**Official Sager NP5160 / Clevo W150HNQ Owners' Lounge**

It would only draw more power when the GT555m is active.

 

Of course it would not make much sense to choose 540 over 555 for the same price... but I wouldn't expect that both will cost the same, as Clevo wouldn't charge the same for two products of clearly different value...

 

Anyone know his soon the 550m version will be available?

 

550? don't you mean 555?

 

Just wanted to let all of you know, I've been searching around for a W150HR with the GT 555m and no one I've called (Sager, XoticPC, Eurocom, Prostar, or Clevo themselves - who just told me to talk to Prostar) knows if they can even get it in the U.S. I did find one Italian site that sells it, Santech.it - but the currency conversion from there to the U.S. makes it not worth it for me.

Alternatively, if anyone knows where to get a Gigabyte P2532N, I'd be interested in one of those if I can't get the W150 chassis.

 

(Impressions and problems x-posted from the 5170 thread, which is dead. I figure the same issues apply on both models. If you can help I'd appreciate it! Sorry if some of them have been solved, I'm not going through 66 pages.)


The system as a whole seems really solid. There's attention to detail such as the fact that much of the unit is covered by grooved material (plastic? Aluminum? no idea) but on the hand rest it functions to keep your hands from sliding up and down. Unfortunately the blu-ray drive is really flimsy, I could probably break it to pieces with one hand. The plastic part covering the outside of the drive keeps popping off with no effort at all (it was delivered popped-off)

Windows experience index was great for three scores but 5.6/7.9 for some graphics test and 5.9 for hard drive read and write speed. Both pretty disappointing for a hot off the line machine.

Touchpad and driver are astounding, you can do anything you want with it, or only the very basics (which I am leaning towards as some of these things are very confusing or made it harder to use). Right now I have only one touch, scroll bars on the side and bottom (does not work at the very edge of the pad which is unfortunate), and pinch zoom. Still sometimes I'm moving the mouse across the screen, and it will stop and change to an icon. I haven't figured out what I'm doing to cause this or how to stop it.

The keyboard is smaller than I'm used to, and the right shift key is shortened, and to the right of it (where I usually hit shift) is now an up arrow! There is about 2 inches of space on either side of the keyboard so it is unfortunate they were too lazy to spread it out a bit. It will just take some getting used to.

VGA button is confusing and the manual doesnt really help. Orange is the nvidia graphics card (just "optimus" in the manual) and Green is the crappy built in one? What no one seems to realize is a lot of people are colorblind and these colors look very close together to me. The green one is the dimmer color right? "orange" looks like yellow. They just made this unnecessarily confusing.

Blu-ray playback with cyberlink's program is poor. Can't use the mouse in menus, when you unpause the movie continues playing but with no video and distorted sound for a few seconds. So then I have to go back a few seconds. Any better programs? (I wish VLC worked)

It may be the screen or it may be cyberlink but i was underimpressed with blu-ray quality. It looked more like a 720p rip blown up to full screen. Could be my imagination. Also the black level is poor, dark parts of a movie are grey and washed out.

Sound quality from the speakers is really good, unfortunately the placement is even weirder than I thought. I like to use my laptop on my lap so the sound is going directly into my legs. I can't get this thing to output loud enough sound, and it's worst in powerdvd. I have no chance at all of hearing my blu-ray through the speakers, and I can just barely hear it in my earbuds! I've looked everywhere, I can't find out how to make this louder. I understand that the speakers aren't powerful but earbuds take a very small amount of power to make them sound ear splittingly loud.

 

Not sure what you mean...i'll check when i get mine (soon hopefully)

This rating has nothing to do with how new your laptop is, but the components within it. My desktop is a couple years old but puts out a 6.0 and that's b/c my HDDs are in Raid (everything else is 7.0+)

Yeah that sounds pretty silly. But I guess its just something to get use to

Well its not going to be TV quality. And 720p/1080p wouldn't really be discernible on a screen this small

Yeah, this is one design feature I didnt understand. Why put the speakers there? Very weird. Headphones are usually a must for most notebooks though. not sure of any software for bluray playback. I would check the software forums...

 

So how do you go from the video card to the card within the motherboard? Is it automatic, based on need?

 

when the button is orange, it is automatic based on need(you will know which one from the 2 leds beside the button), when the button is green it is forced to use the integrated intel one all the time

 

So, Optimus is in control the whole time?

 

uhm, yes, orange is optimus mode

btw you can always manually take control by right clicking on an executable, and select Run with graphics processor, then choose which one

 

I have decided to cancel my order and wait for the 555m gt. With companies like Santech already offering the updated clevo, i don't think think I will have to wait long. Additionally, it is a very logical upgrade for companies like Sager. There is almost no reason having optimus tech with such a weak gaming card.

 

Is there a third party battery that can be bought that will fit the 5160 and increase its battery life?

 

Very Very doubtful, The sales volume on these are so low it's not worth the investment for the aftermarket battery manufactures.

 

the 540m is a pretty good midrange GPU and much better than Intel Graphics. Can handle most games on Medium to a "low" high. Far from weak if you ask me

I wonder how much the 555m Clevo will be. And when will the major resellers get them

 

i just got an email from my reseller with the tracking code... i just ordered mine last monday... looks like the delay is very very minimal now, if not any

 

The new 555m will be available for german resellers in about 5 weeks. It will cost an additional 60 to 90 euro for most resellers.

The big negative is that it will generate more heat and will feature the same cooling system as the gt540m.

 

I didn't mean that it is a bad graphics card. I'm just coming from a 9800m gt. With the large performance difference in mind and a pretty large window before I'll need a new laptop, I'm waiting till about July before I check up again.

 

Yeah I was wondering about that. That's going to be all bad then...

Yeah if you want a gaming notebook I wouldn't bother with the 5160. It can get away with gaming, but if u want the best results go "bigger". I use my desktop for all my gaming. This will just be used for Starcraft and it can run that at almost high settings

 

So, I just got the news that mine is actually getting closer to me

It isn't a Sager, its a local (Brazillian) brand that builds up machines on that same Clevo chassis.

I willl make a clean Windows 7 64 bit install. I assume it'll come with the same drivers media as any others Clevo W150HNQish...

I just wonder if there are already some better drivers to get, maybe from Clevo's site or from other sources (Intel, NVidia,...).

Any clues??

 

Just use the Driver, Utilities and User's Manual CD that comes with your system, and then run Windows Update.

Mr. Mysterious

 

hmm

That will get me the latest drivers??

Never seen such thing on Windows, although I've been using XP (and Ubuntu ) for the last years, but I'm looking forward to Windows 7 right now. Gladly I could pass far away from Vista

So the times of searching around the web for driver updates are buried in the past?

 

Bad estimation of market demand? Placing speakers on the bottom makes more sense if the laptop is expected to be used on a flat, reflective surface (e.g. a desk) the majority of the time. But given that the 5160/5170 models aren't quite at the "desktop replacement" level, such an assumption seems improper, especially since the actual desktop replacement models feature speakers in a location more conducive to portable use!

 

Umm, no not the latest...but the most stable drivers, sure.

Sorry ursoouindio, you still have to search for drivers. I wouldn't worry about them until you can find a place and source that you can trust. That is the biggest issue, for me.

Mr. Mysterious

 

It's already a good start, Mr Mysterious!

Whelkman, only higher sounds would be effectively reflected from such a small distance of the speakers to a desk. Most of the hearable sound range have wave lengths of some inches (lower sounds would have be like 500 inches). It should be more a matter of projecting the sound, not reflecting it...
I can't think of any reason for placing the speaker on such awful position besides this being the only option (while for some preferred reason putting something else on the regular speakers place)...

 

That's true but I think it's obvious the design team didn't place high priority on sound generation. Most laptop makers don't. I think they figured that reflecting some of the sound made the placement slightly more palatable and then called it a day.

Speaker placement was probably among the last thing considered, so they just placed them "somewhere".

 

Sure, it's better than on the back of the laptop.

But it would be even better to have it by the keyboard, where the sound is aimed directly to the user. It is the most obvious position and most laptop makers do it that way...

But maybe they had to put something else there, for any reason...

Anyway, I wouldn't ever expect a good sound from within a laptop (they say there are some nice ones, but I would only believe hearing them by myself). I usually use an external sound system or a good pair of headphones for most of things

 

Any recommendations for a laptop cooler for the 5160? Perhaps 1 under $30?

 

I can play high or close to high settings with fewer players, but I have had to resort to low settings for 4v4 on SC2. The 540m is a dissapointment to me. I knew it wasn't going to be able to play SC2 on the highest settings, but to have to drop it to low settings is really bad. In 4v4 games at medium settings with nothing else running, I have had the fps drop into the teens and have had it become super laggy/borderline unplayable. Certainly my ability to micro goes down the tubes at such low fps. I guess if I drop the resolution below 1080p, I could boost the settings then, but I like to keep the resolution set to the native resolution if possible. So I would say that for games as demanding as SC2, I would wait for the 555m if you are not in a hurry. For me, another 2 months or so waiting just to boost the graphics card, plus the whole hassle of doing the return, just is not worth it (but almost is worth it).

 

LoL. Well yeah 4v4 even my desktop slows down in online multiplayer at times. But its more to consider than just your computer when thinking about large multiplayer games like network and other players computers.

But if you're playing at 1080p?! Yeah you shouldn't even try that unless you have a really good high end card. The 540 shouldn't disappoint in that regard. You're expectations were/are just way too high. The 555m won't handle 1080p either. And SC2 is very processor heavy also. Most people dont realize that most games these days rely on the CPU just as much or more than the GPU.

And if the Clevo 555m has only one heatsink like the 5160, I wouldnt even bother. Get a different laptop with dedicated heat sinks

 

Yippy skippy dip me on fifty! Whatever that means, hopefully I should get it this week.

Date Ordered: Thursday 03 March, 2011

New status: Phase 4 (Order Shipped)

 

Did you have anything special done? Matte screen? Skin?

 

Yes, that is with the matte screen, processor, ram, blu-ray, and HD upgrades.

 

Nice...i'm waiting on mine. Been in Phase 3 since last tuesday.

Matte Screen and Custom Skin

 

Where can you set up plans for Nvidia Optimus? Also, how can you tell if Optimus is active? Or rather when the laptop is using integrated and when it's using the 540m. My battery life seems to go down pretty quickly, 10% in like 10-15 minutes?

 

Which reseller did you get your NP5160 from? I was about to get one from microway...

 

Microway actually is a certified Sager reseller...

I've got one from Notebook Century ( Avell branded). They had better value on their options. I think Microway's cost a little more since they're selling the american brand...

Both resellers were thoughtful and I almost cut the deal with Microway after a special offer they made me. But then, when I said that to the other, they simply offered to make up for a better configuration (for just a little bit more expensive)

Also, Avell got 3 years of warranty while the Sager was offered to me with 2.

 

Who is your reseller!? I'm on my fourth week of waiting.

 

For what its worth - after doing a dry run on a clean 5160, i've got some items down for reinstalling in a week or so - if anyone wants to comment/add/remove to my checklist below, please do:

1. Check bios defaults. Checked they are OK already but double check (esp after reinstalls)

2. Pop in Windows Install DVD - select C: drive / HDD - format NTFS

3. Install windows 7 (if not pre-installed).

4.1 Pop in drivers DVD (if not pre-installed). INSTALL ALL - in the order described! Will take lots of restarts.
4.2 Install provided Blu-Ray Disc suite (if blu-ray)
4.3 Check FN+ buttons

5.1 Activate existing windows (if not activated).
5.2 Install Windows 7 SP1 directly from download ( Download details: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (KB976932))

6. Install some antivirus. MS security 4 now ( Microsoft Security Essentials | Protect against viruses, spyware, and other malware)

7.1 Check nVidia site for drivers. As of 4/4/11 beta driver 270.51 for better support of 500-series cards (GT540M here) does not recognize system. NOTE: Submitted beta driver report feedback to nVidia to add system config to 270-series driver - RETRY often.
7.2 Install nVidia system tools ( NVIDIA System Tools with ESA Support)

8. Check IE/Firefox version - if IE9 or FF4- check Adobe version. Needs 10.1 or 10.3+. If crashing - use browser software option instead of GPU rendering. Google often!

9.1 Install Intel WiFi driver 14.0.0.0 or higher ( Answer)
9.2 Install Intel WiFi WiDi 2.0.30.0 (also from Answer)
9.3 Test/setup myWiFi and WiDi to 1080p tv

10. Install fingerprint suite. Note it may/not have installed with driver. Check Startup menu for Protector Suite. If not there install it (driver dvd - browse to it). If there, setup and test. Trouble if already setup biometric stuff. This is hit or miss

11. Install favorite monitoring/benchmark tools. Check everything (sisoft sandra?). Enjoy scores. Fiddle with improvements (driver dependent!)

12. Install Visual Studio 2010

13. Install nVidia CUDA Toolkit & SDK - if stock driver (265.77) install CUDA 3.2. If 270+ driver install 4.0. Run the SDK samples!

14. Install Office 2010 pro

15. No Linux nVidia Optimus support yet. Ubuntu 10.10 recognizes 540M gpu. Install CUDA and try running the SDK samples - might run fine ( http://developer.download.nvidia.co...DA_Developer_Guide_for_Optimus_Platforms.pdf).
No need for GPU otherwise in Ubuntu. Google often!

Please add/correct the list!


SYstem Info:

1x Sager NP5160 / Clevo W150HN - arrived 3/31/11
- Operating System: No Operating System Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- Sound Card: Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Camera: Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Wireless Network: Intel® Advanced-N 6230 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module + Bluetooth 3.0
- Memory Card Reader: Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Primary Hard Drive: ~ 500GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA II 300 - 16MB Cache)
- Optical Drive: ~ 6X Blue-Ray Read/8X DVDRW Super Multi Combo Drive-
- Ram: ~ 8,192MB DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 SODIMMS)- Special
- Graphics Video Card: nVidia GT 540M 1024MB PCI-Express GDDR3 DX11 with Optimus™ Technology
- Thermal Compound: IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU
- Processor: - 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM, 2.0-2.8GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache)
- Display: 15.6” FHD 16:9 LED Backlit Wide screen (1920x1080) Super Clear Glare Type Screen

 

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Two things which seems 'if-fy' and would appreciate more data on:
1) speakers: specifically, are they sufficient for movie viewing... at home? in a car at highway speeds?
2) battery life: is it really as bad as everyone says? 3.5 hours would be quite a disappointment.

hope you're enjoying it!

 

DannyD

I would wait and Activate Win 7 at a later time, if something goes bad and you need to reinstall you won't have to activate a second time. Also any drivers that are Intel I would get the latest directly from Intel.

You should change the order so the Drivers are completely installed right after Win 7 was installed, install your apps after the drivers and after you feel the systems seems to be functioning properly.

That's my 2 cents, if anyone else want s chime in...

 

Agreed on all accounts

 

I ordered my NP5160 on 9th March, and apparently it hasn't shipped yet, according to my reseller. Is the situation at Sager THAT bad?

 

Is Coolermaster Notepal U2 sufficient to cool NP5160 down ? Or I just get the U3 ?

 

I just found these one, for really cheap:

http://www.maxcomputer.com.ve/S-HCP-616_1.jpg
http://img2.mlstatic.com/jm/img?s=MLB&f=136211672_7389.jpg&v=O

Would you think it could be alligned to the main air inlet? I think it could be quite effective then... Although I don't have experience on these cooler things.

 

1) No the speakers are not sufficient. They get sufficiently loud enough in a room, but they are very tinny sounding. This isn't an issue for me as I always have headphones or good speakers handy to plug in.

2) battery life is a mixed bag. I haven't done any formal testing, but if you put it on power saver you'll get probably 3.5+. Only problem is some things just won't run as snappy when you put it on full power saver, though I haven't tried to play an HD movie yet with it on power saver. I'll test it out later.

 

you are probably right that my expectations were too high. I will get by with what I chose for now. but 3 years or so down the line, I will keep in mind this advice of getting a laptop with a dedicated heat sink for the GPU. of course, so much will change in the next 3 years, I am sure there will be lots more to consider as well. I guess the reason the 540m disappointed me is that I read fps rates for SC2 for this card online before I bought it, not figuring in that those rates were probably not at 1080p and not in 4v4 games.

 

Err, 1080p for SC2 in 4v4 is fine, provided that you run medium. High is pushing it, but I do not have problems in large battles. FPS may dip into teens, but most of the time it doesnt (if ever, I haven't formally checked), but I do know for sure that it does not become unplayable/super-laggy.

 

I also ordered March 9th and it's arriving Thursday. My payment didn't clear until March 15th. I used Xotic, who was yours through?

 

Mine was sgcubehubs, from Singapore. I paid the deposit on 9th March