Sager NP9772-S, anything I can do to upgrade further?

Hello,

I just ordered a Sager NP9772-S from xoticpc. I left the default ram in there, but I was wondering if there was a speed cap?

I was interested in replacing the ram for G.Skill RipJaw 16GB with 2133 speed (PC3L 17000). Would it be a good idea to? The current ram inside the laptop is a 1600 speed 16GB (doesn't say the brand).
After looking into the specs of the laptop, it states: 16,384MB (16GB) DDR3 1600MHz (Upgradeable - 32GB* 1600MHz Max)
Four 204Pin SODIMM Sockets
Can the laptop not go past 1600MHz? If it is not able to go past it, and I decide to add 16 GB of 1600MHz does it have to be the same brand as the one in the laptop?

Next, I noticed the hard drive was 1TB 7200 RPM, and after talking to an agent at xotic it is supposedly a Seagate. Should I consider switching out?

Any pros or cons if anyone can enlighten?

Laptop ordered:
Sager NP9772-S
- Processor: Sager - 4th Generation Intel® Haswell Core™ i7-4790K Unlocked [Z97 Chipset] (4.0GHz - 4.4GHz, 8MB Intel® Smart Cache) (SKU – SPUZ02)
- Thermal Compound: IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
- Graphics Video Card: NVIDIA® GeForce™ GTX 980M (8.0GB) GDDR5 PCI-Express DX11 (Maxwell) [User Upgradeable] (SKU – GPU03X)
- Ram: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz [2x8GB] Dual Channel Memory (SKU - RAM04S)
- mSATA SSD Drive ( Slot 1 ): 512GB Samsung SM951 M.2 PCIe mSATA SSD
- Primary Hard Drive: 1TB 7200RPM [SATA II - 3GB/s] (SKU - HDDYY1)
- Operating System: ~Windows 8.1 - 64-Bit

 

As for any laptop's ability to go past 1600mhz, it depends on the RAM controller (and CPU support). For this system, I believe you can indeed go up to 2133 mhz. As proof, Eurocom, which sells the same barebone as the Eurocom P5 Pro, allows their configurator to equip the same system with the 16GB (2x8GB) Corsair Vengeance 2133 mhz. Now in regards to subjective difference in use between a 2133mhz and 1600 mhz RAM, I don't think you'd see much. Unless you perform tasks that specifically require every mhz/you just want to be on the bleeding edge , save your money and stick with stock 1600mhz they gave you or go no higher than 1866mhz @16GB.

If anything spend that money on upgrading that 1TB HDD (it'll even prove noisy compared to an SSD). Compared to that 512GB SM951 race car you got in there, the HDD would feel like a snail on molasses. If anything get an 2.5" SSD like the Samsung 850 EVO, in 250 or 500GB size to replace the 1TB. Otherwise you got a great system. Enjoy!

 

Agreed, memory speed's hardly ever worth an upgrade; comprehensive article. Might fill the two remaining banks with 2x8GB of similar speed, but that only makes sense if you're going to use >16GB (no quad channel, so no bandwidth benefit). Brand makes no difference, but the (small) speed difference that's possible will be limited to the slowest module.

Similar to the memory, replacing the 1TB hdd is only useful if you use it for more than mere storage (because the ssd is too small?). And if 1TB isn't enough; there's the 2TB Spinpoint M9T. Or, going crazy, use two 1TB mSATA EVO's with a 2.5" > dual mSATA adapter.

Really, consider a good monitor or projector instead.

 

I see... Does increase RAM help with paging file? I read that having virtual memory (paging file) could be detrimental to SSDs.

As far as 1TB, I think it would be fine, but if its Seagate, I was advised to look for a better HDD as Seagate HDDs are rather short-term.

I also plan to be traveling a lot. With that in mind, is there a laptop bag anyone can recommend?

 

Nah, ssd endurance is very good nowadays, paging file will do little to compromise that. Don't bother replacing the hdd either; every hdd craps out at one time or another, but it'll (usually) let you know beforehand with a tick or two. Also, consider that we're not in the pre-ssd era, where the regular hdd would see the heaviest use; you've offloaded the heaviest of work to the ssd.

Tumi makes some very high quality bags; pricey, but indestructible. Straps too, which is reassuring. Detached the handle though, but seemed to be equally sturdy ... If you want something a little cheaper; simply replace the luggage strap with something better. Most bags use the same cheap design and these all fail with heavy use. Hmm ... how's kevlar?

 

Most users will find the SSD being totally obsolete by the time it wears out.

 

So getting 32 GB of RAM is not a very good choice? When you mean Quad-Channeling, I assume all the RAM pieces have to be the same same and speed? So 4x8?

I will consider looking into one of those bags. Just need to be able to carry the laptop, charger, mouse, etc. =)
As long as it is not too expensive! I am traveling abroad for a year or so, so a reliable bag would be great.

 

I think I might consider buying a backup HDD in case the one in the laptop breaks. Is there any recommended brands for laptops? I am not sure if it would be cheaper to buy one here or abroad honestly.

Oh yes, I noticed in the Sager NP 9377-S that GTX980m SLI is an allowed option but not in the NP 9772-S. Is it possible for me to upgrade to SLI? I was rather confused. The NP 9377-S also allowed for a 4k monitor, but not for NP 9772-S.

I also read in the New Batch of 2015-2016 Clevo expectations that DDR4 should arrive sometime this year. I do not think I would be able to wait for it due to time constraints, but is the performance jump between DDR3 and DDR4 noticeable?

Sorry for asking so many questions!

 

HDD prices change over time, the same with SSDs, it may well be cheaper to order an SSD of the same capacity later on.

The motherboard "only" has a single GPU slot on the 9772, a second would make it much larger.

Ram bandwidth usually has a negligible impact to performance.

 

No 17" 4K displays available.

HGST (Hitachi) HDD 1TB 7200 RPM 9.5mm
Samsung Spinpoint M9T (Seagate) HDD 2TB 5400 RPM 9.5mm

 

If i were bothering with HDD storage unless the budget is really tight the 2TB one is the one to go for.

 

Thanks Meaker. If I plan to make the HDD storage, should I worry about RPM?

 

For primary storage yes, for secondary the increased density of the 2TB drive will keep it fast for things like videos and other large files. Small files wont be that much slower on a denser but slower rpm drive either.

 

I am looking through Newegg at the moment. I see the Samsung Bullrun mentioned at 104 USD. All the other 2TBs (theres only 4 it seems) are above 200 USD. Surprised about the price differences...

I believe the NP 9772-S can hold 2 HDDs? Would it be better to have 2x1TB HDDs? I thought about the possibility of raiding two HDDs, but I am not sure if its a good idea.

 

Above from Clevo for P770ZM

The two WDs on Newegg are 15mm ~ not gonna work.

You got the S model and it comes with the 1TB HGST. You have another 2.5" bay. Do you have a specific reason to RAID your storage? If not, why bother. If you just want more onboard storage the 2TB is nice for $40 more than the 1TB.

You also have an additional M.2 slot. With the SM951 using all 4 PCIe lanes, a SATA interface M.2 could be added. Aftermarket recommended. If you need fast storage and have HDDs in the 2.5" bays the M.2 would be the place. Lots of storage options with this machine.

 

Better to have a single 2TB and a slot if you need more later or want to add another SSD.

 

Thank you Meaker and Bullrun!

M.2 slots are new to me honestly, where would be a good place to purchase another SSD M.2 for aftermarket? Does the M.2 have to be a similar to the one in the laptop (in case SM951)? Also, are they easy to install?

I will most likely order the 2TB HDD =)

 

M.2 is kind of new to everybody The usual suspects, Newegg, Amazon, Tiger, B & H... The choices aren't great at this time. Hopefully, more options will come along soon. By similar to SM951 do you mean same model? No. You would want a SATA M.2 ... Micron, Crucial, Samsung 850 EVO, Intel. The SM951 is PCIe M.2. It should be plug and play for the install.

 

I don't think the p377sm-a has a 4k display available in it....

 

It doesn't. There aren't any. @Prema says Q4 they will be available in 17". So, maybe the successor will have it.

 

I am a little confused sorry! So if I decided to get a Samsung 850 EVO
and Samsung Spinpoint
I am not sure, will I be replacing the 1TB HGST with the Samsung Spinpoint? Or is it possible to have all 4 inside the laptop?
So SM951, 850EVO, HGST, and Spinpoint?
I am assuming that 2nd 2.5" bay is where I could install the Spinpoint. Unless I am being mistaken. Will power consumption become an issue?

Another question. I was able to purchase 2x8gb DDR3 1600 MHz RAM, but my friend told me that timing could affect the overall performance. Is this true?
The xoticpc page doesn't mention the timing on the default 16gb.

 

You got it!
Yes, all four. The two HDDs in the two 2.5" bays. The two M.2s in the two M.2 slots.
The SM951 uses all 4 PCIe lanes so the SATA EVO would use the SATA interface. It's a combo connector PCIe/SATA. From Clevo:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.2

 

Ahh thank you for the information!

I looked up Quad and Dual-Channel concerning RAM. I do not think the NP9772-S supports Quad-Channel RAM. Should I still consider expanding my RAM from 16gb to 32gb? If not I will just refrain from that.

I sent a message to Sager techs to see if I could find out the timing on the RAM as well. I hope they will respond!

 

It's dual channel. Do you have a need for 32GB? You can always add it later. You could contact Xotic too about the RAM. I would ask about what's used, brand, MHz. They may give you the part number making matching easier. Larry at LPC-Digital (also a Sager reseller) sent me a link to the Crucial sticks that were used at the time of my inquiry. Couldn't make matching any easier.

 

Well I am not really sure what benefits would be present for adding more RAM other than paging capacity.
I already contacted Xotic and sadly they did not know.

 

Maybe @Hutsady@XoticPC can find out for you.

 

It is dual channel, no notebooks use quad channel yet. More RAM is only useful if you need it. If all you're doing needs 6 GB of RAM the rest is just hanging out waiting to be used. You can always add more later if you'd like.

The brand Sager uses can vary so I would just order what you need now, then if you do need more in the future check what is installed and match it.

 

Well except the p570wm/np9570 of course

 

Indeed, must have had an out of sight out of mind moment, thanks Meaker!

 

When it sits on the desk it's one that's not often out of sight for me lol, pretty hard to miss

 

I thought you were getting something new? Or was that just the GPUs?

 

I have both at the moment, though the big guy is slowly being parted out.

 

Would timing on the RAM harm the laptop in any way? I am getting the laptop today so hopefully I can find out!

 

The lower the CL the faster, but its very hard to see any difference, really just in benchmarks.
Its usually the last thing to worry about once you've upgraded everything else.

 

Hmm, I will go ahead and lay off from buying RAM. Still looking for a good laptop bag that has a good capacity. I wanted to buy a laptop bag from xotic that was being sold awhile ago, but it seems they removed it. Is there a recommended bag you could suggest Hutsady?
I ordered the Samsung 850EVO and spinpoint. I hope it will not be too hard to install the M.2!

 

Do you remember the name of the bag, we may still be able to get it for you.

 

Honestly, it has been a year or two when I was looking through the laptops at Xotic. Around the time the gtx680m was the one of the top cards. I spoke to a representative at the time when I was making inquiries about the P9772 a few days back and they say its been out of commission or so for a year.

 

I see, sounds like it is a goner then. Are you looking for a messenger style bag, or backpack, will you be carrying other things too like books?

 

I plan to be traveling abroad so maybe a messenger back would be preferred. I have a backpack, but it will be filled with supplies. Knowing airports, they generally allow a backpack and a carry-on?

 

Depends on the airline and region, a few are only one piece of hand baggage. The evereki titan fits laptops chargers and stuff of course

 

Might be a good idea to go to an actual brick and mortar store to see if there are any you like.

 

I will have a look into it.

Also I decided to buy 16GB of Kingston HyperX
It seems pretty good... I hope ><;
It was impulse buying

 

Well it won't hurt to have lower CL

 

Hyper X RAM is good... You will be fine.. I miss my Hyper X RAM in my G73JH... Kingston makes crap SSD's but their RAM is top notch!

 

That's great to know!

Does anyone know about that Intel XTU Program?
Is it safe to use for laptops?

 

Yes it's perfectly safe.. As long as you know what your doing in it.. Read up about using XTU

 

Oh my... I just saw that xotic took down NP 9772-S and put up a NP 9773-S....
Is there any difference with that G-sync? Should I consider exchanging models?

Does anyone know the differences? It seems that the 9773-S is a tad more expensive though.

All the Nvidia page has is:
G-SYNC
NVIDIA G-SYNC is groundbreaking new display technology that delivers the smoothest gaming experience ever. G-SYNC’s revolutionary smoothness is achieved by synchronizing display refresh rates to the GPU in your GeForce GTX-powered desktop or notebook, eliminating screen tearing and minimizing display stutter and input lag. The result: scenes appear instantly, objects look sharper, and gameplay is super smooth, giving you a stunning visual experience and a serious competitive edge.”

 

Unfortunately, I am not very tech-savy so I probably will will just have it installed to see temperatures. Maybe when I feel more comfortable!

 

G-sync is the only difference.

 

Yes, I just spoke to a sager representative. It looks like I can go ahead and get my laptop switched out at no charge (just paying shipping probably). I will consider it after I look into more reviews about this G-sync.

Judging by reviews on Nvidia it must be pretty useful!

However, I will search around a little more.