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Review Asus VX7 Lamborghini Notebook

Just an illusion. Asus has a strong gaming notebook available in its array called VX7, Its looks have been inspired by the Italian noble car manufacturer Lamborghini. Find out in this review why the sprout from its own G53 couldn't really convince us despite strong components.
Asus VX7 Lamborghini
"A new style of speed"

In addition to the aggressive design, the high price will likely be one of the first things about the VX7 that hit the potential buyer. Asus demands a steep 2000 euros for its 15 inch gaming notebook - that is about 500 euros more than a comparably configured alternative of its more basic brother, G53. The enormous price can't just only be due to the components, anyway. Although Asus installs strong, high-end hardware, there are equally fast notebooks already found for a bit more than 1000 euros (for example, see the Medion Erazer X6813). Asus is likely reckoning on finding enough solvent customers with the "Lamborghini" effect.

But that's enough speculation. Let's rather have a quick look at the most important configuration features. Currently, there are only two VX7 models available that also have exactly the same components. First, the orange VX-SZ083V and then the VX7-SZ062V that we have in for review. Unsurprisingly, Asus has opted for a lightning fast quad core processor from Intel. The Core i7-2630QM is very popular among laptop manufacturers at the moment. Meanwhile, Nvidia's DirectX 11 capable, but no longer quite new, GeForce GTX 460M is used as the graphics card (the predecessor of the GTX 560M, which has been released in the meantime).

Unfortunately, the user has to live without a modern SSD hard disk. Asus installs two HDDs with 750 GBs each. Speaking of big: The manufacturer has grossly exaggerated in terms of main memory. A 16 GB DDR3 RAM will likely first start to get necessary in a few years. In return, the choice for the optical drive is praiseworthy. A BluRay player (burns CDs & DVDs) perfectly fits to the glossy Full HD display (1920x1080). The operating system is - how could it be otherwise - the 64 bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium.

Case

High-gloss overkill
High-gloss overkill

Asus has come up with quite a few ideas in terms of the VX7's design. The streamlined, black case has been inspired by Lamborghini's Gallardo and Lamborghini's Murciélago, according to the manufacturer. You especially notice the visible likeness to the super sports car when looking at the rear. The vents are emblazoned with imitation taillights placed above them. Small details, such as the "Start Engine" labeled power button, the Lamborghini logo on the dipslay lid or the engine roar during the startup (can be disabled in the BIOS), show that Asus has very well ventured into the subject thoroughly.

The notebook can't quite meet the claim of luxury in terms of materials. Thus, the wrist-rest is covered with fine leather, but the other surfaces are made only of simple plastic. Aluminum surfaces, as we've come to expect from Alienware notebooks, would have greatly increased the quality impression. If you put value on a clean device, you will likely be deterred by the sensitive high-gloss finish, as well. Keyboard (area), notebook lid and display bezel smudge very fast. Fingerprints are all over within a very short time. The workmanship also leaves room for complaint. For one thing, our test device's hinge squeaked and for another, the keyboard wasn't perfectly fitted and partly protruded slightly.

On the other hand, there isn't anything to complain about in regard to stability. The base unit could neither be visibly bent on the top nor on the bottom. Merely the lid proved to be fairly unstable. Finally, the hinges do a perfect job. The base unit doesn't lift when the lid is opened. Beyond that, surface vibrations don't provoke violent shaking of the screen.

Connectivity

USB 3.0 performance: Transcend Store Jet TS500GSJ25D3 500 GB USB 3.0 HDD
USB 3.0 performance

Considering that the VX7 is a genuine gaming notebook, the connectivity is rather disappointing. You look for an ExpressCard slot just as much in vain as for a Firewire or eSATA port. Solely one USB 3.0 port is also a bit scanty in the high-end sector. It could have been two 3.0 ports for a price of 2000 euros.

To add insult to injury, the existing interfaces are organized very unfavorably. Most connections are placed so far front that the use of a mouse is linked to major restrictions. The lateral elbowroom suffers considerably.

Communication

In contrast, Asus does nothing wrong in terms of communication. The VX7 has a RJ45 Gigabit LAN port and supports WLAN b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 thanks to the wireless module.

Left: Optical drive, 2 USB 2.0s
Left: Optical drive, 2 USB 2.0s
Right: 2 audios, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, LAN, DC-in
Right: 2 audios, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, LAN, DC-in
A lot of bloatware
A lot of bloatware

Software

Asus show no mercy in software installation. The laptop almost bursts with bloatware - nearly 70 programs rampage on our test device. The VX7 responds accordingly slow especially after the system start. The user should take a bit of time and rid the system of superfluous ballast. The Internet usually clarifies if a program is important or not.

Scope of Delivery

Your eyes will likely beam when you have the VX7's packaging in front of you. Asus delivers its 15 incher in a classy, stable and matt black box. The notebook is enveloped in a soft textile cover - greetings from Alienware (see the M11x R3 among others). Asus additionally adds a fat 8 cell battery and a voluminous 150 watt power adapter. The bundle is finished off with a few information booklets and a driver & tool DVD.

Warranty

Asus grants customers a warranty period of two years. The warranty only applies for one year on the battery.

Input Devices

Tastatur
Keyboard

Keyboard

The keyboard makes a rather mixed impression. The successful layout, the presence of a dedicated number pad and the chiclet design (separated keys) would be mentioned on the pro side. On top of that, the VX7 can be used even in total darkness without problems thanks to the white illumination.

However, the spongy typing feel is on the con side, just like the fairly unclear pressure point and stroke. The somewhat cheap sounding typing noise joins in on that. Meanwhile, a key size of 14x14 millimeters is acceptable.

Touchpad

To bestow the touchpad with a high-gloss surface is - to put it mildly - a suboptimal decision, in our opinion. The fingers actually stick on the touchpad and the gliding traits are quite bad.

Otherwise, the well-sized touchpad of 70x43 millimeters can be disabled and shows a good performance. Most inputs are implemented precisely and reliably, no matter if the horizontal or vertical scroll bars or the various gestures are used. Multi-touch support is another bonus point.

Display

The 15.6 inch glare dispaly has an LED backlit display, an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a Full HD resolution. 1920x1080 pixels are slowly but surely becoming standard in the gaming field. Nvidia's GeForce GTX 460M is strong enough for Full HD in most games. If required, the resolution has to be reduced a bit.

220
cd/m²
215
cd/m²
225
cd/m²
226
cd/m²
227
cd/m²
227
cd/m²
242
cd/m²
254
cd/m²
247
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B156HW01 V5 tested with Gossen Mavo-Monitor
Maximum: 254 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 231.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 227 cd/m²
Contrast: 164:1 (Black: 1.38 cd/m²)60.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
86.4% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
58.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

You would actually expect an outstanding display in a 2000 euro laptop. But far from it: Asus gives the VX7 an ordinary, run of the mill screen that can't reach a reference level in any way. The black value is quite high with 1.38 cd/m2. Dark areas clearly produce a gray cast - saturated black looks different.

The contrast of 164:1 is also not worth mentioning. Good screens easily pass the mark of 500:1 (see the Schenker XMG P501 PRO, for example). On the other hand, the luminosity (average: 231.4 cd/m2) and illumination (85%) don't need to hide. Subjectively, the display is acceptable in terms of colors. As usual, it's just enough for the sRGB color spectrum.

Asus VX7 vs. sRGB (grid)
Asus VX7 vs. sRGB (grid)
Asus VX7 vs. MacBook Pro 17 (grid)
Asus VX7 vs. MacBook Pro 17 (grid)
Asus VX7 vs. AdobeRGB (grid)
Asus VX7 vs. AdobeRGB (grid)

The VX7 is hardly suitable for outdoor use due to its glossy surface. Unsightly reflections turn up frequently outdoors and strain the eyes extremely. You aren't protected against reflections indoors, either. More often than not, dimming the room and/or relocating are the only help.

Outdoors
Outdoors
Außeneinsatz Asus VX7-SZ062V

As expected, the vertical viewing angles are pretty narrow. The image falsifies quickly especially when looking up from a lower corner. Although the viewing angles are better on the horizontal plane, the screen has to occasionally be readjusted. Overall, the inferior screen (AU Optronics B156HW01 V5) costs many points. The picture quality stays far behind the high-end claim. Asus should urgently make improvements here to justify the steep retail price.

Viewing angles: Asus VX7-SZ062V
Viewing angles: Asus VX7-SZ062V

Performance

Turbo Boost
Turbo Boost

Processor: Intel Core i7-2630QM

Asus treats the VX7 to a quad core processor from Intel's latest Sandy Bridge generation so that the graphics card isn't slowed down in games. The Core i7-2630QM normally runs with 2.00 GHz, but can be overclocked to 2.90 GHz when need be thanks to the Turbo Boost function. Beyond that, a few applications benefit from the Hyper Threading technology which simulates a virtual core to every physical core.

Six MB of L3 cache and 995 million transistors are further guarantees for excellent performance. By the way, the graphics chip called HD Graphics 3000 isn't enabled. Asus only relies on the dedicated Nvidia GPU. As all other Sandy Bridge CPUs, the Core i7-2630QM is manufactured in a state of the art 32 nm process. The thermal design power is 45 watts (35 watts in the "normal" dual cores).

System info CPUZ CPU
System info HDTune (HDD2)
System info HDTune (HDD2)
System info HDTune (HDD1)
System info HDTune (HDD1)
System info GPUZ
System info CPUZ Graphics
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ Cache
DPC lantencies
System information: Asus VX7-SZ062V

CPU Performance

The CPU performance can be compared best with Cinebench R10 64 bit. The i7-2630QM easily surpasses its dual core relatives in multi core rendering. The currently fastest mobile dual core, Intel's i7-2620M (Dell Vostro 3550), places itself behind the i7-2630QM by a whole 32% (16665 points). Contrarily, the i7-2630QM falls behind in single core rendering. 4583 to 5446 points are a disadvantage of 16%. One thing is clear anyway: The future definitely belongs to the quad cores. An increasing number of games appreciate a third or fourth processor core.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3690
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
13910
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5325
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
4583 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
16665 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
5312 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
39.69 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
4.84 Points
Help
HWiNFO
HWiNFO

Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M

Demanding gamers are first contented with a graphics card from the high-end sector. The GeForce GTX 460M installed into the Asus VX7 represents the gateway to the top notch models. Nvidia's GF 106 chip provides the basis. It is a relative of the DirectX 11 capable Fermi architecture.

The GeForce GTS 460M's specs are still impressive in 2011. Starting with a large 1536 MB GDDR5 video memory (1250 MHz), which has a 192 bit wide bus. The shader count of 192 is also impressive. In contrast to the successor, GTX 560M, the clock rates are somewhat lower. The GTX 460M "only" clocks with 675/1350 MHz instead of 775/1550 MHz (core/shader).

Nvidia can primarily stand out from its main competitor, AMD, with its feature domination. Although AMD graphics cards can also decode high definition videos, Nvidia clearly has the lead when it comes to physics acceleration or stereoscopic 3D reproduction with PhysX and 3D Vision.

5.9
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.4
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
7.6
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
7.1
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
7.1
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9

GPU Performance

We would like to limit ourselves to the DirectX 11 performance in the graphics benchmarks. The GeForce GTX 460M looked good in the processing intensive benchmark, Unigine Heaven 2.1. The frame rate settled to 23.5 fps in high details and 1280x1024 pixels. The MSI GT780R equipped with the newer GeForce GTX 560M achieved smoother 27.6 fps (+17%) in the same test. The performance difference is a bit smaller in the latest 3DMark 11 (1280x720). While the Asus VX7 can present a GPU score of 1617, the MSI GT780R achieved 1820 points (+13%).

3DMark 03 Standard
35451 points
3DMark 05 Standard
21632 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
13986 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
8059 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1800 points
Help

HDD Performance

The gaming laptop truly doesn't lack memory capacity. Asus has opted for two HDDs from Seagate (ST9750420AS), which both have a capacity of 750 GB and run with 7200 rpm. The given performance is quite good for HDD conditions. The tool, HDTune, recorded an average transfer rate of 92.5 MB/s and an access time of 15 ms. The tester would have preferred a cutting edge SSD drive personally, though. Solid state drives are superior to conventional HDDs in almost every respect.

Seagate Momentus 7200.5 ST9750420AS
Transfer Rate Minimum: 57.2 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 124.4 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 92.5 MB/s
Access Time: 15.2 ms
Burst Rate: 73.4 MB/s

Performance Verdict

The Asus VX7 supplies enough power to fuel most programs adequately. Especially, the quad core CPU is a real powerhouse. Intel's Core i7-2630QM not only scores with an efficient architecture, but also with nice features such as dynamic overclocking. Although the GeForce GTX 460M's performance hardly leaves room for complaint, we would recommend Asus to upgrade to the stronger GeForce GTX 560M as soon as possible.

PCMark Vantage Result
8675 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

CPU throttling
CPU throttling

CPU Throttling

Before we get to the gaming benchmarks, we would like to draw attention to a serious problem. In two of the four tested games (Call of Duty: Black Ops & Dirt 3), Intel's Core i7-2630QM temporarily clocked down to only 800 MHz. Throttling was partly expressed by the image freezing for a second. The tracks were ultimately unplayable.

That the processor clocks itself down in practical applications is something we otherwise hardly ever experience. Acer's new Timeline X series recently was noticed negatively in this respect (see the Aspire 5830TG, among others). We can't say why just these two games were affected and all other benchmarks were finished as expected with certainty. The processor temperature always was within an absolutely healthy range, the energy saving plan "high performance" was set correctly and there weren't any options in the BIOS that would explain this issue, either. We even tried a different graphics driver (267.21 instead of 266.43). Result: no change.

The CPU throttling is penalized with a reduction of 4% in the personal rating (=impression) for now. We can only hope that our test model is a "lemon device" or, if several devices are affected, that Asus will solve the problem fast. Perhaps we will order a second VX7 for review.

Update: Throttling could be prevented with the freeware tool "Throttlestop". The benchmarks have been adjusted accordingly.

Crysis 2
Crysis 2

Crysis 2

Crysis, a first person shooter, developed in Germany, unrelentingly shows the GeForce 460M its limits. Our test sequence stuttered very heavily when using 1920x1080 pixels and the preset "Extreme" (17.8 fps). The GeForce GTX 560M copes a bit better with these settings. The Schenker XMG P501 PRO settled to 20.1 fps. In return, the setting "Very High" and a resolution of 1366x768 don't overtax the VX7. You can prowl through the battered streets of New York wonderfully with almost 60 fps.

Crysis 2
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080Extreme17.8 fps
 1366x768Very High51.4 fps
 1024x768High70.8 fps
 800x600High102.9 fps
Black Ops
Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops

As already mentioned, Black Ops causes the CPU to downclock. You can clearly recognize the considerable cave-ins of the refresh rate in the performance diagram. The first person shooter occasionally stuttered along with less than 20 fps. Normally, the GeForce GTX 460M is fast enough for 1920x1080 pixels, quadruple antialiasing, octuple anisotropic filtering and "Extra" details. An average of 45.6 fps is a good result. The frame rate increased to 56.5 fps with Throttlestop.

Call of Duty: Black Ops
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080extra, 4xAA, 8xAF56.5 fps
Fifa 11
Fifa 11

Fifa 11

Technically less demanding games, such as Fifa 11, can't impress the GeForce GTX 460M at all. The soccer simulator is rendered as smooth as silk even in high details, quadruple antialiasing and a resolution of 1920x1080. 133 fps speak for themselves. The GeForce GTX 560M at least calculates faster on paper. The MSI GT780R achieved 151.9 fps.

Fifa 11
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080high, 4xAA, 0xAF133 fps

Verdict: Gaming Performance

All in all, Nvidia's GeForce GTX 460M can be called a successful graphics card. The majority of current tracks can even be played in high details. The reserves are often even enough for image enhancements, such as antialiasing. The resolution plays an important role here. While 1600x900 pixels, for example, get along perfectly with the GTX 460M, the graphics card occasionally found its limits in higher resolutions.

As we have presented in the review of the MSI GT780R, the successor GTX 560M basically performs over 10% faster - a measurable, but not world shattering, difference. Gamers, who want to enjoy every track in the maximum details and resolutions should rather look out for a laptop with a Radeon HD 6970M or GeForce GTX 580M.

low med. high ultra
Fifa 11 (2010) 133
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) 56.5
Crysis 2 (2011) 102.9 70.8 51.4 17.8
Dirt 3 (2011) 189.4 108 73.6

Emissions

System Noise

In addition to the high performance, the moderate noise development is one of the VX7's biggest strengths. When the laptop is faced with a low load, e.g. by means of a video file, you can only hear a quiet whirr. The fan doesn't turn up excessively in gaming mode. The user can completely concentrate on the game. The VX7 is far from an annoyingly loud level even during full load (which is likely also due to the CPU throttling).

We basically experienced the fan noise as pleasant. Constant speed changes, as is known from other devices, are an unknown issue for the VX7. Even the optical drive proved to be fairly quiet over long periods. The hard disks couldn't be heard at all to begin with. Thus, noise sensitive users don't have to hesitate. The majority of high-end notebooks work noticeably louder especially during load.

Noise Level

Idle
33.4 / 33.6 / 35.2 dB(A)
DVD
34.6 / dB(A)
Load
38 / 41.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft SL-320 (15 cm distance)
Temps full load
Temps full load

Temperature

You needn't fear hot fingers when using the VX7. All surfaces stay agreeably cool in idle mode. Around 28°C stand for a comfortable work environment. The bottom heats up in particular during load. We could measure up to 49°C in the rear area. Using the notebook on the lap while gaming is thus not a good idea. The top doesn't get quite as warm during load. A maximum of 37°C is more or less acceptable. The wrist-rest shows itself rather unimpressed on the other hand. A typing marathon of several hours can be easily realized.

Merely Nvidia's GeForce GTX 460M works up quite a sweat under the hood. Intel's Core i7-2630QM downclocked to a meager 800 MHz immediately as the tools Furmark and Prime were enabled at the same time and stayed in an accordingly cool range. However, the graphic card's temperature increased up to 93°C - a very high, but still just reasonable rate.

Max. Load
 28.8 °C
84 F
35.6 °C
96 F
37 °C
99 F
 
 27.7 °C
82 F
36.5 °C
98 F
36.8 °C
98 F
 
 24.6 °C
76 F
28.1 °C
83 F
30.4 °C
87 F
 
Maximum: 37 °C = 99 F
Average: 31.7 °C = 89 F
48.5 °C
119 F
32.7 °C
91 F
33.8 °C
93 F
44.8 °C
113 F
38.8 °C
102 F
25.5 °C
78 F
28.7 °C
84 F
29.8 °C
86 F
26.1 °C
79 F
Maximum: 48.5 °C = 119 F
Average: 34.3 °C = 94 F
Power Supply (max.)  47 °C = 117 F | Room Temperature 22.5 °C = 73 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.7 °C / 89 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 48.5 °C / 119 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.8 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30.4 °C / 86.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-1.5 °C / -2.7 F).

Speakers

The VX7's sound quality doesn't go beyond a mainstream level. The sound of both speakers, installed above the keyboard, lacks precision, volume and fidelity as typical for notebooks. The maximum volume is pretty disappointing. You should sit directly in front of the laptop during movies, music tracks or games. Since there is no subwoofer, a real bass sound doesn't develop. In short: We would definitely recommend using external speakers.

The THX application control (it is THX TruStudio supported) should be set carefully, by the way. If you set the control too far left, you will experience a dampened and hollow sound. In contrast, when the option is turned up to full, the sound gets too high and tends to fray.

Battery Life

The 15 incher proves to be inconspicuous in terms of power consumption. 23.1 to 29.8 watts in idle mode and 142.6 to 146.7 watts during load are normal in the high-end sector. The comparably equipped Medion Erazer X6813 proved to have similar average rates - especially in idle mode.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.4 / 1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 23.1 / 28.6 / 29.8 Watt
Load midlight 142.6 / 146.7 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC-940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Maximum battery life (Reader's Test)
Reader's Test
Minimum battery Life (Classic Test)
Classic Test

The battery life won't likely knock anyone off their socks. It's only enough for the midfield since the VX7 has to cope without Nvidia's Optimus technology. The strong components simply take their toll. The included 8 cell battery (74 Wh, 5200 mAh) can't really develop its potential.

Naturally, the runtime is still best in idle mode (simulated by BatteryEater's Classic Test). The 15 incher could achieve 3.5 hours in minimum brightness and maximum energy saving options. On the other hand, the display turns black after about two hours and 20 minutes in practical web surfing via WLAN, or rendering a DVD (maximum brightness & medium energy saving options).

The VX7 doesn't need an outlet for an above average period during load. It lasted for one hour and 41 minutes in BatteryEater's Classic Test (maximum brightness & disabled energy options). Many gaming laptops are drained after well an hour during load. The VX 7 isn't suitable as a travelling companion, anyway. The high weight (almost 3.8 kilograms) and the glossy display limit the possibilities considerably. The 15 incher has primarily been designed for stationary use.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 37min
WiFi Surfing
2h 22min
DVD
2h 20min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 41min

Verdict

Asus VX7 Lamborghini
Asus VX7 Lamborghini

Asus has set itself an ambitious goal in the development of the VX7: the 15 incher was to become a high performance gaming notebook in an dynamic Lamborghini design with lavish innards. The manufacturer has doubtlessly reached these goals. The high-end components bid a lot of power, both hard disks (1.5 TB total capacity) even store large amounts of data, the BluRay drive gives the VX7 multimedia character.

The extravagant design is definitely a matter of taste, but the courage to stand out has earned a some respect, though. However, the nearly six centimeter high case does prove to have various weaknesses in detail. For example, there is the (smudge) sensitive high-gloss surface and the adverse interface positioning. In addition, smaller manufacturing flaws, such as the squeaky hinge or the slightly protruding keyboard, join in.

Generally, the input devices aren't one of the 15 incher's strengths. We found the keyboard's typing characteristic quite spongy. The touchpad annoyed with modest gliding traits. Image and sound quality are also remote from a very good rating. In particular, the screen isn't worthy for a high-end laptop.

Meanwhile, the biggest problem of our test device was the massive CPU throttling. The fact that the processor partly even downclocks during games is an absolute no-go. The moderate temperature, respectively noise development can only help alleviate this flaw to a certain extent.

Overall, we consider the retail price far too high. Asus shouldn't demand more than 1400 euros for its gamer. The list of complaints is long, thus the VX7 doesn't receive a purchase recommendation. There are cheaper, better and more developed 15 inch alternatives available, such as the XMG P501 PRO from Schenker Notebooks.

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In Review: Asus VX7-SZ062V
In Review: Asus VX7-SZ062V

Specifications

Asus VX7-SZ062V (VX7 Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M - 3 GB VRAM, Core: 675 MHz, Memory: 1250 MHz, shader rate: 1350 MHz, GDDR5-VRAM, ForceWare 267.21
Memory
16 GB 
, 4x 4096 MB DDR3-SDRAM (1333 MHz)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, AU Optronics B156HW01 V5, Full HD, LED backlight, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM65
Storage
Seagate Momentus 7200.5 ST9750420AS, 750 GB 
, 7200 rpm, two HDDs, total of 1.5 TB
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: headphone, microphone, Card Reader: SD,Mini SD,MS,MS Pro,MS Duo,MS Pro Duo,MMC,xD
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Atheros AR9002WB-1NG Wireless Network Adapter (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 3.0
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST BDDVDRW CT30N
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 58 x 402 x 309 ( = 2.28 x 15.83 x 12.17 in)
Battery
74 Wh Lithium-Ion, 5200 mAh, 8 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0 Megapixel
Additional features
power adapter: 150 watts, driver & tool DVD, a few information brochures, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
3.772 kg ( = 133.05 oz / 8.32 pounds), Power Supply: 778 g ( = 27.44 oz / 1.72 pounds)
Price
2000 Euro

 

The unique design will likely cause very different reactions.
The unique design will likely cause very different reactions.
Express Gate is enabled in a turned off state via the left key.
Express Gate is enabled in a turned off state via the left key.
Asus has naturally given the VX7 a few labels.
Asus has naturally given the VX7 a few labels.
The touchpad's surface is fairly sticky.
The touchpad's surface is fairly sticky.
The battery is simply inserted into the rear.
The battery is simply inserted into the rear.
A card reader is concealed on the front.
A card reader is concealed on the front.
The right has a fast USB 3.0 port.
The right has a fast USB 3.0 port.
External monitors can be controlled analog or digital.
External monitors can be controlled analog or digital.
In addition to the battery, the rear accommodates a Kensington lock.
In addition to the battery, the rear accommodates a Kensington lock.
The BluRay drive also reads and burns CDs and DVDs.
The BluRay drive also reads and burns CDs and DVDs.
The optical drives eject button only stands out insufficiently.
The optical drives eject button only stands out insufficiently.
The case fan doesn't attract much attention during load.
The case fan doesn't attract much attention during load.
Such a chic packaging is rare for notebooks.
Such a chic packaging is rare for notebooks.
The battery runtimes are within the midfield despite the strong battery.
The battery runtimes are within the midfield despite the strong battery.
The wrist-rest is made of high-quality leather.
The wrist-rest is made of high-quality leather.
Fitting to the sports car concept, the power button is labeled with "Start Engine".
Fitting to the sports car concept, the power button is labeled with "Start Engine".
A webcam, with a resolution of two megapixels, is above the display.
A webcam, with a resolution of two megapixels, is above the display.
Most surfaces have been given a sensitive high-gloss finish.
Most surfaces have been given a sensitive high-gloss finish.
Around 3.8 kilograms aren't particularly pleasant to carry around over a longer period.
Around 3.8 kilograms aren't particularly pleasant to carry around over a longer period.
Fingerprints and dust particles quickly take the upper hand.
Fingerprints and dust particles quickly take the upper hand.
We think the interface distribution is quite unfavorable.
We think the interface distribution is quite unfavorable.
The maximum opening angle is disappointingly small.
The maximum opening angle is disappointingly small.
The rear reminds strongly of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
The rear reminds strongly of the Lamborghini Gallardo.
Annoying reflections often turn up due to the glossy display surface.
Annoying reflections often turn up due to the glossy display surface.
The case is nearly six centimeters high in the rear area.
The case is nearly six centimeters high in the rear area.
We liked the manufacturing, with exception of the keyboard.
We liked the manufacturing, with exception of the keyboard.
Movie fans will be pleased about the installed BluRay drive.
Movie fans will be pleased about the installed BluRay drive.
Most connections are placed extremely far front.
Most connections are placed extremely far front.
Curious glances will likely be a sure thing for the notebook.
Curious glances will likely be a sure thing for the notebook.
Incomprehensibly, the base plate can't be removed.
Incomprehensibly, the base plate can't be removed.
The bulky 150 watt power adapter gets quite hot during load.
The bulky 150 watt power adapter gets quite hot during load.

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Pros

+Moderate temperature and noise emissions
+Excellent performance
+BluRay drive
+Big hard disks
 

Cons

-Reflective display with average rates
-CPU throttling (partly even in games)
-Sensitive high-gloss surfaces
-Unfavorable interface positioning
-Minor workmanship flaws
-Lack of graphics switching
-Somewhat spongy keyboard
-Sticky touchpad
-High weight

Shortcut

What we like

The very good performance and the generous hard disk capacity.

What we'd like to see

A better display, a more intelligent port distribution and a smooth touchpad surface.

What surprises us

That the CPU not only throttles in the stress test, but also in the one or other game.

The competition

Other gaming notebooks based on Sandy Bridge, such as the Asus G73SW, the Alienware M17x R3, the DevilTech Fragbook DTX, the Medion Erazer X6813 or the Schenker XMG P501 PRO.

Rating

Asus VX7-SZ062V - 06/30/2011 v2(old)
Florian Glaser

Chassis
78%
Keyboard
76%
Pointing Device
74%
Connectivity
72%
Weight
59%
Battery
76%
Display
68%
Games Performance
92%
Application Performance
91%
Temperature
82%
Noise
78%
Add Points
76%
Average
77%
78%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Florian Glaser, 2011-07- 3 (Update: 2013-06- 6)