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MIFcom EG7 (Clevo N170RF) Notebook Review

Performance boost. TThe GeForce GTX 965M, which thus far has rarely been the graphics processor of choice for laptop manufacturers, has received a new breath of life. Nvidia's update has significantly increased the GPU's maximum clock rate. But how significant is the difference in performance compared to the 2015 version? Our question exactly. We used the MIFcom EG7 to uncover the answer.

For the original German review, see here.

Unlike most notebook manufacturers with worldwide prominence like Acer, Asus and HP, the Barebone vendor MIFcom give the customers the option to choose the individual components that together form the inner life of their products. The company offers the 17-inch EG7 model in various basic configurations; for the most part, the buyer can customize the hardware as they see fit. While the cheaper variants are “only” equipped with a GeForce GTX 960M, the more expensive models have the powerful 2016 edition of the GTX 965M at their command.

A dual or quad-core chip from Intel's Skylake generation serves as the system's processor. The Core i7-6700HQ at work in our test device clocks at 2.6 to 3.5 GHz under load and is the ideal companion for the computer's gaming GPU. The notebook is also equipped with a maximum of 16 GB of DDR3 RAM and a DVD or Blu-ray burner. The fact that the 17-inch device does not support DDR4 RAM is not too disastrous in our opinion: the performance should hardly be impacted by this minor deficiency.

A peek under the hood also reveals an M.2 slot for SATA III or PCIe SSDs and a 2.5-inch slot for conventional hard drives. Wireless network connections are established by either an Intel model (Wireless-AC 3165 or 8260) or a Qualcomm Atheros (Killer Wireless-AC 1535). The customer has no influence over the display. MIFcom integrates a matte IPS panel with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, which should meet most user needs.

Warning: An operating system does not come as a standard and costs between 100 and 150 Euros extra (~$110 to 160). Altogether, the configuration we used for our tests costs 1600 Euros (~$1730). Depending on the manufacturer, that kind of money can often buy a laptop with the substantially faster GeForce GTX 970M GPU.

MIFcom EG7
Processor
Intel Core i7-6700HQ 4 x 2.6 - 3.5 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 935 MHz, Memory: 2500 MHz, GDDR5, ForceWare 361.43, Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, 2x 8 GB DDR3-1600, Dual-channel, 2 of 2 slots occupied
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, LG Philips LP173WF4-SPD1 (LGD046C), IPS, Full HD, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Sunrise Point HM170
Storage
Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB, 250 GB 
, + HGST Travelstar 5K1000, 1000 GB HDD @ 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ Intel Sunrise Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
4 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headphone output, Microphone input, S/PDIF, Card Reader: MMC, RSMMC, SD, Mini-SD, SDHC, SDXC, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Optical drive
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SU-208HB
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 32 x 413 x 285 ( = 1.26 x 16.26 x 11.22 in)
Battery
62 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6 cells, 324 grams
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0 MP FHD
Additional features
Speakers: 2.0 (Sound Blaster Cinema 2), Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Power supply: 120 watts, Accessories: Driver DVD, Guide booklet, Software: Control Center, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
3.07 kg ( = 108.29 oz / 6.77 pounds), Power Supply: 446 g ( = 15.73 oz / 0.98 pounds)
Price
1600 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

The casing MIFcom has selected for their EG7, the N170RF Barebone from Clevo, is identical to its two predecessors: the N170RD (Schenker XMG A706) and the N170SD (Schenker XMG A705). As a result, we will not cover the case, connectivity or input devices in detail in this review. For more information on these subjects, see this article.

The pre-installed software is also very similar to that of its Schenker colleagues. The cornerstone proves to be the so-called Control Center, which gives the user access to many convenient functions and features. One of the major highlights is the manual fan control - now offered by almost every Clevo Barebone.

Control Center - System Program
Control Center - System Program
Control Center - Device
Control Center - Device
Control Center - Gaming
Control Center - Gaming
Flexikey
Flexikey

Display

The notebook's FHD display is identical to that of its predecessor. With a maximum display brightness of around 310 cd/m² and a contrast of more than 1000:1, the LG Philips LP173WF4-SPD1 is one of the best IPS panels on the market. The black value (0.3 cd/m²) and the brightness distribution (89% uniform across the screen) are good as well. We did not observe any irritating bright spots. We are particularly pleased that MIFcom - unlike most manufacturers - guarantees 0 pixel errors at no cost.

314
cd/m²
309
cd/m²
326
cd/m²
318
cd/m²
330
cd/m²
316
cd/m²
303
cd/m²
299
cd/m²
293
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG Philips LP173WF4-SPD1 (LGD046C) tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 330 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 312 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 330 cd/m²
Contrast: 1031:1 (Black: 0.32 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.98 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.39 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
83% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
55% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
60.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
83.1% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.26
MIFcom EG7
LG Philips LP173WF4-SPD1 (LGD046C)
SCHENKER XMG A706
LG Philips LP173WF4-SPD1
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
CMN N173HGE-E11 (CMN1735)
Asus G752VT
 
SCHENKER XMG P706
LG LP173WF4-SPD1
MSI GT72S 6QF
Name: LG Philips LP173WF4-SPF1, ID: LGD0469
Display
1%
10%
1%
2%
3%
Display P3 Coverage
66.1
66.4
0%
66.7
1%
66.3
0%
66.9
1%
67.6
2%
sRGB Coverage
83.1
83.8
1%
95.7
15%
84.5
2%
84.6
2%
86.1
4%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
60.7
61.3
1%
68.5
13%
61.8
2%
61.8
2%
63
4%
Response Times
13%
-6%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
41 ?(15, 26)
30.4 ?(12.4, 18)
26%
43 ?(18, 24.8)
-5%
Response Time Black / White *
27 ?(5, 22)
27.2 ?(4.4, 22.8)
-1%
29 ?(6, 22.8)
-7%
PWM Frequency
Screen
2%
-37%
6%
-3%
12%
Brightness middle
330
344
4%
263
-20%
357.2
8%
306
-7%
356.7
8%
Brightness
312
322
3%
244
-22%
339
9%
302
-3%
326
4%
Brightness Distribution
89
88
-1%
83
-7%
89
0%
90
1%
85
-4%
Black Level *
0.32
0.3
6%
0.27
16%
0.366
-14%
0.34
-6%
0.282
12%
Contrast
1031
1147
11%
974
-6%
976
-5%
900
-13%
1265
23%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.98
4.8
4%
12.24
-146%
3.69
26%
5.49
-10%
4.16
16%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.39
4.91
-12%
12.17
-177%
3.05
31%
3.97
10%
2.47
44%
Gamma
2.26 97%
2.37 93%
3.55 62%
2.21 100%
2.15 102%
2.29 96%
CCT
6049 107%
6796 96%
15589 42%
6164 105%
6163 105%
6860 95%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
55
55
0%
62
13%
55
0%
55.5
1%
56
2%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
83
84
1%
96
16%
84
1%
84.5
2%
85
2%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
2% / 2%
-14% / -25%
7% / 6%
-1% / -2%
3% / 8%

* ... smaller is better

In our further tests with the CalMAN software, the 17-inch display did reasonably well. The DeltaE 2000 values (Grayscale 4.39, Color Checker 4.98) are middle-of-the-road, as are the gamma and color temperatures.

CalMAN: Grayscale
CalMAN: Grayscale
CalMAN: Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN: Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN: Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN: Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN: Saturation Sweeps (calibrated)
CalMAN: Saturation Sweeps (calibrated)
CalMAN: ColorChecker
CalMAN: ColorChecker
CalMAN: ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN: ColorChecker (calibrated)
MIFcom EG7 vs. sRGB
MIFcom EG7 vs. sRGB
MIFcom EG7 vs. AdobeRGB
MIFcom EG7 vs. AdobeRGB

Those who like to edit photos or videos should calibrate the display. As the screenshots above show, some values improve significantly. Unfortunately, the end result still is not quite good enough for professional use. From a gaming standpoint, the color space coverage is sufficient: 83% sRGB and 55% AdobeRGB are typical for an IPS panel.

Viewing Angles
Viewing Angles
Subpixels
Subpixels

Also typical for this panel type are the excellent viewing angles. The screen content remains relatively undistorted even when the user angles the screen at a slant. Thanks to the display's ample brightness and anti-glare finish, the MIFcom EG7 is quite suitable for outdoor use.

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
27 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5 ms rise
↘ 22 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
41 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 15 ms rise
↘ 26 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 59 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse 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 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Performance

Although the graphics performance is not good enough to place the notebook within our Gaming Top 10 list, the MIFcom EG7 clearly makes the high-end laptop line-up. A quad-core processor with Hyperthreading technology and 16 GB of RAM ensure that the machine will not be obsolete anytime soon. When it comes to the storage device, once again, the manufacturer proves to know what they are doing. The test device is equipped with a combination of a 250 GB SSD and a 1000 GB HDD.

Processor

In the gaming sphere, Intel's Core i7-6700HQ is easily the most popular notebook CPU. No wonder, as the quad-core model offers very good performance alongside reasonable energy consumption. In terms of clock rates, the 17-inch device leaves us with mixed feelings. As long as only the processor is under load, the i7-6700HQ climbs to its maximum speed of 3.1 GHz (multi-core scenarios) to 3.5 GHz (single-core scenarios). But when the GPU is also under load, the turbo boost function is deactivated, leaving the CPU at the base clock frequency of 2.6 GHz in 3D applications.

Single-Core Rendering
Single-Core Rendering
Multi-Core Rendering
Multi-Core Rendering
CPU and GPU load
CPU and GPU load

Since most games are limited by the GPU and the GeForce GTX 965M often proves to be the limiting factor, the lack of CPU turbo is hardly noticeable in practice. At least on paper, only at low to medium resolutions and/or settings does our laptop lag slightly behind notebooks with active overclocking.

Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
58.2 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.47 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.68 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
91.6 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
672 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
148 Points
Help

In the CPU benchmarks, the MIFcom EG7 looks its very best. Both Cinebench R11.5 and Cinebench R15 record a fantastic performance, similar to that of other notebooks with a Core i7-6700HQ (ex. the Asus G752VT). Older laptops based on the Core i7-4720HQ processor, which is now two generations past, come in 6 to 8% behind on average. Even the expensive Core i7-6820HK cannot always get ahead.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
148 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
149 Points +1%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
Intel Core i7-4720HQ
139 Points -6%
Asus G752VT
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
135 Points -9%
SCHENKER XMG P706
Intel Core i7-6820HK
151 Points +2%
MSI GT72S 6QF
Intel Core i7-6820HK
138 Points -7%
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
672 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
619 Points -8%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
Intel Core i7-4720HQ
617 Points -8%
Asus G752VT
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
680 Points +1%
SCHENKER XMG P706
Intel Core i7-6820HK
709 Points +6%
MSI GT72S 6QF
Intel Core i7-6820HK
703 Points +5%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
1.68 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
1.66 Points -1%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
Intel Core i7-4720HQ
1.57 Points -7%
Asus G752VT
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
1.69 Points +1%
SCHENKER XMG P706
Intel Core i7-6820HK
1.73 Points +3%
MSI GT72S 6QF
Intel Core i7-6820HK
1.58 Points -6%
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
7.47 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
6.81 Points -9%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
Intel Core i7-4720HQ
6.9 Points -8%
Asus G752VT
Intel Core i7-6700HQ
7.48 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG P706
Intel Core i7-6820HK
7.78 Points +4%
MSI GT72S 6QF
Intel Core i7-6820HK
7.74 Points +4%

System Performance

Since our test configuration has to make do with a SATA III SSD, its results in the system benchmarks are somewhat lower than those of competitors with PCIe or NVM SSDs. 5974 points in PCMark 7 are reminiscent of the total score of the similarly equipped Schenker XMG A706. Subjectively, Windows 10 seems to run very smoothly and reacts to input quickly.

PCMark 7 Score
5974 points
Help
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ, Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
5974 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
6052 Points +1%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 128 GB MZMTE128HMGR
5788 Points -3%
Asus G752VT
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV128
6343 Points +6%
SCHENKER XMG P706
GeForce GTX 980M, 6820HK, Samsung SM951 MZHPV512HDGL m.2 PCI-e
6054 Points +1%
MSI GT72S 6QF
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6820HK, 2x Micron M600 MTFDDAV128MBF NVMe (RAID 0)
7163 Points +20%

Storage Devices

MIFcom has equipped our basic model with a generous 250 GB Samsung M.2 SSD and a 1000 GB 2.5-inch HDD from HGST. The AS SSD benchmark confirms that the Samsung 850 EVO performs well and is only impeded by the SATA III limit in the sequential portion of the test (maximum 500 to 550 MB/s). In ideal cases, solid-state drives with PCIe or NVMe technology reach over 1000 or even 2000 MB/s - though this only becomes apparent when transferring large quantities of data. For most gamers, a classic SATA III model should certainly be sufficient.

When it comes to the secondary hard drive, we recommend an upgrade. Due to the drive's relatively low rotational speed (5400 rpm), despite its acceptable benchmark scores, the HGST Travelstar 5K1000 is at times considerably slower than an HDD with 7200 rpm when loading games and game statuses.

Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
Sequential Read: 502 MB/s
Sequential Write: 455.6 MB/s
512K Read: 419 MB/s
512K Write: 383 MB/s
4K Read: 39.25 MB/s
4K Write: 90.9 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 378.7 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 316.9 MB/s
MIFcom EG7
Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
SCHENKER XMG A706
Samsung SSD 850 EVO M.2 250 GB
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
Samsung SSD PM851 128 GB MZMTE128HMGR
Asus G752VT
Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV128
SCHENKER XMG P706
Samsung SM951 MZHPV512HDGL m.2 PCI-e
MSI GT72S 6QF
2x Micron M600 MTFDDAV128MBF NVMe (RAID 0)
AS SSD
0%
-17%
118%
154%
Seq Read
510
504
-1%
479.3
-6%
1863
265%
2544
399%
Seq Write
488.6
469.7
-4%
132.9
-73%
1273
161%
1279
162%
4K Read
34.77
35.54
2%
32.6
-6%
39.93
15%
42.98
24%
4K Write
78
77.7
0%
90.7
16%
95.3
22%
97.8
25%
Score Total
994
1042
5%
812
-18%
2278
129%
2568
158%

Graphics Cards

At a first glance, the newly upgraded GeForce GTX 965M has hardly changed at all. The 2016 edition still offers 1024 Shader units and 2048 MB of GDDR5 memory, which effectively clocks at 5000 MHz and is connected via a 128-bit bus. The most important difference is the higher clock rates. Instead of 950 MHz, Nvidia has designed the new model to run at up to 1150 MHz, which equates to a 21% increase (base clock frequency: 935 vs. 924 MHz). In the case MIFcom EG7, the GPU turbo is maintained in most 3D applications; only in the stress test with FurMark and Prime95 running simultaneously did the core speed sink to around 950 MHz. Much to our delight, the GPU never throttled.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
23854 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
23562 points
3DMark 11 Performance
7939 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
68957 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
18607 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
5243 points
Help

In terms of performance, we can say that the GeForce GTX 965M deserves high marks. With a GPU score of 5973 points in 3DMark 13's Fire Strike test, the high-end model sprints past the GeForce GTX 960M by a margin of almost 40% (4353 points; Schenker XMG A706) and past the old GTX 965M by a margin of more than 10% (5380 points; Medion Erazer X7615). Our test model comes in about 20% behind the GTX 970M (7546 points; Asus G752VT). The MIFcom EG7 does not stand a chance against the top Nvidia models. The GTX 980 performs more than 60% faster, and the GTX 980M beats our GPU by over 120%. In order to save energy in idle mode and under low levels of load (office, video, web, etc.), the 17-inch device uses Nvidia's Optimus technology - an innovation that dynamically switches between the integrated and the dedicated graphics processors.

3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M
5973 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M
4353 Points -27%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M
5380 Points -10%
Asus G752VT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M
7546 Points +26%
SCHENKER XMG P706
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M
9687 Points +62%
MSI GT72S 6QF
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop)
13388 Points +124%
3840x2160 Fire Strike Ultra Graphics (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M
806 Points
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M
8099 Points
SCHENKER XMG A706
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M
5285 Points -35%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M
7016 Points -13%
Asus G752VT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M
10113 Points +25%
SCHENKER XMG P706
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M
12402 Points +53%
MSI GT72S 6QF
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop)
15013 Points +85%

Gaming Performance

MIFcom has installed the most current graphics driver on our test device (361.43), which in our experience fails to prevent bluescreens. Speaking purely of performance - with the exception of the “Assassin's Creed Syndicate” at maximum settings  we did not get any unpleasant surprises. As expected, the GTX 965M settles in about halfway between the GTX 970M and the GTX 960M - an improvement over the old version, which strongly tended towards the GTX 960M range.

Just Cause 3
1920x1080 Very High / On AA:SM AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
42.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
30.9 (29min) fps -28%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
50.7 (46min) fps +18%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
59.7 (50min) fps +39%
1920x1080 High / On AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
48.4 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
35.9 (31min) fps -26%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
56.5 (46min) fps +17%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
65.3 (49min) fps +35%
Rainbow Six Siege
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:T AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
45.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
39.6 (17min) fps -14%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
63.5 (22min) fps +39%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
80.3 (26min) fps +75%
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T AF:4x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
71.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
54.5 (39min) fps -24%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
86.8 (60min) fps +21%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
108.1 (48min) fps +51%
Assassin's Creed Syndicate - 1920x1080 High Preset AA:FX (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
35.5 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
29.8 (27min) fps -16%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
48.3 (42min) fps +36%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
57.4 (52min) fps +62%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
78.4 fps +121%
Star Wars Battlefront
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
47.3 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
34.4 (28min) fps -27%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
59 (50min) fps +25%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
73.1 (61min) fps +55%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
102.1 fps +116%
1920x1080 High Preset AA:FX (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
55.9 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
40.9 (33min) fps -27%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
70.8 (61min) fps +27%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
88.3 (71min) fps +58%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
118.6 fps +112%
Fallout 4
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:T AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
35 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
25.3 (20min) fps -28%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
43.4 (33min) fps +24%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
55 (42min) fps +57%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
78 fps +123%
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
41.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
31.4 (26min) fps -25%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
49.4 (38min) fps +18%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
65.3 (53min) fps +56%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
96.6 fps +131%
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
1920x1080 Extra / On AA:T2x SM (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
38.6 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
29.3 (23min) fps -24%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
53 (43min) fps +37%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
66.7 (52min) fps +73%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
88.3 fps +129%
1920x1080 High / On AA:FX (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
49.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
34 (24min) fps -32%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
59.4 (49min) fps +19%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
74.4 (63min) fps +49%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
98.7 fps +98%
Anno 2205
1920x1080 Ultra High Preset AA:8x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
15.4 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
10.1 (7min) fps -34%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
16.8 (14min) fps +9%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
22.7 (19min) fps +47%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
30.7 fps +99%
1920x1080 High Preset AA:4x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
44.2 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
26.1 (23min) fps -41%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
44.2 (34min) fps 0%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
52.2 (43min) fps +18%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
86.1 fps +95%
FIFA 16 - 1920x1080 High Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
127.1 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
108.1 (95min) fps -15%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
170.9 (160min) fps +34%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
192.2 (101min) fps +51%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
287.1 fps +126%
Mad Max
1920x1080 Very High Preset AF:12x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
63.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
45.6 (41min) fps -29%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
77.9 (64min) fps +22%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
97.9 (75min) fps +53%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
136.6 fps +114%
1920x1080 High Preset AF:6x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
69.9 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
49.3 (44min) fps -29%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
84.2 (69min) fps +20%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
107.7 (88min) fps +54%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
146.2 fps +109%
Batman: Arkham Knight
1920x1080 High / On AA:SM AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
21 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
21 (13min) fps 0%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
23 fps +10%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
33 (22min) fps +57%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
44 (28min) fps +110%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
67 fps +219%
1920x1080 High / On (Interactive Smoke & Paper Debris Off) AA:SM AF:8x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
39 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
32 (19min) fps -18%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
38 fps -3%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
52 (34min) fps +33%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
67 (46min) fps +72%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
101 fps +159%
The Witcher 3
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+) (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
20.8 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
13.7 (11min) fps -34%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
16.8 fps -19%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
25.8 (19min) fps +24%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
32.6 (25min) fps +57%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
44.3 fps +113%
1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off) (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
37.3 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
27.1 (21min) fps -27%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
29.2 fps -22%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
47.8 (39min) fps +28%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
61.4 (43min) fps +65%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
84 fps +125%
Dirt Rally
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
44.3 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
32.9 (25min) fps -26%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
40.5 fps -9%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
56.5 (38min) fps +28%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
72 (54min) fps +63%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
97 fps +119%
1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
86.2 fps
Schenker XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
73 (60min) fps -15%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
85.4 fps -1%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 970M, 4700MQ
106.1 (80min) fps +23%
Schenker W504
GeForce GTX 980M, 4700MQ
107.4 (83min) fps +25%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
123.7 fps +44%
Dragon Age: Inquisition
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:2x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
29.6 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
22.5 fps -24%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
26.9 fps -9%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
27.1 fps -8%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
65.4 fps +121%
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
43.6 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
33.5 fps -23%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
38.7 fps -11%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
39.2 fps -10%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
97.3 fps +123%
Far Cry 4
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
38.2 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
30.8 fps -19%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
32.4 fps -15%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
82.6 fps +116%
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
49 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
38.1 fps -22%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
42.9 fps -12%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
98.5 fps +101%
Alien: Isolation
1920x1080 Ultra, On, Shadow Map 2048, HDAO AA:2x SM AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
62.2 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
46.6 fps -25%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
55.2 fps -11%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
54.8 fps -12%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
75.7 fps +22%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
96.1 fps +55%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
134.4 fps +116%
1920x1080 High, On, Shadow Map 1536, Standard SSAO AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
87.4 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
66.4 fps -24%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
77.1 fps -12%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
76.2 fps -13%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
107.9 fps +23%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
138.9 fps +59%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
187.1 fps +114%
Sims 4
1920x1080 Ultra Preset (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
74.4 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
64.6 fps -13%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
70.7 fps -5%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
70 fps -6%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
93.8 fps +26%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
97 fps +30%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
117.2 fps +58%
1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
87.1 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
73.3 fps -16%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
83.3 fps -4%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
82.4 fps -5%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
100.6 fps +15%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
98.4 fps +13%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
127.4 fps +46%
GRID: Autosport
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
66.2 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
51.9 fps -22%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
59.2 fps -11%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
58.2 fps -12%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
82.3 fps +24%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
107.1 fps +62%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
128.1 fps +94%
1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
103.1 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
83.6 fps -19%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
85.7 fps -17%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
99.9 fps -3%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
138 fps +34%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
134.3 fps +30%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
157.8 fps +53%
Watch Dogs
1920x1080 Ultra Overall Quality, Ultra Textures AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
23.4 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
15.4 fps -34%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
19.3 fps -18%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
17.7 fps -24%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
34.4 fps +47%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
45.9 fps +96%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
59.4 fps +154%
1920x1080 High Overall Quality, High Textures AA:2x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
38.4 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
29.9 fps -22%
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
36.6 fps -5%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
36.9 fps -4%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
49.4 fps +29%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
61.3 fps +60%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
80.8 fps +110%
Thief - 1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:FXAA & High SS AF:8x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
38.9 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
28 fps -28%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
34.2 fps -12%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
47.9 fps +23%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
62.1 fps +60%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
84.8 fps +118%
Battlefield 4 - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
43.3 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
33 fps -24%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
39.1 fps -10%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
54.8 fps +27%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
72.9 fps +68%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
99.6 fps +130%
Metro: Last Light - 1920x1080 Very High (DX11) AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
44.3 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
31.9 fps -28%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
38.7 fps -13%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
53.3 fps +20%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
66.8 fps +51%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
92.3 fps +108%
BioShock Infinite - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
55.3 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
46.8 fps -15%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
53.3 fps -4%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
72.5 fps +31%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
91.2 fps +65%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
121.4 fps +120%
Tomb Raider - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
67.2 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
50.8 fps -24%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
57.3 fps -15%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
80.3 fps +19%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
104.5 fps +56%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
159 fps +137%
Crysis 3 - 1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:2xSM AF:16x (sort by value)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
27.1 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ
20.6 fps -24%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
23.9 fps -12%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ
33.4 fps +23%
MSI GT72-2QE32SR311BW
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ
43.3 fps +60%
SCHENKER XMG U716
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6700
60.7 fps +124%

Disregarding 4K resolution, the MIFcom EG7 is powerful enough to render games smoothly at high settings. It takes maximum details and multisample anti-aliasing to break the GeForce 965M into a sweat. Consequently: Anyone unwilling to make compromises and/or run games on a 4K display should purchase at a minimum, a GeForce GTX 970M. But for gamers who demand less of their system and have a more limited budget, the GTX 965M is ideal. More information on the new high-end chip is available in our GPU test.

Graphics card

Overall performance (High/Ultra @FHD)

GeForce GTX 960M

-24%

GeForce GTX 965M old

-10%

GeForce GTX 965M new

base

GeForce GTX 970M

+26%

GeForce GTX 980M

+56%

GeForce GTX 980

+116%

low med. high ultra4K
Crysis 3 (2013) 125 97.9 70.1 27.1
Tomb Raider (2013) 365.6 242.9 141.8 67.2
BioShock Infinite (2013) 181.6 149.4 141.4 55.3
Metro: Last Light (2013) 114.9 111.4 83.4 44.3
Battlefield 4 (2013) 188.5 151.1 109.4 43.3 21.2
Thief (2014) 89.8 82 72.8 38.9
Watch Dogs (2014) 83.7 73.9 38.4 23.4
GRID: Autosport (2014) 189.3 120.4 103.1 66.2
Sims 4 (2014) 192.3 127.6 87.1 74.4
Alien: Isolation (2014) 194.6 165.5 87.4 62.2
Far Cry 4 (2014) 93.4 91.2 49 38.2
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) 124.7 107.5 43.6 29.6
Dirt Rally (2015) 215.7 103.4 86.2 44.3 38.9
The Witcher 3 (2015) 115.7 67.9 37.3 20.8 13.1
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) 96 84 39 21 10
Mad Max (2015) 139.3 69.9 63.8 20.9
FIFA 16 (2015) 216.6 180.1 127.1 51
Anno 2205 (2015) 129.2 98.7 44.2 15.4 15.5
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) 121.4 98.6 49.8 38.6 13.3
Fallout 4 (2015) 124 77.6 41.8 35 13.9
Star Wars Battlefront (2015) 170.2 117.1 55.9 47.3 16.3
Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015) 66.4 60.6 35.5 2.7 0 ()
Rainbow Six Siege (2015) 190 131 71.8 45.8 0 ()
Just Cause 3 (2015) 93.6 87.1 48.4 42.8 14.4

Emissions

System Noise

Compared to the predecessor Barebone N170RD, the EG7's noise level is only higher in certain situations. 36 to 41 dB(A) in 3DMark 06 and a maximum of 43 dB(A) under full load are very low sound pressure levels for a high-end notebook. One of the GTX 965M's competitors, the Medion Erazer X7615 reached up to 54 dB(A) in the stress test - a considerably higher decibel count. Headphones are not necessary in the case of the MIFcom EG7; gaming sounds are only drowned out during quieter scenes.

Sound Pressure Level Idle
Sound Pressure Level Idle
Sound Pressure Level Load
Sound Pressure Level Load
Pink & White Noise (Speaker)
Pink & White Noise (Speaker)

When the notebook has nothing to do, the fans are completely deactivated and the only audible sound is the reasonably quiet whir of the hard drive (32 to 33 dB(A)). Unfortunately, when the HDD is working hard, it generates a rattling noise that could irritate some users. On the positive side, the rotational speed is constant. In our test of the N170RD Barebone, the fans often turned on unnecessarily.

Noise Level

Idle
32 / 33 / 34 dB(A)
HDD
33 dB(A)
DVD
37 / dB(A)
Load
39 / 43 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 (15 cm distance)
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
Asus G752VT
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ
SCHENKER XMG P706
GeForce GTX 980M, 6820HK
MSI GT72S 6QF
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6820HK
Noise
1%
-11%
0%
1%
-7%
Idle Minimum *
32
29.2
9%
29.5
8%
32.9
-3%
30.9
3%
33.1
-3%
Idle Average *
33
30.4
8%
31
6%
33
-0%
31.2
5%
33.3
-1%
Idle Maximum *
34
37.3
-10%
40.8
-20%
33.1
3%
31.2
8%
37
-9%
Load Average *
39
39.8
-2%
47.6
-22%
36.2
7%
40.5
-4%
39
-0%
Load Maximum *
43
42.2
2%
54.4
-27%
45.8
-7%
47
-9%
52.2
-21%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

Stress Test
Stress Test

The computer's temperatures are also reasonable. The case did cross the 50 °C (122 °F) mark under full load in some spots, but the WASD area and the palm rest never grew uncomfortably warm. In idle mode, there is hardly anything to complain about. After two hours without load, at around 32 °C (~89.6 °F; top) and 34 °C (~93.2 °F; bottom), the case surface temperatures remain comfortable.

Temperature Idle (top)
Temperature Idle (top)
Temperature Idle (bottom)
Temperature Idle (bottom)
Temperature Load (top)
Temperature Load (top)
Temperature Load (bottom)
Temperature Load (bottom)

Let us take a look at the components that tend to reach much higher temperatures. While the GeForce GTX 965M heated to up to 93 °C (~199.4 °F), the Core i7 6700HQ only hit a maximum of 86 °C (~186.8 °F). However, the CPU clock rate temporarily dropped from 2.6 GHz to 800 MHz.

Max. Load
 43.7 °C
111 F
55.5 °C
132 F
50.7 °C
123 F
 
 38.1 °C
101 F
56.2 °C
133 F
49.9 °C
122 F
 
 23.1 °C
74 F
28.3 °C
83 F
28.1 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 56.2 °C = 133 F
Average: 41.5 °C = 107 F
47.7 °C
118 F
52.4 °C
126 F
45.1 °C
113 F
39.4 °C
103 F
48.3 °C
119 F
42.3 °C
108 F
28.8 °C
84 F
29.9 °C
86 F
25.2 °C
77 F
Maximum: 52.4 °C = 126 F
Average: 39.9 °C = 104 F
Power Supply (max.)  62.3 °C = 144 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-900
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 41.5 °C / 107 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 56.2 °C / 133 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 52.4 °C / 126 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31.8 °C / 89 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 28.3 °C / 82.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (+0.6 °C / 1.1 F).
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
Asus G752VT
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ
SCHENKER XMG P706
GeForce GTX 980M, 6820HK
MSI GT72S 6QF
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6820HK
Heat
1%
-5%
26%
21%
25%
Maximum Upper Side *
56.2
53.7
4%
58.8
-5%
37.6
33%
44
22%
39.8
29%
Maximum Bottom *
52.4
61.1
-17%
69.2
-32%
38
27%
42.3
19%
49
6%
Idle Upper Side *
39.3
37.5
5%
35.2
10%
31.6
20%
31.7
19%
27.8
29%
Idle Bottom *
39.8
35.5
11%
36.5
8%
30.6
23%
29.9
25%
26
35%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

For information about the EG7's speakers, see our review of the Schenker XMG A705.

Energy Management

At 11 to 24 watts in idle mode, the amount of energy the 17-inch device uses is similar to that of the Medion Erazer X7615, which is equipped with the old GTX 965M. Under load, the MIFcom EG7 proves to be quite frugal. A power draw of an average of 77 watts in the first scene of 3DMark 06 is lower than that of the Schenker XMG A706, even though the latter runs more than 20% slower. The computer reaches 155 watts under full load, which means that the Barebone producer has designed the power supply to be just barely large enough. In our opinion, a device with a GTX 965M should be provided with 150 rather than 120 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.4 / 1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 11 / 17 / 24 Watt
Load midlight 77 / 155 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.
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ
Asus G752VT
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ
SCHENKER XMG P706
GeForce GTX 980M, 6820HK
MSI GT72S 6QF
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6820HK
Power Consumption
25%
-2%
-12%
Idle Minimum *
11
5.4
51%
9
18%
12
-9%
Idle Average *
17
11
35%
15.2
11%
17.9
-5%
Idle Maximum *
24
16.5
31%
26.6
-11%
19.3
20%
Load Average *
77
77.8
-1%
99
-29%
97.7
-27%
Load Maximum *
155
137.7
11%
155.8
-1%
213
-37%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Despite the battery's moderate size (62 Wh), the notebook's run times are quite good. The EG7 held out just over 7.5 hours in the Battery Eater Reader's Test (minimum brightness). In the Classic Test, which simulates a higher level of load, at maximum display brightness the battery still lasted two hours. Viewers can enjoy HD videos at reduced brightness for about 4.5 hours.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
7h 35min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
4h 26min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 00min
MIFcom EG7
GeForce GTX 965M, 6700HQ, 62 Wh
SCHENKER XMG A706
GeForce GTX 960M, 6700HQ, 62 Wh
Medion Erazer X7615-MD99293
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, 56 Wh
Asus G752VT
GeForce GTX 970M, 6700HQ, 67 Wh
SCHENKER XMG P706
GeForce GTX 980M, 6820HK, 60 Wh
MSI GT72S 6QF
GeForce GTX 980 (Laptop), 6820HK, 83 Wh
Battery Runtime
20%
-38%
-45%
-24%
-21%
Reader / Idle
455
709
56%
339
-25%
230
-49%
297
-35%
387
-15%
H.264
266
281
6%
220
-17%
Load
120
116
-3%
59
-51%
72
-40%
97
-19%
89
-26%
WiFi v1.3
327
198
183
220
294
Gaming
47

Pros

+ bright, high-contrast IPS display
+ extensive maintenance options
+ moderate noise levels
+ cleverly distributed connections
+ reasonably good battery life
+ backlit keyboard
+ optical drive
+ good touchpad
+ M.2 SSD

Cons

- sensitive soft-touch surfaces
- power supply somewhat underdesigned
- minor manufacturing defects
- no CPU turbo under 3D load
- second-rate speakers
- HDD rattles when accessed
- only 2 GB of VRAM

Verdict

In review: MIFcom EG7. Test device courtesy of MIFcom.
In review: MIFcom EG7. Test device courtesy of MIFcom.

With the EG7, MIFcom has designed a solid gaming notebook that, with the exception of the inactive CPU turbo under 3D load, does most things right. The input devices, connectivity options, display and cooling system are well-designed. The manufacturer could improve the relatively mediocre sound quality. The power supply could also provide more power.

Otherwise, the 17-inch notebook proves to offer strong performance and only moderate temperature and noise emissions. Other gaming notebooks grow warmer, and especially louder, under load. The new GeForce GTX 965M expands Nvidia's portfolio with an excellent high-end chip that substantially surpasses the GTX 960M, but otherwise does not threaten the current top models. 2 GB of GDDR5 VRAM prove to bottleneck the performance in some games. Even so, casual gamers will certainly be satisfied with this device.

The MIFcom EG7 is a well-designed and balanced package.

MIFcom EG7 - 01/18/2016 v4.1(old)
Florian Glaser

Chassis
71 / 98 → 72%
Keyboard
81%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
80 / 81 → 99%
Weight
56 / 10-66 → 82%
Battery
85%
Display
87%
Games Performance
97%
Application Performance
98%
Temperature
76 / 95 → 80%
Noise
79 / 90 → 88%
Audio
65%
Average
80%
86%
Gaming - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > MIFcom EG7 (Clevo N170RF) Notebook Review
Florian Glaser, 2016-01-25 (Update: 2018-05-15)