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CUK Model Z (i7 9750H, RTX 2070 Max-Q) Tongfang GK5CQ7Z Laptop Review

Simple name, enthusiast performer. The Model Z integrates almost everything you'd want from a thin gaming laptop including the latest Intel 9th gen CPU, GeFoce RTX GPU, 144 Hz narrow bezel display, easy serviceability, and even a per-key RGB mechanical keyboard all for under $2000 USD. Just don't expect long battery life or very quiet fans.

The 15.6-inch CUK Model Z gaming laptop is based on the Tongfang GK5CQ7Z chassis that is very similar to the Walmart Overpowered 15, Eluktronics Mech-15 G2, Origin PC RTS EON15-S, and CyberpowerPC Tracer III 15Z Slim. As a result, we've already checked out this machine in two other configurations with the Core i7-8750H and GTX 1060 instead of the Core i7-9750H and RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU we have here. We therefore recommend checking out our existing reviews on the Tongfang GK5CQ7Z as more information about the chassis, mechanical keyboard keys, display, speakers, and other features can all be found there.

What makes the Model Z particularly interesting, however, is that it ships with a 230 W AC adapter whereas our previous 15.6-inch Tongfang SKUs shipped with 180 W AC adapters. Does the more capable AC adapter make a difference when gaming?

The thin CUK Model Z competes directly with other 15.6-inch midrange-enthusiast gaming laptops including the MSI GS65, Razer Blade 15, Dell Alienware m15, Asus Zephyrus GX531, Acer Predator Helios 500, Aorus X5, and the Lenovo Legion Y740. The system is currently available on Amazon for $1500 to $2000 depending on the CPU, GPU, or storage option.

More Tongfang reviews:

CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Processor
Intel Core i7-9750H 6 x 2.6 - 4.5 GHz, Coffee Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q - 8 GB VRAM, Core: 885 MHz, Memory: 1500 MHz, GDDR6, 430.86, Optimus
Memory
32 GB 
, ADATA DDR4 PC4-21300, 19-19-19-43, Dual-Channel
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, LG Philips LGD05C0, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM370
Storage
Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8, 2048 GB 
, Secondary: Seagate ST2000LM007-1R8174
Soundcard
Intel Cannon Lake-H/S - cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech)
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm headphones, 3.5 mm microphone, Card Reader: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, TPM 2.0
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/)
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22 x 359 x 243 ( = 0.87 x 14.13 x 9.57 in)
Battery
46.74 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 230 W AC adapter, Gaming Center, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.163 kg ( = 76.3 oz / 4.77 pounds), Power Supply: 848 g ( = 29.91 oz / 1.87 pounds)
Price
1500 USD
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

(Source: Amazon)
(Source: Amazon)
362 mm / 14.3 inch 265 mm / 10.4 inch 25 mm / 0.984 inch 2.3 kg4.97 lbs363 mm / 14.3 inch 275 mm / 10.8 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 2.2 kg4.76 lbs359 mm / 14.1 inch 243 mm / 9.57 inch 22 mm / 0.866 inch 2.2 kg4.77 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 252 mm / 9.92 inch 20.4 mm / 0.803 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs358 mm / 14.1 inch 248 mm / 9.76 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.8 kg4.05 lbs355 mm / 14 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 17.8 mm / 0.701 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Front: No connectivity
Front: No connectivity
Right side: 2x USB-A 3.0, card reader
Right side: 2x USB-A 3.0, card reader
Rear: 2x Mini-DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, USB-C 3.1 Gen1, DC-in
Rear: 2x Mini-DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, USB-C 3.1 Gen1, DC-in
Left: Kensington lock, RJ45-LAN, USB-A 2.0, microphone, headphones
Left: Kensington lock, RJ45-LAN, USB-A 2.0, microphone, headphones

SD Card Reader

Transfer rates from the integrated card reader is limited to about 87 MB/s compared to twice that on the XPS 15 or Eurocom SKy X4C. Note that a fully inserted SD card will still protrude by over two-third its length.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Eurocom Sky X4C
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
193.6 MB/s +139%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
81.1 MB/s
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
79.1 MB/s -2%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
76.5 MB/s -6%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Eurocom Sky X4C
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
206.3 MB/s +136%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
87.6 MB/s
Asus FX503VM-EH73
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
86.9 MB/s -1%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
86 MB/s -2%

Communication

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
655 MBit/s +7%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
633 MBit/s +4%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
611 MBit/s
Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICHg
Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)
588 MBit/s -4%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
Realtek 8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
252 MBit/s -59%
iperf3 receive AX12
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
684 MBit/s +7%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
666 MBit/s +4%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
638 MBit/s
Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICHg
Killer Wireless-AC 1550i Wireless Network Adapter (9560NGW)
596 MBit/s -7%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
Realtek 8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
332 MBit/s -48%

Maintenance

Not all Tongfang GK5CQ7Z chassis designs are created equal. As shown by our images below, our Model Z is equipped with a 2.5-inch SATA III bay which occupies a portion of the internal battery whereas our first Schenker XMG Neto 15 Tongfang GK5CN6Z did not have this option. Battery capacity is therefore smaller at just 46.7 Wh compared to 62.3 Wh inside our Schenker.

A total of 18 (!) Philips screws secure the bottom panel
A total of 18 (!) Philips screws secure the bottom panel
Schenker XMG Neo 15 based on the same Tongfang GK5CQ7Z chassis has slightly different internals
Schenker XMG Neo 15 based on the same Tongfang GK5CQ7Z chassis has slightly different internals

Warranty

The standard one-year limited manufacturer warranty applies. CUK offers three-year warranty on "all modified components from the original purchase date". It's unclear if the standard warranty for the Model Z is one-year or three-years since the chassis is a CUK brand and not from a third party like HP or Lenovo.

Display

The CUK Model Z utilizes the same LG Philips LGD05C0 panel as found on the Razer Blade 15. Thus, both of these laptops share similarly fast black-white and gray-gray response times, good contrast ratio of about 800:1, almost 100 percent sRGB coverage, and a native 144 Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth animations. Such a panel was only available on a small handful of gaming laptops early last year and it has now become almost commonplace. Cheaper laptops like the Asus ROG GA502 are still shipping with basic 60 Hz IPS panels that almost always offer slower response times for noticeably more ghosting.

Graininess is a non-issue as texts and images appear almost as crisp as on a glossy panel and uneven backlight bleeding is minimal.

No glossy or touchscreen options
No glossy or touchscreen options
Narrow bezels on three sides of the display
Narrow bezels on three sides of the display
Matte subpixel array
Matte subpixel array
Very slight uneven backlight bleeding along the bottom edge
Very slight uneven backlight bleeding along the bottom edge
332.4
cd/m²
293.7
cd/m²
313.1
cd/m²
329.9
cd/m²
306.8
cd/m²
318.3
cd/m²
300.4
cd/m²
293
cd/m²
289.3
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Philips LGD05C0 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 332.4 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 308.5 cd/m² Minimum: 11.76 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 306.8 cd/m²
Contrast: 807:1 (Black: 0.38 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.16 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 2.4
ΔE Greyscale 2.3 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
92.6% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
60% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
65.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
93% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.5% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.17
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
LG Philips LGD05C0, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
Panda LM156LF-CL03, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
LG Philips LGD05C0, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
AUO80ED, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICHg
LP156WFG-SPB2, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
AU Optronics B156HAN, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Display
-36%
1%
1%
-2%
-3%
Display P3 Coverage
64.5
40.33
-37%
65.3
1%
65.8
2%
63.5
-2%
63.5
-2%
sRGB Coverage
93
60.6
-35%
94.9
2%
92.1
-1%
92.4
-1%
89.4
-4%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
65.7
41.69
-37%
66.3
1%
67
2%
64.7
-2%
64.5
-2%
Response Times
-142%
-11%
-24%
-24%
-16%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
13.6 ?(6.8, 6.8)
34 ?(17.2, 16.8)
-150%
16.8 ?(9.2, 7.6)
-24%
20 ?(10, 10)
-47%
18.8 ?(11.6, 7.2)
-38%
18 ?(9.2, 8.8)
-32%
Response Time Black / White *
12 ?(7.6, 4.4)
28 ?(17.2, 10.8)
-133%
11.6 ?(7.2, 4.4)
3%
12 ?(6.8, 5.2)
-0%
13.2 ?(8, 5.2)
-10%
12 ?(6.8, 5.2)
-0%
PWM Frequency
21280 ?(34)
Screen
-40%
3%
-8%
-6%
-10%
Brightness middle
306.8
240.1
-22%
314.7
3%
250.9
-18%
320.4
4%
353.6
15%
Brightness
309
231
-25%
312
1%
257
-17%
298
-4%
346
12%
Brightness Distribution
87
85
-2%
90
3%
83
-5%
85
-2%
86
-1%
Black Level *
0.38
0.34
11%
0.38
-0%
0.32
16%
0.42
-11%
0.3
21%
Contrast
807
706
-13%
828
3%
784
-3%
763
-5%
1179
46%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.16
4.2
-33%
2.56
19%
2.77
12%
3.21
-2%
4.55
-44%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.05
17.8
-194%
4.89
19%
5.89
3%
5.54
8%
7.91
-31%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
2.4
4.09
-70%
1.71
29%
2.5
-4%
2.36
2%
3.37
-40%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
2.3
2.8
-22%
3.4
-48%
4
-74%
3.6
-57%
4.1
-78%
Gamma
2.17 101%
2.2 100%
2.3 96%
2.27 97%
2.27 97%
2.27 97%
CCT
6557 99%
6925 94%
6435 101%
6901 94%
6503 100%
7434 87%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
60
38.4
-36%
60.7
1%
60
0%
59
-2%
57.9
-3%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
92.6
60.4
-35%
94.6
2%
92
-1%
92
-1%
88.9
-4%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-73% / -52%
-2% / 1%
-10% / -8%
-11% / -8%
-10% / -9%

* ... smaller is better

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB

The display is relatively accurate out of the box with deltaE grayscale and color averages of 2.3 and 3.16, respectively. An end-user calibration will improve the display even further albeit just marginally.

Grayscale before calibration
Grayscale before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
12 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7.6 ms rise
↘ 4.4 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 26 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
13.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 6.8 ms rise
↘ 6.8 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 21 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Outdoor visibility is essentially identical to the Razer Blade 15 144 Hz SKU as both systems share the same IPS panel and even nearly the same backlight brightness. As portable as it may be, the Model Z isn't as bright as most Ultrabooks and so users will still have an easier time using their XPS 15 or MacBook Pro outdoors.

Outdoors on a cloud day
Outdoors on a cloud day
Outdoors under shade
Outdoors under shade
Outdoors on a cloud day
Outdoors on a cloud day
Wide IPS viewing angles
Wide IPS viewing angles

Performance

A fair number of SKUs are available ranging from the Core i7-8750H to the i7-9750H, the RTX 2060 to the RTX 2070 Max-Q or RTX 2080 Max-Q, and various RAM and storage options. The lack of any Core i5, Core i9, or GTX 16 SKUs at the moment is not concerning since the Core i7 family pairs very well with the mobile RTX series in the mainstream-enthusiast segment.

Optimus is included by default for switching to the integrated UHD Graphics 630. Consequently, G-Sync is not available.

Processor

CineBench R15
CineBench R15

Multi-thread CPU performance is 17 percent faster than the Schenker Neo 15 with the Core i7-8750H according to CineBench R15. Additionally, the Model Z is better at maintaining Turbo Boost clock rates for longer and so it continues to be faster even after accounting for any performance throttling. Results are better than most laptops with the older (and more expensive) Core i9-8950HK including the Dell XPS 15.

See our dedicated page on the Core i7-9750H for more technical information and benchmark comparisons.

0651301952603253904555205856507157808459109751040110511701235Tooltip
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1190 (1182.24-1239.66)
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø922 (913.2-999)
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1056 (1046.13-1175)
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø994 (961.98-1074.38)
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Alienware 15 R4
Intel Core i9-8950HK
197 Points +5%
Eurocom Sky X4C
Intel Core i7-8700K
192 Points +3%
MSI GE75 9SG
Intel Core i9-9880H
189 Points +1%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel Core i7-9750H
187 Points
Average Intel Core i7-9750H
  (170 - 194, n=82)
183.7 Points -2%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
Intel Core i7-8750H
174 Points -7%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
Intel Core i7-8750H
174 Points -7%
Lenovo Legion Y730-15ICH i5-8300H
Intel Core i5-8300H
166 Points -11%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
156 Points -17%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
144 Points -23%
CPU Multi 64Bit
MSI GE75 9SG
Intel Core i9-9880H
1721 Points +36%
Eurocom Sky X4C
Intel Core i7-8700K
1359 Points +8%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel Core i7-9750H
1261 Points
Average Intel Core i7-9750H
  (952 - 1306, n=85)
1182 Points -6%
Alienware 15 R4
Intel Core i9-8950HK
1083 Points -14%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
Intel Core i7-8750H
1079 Points -14%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
Intel Core i7-8750H
999 Points -21%
Lenovo Legion Y730-15ICH i5-8300H
Intel Core i5-8300H
821 Points -35%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
805 Points -36%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
733 Points -42%
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
187 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1261 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
117.6 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Help

System Performance

PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 10
Score
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
5678 Points
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB
5651 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (5115 - 5991, n=10)
5637 Points -1%
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
5426 Points -4%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
5416 Points -5%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4646 Points -18%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
4322 Points -24%
Essentials
Average Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (9140 - 9741, n=10)
9401 Points +3%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB
9258 Points +1%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
9158 Points
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
8875 Points -3%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
8517 Points -7%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
7424 Points -19%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
7200 Points -21%
Productivity
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
7793 Points +3%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB
7678 Points +2%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
7547 Points 0%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
7546 Points
Average Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (6834 - 7754, n=10)
7388 Points -2%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
6938 Points -8%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
6305 Points -16%
Digital Content Creation
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
7190 Points
Average Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (4938 - 8220, n=10)
7064 Points -2%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB
6890 Points -4%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
6708 Points -7%
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
6272 Points -13%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
5452 Points -24%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
4682 Points -35%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (3638 - 5661, n=7)
4692 Points +5%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4676 Points +5%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB
4582 Points +3%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
4459 Points
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
4418 Points -1%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
4150 Points -7%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
3642 Points -18%
Work Score Accelerated v2
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
5731 Points +1%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
5696 Points
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB
5679 Points 0%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
5607 Points -2%
Average Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (4520 - 6035, n=7)
5523 Points -3%
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
5407 Points -5%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
4956 Points -13%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
4459 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
5696 points
PCMark 10 Score
5678 points
Help

Storage Devices

Three internal storage bays (2x M.2 2280 PCIe x4 + 1x 2.5-inch SATA III) are available. CUK offers multiple SSD options up to the 2 TB Intel SSD 660p like we have here on our test unit.

Sequential write rates are excellent at over 1700 MB/s according to AS SSD while sequential read rates are only average at about 1300 MB/s. The competing Samsung SSD PM981 is capable of sequential read rates of up to 2000 MB/s.

See our table of HDDs and SSDs for more benchmark comparisons.

It's uncommon to find three storage bays for a thin gaming laptop
It's uncommon to find three storage bays for a thin gaming laptop
CDM 5.5 (Primary SSD)
CDM 5.5 (Primary SSD)
CDM 5.5 (Secondary Seagate HDD)
CDM 5.5 (Secondary Seagate HDD)
HD Tune
HD Tune
AS SSD
AS SSD
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICHg
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
AS SSD
-33%
22%
-24%
-2%
-33%
Seq Read
1283
907
-29%
1840
43%
1612
26%
1953
52%
1967
53%
Seq Write
1730
926
-46%
1822
5%
1475
-15%
1629
-6%
1135
-34%
4K Read
49.89
47.26
-5%
52.3
5%
43.09
-14%
33.2
-33%
29.17
-42%
4K Write
110.1
98.7
-10%
110.7
1%
83.8
-24%
88.1
-20%
93.4
-15%
4K-64 Read
904
321.5
-64%
1126
25%
611
-32%
757
-16%
995
10%
4K-64 Write
792
736
-7%
1717
117%
570
-28%
1501
90%
656
-17%
Access Time Read *
0.036
0.064
-78%
0.047
-31%
0.071
-97%
0.077
-114%
0.116
-222%
Access Time Write *
0.042
0.045
-7%
0.033
21%
0.045
-7%
0.043
-2%
0.063
-50%
Score Read
1082
459
-58%
1362
26%
815
-25%
985
-9%
1221
13%
Score Write
1075
927
-14%
2010
87%
802
-25%
1752
63%
862
-20%
Score Total
2745
1641
-40%
4079
49%
2039
-26%
3230
18%
2667
-3%
Copy ISO MB/s
3089
905
-71%
1975
-36%
1872
-39%
642
-79%
Copy Program MB/s
549
496.9
-9%
526
-4%
478.2
-13%
431.5
-21%
Copy Game MB/s
1171
819
-30%
1200
2%
1165
-1%
706
-40%

* ... smaller is better

Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 1849 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 1903 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 639 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 535 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1687 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1742 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 56.8 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 134.4 MB/s

GPU Performance

3DMark graphics results are essentially identical to the Schenker Neo 15 with the same RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU despite the fact that our CUK Model Z ships with a more capable 230 W AC adapter. Fire Strike and Time Spy graphics scores, for example, are within just 2 to 3 points of one another. Raw performance is about 23 to 34 percent faster than the new GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q.

It's worth mentioning that running the machine in "Gaming" or "Turbo" mode will not dramatically impact gaming performance when compared to regular "Balanced" mode. A Time Spy run on Balanced returns Physics and Graphics scores of 6863 and 6294 points, respectively, compared to 6963 and 6503 points when in "Gaming" mode.

Idling on Witcher 3 shows no recurring dips in frame rate to suggest a smooth gaming experience with no interrupting background activity.

See our page on the GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q for more technical information and benchmarks.

3DMark 11
3DMark 11
3DMark DLSS 4K UHD
3DMark DLSS 4K UHD
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate
Fire Strike Ultra
Fire Strike Ultra
Time Spy (Balanced)
Time Spy (Balanced)
Time Spy (Turbo)
Time Spy (Turbo)
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
MSI GE75 9SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i9-9880H
24623 Points +50%
Eurocom Sky X4C
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Mobile, i7-8700K
20909 Points +27%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H
20718 Points +26%
Alienware 15 R4
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Mobile, i9-8950HK
17675 Points +7%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (11563 - 21191, n=31)
17489 Points +6%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
16989 Points +3%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H
16460 Points
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
14724 Points -11%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H
13355 Points -19%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H
11814 Points -28%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-7700HQ
11483 Points -30%
Lenovo Legion Y730-15ICH i5-8300H
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile, i5-8300H
8004 Points -51%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
MSI GE75 9SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i9-9880H
9754 Points +50%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H
7840 Points +21%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (5948 - 8065, n=28)
6745 Points +4%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H
6503 Points
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
6368 Points -2%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H
4867 Points -25%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
4708 Points -28%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-7700HQ
3572 Points -45%
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
MSI GE75 9SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i9-9880H
34050 Points +59%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H
27762 Points +30%
Eurocom Sky X4C
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Mobile, i7-8700K
26912 Points +26%
Alienware 15 R4
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Mobile, i9-8950HK
23308 Points +9%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (14723 - 27694, n=31)
22548 Points +5%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
21723 Points +1%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H
21409 Points
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
19187 Points -10%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H
17170 Points -20%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H
14879 Points -31%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-7700HQ
14550 Points -32%
Lenovo Legion Y730-15ICH i5-8300H
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile, i5-8300H
9805 Points -54%
1280x720 Performance Combined
MSI GE75 9SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i9-9880H
16523 Points +29%
Eurocom Sky X4C
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Mobile, i7-8700K
13928 Points +9%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H
12813 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (9107 - 17603, n=30)
12665 Points -1%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H
12460 Points -3%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
12069 Points -6%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
11811 Points -8%
Alienware 15 R4
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Mobile, i9-8950HK
10700 Points -16%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H
10475 Points -18%
Lenovo Legion Y730-15ICH i5-8300H
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile, i5-8300H
7932 Points -38%
Asus FX503VM-EH73
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-7700HQ
7696 Points -40%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H
6644 Points -48%
3DMark 11 Performance
18600 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
37594 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
14950 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
6568 points
Help
The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
MSI GE75 9SG
Intel Core i9-9880H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile
95.3 fps +51%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q
78.3 fps +24%
Eurocom Sky X4C
Intel Core i7-8700K, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Mobile
75.3 fps +20%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (56 - 83.8, n=31)
66.3 fps +5%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
63.8 fps +1%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
63 fps
Alienware 15 R4
Intel Core i9-8950HK, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Mobile
59.5 fps -6%
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
55.3 fps -12%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
AMD Ryzen 7 3750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q
48.8 fps -23%
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile
40 fps -37%
Lenovo Legion Y730-15ICH i5-8300H
Intel Core i5-8300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Mobile
27.9 fps -56%
Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1920x1080 Highest Preset AA:T
MSI GE75 9SG
Intel Core i9-9880H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile
109 fps +40%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (57 - 89, n=12)
79.1 fps +1%
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
78 fps
HP Omen 15-dc0015ng
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
61 fps -22%
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
AMD Ryzen 7 3750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q
49 fps -37%
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8: Ø59.7 (57-64)
low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 316.6 261.2 255.7 150.2
The Witcher 3 (2015) 306 209 122 63
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 221.6 181.9 116 96.6
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) 134 96 86 78

Emissions

System Noise

System noise is perhaps the weakest aspect of the Model Z. The fans are always active at 30.8 dB(A) to 35 dB(A) when browsing or video streaming when set to the "Balanced" profile. Pulsing is frequent and so we recommend setting the system to Power Saver for a quieter experience when the gaming horsepower is not needed.

When running Witcher 3 to represent gaming loads, fan noise stabilizes at 51.6 dB(A) to be significantly louder than the Razer Blade 15, MSI GS65, and Lenovo Legion Y740 when under similar conditions. We find the >50 dB(A) range to be difficult to ignore when gaming without a good pair of headphones.

Toggling "Turbo" mode will automatically bump the fan to >50 dB(A) no matter the onscreen load. We're able to record a maximum fan noise of almost 58 dB(A) when running both Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously.

Our test unit exhibits no noticeable electronic noise or coil whine.

Twin ~45 mm fans
Twin ~45 mm fans
fan noise is loud even for a gaming laptop
fan noise is loud even for a gaming laptop
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-9750H
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, R7 3750H
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, i7-8750H
Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICHg
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H
Noise
2%
13%
10%
9%
13%
off / environment *
28.6
28
2%
28.8
-1%
28.4
1%
28
2%
28.3
1%
Idle Minimum *
30.8
29.4
5%
28.8
6%
28.4
8%
32.6
-6%
28.8
6%
Idle Average *
30.8
31.9
-4%
28.8
6%
28.4
8%
32.7
-6%
28.8
6%
Idle Maximum *
35
33
6%
29.4
16%
29.6
15%
32.7
7%
29
17%
Load Average *
45
41.2
8%
35.7
21%
43.5
3%
33.3
26%
33.5
26%
Witcher 3 ultra *
51.6
53.8
-4%
42.5
18%
45.7
11%
41.6
19%
45
13%
Load Maximum *
57.8
55.7
4%
45
22%
45.7
21%
45.2
22%
45.2
22%

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle
30.8 / 30.8 / 35 dB(A)
Load
45 / 57.8 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 28.6 dB(A)

Temperature

Four sets of ventilation grilles along the edges
Four sets of ventilation grilles along the edges

Surface temperature development is symmetric because of the nearly symmetrical cooling solution underneath. Temperatures are slightly warmer than expected when simply idling on desktop. The center of the keyboard, for example, idles at 34 C compared to 31 C on the Lenovo Legion Y740 with the same GPU. Nonetheless, we don't find the surfaces to be uncomfortable for typing.

When gaming, the same hot spot towards the center of the keyboard can become as warm as 45 C which is still cooler than on the Razer Blade 15. Key areas like the palm rests and WASD keys remain relatively cool since fresh air is forced through the sides of the keyboard much like on the Asus ROG GA502. Most of the edges and half of the bottom of the chassis have been dedicated to cooling and so it's important to not block any of the various ventilation grilles.

Stress Test

We stress the laptop with synthetic loads to identify for any potential throttling or stability issues. When running Prime95 on "Turbo" or "Gaming" mode, the CPU can boost up to 4 GHz for the first 30 seconds or so before hitting a core temperature of 87 C. Thereafter, clock rates drop and stabilize at 3.5 GHz in order to maintain a cooler core temperature of 80 C. Running both Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously will bump CPU and GPU core temperatures to 94 C and 78 C, respectively.

Running Witcher 3 is more representative of real-world gaming loads. The CPU and GPU stabilize at 71 C and 70 C, respectively, which are impressive numbers given the thin profile and performance under the hood. The Core i7-8750H CPU and RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU in the Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICH run slightly warmer at 76 C and 72 C, respectively, while the Razer Blade 15 can reach 80 C when subjected to the same conditions.

Running on battery power will impact performance significantly. A Fire Strike run on batteries returns Physics and Graphics scores of 9450 and 1729 points, respectively, compared to 16960 and 16460 points when on mains.

System idle
System idle
Prime95 stress
Prime95 stress
Witcher 3 stress (Balanced mode)
Witcher 3 stress (Balanced mode)
Witcher 3 stress (Turbo mode)
Witcher 3 stress (Turbo mode)
Prime95+FurMark stress (Balanced mode)
Prime95+FurMark stress (Balanced mode)
Prime95+FurMark stress (Turbo mode)
Prime95+FurMark stress (Turbo mode)
Gaming Center (System idle)
Gaming Center (System idle)
Gaming Center (Prime95+FurMark stress)
Gaming Center (Prime95+FurMark stress)
CPU Clock (GHz) GPU Clock (MHz) Average CPU Temperature (°C) Average GPU Temperature (°C)
System Idle -- -- 46 48
Prime95 Stress 3.4 - 3.5 -- 80 55
Prime95 + FurMark Stress 3.3 ~800 94 78
Witcher 3 Stress 4.0 - 4.1 1305 71 70
Max. Load
 25.6 °C
78 F
47.2 °C
117 F
24.6 °C
76 F
 
 26 °C
79 F
45 °C
113 F
24.6 °C
76 F
 
 30.2 °C
86 F
29.4 °C
85 F
32.6 °C
91 F
 
Maximum: 47.2 °C = 117 F
Average: 31.7 °C = 89 F
41 °C
106 F
65.8 °C
150 F
64 °C
147 F
32 °C
90 F
53.8 °C
129 F
33.2 °C
92 F
29 °C
84 F
29.2 °C
85 F
28.6 °C
83 F
Maximum: 65.8 °C = 150 F
Average: 41.8 °C = 107 F
Power Supply (max.)  44 °C = 111 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(+) 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 47.2 °C / 117 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 65.8 °C / 150 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31.2 °C / 88 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(±) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 33.9 °C / 93 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35 °C / 95 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-6.1 °C / -11 F).
System idle (top)
System idle (top)
System idle (bottom)
System idle (bottom)
Witcher 3 stress (top)
Witcher 3 stress (top)
Witcher 3 stress (bottom)
Witcher 3 stress (bottom)
Maximum stress stress (top)
Maximum stress stress (top)
Maximum stress stress (bottom)
Maximum stress stress (bottom)

Speakers

Pink noise at maximum volume. Audio quality is lacking in bass
Pink noise at maximum volume. Audio quality is lacking in bass
Stereo speakers toward the front corners of the system
Stereo speakers toward the front corners of the system
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2045.343.12540.838.9313938.64037.638.75038.3376335.7368034.836.410035.434.412532.335.116032.63420032.438.925031.753.131531.160.240030.462.25003064.663029.469.980029.679100029.673.4125028.668.5160028.966.4200028.564.4250028.262.5315028.365.3400027.958.1500027.763.2630027.766.6800027.467.61000027.368.21250027.363.31600027.263.1SPL40.781.4N448.9median 28.9median 63.3Delta1.46.635.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseCUK Model Z GK5CQ7ZApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (81.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.5% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (12.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (9.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (25.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 90% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 8% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 75% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 20% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management

Power Consumption

Our test unit is more demanding than the Schenker XMG Neo 15 even though both are equipped with the same RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU. Idling on desktop, for example, demands between 23 W and 32 W depending on the Power profile and display brightness compared to just 13 W to 21 W on the Schenker. This is rather high even for a gaming laptop possibly due to system activity running in the background.

Power consumption when gaming is slightly higher on our Model Z as shown by the comparison table below. Running Witcher 3, for example, is 5 percent more demanding than our Schenker despite the fact that gaming performance is nearly identical between them.

We're able to record a maximum draw of 209 W from the medium-sized (~15.4 x 7.4 x 3 cm) 230 W AC adapter compared to 183 W from the 180 W AC adapter that shipped with the Schenker. The higher power ceiling of the 230 W AC adapter is not fully utilized in this regard as power consumption eventually drops and stabilizes at about 170 W to keep temperatures in check.

Constant power consumption when running 3DMark 06
Constant power consumption when running 3DMark 06
Constant power consumption when running Witcher 3
Constant power consumption when running Witcher 3
Prime95+FurMark initiated at the 20s mark. Consumption peaks at 209 W before immediately falling
Prime95+FurMark initiated at the 20s mark. Consumption peaks at 209 W before immediately falling
Prime95 initiated at 20s mark. Consumption peaks at 133 W for only the first minute to reflect our Turbo Boost observations above
Prime95 initiated at 20s mark. Consumption peaks at 133 W for only the first minute to reflect our Turbo Boost observations above
Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.87 / 2.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 23.5 / 28 / 32 Watt
Load midlight 102.4 / 209 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
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.
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
i7-9750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel SSD 660p 2TB SSDPEKNW020T8, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
i7-8750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Samsung SSD 970 EVO Plus 1TB, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
R7 3750H, GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin 8RE-051US
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2080 Max-Q
i7-9750H, GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Power Consumption
26%
35%
34%
32%
21%
Idle Minimum *
23.5
13
45%
7.4
69%
8.7
63%
7.6
68%
12.5
47%
Idle Average *
28
16
43%
8.6
69%
13
54%
13.8
51%
15.3
45%
Idle Maximum *
32
21
34%
39.1
-22%
14.3
55%
14.6
54%
20.7
35%
Load Average *
102.4
84
18%
65.9
36%
107.4
-5%
97.6
5%
90.2
12%
Witcher 3 ultra *
142.8
135
5%
106.9
25%
129
10%
145.8
-2%
162
-13%
Load Maximum *
209
183
12%
141.3
32%
151.5
28%
172.5
17%
209.3
-0%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The higher-than-expected power consumption readings above and small 46.7 Wh battery led to lower-than-expected battery life. When setting the Windows profile to Balanced mode, the Gaming Center to Equilibrium mode, and Nvidia Optimus to the integrated GPU, we're able to record a WLAN runtime of only 3 hours compared to 5 hours on the Schenker XMG Neo 15 with the larger 62 Wh internal battery.

Charging from empty to full capacity takes about 2 to 2.5 hours compared to 1.5 hours on most Ultrabooks and other gaming laptops.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
2h 58min
CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z
i7-9750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 46.74 Wh
Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 GA502DU
R7 3750H, GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q, 76 Wh
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Max-Q
i7-8750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 80 Wh
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Turing
i7-8750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 62.3 Wh
Lenovo Legion Y740-15ICHg
i7-8750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 57 Wh
Alienware m15 GTX 1070 Max-Q
i7-8750H, GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, 90 Wh
Battery Runtime
171%
117%
71%
-7%
160%
WiFi v1.3
178
482
171%
387
117%
304
71%
166
-7%
463
160%
Reader / Idle
916
682
412
235
627
Load
123
88
93
46
103

Pros

+ full-size NumPad and Arrow keys
+ respectable core temperatures
+ high quality 144 Hz IPS panel
+ normal webcam placement
+ color accurate display
+ mechanical keyboard
+ per-key RGB lighting
+ 3x storage bays

Cons

- small internal battery; short battery life
- poor bass reproduction
- hinges could be stiffer
- loud when gaming
- loud key clatter
- flexible lid

Verdict

In review: CUK Model Z. Test model provided by Computer Upgrade King
In review: CUK Model Z. Test model provided by Computer Upgrade King

When compared to the Core i7-8750H SKU, the newer i7-9750H is able to offer 17 percent faster multi-thread performance. Beyond that, however, gaming performance is nearly identical to the i7-8750H SKU. The higher capacity 230 W AC adapter makes little to no difference here as power consumption averages well below 180 W when gaming. Nonetheless, the higher power ceiling can help in charging the system at a quicker rate whilst gaming.

The unique aspects of the Model Z are its mechanical keys and triple internal storage bays which are rarities for a thin gaming laptop. The Model Z also retails for hundreds of dollars less than its big name competitors when given the same CPU, GPU, display, and RAM configurations. If you're not fond of loud and clicky keys, however, then you may want to skip the Model Z for a quieter option like the pricier MSI GS65 or Asus Zephyrus GX531.

Enthusiast-level gaming performance and ultra-thin features at a more affordable price than the MSI GS65, Razer Blade 15, or Asus Zephyrus GX531. The unique and loud mechanical keys will be hit or miss depending on user preferences.

CUK Model Z GK5CQ7Z - 06/05/2019 v6(old)
Allen Ngo

Chassis
84 / 98 → 86%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
81%
Connectivity
63 / 81 → 78%
Weight
62 / 10-66 → 93%
Battery
69%
Display
89%
Games Performance
98%
Application Performance
97%
Temperature
81 / 95 → 85%
Noise
67 / 90 → 75%
Audio
60%
Average
78%
87%
Gaming - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > CUK Model Z (i7 9750H, RTX 2070 Max-Q) Tongfang GK5CQ7Z Laptop Review
Allen Ngo, 2019-06- 5 (Update: 2019-06- 5)