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Review Schenker W503 (Clevo P150SM) Notebook

Platform-update. Schenker Technologies offers a 15-inch gaming notebook with the W503, which is equipped with an ultra-modern Haswell processor and a high-end graphics card from Nvidia's GeForce 700 generation. We examined the advantages and the disadvantages of the desktop replacement.
Schenker W503 (Clevo P150SM)

For the original German review, see here.

Schenker made the W503 pre-sample available to us at the same time as the XMG P703. The gaming notebook is the successor of the successful 15-inch XMG P502, which achieved a decent rating of 86% in our test.

Alike other Schenker devices, the W503 can be individually configured on the homepage of the manufacturer (mysn.de). Graphics card, processor, RAM, hard drive, Wi-Fi adapter or operating system: The customer can adapt nearly all components to their needs. Accordingly, the price can vary greatly and easily exceeds 2,000 Euros (~$2598) if you select a powerful configuration.

In contrast to the previous notebook generation, the W503 no longer features an Ivy Bridge processor, it has a Haswell processor (HM87 chipset). As mentioned above, the graphics card stems from Nvidia's 700 series and no longer from the 600 series. In order to test all new graphics cards, we configured the W503 with a GeForce GTX 765M, an entry-level high-end graphics card.

Note: As we tested a pre-sample, driver, BIOS, and fan control might be different in the final model. However, the device already appears very final. Windows 7 was not yet finally supported at the time of the test. The manufacturer currently focuses on Windows 8.

Case

Wie wir testen - Gehäuse

Soft touch surfaces.
Soft touch surfaces.

The dark gray case is based on the Clevo P150SM barebone, which looks - apart from a few smaller details - like the old P150EM (Schenker XMG P502).

Apart from the connectivity, Clevo only changed the position of the Fn key and the display bezel. After years of critique, the glossy bezel, extremely susceptible to scratching, was finally replaced by a matte one.

The lid and palm rests are again rubberized and feel nice to the touch. If you do not touch the case with greasy fingers, it does not get too dirty. Glossy devices like the DevilTech Devil 6700 are definitely bigger fingerprint magnets.

The build quality of the P150SM barebone is decent. Although the 15-incher cannot completely keep up with Asus's G55VW or the Alienware M14x, it also does not fail. Most of the plastic parts connect neatly to each other.

The stability is on a similar high level. If you ignore that the lid wobbles a little bit (a typical notebook problem), the case is rather flexural rigid even if stronger pressure is applied. Users who are not too demanding should be satisfied with the quality experience. We especially liked the simple and timeless design, which might appear conservative to some. The 15-inch laptop is miles away from the cheap "bling" look of MSI notebooks (e.g. see the GT60).

With a size of 376 x 256 x 49 mm and a weight of just under 3.2 kg, the Schenker W503 does not belong with the slimmest and lightest notebooks. Nevertheless, it can be properly transported if you do not mind the 850 g, 168 x 83 x 35 mm power adapter.

Connectivity

Wie wir testen - Ausstattung

Interfaces

The connectivity is very similar to the XMG P502. The rear side houses the power-in, an HDMI-out, a DisplayPort and a mini DisplayPort (once DVI). Three digital video outs are quite a lot and not all competitors deliver that many.

The right side provides a Kensington Lock, a USB 2.0 port and four audio jacks for connecting a surround sound system (7.1 sound). On the left side there is a card reader (nine formats), an eSATA/USB 3.0 combi-port, two further USB 3.0 ports, an RJ-45 Gigabit LAN interface, and a mini FireWire port. Some users might be disappointed that Clevo does not include a Thunderbolt interface.

The interface layout is alright. The interfaces are positioned towards the back, ensuring the workspace left and right of the notebook is kept largely free from cables, even if many are connected. When you use an external mouse, you will appreciate this.

Other features

The Clevo comes with a Full HD webcam with 2.0 MP, an integrated microphone, and a fingerprint reader between the touchpad buttons.

Wireless communication

The test device features an Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 combi-adapter, which supports WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. In contrast to the cheaper Centrino Wireless-N 2230, the 6235 can also handle the 5 GHz frequency (maximum: 300 Mbit/s). According to our experiences, the range is mid-range.

Left side: mini FireWire, RJ-45 Gigabit-Lan, 2x USB 3.0, eSATA / USB 3.0, 9-in-1 card reader.
Left side: mini FireWire, RJ-45 Gigabit-Lan, 2x USB 3.0, eSATA / USB 3.0, 9-in-1 card reader.
Rear side: DisplayPort, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, power-in.
Rear side: DisplayPort, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, power-in.
Right side: optical drive, 4x sound, USB 2.0, Kensington lock.
Right side: optical drive, 4x sound, USB 2.0, Kensington lock.

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of the Schenker W503 is its ease of maintenance. Both maintenance flaps can be quickly removed with a standard screwdriver. While the smaller one covers a 2.5-inch slot and the mSATA slot, there are the primary RAM slots, the fan, the cooling systems and a second mSATA slot beneath the bigger one. Best of all: Graphics card and processor can be replaced if needed (but not arbitrarily).

There are several components beneath the keyboard. After prying out the speaker grille with a pointed object, you can also remove the keyboard with a screwdriver (attention: two cables!). As can be seen in a photo in the right hand column, the upper side of the motherboard houses the Wi-Fi module and the third and fourth RAM slot. Quad-core CPUs support up to 32 GB DDR3 RAM (4x 8192 MB).

Step 1: Pry out the speaker grille from left to right
Step 2: Remove screws
Step 3: Carefully lift the keyboard
How to remove the keyboard
Preinstalled software.
Preinstalled software.

Software

The manufacturer deserves praise for a clean Windows installation without annoying bloatware. Our test device only had just under 20 drivers and tools preinstalled. This is exemplary and bigger notebook manufacturers like Toshiba and Asus, who often install a lot of unnecessary programs, should learn from it.

Accessories

Apart from a 180 Watt power adapter and the 77 Wh lithium-ion battery (420 grams) only a driver DVD is included. We assume that the production model will also come with a multi-lingual user guide. If you order an operating system from Schenker, you will also get an original Windows media. In 2013, this is no longer standard.

Warranty

Input devices

Wie wir testen - Eingabegeräte

Keyboard

3-zone light.
3-zone light.

While the P150HM barebone was equipped with a chiclet keyboard without backlight, the P150EM featured such components and so does the P150SM.

The keys of just under 17 x 17 mm (13 x 13 mm effective) can be lit in several colors and brightness levels. The user-friendly software also supports several special modes (Tempo, Breath, Cycle etc.), which turn the 15-incher into a mini disco. You can even configure three zones.

The typing experience is decent. Pressure point and stroke are well defined. Because of the unusual layout (displaced ><|-key, one-row enter key) a longer training time is required. Pros are sufficiently big cursor keys and the four column number pad.

The special features are advantageous. Apart from brightness and volume you can also control touchpad and display, webcam, and Wi-Fi module via the F-keys. Typing is neither especially quiet nor very loud.

Touchpad

The popular Synaptics Touchpad V7.2 is used as mouse replacement. It supports several multi-touch gestures. As expected these include zooming, scrolling, and rotation. Standard scrolling via scroll areas on the right and bottom edge is also possible. During the test, the gestures were mostly reliably recognized. The precision can also hardly be criticized.

However, we wonder why the touchpad was rubberized. The gliding traits of the "sticky" surface are modest. In addition, the size of 88 x 47 mm is not particularly big. While the dedicated mouse buttons (single bar) are easily accessible, they sound somewhat rickety. The touchpad is slightly sunk into the palm rests to compensate the fact that it lacks a light.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Touchpad
Touchpad

Display

Wie wir testen - Display

The 15.6-inch non-glare screen features a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Users used to HD or HD+ displays might be unaccustomed to such a high resolution at the beginning, but high-end notebooks are expected to support Full HD. When you work with many windows simultaneously, you will appreciate the advantages of 1920x1080 pixels. Of course, the enormous calculation requirements are a big disadvantage. Even gaming graphics cards like the GeForce GTX 765M are sometimes too slow for maximum details.

269
cd/m²
258
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
263
cd/m²
282
cd/m²
249
cd/m²
243
cd/m²
280
cd/m²
241
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Philips LP156WF1-TLF3 (LGD0259) tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 282 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 261.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 125 cd/m²
Contrast: 656:1 (Black: 0.43 cd/m²)61.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
88.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.4% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

Clevo chose an excellent screen. The LG Philips LP156WF1-TLF3 already demonstrated its strengths in other high-end notebooks like the MSI GX60, the Schenker XMG A522, or the DevilTech Fire DTX.

The brightness of about 260 cd/m² exceeds the usual level (200-250 cd/m²). The black level of 0.43 cd/m² is rather low, but dark film and gaming scenes still look slightly grayish. However, many TN competitors perform significantly worse here.

To summarize, our test sample achieved a contrast of about 650:1. So, the panel ranges in between ordinary displays and absolute top screens. Despite the not extraordinary big color coverage, the colors will appear vivid and natural to most users.

Schenker W503 vs. sRGB (grid)
Schenker W503 vs. sRGB (grid)
Schenker W503 vs. AdobeRGB (grid)
Schenker W503 vs. AdobeRGB (grid)
Schenker W503 vs. Schenker XMG P703 (grid)
Schenker W503 vs. Schenker XMG P703 (grid)
Calman 5.1 Software: Grayscale
Calman 5.1 Software: Grayscale
Calman 5.1 Software: CMS calibration
Calman 5.1 Software: CMS calibration
Calman 5.1 Software: Saturation sweeps
Calman 5.1 Software: Saturation sweeps

Thanks to the matte finish and the decent brightness, outdoor usage is comfortable. The image is easily legible under normal lightning conditions. Annoying reflections known from glare-type models (Alienware M17x R4) are scarce. As the brightness drops by more than 50% on battery, you should connect the power adapter outdoors.

Outdoors: Schenker W503 (Clevo P150SM)
Outdoors: Schenker W503 (Clevo P150SM)
Outdoors: Schenker W503

The viewing angles are more than decent. In a horizontal direction, the image hardly changes at acute angles. Although, you will face the usual weaknesses of a TN screen in a vertical direction, the LG Philips LP156WF1-TLF3 performs better than most of its competitors.

Viewing angles: Schenker W503 (Clevo P150SM)
Viewing angles: Schenker W503 (Clevo P150SM)

Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

Processor

Haswell
Haswell

The P150SM barebone can be equipped with a dual or quad-core processor from Intel's current Haswell generation. Our test sample features a 2.7-3.7 GHz Core i7-4800MQ with four cores and 6 MB L3 cache.

Like its Ivy Bridge predecessor, the Core i7-3740QM, the Haswell chip is also processed in 22 nm lithography. Because of the integrated voltage converter Intel slightly increased the TDP from the 45 Watt of previous generation quad-core CPUs to 47 Watt.

While the CPU performance increased only slightly, the integrated HD Graphics 4600 graphics chip is significantly faster than the HD Graphics 4000. Hyperthreading technology, which adds a virtual core to each real one, is already well known. However, only few users will profit from eight parallel threads.

Thanks to Nvidia's Optimus technology, the Schenker W503 can dynamically switch between the integrated and dedicated graphics solution.

System information CPUZ CPU
Systeminfo CPUZ Cache
Systeminfo CPUZ Mainboard
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM SPD
Systeminfo HWiNFO
Systeminfo GPUZ (HD 4600)
Systeminfo GPUZ (GTX 765M)
Systeminfo CrystalDiskMark (SSD)
Systeminfo CrystalDiskMark (HDD)
Systeminfo DPC Latenzen
 
System information: Schenker W503

Turbo Boost

The CPU turbo works flawlessly. 3.6-3.7 GHz during single core load and 3.5 GHz during multi-core load hint at an adequate cooling system. Even under full load, automatic overclocking remains active (~3.0 GHz). But, these results depend on the hardware configuration.

Single-core rendering
Single-core rendering
Multi-core rendering
Multi-core rendering
CPU & GPU load
CPU & GPU load

CPU performance

According to our performance measurements, Haswell is rather an evolution than a revolution. With 1.68 points, the Core i7-4800MQ is exactly 10% faster than the Core i7-3740QM (1.53 points @ One M73-2N) in the single-core test of Cinebench R11.5. It even outperforms the most popular quad-core CPU so far, the Core i7-3630QM (1.42 points @ Asus G75VX-T4020H), by just under 20%.

The performance gain is similar in multi-core rendering: 7.61 points, i.e. 10% faster than the Core i7-3740QM (6.93 points). The Core i7-3630QM is about 16% slower (6.42 points).

Note: All benchmarks were run on an engineering sample.

Cinebench R10
Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit (sort by value)
Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
7270 Points
Core i7-3630QM
HP Envy dv6-7202eg
5861 Points -19%
Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
6366 Points -12%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit (sort by value)
Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
27058 Points
Core i7-3630QM
HP Envy dv6-7202eg
21531 Points -20%
Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
24299 Points -10%
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
7270 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
27058 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
6831 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.68 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.61 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
59.2 fps
Help

Graphics card

GPU information
GPU information
Clock rate during 3D tasks
Clock rate during 3D tasks

Although the name suggests something different, the GeForce 700 is not a completely new series with new architecture, but a tuned Kepler model.

With 768 unified shaders and 2.048 MB GDDR5 video memory (128-bit interface) the GeForce GTX 765M is a halved GeForce GTX 780M. Nvidia's current top model features 1,536 shaders and double the VRAM (256-bit interface).

The GeForce GTX 765M also has a lower memory clock: 2,004 MHz is 20% slower than the GTX 780M's 2,500 MHz. But, the core clock of the GTX 765M is slightly higher (850 vs. 823 MHz). Thanks to GPU Boost the graphics card can automatically overclock. According to GPU-Z it clocks with up to 902 MHz (see screenshot) during the Unigine Heaven benchmark.

According to the specs, the GeForce GTX 765M is akin to the GeForce GTX 670MX. The Kepler model features 25% more unified shaders (960) and a 50% wider memory interface (192-bit), but clocks with 600 and 1,400 MHz (core/memory) significantly lower.

As the GeForce GTX 765M was not yet supported by official Nvidia drivers, we had to use the somewhat older ForceWare 311.27.

6.9
Windows 8 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
8
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
8
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
6.9
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.9
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
7.9

GPU performance

Despite a partly weaker specification, the GeForce GTX 765M is mostly faster than its Kepler counterpart. For example, the DirectX 11 GPU achieves a GPU score of 2,479 points in 3DMark 2013 and is about 5% faster than the GTX 670MX (2,371 points @ Schenker XMG P502). The main competitor from AMD, the Radeon HD 8870M, is just under 15% slower (2,169 points @ Samsung 770Z7E). The GeForce GTX 780M performs significantly better: 5,234 points (Schenker XMG P703) is about double the performance.

In the Unigine Heaven 3.0 benchmark (1920x1080, high, tessellation normal) the GeForce GTX 765M is significantly slower with 36.0 vs. 76.0 fps. The Radeon HD 8870M is even slower (26.7 fps) here. The GeForce GTX 670MX achieves 34.1 fps and is only marginally slower than its brother device.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M
Schenker W503
4103 Points
Radeon HD 8870M
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
2986 Points -27%
GeForce GTX 670MX
Asus G75VX-T4020H
3567 Points -13%
GeForce GTX 675MX
One M73-2N
3998 Points -3%
GeForce GTX 770M
One K73-3N
5187 Points +26%
GeForce GTX 780M
Schenker XMG P703
7900 Points +93%
Unigine Heaven 2.1 - 1280x1024 high, Tesselation (normal), DirectX11 AA:off AF:1x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M
Schenker W503
49.7 fps
Radeon HD 8870M
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
37.6 fps -24%
GeForce GTX 670MX
Asus G75VX-T4020H
45.2 fps -9%
GeForce GTX 675MX
One M73-2N
54.2 fps +9%
GeForce GTX 770M
One K73-3N
65.5 fps +32%
GeForce GTX 780M
Schenker XMG P703
99.7 fps +101%
3DMark 06 Standard Score
21003 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
15486 points
3DMark 11 Performance
4318 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
87332 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
13312 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
2345 points
Help

Storage solution

AS SSD Benchmark
AS SSD Benchmark

Apart from HDDs and SSDs you can also configure hybrid models on Schenker's homepage. Thanks to the two mSATA slots and the 2.5-inch slot the P150SM  barebone can house a maximum of three hard drives (the P150EM only featured a single mSATA slot).

We think that a combination of a small mSATA SSD and a big HDD would be most attractive. The 128 GB model of the Samsung SSD PM841 (MZMTD128HAFV) is definitely a good choice.

With a sequential read rate of 511 MB/s, a sequential write rate of just under 130 MB/s and an access time lower than 0.1 ms, it can keep up with the 120 GB Samsung SSD 840 (MZ-7TD120) model. The 2.5-inch model achieved very similar results in the DevilTech HellMachine. E.g. the 256 GB model of the Samsung SSD PM841 is more than 100 MB/s faster in sequential writing (see Schenker XMG P703).

In addition to the mSATA SSD, the Clevo comes with a 750 GB hybrid hard drive. The 7,200 rpm Seagate Momentus XT 7200.1 (ST750LX003) with 8 MB flash memory outperforms nearly all competitors. It achieves an excellent 100 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark. While there are 7200 rpm models, e.g. the 1,000 GB Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 (HTS721010A9E630) available, which are faster on paper, the advantages of the hybrid technology should not be underestimated.

Overall, the sequential rates are on par with the Samsung SpinPoint M8 HN-M101MBB, the Seagate Momentus ST1000LM024, and the Toshiba MQ01ABD100, which have a capacity of 1,000 GB and a revolution speed of 5,400 rpm.

Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAFV mSATA
Sequential Read: 531 MB/s
Sequential Write: 135.7 MB/s
512K Read: 435.2 MB/s
512K Write: 135.7 MB/s
4K Read: 32.02 MB/s
4K Write: 115.5 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 350.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 135 MB/s

System performance

The system performance is beyond any doubt. So far, hardly any device achieved more than 22000 points in PCMark Vantage. Only dual GPU notebooks, like the Schenker XMG P722 (GeForce GTX 680M SLI) and the Alienware M18x R2 (Radeon HD 7970M CF) could perform better in the past.

PCMark Vantage Result
22008 points
PCMark 7 Score
6152 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Sufficient power for new games
Sufficient power for new games

Our gaming tests verified the results in synthetic graphics benchmarks. All results considered, the GeForce GTX 765M ranks in between the GeForce GTX 670MX and the GeForce GTX 675MX. The latter is about 20% faster, but the GeForce 700 series is still young and does not have up-to-date drivers so far.

However, the 28 nm GPU does not stand a chance against the GeForce GTX 780M. Nvidia's top model is about 100% faster. But, the enormous performance difference also results in a significantly higher price. The Radeon HD 7770 would be the closest competing desktop model.

The GeForce GTX 765M can run modern games fairly well. However, the performance is not always sufficient for maximum graphics options and 4x anti aliasing while most games run smoothly with high details and 2x anti aliasing. Only some special cases, like Crysis 3 or Hitman: Absolution force the user to configure medium settings or reduce the resolution (1600x900 pixels).

Verdict: Gaming enthusiasts should at least select a GeForce GT 765M or even a GeForce GTX 770M. Despite its impressive performance, the GeForce GTX 780M might be far too expensive for most gamers. 

Graphics card total performance
GeForce GTX 780M +94 %
GeForce GTX 770M +36 %
GeForce GTX 675MX +18 %
GeForce GTX 765M base (average of 30 games)
GeForce GTX 670MX -8 %
Radeon HD 8870M -26 %
low med. high ultra
Battlefield 3 (2011) 109.1 78.7 61 22.1
CoD: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) 142.8 140.2 113.6 63.6
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) 85.9 63.2 35.4
Anno 2070 (2011) 200.4 110.1 70.6 36.1
Alan Wake (2012) 83.6 48.4 24.1
Mass Effect 3 (2012) 59.9 59.9 58.7
Risen 2: Dark Waters (2012) 93.2 62.3 50.5 24.3
Diablo III (2012) 216.4 196.6 177.4 104.3
Dirt Showdown (2012) 122 93.5 88.7 34.9
Max Payne 3 (2012) 80.9 78.1 39.1 29.6
Darksiders II (2012) 112.4 66.4
Sleeping Dogs (2012) 151.2 108.9 53.8 14.2
Counter-Strike: GO (2012) 267.2 249.1 187.4 106.9
Guild Wars 2 (2012) 99.3 59 21.8
F1 2012 (2012) 182 140 127 57
Borderlands 2 (2012) 117.3 93.4 75.4 47.7
Fifa 13 (2012) 464 375.1 359 237.4
Dishonored (2012) 128.2 127.7 122.4 80
Medal of Honor: Warfighter (2012) 125.4 83.1 66.7 24.7
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) 59.9 59.9 58.1 38.3
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) 172.9 134 79.7 50
Hitman: Absolution (2012) 81.5 65 34.2 13.4
Assassin´s Creed III (2012) 76.4 66.9 22.8
Far Cry 3 (2012) 83.8 77.8 45.4 14.4
Dead Space 3 (2013) 262.1 153.8 119.4 70.4
Crysis 3 (2013) 91.8 52.6 36.8 14.2
Tomb Raider (2013) 216.5 115.2 72.6 31.7
SimCity (2013) 92.7 46.5 38.7 23.9
BioShock Infinite (2013) 168.2 95.8 80.8 23.6

Emissions

Wie wir testen - Emissionen

System noise

Unfortunately, one of the biggest disadvantages of the predecessor notebooks did not improve: the high system noise. In 3D mode, the fans do not get particularly loud with about 42 dB, but they are also not at all quiet. Under full load the W503 reaches an extremely loud 54 dB. As in the past, we feel that there are too few steps. The rotation speed of the fan jumps abruptly and without any reason. But, the GTX 765M laptop is quieter than models equipped with the GeForce GTX 780M.

The fans are also rather loud during simple tasks like office or internet: Just under 36 dB is above average and might annoy sensitive users in the long run. The MSI GT60 was quieter in our test. The 15-incher is only comfortably quiet after a longer idle period with medium to maximum energy saving settings. In order to avoid an unnecessary noise increase, it is recommended to activate VSync in games.

Noise Level

Idle
35.6 / 35.8 / 36.4 dB(A)
DVD
40.3 / dB(A)
Load
41.8 / 53.9 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)

Temperature

Stress test (Furmark & Prime)
Stress test

The temperatures are alright. Even under full load the GeForce GTX 765M only hovers around 61 °C and the maximum GPU boost remains available. While the CPU gets significantly warmer according to the CPUID hardware monitor, just under 85 °C is still absolutely acceptable.

The surface temperatures are also acceptable: Given the components, an average of 27 °C while idle and of 32 °C after one hour stress test with Furmark and Prime are more than acceptable. Other 15-inch gamers, e.g. the Lenovo IdeaPad Y500 and the Schenker XMG A522, get significantly warmer. The W503 might get warmer with a faster graphics card.

Max. Load
 34.4 °C
94 F
34.5 °C
94 F
30.4 °C
87 F
 
 34.1 °C
93 F
34.1 °C
93 F
30.4 °C
87 F
 
 28 °C
82 F
27.8 °C
82 F
25.7 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 34.5 °C = 94 F
Average: 31 °C = 88 F
34.7 °C
94 F
34.2 °C
94 F
40.5 °C
105 F
28.7 °C
84 F
35.9 °C
97 F
30.4 °C
87 F
26.4 °C
80 F
38.5 °C
101 F
25.5 °C
78 F
Maximum: 40.5 °C = 105 F
Average: 32.8 °C = 91 F
Power Supply (max.)  46.5 °C = 116 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-550
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31 °C / 88 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 34.5 °C / 94 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 40.5 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.4 °C / 80 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 28 °C / 82.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (+0.9 °C / 1.6 F).

Speakers

Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3

The modest sound is one of the most striking disadvantages of the P150EM barebone, although it comes with Onkyo speakers and THX TruStudio Pro. Despite Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 technology, which also stems from Creative and significantly improves the sound, the sound can overall not really convince.

Compared to the MSI GT60, which features high-end Dynaudio speakers, the 15-incher sounds less precise, voluminous, and balanced. Also, the good maximum volume and the integrated subwoofer cannot really improve this. If you frequently run PC games or watch videos, you should connect a headset or external speakers.

It's a pity that Clevo does not use a similar sound system as in the P177SM or P370EM. The 17-inch brother devices sound significantly better. At least it shows some improvement compared to the XMG P502.

Energy management

Wie wir testen - Akkulaufzeit

Power consumption

While idle the 15-incher demands slightly more power than other gaming notebooks. With 17-28 Watt the power consumption is just under 50% faster than the reviewed One M73-2N (10-19 Watt) with Core i7-3740QM and GeForce GTX 675MX. Under load it is the other way round. While the Schenker W503 needs about 102 Watt during 3DMark 06, the One M73-2N requires 113 Watt. Under full load the power consumption is, with 156 vs. 186 Watt, significantly lower.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 17.3 / 24.2 / 28.4 Watt
Load midlight 101.8 / 156 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.

Battery life

maximum battery life (Reader's test)
Reader's test
minimum battery life (Classic Test)
Classic Test

The battery life is not outstanding. For a gaming notebook, 100 minutes in the Classic Test of the Battery Eater tool (maximum brightness) and just under 4.5 hours in the Reader's Test (minimum brightness) are not bad.

In our standardized WLAN test (average energy saving), the 15-incher shuts down after 3.5 hours. You can enjoy videos from DVD for just under three hours on battery. Overall, the results remind us of the XMG P703.

Great: The GeForce GTX 765M is only 10% slower on battery.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 21min
WiFi Surfing
3h 30min
DVD
3h 04min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 40min

Verdict

Wie wir testen - Fazit

Desktop replacement
Desktop replacement

Clevo did not risk much in regard to the look of the P150SM barebone. Apart from a slightly different connectivity and a matte display bezel the 15-inch laptop looks very much like the old P150EM barebone.

However, a lot was changed inside. Besides an additional mSATA slot, the cutting-edge motherboard has to be mentioned. Intel's Haswell processors are the new mobile top models. The performance of the GeForce GTX 765M is also noteworthy. High graphics settings do usually not pose a problem. Those who want even faster performance can configure a more expensive GPU model.

Speaking of configuration: The excellent maintenance and upgrade possibilities belong to the biggest advantages of the P150SM barebone. The 15-incher is very user-friendly. Its matte Full HD screen, the vast connectivity and the uniform keyboard light also contribute to a positive overall impression.  In general, the case scores points with a simple design, a good build quality, and a decent stability. We also liked the rubberized surfaces and the inconspicuous temperature increase.

However, we have to criticize the high system noise. The Schenker W503 is not a device for everyone. Sound and touchpad could also be better. As there are far more advantages than disadvantages, gaming enthusiasts can nevertheless safely buy it. 

In comparison

BioShock Infinite - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
23.6 fps
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
27.9 fps +18%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
36.2 fps +53%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
30.8 fps +31%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
46.8 fps +98%
SimCity - 1920x1080 Ultra / High AA:on (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
23.9 fps
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
21.7 fps -9%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
24.9 fps +4%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
29.5 fps +23%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
40 fps +67%
Tomb Raider - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
31.7 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
21.2 fps -33%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
28 fps -12%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
23.4 fps -26%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
41.9 fps +32%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
65.5 fps +107%
Crysis 3 - 1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:2xSM AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
14.2 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
9.4 fps -34%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
13.8 fps -3%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
16.3 fps +15%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
19.3 fps +36%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
29.2 fps +106%
Dead Space 3 - 1920x1080 Very High Preset (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
70.4 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
46.2 fps -34%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
66 fps -6%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
79.9 fps +13%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
93 fps +32%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
143.6 fps +104%
Far Cry 3 - 1920x1080 DX11 Ultra Preset (HDAO, Enhanced Alpha To Coverage) AA:4x MS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
14.4 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
11 fps -24%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
13.7 fps -5%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
17.5 fps +22%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
20 fps +39%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
30.4 fps +111%
Assassin´s Creed III - 1920x1080 Very High (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
22.8 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
13.4 fps -41%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
21.2 fps -7%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
27.8 fps +22%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
30.5 fps +34%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
42.9 fps +88%
Hitman: Absolution - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
13.4 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
13 fps -3%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
12.7 fps -5%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
19.3 fps +44%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
21.2 fps +58%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
33.8 fps +152%
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - 1920x1080 (Extra) High / On, FXAA AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
50 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
36.4 fps -27%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
46.2 fps -8%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
57.4 fps +15%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
66.1 fps +32%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
95 fps +90%
Need for Speed: Most Wanted - 1920x1080 High / On (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
38.3 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
23.8 fps -38%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
29 fps -24%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
38.2 fps 0%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
46.9 fps +22%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
60 fps +57%
Medal of Honor: Warfighter - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
24.7 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
18.1 fps -27%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
25 fps +1%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
34 fps +38%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
36 fps +46%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
55 fps +123%
Dishonored - 1920x1080 High / On, FOV: 75 AA:FX (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
80 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
51.8 fps -35%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
75.4 fps -6%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
103 fps +29%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
108.7 fps +36%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
127.1 fps +59%
Fifa 13 - 1920x1080 High AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
237.4 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
134.7 fps -43%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
180.6 fps -24%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
248 fps +4%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
291.9 fps +23%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
319.2 fps +34%
Borderlands 2 - 1920x1080 (Ultra) High / On (PhysX low) AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
47.7 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
31.5 fps -34%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
45.3 fps -5%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
62.9 fps +32%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
64.3 fps +35%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
86.6 fps +82%
F1 2012 - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
57 fps
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
46 fps -19%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
62 fps +9%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
76 fps +33%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
104 fps +82%
Guild Wars 2 - 1920x1080 All Maximum / On AA:FX (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
21.8 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
16.4 fps -25%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
18.8 fps -14%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
24.7 fps +13%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
28.6 fps +31%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
41 fps +88%
Counter-Strike: GO - 1920x1080 (Very) High, FXAA AA:4x MS AF:8x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
106.9 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
87.2 fps -18%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
95.7 fps -10%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
131 fps +23%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
150.9 fps +41%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
187.4 fps +75%
Sleeping Dogs - 1920x1080 Extreme Preset AA:Extreme (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
14.2 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
12.2 fps -14%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
13.1 fps -8%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
16.1 fps +13%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
19.3 fps +36%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
30.9 fps +118%
Darksiders II - 1920x1080 2/4 Shadows, No Ambient Occlusion, AA:Low (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
66.4 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
54.3 fps -18%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
63.2 fps -5%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
80.2 fps +21%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
91.3 fps +38%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
134.9 fps +103%
Max Payne 3 - 1920x1080 Very High, DX11 AA:Very High FX AF:8x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
29.6 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
25.1 fps -15%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
24.8 fps -16%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
30.5 fps +3%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
37.1 fps +25%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
54 fps +82%
Dirt Showdown - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
34.9 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
24.4 fps -30%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
32.4 fps -7%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
39.4 fps +13%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
45.2 fps +30%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
66 fps +89%
Diablo III - 1920x1080 High AA:on (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
104.3 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
54.2 fps -48%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
89.5 fps -14%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
109.9 fps +5%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
141.3 fps +35%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
184.2 fps +77%
Risen 2: Dark Waters - 1920x1080 Ultra / on AA:on AF:8x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
24.3 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
20.5 fps -16%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
23.4 fps -4%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
31.6 fps +30%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
35.6 fps +47%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
53.7 fps +121%
Alan Wake - 1920x1080 High Preset AA:4x AF:8x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
24.1 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
22.4 fps -7%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
23 fps -5%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
32.4 fps +34%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
35.2 fps +46%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
52.4 fps +117%
Anno 2070 - 1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:on AF:4x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
36.1 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
24.6 fps -32%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
32.4 fps -10%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
37.7 fps +4%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
47.2 fps +31%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
72.8 fps +102%
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:8x AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
35.4 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
32 fps -10%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
34.3 fps -3%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
44 fps +24%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
49 fps +38%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
68.7 fps +94%
CoD: Modern Warfare 3 - 1920x1080 Extra, all on, Image Quality: Native AA:4x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
63.6 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
51.2 fps -19%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
61 fps -4%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
80.6 fps +27%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
91.4 fps +44%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
121.4 fps +91%
Battlefield 3 - 1920x1080 ultra AA:4x MS AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 765M / Core i7-4800MQ
Schenker W503
22.1 fps
Radeon HD 8870M / Core i7-3635QM
Samsung 770Z7E-S01DE
18.8 fps -15%
GeForce GTX 670MX / Core i7-3630QM
DevilTech HellMachine
21.8 fps -1%
GeForce GTX 675MX / Core i7-3740QM
One M73-2N
28.6 fps +29%
GeForce GTX 770M / Core i7-4800MQ
One K73-3N
32.6 fps +48%
GeForce GTX 780M / Core i7- 4900MQ
Schenker XMG P703
49.2 fps +123%
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In review: Schenker W503, by courtesy of: Schenker Technologies GmbH
In review: Schenker W503, by courtesy of: Schenker Technologies GmbH

Specifications

SCHENKER W503
Processor
Intel Core i7-4800MQ 4 x 2.7 - 3.7 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 850 MHz, Memory: 2004 MHz, GDDR5, ForceWare 311.27, Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, 2x 8192 MB SO-DIMM DDR3-RAM PC3-12800 (1600 MHz), 4 slots, max. 32 GB
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, LG Philips LP156WF1-TLF3 (LGD0259), TN LED, Full HD, diagonal: 39.62 cm, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM87 (Lynx Point)
Storage
Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAFV mSATA, 128 GB 
, + Seagate Momentus XT ST750LX003, 7200 rpm, 750 GB, hybride, slots: 2x mSATA & 1x 2.5-inch
Soundcard
Realtek ALC892 @ Intel Lynx Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 Firewire, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, Audio Connections: headphones, microphone, S/PDIF, line-in (7.1 out), Card Reader: MMC,RSMMC,SD,mini SD,SDHC,SDXC,MS,MS Pro,MS Duo, 1 Fingerprint Reader, 1 Mini DisplayPort
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
MATSHITA BD-MLT UJ260
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 49 x 376 x 256 ( = 1.93 x 14.8 x 10.08 in)
Battery
77 Wh Lithium-Ion, 5200 mAh, 14.8 V, P150HMBAT-8, 8 cells, 0.42 kg
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 Enterprise 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0 MP (Full HD)
Additional features
Speakers: 2.1 (Onkyo, Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3), Keyboard Light: yes, power adapter: 180 Watt, driver DVD, 24-48 Months Warranty
Weight
3.19 kg ( = 112.52 oz / 7.03 pounds), Power Supply: 850 g ( = 29.98 oz / 1.87 pounds)
Price
1780 Euro

 

It is based on the P150SM barebone from Clevo.
It is based on the P150SM barebone from Clevo.
The gamer looks decent.
The gamer looks decent.
Lid and palm rests are rubberized.
Lid and palm rests are rubberized.
The notebook weighs over 3 kg including the battery.
The notebook weighs over 3 kg including the battery.
It is easy to unscrew the maintenance flaps.
It is easy to unscrew the maintenance flaps.
The device is a maximum of just under 5 mm high.
The device is a maximum of just under 5 mm high.
Maximum opening angle of about 135 °.
Maximum opening angle of about 135 °.
The W503 is a desktop replacement.
The W503 is a desktop replacement.
Thanks to the matte surface, the display hardly reflects at all.
Thanks to the matte surface, the display hardly reflects at all.
If the fingers are not greasy, the chassis is relatively insensitive to dirt.
If the fingers are not greasy, the chassis is relatively insensitive to dirt.
No high-gloss elements.
No high-gloss elements.
Like most Clevo barebones the P150SM can be upgraded.
Like most Clevo barebones the P150SM can be upgraded.
The warm air is emitted from the rear side of the case.
The warm air is emitted from the rear side of the case.
The interface layout is alright.
The interface layout is alright.
The 17-inch P170SM and P177SM feature the same interfaces.
The 17-inch P170SM and P177SM feature the same interfaces.
The case is mostly made from plastic.
The case is mostly made from plastic.
A big advantage is its easy maintainability.
A big advantage is its easy maintainability.
The gaming notebook features a 2.5-inch slot for all kinds of hard drives.
The gaming notebook features a 2.5-inch slot for all kinds of hard drives.
Half of the RAM slots are beneath the keyboard.
Half of the RAM slots are beneath the keyboard.
A small SSD can be connected to the mSATA slot.
A small SSD can be connected to the mSATA slot.
8 or 16 GB DDR3 RAM are absolutely sufficient.
8 or 16 GB DDR3 RAM are absolutely sufficient.
Second mSATA slot hidden beneath the 2.5-inch slot.
Second mSATA slot hidden beneath the 2.5-inch slot.
You can opt for one of several high-end GPUs.
You can opt for one of several high-end GPUs.
Haswell delivers top mobile performance.
Haswell delivers top mobile performance.
Decent battery capacitiy of 77 Wh.
Decent battery capacitiy of 77 Wh.
A Full HD webcam is not usual.
A Full HD webcam is not usual.
If needed, you can turn on the keyboard light.
If needed, you can turn on the keyboard light.
Small Wi-Fi card on the left.
Small Wi-Fi card on the left.
Despite X-Fi MB3, the sound is not particularly good.
Despite X-Fi MB3, the sound is not particularly good.
The indicator LEDs are beside the speaker grille.
The indicator LEDs are beside the speaker grille.
The pre-series model came with a US keyboard.
The pre-series model came with a US keyboard.
You also have to adapt to the German layout first.
You also have to adapt to the German layout first.
The 2.1 system is said to stem from Onkyo.
The 2.1 system is said to stem from Onkyo.
Subwoofer on the bottom side.
Subwoofer on the bottom side.
Unfortunately, the touchpad is rubberized.
Unfortunately, the touchpad is rubberized.
Do you want to connect a surround system? No problem!
Do you want to connect a surround system? No problem!
The Clevo features three digital video outs.
The Clevo features three digital video outs.
Of course there are also several USB 3.0 ports available.
Of course there are also several USB 3.0 ports available.
The manufacturer includes a 180 Watt power adapter.
The manufacturer includes a 180 Watt power adapter.

Similar Laptops

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Review Schenker XMG A523 (Clevo W350ST) Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i7 4700MQ

Devices with the same GPU and/or Screen Size

Review Schenker XMG A503 (Clevo W355STQ) Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i5 4300M, 2.67 kg
Review MSI GE60H-i765M2811B Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i7 4700MQ, 2.674 kg

Devices with the same GPU

Review Schenker XMG C703 (MSI MS-1771) Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i7 4700HQ, 17.30", 2.628 kg
Review MSI GS70-65M21621 Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i7 4700HQ, 17.30", 2.72 kg
Review One K33-3E (Clevo W230ST Barebones) Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i7 4702MQ, 13.30", 1.99 kg
Review MSI GE70-i765M287 Notebook
GeForce GTX 765M, Core i7 4700MQ, 17.30", 3.05 kg

Links

  • Manufacturer's information

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Pros

+anti-reflective FHD panel with good values
+adjustable keyboard lighting
+decent interface layout
+individual configuration
+very easy to maintain
+excellent performance
+decent temperatures
+no bloatware
+2x mSATA
 

Cons

-loud system noise
-modest sound of the speakers
-rubberized touchpad
-large power supply

Shortcut

What we like

The laptop is easy to maintain.

What we would like to see

The system noise should be quieter.

What surprises us

Clevo no longer uses a glossy display bezel.

The competition

15-inch gaming notebooks like the Asus G55V, the DevilTech Devil 6700, the Lenovo IdeaPad Y500, the Medion Erazer X6821, the MSI GT60, the MSI GX60, the One K56-3N2 or the Schenker XMG A522.

Rating

SCHENKER W503 - 05/13/2013 v3(old)
Florian Glaser

Chassis
86%
Keyboard
84%
Pointing Device
76%
Connectivity
88%
Weight
69%
Battery
82%
Display
85%
Games Performance
93%
Application Performance
100%
Temperature
87%
Noise
62%
Add Points
85%
Average
83%
86%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Florian Glaser, 2013-06- 1 (Update: 2018-05-15)