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This is one of the cleanest system installs yet, with only barebones drivers and software installed. We always appreciate being able to install our own anti virus software for instance without having to immediately clean the registry.
Interesting to see GPU-Z preinstalled, although we aren't sure if this is because we have a review sample and PC Specialist were double checking the configuration before shipping.
The system scores very highly, 7.3 points overall. This tool just uses the lowest common denominator for the final score however, rather than the ‘average'. The Solid State Drive scores the maximum 7.9 points, which is a good indication for later benchmarks.
At the heart of the system is the latest generation Intel Core i7 3610QM processor, built on the 22nm engineering process. The mainboard is manufactured by Clevo, with an American Megatrends bios. There is 8GB of Kingston DDR3 memory installed, in a 2x4GB configuration. This memory is set to 1,600mhz with relatively tight 9-9-9-27 1T timings.
GPU-Z failed to pick up the details of the AMD HD7970m discrete graphics card, although we know this is Direct X11 compliant, with 1280 pixel shaders. The core clock runs at 850mhz and the memory at 1200mhz connected via a 256 bit memory interface. On paper it is a very powerful mobile graphics solution.
AMD's Catalyst Control center is the hub for adjusting the switchable graphics settings – between Intel HD graphics and the HD7970m. We didn't run into issues during testing, although when first running a few programs CCC did ask a few times if we wanted to use power saving (Intel onboard) or high performance (AMD discrete). It saved the choices directly into the control panel, with the option to change later.
The choice of 90GB Solid State boot drive is inspired. It is a perfect size for maintaining a cost to usability ratio. Any smaller and you are likely to run out of space over time. With Windows 7 and all the applications installed, there is over 30 GB of space free. PC Specialist have also included a 750GB Hard drive for storage and backup purposes.
Comparison Systems (for specific synthetic test compares):
Asus G74SX-91013Z (featuring Core i7 2360QM)
Dell XPS 14z (featuring Core i7 2640M).
AlienWare M18X (featuring Core i7 2960XM Extreme Edition).
MSI CX640 (featuring Core i5 2410M).
Intel Core i7 2600k desktop processor.
Intel Core i5 2500k desktop processor.
Software:
3DMark Vantage
3DMark 11
PCMark 7
Cinebench 11.5 64 bit
FRAPS Professional
Unigine Heaven Benchmark
CrystalDiskMark
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra 11
Cyberlink MediaEspresso
HQV Benchmark V2.
Alien V Predator.
Dirt Showdown.
Total War : Shogun 2.
Technical Monitoring and Test Equipment:
Asus BluRay Drive
Lacie 730 Monitor (Image Quality testing)
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Extech digital sound level meter & SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter
Nikon D3X with R1C1 Kit (4 flashes), Nikon 24-70MM lens.
is the link working, cant see it for sale?
I like the appearance, i must be one of the few people who hate that Dell star trek keyboard font. its hard to read.
Good specifications, but id prefer this in 15.6 inch as they are more portable and tend to have better battery life.
is it possible to put the 7970m in a 15 inch chassis though? might not g et enough airflow. GTX680 seems better for heat.
Is this a limited ‘offer’ for kitguru readers? I cant afford a new machine just yet, but will do in the next couple of months. Ive marked this machine down as the price seems good.
Yes, the link should be working. This model is available to purchase here – http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/reviews/.
The HD7970M is available in the 15.6″ Vortex III, along with the GTX670M & GTX675M.
This model will be available to buy at this price as long as we have the parts in stock. As they’re all new, it should be for quite a while 😀
Great looking machine, much nicer than that flashy Alienware bollocks.
Priced well too. im tempted, but dont tell the missus.
Good range of systems they have too, never heard of them.
@John.
thank you for the feedback.
I know you probably wont have the information at hand, but how does the 7970m handle in a smaller chassis? it seems to demand a lot of power and generate a lot of heat/fan noise. not exclusive to your system as all of them have a problem cooling it.
Have you any ideas how it runs in the 15.6 inch machine as I just dont like 17 inch laptops, they are too big.
Can I confirm the keyboard backlight is purple? why purple? thats a pretty difficult colour to deal with. Can it be changed?
We need a few more good system builders in Holland lately, i bought an Acer in January and its just away for repair.
Id be concerned with this machine however long term as the HD7970m is g etting a lot of negative press in forums for heat. I can predict failures if the the cooling system starts to weaken over the year with dust etc.
It is good to see another 17″ with a numer pad squashed in. The design looks very professional and my P100 17″ also has a brick for a power adapter.
How thick is it? I sometimes have to take my P100 out on plane rides to fit my bag on board. As nice as this is, I have my eye set on the MSI GE70 although MSI is very rare in NZ.
@Harry
“Can I confirm the keyboard backlight is purple? why purple? thats a pretty difficult colour to deal with. Can it be changed?”
I read in another review that the backlight colour can be adjusted, and it looks blue on Zardon’s pics.
I would just like to say that I bought a high end gaming laptop from here the The Vortex III HD7S 17.3 inch which was fully spec’d and it is the best thing I ever did! It wasn’t cheap, but the quality is amazing and the follow up from pcspecialist has been impressive. I am future proof for a few years now, but i will not hesitate to go back to this company for my next gaming laptop. Brilliant!!
excellent good to hear our review helped!
Just to say that I’ve been umming and ahing about buying this laptop and this review has definitely swung my opinion in favour of purchasing. So thanks very much!
I’ve got this and they’re right it’s awesome! It’s a fair point they make about the fans being loud when the system is pushed, however I don’t even notice it anymore as I’m enjoying myself too much!