*** Official Clevo P150EM / Sager NP9150 Owner's Lounge ***

Thanks guys for your help on the wireless / bluetooth.

Just one more question, the speakers seem to produce poor sound quality (slight crackling) in lower volume, while in high volume it sounds great. Why is this?

Also, what is your recommended sound configuration? 7.1? Stereo? 5.1? Thanks in advance.

Edit: actually it sounds like there's a lot of vibration happening. If I lift up the laptop it sounds better?

 

One question guys, which msata size is the best for me? 128 or 256Gb? I'll run an msata + 2 hdd's config (msata ssd for os, apps and a couple of most used games, 2 hdd's for data), both have around the same price per Gb (104€ for the 128Gb, 204€ for the 256 one), and my current os drive hardly reaches 90Gb of used space.

Both are Crucial M4, by the way.

 

128GB will fit the OS plus a couple of commonly used applications.

256GB will fit many more commonly used applications.

So it depends on what you are looking for, the 256GB is faster at writing data too. Though some of that is limited by the SATA II bus.

 

Have you noticed if its only occurring in particular programs, or with particular files? For example does it occur if you play a game, but not when listening to an MP3 or WMA files? If you notice it in music or video files have you tried using other programs to play those same files?

The link below makes reference to Vista, but Windows 8 shouldn't be much different when it comes to sound enhancements:
Tips for fixing common sound problems

If certain applications (Media Player Classic Home Cinema, VLC, etc) play it successfully without crackling, but others do not you might be able to isolate the issue to particular filters or decoders.
ex: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=121983

 

Since you're already planning on having two hard drives in addition to the msata drive, and you don't think you've used up much of your total space. (You didn't mention how much space your two hard drives will provide). I'd recommend going with the the smaller 128gb. Sata drives show their benefit when running the OS and launching commonly used applications, but aren't as beneficial when it comes to media files and storage of rarely use files. It may sound hypocritical from a person who just was in the same situation. (I was debating between 128gb and 256gb Crucial m4 msata drive as well, and went with the 256gb in the end). However I wasn't planning on running two hard drives plus a ssd, and the price per gigabyte was better for the 256 where I purchased from.

Prices on mSata drives should continue to drop over time, and some point down the road you will probably be able to pick up a 256gb for half the price it is now. You could always replace the 128 with a 256 after they get cheaper, and turn the 128 into an external drive using an enclosure. (If you're still undecided and leaning towards the 256gb model you can find more on the 256 vs 128 debate at the following links:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sag...-msata-ram-aftermarket-upgrades-9150-a-2.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sol...4-128gb-vs-256gb-performance.html#post8568292

 

Thanks for the input, I'm pretty much leaning towards the 128 already. Will be OS only, so I don't think I need the extra space. Oh and the hdd's will be 750gb each, or maybe 1tb, if they're still not too tall and fit the caddy.

 

Thanks for your comments. I didn't think to try another audio player. OK so this morning I've installed VLC and the sound quality is as poor as the Windows Media Player.

However, Tune In Radio provided some very good sound quality without the muffles. So it makes me think it could be a codec issue.

Whereabouts can I safely download one? I know there's plenty of dodgy stuff online with these type of files.

Update: here? And what should I select from there?

Thanks in advance.

 

The sound is the only disappointment in this machine. But then again I'm coming from an msi gt660 and a gt70, so my expectations were pretty high.

 

Interesting, what made you move to the 9150 from the GT70? Was it a size thing?

I had the same reaction when going from my 16F2 to the 9150 and was just spoiled by the MSI speakers.

 

I bought the ond version from newegg, right before the one version came out and sold it intending to get another msi. But stumbled upon this site in the process. Htwingnuts review is what really sold me on the 9150. Also the size was too big. I carry my notebook back and forth from work and it was a pain in the a$$.

 

If you installed the most recent Realtek audio drivers there is a chance it already installed the codec audio files, but it wouldn't hurt for you to try installing them anyway to make sure you are using the most recent version. Each one of those applies to a different setting based on how many speakers you tell the system you're using. It wouldn't hurt to install all three (the two speaker, 5 speaker, and 7 speaker codec), and test it in all three speaker settings. Some people in other threads mentioned they thought the sound was better after they told the system the computer was using a five speaker setup (even though it was using the default Onkyo two + subwoofer for playback).
Its difficult to know what codec each of those programs are using to play back the media. While playing an audio file in VLC you can go to Tools, Codec Information, and then the Codec tab to see what codec it is using for playback. Once you find out what codec its using you can go search for that particular codec. I'm not familiar with Tune it Radio, but if you're able to determine what codec it uses for playback there are ways of forcing other programs to default to that codec for audio playback. The link below shows how to force particular filters/codec in Media Player Classic Home Cinema, and while it doesn't directly apply to this situation it will give you an idea of how you can override defaults and set particular codec/filters to have priority in programs.
Setup guide for MPC-HC + madVR | Coalgirls

 

can anyone recommend a good keyboard cover or any way to minimize wear and oily keys?

 

oily keys? what the heck are you having on your fingers while typing?

 

I personally hate using keyboard covers so I don't look too much into which ones are reputable. The best way to avoid oily keys is to not have your fingers be oily when using it. Some Isopropyl alcohol should in getting them cleaned up. As for wear, I don't notice it too much on newer keyboards but it's still possible. The keyboard cover would be one way. Another is to get clear circular stickers that cover the key symbols and affix one to each key. No rub no wear.

 

Keyboards are also not too bad to replace in these machines, so if you are using it a lot in a couple of years you can replace it.

 

Go ahead and get the 128 ssd. I just bought a Intel 520 ssd for my NP 9150 on sale at Bestbuy for 99.00 usd, this made a large improvement in the prerformace of my computer compared to the stock drive that it came with. Also speeds up the windows update reboots.

Remember how tech works. by the time that you really need it the price will have dropped to where you can afford it or the tech will have moved onto someting much better.

Still useing my m11x until clevo gets more battery life and better screen in the w110er. When I need a bigger ssd I will just swap this one into the m11x.

 

Hi all,

I've made the decision to get a 9150 from XoticPC. I've read through a few hundred pages of this post today, as well as numerous ancillary posts, however I still have a few questions (keep in mind that the primary use for this laptop is for gaming and video/audio playing/editing:

1. I already have a Crucial 128GB SATAII SSD and a Seagate 500GB 7200 RPM HDD in my current laptop (an ASUS G53JW from 2 years ago). Should I wipe the SSD (OS Drive) and install it in the 9150, or should I order the 9150 with an Intel 120GB SATAIII drive? Is the performance increase significant and noticeable in everyday usage?

2. I have a pair of Bose Headphones I use for gaming. I've heard rumors that the headphone jack is sad and unworthy. How bad is it? Has anyone done a quality comparison? I would reconsider my entire purchase if my headphones are just going to pipe out horribly distorted noise It's not likely I'll ever use the speakers for this, as it'll either have headphones plugged in or will be plugged in to my entertainment system for Hulu streaming computer-only shows.

3. Should I get a 7970M or a 675MX? Again, this is a heavy gaming machine (XCOM, Guild Wars 2, Mechwarrior Online, Planetside 2), and I want to get the most out of my investment. I currently run a GeForce GTX 440M and have no complaints, but maybe I don't know what I'm missing and have gotten used to framerates in the 20s I've heard of major issues with the 7970M and I'm not clear from all the posts out there if it is actually fixed or not.

Thanks!

 

Excellent choice. I love my 9150, and XoticPC has been fantastic as far as customer service goes.

1. I don't know if the speed difference is noticeable in everyday usage (I only have a mSATA drive on mine), but I can tell you that Intel is almost universally overpriced. They make good SSDs, but you can get ones of pretty much the same quality for a lot less. It couldn't hurt to shop around if XoticPC doesn't offer other brands.

2. Unfortunately the onboard card is TERRIBLE in my opinion. I get better sound out of every single other electronic device I own than out of this laptop. The good news is that if you use a USB headset (Logitech G930, G35, etc.), you bypass the sound card completely and thus avoid the terrible sound. Alternatively, since I assume you probably don't want to buy a new set of headphones, you can get a USB soundcard. I bought the ASUS Xonar U3, which only costs $40, and sounds excellent. There are, of course, fancier cards you could buy, but the Xonar U3 works perfectly fine for any game I could think of. It even does a decent job of virtual surround sound.

3. I have the 7970M, and I'd recommend that card to you. It has its quirks, but there are beta drivers coming out on a regular basis, and a "release quality" driver is supposed to be out very soon. I know those sound like excuses, but I have been using primarily the drivers that came with the computer and have had an excellent experience. You have to run a game and quit it before you can tell the computer to use the high performance graphics instead of the integrated Intel HD 4000, but that's a minor inconvenience. It runs Planetside on Medium-high graphics with no issues and has stayed above 30 FPS (with a few exceptions) in every large firefight I've been a part of. GW2 runs excellently as well. I haven't played it in a while, but I think I maxed out most of the graphics settings there as well. I haven't tried XCOM or Mechwarrior, but I assume they'll work fine as well, seeing as it can also run Skyrim on Ultra. The 7970M is, with respect to its hardware, a much more powerful card than the 675MX, so even if its drivers are holding it back, it will certainly not perform worse than the 675MX. Furthermore, like I said earlier, there are updated drivers out now that will make it perform even better than the drivers you'll get with the laptop, and an official release should happen within a month (so they say).

Have fun with your new laptop! I hope this helps!

 

To remove the keyboard you just pop the bezel above the keyboard off like other laptops? iirc I saw a video or picture that stated something had to be unscrewed underneath may not of been for the P150em

 

i like that idea...i'll have to look into that more

 

You can either use a flat screwdriver and pry it up from the top or unscrew the bottom and there's a hole (I don't remember where) that you can put something through (like a screwdriver) and push the bezel out. The former runs the risk of scratching the outside, but that risk is small, so it's your call.

 

I know aye. Do you get really poor sound especially in low volume? The funny thing is when I play back on Tune In Radio (one of the Win 8 apps you can download) it sounds awesome. I haven't been successful with any of the sound drivers or codecs.

 

Hi,

I am about to purchase a gaming laptop and really like the Clevo P150EM - i live in the UK, can anyone tell me where they bought theirs from? I am looking at Overclockers.co.uk at the moment but wondered if anyone knows of anywhere better or cheaper etc (any special offers on at the moment maybe?) that i can get mine.

Thanks.

 

The hole is at the corner where the gaphics heatsink meets the fan for it.

 

Got my P150EM back again, Sager did an exchange since the one I first received had a faulty 7970m.

Well the replacement has all of the same issues except the faulty 7970m

The Keyboard which is the new W8 keyboard the FN key is very dim and the light is different color, I was told by Sager techsupport that this was a common issue...and the new ones have it fixed...yea so common even the replacement has the issue.

Also Who sets up the rubber feet on these laptops? On flat surfaces the CD bay sits off the ground with the screen open, this was another thing that they said it was a fluke and it would be fixed. Its really annoying to have to put my palms on and the plam rest to moves.

I really love the performance of the computer, but Sagers Quality Control sucks, I guess I will live with the feet thing or fix it my self, but it looks like I have to RMA the keyboard... lets hope they can get it right the third time.

 

Just ordered a Sager NP9150 with 675mx hope it's really good as what I've been reading here on the forums

 

yeah please give us some benchmarks or kinda a review after you have received it, because i'm also thinking about ordering the 675mx thanks and cheers

 

For the kill and grab a 680M - OMG it chews everything up like it doesn't matter

 

dolce.vita sure I'll do some benchmarks and even a review once I received it although I'm not that good on making reviews and stuff... I'm getting really paranoid just by waiting for it to arrive!

I don't have the budget for the 680m so it's not a choice for me...

 

Yes the 680M commands a hefty price premium, but the 675MX is not a bad card and synthetic benchmarks aside it will be interesting to see how users benchmark in games.

 

Here is a benchmark of the 675mx with 3DMark11 in Windows 8, max Temp was 72 C

 

-Is this the stock 675mx or did you overclock it?

 

and cvseuy, can you push the memory clocks further??? just curious hehe and how was the temperature? how much was the increase in temperature from stock to overclocked? thanks!!!

 

nice thanks for benchmarking

 

What sleeve will fit this machine? On eBay?

 

^ I bought a sleeve for 16 inch comp, works perfectly.


This is the one I got Amazon.com: Targus A7 Slipcase Designed to Protect 16-Inch Laptops TSS127US (Black): Electronics

 

You're welcome

I'll try

Overclocked.

 

Thanks! I'll wait for the results! Good luck!

 

Since 3DMark 11 won't work on my machine no more, I'm using Vantage for now.

Stock Everything:



Overclock: +135 Mhz Core Clock +300Mhz Memory Clock (22% Increase)



I have a Intel i7 3610QM, so the results may be a little less compared to NotebookCheck,

 

nice overclock you got there! wow 22% increase! but how was the temp? what's your max temp?

 

81 Degree Celcius posting one more benchmark.

 

Has anyone unlocked the 675MX bios yet?

 

I'm going to use my old thread for 675MX Overclocking
http://forum.notebookreview.com/gaming-software-graphics-cards/697544-overclocking-675mx.html

+ 135 MHz Clock Speed
+ 500 Mhz Memory Clock
75*C

 

Is it normal that the left side of my keyboard (presumably right above the processor) gets pretty warm? I'd call it warm during normal use and borderline hot when playing games. It's not too hot to touch, but it can get a little uncomfortable when holding on the WASD keys. Is my CPU fan just not running high enough? Can I fix that?

 

The best way to determine this is to monitor your CPU temps. Download CPU-z and see what you're running at in game and at idle. Depending on when you got your system, from the 3610 I'd say more than a few months, it's possible that you need to clean the system out or reapply the thermal compound. Share the temps when you get them.

 

I don't think CPU-Z does temps, but I used CoreTemp, and in a short session of Planetside 2, the max temp I got was 80. Is that normal-ish? It sounds warm, but not too bad to me.

 

It's up there but not dangerous really. You could probably benefit from a cleaning if you haven't done so. You'd normally see a little higher if your paste job was bad. When was the last time you blew dust out of it?

 

Hello Fellows,
For those out there with the 680m, have any of you had problems with Nvidia 3d and not liking optimus? One of the reasons I spend the extra money on the 680m was so that it would be able to perform 3D apps very well into the future, but now it seems that after several hundreds more dollars in 3D equipment, the computer is not capable of 3D?

Has anyone found a work around for this?

As of right now I can't even install 3D vision.

 

I get about 50-60 running essentially nothing, and when "idle" the machine goes nuts (fans turn on eventually, etc and I can't figure out what process is doing it as waking the screen turns down the cpu load). Core Temp shows max up to 80 then. NOT GAMING, integrated graphics off (screen black for screen saver). Anyhow, I have diamond paste (factory) on this and dusted a week ago (with machine opened). I think it is high. How often do you need to paste? In 6 months I would think the paste should still be ok. If not, is there a video for pasting as I have not done it before?

 

I haven't really done a thorough job since getting the laptop in July. I'll try to blow out what I can. Also, after an extended amount of time playing Sleeping Dogs, my max temp was 88. Is that high enough to worry about?