Asus G750JM-T4014H Notebook Review Update

The Intel processor is part of the Haswell generation. Unlike the identically clocked Core i7-4700MQ, the Core i7-4700HQ is tightly connected to the mainboard and is therefore not exchangeable. According to the load, the quad-core processor reaches a speed of 2.4 to 3.4 GHz, where the turbo-boost feature works at its full capacity (more on that later).

Besides, the Core i7-4700HQ inherits all advantages and disadvantages of the Haswell architecture. 22 nm width is just as modern as the six MB large L3 cache. Via Hyperthreading, the CPU can treat up to eight threads simultaneously. Only the heat management can be judged critically. Intel’s high-end chips are known for their high temperature generation. 

Thumbs up: unlike the previous models (G750JW, G750JX & G750JH), the manufacturer has finally implemented an Nvidia Optimus technology. Due to the graphics switching, the 17-inch notebook saves a lot of energy, which is beneficial for battery life. 

Contrary to expectations, Asus does not resort to the Kepler GeForce GTX 860M for its G750JM, but to the Maxwell version. Admittedly, the Maxwell version has around 50% less shader units (640 vs. 1,152), but due to the higher clocking rates (1,029-1097 vs. 797-915 MHz) and general efficiency improvements, it works faster. 

Asus goes even one step further and overclocks the GTX 860M. According to the GPU-Z tool, 1,197 MHz is possible for 3D operations, which correspond to a 10% higher value. Our graphics benchmarks clearly indicate that this increase has also advantages in practice. 

Independent of the clock rate, the GTX 860M offers a large 2,048 MB 128-bit GDDR5 video memory. Since there are already games which ask for three or more gigabytes (Watch Dogs, Wolfenstein: The New Order), passionate gamers are only satisfied with a GeForce GTX 870M or GeForce GTX 880M. Nevertheless, regardless of whether Kepler or Maxwell: the current Nvidia generation is designed in a 28-nm-process. 

In consolation for the missing SSD, Asus integrates a 1,500 GB large HDD. Even though the magnetic storage rotates at only 5,400 rpm, performance can be considered decent. The 100 MB/sec sequential write and read test of the CrystalDiskMark are just as good as 82 MB/sec in HD Tune.

Of course the HGST Travelstar 5K1500 cannot reach the speed of a solid-state drive, which normally reaches the 200-MB mark. In addition to the improved booting speed, an SSD would also decrease access time. 

Despite the slower graphics accelerator, the chassis values are similar to the G750JS, which stays slightly cooler at an ambient temperature of 24 °C (75.2 °F; this could be related to the different measuring device).

Average temperatures of 30 °C when Idle and 32 °C (top) and 37 °C (bottom) for 3D operations (86, 89.6 and 98.6 °F respectively) are respectable for a gaming notebook. While the comparably equipped Nexoc G728II shows similar temperatures, significantly higher values were obtained for the flatter MSI GE70 (a maximum of 58 instead of 45 °C (113 °F) within the fan area). 

The components do not heat up too much. Admittedly, the stress test of the Core i7-4700HQ with the FurMark and Prime95 tools yield values up to 93 °C (199.4 °F, CPUID HWMonitor), but 73 °C (163.4 °F) for the graphics chip are relatively low. The GTX 870M of the G750JS reached a definitively higher value of 88 °C (190.4 °F). It is similar for the Nexoc G728II (max. 80 °C @ GTX 860M) and the MSI GE70 (max. 92 °C @ GTX 850M; 176 and 197.6 °F respectively). Thus, the massive cooling construction of the G750JM, which cannot be cleaned easily, serves its purpose.

The advantages of the graphics switching can be especially noted when the device is running on battery. The maximum six hours that the G750JX achieved just one year ago is a piece of cake for the G750JM.

Using maximum energy savings and the lowest brightness, the G750JM can last for eight hours without the power adapter. Around 5.5 hours wireless browsing (medium brightness) and 4.5 hours of DVD playback are also impressive.

Only for 3D operations with an active Nvidia chip causes the 17-inch notebook not to last that long: 1.5 hours prevent the G750JM from scoring a higher score for battery life. In general, the 89 Wh of the 8-cell battery indicate a generously designed device. Most manufacturers include inferior and thus cheaper models in their notebooks. 

If you are looking for a rather silent gaming notebook, you should go for the Asus G750JM. Admittedly, the GeForce GTX 860M – despite overclocking and Maxwell architecture – cannot compete with the top sellers GTX 870M and GTX 880M (Kepler technology). The performance, however, should be enough for occasional gamers.

The individually designed chassis depends on taste. While person x might appreciate the cooling system, person y will rail against the modest maintenance options and the enormous weight. It is not pleasant to carry around four kilograms (~8.8 pounds).

In terms of battery life, the G750JM is above average. Other positive aspects are the illuminated keyboard and the touchpad. Processing, equipment and sound quality are in accordance with the price, whereby now one could expect an SSD for a 1400 Euros (~$1905) notebook.

The most unique characteristic is the moderate noise generation. Hardly any notebook stays as cool and silent during gaming as the G750JM. This makes up for the large height of five centimeters (~2 inches) and a second-class Wi-Fi adapter.

If you are not able to make compromises in terms of image quality (anti-aliasing, etc.), you should however, go for another device. Several alternatives can be found in the “Shortcut” (right column).