Aorus X7 v2 Notebook Review Update

The processor belongs to Intel's Haswell generation. With a clock rate of 2.5 to 3.5 GHz the quad-core CPU clocks 100 MHz faster than the Core i7-4700HQ, which is also directly connected to the mainboard, and so, (other than MQ models) not replaceable. The other features are identical. With six MB L3 cache and 1.4 billion transistors, the Core i7-4710HQ is definitely top-rate.

We look critically at the waste heat. Although the Haswell architecture is produced in 22 nm lithography, quad-core chips get rather hot. A TDP of 47 Watts is not exactly low. We especially regret that the SLI array prevents graphics switching. With the Optimus technology (either the Intel or the Nvidia chip is used for graphics calculations) the battery life would be longer. In the Aorus X7 v2 the HD Graphics 4600 remains inactive.

The graphics card is one of the biggest changes. The manufacturer upgraded from the GTX 765M to the brand new GTX 860M. Actually, “brand new” is only an adequate word for the Maxwell model of the DirectX 11 chip. Unlike most laptop companies, Aorus uses the Kepler edition, which is 10% slower. While it features more shader units (1,152 vs. 640), it has to make do with an old architecture and slower clock rates. Instead of 1029 to 1097 MHz the Kepler model only clocks at 797 to 915 MHz.

The memory clock of the 4096 MB GDDR5 VRAM is 2500 MHz, each. Due to the small interfaces (128-bit) the GTX 860M hardly profits from the big memory. At least, the clock rates are maintained in extreme situations. The test device continued to run at its full GPU Turbo speed after one hour of full load. 

An important unique feature of the Aorus X7 is its dual GPU configuration. As with the AMD counterpart called CrossFire, SLI also has disadvantages. Apart from higher power consumption, the enormous cooling requirement has to be mentioned here. Dual GPU notebooks are known to get rather loud and warm. Furthermore, they suffer from so-called micro stuttering. Due to varying intervals, the image could appear jerkier than with a single GPU despite better frame rates. In our review, we faced this problem in Far Cry 3 for example. While an average frame rate of 38 fps with maximum settings (Ultra, DX11, 4x MSAA) sounds decent, the game could not be enjoyed.

Another weakness is that multi GPU systems are driver dependent. If the system lacks a compatible SLI profile, the second graphics card is not advantageous and might even have a negative impact on performance. So, it is all the more annoying that none of the official Nvidia driver works on the Aorus X7 v2 so far (tried ForceWare 337.88 WHQL and 340.43 Beta). Although we replaced the preinstalled driver with a newer version downloaded from Aorus' homepage (333.11 instead of 333.04), the performance was rather poor in current games. Aorus has to optimize the driver support for games like GRID: Autosport, Watch Dogs and Wolfenstein: The New Order to run well. Those who do not want to constantly bother about driver updates should buy a standard laptop.

In mass storage, it even reached first place of all laptops we have reviewed so far. The RAID-0 connection of three LiteOn LMT-128M6M mSATA-SSDs does not only score points with good total capacity (384 GB), but also with excellent performance. 886 MB/s in the sequential write test of the AS SSD benchmark is just as tremendous at 1342 MB/s in the read test. By comparison, a single SSD cannot achieve more than 500 MB/s.

However, you will not usually notice the difference. Performance when opening files, installing or booting is the same without RAID since the triple SSD system cannot achieve new top values in the 4K tests. Regardless of the number of SSD drives, the access time is impressive. 0.09 ms and 0.063 ms, respectively, meet the premium claim.

In case free memory gets low after all, Aorus also incorporated a 1000 GB 2.5 inch HDD. The HGST Travelstar 7K1000 meets all expectations with up to 142 MB/s (CrystalDiskMark).

The Aorus X7 v2 also lost points in temperature. The case surfaces get surprisingly warm just idling. Our thermometer displayed an average of 39 °C (102.2 °F) on the top side and just less than 40 °C (104 °F) on the underside. MSI is much better in cooling its GS70 (~28 °C; 82.4 °F).

In 3D mode, the two notebooks perform quite similarly. Both reach above 50 °C (122 °F) after one hour of stress test. In some parts, the case even exceeded 60 °C (140 °F). Hence, sensitive users should steer clear of this device. Longer gaming sessions might be uncomfortable. We would also advise against gaming on the lap.

It is by no means better under the hood. Quite the contrary: Although our stress test is not necessarily a realistic scenario, a maximum of 89 °C (192.2 °F) for the SLI connection and up to 98 °C (208.4 °F) for the processor (according to the CPUID HWMonitor) does not hint of perfect cooling. The MSI GS70 performed even worse. Its Nvidia chip exceeded 90 °C (194 °F) despite throttling. Thicker high-end notebooks with more cooling space tend to perform better in this aspect (for example the Asus G750JZ).

To start with, the first X7 model did not have an especially good battery life. 104 minutes (Classic Test @ Battery Eater) and 185 minutes (Reader's Test @ Battery) are anything but overwhelming. Due to the more powerful hardware, the X7 v2 runtimes are even less. 82 up to a maximum of 156 minutes are only sufficient for very short trips. The GS70 from MSI performs better. Thanks to its graphics switching, the 17-incher lasts up to seven hours (4 hours during WLAN surfing with medium brightness). The battery life should be longer without SLI.

Did Aorus produce the slimmest and lightest dual GPU notebook with the X7 v2? Probably yes. However, as expected, the exciting concept also involves disadvantages like high temperatures and loud noise in 3D mode. The manufacturer should also improve the display (mediocre values) and the sound system. More quality is to be expected for a price of 2000 Euros (~$2687).

There are also smaller flaws in build quality. As with the Gigabyte P34G v2 and P35W v2, the keyboard does not attach homogeneously to the surrounding case. With a closer look, the gaps between the parts are uneven at the edges, too.

It is up to you whether you consider SLI useful. While the GTX 860M duo is sometimes faster than the GTX 880M, which could not be used in such a slim notebook anyway, it also relies on the very latest drivers. Without a compatible SLI profile, the second graphics chip does not have an effect. The high power consumption when idle and other drawbacks (micro stuttering...) will discourage many customers from buying. We are still convinced that a single graphics card is the better solution for gamers. In addition, we would like to see a matte touchpad and a smaller power adapter. 

Certainly, the Aorus X7 v2 also has its advantages. The highlights include an attractive look, which is neither extravagant nor boring. Many interfaces and the backlit keyboard (macro keys with five functions each) are also pros. In general, the equipment is very extensive. By that we do not only mean the case, but especially the hardware. Three mSATA-SSDs in RAID-0: Who would have thought it a few years ago? However, it is controversial whether such a combination makes sense. The bottom line is that one Solid State Drive would be sufficient, too. According to the author, the RAID solution has primarily been used for marketing purposes.

Conclusion: Despite the mentioned weaknesses the X7 v2 is worth being considered. Aorus is nearly alone with its approach. Individualistic gamers who like to experiment with technology should get their money's worth. We can only hope that it is also possible to get hold of the device. Currently, the availability is still low. A review of the promising X3 Plus brother is already planned.