SAGER NP8652 or SAGER NP8651

Hi All,

I've been reading up on Sager laptops the past week and think I am ready to make a purchase today, still having a hard time on deciding which model though.

This machine will be primarily be used for work which is why I'm most interested in these models because they don't scream gaming machine, but I do travel so want a computer that can still be used to play games from a hotel room. I mostly play GW2 but every now and then will play BF4 or big name campaigns like Tomb Raider, BioShock etc.

So my question is should I make the jump to the 980M or will the 970M be plenty? I like the idea of having the best possible hardware for "future proof" but most likely I will be replacing this machine in the next 2-3 years and I like the idea of having better battery life and from my understand less plastic on the chassis.

Also I read a bunch of threads with negative reviews on the stock Sager LED screen for the NP8651 so they now have an LG IPS option for upgrade, I don't see this option for the NP8652 so is the stock screen good on this model or would I want to upgrade to the Sharp 4K?

Thanks in advanced.

 

The 970M is probably the best bang for your buck right now. But the 980M definitely out performs it. It sounds like you will be gaming on it quite a bit, and would like it to last a while, so if your budget allows for it, go with the 980M. I can't think of a time someone got that and said they wish they got the 970M instead.

The NP8652 stock screen is the IPS upgraded option for the NP8651. 4K is nice, but not for gaming, so if you don't have much use for 4K for other applications, the 1080P IPS stock screen would be a good option.

 

I'd go with the 980M, especially if you're looking to keep it for the next few years. The 980M not only outperforms the 970M, but that extra gigabyte of VRAM will be very useful for upcoming games. Oh, and the battery life of both models is the same, since they use Nvidia Optimus technology (it switches to the integrated GPU for less demanding tasks automatically). This is of course, if you're using the same screen. I'd recommend going with the 1080p IPS screen as you can't really drive modern games at high settings at 4k, even with a 980M. Besides, 1080p will be easier to use as text and screen objects are larger.

 

You guys are right 980M it is

XoticPC you guys will be getting a call from me shortly to place an order!

 

Indeed get the 980M and 1080p LG IPS display is good enough.. Also it's a no brainer to get LG IPS Screen + 980M for 300 more so definetly do it..

 

the NP8652 is also less portable than the 8651. thicker and slightly heavier

 

Erm, no it's not. The two are essentially the same, except for the GPU.
P650SE specifications sheet
P650SG specifications sheet

 

The 8652 is indeed slightly thicker (and I'd imagine heavier) than the 8651. Clevo's website must be innacurate.

 

I looked it up on NBR and you're right about the weight. Sorry about that. It's apparently 42 grams heavier. I imagine this is because of the slightly altered inner layout. Still not a big difference though.

 

Yeah it's really negligible. Not worth choosing one over the other IMO.

 

NP8652 15.16" (w) x 10.67" (d) x 1.13" (h)
5.60 lbs with 4-cell Battery

NP8651 15.16" (w) x 10.67" (d) x 0.98" (h)
5.50 lbs with 4-cell Battery

 

Lol it's literally non-exsistent at the end of the day... Nothing to worry about.... The thickness however can be noticable..

 

Ended up ordering the NP8652 Tuesday, the waiting game is the worst..

 

Yes I agree. If you look at wingnuts review and pictures of the two side by side. the thickness is noticeable.