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Review Clevo P570WM Barebones Notebook

Behemoth. Schenker's XMG U702 is definitely not an ordinary laptop. Featuring a desktop processor, two high-end graphics cards and three hard drives, the 17-inch giant outperforms most gaming PCs. We took a closer look at the whopper. Can the U702 also score in other things than pure performance?
Schenker XMG U702

The bulky desktop replacement from the German barebone specialist Schenker (mysn.de) is aimed at a fairly small target group: gaming fans who a) want extreme performance, b) are laptop devotees and c) have a large budget.

The term "laptop" in relation to the XMG U702 (Clevo P570WM Barebones) is rather daring. The powerful desktop replacement has a height of over seven centimeters and - depending on the equipment - a weight of just below six kilograms. The gaming machine also plays in its own price league.

It is easy to reach a price of over 5000 Euros (~$6499) when you play around in the configurator on the homepage. As usual, Schenker offers the device with various CPUs, HDDs and SSDs. The working memory (four slots for a maximum of 32 GB DDR3 RAM), the optical drive and the Wi-Fi module can also be configured. An operating system is only installed on request and includes a recovery data carrier. Before we look at the details, a few important notes:

  • The test model was a prototype, so not quite final.
  • The final version will sport an XMG logo on the lid rather than a tribal design as shown above.
  • The processor is an engineering sample. However, the results should be transferable to the standard products.
  • The Turbo Boost function was sometimes enabled incorrectly, but could be resolved by rebooting.
  • The integrated solid state drives could not make use of the RAID mode since a corresponding driver was missing.
  • The 3D sensor in the lower display bezel had no functionality. Perhaps a special version with shutter glasses and a 120 Hz screen will be available in the future.

Case

Bulky chassis
Bulky chassis

The XMG U702 is based on the latest P570WM barebone from Clevo, at least theoretically, because the 17-inch chassis is not completely new. If you looked for a strong desktop replacement a few months or year ago, you may have come across the precursor.

The X7200 barebone (Schenker XMG U700) and the P570WM are almost like two peas in a pod. At first glance, Clevo has only updated the interfaces and replaced the old chiclet keyboard with a backlit model. However, bigger modifications are found under the hood (more about that later).

Otherwise, the P570WM has adopted the familiar assets and drawbacks. As mentioned in the intro, the high-end machine is not only extremely bulky, it is also extremely heavy. Even the large P370EM barebone, which also features a dual GPU system (and Schenker lists as XMG P722 PRO), looks fragile in a direct comparison. Besides the height (54 vs. 73 mm), the weight (4.3 vs. 6.0 kg) is much lower.

In terms of looks, Clevo based the desktop replacement on the 17-inch P170EM (Schenker XMG P702 PRO). The lid and wrist rest of both laptops are coated with a thin metal plate. Clevo speaks of an alloy. Although the chassis developer fits a few barebones with a matte display bezel (e.g. Schenker's XMG A722), the P570WM sports a glossy frame that easily scratches and magically attracts dust and fingerprints. We do not understand why Clevo sticks to this obvious drawback despite the criticism.

Apart from that, the P570WM makes a quite good impression. Although the casing quality does not quite achieve the level of Alienware products (M14x R2, M17x R4, etc.), the workmanship is very satisfactory. The laptop's black surfaces mostly have flush transitions.

The buyer should not have high expectations on design. Due to the immense size and the basic shape, the high-end machine makes a pretty bulky and unhandy impression. Just the touch-sensitive plastic stripe (only responds sporadically) and the many light elements provide a degree of individuality.

Unsurprisingly, the huge base unit comes with high stability. The majority of the casing does not yield even under higher pressure. A small exception is the lid that can be warped quite obviously with two hands. However, this fact is hardly noticed in practical use. It is great that the base unit does not lift when opened due to the above-average weight. Basically, the casing absolutely justifies the purchase price.

Speaking about justice, two gigantic 300 watt PSUs are included for the P570WM in order to provide the desktop CPU and both GeForce graphics cards with power. Both weigh 1.6 kilograms and have a size of roughly 21 x 11 x 5 centimeters. The dual-GPU contender, Alienware's M18x R2 (mobile CPU) is satisfied with a single 330 watt model. Schenker's XMG P722 PRO also runs with a single power supply unit.

Connectivity

Interfaces

The generous connectivity belongs to the XMG U702's biggest strengths. While most gaming notebooks supply four USB ports at most, the P570WM barebone sports five USB ports (3x 3.0 & 2x 2.0). Four audio jacks (microphone, headphone, line-in, S/PDIF) and three digital video outputs (DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI) must also be praised. eSATA and FireWire are also installed. In addition to that, there is a Kensington lock, RJ45 Gigabit LAN port, a 9in1 card reader and an ExpressCard slot. The antenna input of the old model has fallen victim to cutbacks.

Like in the X7200 barebone, the optical drive is located below many interfaces, which is not ideal. The interface positioning is naturally a matter of taste. We would have placed the audio jacks much further to the back.

Security and other Equipment

A fingerprint reader and a TPM 1.2 module are installed as security features. As stated by the manufacturer, the webcam has a resolution of 2.0 megapixels.

Wireless Communication

According to Qualcomm Atheros, the Killer Wireless-N 1202 installed in the test device is specially designed for gamers' needs. The Stream Detect technology is to prioritize latency-sensitive network traffic, which particularly supports online games. The half-size Mini-PCIe (2.4 & 5.0 GHz support) provides Bluetooth 4.0 in addition to Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n. The transmission rates are touted with up to 300 Mbit/s. Wi-Fi direct facilitates connections with corresponding devices.

Left: DVI, RJ45, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, eSATA / USB 3.0, FireWire, USB 3.0
Left: DVI, RJ45, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, eSATA / USB 3.0, FireWire, USB 3.0
Rear: Power socket
Rear: Power socket
Right: 4x audio, 2x USB 2.0, Kensington lock
Right: 4x audio, 2x USB 2.0, Kensington lock

Maintenance

As typical for Clevo, the laptop offers many upgrade and maintenance possibilities. All innards can be accessed after removing the base plates. The four fans for the graphics card, processor and working memory can all be unscrewed. While a hard drive cage alongside two SATA III slots are found underneath the smaller maintenance cover, the battery hides the third HDD or SSD slot.

 

Installed software
Installed software

Software

Annoying bloatware is not installed on the XMG U702. As expected, Schenker delivers a clean operating system void of superfluous ballast. Overclockers and hardware pros are exactly right in Intel's "Extreme Tuning Utility". The convenient tool includes many settings and information (see picture).

Accessories

Two 300 watt PSUs, a 530 gram heavy lithium ion battery, a driver DVD and a cleaning cloth were all the accessories included for the test device. However, we believe that Clevo will at least also add a manual in the final version.

Warranty

The basic warranty period is 24 months including pick-up & return service. The warranty period can be extended to 36 - 48 months for an additional 100 Euros (~$129) and 200 Euros (~$258).

Tuning Utility
Tuning Utility
Control Center
Control Center
Network Manager
Network Manager

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keyboard particularly stands out with its homogeneous illumination. It is possible to select different colors and modes in the preinstalled software. The intensity is quick and easy to adapt via a key combination. The three-zone illumination places itself between Asus' 17-inch G75V or Samsung's 700G7C contender with one zone and Alienware's 17x R4 with four zones.

There is not much reason for complaint in the other areas either. The beveled keys are decently sized with a usable area of 14 x 14 millimeters. We would classify the typing feel as above-average (crisp pressure point), although the keyboard is not the quietest of its kind. The full-blown number pad is another plus point. The old chiclet counterpart only had three rather than four columns. We only have criticism on the layout: the relocated ><| key and the single-rowed enter will not appeal to every buyer. 

Touchpad

The 90 x 47 millimeter touchpad is also impressive. Thanks to multi-touch support, it is possible to easily scroll through and zoom in on documents, websites and other content. The gestures mostly worked flawlessly in the test. Conventional scrolling at the touchpad's edge is also available.

Generally, the touchpad offers a decent accuracy. Clevo installs an illuminated strip above the rather clattery buttons so that the mouse replacement can be found in the dark. The lowered design and the elegant silver bezel suffice for that during the day. The textured surface reminds us of the W150ER barebone (Schenker XMG A502), but it is fortunately not quite as rough.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Touchpad
Touchpad

Display

The screen's specs look rather unassuming on paper: 1920x1080 pixels are just as common as the 16:9 ratio in the high-end field. However, we were quickly proved wrong the first time we turned it on.

Should the installed B173HW01-V4 screen (AUO149D) find its way into final production, trained eyes will immediately recognize the large color space. While "normal" screens only manage the sRGB gamut, the XMG U702 nearly covers the entire AdobeRGB space. The colors look a lot stronger and more saturated than on a mainstream screen. The screen's glare-type surface naturally contributes to that.

The problem here is that most applications and games are not made for such a big color spectrum. It often seems as though a color cast overlays the picture (e.g. red). So basically, the screen is not ideal for classic multimedia use. It is more apt for professional image and video editing that uses the corresponding software. Since Clevo tends to occasionally swap the screen models, it is quite possible that another screen will be installed in the laptop series.

205
cd/m²
198
cd/m²
214
cd/m²
246
cd/m²
256
cd/m²
239
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
232
cd/m²
224
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
B173HW01 V4 (AUO149D) tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 256 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 227.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 77 %
Center on Battery: 256 cd/m²
Contrast: 595:1 (Black: 0.43 cd/m²)88.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
96.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
80% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

However, the quality impression is not only dependent on the color spectrum. Other factors, such as brightness, also play a role. The screen is on an average and acceptable rate for indoors with a brightness of nearly 230 cd/m². In return, the black value reaps in a good score. Approximately 0.4 cd/m² ensures a satisfactory reproduction of dark movie and game scenes. The contrast is also good; our test device managed roughly 600:1 in the screen's center.

sRGB vs. Schenker XMG U702 (grid)
sRGB vs. Schenker XMG U702 (grid)
AdobeRGB vs. Schenker XMG U702 (grid)
AdobeRGB vs. Schenker XMG U702 (grid)
Alienware M18x R2 vs. Schenker XMG U702 (grid)
Alienware M18x R2 vs. Schenker XMG U702 (grid)

As can be seen well on the pictures, the 17-inch laptop does not feel comfortable in outdoor use. Intense reflections occur depending on the day's brightness and light incidence and limit the usability considerably. The user has to choose the right place indoors as well. In the writer's opinion, Clevo should have preferably opted for a nice non-glare model (e.g. Asus' G75VW).

Outdoors
Outdoors
Schenker's XMG U702 in outdoor use

The viewing angles of the wide-gamut screen are above-average. Except for a reddish hue, the picture remains stable even from larger angles horizontally. Although the brightness changes a lot faster vertically, the XMG U702 easily outperforms most contenders. In case you are asking why the screen is "only" rated with 80%, we penalize glare screens with a 7% deduction due to their high susceptibility for reflections.

Viewing angles: Schenker XMG U702
Viewing angles: Schenker XMG U702

Performance

Desktop CPU
Desktop CPU

Processor

The P570WM barebone is powered by a desktop CPU (X79 motherboard) in order to ensure a high as possible performance. Although the name might indicate it, the Core i7-3960X top model does not come from the latest Ivy Bridge generation built in a 22 nm structure width. It is a member of the Sandy Bridge E range that was introduced in late 2011 and which is still manufactured in a 32 nm process.

Most CPUs can only dream of the Core i7-3960X's specs. A 15 MB L3 cache and 2.27 billion transistors are just as gigantic as six cores and 12 parallel threads (Hyper Threading technology). The well-known Turbo Boost function is also on the feature list. The default clock is increased from 3.3 GHz to a maximum of 3.9 GHz providing that the cooling allows it.

For comparison: the fast 3.0 - 3.9 GHz Core i7-3940XM (currently Intel's strongest laptop processor) has to be satisfied with an eight MB L3 cache, 1.4 billion transistors, four cores and eight parallel threads. A decisive advantage of the mobile CPU is its much lower power consumption. While the laptop CPU is specified with a TDP of 55 watts, Intel states a more than twice as high 130 watts for the Core i7-3960X. The processor is not called "Extreme Edition" for nothing. The word "extreme" also applies to the price: Intel charges just under 1000 Euros (~$1300) for it.

The hexa-core will only make sense to the fewest users. We would recommend one of the less powerful models. By the way, the E range does not sport an on-board graphics.

System info CPUZ CPU
System info CrystalDiskMark (HDD)
System info CrystalDiskMark (SSD2)
System info CrystalDiskMark (SSD1)
System info HWiNFO
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ Cache
System info DPC Latency
System information: Schenker XMG U702

Turbo Boost

The screenshots below illustrate that the high-end CPU cannot exhaust its full potential. Regardless whether single or multi-core load, the processor settles to 3.6 GHz, so exactly 50% below the maximum Turbo. At least the Core i7-3960X never throttles - not even during full load.

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

CPU Performance

The limited overclocking is very noticeable in the speed measurements. Although the hexa-core achieved an excellent result of 1.46 points in Cinebench R11.5 single-core rendering, it lags behind the Core i7-3940XM counterpart by almost 10% (1.63 points @ One M73-2N). Owing to the higher core count, the desktop CPU relentlessly takes the lead in multi-core rendering. 10.5 to 7.46 points is a plus of approx. 40%.

Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
1.46 Points
Core i7-3940XM
One M73-2N
1.63 Points +12%
Core i7-3630QM
One M73-2N
1.42 Points -3%
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
10.5 Points
Core i7-3940XM
One M73-2N
7.46 Points -29%
Core i7-3630QM
One M73-2N
6.48 Points -38%
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
5868 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
32328 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
10.5 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
48.98 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.46 Points
Help

Graphics Card

GPU info
GPU info

Clevo and Schenker do not make any compromises when it comes to the graphics acceleration either. Buyers who have the financial means can purchase the XMG U702 with a wickedly expensive SLI combo, consisting of two GTX 680M cards.

The GeForce GTX 680M is Nvidia's premium model after the recently announced GTX 680MX and, like all Kepler GPUs (GTX 660M, GTX 670MX, GTX 675MX etc.), is manufactured in a cutting-edge 28-nm process.

The DirectX 11.1 capable high-end model contains 1344 Shader units, 3.54 billion transistors and a 4096 MB and fast 1800 MHz GDDR5 video memory (256 bit interface). The core clocks with 720 MHz.

It is too bad that the GTX 680M does not feature the GPU boost technology (Nvidia's answer to Intel's Turbo Boost). The biggest drawback of the premium GPU is its high power consumption. A TDP of 100 watts is quite a lot in the laptop field. Moreover, it should not be kept secret that the peer Radeon HD 7970M is much cheaper, particularly as a dual-GPU array.

Note: the standardly installed Nvidia 306.68 driver was updated to the latest Beta ForceWare 310.54 for the benchmarks.

7.8
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.8
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
7.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
7.9
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
7.9
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
7.9

GPU Performance

The performance of the GeForce GTX 680M SLI is naturally top rate. The scores of the DirectX 11 benchmarks are likely the most interesting results, for example, 3DMark 11 (1280x720). With a GPU score of 10921 points, the SLI array surpasses a single GTX 680M by almost 80% (6025 points @ Schenker XMG P702 PRO) and settles just behind the Radeon HD 7970M CrossFire (11109 points @ Alienware M18x R2).

The differences are a bit bigger in Unigine Heaven 2.1 benchmark (1280x1024, high, default tessellation). The GTX 680M SLI is roughly 10% below the main contender from AMD with 138.3 to 151.3 fps. A single GTX 680M only calculates about half as fast (74.2 fps).

Unigine Heaven 3.0 - 1920x1080 DX 11, Normal Tessellation, High Shaders AA:Off AF:Off (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
107.5 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
57.6 fps -46%
Radeon HD 7970M / Core i7-3610Qm
Schenker XMG P502
59.1 fps -45%
3DMark 03 Standard
108856 points
3DMark 05 Standard
32809 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
27437 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
36739 points
3DMark 11 Performance
10292 points
Help

Storage Solution

SSD #1
SSD #1
SSD #2
SSD #2

We really cannot complain about a lack of storage. Schenker installs two 500 GB SSDs and a 1000 GB HDD in the test device. A very promising Samsung 840 MZ-7TD500, which is the heir to the popular 830 range, was used as the solid state drive in order to meet the high-end claim.

The benchmark results indicate that Samsung has done an almost perfect job with the new generation. For example, the AS SSD benchmark recorded a sequential read and write speed of just below 520 and 300 MB/s (primary drive). Not every SSD accomplishes that. The 512 GB version of OCZ's Octane remains below 500 MB/s, but its write rate is a good one-third faster (~400 MB/s).

The access time of the seven millimeter slim SATA III model also proves to be excellent with 0.07 ms (read) and 0.05 ms (write). The OCZ rivals achieve an equally good 0.06 and 0.09 ms.

The used HDD is a SATA II Seagate Momentus ST1000LM024 drive with a height of 9.5 millimeters. Despite its rather low speed of 5400 rpm, it provides a relatively good performance. The HDD's sequential read and write speed of just below 114 MB/s defeats Toshiba's MQ01ABD100 terabyte rival by about 10% (~104 MB/s @ Nexoc M507II).

Samsung 840 Series 500 GB (MZ-7TD500)
Sequential Read: 528 MB/s
Sequential Write: 331.3 MB/s
512K Read: 446.4 MB/s
512K Write: 326.8 MB/s
4K Read: 28.28 MB/s
4K Write: 85.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 398.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 276.8 MB/s

System Performance

The overall performance is also impressive throughout. Most laptops do not achieve roughly 21000 points in PCMark Vantage and 5000 points in PCMark 7. Ordinary all-round devices, such as Toshiba's Satellite L850-153, exhibit rates around 7000 and 2000 points. The scores would likely be even higher with enabled RAID.

PCMark Vantage Result
20956 points
PCMark 7 Score
5002 points
Help
Enough power for maximum settings
Enough power for maximum settings

Gaming Performance

To make it short: an SLI array comprised of two GTX 680M GPUs can render every up-to-date game smoothly in maximum details alongside quality enhancements. Even demanding games, such as Medal of Honor: Warfighter, will usually run with a high, two-digit if not three-digit frame rate. A single GTX 680M is surpassed by approximately 40% (see chart).

Since Nvidia provides a good driver support and new SLI profiles are updated automatically, the common dual-GPU issues are kept within limits. Nevertheless, we did notice a few irregularities during the gaming benchmarks:

  • Although the frame rate was actually high enough, some games seemed to stutter (e.g. FIFA 13).
  • Need for Speed: Most Wanted was rendered slower than on a single GPU when high details and 1920x1080 pixels were used.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - 1920x1080 (Extra) High / On, FXAA AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
108.1 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
75.3 fps -30%
Need for Speed: Most Wanted - 1920x1080 High / On (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
47.7 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
51.4 fps +8%
Medal of Honor: Warfighter - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS AF:16x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
80.2 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
40.9 fps -49%
Fifa 13 - 1920x1080 High AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
374 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
256.9 fps -31%
Borderlands 2 - 1920x1080 (Ultra) High / On (PhysX low) AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
114.5 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
71.1 fps -38%
F1 2012 - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
109 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
87 fps -20%
Guild Wars 2 - 1920x1080 All Maximum / On AA:FX (sort by value)
GeForce GTX 680M SLI / Core i7-3960X
Schenker XMG U702
51.9 fps
GeForce GTX 680M / Core i7-3610QM
Schenker XMG P502
31.9 fps -39%
lowmed.highultra
Guild Wars 2 (2012) 94.7 52.5 51.9
F1 2012 (2012) 173 141 134 109
Borderlands 2 (2012) 160 134.2 131.7 114.5
Fifa 13 (2012) 455.5 419.9 403.2 374
World of Tanks v8 (2012) 118 92.7 82.6 59
Dishonored (2012) 130 130 129.9 130
Medal of Honor: Warfighter (2012) 194.1 179.7 161.2 80.2
Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012) 60 60 58.6 47.7
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) 230.8 194.4 145.1 108.1
Hitman: Absolution (2012) 85.8 78.8 70.6 44.1
Assassin´s Creed III (2012) 81.2 78.6 47.6

Emissions

System Noise

The noise development is literally the XMG U702's weak point. The cooling system has a tough job despite four fans and many heat pipes. This is already noticed on the Windows Desktop: the 17-inch device is as loud as many other laptops during load with just below 38 dB (measured at a distance of 15 centimeters). Basic tasks, such as Office or internet, are accompanied by a very audible noise.

It really gets down to business when a CPU or GPU-heavy program is started. The laptop's noise was extremely present with an average of 48 dB in 3DMark 06. Games turn into an ordeal without headphones or (external) speakers turned up to a high volume. 57 dB is also unusual during full load. Noise-sensitive users should avoid this desktop replacement. Although the less expensive XMG P722 PRO dual GPU model is not silent, its system noise is much lower. The noise naturally varies depending on the hardware.

Noise Level

Idle
37.5 / 38 / 38.5 dB(A)
DVD
39.8 / dB(A)
Load
48.1 / 56.6 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Stress test (Furmark & Prime)
Stress test (Furmark & Prime)

We found the temperatures more appealing. While the bottom reached just below 32 °C during idle mode, we measured an acceptable rate of approximately 30 °C on the top.

The temperatures increase extremely during computing-intensive tasks. The XMG U702 presented an average of 45 °C on the top and 42 °C on the bottom in the 60 minute stress test. We even measured over 50 °C in some areas. Fortunately, the laptop does not get quite as hot in gaming use.

The components had a really hard time during full load. CPUID HWMonitor recorded approx. 90 °C from the Core i7-3960X. The primary GPU reached approx. 83 °C and the secondary GPU approx. 64 °C. Both SSDs worried us a bit. A maximum temperature of 59 °C is quite high.

Max. Load
 50.6 °C
123 F
51.5 °C
125 F
46.5 °C
116 F
 
 49.5 °C
121 F
49.9 °C
122 F
46.1 °C
115 F
 
 39.2 °C
103 F
39.1 °C
102 F
35.3 °C
96 F
 
Maximum: 51.5 °C = 125 F
Average: 45.3 °C = 114 F
42.5 °C
109 F
42.2 °C
108 F
37.5 °C
100 F
39.5 °C
103 F
50.3 °C
123 F
44.3 °C
112 F
33.4 °C
92 F
49.2 °C
121 F
36.7 °C
98 F
Maximum: 50.3 °C = 123 F
Average: 41.7 °C = 107 F
Power Supply (max.)  44.1 °C = 111 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-550
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 45.3 °C / 114 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 51.5 °C / 125 F, compared to the average of 40.5 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 50.3 °C / 123 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 30.3 °C / 87 F, compared to the device average of 33.9 °C / 93 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 39.2 °C / 102.6 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-10.3 °C / -18.6 F).

Speakers

Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2

Those hoping for a full sound matching such a huge laptop will be disappointed. We were particularly surprised about the low volume. Depending on the audio and video source, we had to sit right in front of the laptop to reasonably enjoy the media.

That is too bad, because the basic requirements are actually perfect: Clevo touts the laptop with an X-Fi certified sound chip and THX technology. Their positive qualities are subjectively audible (higher range and dynamics). The Sound Blaster Console (right picture) is also a nice gimmick due to the many settings.

Nevertheless, all the features do not change anything about the fact that the sound is only average in total. The high-end machine does not stand a chance against MSI's GT70. The P370EM barebone scores better in this category. Note: although the P570WM features a 5.1 system, the speakers default setting was 2.0. However, since the sound sooner deteriorates when 5.1 is enabled, you should stick to 2.0.

Battery Life

Power Consumption

A look at the power consumption will likely cause nausea among some readers. 67-83 watts in idle mode and 200-230 watts in 3DMark 06 indicate a desktop PC rather than a laptop.

Alienware's M18x R2 (HD 7970M CF) and Schenker's XMG P722 PRO (GTX 680M SLI), among others, prove that dual GPU systems can be more power efficient. While the former device averagely consumed 161 watts in 3DMark 06, the latter only used 113 watts. This is no surprise because both laptops sport a mobile CPU. The XMG U702's power consumption was roughly twice as high during load. Almost 440 watts suggest that two smaller PSUs with 220 or 240 watts would have also been sufficient.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 3.8 / 5.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 67 / 75.2 / 83.2 Watt
Load midlight 218.5 / 439.8 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940

Battery Runtime

Maximum battery runtime (Reader's Test)
Reader's Test
Minimum runtime (Classic Test)
Classic Test

We almost feel sorry for the small 78 Wh battery. It takes hours to recharge it only to torture it with hungry components shortly afterwards. The system shut down just short of 20 minutes when the laptop was faced with maximum brightness and high load. That is a new low record. Approximately 70 minutes in idle use (minimum brightness) is also very meek.

Malicious tongues could now say that the battery only serves the casing's stability and as a power backup. But honestly, who needs a battery for this behemoth? All measurements were performed using SLI (temperature, consumption, runtime, etc.).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
1h 12min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 18min

Verdict

Schenker XMG U702 (Picture: Schenker)
Schenker XMG U702

There are not many options for enthusiastic gamers who are looking for a laptop sporting two graphics cards even in 2012. Apart from Alienware's M18x R2, there are only few devices. The barebone manufacturer Clevo has identified this market niche and offers two exciting 17-inch candidates with the P570WM (Schenker XMG U702) and P370EM (Schenker XMG P722).

We would recommend the latter laptop to Clevo fans after the tests. Compared with the P570WM, the P370EM is not only slimmer and lighter, but also scores with a longer battery runtime and a better sound. Other advantages are found in the power consumption, power supply and noise development.

Most users will hardly or not at all benefit from the XMG U702's unique selling point, namely the high-performance desktop CPU. It is mainly the graphics card that limits gaming performance. As to connectivity, input devices, screen quality and maintenance options, both laptops are on an equally good level.

Whether such a wickedly expensive acquisition is at all worthwhile is a personal decision. A conventional gaming PC is still a lot more affordable.

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In Review: Schenker XMG U702 (Picture: Schenker)
In Review: Schenker XMG U702

Specifications

SCHENKER XMG U702
Processor
Intel Core i7-3960X 6 x 3.3 - 3.9 GHz, Sandy Bridge-E
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M SLI - 2x 4096 MB VRAM, Core: 720 MHz, RAM: 1800 MHz, GDDR5, ForceWare 310.51
Memory
32 GB 
, 4x 8192 MB SO-DIMM DDR3-RAM PC3-12800 (1600 MHz), 4 slots, max. 32 GB
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, B173HW01 V4 (AUO149D), diagonal: 43.94 cm, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel X79
Storage
Samsung 840 Series 500 GB (MZ-7TD500), 500 GB 
, x2 + Seagate Momentus (ST1000LM024), 1000 GB, 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Realtek ALC892 @ Intel Patsburg PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 Express Card 54mm, 2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 Firewire, 1 DVI, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, Audio Connections: 1 headphone, 1 microphone, 1 line-in, 1 S/PDIF, Card Reader: MMC,RSMMC,SD,SDHC,SDXC,Mini SD,MS,MS Pro,MS Duo, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel 82579V Gigabit Network Connection (10/1000MBit/s), Qualcomm Atheros Killer Wireless-N 1202 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
Optiarc BD RW BD-5750H
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 73 x 419 x 286 ( = 2.87 x 16.5 x 11.26 in)
Battery
78 Wh Lithium-Ion, 5300 mAh, 14.8V, X7200BAT-8, 0.53 kg
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0 Megapixel
Additional features
Speakers: 5.1 (Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2, THX TruStudio Pro), Keyboard Light: yes, cleaning cloth, 24-48 Months Warranty
Weight
6 kg ( = 211.64 oz / 13.23 pounds), Power Supply: 3.144 kg ( = 110.9 oz / 6.93 pounds)
Price
4500 Euro

 

The lid is comprised of a metal alloy.
The lid is comprised of a metal alloy.
A midnight game? No problem!
A midnight game? No problem!
The arrow keys feature a decent size.
The arrow keys feature a decent size.
The touch-sensitive strip is rather unreliable.
The touch-sensitive strip is rather unreliable.
The brightness intensity can also be controlled.
The brightness intensity can also be controlled.
The final version is to sport an XMG logo.
The final version is to sport an XMG logo.
Schenker does not build the case itself.
Schenker does not build the case itself.
The color of the backlit keyboard can be modified.
The color of the backlit keyboard can be modified.
According to Clevo, a 2.0 megapixel webcam is installed.
According to Clevo, a 2.0 megapixel webcam is installed.
A fingerprint reader rests between the mouse keys.
A fingerprint reader rests between the mouse keys.
The 17-incher is supplied with power over the rear.
The 17-incher is supplied with power over the rear.
The test configuration requires two PSUs...
The test configuration requires two PSUs...
A Kensington lock finishes off the connectivity.
A Kensington lock finishes off the connectivity.
The right is complemented by two USB 2.0 ports.
The right is complemented by two USB 2.0 ports.
Four audio jacks are generous.
Four audio jacks are generous.
The card reader and ExpressCard slot are very well-hidden.
The card reader and ExpressCard slot are very well-hidden.
A total of three USB 3.0 ports are available.
A total of three USB 3.0 ports are available.
External monitors can be connected via HDMI or DisplayPort.
External monitors can be connected via HDMI or DisplayPort.
DVI is becoming extinct in laptops.
DVI is becoming extinct in laptops.
A third hard drive slot is underneath the battery.
A third hard drive slot is underneath the battery.
Both SATA III slots are directly above each other.
Both SATA III slots are directly above each other.
Have you ever seen such a large wrist rest?
Have you ever seen such a large wrist rest?
The warm air is discharged over the rear.
The warm air is discharged over the rear.
The maximum opening angle is approx. 140°.
The maximum opening angle is approx. 140°.
The U702 measures almost seven centimeters when closed.
The U702 measures almost seven centimeters when closed.
The glare-type FHD screen almost covers the entire AdobeRGB color spectrum.
The glare-type FHD screen almost covers the entire AdobeRGB color spectrum.
The casing's feet have a height of several millimeters.
The casing's feet have a height of several millimeters.
The glossy bezel is extremely sensitive.
The glossy bezel is extremely sensitive.
The P570WM barebone largely corresponds to the old X7200's exteriors.
The P570WM barebone largely corresponds to the old X7200's exteriors.
The laptop weighs roughly six kilograms with its battery, two GPUs and three hard drives.
The laptop weighs roughly six kilograms with its battery, two GPUs and three hard drives.
Typical for Clevo, all components can be accessed easily.
Typical for Clevo, all components can be accessed easily.
Two GeForce graphics card provide a lot of power.
Two GeForce graphics card provide a lot of power.
The CPU is not a mobile model, but a genuine desktop unit.
The CPU is not a mobile model, but a genuine desktop unit.
Not even Alienware's M18x R2 sports four fans.
Not even Alienware's M18x R2 sports four fans.
In addition to the battery, two other maintenance covers can be removed.
In addition to the battery, two other maintenance covers can be removed.
The audio ports can transmit a 7.1 signal when required.
The audio ports can transmit a 7.1 signal when required.
All three video outputs are on the left.
All three video outputs are on the left.
The logo lights up when in use.
The logo lights up when in use.
The device features a 5.1 sound system.
The device features a 5.1 sound system.
that are connected to the laptop via an adapter.
that are connected to the laptop via an adapter.

Similar Notebooks

Devices with the same GPU and/or Screen Size

Review Clevo P370EM Barebones Notebook
GeForce GTX 680M SLI, Core i7 3820QM, 4.252 kg

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

XMG Pro 16 Studio (Mid 24) review: Core i9 and RTX 4070 for gamers and creators
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, Raptor Lake-HX i9-14900HX, 16.00", 2.282 kg
XMG Neo 16 (Early 24) review: Full RTX 4090 power in a compact gaming laptop
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, Raptor Lake-HX i9-14900HX, 16.00", 2.52 kg
SCHENKER XMG Core 15 (M24) laptop review: A premium, metal-cased gaming machine from Germany
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, Hawk Point (Zen 4/4c, Ryzen 8040) R7 8845HS, 15.30", 2.052 kg
XMG Fusion 15 (Early 24) review: A compact RTX 4070 laptop for gamers and creators
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, Raptor Lake-HX i9-14900HX, 15.30", 2.13 kg
XMG Pro 16 Studio (Mid 23) review: The RTX 4070 laptop for gamers and creators
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, Raptor Lake-H i9-13900H, 16.00", 2.56 kg
XMG Apex 17 (late 23) review: a QHD gaming laptop with an RTX 4060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, Phoenix (Zen 4) R7 7840HS, 17.30", 2.486 kg

Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Compare Prices

Pros

+ Many interfaces
+ Reference worthy performance
+ Individual configuration
+ High-end screen
+ Easy maintenance
+ Backlit keyboard
+ Good workmanship
+ No bloatware
+ Three hard disks

Cons

- Reflective screen surface
- Enormous power consumption
- Extremely high weight
- Short battery life
- Extremely loud
- Two PSUs

Shortcut

What we like

More power is currently not possible.

What we'd like to see

A matte screen surface.

What surprises us

Two PSUs for one laptop? Awesome!

The competition

Mainly the Alienware M18x R2.

Rating

SCHENKER XMG U702 - 11/22/2012 v3 (old)
Florian Glaser

Chassis
84%
Keyboard
84%
Pointing Device
80%
Connectivity
92%
Weight
36%
Battery
25%
Display
80%
Games Performance
99%
Application Performance
99%
Temperature
74%
Noise
50%
Add Points
82%
Average
74%
83%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Florian Glaser, 2012-11-30 (Update: 2018-05-15)