improvement in 3DMark06.

I placed an order for a 8662 today and I'm not sure if the 1680 x 1050 is going to allow me to have two Word 2007 windows open side-by-side like my old 17 inch 1920 x 1200 did. I'm thinking about dropping Xotic a line tomorrow to request the higher resolution screen.

 

I wish I had gone with the WUXGA. Go for it.

 

Gah! I need the real estate, just not sure how 1920 x 1200 would look on a 15.4, but I'll probably do it.

Any other recommendations/regrets based on your purchase?

 

I'll have to give those a try then (I'll make a note in the topic too).

As for WUXGA, go with what ever's closer to what you run naturally on your CRT; if you ran 1920x1200 I'd say go for the WUXGA for sure. Personally, I run 1280x960 on a 21" (which is still a bit high for me), so anything larger than the WSXGA @ 1680x1050 would result in me going blind (especially on a 15")

 

I don't really use a CRT, although I did get a 720p flat screen for my birthday a few months back. I should probably think about running it to that. Keep forgetting I own one.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

 

+1 to rep for the awesome links to everything i will need when mine arrives this week. And thank you for the pic of the bag i saved 20 dollars buy not buying a sleeve...i have to wait and see if the laptop in the bag will fit in my college bag. Kinda sad the screen looked faded..but maybe its the camera?

 

Thanks. And it definitely is the camera, it doesn't do it justice. Although the screen could be a bit more vibrant/brighter, the camera I used (really an mp3 player) was only 1.3 megapixels.

 

1.3 mp lol mk thanks. so you think the bag it came with is strong enough to hold on its own or no?

 

Great review/guide.

I have the WUXGA screen, and it's great. I'd even prefer it if higher resolutions were available.

 

Thank anthony for the great review!

Just got a couple of questions tho

1 are the cpus from the reseller like xoticpc etc. retail version or es version?

2 just to confirm, is your battery 8 cell?

3 is your power brick 90w or 120w?

Thank you! be getting my first sager soon : )

 

It is illegal against Intel's ToS for a licensed reseller to sell ES CPU to non-authorized users. The CPU's that come with all (honest) resellers are factory OEM.

The M860TU uses an eight cell battery.

The power brick is 120W.

 

Thank you Sunrise and I'm kinda in love with your avatar XD obviously you change it quite often.

and two more questions:

1 what's the manufacturer of the 1680 res screen and 1920 res screen?
LG? Chi Mei?

2 and the ram maker? samsung? HY?

thx!

 

well well and probably I need to ask which reseller provides white keyboard? i think you might know

 

There was a thread in the Gaming forums just the other day with a user posting pics of his M860ETU with a white keyboard. Let me see if I can find the thread, he'll probably know.

 

My avatar changes depending on how I feel. You can call it a mood ring in a way.

Most users get an LG for the 1920x1200 screen. I don't know about the 1680x1050 screen.

The RAM also depends on what the reseller decides to put in the system. However, the brand of RAM doesn't matter here. If it works, it's good RAM.

 

my 1680 x 1050 is LG.

My RAM was @ 4GB: Apacer. @ 8GB: Corsair / Hynix. No problems with either, I just love the extra space 8GB affords. (Am I the only np8662 owner with 8GB installed )

 

turns out it was actually on this forum, you'll want to ask MikjoA where he got his from.
there's a pic of his' in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=409644

I wonder if a white keyboard counts as passive cooling... I guess every extra bit counts when you're pushing for 14K!

 

The base of the keyboard is aluminium. It acts as a supplement to cooling on Clevo laptops.

 

mood ring aha good one!

also can you tell me why ram brand doesn't matter here?

 

Nice review man. I actually don't find the screen to bright at all. In fact, most of the time I have it at 70% during the day. I have the eyes of an owl though.

 

finally, a review that actually shows the hardware brands
+rep

 

RAM is RAM. If it works, it's RAM. As long as it has a lifetime warranty, it's RAM.

 

thanks, courtesy of Soviet & ganz, we now know the LCD make as well (is there a utility you used to find this out?).

Cherish those battery-saving eyes. Years of gaming on a CRT in a dimly lit room have me running at %100 and %150 DPI and still squinting...

 

42% display brightness is bright enough for my use. Maybe it's just my screen, but over the third stop would be too bright for me.

 

amazing thread thank you so much! Very informative, I was curious about the cooling as I have an NC2000 already and looking to buy this notebook. I'd prefer not to have to use the NC2000 and it seems it is not necessary. My previous Studio XPS 1640 definitely needed it and it helped tremendously.