New Samsung Series 7 NP700Z7C-S01US Laptop i7 3615QM 650m Review!

Hi OC-Freak thanks for the info. And yes i could have found that out on intel's page, sorry!

 

Hello, been lurking for a while but I just had to create an account to ask this one question. I noticed that the keyboard upper left region gets hot when gaming heavily.

So in decision I want to get a cooler unit. I assume the air intakes from the bottom (the vents which is located on the bottom back side)

So my question is, what is the recommended cooling unit for this machine? preferably something that will snuggle well with it

 

Well, I replaced the stock 5400 rpm drive with a Seagate Momentus 7200 rpm (750GB) HDD. I reset the internal flash device. Let's see what happens. My first impression is that it seems a bit slower.

 

Definitely leaning toward this. I understand that several people have heating issues with the mid-left of the keyboard (looks like the location of the CPU from the photos). Can anyone say how the palm rest areas are, even when the keyboard is warm? Also, how about WASD?
I just got a new HP dv6, similar specs but about $400 cheaper, but the thing heats up like crazy, especially on the left palm rest and the left part of the keyboard. Totally annoying. I might try the dv7 as a replacement - at least until the Samsung gets restocked !

Anyone have a good cooling pad that blows up for this Sammy? Intake is on the bottom so one wouldn't want fans blowing down/away...

 

For me, the warm part is only around the square area of Top left being ESC to the bottom right being around F. anything below that is normal. it's mainly the tilda and tab rows for me. really want a cooler to help this problem cause it is extremely hot, not burning hot but very hot.

Right now, I have a DVD case on the back middle, lifting it about 30? degrees up so the bottom part suctions in properly and will help with elevating the heat up, but it still gets hot when running something liek Final Fantasy XIV on full blast (yes, i play XIV, so sue me)

 

Palmrest is always cool. For me the area from 4 to 8 and down towards trackpad was a bit warm, not enough to burn but slightly uncomfortable.

 

I've been playing Skyrim and Diablo 3 for hours on end. The left side of the keyboard gets a little warm, but not enough to make my hand sweat at all. The bottom on the other hand needs to be on a flat surface or cooler while gaming. The palm rest is always cool. I can't recall if it was any warmer before I installed the SSD.

 

I've had this laptop for about a week and would like to share my experience.

My unit is purchased in Sweden. The build quility is excellent. The laptop's shell is made mostly of aluminium. The bottom is plastic and is fairly easy to remove (thanks paulnelson88 for the video)!

The HDD that comes with this laptop is Samsung branded 5200RPM drive. I wouldn't say it is _that_ slow, however I've noticed that it does have a habit of pausing for a while when writing large chunks of data. I have replaced the HDD with Samsung 830 256GB SSD which brought Win7 boot time to about 10 seconds from about 25 secs. The Samsung SSD has made this laptop really shine!

The matte LED screen is very good. It has excellent colours and is very bright. No dead pixels on my unit. I notice slight light leakage around left corner, but overall the entire screen is evenly lit. This is not IPS and the color shift is noticeble at extreme angles, but much better than on my old Sony Vaio F.

The heat issue I find overblown. I have played WoW and Skyrim for a few hours and have not noticed any heat coming through the keyboard. I'm using a cheap laptop-cooler when gaming: Laptopställ med fläktkylning Targus AWE55EU - TARGUS | Clas Ohlson

This laptop is very fast (SSD helps). Photoshop flies on this machine. I am using the removed 1TB HDD to store pictures, music and video and it works very well over USB.

The sound on this laptop is excellent. It is by far the best I've ever heard for any laptop.

I have done a clean install of Win7 Professional on the SSD. Prior to that I backed up all the existing drivers from the C:\Windows\SysNative\DriverStore\FileRepository directory (about 1,4 GB uncompressed, 400 MB compressed with 7zip). Once I installed a "pure" Win7 Pro, I decompressed the FileRepository folder to the laptop's built-in 8GB iSSD (which I mounted as a separate drive) and reinstalled all the drivers by going to Device Manager in Control Panel. For every resource in Device Manager I did the following: double-click the resource, then go to the "Driver" tab, press the "Update Driver" button, choose "Browse my computer..." and then point to the extracted FileRepository directory on the spare iSSD for the driver location. This way I was able to restore all the original drivers which came with this laptop without downloading and installing a single piece of software from Samsung. I'd claim this is probably *the* cleanest installation you can achieve with this machine.

Some intresting notes:

* most of special function buttons (activated with FN-button) work in BIOS and in Windows without any special software/drivers.

* I love the touch pad - it is very responsive and has a lot of space unlike most other laptops I've seen.

* I've noticed an issue with my old Blutooth mouse, it was working fine with my Sony Vaio but has very high latency with this Samsung. This is especially noticeble when gaming. Not sure if it's the mouse or the laptop or the driver.

* This laptop comes with Nvidia Optimus technology. One thing that annoyed me was the fact that the Nvidia driver didn't allow manual selection of Nvidia GPU for multimedia programs such as Windows Media Player and mpc-hc. I updated the driver to version 301.42 but the problem persisted. I had since figured out that by using Nvidia Inspector it is possible to solve this (by modifying certain keys in Nvidia database). Let me know if anyone needs more info on this and I'll post it here.

* There is a built-in 8GB SSD drive mounted on the motherboard. It is SanDisk branded iSSD: http://www.sandisk.com/business-solutions/ssd/sandisk-issd
It can be used as accumulative cache for another Disk Drive in Windows by installing a special driver. But the iSSD can also be used as an ordinary Disk Drive in Windows (approx. 7.6GB after formatting). I am using it as a scratch-pad driver for Windows Temp files and other misc. files. Because the SSD technology has a finite amount of write-cycles I find it better to spare the main SSD drive from excessive Windows usage.


Overall I'm very satisfied with this laptop. I think it is far better than the MacBook 17" which I briefly considered prior to buying Samsung. It is alot cheaper, has full backlit keyboard, very good screen (IPS would be perfect), great sound, fast processor and 8GB or RAM which is alot by most standards.

Finally, kudos to Samsung engineers for producing such a great product and to their management for greenlighting the project!

 

I haven't had any issues with heating but this is a good cooling unit that blows up. The best thing about it is that you can reposition the 80mm fans to your liking on the grid to line it up with the air intake holes on the lappy. $24 at CompUSA. Cooler Master.

 

Thanks everyone! You've totally sold me. I'm placing my order. Now its just a waiting game for amazon to restock. I've got a Sandisk Extreme 256gb and some ICdiamond. I'm going to town on this thing when I get it! A cooler seems mandatory for longer gaming sessions. Anyone else have recommendations?

 

@narechk... It's an excellent laptop. Like you I installed a SSD. Unlike you, I did not make a backup of the stock drivers. After installing Windows 7 Ultimate on the SSD, I downloaded all the drivers from samsung's website and it covered everything in device manager except the SM Bus Controller. I assume this is part of some chipset drivers but they do not have chipset drivers on their website. I called their tech support only to be told that I would have to wait to get the chipset drivers when they post them online. No estimate as to when that would be was given. Additionally, they were unable to tell me anything about the motherboard manufacturer.

Any chance I could get those chipset drivers?

 

Hi@all!

Here is my experience with Diablo 3!

With all settings on high + antialise + vertical sync the framerate (FRAPS) is at about 40 fps. During bit battles the framerate can drop to 28 frames but only for a few seconds. Normally it is about 35 fps.

With shadows on "medium" and no antialise the framerate grows to 60 fps which is pretty much the best setting. I cannot see a difference in the shadow quality.

BUT!!!! There is a major issue! Even if the game runs at 60 fps, there are some nasty framerate drops, caused by CPU THROTTLING due to high temperature (throttling starts at 88°C!) I figured it out by running AIDA64 (= new Everest). When the temperature is at about 88°C, it starts throttling with 5-6%. I even reached a maximum of 19% of throttling which is unplayable.

What do I need a GT650 for, when the temperature management fails...

 

Problem solved

With closed lid, the temperature grows up to 90°C
With lid opened, it stays at about 75°C without trottling! Puh

 

You were playing with the laptop of the lid closed? I should think so!! I wonder how it would do tilted on its front with the fan exits up in the air? Seriously. My dell gets better temps with the fan exit up in the air.

 

You opened the bottom lid?

That sounds terrifying x_x

 

No, I just opened the normal lid (screen). I have an external monitor attached. I didn't wanna look at the black laptop screen, so I closed it. But unfortunately the air exit isn't the same when closed. it's smaller...

 

after playing a game for 6 hours my nvidia card keeps crashing, what should i do?

 

also my windows updates keep failing, anyone else getting this?

WindowsUpdate_8024200D" "WindowsUpdate_dt000"

already tried using the System Update Readiness Tool and it failed again.

 

I have played Diablo 3 all day yesterday and nothing happened. Maybe you should restart your computer and try to reinstall the windows update. Restarting your computer might fix the nvidia card crashing as well, if it doesn't, reinstall the driver.

 

yes I restarted my computer many times but still get this windows update error.

 

i have the same problem, can i have me???

 

Hmmm, is this the stock operating system that came with the laptop? or did you install your own copy of windows? A sure fix would be, to repair the operating system, and if that fails, then reinstall a fresh copy of windows.

 

from Lenovo forum... do you agree about "Extremely bad viewing angles" for the NP700Z7C-S01US screen

Re: W520 Nvidia Quadro 2000M vs HP dv7t GeForce GT... - Page 2 - Lenovo Community


Also do you really think Lenovo w520 is much better then this laptop as a "secondary" 3D computer?

Thank you!

 

The link that person gave was for the Series 3 17.3 inch laptop. The Series 3 definitely isn't a premium laptop so I'm sure the display is worst for that.

 

but he is saying the screen is the same....

"The Samsung laptop you linked to uses a Samsung 17.3" "SuperBright" display. And, when you look at this review of another Samsung laptop which uses a Samsung 17.3" "SuperBright" display....

 

Well, the term "SuperBright" isn't very informative enough because Samsung calls multiple different panels "Superbright". He'd have to give you the specific panel model to see if we have a match or not.

Anyways, I looked on Amazon and the Series 3 17.3 inch is definitely a different panel. First of all, the Series 3 is 1600 x 900 resolution while the Series 7 is 1920 x 1080. And according to some guy in the comments, he got the Series 3 comp for 490 dollars at Best buy. There is no way they are going to use a good panel on a computer that cheap.

But anyways, the consensus on this forum is that the panel on this Series 7 laptop is amazing.

 

The screen of the 700Z7C is the best I've ever seen! No issues with viewing angles!

Trust me, I'm an engineer

 

Finished my first playthrough in Diablo 3 last night. I realize it took me two weeks!

1360/1366 X 768 with everything maxed is buttery smooth 60fps vsync the entire game.

Max res with shadows off is also a consistent 60fps.

No issues with overeating or fps dips.

 

I can confirm that. Ive used a HP Elitebook 8560p before, which isnt bad at all The Samsung is better. Also viewing angles.

 

About the Targus cooler....Do you notice a warm/hot keyboard gaming without the laptop cooling pad? I would probably buy the pad if it does decrease the surface temps.....

 

I liked the screen on the Series 9 because it could go a little brighter than this one, however the 1920x1080 resolution on this Series 7 makes it better. These Samsungs have the best screens I've seen in a laptop so far.

 

I haven't tried gaming on this laptop without using Targus cooler. However I have noticed that the laptop's fans appear to kick in less frequently in photoshop/bridge with laptop-cooler, than without it.

Another thing worth mentioning is that with SSD this laptop is nearly silent when not stressed. Targus' cooler fans are quite audible compared to the laptop's. But then again it doesn't matter much when gaming.

There are better laptop-coolers out there but Targus seems to do the job just fine for me.

 

Amazon just sent me the following:
Hello,

We have good news! We're able to get this part of your order to you faster than we originally promised:

"Samsung Series 7 NP700Z7C-S01US 17.3-Inch Laptop (Silver)"
Previous estimated arrival date: June 26, 2012 - July 10, 2012
New estimated arrival date: May 31, 2012 - June 01, 2012

I'm psyched!!!
Anyone have any experience returning laptops to Amazon? Thing is I have an HP dv7 coming which I had a good deal on as a replacement. Can I test the Samsung and send it back easily? I wont want to crack it open until I see my dv7 but I don't have very high hopes for hp. This new ivy bridge dv6 was a huge disappointment.

 

Also, does anyone have experience with Squaretrade warranties? Are they worth it? Samsung's warranty doesn't seem very good.

 

How are other people able to install drivers from NVIDIA like the 301.40 drivers? I can't seem to get any to work.

 

Download 301.42 mobile driver from: What's New - GeForce

Download modified INF from: v301.42 Windows 7/Vista 64bit | NVIDIA Mobile OEM - 30x Series GeForce Driver release - LaptopVideo2Go Forums

In the latter there are instructions on what to do with that INF file. Once you've copied it into the proper location you will be able to install the driver.

 

Awesome! Thank You!

 

I've heard that installing this driver is causing the nvidia gpu to be on all the time i.e. disabling optimus....for those that have installed it....are yall experiencing this?

 

You can return it to Amazon within 30 days if you don't open the box. If you open it, it is subject to a restocking fee ~15% of cost.

 

I spilled some water oon my monitor and it left white bleeding marks but it seems to be slowly diminishing will it go completely away??

 

Is anyone else getting an installation pop-up message about "Intel Manageability Engine Firmware Recovery Agent"? I googled it, and I'm not finding any Intel-based descriptions so I am not comfortable accepting and installing it. Any idea what it is?

Sky

 

I just accept the license thing, then it will try to run an update, and then it will tell you that there is no update, then it never pops up again. I don't know what it does either.

 

LOL! I did the same thing last night but it slowly going away. Make sure to leave the lid up.

 

On the subject of screens, what's the best way to clean this one? I've thought about getting some lcd wipes but I'm a little worried that they might leave streaks on the screen so I don't want to take any chances. Any suggestions?

 

So it seems i cannot game on this laptop for too long cus the keyboard will get really hot and the vents near the speakers get. Even hotter. I'm not sure if this will have any implications on the hardware longevity. So has anyone found any apropriate solutions for this yet? Or does anyone know of any reliable coolers which would work specifically well for this laptop keeping in mind the design of the air vents?
If this cant be fixed im thinkin of switchin to another gaming laptop wih better cooling solutions such as aw or sager while compromising on looks

 

Not in my case. After installing 301.42 Optimus is on and works as expected. Adaptive vsynch that came with this driver is a blessing!

 

I haven't noticed this at all. Admittedly I don't game as much as I probably should, but WoW and Skyrim which I tried didn't seem to produce alot of heat. The fans do go off when gaming and I'm using a cheap laptop-cooler but the keyboard doesn't get hot on my unit. What games did you try?

 

If you are straining the computer with gaming or something else, then yes it gets quite hot, this is a known issue....either your cooling pad is amazing or you have the only cool laptop (when under heavy load)

You probably arent straining it enough, try playing Dota 2 or Diablo 3 at max settings for a while, and I would love to hear about how cool it is to the touch. (one of these guys plays FFXIV, which is a beast of a game that probably requires constant typing as well, thankfully my games put my hands in the upper left region, and not near the center which is a lava pit.)

In fact take it off your cooling pad and make it work hard and tell us whether there is a noticable difference between no cooling pad and cooling pad.

That would be very helpful for us with the problem.

I was actually considering this Amazon.com: ARCTIC Portable USB-Fan ABACO-BZG00-010000: Electronics

Just to blow on the keyboard and move the hot air coming up out of the vents, because i notice when there is a black screen under heavy load the monitor is a little discolored from the venting of hot air straight up. Since i am not worried at all about the bottom of the laptop, maybe a top blowing fan like this would move heat away quickly, only worry is it may get chili on the hands (beats them sweating though)

And before people mention my ambient temps being too high, I am in a 69 degree hotel room.

Love this laptop to death, just looking for practical solution to heavy gaming heat.

 

I bought this one a few days ago and im super happy with it. But i had to return it because of what i thaught was dead pixels was a hairstraw stuck in the monitor, that one of the production worker droped when the laptop was build. xD

 

so can you game with this laptop or not?

do you guys think this is the best laptop for gaming that doesn't look like a spaceship like the gaming series?
Does it really get that hot? i was looking at it and some people say that happens others don't...