Quick NP9170 7970m Review

Ordered from XoticPC on 5/19/2012
Received via UPS on 6/18/2012

Key specs
-3610QM
-7970m
-Killer Bigfoor Wireless
-750HDD (Requested Partition)
-No Branding(Requested)
-8G 1600mhz ram
-stock screen panel


This is a quick physical /first impression.

First of all, Sager forgot to partition my 750gb Harddrive, and also forgot to remove all brandings as i stated in my order. (FYI, your order might be slightly unfulfilled)

I called Sager, and they said they are too busy to fulfill all backorders, and these options are mostly disregarded. And they're sorry.

I found out that Branding is just a silver etched sticker, and very easy to remove.


Exterior/Physical

-Heavier than G75VW , yet very sturdy.
-all Panels are fitted tight and rock solid.
-Screen Panel hinges are incredibly tight and feels strong.
- Brushed aluminum on the handrest makes the area very cool during operation.
-Stock glossy screen has exceptionally good. Although there are reflections, high/bright contrast and experience makes me forget all.
-Best stock glossy screen for my experience yet (Previous owned:Asus G50, HP pavillion, Dell, Toshiba)

-Touchpad surface is rough(very bumpy Brushed aluminum/sticky plastic/ rubbery feel) and has incredible amount of friction when sliding across it. Very uncomfortable on fingertips.


Initial startup/operation

-It's startling to see that Startup of windows after the log-in menu is quite long. gives about good 5-7 seconds after clicking on the log-in button to enter the main screen.
-Some stutterness during windows explorer browsing. I know that explorer is not very favorited amongst users, but I was quite surprised to see stuttering after 5 minutes of startup.
-Other than that, pretty standard

I just could not help the feel of the system hesitating given i've installed no other softwares on it. (frozen screen for few seconds etc.)

Quick Benchmark of GTA4

I counld never play GTA4 for many years due to its surprisingly high demand,
I was curious to see how 7970m handled it.



Very High Settings for all
Draw distance, vehicle density, details, shadows all to 100

-Benchmark: 57 fps average
-Actual Gameplay: 40+ fps

Although some frame spikes here and there when you pan the camera view dynamically, amazed at how the game was handled.
Average temperature during 60 minutes gameplay: 78 C

Furmark
1920x1080 mode
-Average FPS: 29
-Max temperature: increased from 65 celcius to 91 celcius in 3 minutes, quit testing after 3 minutes because temperature seemed to be constantly rising.

-Reversly,temperature dropped incredibly fast as soon as the graphics application are turned off.
~90 celcius to 65 celcius drop in well less than a minute I noticed.


Verdict: -Very impressive graphical performance.
-Few stutters in gaming and browsig, but very minor annoyance.
-Be sure to check with retailers and builders for your order information especially regarding Partition option if you only have 1 HDD


feel free to ask questions regarding np9170,
I've missed alot of information; I'm at work work right now lol


Edit: Currently seeing some high temperatures in both CPU and GPU of up to 87 celcius and 96 celcius respectively during Gaming and Furmark.
AS5 seems to be having very minimal effect on improvement, so i grabbed ICD 7 for repaste.
Will update the results soon..

 

good job man!!!hope u enjoy ur beast!!! +rep

 

quick and simple congratulations with your machine

 

WT F???? How long was yours in phase 2? That's almost the exact same config I ordered before you and mine isn't even out of phase 2 yet. Man that is frustrating.

 

Did you order with credit card or cash?
Credit card was instantaneous and went from Phase 1 (May 19, 2012) to Phase 2(May 22, 2012).

 

Credit card. They asked me to call on 5/21 and when I called they said they wouldn't charge until the 7970s came in.....which was last week.

 

Woops, sorry I didn't fully answer your first question
I got out of Phase 2 for Another Phase 2 on(June 13, 2012)another Verification then Phase 4 on (June 14, 2012)Shipped

 

Got it. Congrats on getting yours! I guess I can wait a few more days.

 

Mine went Phase 2 on the 14th... no ship yet

 

+1 rep....Finally a review of this lappy!!

THANK YOU!