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MagyarFujitsu LifeBook E754 (E7540MXP11DE) Notebook Review Update
For the original German review, see here.
Fujitsu sent us the premium model of its Lifebook E754 series for our tests. The exteriors have not been modified compared with the former line - Lifebook E753. The only difference is found inside; the Ivy Bridge processors have been replaced with Haswell models. Read in our report whether the Lifebook benefits, and whether it excels its precursor with that.
We used the HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET (Core i7-4600U, Radeon HD 8750M) and Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE (Core i7-4700MQ, GeForce GT 730M) to classify the laptop. Both rivals are roughly within the same price range as the Lifebook, and both laptops are also available without dedicated GPUs.
Since both the Lifebook E754 and Lifebook E753 feature an identical build, we will not go in-depth about the casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the Lifebook E753.
Case
As said in the intro, the same casing is used for both the Lifebook E754 and the Lifebook E753. However, a slight difference exists: Unlike the Lifebook E753, the E754 features a hard drive compartment. Thus, there is no need to open the casing for replacing the hard drive.
Display
Like the Lifebook E753, the Lifebook E754 also sports a matte, 15.6-inch screen that has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The screen provides a brightness of 268.8 cd/m². Though this rate is acceptable, we expect more from a portable business laptop. It should at least have 300 cd/m². For example, the ThinkPad's screen (309.6 cd/m²; 2880x1620 pixels) supplies this rate. The screen in the EliteBook (263.8 cd/m²; Full HD) is on par with the one in the Lifebook.
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Brightness Distribution: 78 %
Center on Battery: 257 cd/m²
Contrast: 1028:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.69 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.95
ΔE Greyscale 6.08 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
49% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
53.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
75.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
52.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.43
The screen's contrast of 1028:1 and black level of 0.25 cd/m² are very good. The Lifebook outperforms its precursor (730:1; 0.47 cd/m²), as well as both the ThinkPad (537:1; 0.62 cd/m²) and EliteBook (413:1; 0.64 cd/m²). The screen in Fujitsu's laptop does not quite completely reproduce the sRGB and AdobeRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 67% of sRGB and 49% of AdobeRGB.
The screen's average DeltaE 2000 shift is 6.08 in state of delivery. Thus, the screen is better than the majority of models that we have assessed. The screen does not exhibit a bluish cast. The color accuracy can be increased even more by calibrating it. The screen only misses the target range of DeltaE less than 3 marginally after performing this action.
It is possible to use the laptop outdoors. The combination of matte surface, high contrast, and sufficient brightness pays off here. However, direct sunlight should be avoided.
Like in the Lifebook E753, an IPS screen is installed in the Lifebook E754. Consequently, the Lifebook features very wide and stable viewing angles. No matter from what position the laptop is viewed, the screen's content can always be recognized.
Performance
Fujitsu has placed a purebred business laptop in its product line with the Lifebook E754. The installed processor offers more than enough power for most applications from the office, Internet, and communication fields. Beyond that, the laptop serves with common business features, such as a docking port, security features, a modular bay, and LTE modem. Our review sample is available for approximately 1700 Euros (~$2305). The least expensive model (E7540M8501DE) was sold for about 950 Euros (~$1288) at the time writing.
Processor
A Core i7-4702MQ processor powers the Lifebook. It is a Haswell quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz. The speed can be boosted up to 2.9 GHz (four cores), 3.1 GHz (two cores), and 3.2 GHz (one core only) via Turbo. The Lifebook's CPU cannot always max out its full performance. For example, it performed the single-thread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks with 2.6 to 3.1 GHz. The CPU processed the multi-thread tests with a stable 2.6 GHz. This behavior was noticed in both AC and battery mode. We ascertained the same mannerism in the Lifebook E753.
System Performance
A look at the laptop's specifications immediately reveals that the laptop is definitely not the slowest of its kind. A strong Core i7 processor provides the needed computing power, and a swift Samsung SSD ensures a fast system speed. Consequently, the PCMark benchmark scores are also very good. A bit more would have been possible if the processor could develop its full potential. Surprisingly, the precursor beats the E754 in all PCMark benchmarks. We believe this is because the E753's working memory operates in dual-channel mode, and its processor calculates the tests in a higher speed.
| PCMark 7 Score | 4446 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2719 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 2804 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3869 points | |
Help | ||
| PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
| Fujitsu Lifebook E754 | |
| HP ProBook 650-H5G81ET | |
| HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G34ET | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE | |
| HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET | |
Storage Devices
Our review sample is not furnished with a conventional hard drive but features a solid state drive from Samsung. The SSD has a total capacity of 250 GB. The user cannot access a part of the storage because it is reserved for recovery features. The SSD provided consistently good transfer rates, but it does not quite belong to the absolute top-of-the-line SSDs. It can only provide considerably lower write speeds than other models, such as Samsung's 840 EVO SSD. For example, this SSD is found in the Bullman Dirtbook that we recently tested.
| Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET Radeon HD 8750M, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H | Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE GeForce GT 730M, 4700MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Fujitsu Lifebook E753 Premium Selection HD Graphics 4000, 3632QM, Micron RealSSD C400 (MTFDDAK256MAM-1K12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS SSD | -63% | -7% | -169% | |
| Seq Read | 515 | 454.6 -12% | 513 0% | 437.1 -15% |
| Seq Write | 248.3 | 221.3 -11% | 243.3 -2% | 269.8 9% |
| 4K Read | 27.2 | 23.84 -12% | 25.99 -4% | 19.24 -29% |
| 4K Write | 69.4 | 101.4 46% | 71.3 3% | 51.5 -26% |
| 4K-64 Read | 360.5 | 201.1 -44% | 301.6 -16% | 165 -54% |
| 4K-64 Write | 187.4 | 215.6 15% | 206.6 10% | 168.4 -10% |
| Access Time Read * | 0.08 | 0.097 -21% | 0.102 -28% | 0.1 -25% |
| Access Time Write * | 0.04 | 0.226 -465% | 0.048 -20% | 0.522 -1205% |
* ... smaller is better
Graphics Card
The well-known HD Graphics 4600 graphics core from Intel is responsible for video output. The GPU supports DirectX 11.1 and clocks with speeds ranging from 400 MHz to 1150 MHz. The scores of the different 3DMark benchmarks do not give reason for complaint; they correspond to the graphics-core performance capabilities. However, the Lifebook cannot compete with the scores of the EliteBook or ThinkPad because both rivals sport a dedicated GPU.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1030 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 41672 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5412 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 571 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
Dealing with computer games does not belong to the Lifebook's primary application field. Nevertheless, the laptop manages to render many titles in low to medium resolution and low quality settings smoothly. Some games even allow higher resolutions and/or quality settings, for example, FIFA 14 and Counter Strike: GO. A few additional frames per second can be retrieved by installing a second working-memory module. The working memory then operates in dual-channel mode, which makes better use of the GPU. That should increase the frame rates by averagely 20%; the exact percentage varies from game to game.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 53 | 23.8 | 13 | |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 34.7 | 16.6 | 13.4 | |
| Thief (2014) | 16.2 | 9.1 | 7.3 |
| Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET Radeon HD 8750M, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H | Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE GeForce GT 730M, 4700MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thief | 48% | 69% | |
| 1024x768 Very Low Preset | 16.2 | 21 30% | 25.8 59% |
| 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX | 9.1 | 14.8 63% | 15.9 75% |
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:FXAA & Low SS AF:4x | 7.3 | 11.1 52% | 12.7 74% |
Emissions
System Noise
The Lifebook was silent when idling; the fan was virtually always inactive. The fan first increased speed during medium load via 3DMark06 and full load in the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour). The noise level increased to 39.7 and 44 dB. These rates are absolutely acceptable for a laptop featuring a Core i7 processor. The laptop has an overall slightly quieter operating noise than its precursor.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 27.6 / 27.6 / 27.6 dB(A) |
| DVD |
| 37.6 / dB(A) |
| Load |
| 39.7 / 44.3 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-451 (15 cm distance) | ||
Temperature
The fan's much higher speed during load had a good side: The laptop's temperature only rose moderately during the stress test. It only surpassed 40 °C on one measuring point. It looks the same in the ThinkPad, and the EliteBook gets warmer. The temperatures of the three laptops do not increase excessively in idle mode.
The Lifebook performed the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour) in both AC and battery mode in the same manner. The processor clocked with 2.2 GHz, and the graphics card ran with a speed of 650 MHz. The CPU's temperature settled to approximately 80 °C in the stress test.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 37.1 °C / 99 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.1 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.5 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (34.8 °C / 94.6 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-7.1 °C / -12.7 F).
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The low idle power consumption of 4.4 to 8.3 watts has to be praised. We know these rates from ULV laptops, but a standard mobile processor is installed in the Lifebook (no ULV). The Lifebook's energy requirement climbed to 38.9 watts during medium load (via 3DMark06) and 50.7 watts (stress test; Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour). Thus, the Lifebook is on par with the EliteBook. This also makes it evident that the processor in Fujitsu's laptop does not use its Turbo during the stress test. Overall, the Lifebook E754 consumes considerably less power than its precursor.
| Off / Standby | 0 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle | 4.4 / 7.8 / 8.3 Watt |
| Load |
38.9 / 50.7 Watt |
   
| |
| Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET Radeon HD 8750M, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H | Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE GeForce GT 730M, 4700MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Fujitsu Lifebook E753 Premium Selection HD Graphics 4000, 3632QM, Micron RealSSD C400 (MTFDDAK256MAM-1K12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -4% | -86% | -55% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 4.4 | 4.1 7% | 9.1 -107% | 7.9 -80% |
| Idle Average * | 7.8 | 8.6 -10% | 13.8 -77% | 13.4 -72% |
| Idle Maximum * | 8.3 | 9.3 -12% | 17.4 -110% | 14.7 -77% |
| Load Average * | 38.9 | 42.8 -10% | 60.4 -55% | 45.5 -17% |
| Load Maximum * | 50.7 | 48.6 4% | 92.6 -83% | 65.7 -30% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The Lifebook's battery lasted for 14:58 h in idle mode. Both the EliteBook (9:55 h) and ThinkPad (9:04 h) are drained sooner. Idle mode is ascertained using Battery Eater's Reader's test: The screen is set to minimum brightness, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the wireless modules are turned off. The Lifebook shut down after 1:43 h of load. The EliteBook (2:11 h) and ThinkPad (3:53 h) both last longer. The load runtime is tested using Battery Eater's Classic test. The screen's brightness is set to maximum, the high-performance mode is enabled, and the wireless modules are activated.
Fujitsu's laptop stopped the Wi-Fi test after 6:02 h. It is thus between the EliteBook (5:56 h) and ThinkPad (6:55 h). Websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m² for this test. DVD playback was possible for 4:59 h on the Lifebook. Thus, it places itself before the EliteBook (4:14 h). We did not perform this test with the ThinkPad. The DVD test is performed using enabled energy-saving profile (or a higher profile should the DVD not run smoothly), maximum screen brightness, and disabled wireless modules.
All in all, the Lifebook's battery runtimes clearly benefit from the Haswell processor. The laptop runs longer than its precursor with one battery filling - with the same battery capacity. A minor drawback: Both laptops achieve virtually the same runtimes in the practical Wi-Fi test.
| Fujitsu Lifebook E754 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | HP EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET Radeon HD 8750M, 4600U, Intel SSD Pro 1500 Series SSDSC2BF180A4H | Lenovo ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE GeForce GT 730M, 4700MQ, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Fujitsu Lifebook E753 Premium Selection HD Graphics 4000, 3632QM, Micron RealSSD C400 (MTFDDAK256MAM-1K12) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -3% | 34% | -19% | |
| Reader / Idle | 898 | 595 -34% | 544 -39% | 606 -33% |
| WiFi | 362 | 356 -2% | 415 15% | 354 -2% |
| Load | 103 | 131 27% | 233 126% | 79 -23% |
| H.264 | 254 | 357 |
Verdict
Fujitsu's Lifebook E753 convinced us last year and reaped in a "Good" with 86%. It provided good input devices, a matte IPS screen, and a light, well-built casing. The Lifebook E754 can now boast with all these traits. Consequently, there was no reason for modifying the device - with one exception: In contrast to the E753, the E754 offers a practical hard drive compartment. Apart from that, Fujitsu only updated the technical components in the Lifebook E754. Therefore, we will only look at the innovations in the verdict.
First, there is the Haswell processor. The processor theoretically achieves a slightly higher computing performance than the model in the Lifebook E753. However, since the CPU's full performance cannot be retrieved in either laptop, the CPU's computing power of both laptops is on par. Then again, the Haswell processor's power consumption is considerably lower and results in overall better battery runtimes. The second innovation is Samsung's SSD. It operates much faster than the model in the Lifebook E753. In a nutshell, the Lifebook E754 should be preferred over the still available precursor.
Both HP's EliteBook 850 G1-H5G44ET and Lenovo's ThinkPad T540p-20BE005YGE would be alternatives when a dedicated GPU is required in a business laptop. The ThinkPad additionally scores with its high-resolution screen (2880x1620 pixels).
