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

There really isnt one right now. Just gotta read through this thread.

The biggest issue right now is that it gets fairly warm under stressful circumstances. It's not that well ventilated and the CPU and GPU share the same heat sink. Other than that I haven't read any other negatives. Battery life seems to be around 3.5hrs but I'm not sure under what circumstances. I'm going to try and do one next weekend when I get mine.

 

Guys can anyone please answer this question? I really need the answer ASAP. Thanks

 

Well, I say the sound doesn't bother at all.
On load, it does sush a little, but it is not high. Yesterday I've used on a common office with other people and noone noticed it (except for the screen colors ).
It is much quieter than my Dell Inspiron.


Dekabal,
I found this video release interesting:
YouTube - btotech.com NP5160 Barebones Laptop Shell Barebone DIY Notebook Barebone

 

Fan noise wouldn't be a problem if there was a way to stop turbo-boost letting your cpu get so hot, so the fan wouldn't need to kick in. Is there any way to do this?

 

the thing with fan noise is that you shouldn't be playing hardcore games in places that require silence anyway, so as long as you switch to IGP and perhaps a lower power level then it shouldn't be all that bad. this applies to all laptops.

 

Wow, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

 

You can try using galaxy's Xtreme tunerHD....I'm using it on my 8150 to downclock the 485m as low 25mhz on the core, 135 on the memory. It also lets you adjust the voltage.

Download Center

 

Okay, here's a pic of it on idle with only the processes open and speedfan...
http://i.imgur.com/qnakY.jpg
The image is big so it's better to just copy and paste the url.
These temps are not quite reassuring as cocci852's temps while updating SC2 are lower. http://forum.notebookreview.com/7286053-post488.html

 

I see a bunch of unneeded processes....

iTunesHelper,
DVD Service,
FingerTray App...etc.

Maybe try getting rid of those? Would others like to chime in on this please?

Mr. Mysterious

 

I have this laptop, and when it's IDLE it's around 47-48°C and the fan is quite noisy. Am I the only one ?

Otherwise the audio output is pretty low (I'm talking about the jack 3.5mm with a headphone). I mean, the sound is low compare to my old laptop a HP DV6.

 

is the discrete gpu in use?

 

You mean the one integrated to the i5? If yes, then the answer is yes.

 

I'm also on the edge about buying this. The heat issue kind of scares me especially since I want this to last longer than 4 years. Is there a way to up the watts on the fan to make it blow faster to prevent overheating? I don't care about sound too much...Or can we undervolt it. Would repasting every year or so help it live longer? I really don't want this thing to melt on me 2 years down the line because it gets too damn hot.

 

Invest in a notebook cooler then.

Mr. Mysterious

 

I turned off a couple processes and start up programs but the fan still is as loud as it was before.

Here's another pic of the temps.
http://i.imgur.com/PG0lN.jpg

 

I don't think processes are your problem since everything on your list is idle, but, to be sure, you should click to show processes from all users. Also, if you're going to be micromanaging processes, I suggest installing Process Explorer, which makes it much more obvious whether you're looking at a system service or user program.

 

I just ordered the 5160 last week. This heat/noise issue is concerning!

 

you could grab speedfan or change some settings around otherwise (windows power settings, perhaps bios settings) to keep the fans from cranking unecessarily.

I also want to know are you guys taking temps with optimus enabled? I mean that should make a large difference with the 540m disabled given that they share the same heatsink. I'm particularly interested in this because I do a lot of encoding and cpu heavy tasks but I rarely game (probably one session of gaming a month if not less).

 

I was watching this thread and thinking of buying this but the ventilation issues turned me off to it. Really, a notebook with a MIDRANGE graphics card getting that hot under heavy usage? No way, not worth it. I shouldn't have to buy a notebook cooler for a mid-range. I'll find something that is better designed so I don't need to deal with wear and tear in the future.

I'll wait for something with a 555M card as well.

 

Really not sure what you expected. Most mid-range laptops have horrible cooling because most people who use them don't push them. I've had multiple mid-range laptops, some with dedicated graphics, and some with just integrated graphics, and all have gotten hot under heavy use. It's just something I expect.

 

I thought about pulling the trigger but I hesitated looking at the temperature readings earlier, now after reading more reviews, and with the anticipation for nvidia 555m decision is delayed. The cooling system with single radiator for GPU/CPU is not preferred and all the posts above just confirm it. Before you jump on me with "buy a cooler, stop ing" posts - when I put a laptop on a desk - flat surface, not limiting air flow I don't want it to heat up to 90 degrees. Also, all the comments about processes running in background - those wont matter when you have a heavy cpu usage from any game / blueray playback.

 

well I'm coming from a 17" HP with pretty much the same specs, I'll let you guys now how my temps are during encoding and all the stuff I typically do (cpu intensive stuff, I'll probably be using the integrated graphics most the time) and I'll run those tests on my lap as well just to see how uncomfortable it could get at worst. I used to play battlefield 2 on my Dell XPS with 7800gtx mobile so I know what its like to get your thighs burnt from gaming. My Dv7 actually got pretty hot on the bottom during normal use now that I think about it but nowhere near burning. It didn't have switchable graphics though.

I want to make a video regarding build quality (hinges, 1080p 95% gamut monitor, keyboard, general flex of the chassis) sound quality, wireless capability (I use a router from pretty far, outside of my living quarters would only get 2 bars with my dv7). I'll do what I can because there are all of what 2 videos on youtube about the np5160? Unfortunately for me I have to wait for parts before they can assemble and deliver my NP5160 so it might be 3 weeks away or more.

 

nope pretty close too buddy... the idle temp is around 40's and the sound out of the earphones is usually low... and i have a set of monster turbine pro golds

 

I think that I'm gonna send it back...

 

Ugh... These recent posts are really making me reconsider buying this laptop... The thing that infuriates me the most is that there's not even nearly as good laptop for the same price as the Sager NP5160.

And I guess that if the next revision of this laptop includes nVidia GT 555M, it will heat up even more? :-/

 

I heard it had the same build so one heatsink

 

Also you never know, it may never even be released in the US. I know BTO hadn't even heard of it when I ordered my 5160.

You may want to wait until the new revisions of Alienware's M11X and new M14X. Both are supposed to use SB processors and GT555M (14") or GT540M (11"), with what will probably be much better cooling, it's just a matter of what price point they will hit at.

 

has anyone been able to control the fan speed using speedfan or fancontrol (linux) or some similar program? just wondering if the 5160 has the hardware capability.

my 5160 is arriving tomorrow (finally!). i easily get annoyed by fan noise, so i'll probably try to set up some temperature based control of it. just wondering if i should expect to succeed.

 

meh. i'll just learn to live with it.

 

How do you turn on the wi-fi (is there a button)? I installed all my drivers but I can't detect any wireless networks.

Thanks again!

 

Press FN + F11. I'm not a 100% sure about this, but that is what turns my wireless on/off on my 8130.

I'm sure there is some combination of FN + something that will enable and disable it. Just search for it, or look in the owner's manual.

Mr. Mysterious

 

Thanks! I will try that. The user's manual on the drivers CD is corrupt so ... =X

 

You have to install the basic drivers (1 to 10 or 11) and then the "options" drivers. Wireless is one of those.

 

Ohhh okay that clears things up hahaha. I was wondering what I'd do with the ethernet adapter but no wirelessxD

Laptop's working fine and all now, but the fan is really annoying lol=_=

 

Well.. I had never looked into that but I just tried to create the config file with pwmconfig and it says there's no pwm-capable sensor modules installed.

I looked up the problem and it could just be that there's still no support for this motherboard on the kernel... so hopefully this will be addressed in the future.

 

Hi im writing from turkey,here's a company called "EXPER" here and they probably hived off the sager company to produce this product and sell it here.but the name of the product here in turkey is different: exper karizma NR 13 E.

I know about the problem with the processor.But the problem is,the company "EXPER" didn't announce any recall about it.What can i do?

İ bought this producut 3 months ago and used it without a problem since last night.it has a VGA button top on the left on the keyboard.when you press it,it turns red or green.green means you are using the 2nd graphics card.and red means you are using the main graphics accelerator. the gt540m.

The problem is,which i have to deal with:it never turned green again since last night!!!
can someone help me please??

 

It's not a big deal, that from yours Turkish reseller, they don't owe anything to Sager. They just build notebook on the same chassis they get from Clevo. I've got a similar brand as well.

About your problem with the VGA, have you tried to press it and then using under different situations (gaming,...)?

If you still can't get the dedicated GPU to work you should ask for your resellers support.
Optimus is kinda complicated, I still can't say for sure how it works everytime.

And then you can take the opportunity and ask them about the recall as well.

 

yes i tried to press the button in different situations. but it doesn't respond anymore.Normally you should press it before you start a game to activate the main accelerator otherwise it will not work anyway.

i will ask for the resellers support.i think it will be the best solution for now.but thanks anyway.

 

Guys, how do you think Sager NP5160 compares to HP Pavillion DV6 Quad Edition laptop?

 

So nobody has any idea where I could get the caddy? I just ordered my Crucial c300 64gb from amazon ($130 after shipping) and I'll need somewhere to put my storage drive.

I owned the dv6 and dv7 quad sandy bridge models. The build is really nice and overall a great laptop, I enjoyed using them but the screen size and battery life sucks. If you do get a dv6 make sure to look for the coupon on LogicBuy.

I returned my dv7 to buy the NP5160 which is everything the dv7 was in terms of performance but with better battery life, lighter, and 1080p 95% gamut screen. As long as its not flimsy I'll be very very happy.

 

Yeah I found a coupon that discounts more than $300, that's why I'm asking. And for the same price it has 8GB of RAM, 750GB HDD (although it's 5400 RPM) and and ATI 6670M GPU...

I don't know what to do now. xD
Did your NP5160 arrive?

 

The 540m sits between those two GPU options for the HP, so it depends. Other than that it looks like a solid notebook. Not sure how much it would price out to be though.


edit: I would get the 7200 RPM HDD over a bigger size. Low resolution. Huge turn off for me.

 

Ok I was looking at a few other models, Would the np8130, be upgradable, Im kind of tight on money and am looking for a decent laptop, to play games on and run other programs for school, I was thinking of upgrading later on to suit new games that might be coming out in the months ahead.

 

No, the GPU of a notebook is rarely upgradeable. It's integrated into the mobo.

 

Though true that they are rarely upgradeable... the 8130's 460m is actually in an MxM type slot and can be removed/replaced and potentially upgraded (unlike say the 540m which is actually soldered to the motherboard). If gaming is your thing, I'd look at the 8130, its worth it for gaming for both the graphics card AND its dual cooling system though you lose the battery life of the 5160 and the weight goes up as does its size.

 

Good day!
I'm from Russia, but I have a friend in Florida. Tell me please, in what shop it's best to order for delivery to Florida. How many days will take delivery? In Russia, the delivery can go for months...
Sorry for my English and thank you.

 

Hey Bhima, what about your tests?
I already got mine, but would still like to see your impressions on the machine.


Btw, 8130 GPU is upgradeable although I don't know if there is other GPUs with the same specs provided by its motherboard. The 8150 has a better gpu support and is compatible with other gpus...
Unless that I'm confusing it here...

 

My review is here

 

Hey folks, I would like some feedback from other NP5160 owners on two things:


First, I'm having troubles playing simple rmvb video files on Windows 7 64 bits.
I've downloaded K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 32 bit and the 64 Bit, installed both as suggested by themselves, and every video I've tried playing was with real low frame rate . It seems odd since I've been using this codec pack (older versions, of course) for years, in weaker pcs, and it always have been flawless. Could it be some incompatibility? Any other suggestion of codec packs?
(video playback on Linux is fine)


The second, regarding the S/PDIF Out jack on the right side of the laptop, has anyone already used?
I would like to know how it could be used to get 5.1 sound...
I happen to have two sets of 2.1 speakers and I wonder if I could use them both in a complementary way, resulting on an amazing sound experience on my room


Well, I will appreciate any ideas but the first issue is more urgent

Thanks!

 

Your logic doesn't really compute. If you're buying a mid-range laptop with a dedicated graphics card that is capable of mid-level gaming, chances are, you're buying it to push it with heavy use for video and graphics. Otherwise, you'd just buy a laptop with integrated graphics because it's cheaper in the first place and not many people need to spend $800-1000 on a notebook.

This machine should be better designed so it doesn't heat up so easily, period.