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Review EUROCOM X7 (Clevo P375SM) Notebook

Xtreme CrossFireX. The large 17.3-inch size allows for some serious power under the hood for high-end DTRs. With increasing competition from the refreshed Asus ROG series and Alienware models, we check to see if Eurocom and its X7 Radeon hardware can still convince us otherwise.

As a well-known reseller of Clevo barebones, Eurocom offers a wider range of ultra high-end options than many bigger name competitors. The range is truly broad from the $899 11.6-inch EUROCOM Monster to the 3D-capable $3999+ 17.3-inch Panther 5D. All models are able to play the most demanding games of today regardless of display size.

The 17.3-inch EUROCOM X7 is the reseller's top-of-the-line offering catered for gamers at a starting price of $1999. Since this is Eurocom we’re talking about here, expect almost all the features and configurable powerful hardware options you can imagine included with the X7. Our review model as configured is equipped with a Core i7-4930MX, Radeon HD 8970M in CrossFireX, 16 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 RAM and a 120 GB SATA III Crucial SSD.

Our last review on a Eurocom left us great impressions because of its extreme system performance, abundant storage options and high quality display. While we have no qualms that the X7 will deliver a similar experience as its smaller brother at the very least, it faces stiffer competition in the larger 17.3-inch category with the likes of the Alienware 17, recently refreshed Asus ROG G750 series and other resellers like the MSI-based Valkyrie CZ-17. Find out below if the X7 stands tall against the rest in this new Haswell generation.

Case

Clevo cases have always been easy to identify. Matte black finishing, flat boxy profile and sharp corners and edges are typical of the chassis series from the Taiwanese OEM. These characteristics make a return on the EUROCOM X7 with extra perks for a more appealing look. The rear ports and ventilation grilles are surrounded by chrome plating and the corners have red LEDs that activate when connected to an AC outlet. The blue lights on the display bezel are another visual flair that double as a sort of equalizer while the emblem on the touchpad is a carryover from the X3. The implementation of these LED embellishments is more than likely to have been influenced by other DTRs or even high-end desktops where such lightshows are expected from gamers. While some users may find the extravagant lights a bit too much, it is certainly more eye-catching than the older and duller Clevo cases that lack these features.

Aside from the addition of new lights, case quality is similar to the X3 and Clevo P370SM, the latter of which is very similar to the X7 in physical features. Users should not expect MIL-STD compliance, but the rough matte base is thick and almost completely resistant to twists and pressure from all sides. Only the center of the keyboard gives way when pressed down with enough force, but the very slight depression is not a cause for concern. In contrast, the smooth and slightly rubberized outer matte lid feels similar to an Asus ROG in texture, but depresses a bit too much when pushed down the center. Even a slight amount of force can result in a very visible warp, especially when compared to other 17.3-inch DTRs like the Valkyrie CZ-17 or Asus G750JW. Side-to-side twisting of the front edges of the lid is also possible though minimal enough to not be worrisome. Even so, we certainly do not recommend placing heavier items on top of the X7 if traveling or otherwise.

With the lid open, the two relatively small hinges and the plastic display bezel become visible. The hinges are able to perform their function well, although they could have been better at its widest angle. For example, the screen at its maximum allowable angle will still vibrate slightly when typing normally, but is otherwise perfectly still at smaller angles. The maximum angle is also a little on the low side at only about 135 degrees. The lid is satisfactory for gaming and otherwise, but leaves room for future improvements. When taken as a whole, we have found no major complaints about the base of the unit.

The traditional matte black monotone as found on other Clevo-based chassis
The traditional matte black monotone as found on other Clevo-based chassis
Overall looks have improved with sharper styling around the edges and accompanying LED colors
Overall looks have improved with sharper styling around the edges and accompanying LED colors
Display opened at maximum angle
Display opened at maximum angle

Connectivity

Physical connectivity options have carried over untouched from the P370SM. This includes the Thunderbolt port, eSATA, 4x 3.5 mm audio jacks and HDMI 1.4. The thickness and size of the notebook allow for easy access to all of the ports. The left hand side, however, lacks any USB ports despite having a total of 5x USB ports around the notebook. The placement of these ports is unsurprisingly optimized for right-handed users.

Note that there is no VGA port, so legacy displays are left out of the cold without an adapter. This is compared to the G750JW, Qosmio X70 or MSI GX70 where VGA-out is present on all models. The manufacturer has clearly weighed the potential of the included Thunderbolt port against the axed VGA port to give the X7 longer legs and more compatibility with future devices. Note that the port is also backwards compatible with Mini DisplayPort 1.2 devices as they share the same connector.

Front: No interfaces
Front: No interfaces
Rear: HDMI-out, 2x USB 3.0, AC power
Rear: HDMI-out, 2x USB 3.0, AC power
Left: Kensington Lock, Gigabit Ethernet, Card reader, 3.5 mm S/PDIF, Headphone, Mic, Line-in
Left: Kensington Lock, Gigabit Ethernet, Card reader, 3.5 mm S/PDIF, Headphone, Mic, Line-in
Right: Optical drive, 1x eSATA/USB, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Thunderbolt
Right: Optical drive, 1x eSATA/USB, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Thunderbolt

Communication

Wireless connectivity is provided by a dual-band (2x2) Intel Wireless-AC 7260 with support for Bluetooth 4.0, a, b, g, n and ac standards. Its maximum theoretical transfer rate is rated at 867 Mbps with an ac connection and both bands active (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), otherwise it will top out at the standard 300 mbps with wireless-n. Users with no interest in ac can configure more standard WLAN wireless-n cards. We ran into no connectivity issues or random dropouts when connecting to a standard WPA2 home network. Note that there is no native support for WWAN or GPS, both of which are more common amongst business-centric notebooks.

Maintenance

The main maintenance hatch on the belly of the unit provides direct access to nearly all components including both MXM 3.0b GPU slots, all three system fans, CPU, one of the mSATA slots, 2x SODIMM RAM slots and the half-mini PCIe WLAN card. Popping off the cover only involves loosening four Philips screws for quick end-user changes as needed. Such a trait is commonly shared between most DTRs with the Asus ROG series being a notable exception. Even so, the X7 allows for more expandability options than much of the competition with its 5x drive bays (2x mSATA SATA III, 2x 2.5-inch SATA III, 1x ODD SATA II) and 4x RAM slots.

Note that a number of internal features can only be accessed via a smaller secondary hatch or after removal of the keyboard. The former is simple to remove and exposes both 2.5-inch SATA bays while the latter will require a sharp edge and some careful hands in order to reach the second mSATA slot and two of the RAM slots. Many MSI DTRs are similar in that a few key components can only be accessed underneath the keyboard. For more detailed pictures on how to disassemble the keyboard on the X7, see our review on the Clevo P370SM. In general, Clevo cases do allow for easier tinkering relative to other barebones and especially proprietary cases.

Accessories

Out-of-the-box accessories include additional screws and caddies for 2.5-inch drives and a handy cleaning cloth. A CyberLink Media software disc and drivers disc are also included and they are both quite important as the X7 ships with a bare Windows 8 OS. Optional accessories are made up of third-party hardware or generic externals like USB hubs, adapters and styluses since the X7 lacks a dedicated docking port. 

Warranty

The standard one-year warranty applies here for U.S. buyers with free tech-support. Users can extend coverage up to two years or three years for $151 or $271, respectively. Although not as extensive as say coverage from Dell, the options are much more straightforward and clear-cut as a result.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The full-size (35.25 cm x 10.75 cm) keyboard is identical to that of the P370SM. More information on our thoughts about the keyboard can be seen in the Schenker review, but the overall travel and responsiveness are both quiet and reliable. The positioning of the touchpad, however, makes it practically impossible to type without accidentally clicking or moving the mouse, which can be quite the annoyance if the touchpad is not first disabled either manually or by an automatic setting. The small Enter key could have been bigger and the beveled layout can also make the keys feel somewhat cramped compared to a more spacious Chiclet style. Regardless of the minor complaints, we found it easy to become accustomed to the feel and layout of the X7 – we only wish it had dedicated volume and brightness keys for quick adjustments on the fly.

Touchpad

The poorly designed integrated touchpad of the P370SM has been redone on the X7 – and for the better. The moderately sized touchpad surface (10.5 cm x 7 cm) is no longer physically clickable on the Eurocom, which was the heart of the issue on the aforementioned Clevo. The surface, though smaller in area than the trackpad on an Asus G750, is rigid enough to resist a firm push with a finger. The Sentelic software allows the pad to recognize up to 4-finger inputs with many customizable gestures. Zooming feels slightly on the laggy side, but two-finger scrolling and simple pointing-and-clicking are otherwise smooth and responsive with no random cursor jumps or other issues.

With the left and right click keys no longer integrated onto the touchpad, a dedicated pair of click keys is the only other solution. The textured narrow bar below the touchpad is this set of keys and it unfortunately disappoints. Travel is extremely shallow with soft feedback. Quiet clicks are the end result, but it certainly does not make up for the poor feel of the keys. Furthermore, clicking the right half of the bar feels softer than the left half, leading to a somewhat odd asymmetric feel. Thankfully, most users will have access to an external mouse for all intents and purposes, so these keys are not likely to see extended use and can be ignored for the most part.

Touchpad is a good size, but the small adjacent buttons are a bit less comfortable to use
Touchpad is a good size, but the small adjacent buttons are a bit less comfortable to use
Beveled keyboard layout is unchanged from previous Clevo models
Beveled keyboard layout is unchanged from previous Clevo models
Full-size Numpad and arrow keys with fingerprint reader
Full-size Numpad and arrow keys with fingerprint reader
Touchpad and keyboard backlight can be customized with a variety of colors
Touchpad and keyboard backlight can be customized with a variety of colors

Display

A matte 1920 x 1080 resolution screen from AUO graces our 17.3-inch display. According to its B173HW01 model number, the same matte panel can be found on the DevilTech Fragbook, HellMachine, and other Clevo barebones including the P370EM and P570WM. Texts and images appear sharp with no blurring, color noise or other oddities like we experienced on the Asus G750JW.

Brightness and contrast are rated at 300 cd/m2 and 500:1, respectively. With a measured average brightness of 299.5 nits, we can certainly confirm with our own instruments that the backlight is indeed as advertised, though contrast could use a little improvement as it is below competing 17.3-inch DTRs. Black can be a little muddy and gray in texture during movie playback, which is acceptable for a lower-cost notebook but can be better for a high-end multimedia powerhouse.

284.2
cd/m²
290.6
cd/m²
282
cd/m²
291.3
cd/m²
295.4
cd/m²
287.9
cd/m²
316
cd/m²
333.2
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Basic Pro 2
Maximum: 333.2 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 299.5 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 295.4 cd/m²
Contrast: 369:1 (Black: 0.8 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.32 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.21 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
66% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
69.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
95.2% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
68.3% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.4

Color space coverage is about 60 percent of the AdobeRGB spectrum or over 95 percent of the smaller sRGB spectrum. Users can even opt for a glossy option rated for 90 percent of the NTSC color space for an additional $40. For gamers, however, the base option like we have here will suffice as the wider color gamut is mostly of interest for graphic designers and other professionals where color accuracy is vital. This matte option is already leagues above cheaper displays where color space coverage is typically around 60 percent of sRGB. Colors are subjectively vibrant with no screen door effect from a normal viewing distance.

X7 vs. AdobeRGB
X7 vs. AdobeRGB
X7 vs. Toshiba Qosmio X70
X7 vs. Toshiba Qosmio X70
X7 vs. MSI GX70
X7 vs. MSI GX70
X7. vs. XMG P703
X7. vs. XMG P703

Display performance is analyzed further with an X-Rite i1Basic Pro 2 spectrophotometer. Without any calibration, almost all colors show a deltaE 2000 deviation of more than 10 units, though this does generally get better the more saturated the colors become. Post calibration shows significant improvements across the board with a flatter RGB balance, reduced blue overtones and greatly improved grayscale and average color performance. Yellow balance could still use a little improvement compared to other colors, though this is extremely minor. Eurocom does include a $40 option to ship a calibrated .ICC profile via CD and this may be worth the extra dollars for some users if they want the display to be as accurate as possible. However, we repeat ourselves here that such color accuracy is not tangibly valuable to most gamers.

Grayscale pre-calibration
Grayscale pre-calibration
ColorChecker pre-calibration
ColorChecker pre-calibration
Saturation pre-calibration
Saturation pre-calibration
Grayscale post calibration
Grayscale post calibration
ColorChecker post calibration
ColorChecker post calibration
Saturation post calibration
Saturation post calibration
Visibility for the matte display is acceptable if at maximum screen brightness and out of direct sunlight
Visibility for the matte display is acceptable if at maximum screen brightness and out of direct sunlight

The matte display and good maximum brightness allow for acceptable outdoor usability. Viewability will quickly degrade when under direct sunlight, so shade is highly recommended if outdoor use is unavoidable. As most users are probably expecting, this 17.3-inch powerhouse was made primarily as an indoor notebook and should be spending most of its time indoors.

Viewing angles EUROCOM X7
Viewing angles EUROCOM X7

Viewing angle stability is wide horizontally and is sufficient for the sole user or a handful of viewers. The screen, however, is still a TN panel, so vertical angles above the center normal are still poor compared to IPS-type displays. Relative screen brightness will also decrease slightly if not viewing straight on, but again this should not be a major issue.

Performance

The X7 in review is equipped with a 3 GHz Core i7-4930MX with a theoretical Turbo Boost potential up to 3.7 GHz for all four cores. If on Power Saver mode, the CPU will operate at just 800 MHz. This is the successor to the Ivy Bridge i7-3940XM, otherwise known as the fastest quad-core processor of its generation. Subsequently, the Haswell CPU is the highest available option for the X7, though users can opt for less costly CPUs including the i7-4700MQ, i7-4800MQ or i7-4900MQ. Note that core features of the i7-4930MX are identical to the i7-3940XM including an equal clock rate (3.0 GHz) and L1, L2 and L3 cache sizes. More information and benchmarks on the i7-4930MX can be seen on our dedicated page here.

RAM is provided by two 8 GB PC3-12800 Crucial modules and is configurable up to 32 GB with four modules total. DPC Latency shows no recurring high latency spikes even with wireless radios active. This is to be expected since the X7 ships with a clean Windows 8 install.

System information Eurocom X7

Processor

Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz and 3.9 GHz for 4 active cores and 1 active core, respectively
Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz and 3.9 GHz for 4 active cores and 1 active core, respectively

CPU-oriented benchmarks place the X7 in the same ballpark as our EUROCOM X3 and Alienware 18 review models, both of which sport the same i7-4930MX processor. Its single-threaded performance in Super Pi is about 3 percent higher than the high-end desktop Core i7-4770K while its multi-threaded performance in wPrime is about 5 percent slower than the FX-8350, one of AMD’s fastest Vishera-class CPU for desktops.

Compared to the average i7-3940XM, however, the newer Haswell chip is essentially equal in wPrime 1024m (219 seconds vs. 223 seconds), Super Pi 32M (525 seconds vs. 528 seconds) and X264 HD Pass 2 (42.1 seconds vs. 42.6 seconds) benchmarks. This similarity in performance is unsurprising given the equal specs of both CPUs and that much of the Haswell architecture was made to increase iGPU performance rather than raw CPU power.

CineBench R10 32-bit
CineBench R10 32-bit
CineBench R10 64-bit
CineBench R10 64-bit
CineBench R11.5 64-bit
CineBench R11.5 64-bit
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5635
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
20701
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
8134
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
7447 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
26637 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
8102 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.73 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.44 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
109.7 fps
Help

System Performance

The final PCMark 7 score of 5383 points places the X7 amongst other heavy hitters that either also have powerful CPU and GPU combos or have high-end SSDs in RAID 0. As an example, the Eurocom outscores the Alienware M18x R2 by dozens of points and is below the One K73-3S again by dozens of points in the same benchmark. Both competing models run CrossFireX solutions with one of the fastest mobile CPUs from Intel. While our configured model only makes use of one mSATA SSD, users who choose to run two SATA III SSDs in RAID 0 will see PCMark scores rocket to even higher levels.

Similarly, PCMark 8 shows very high results. Its Home and Work scores are one of the highest in our database, though the X7 has much less competition here due to the very recent addition of this benchmark in our reviews. The Windows 8 Experience scores also demonstrate a very balanced system between the CPU, GPU, RAM and SSD, so no key component in our configuration can be labeled as a major bottleneck. Subjectively, the system runs as smooth as silk at essentially all times.

PCMark 7
PCMark 7
PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Creative
PCMark 8 Creative
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 8 Work
7.9
Windows 8 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.9
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
7.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
8
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
8
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
8.1
PCMark 7 Score
5383 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated
4921 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated
4509 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated
4875 points
Help

Storage Devices

Up to five storage drives can be installed on the X7 as stated earlier in the review. Drives of the same slot type can be configured in RAID 0/1/5/10 if so desired. Our particular model uses a primary 120 GB Crucial CT120M500SSD3 mSATA drive and a secondary 9.5 mm 1 TB Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 HTS721010A9E630. The Crucial drive shows typical SATA III SSD sequential read rates of nearly 500 MB/sec in CrystalDiskMark with slow 512K write speeds that are similar to the previous generation Intel SSD 320 Series. 4K write, however, is surprisingly high at 110.7 MB/sec, so small data blocks should handle better than average.

The 7200 RPM Hitachi HDD isn’t nearly as fast, of course, but its average transfer rate of 102.9 MB/sec in HD Tune already puts it above most 2.5-inch mechanical drives where 80 to 90 MB/sec is normal. The 5400 RPM Seagate in our Asus G750JW model, for example, returns 85 MB/sec in the same benchmark with a slower access time of 17.4 ms. See here for our growing benchmarks comparison table of HDDs and SSDs.

Crucial M500 occupies the mSATA slot underneath the unit
Crucial M500 occupies the mSATA slot underneath the unit
2x 2.5-inch SATA III slots are easy to access
2x 2.5-inch SATA III slots are easy to access
ATTO Crucial M500
ATTO Crucial M500
CDM Crucial M500
CDM Crucial M500
CDM Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 HGST
CDM Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 HGST
HD Tune Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 HGST
HD Tune Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 HGST
Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
Transfer Rate Minimum: 138.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 429.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 346 MB/s
Access Time: 0.1 ms
Burst Rate: 204.9 MB/s
CPU Usage: 0.9 %

Graphics

Dual Radeon HD 8970M GPUs in CrossFireX running BIOS version 015.036.000.005 and driver 13.152.0.0 power our X7 model. As the most powerful AMD offering to date, the scores in synthetic benchmarks are naturally one of the highest in our database. Eurocom does offer plenty of other GPU options – including those from Nvidia – if users prefer the GTX 7xxM Kepler class of GPUs over AMD’s GCN series. Quadrio K1000M up to K5000M GPUs are available as well for workstation users.

We note here that our configured X7 model lacks Enduro. This may have been a smart move considering that AMD drivers are still not up to par with Nvidia and that older systems with Enduro (such as Eurocom's own Racer 2.0) experienced reduced performance from their dGPUs due to AMD’s graphics switching solution. The integrated GPU appears to be disabled to circumvent any potential Enduro related issues entirely.

Both 8970M cores fluctuate between 850 and 900 MHz core clock rate when active according to GPU-Z, which is exactly as rated according to AMD’s own Catalyst 13.9. On the other hand, memory is a steady 1250 MHz. If idling or on Power Saver mode, both the core and memory will run at 300/150 MHz to reduce power consumption. For more information and benchmarks on the 8970M CrossFireX, see our dedicated page here.

3DMark scores are nearly unmatched. In 3DMark 11, for example, the X7 returns a final score of 10997 points – slightly higher than the similarly equipped One K73-3S and only beaten by the recently reviewed 18.4-inch Alienware 18 with its dual GTX 780M and final score of 11960 points. In other words, this Eurocom would have had the highest 3DMark 11 score in our database if it were not for Nvidia’s recently refreshed 7xxM Kepler series. The other closest competing GeForce GPU, the GTX 680M SLI in our Schenker XMG U702, scores about 700 points less than our Radeon-equipped X7 in the same benchmark.

Meanwhile, the notebook’s 3DMark 2013 scores are again one of the highest in our database. With a 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme score of 4212 points, it is second to none – even the desktop GTX 680 and Core i7-2600K score “only” 3049 points in the same benchmark.

3DMark 2013 Ice Storm
3DMark 2013 Ice Storm
3DMark 2013 Cloud Gate
3DMark 2013 Cloud Gate
3DMark 2013 Fire Strike HD
3DMark 2013 Fire Strike HD
3DMark 06 Standard Score
27472 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
34941 points
3DMark 11 Performance
10997 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
147389 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
22905 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
8049 points
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score
4212 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Catalyst 13.9 sans Enduro
Catalyst 13.9 sans Enduro

Nearly all tested games are playable at 1080p60 with all graphical settings on maximum. The notable exceptions are Guild Wars 2 and Company of Heroes 2, both of which are extremely demanding of the GPU. Problems with the latter title are further compounded by its exceptionally poor support for SLI and CrossFireX as even a single HD 7970M can run the title at maximum 1080p settings at 22 FPS versus just 23 FPS on our dual-GPU setup. Supersampling in Guild Wars 2 is also one of the most taxing features as the supersized buffers suck up much of the bandwidth.

Compared to single GPU setups, the dual Radeon cards outclass even the GTX 780M by as much as 100 percent in some titles. Battlefield 3 and Sleeping Dogs on maximum settings, for example, run at 102 FPS and 62 FPS on the X7, respectively, while the average GTX 780M will run these titles at just 49 FPS and 31 FPS according to our database. Other titles like Metro: Last Light show much less of an improvement or in the case of Guild Wars 2, almost no improvement at all.

Gaming performance is more mixed when compared to systems with a GTX 680M SLI setup. Guild Wars 2 and Battlefield 3, for example, perform better on a Clevo P370EM with Nvidia equivalent hardware while Sleeping Dogs continue to favor the AMD cards by a wide margin. Though the raw FPS numbers aren’t impressive across the board over a similar GTX 680M SLI system, the AMD cards still win the power-per-cost battle.

As for micro stuttering, the phenomenon is barely perceptible as it manifests itself most significantly at lower frame rates. With nearly all titles well above 30 FPS at maximum settings, X7 owners should not be concerned about micro stutters when playing current titles, at least for now.

low med. high ultra
Battlefield 3 (2011) 151 142.2 102.2
Darksiders II (2012) 271 116
Sleeping Dogs (2012) 129.7 114.5 62.6
Guild Wars 2 (2012) 39 40
Dishonored (2012) 129 129 128
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) 249.6 219.8 152
Tomb Raider (2013) 388 284.4 126.5
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013) 160.1 140.1 60.6
BioShock Infinite (2013) 172.2 166.2 87.7
Metro: Last Light (2013) 100 84.9 53.2
GRID 2 (2013) 159.4 134.8 112.7
Company of Heroes 2 (2013) 57.4 49.3 23.2

Emissions

System Noise

50 mm CPU fan alongside the larger 60 mm GPU fan
50 mm CPU fan alongside the larger 60 mm GPU fan

The system utilizes three fans: one for the CPU and two for the two graphics cards, all with standalone rear exhaust vents and copper heat sinks. No two fans are identical in size despite having two identical graphics cards. The smallest fan in terms of diameter is the 50 mm CPU fan while both GPU fans are 60 mm each. The GPU fan closest to the CPU, however, is notably thicker than the other two.

Fan noise is always audible at a minimum of nearly 40 dB(A) when idling. In comparison, this range is typical of an Ultrabook at its loudest state. If idling on High Performance mode, fan noise will quickly kick up to about 42 dB(A). Light workloads such as browsing, word processing or video playback will thankfully not invoke anything higher than this range. Regardless, these very high idling fan noises are relatively loud even for a DTR when compared to the much less noisy MSI GX70/GS70, Asus G750JW, Qosmio X70 and Alienware M17x under the same idling conditions.

Gaming or other intense CPU and GPU loads will increase fan noise in a stepwise manner from the 40 to 42 dB(A) idling state to a measured 46.7 dB(A), 48.5 dB(A) and then finally to 54.1 dB(A). This very high maximum was only achieved under sustained full stress on both the CPU and GPU, so fan speed will instead hover around 46.7 dB(A) when gaming. Though noisy, the high 40 dB(A) range is typical of gaming DTRs and should be expected especially from a dual GPU setup. Its high idling noise, however, could use improvement.

Noise Level

Idle
39.8 / 40.2 / 40.4 dB(A)
DVD
42.5 / 48.5 dB(A)
Load
46.7 / 54.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   BK Precision 732A (15 cm distance)

Temperature

With three large and active fans, surface temperatures should hopefully be on the low side. Thankfully this is the case, at least for a bulky DTR with dual GPUs. Idling surface temperatures are more or less uniform across both the bottom and top surfaces with just a few degrees difference when moving towards the rear of the notebook. This confirms our temperature findings on the XMG P723 and One K73-3S, both of which share very similar internals to the X7. The low surface temperatures here during light loads are compared to the Alienware 18 and Asus G750JW where much steeper surface temperature gradients exist under similar conditions.

Running on maximum load resulted in an average temperature rise of about 5 degrees C on both the bottom and top surfaces with the warmest areas reaching about 41 degrees C. This is again quite low and even lower than some very thin Ultrabooks with inferior specs like the Vaio Pro 13 or ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Compared to Asus ROG or MSI models that only use single or double fans, the triple fan and heat sink setup on the X7 pays off with lower temperatures across the board. This same conclusion was drawn on the Alienware 18, XMG P723 and One K73-3S.

Max. Load
 34.2 °C
94 F
41.6 °C
107 F
35.8 °C
96 F
 
 33.6 °C
92 F
34.4 °C
94 F
34.8 °C
95 F
 
 30.6 °C
87 F
29.8 °C
86 F
28.4 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 41.6 °C = 107 F
Average: 33.7 °C = 93 F
41.2 °C
106 F
41.2 °C
106 F
40.2 °C
104 F
32.2 °C
90 F
34.2 °C
94 F
32.6 °C
91 F
28 °C
82 F
27.4 °C
81 F
27.8 °C
82 F
Maximum: 41.2 °C = 106 F
Average: 33.9 °C = 93 F
Power Supply (max.)  52.4 °C = 126 F | Room Temperature 24 °C = 75 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.7 °C / 93 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 41.6 °C / 107 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 41.2 °C / 106 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.8 °C / 84 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 30.6 °C / 87.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-1.7 °C / -3.1 F).

Stress Test

We use Prime95 and FurMark to stress the X7 with HWiNFO, CPU-Z and GPU-Z monitoring tools active in order to identify stability or throttling issues, if any. The system was set to maximum performance and connected to a power outlet for the duration of these tests.

With only Prime95 active, the i7-4930MX CPU was observed to be operating at a steady 3.4 GHz or 300 MHz less than the Turbo Boost clock rate for 4 active cores. After a few minutes, the core slowly dropped to a fluctuating 3.0 GHz to 3.4 GHz clock rate, but never below its base 3.0 GHz speed. Core temperature jumped to over 90 degrees C in mere seconds immediately after running Prime95.

With only FurMark active, the GPU was observed to be operating at a steady 850/1250 MHz for the core/memory according to GPU-Z. GPU Clock rates never dipped or increased while the GPU cores themselves topped out at 88 degrees C.

When both Prime95 and FurMark are active, system noise kicked to full gear (~54 dB(A)) and GPU temperatures actually dropped to a steady 82 degrees while CPU temperatures remained above 90 degrees. GPU clock rates were again unchanged at 850/1250 MHz, but CPU speeds were observed to be fluctuating between 3.0 GHz and 3.1 GHz. Very rarely did the CPU drop to 2.8 GHz, and even then for just a very short period of time before bouncing back up to 3 GHz or above. Because of this behavior, HWiNFO recorded throttling characteristics of the CPU. In comparison, the Asus G750JW can sustain its maximum rate without any issues, albeit with a lower-end i7-4700HQ CPU.

Though the X7 does experience very minor throttling, it is so short-lived that users should not feel any ill effects during everyday workloads. A 3DMark 11 benchmark immediately following the stress test resulted in no significant reductions in final GPU or CPU scores (12424 GPU points and 8692 Physics points pre-stress vs. 14073 GPU points and 8496 Physics points post stress).

Running solely on battery power will net much lower 3DMark 11 scores of just 3028 GPU points and 4996 Physics points even on High Performance. The stinted scores can be attributed to the reduced performance of the CPU and GPU when disconnected from an AC source. Both processors will operate at 1.8 GHz and 450/300 MHz, respectively, and not any higher. Having an available AC outlet in reach is highly recommended for any user intending to run demanding applications on the X7.

Prime95 stress
Prime95 stress
FurMark stress
FurMark stress
Full system stress
Full system stress

Speakers

Subwoofer dust cap is approximately 1.6 cm in diameter
Subwoofer dust cap is approximately 1.6 cm in diameter
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 provides a plethora of audio options
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 provides a plethora of audio options

Audio is provided by two 2.2 W ONKYO speakers and one 2.5 W subwoofer underneath the notebook. Like the P370SM before it, the same Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3 software handles the processing and output. The blue light bar in between the two main speakers will pulsate in response to sound, which can be helpful during games as a visual indicator for approaching enemies. It can, however, be a bit too much for basic music and movies and can thankfully be disabled.

Sound quality is otherwise identical and more details can be seen in the related P370SM review. In short, quality is more than satisfactory with plenty of options and filters from the Sound Blaster software. Users with external 5.1 or 7.1 sound systems can connect via the 3.5 mm headphone, S/PDIF or line-in ports.

Battery Life

The X7 is powered by a small-but-dense 5900 mAh (89.21 Wh)  8-cell Li-Ion removable battery. This module is nearly identical to that of the P370SM and is essentially equal in capacity to that of the MSI GX70 (87 Wh), Asus G750JW (88 Wh) and previous generation Alienware 17x (90 Wh). The capacity here is almost twice as much as the recently released Qosmio X70 (46 Wh), which suffers from very short runtimes as a result.

As expected, similar battery capacities between same-size notebooks of differing specifications do not lead to similar runtimes. With an idling (or maximum) runtime of only 3 hours at minimum brightness settings and inactive wireless under the Power Saver profile, the X7 unsurprisingly performs similarly to the P370SM, but is also significantly behind the MSI GX70 (7 hours), Asus G750JW (6.5 hours) and older Alienware M17x R4 (4 hours) under the same settings with the Battery Eater measurement tool. The large discrepancy in runtime can be attributed to the lack of Enduro on the X7, and so battery life will suffer as a result.

WLAN runtimes can be even shorter by up to an hour for about 2 hours of constant use. Despite this, we can’t imagine many users being upset with the battery life if they are considering a DTR of this size and power.

Minimum runtime (Classic Test)
Minimum runtime (Classic Test)
Maximum runtime (Reader's Test)
Maximum runtime (Reader's Test)
WLAN runtime
WLAN runtime
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
2h 57min
WiFi Surfing
2h 20min
DVD
2h 13min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 17min

Verdict

EUROCOM X7
EUROCOM X7

Configured with some of the most powerful mobile Haswell and GCN silicon money can buy, it is no surprise that our ~$3300 EUROCOM X7 sits atop a good handful of benchmarks in our database. Our configured model doesn’t even represent its maximum potential; the X7 can be equipped with dual SSDs in RAID 0 or dual GTX 780M GPUs for even higher numbers and an absurd amount of power.

That power comes at a cost – and not just literally – in terms of system noise and battery life. Idling noise could use improvement as competing notebooks of similar size are much quieter during lighter loads like movie playback, browsing or word processing. Battery life is low as well at just two to three hours or at least a couple of hours less than those same competing notebooks and overall performance will indeed drop by a large margin if not connected to an AC outlet. A lower maximum Turbo Boost than advertised under full stress is another drawback, although admittedly a picky criticism. In terms of hardware, the clickpad and outer lid could have offered better usability and rigidity, respectively. There are no options for an IPS/PLS display despite having a choice between glossy and matte.

Buyers who are aware of the drawbacks first will more appreciate what the notebook has to offer. In this case, power users are more likely to be apathetic towards many of the above negatives including battery life, noise or clickpad quality. Performance, longevity and configurability are arguably much more lucrative aspects in this particular DTR category and are without question the best characteristics of the X7.

Appendix

Battlefield 3 - 1920x1080 ultra AA:4x MS AF:16x (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
102.2 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
83.6 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
86.2 fps
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - 1920x1080 (Extra) High / On, FXAA AA:4xMS (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
152 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
148.6 fps
SCHENKER XMG U702
GeForce GTX 680M SLI, 3960X, Samsung 840 Series 500 GB (MZ-7TD500)
108.1 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
158.2 fps
Darksiders II - 1920x1080 2/4 Shadows, No Ambient Occlusion, AA:Low (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
116 fps
Sleeping Dogs - 1920x1080 Extreme Preset AA:Extreme (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
62.6 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
72.2 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
62.5 fps
Guild Wars 2 - 1920x1080 All Maximum / On AA:FX (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
40 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
54.3 fps
SCHENKER XMG U702
GeForce GTX 680M SLI, 3960X, Samsung 840 Series 500 GB (MZ-7TD500)
51.9 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
36.6 fps
Dishonored - 1920x1080 High / On, FOV: 75 AA:FX (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
128 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
130 fps
SCHENKER XMG U702
GeForce GTX 680M SLI, 3960X, Samsung 840 Series 500 GB (MZ-7TD500)
130 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
128.2 fps
Tomb Raider - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
126.5 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
130.1 fps
Asus G750JH-T4080H
GeForce GTX 780M, 4700HQ, Liteonit LMT-256M6S
64.4 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
126 fps
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm - 1920x1080 Ultra / Extreme AA:on (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
60.6 fps
BioShock Infinite - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
87.7 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
94.5 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
86.1 fps
Metro: Last Light - 1920x1080 Very High (DX11) AF:16x (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
53.2 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
53.7 fps
Asus G750JH-T4080H
GeForce GTX 780M, 4700HQ, Liteonit LMT-256M6S
34.9 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
53 fps
GRID 2 - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
112.7 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
93.2 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
110.3 fps
Company of Heroes 2 - 1920x1080 Maximum / Higher / High AA:High (sort by value)
Eurocom X7
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4930MX, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3
23.2 fps
Alienware 18
GeForce GTX 780M SLI, 4930MX, Samsung SSD SM841 512GB
20.7 fps
Asus G750JH-T4080H
GeForce GTX 780M, 4700HQ, Liteonit LMT-256M6S
22.8 fps
One K73-3S
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, 4800MQ, Samsung SSD 840 500GB MZ7TD512HAGM
23.2 fps
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In Review: EUROCOM X7
In Review: EUROCOM X7

Specifications

Eurocom X7 (X Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire - 4 GB VRAM, Core: 900 MHz, Memory: 1250 MHz, 015.036.000.005
Memory
16 GB 
, Dual-Channel 800 MHz 11-11-11-28
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, TN LED, Name: AU Optronics B173HW01 V5, Hardware ID: AUO159D, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM87 (Lynx Point)
Storage
Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3, 120 GB 
Soundcard
Intel Lynx Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, Audio Connections: 1x external 7.1CH audio output, 1x headphone-out, 1x microphone-in, 1x S/PDIF and Line-in port, Card Reader: 9-in-1 MMC/RSMMC/SD/miniSD/SDHC/SDXC/MS/MS Pro/MS Duo, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-AC 7260 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SN-208DB
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 55 x 419 x 295 ( = 2.17 x 16.5 x 11.61 in)
Battery
89 Wh Lithium-Ion, 5900 mAh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2M FHD 1920x1080 30fps w/ Samsung HD sensor
Additional features
Speakers: 2x ONKYO 2.2 W + 1x subwoofer 2.5 W , Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Device drivers, utilities and user's manual disc, CyberLink Media Suite 8 disc, LCD calibration disc, Concise user's guide, cleaning cloth , TPM 1.2, Sentelic 9.4.3.7 R2, Thunderbolt Software, Protector Suite 2012, Sound Blaster X-Fi MB3, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
4.15 kg ( = 146.39 oz / 9.15 pounds), Power Supply: 1.4 kg ( = 49.38 oz / 3.09 pounds)
Price
2450 Euro

 

The X7 for about $3200 as configured in this review model
The X7 for about $3200 as configured in this review model
Like other Eurocom models, the chassis is based off of a Clevo design. In this case, the X7 uses the P375SM barebones
Like other Eurocom models, the chassis is based off of a Clevo design. In this case, the X7 uses the P375SM barebones
The logo and gray color tone of the case surface remain largely unchanged from previous models
The logo and gray color tone of the case surface remain largely unchanged from previous models
Can be configured with an i7-4700MQ up to an i7-4930MX
Can be configured with an i7-4700MQ up to an i7-4930MX
Matte and glossy screen options are available
Matte and glossy screen options are available
The rear red LED lights are admittedly very cool without being eccentric
The rear red LED lights are admittedly very cool without being eccentric
Edges and corners are stylized for a sharper and less boxy look compared to previous models
Edges and corners are stylized for a sharper and less boxy look compared to previous models
Even so, the X7 is certainly a thick notebook at 54.8 mm at the rear end
Even so, the X7 is certainly a thick notebook at 54.8 mm at the rear end
Chrome rear vents add another layer of visual flare
Chrome rear vents add another layer of visual flare
No VGA port for legacy monitors
No VGA port for legacy monitors
No USB ports on the left side of the notebook
No USB ports on the left side of the notebook
Strong hinges despite the small size and large screen
Strong hinges despite the small size and large screen
Available Thunderbolt port and even an eSATA
Available Thunderbolt port and even an eSATA
Corners are actually quite sharp!
Corners are actually quite sharp!
In contrast to the smooth and slightly rubberized outer lid, the palm rest surface is rough to the touch
In contrast to the smooth and slightly rubberized outer lid, the palm rest surface is rough to the touch
Base is rigid and does not warp from moderate pressure or twisting
Base is rigid and does not warp from moderate pressure or twisting
Power button will glow when powered on
Power button will glow when powered on
Display bezel feels thin, but fortunately does not degrade overall case quality
Display bezel feels thin, but fortunately does not degrade overall case quality
Dual 2.2 Watt ONKYO speakers next to the hinges
Dual 2.2 Watt ONKYO speakers next to the hinges
Light bar between the speakers and a narrow glossy finish for additional visual appeal
Light bar between the speakers and a narrow glossy finish for additional visual appeal
Screen rated for 300 nits and 500:1 contrast ratio
Screen rated for 300 nits and 500:1 contrast ratio
Rear webcam in addition to a front-facing 2 MP 1080p camera
Rear webcam in addition to a front-facing 2 MP 1080p camera
Blue light bar will pulsate in response to system audio
Blue light bar will pulsate in response to system audio
Rear red lights don't look all that different from car lights
Rear red lights don't look all that different from car lights
Like most other Clevo-based systems, the keyboard backlight is split into 3 sections with multiple color options
Like most other Clevo-based systems, the keyboard backlight is split into 3 sections with multiple color options
Beveled layout with full-size keys that are slightly rough to the touch
Beveled layout with full-size keys that are slightly rough to the touch
Base bottom with an excessive number of vents for cooling and airflow
Base bottom with an excessive number of vents for cooling and airflow
Optical drive can be removed or configured with an HDD
Optical drive can be removed or configured with an HDD
Large rubber feet ensure unhindered ventilation through the bottom grilles when on a flat surface
Large rubber feet ensure unhindered ventilation through the bottom grilles when on a flat surface
2.5 Watt subwoofer sits next to the WLAN card and a GPU fan
2.5 Watt subwoofer sits next to the WLAN card and a GPU fan
Bottom cover can be easily removed after a few Philips screws
Bottom cover can be easily removed after a few Philips screws
mSATA slot, 2x SODIMM slots, both MXM 3.0 GPU slots, WLAN card, CPU and all 3 system fans are accessible
mSATA slot, 2x SODIMM slots, both MXM 3.0 GPU slots, WLAN card, CPU and all 3 system fans are accessible
Each processing unit has its own individual fan, heat sink, and rear ventilation grilles
Each processing unit has its own individual fan, heat sink, and rear ventilation grilles
Despite the identical GPUs, their fans are not the same size
Despite the identical GPUs, their fans are not the same size
The GPU cooling system is larger than the CPU as usual for DTRs
The GPU cooling system is larger than the CPU as usual for DTRs
Removable Li-Ion battery provides 5900 mAh and 89.21 WHr of power
Removable Li-Ion battery provides 5900 mAh and 89.21 WHr of power
The power adapter is massive at 20 x 10 x 4 cm in size
The power adapter is massive at 20 x 10 x 4 cm in size
User's guide, drivers disc, CyberLink Media Suite 8 disc, and cleaning cloth come standard. LCD calibration disc is optional
User's guide, drivers disc, CyberLink Media Suite 8 disc, and cleaning cloth come standard. LCD calibration disc is optional

Similar Laptops

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Review One K73-3S (Clevo P370SM) Notebook
Radeon HD 8970M Crossfire, Core i7 4800MQ

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Eurocom Raptor X17 laptop review: The MSI and Asus ROG alternative
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, Raptor Lake-HX i9-13900HX, 17.30", 3.471 kg
Eurocom Nightsky TXi317 laptop review: 125 W GeForce RTX 3080 Ti speedster
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU, Alder Lake-S i7-12700H, 17.30", 2.879 kg
Eurocom Raptor X15 review: LGA1700 Core i7-12700K in a laptop
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU, Alder Lake-S i7-12700K, 15.60", 2.72 kg
Eurocom RX315 laptop review: The MSI GS66 Stealth alternative
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, Tiger Lake i7-11800H, 15.60", 2.003 kg
Running an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X on a laptop: Eurocom Nightsky ARX15 review
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, Vermeer (Ryzen 5000) R9 5900X, 15.60", 2.64 kg

Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Compare Prices

Pros

+One of the highest synthetic benchmark scores in our database
+Excellent end-user upgradeability
+Excellent in both gaming and general performance
+5x drive bays (2x mSATA, 2x 2.5-inch SATA, 1x ODD)
+Numerous configurable options including a matte or glossy display
+Color space covers >95 percent of sRGB
+Strong base construction
+Relatively low surface temperatures considering the hardware
+Surround 5.1/7.1, wireless-ac support and Thunderbolt Port
+New lights are easy to the eyes without being eccentric
 

Cons

-Cannot sustain maximum CPU Turbo Boost at maximum loads
-Center of outer lid is susceptible to pressure
-No USB ports on the left-hand side
-Loud fan noise even when idling
-No native support for VGA-out
-Very large power adapter
-Poorly designed clickpad
-Bulky and heavy
-Short battery life
-No Enduro

Shortcut

What we like

Extreme performance with one of the fastest Intel Haswell CPUs paired with the most powerful AMD graphics currently available. Easy expandability and upgradeability with Thunderbolt support.

What we'd like to see

A more rigid outer lid, a left-hand USB port and quieter idling noise. Enduro implementation would also be a plus for battery life and power consumption only if will not hinder the performance of the discrete GPUs.

What surprises us

Lots of expandable drive bays and a choice between glossy or matte or SLI or CrossFireX.

The competition

Alienware 17/ 18 

Asus G750JW/ JX/ JH

iBuyPower Valkyrie CZ-17

Maingear Nomad 17

MSI GS70/ GT70/ GE70

One K73-3S

Schenker XMG P723

Toshiba Qosmio X70

Rating

Eurocom X7 - 03/18/2014 v4(old)
Allen Ngo

Chassis
71 / 98 → 72%
Keyboard
81%
Pointing Device
72%
Connectivity
86 / 81 → 100%
Weight
48 / 10-66 → 68%
Battery
69%
Display
80%
Games Performance
99%
Application Performance
87%
Temperature
82 / 95 → 86%
Noise
44 / 90 → 49%
Audio
80%
Average
75%
82%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Allen Ngo, 2013-10- 1 (Update: 2013-10- 3)