Notebookcheck Logo

Review Samsung Series 7 Gamer 700G7A Notebook

Attack on the gaming elite. Alienware and Asus have to watch out: Samsung presents a serious opponent for the gaming leaders, M17x and G74SX, called 700G7A. In addition to high-end components (Radeon HD 6970M) and good equipment (Blu-Ray drive), the 17 inch laptop has an illuminated keyboard. So, nothing can go wrong, or?
Samsung 700G7A

What do you think of when you hear the name Samsung? An office notebook? Or maybe a multimedia notebook? That's not surprising because Samsung has sooner kept away from the highly competitive gaming range in the past. But that is history with now. The Series 7 Gamer 700G7A represents a serious opponent for the 17 inch leaders, Alienware M17x and Asus G74SX .

Asus has to admit defeat in view of components. Intel's quad core processor, Core i7-2630QM, will unlikely knock anyone's socks off in 2011. An ultimate high-end graphics card, such as the installed AMD Radeon HD 6970M, is hardly ever found in portable devices due to their enormous cooling requirements, though. A 16 GB RAM and a hard disk capacity of 1.5 TB (2x 750 GB) also deserves praise.

In line with the Full HD screen, Samsung also builds in a Blu-Ray combo drive that can burn both CDs and DVDs. The 64 bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium serves as the operating system. The tested NP-700G7A-S02DE is currently sold for 1779€ (RRP: 1999€). 

The Britsh model, NP-700G7A-S01UK, is a bit cheaper. It only has an eight GB DDR3 RAM, but has the approximately 7% stronger Core i7-2670QM. Price: just under 1700€.

Case

Sensitive high-gloss lid
Sensitive high-gloss lid

Although the 700G7A gives a convincing show in terms of quality, the case can't quite hold a candle to the top models of Asus or Alienware. The wrist rests made in aluminum looks make a high quality impression, but the glossy and thus extremely sensitive display lid practically shouts out: plastic. 

The notebook looks rather reserved in a deactivated state. Dark colors are dominant. Small details like the dotted display bezel or the glass loudspeaker bar at least pep up the looks a bit. Nevertheless, the design doesn't win any awards for innovation. The design partly seems inspired by Alienware. 

Despite the plastic surfaces, the laptop has quite an impressive feel. The workmanship also proves to be good, whereby irregular material transitions can be detected when examining the laptop closer. Basically, the case is fairly squarish, which won't appeal to every user.

On the other hand, the stable base unit deserves respect. It yields insignificantly even under stronger pressure. In return, the lid can be warped evidently with both hands - a common notebook phenomenon. The hinges do a good job. The base unit only lifts marginally when opened.

One of the biggest flaws is the high total weight. The 17 inch laptop almost weighs four kilograms including the battery. Transportation is rather cumbersome in combination with the bulky dimensions (height over five centimeters). The notebook feels most comfortable at home on the desk - key word: Desktop replacement.

Connectivity

Transcend StoreJet TS500GSJ25D3 USB 3.0 HDD (500 GB)
USB 3.0 performance

Interfaces

Since Samsung doesn't install an ExpressCard slot or eSATA, respectively a FireWire port, the connectivity isn't perfect. Customers should be able to expect all possible interfaces in a notebook for almost 2000€. 

Regardless of that, the 17 inch laptop boasts with two sound ports, four USB ports (2 USB 3.0s) and three image outs (VGA, HDMI & display port). A Kensington lock, card reader (seven formats) and RJ45 Gigabit LAN port are also on board. While the front doesn't have any interfaces, the rear is occupied by the battery and fan outlets. 

In our opinion, the placement of interfaces is suboptimal. Samsung has placed the majority on the left, which could perturb left-handed users when using a mouse.

Wireless Communication

An Intel wireless module is used. The Centrino Advanced N 6230 (two antennas, 2.4 & 5.0 GHz) supports WLAN a/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0.

Left: Kensington lock, power, RJ45, Gigabit LAN, VGA, HDMI, display port, 2 USB 3.0s, 7in1 card reader, microphone, headphone
Left: Kensington lock, power, RJ45, Gigabit LAN, VGA, HDMI, display port, 2 USB 3.0s, 7in1 card reader, microphone, headphone
Right: USB 2.0, Blu-Ray drive, USB 2.0
Right: USB 2.0, Blu-Ray drive, USB 2.0
Installed software
Installed software

Software

Samsung opts for a happy medium in terms of software. The user will find the one or other superfluous program, but the notebook isn't really stuffed. In addition to Media Suite by CyberLink (PowerDVD 10 can play Blu-Rays) and the practical EasySettings tool (more about that in the Chronos 700Z5A review), the Game Mode's gaming tool would be mentioned here. Among other things, the screen's colors can be enhanced, the keyboard light can be adjusted and the touchpad or Windows key can be disabled.

Supplies

The scope of delivery is also impressive. Besides a strong 8 cell battery (442 grams) and a thick 200 watt power adapter (830 grams), the buyer will discover several info folders, a system software media DVD and a recovery DVD. A corresponding disk is missing by most competitive products.

Warranty

The warranty usually adds up to 24 months. However, Samsung offers an extension up to three or four years within the first 90 days of purchase.

Game Mode
Game Mode
Game Mode
Game Mode
Game Mode
Samsung 700G7A's Game Mode

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keyboard looks a lot like the Alienware M17x's in many ways. Thus, the matt and 17x17 millimeter big keys have an agreeably soft typing noise and adequate (even if not particularly quiet or high quality) typing noise. The layout is flawless and the user is perfectly accustomed within the shortest time.

Samsung has installed a few touch-sensitive surfaces between both loudspeakers. They are for volume control and disabling/enabling the wireless module as well as light. Yes, that's right: Samsung has given the 700G7A a chic light which allows working conveniently in complete darkness. While the keyboard has a white light in the three standard operating modes (can be set via a dial), the keys light up in red (WASD) or blue in gaming mode.

Illumination
Illumination
Illumination
Samsung 700G7A's illumination

Touchpad

The touchpad can also reap in a good score. One of the biggest bonus points is the generous size: 103x55 millimeters are more than sufficient. The fairly smooth surface also proves to have a good gliding quality. 

Beyond that, there is also the multi-touch capability on the pro side. Various gestures can be implemented with two or three fingers. If single-finger scrolling is preferred, it's possible to enable conventional scroll bars for the edges in the touchpad driver. The touchpad responded reliably over long distances. We merely noticed the loud click noise of the otherwise good mouse keys adversely.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Touchpad
Touchpad

Display

Unsurprisingly, Samsung builds in a glossy and LED backlit Full HD screen in a 16:9 format. 1920x1080 pixels are increasingly becoming standard in the 17 inch field. As our gaming benchmarks show, AMD's Radeon HD 6970M usually copes well with the higher resolution.

305
cd/m²
315
cd/m²
314
cd/m²
318
cd/m²
343
cd/m²
319
cd/m²
325
cd/m²
340
cd/m²
327
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Samsung 173HT02-C01 tested with Gossen Mavo-Monitor
Maximum: 343 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 322.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 343 cd/m²
Contrast: 953:1 (Black: 0.36 cd/m²)63.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
85.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.6% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

Talking about good: The picture quality is definitely impressive. Samsung's own 173HT02-C01 screen not only delights with a great brightness: About 323 cd/m2 is an excellent rate (an average screen has around 200 cd/m2). The illumination of 89% is also good. 

Together with the fairly low black value, all kinds of media can develop their atmosphere freely: 0.36 cd/m2 ensures a crisp black. The colors are also appealing. Pictures, games and movies make a very brilliant impression. This is not least due to the excellent contrast: Hardly any device achieves 953:1. The up to date frame rate also deserves praise (120 Hz).

Samsung 700G7A vs. sRGB (grid)
Samsung 700G7A vs. sRGB (grid)
Samsung 700G7A vs. MacBook Pro 17 (grid)
Samsung 700G7A vs. MacBook Pro 17 (grid)
Samsung 700G7A vs. AdobeRGB (grid)
Samsung 700G7A vs. AdobeRGB (grid)

It's no problem to use the 17 inch laptop outdoors thanks to its enormous brightness. Despite the reflections and the hence resulting reflections, it is possible to recognize the screen content even in brighter sunlight. However, only few users will haul the 700G7A outside due to the high weight.

Outdoors
Outdoors
Samsung 700G7A in outdoor use

There's hardly any reason for complaint in terms of viewing angles. The image hardly changes even in larger deviations horizontally. There is only a certain room for improvement when looking up from below vertically.

Viewing angles: Samsung 700G7A
Viewing angles: Samsung 700G7A

Performance

Turbo Boost
Turbo Boost

Processor: Intel Core i7-2630QM

The processor is definitely not a stranger to savvy users: Manufacturers like to use Intel's Core i7-2630QM a lot. The quad core, based on the efficient Sandy Bridge architecture, standardly runs with 2.00 GHz. However, it can automatically be overclocked to a maximum of 2.90 GHz with support from the Turbo Boost function.

But the Core i7-2630QM doesn't manage quite as much in practical use. While the processor clocks with 2.7 - 2.8 GHz when a single core was fully loaded, it usually was 2.6 GHz when all cores were working to capacity (according to the Intel tool). Another feature is the so-called Hyper Threading technology. Thanks to the simulation of four virtual cores, the Intel CPU can process eight threads simultaneously. However, the benefits of Hyper Threading are still very limited in games.

Beyond that, the Core i7-2630QM owes its high performance to the 995 million transistors and the six MB L3 cache. The CPU is manufactured in a 32 nm process and the thermal design is 45 watts (Core i5 range: max. 35 watt TDP). Unfortunately, the embedded graphics chip, HD Graphics 3000, isn't available in the 700G7A because Samsung hasn't implemented a GPU switch.

System info CPUZ CPU
System info CrystalDiskMark
System info HDTune
System info HWiNFO
System info GPUZ
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ Cache
DPC Latency: Partly high rates when FN functions are used
System information: Samsung 700G7A

CPU Performance

There aren't any unpleasant surprises in the CPU benchmarks. 4500 points in the single core rendering of Cinebench R10 64 bit and 16816 points in the multi core rendering correspond to the results of other notebooks equipped with a Core i7-2630QM. The Asus G74SX-91079V, for example, reached 4557, respectively 17013 points. The CPU won't likely become a limiting factor in the next few years. When a game stutters, then it's usually because of the graphics card.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3631
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
13821
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
7930
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
4500 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
16816 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
8235 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
55.3 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
5 Points
Help
GPU info
GPU info

Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6970M

Unlike most competitors, Samsung relies on AMD for the graphics card. Instead of launching the 100th notebook with Nvidia's GeForce GTX 560M, the manufacturer has opted for the Radeon HD 6970M. A good choice since the AMD graphics card can score with a fair price-performance ratio. 

Alike the stronger brother, Radeon HD 6990M, the HD 6970M is manufactured in a 40nm process. The family members have a resemblance in other aspects. Thus, both graphic cards have 1700 million transistors and a 2048 MB GDDR5 video memory that has a 256 MB bus and clocks with 900 MHz (memory band width: 115.2 GB/s). However, the core only runs with 680 rather than 715 MHz. Moreover, the shader unit count is lower (960 rather than 1120). In order to tickle the most out of the Radeon HD 6970M, we updated the GPU driver before executing the benchmarks (Catalyst 11.10).

AMD falls slightly behind Nvidia in features. On the one hand, the 3D technology, HD3D, is inferior to Nvidia's 3D Vision counterpart. On the other, the Radeons lack an established method of GPU based physics acceleration like Nvidia has with PhysX. The majority of gamers can easily live without these technologies, though. DirectX11 support is decisive here. A HD audio controller and HD video decoder is also standard in graphic cards in the meantime.

5.9
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.4
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
7.6
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
7.6
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
7.6
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.9

GPU Performance

In terms of performance, the Radeon HD 6970M lines in between the high-end models, GeForce GTX 570M and Radeon HD 6990M. An example? In the Unigine Heaven 2.1 benchmark (1280x1024, high, default tessellation), the 700G7A calculates 4% faster, with 33.7 fps, than DevilTech's Fragbook (32.4 fps), but 8% slower than our test configuration of Schenker's XMG P701 PRO (36.6 fps). 

The distance to the GeForce GTX 570M increases evidently in 3DMark 11, also based on DirectX 11, (1280x720, performance settings, GPU score). The Radeon HD 6970M has a clear lead of 34% with 2874 to 2141 points. In the meantime, the Radeon HD 6990M is the clear winner with 3227 points (+12%). Note: Nvidia's wickedly expensive top model, GeForce GTX 580M, is about on par with the Radeon HD 6990M technically.

3DMark 03 Standard
56921 points
3DMark 05 Standard
22213 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
17634 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
12585 points
3DMark 11 Performance
3143 points
Help

Hard Disk

Strictly speaking, the gamer, 700G7A is equipped with three hard disks. One of them, namely the small eight GB SanDisk iSSD P4, is to speed up booting, like in the recently reviewed Chronos 700Z5A, among other things. Samsung calls this technology Express Cache. Unlike the Chronos 700Z5A, we didn't notice a significant difference, though. 

Regardless of that, two 750 GB, 7200 rpm fast HDDs from Hitachi (HTS727575A9E) also wait under the hood. Their performance is above average for HDD conditions. While we determine a sequential read and write rate of 113 MB/s with the tool CrystalDiskMark, the tool HDTune recorded an average access rate of 16.7 MB/s (Windows partition). 

In comparison: A normal 5400 HDD settles to just below 80 MB/s. RAM and hard disk can be accessed directly via a maintenance cover. To access the fan, graphics card or processor, the entire case has to be disassembled.

Hitachi Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E
Transfer Rate Minimum: 48.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 110.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 90.9 MB/s
Access Time: 16.7 ms
Burst Rate: 79.5 MB/s

System Performance

Since the 17 inch laptop has to manage without a modern SSD disk, the system performance doesn't exactly set new standards: Many laptops achieve 8591 points in PCMark Vantage. Despite the relevantly weaker GeForce GTX 560M, the Asus G74SX-91079V achieved an equally good result in the test (8553 points). According to the author's experience, over 10000 points are first possible with a solid state drive. In return, the 700G7A can set itself apart from the G74SX-91079V by 12% with 2786 to 2490 points.

PCMark Vantage Result
8591 points
PCMark 7 Score
2786 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Wie wir testen - Leistung

The Radeon HD 6970M could prove its gaming capabilities in six current tracks.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The 2011 fall season of games has reached its absolute peak with Anno 2070, Battlefield 3 and Skyrim. Although the newest episode of the Elder Scrolls series shows various weaknesses in details (menus, controls, story, animations, etc.), the role game is hailed by press and gamers for the most part. 

The Radeon HD 6970M is just strong enough to render Skyrim with the maximum graphics options. The calculation heavy carriage ride at the beginning of the single player was reproduced with an average of 30.6 fps when 1920x1080 pixels and the setting "Ultra" (8x AA & 16x AF) was used. The game partly runs a lot smoother depending on the surroundings.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080Ultra Preset, 8xAA, 16xAF30.6 fps
 1366x768High Preset, 8xAA, 8xAF40.8 fps
 1366x768Medium Preset, 4xAA48.4 fps
 1280x720Low Preset51.5 fps

Anno 2070

We used the free demo version of Anno 2070. The intro video of the first campaign mission served as the benchmark sequence, which is about equal to flying over a larger settlement in terms of graphical requirements. The 29.7 fps that we determined in 1920x10080 pixels and the settings very high (AA on, 4x AF) is enough for a building strategy game. The Medion Erazer X7813 (Core i7-2670QM & GeForce GTX 560M) had to be satisfied with 20.1 fps.

Anno 2070
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080Very High Preset, on AA, 4xAF29.7 fps
 1366x768High Preset, on AA, 2xAF58.6 fps
 1366x768Medium Preset, on AA97.1 fps
 1024x768Low Preset207.8 fps

Battlefield 3

The popular multi-player offshoot from the developer DICE belongs to the visually most impressive PC representatives beside Crysis 2. Sharp textures fused with a very far view and a credible illumination: That is Battlefield 3. Such eloquent graphics naturally wants to be fueled appropriately. Those hoping for maximum settings will unfortunately be disappointed. 1920x1080 pixels and the setting Ultra (4x MSAA & 16x AF) overtax the Radeon HD 6790M beyond measure. 19 fps are too little for a fist person shooter. In return, Battlefield 3 can be played perfectly with high details and 1600x900 pixels (45.7 fps @ 1366x768).

Battlefield 3
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080ultra, 4x MSAA, 16xAF19 fps
 1366x768high, -AA, 16xAF45.7 fps
 1366x768medium, -AA, 4xAF58.8 fps
 1024x768low, -AA, 2xAF84.3 fps

Fifa 12

EA’s successful soccer simulation only lets the Radeon HD 6970M smile wearily. Even with high details, four time antialiasing and a resolution of 1920x1080, the frame rate settled to over 100 fps. Although the frame rate dropped massively in close-ups, Fifa 12 was always displayed smoothly on the screen. Even a midrange GPU on a par with the GeForce GT 540M would suffice for the aforesaid settings.

Fifa 12
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080high, 4xAA135.7 fps
 1360x768high, 2xAA176.3 fps
 1024x768medium215.9 fps
 800x600low377.1 fps

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Despite the somewhat older technology, Deus Ex 3 demands a powerful high-end accelerator in maximum details. We measured 45.1 fps in the native resolution with 16x anisotropic filtering, high quality MLAA and enabled DirectX 11. Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 570M would have had a considerably harder time with these settings (32.4 fps @ DevilTech Fragbook). Or in different words: Users are first on the safe side with a Radeon HD 6970M in Deus Ex 3.

Deus Ex Human Revolution
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080DX11, Soft Shadows, SSAO High, DOF: High, Post Processing, Tessellation, MLAA, 16xAF45.1 fps
 1366x768DX11, Shadows, SSAO, DOF: Normal, Post Processing, Tessellation, Simple Edge AA, 4xAF102.7 fps
 1024x768DX9, All Off, Trilinear AF174.7 fps

F1 2011

Finally, we’d like to present the result of the current Formula 1 reference, F1 2011. Very high details (incl. DirectX 11), quadruple antialiasing and 1920x1080 pixels were no problem for the Radeon HD 6970M. The built-in benchmark showed an average of 45 fps. It can be generally said that at least a GeForce GTX 560M should be installed in the notebook in order to enjoy F1 2011 in its whole beauty (34 fps @ Medion Erazer X7813).

F1 2011
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1920x1080Ultra Preset DX11, 4xMSAA45 fps
 1366x768High Preset DX11, 2xMSAA71 fps
 1024x768Medium Preset DX985 fps
 800x600Ultra Low Preset DX9131 fps

Gaming Performance Verdict

Apart from a few extreme cases, such as Metro 2033, Crysis 2 or Battlefield 3, the latest games can be played with all settings turned up to full. High graphics settings hardly ever let the Radeon HD 6970M falter. The majority of competitor products have to admit defeat in a direct comparison. Quality enhancements, such as antialiasing, and the native resolution are also almost always possible.

In short: Avid gamers get just the right fare with the 700G7A. Users who are looking for the maximum performance presently won’t get around the current leaders, Radeon HD 6990M or GeForce GTX 580M, which both fight for an advantage of about 15%. Note: The Radeon HD 6970M would only be an upper midrange model in the desktop division, and moves approximately on the level of a GeForce GTX 460M 768 MB.

low med. high ultra
Deus Ex Human Revolution (2011) 174.7 102.7 45.1
F1 2011 (2011) 131 85 71 45
Fifa 12 (2011) 377.1 215.9 176.3 135.7
Battlefield 3 (2011) 84.3 58.8 45.7 19
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) 51.5 48.4 40.8 30.6
Anno 2070 (2011) 207.8 97.1 58.6 29.7

Emissions

System Noise

We would classify the emissions as average. Users should definitely make use of Silent Mode to keep the noise development in idle mode and undemanding tasks, such as office or Internet, within limits (EasySetting tool/General). The laptop is already well audible in idle mode without Silent Mode.

On the other hand, both case fans are very audible when the 17 inch device is faced with computing heavy applications. Users who mainly play genres with a present soundscape (e.g. first person shooters) won’t likely find the fans disturbing. The Asus G74SX should be looked at closer if great value is put on the lowest possible noise development.

Noise Level

Idle
33.9 / 34 / 34 dB(A)
HDD
33.6 dB(A)
DVD
35.3 / dB(A)
Load
39.6 / 43.3 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)
Stress test (Furmark & Prime)
Stress test

Temperature

The temperatures are also not outstanding. The notebook’s top primarily heats up during load; we could measure just below 50°C in the area of the left speaker. The WSAD area, important for gamers, reached a maximum of 42°C. Our thermometer still recorded 37°C on the wrist rest. Consequently, longer gaming sessions could get unpleasant for some users. The case remained noticeably cooler in idle mode; an average of 30°C on the top and bottom are fairly acceptable.

The innards also leave a mixed impression in the stress test (Furmark & Prime). Although we didn’t notice single components throttling, the CPU and GPU reached up to 90°C. However, it never crashed and every benchmark was finished perfectly. What it will look like in a few years when the fans have gathered dust is, of course, questionable.

Max. Load
 48 °C
118 F
42 °C
108 F
38.5 °C
101 F
 
 42 °C
108 F
43 °C
109 F
31.6 °C
89 F
 
 27.6 °C
82 F
36.6 °C
98 F
29.3 °C
85 F
 
Maximum: 48 °C = 118 F
Average: 37.6 °C = 100 F
36.9 °C
98 F
36.9 °C
98 F
32.8 °C
91 F
25.5 °C
78 F
33.7 °C
93 F
33.9 °C
93 F
25.6 °C
78 F
32.6 °C
91 F
27 °C
81 F
Maximum: 36.9 °C = 98 F
Average: 31.7 °C = 89 F
Power Supply (max.)  44.7 °C = 112 F | Room Temperature 21.5 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 37.6 °C / 100 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 48 °C / 118 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 36.9 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.9 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 36.6 °C / 97.9 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-7.7 °C / -13.9 F).
Dolby Home Theater v4
Dolby Home Theater v4

Speakers

The installed 2.1 system (two speakers & a subwoofer) emit a quite good sound when Dolby Home Theater is enabled. Games, movies and music come well into their own even without an external system. We liked the high maximum volume most. Thus, sitting at larger distance from the speakers isn’t a problem.

In return, we have to criticize the somewhat unclear playback of high pitches and vocals. The sound seems noticeably fainter and quieter without Dolby Home Theater. The 700G7A generally can't compete with the sound quality of an Asus N75SF, a Dell XPS 17 or a Toshiba Qosmio X770. The circles beside the speakers, which light up in red during sound activity, could get annoying in the long run. 

Battery Life

The biggest disadvantage of powerful components is the steep power consumption. 127 watts in 3DMark 06 and 175 watts in full load are about twice as much as in a premium multimedia laptop. The 17 inch HP Pavilion dv7-6101eg (Core i5-2410M & Radeon HD 6770M) was content with 63, respectively 83 watts, for example. The idle consumption also proved to be fairly high.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.9 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 32.7 / 42.5 / 47.6 Watt
Load midlight 127.1 / 175.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC-940
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.
Maximum battery life (Reader's Test)
Reader's Test
Minimum battery life (Classic Test)
Classic Test

As to be expected in view of the strong hardware, the laptop can’t score in battery life. The notebook only lasted for 56 minutes in Battery Eater’s Classic Test with maximum brightness and disabled energy saving mechanisms (Gaming Mode). Box office hits also shouldn’t be considered. 74 minutes are just enough for three episodes of a favorite TV series (Balanced Mode).

Fun won’t develop in view of only 1.5 hours of wireless Internet surfing, either (Library Mode). An acceptable battery life can be reckoned with only when the brightness is reduced to minimum and the maximum energy saving options are selected. The screen first turned black after three hours in Battery Eater’s Reader’s Test (Green Mode).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 00min
WiFi Surfing
1h 36min
DVD
1h 14min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 56min

Verdict

Samsung Series 7 Gamer 700G7A (Picture: Samsung)
Samsung Series 7 Gamer 700G7A

Samsung has achieved creating a pretty good gaming laptop with the 700G7A. The manufacturer tries to stand out from the competition in more than one point. For example, the chic keyboard illumination that will likely be appreciated by nocturnal persons immediately. Thanks to the Blu-Ray player, 1500 GB of hard disk capacity and lavish 16 GB of DDR3 RAM, the equipment is also exciting.

Then there are the nifty ideas, such as the handy "Dial Jog" knob and its four different operating modes (Gaming, Balanced, Library & Green). The high picture quality and the great inputs endorse the claim of being a desktop replacement. There’s nothing to complain about in terms of performance: AMD's Radeon HD 6970M easily deals with most current games. The GeForce GTX 560M frequently built into notebooks doesn’t stand a chance against AMD’s high-end model.

Temperature development, noise emissions and speakers are in the midfield in the meantime. Although the workmanship is very convincing and the case’s stability is also all right, the material feel nevertheless lags behind the opponents, Asus G74SX and Alienware M17x. In particular, the plastic lid mars the luxury image.

Users shouldn’t expect too much from the battery life. The laptop is drained after not even two hours of practical use - and that despite the 8 cell battery (89 Wh). The power hungry, but especially fast AMD graphics card is primarily the reason for that.

Overall, the 700G7A deserves a place among the gaming elite. The drawbacks are kept within limits. Samsung has finally a suitable product for avid gamers in its range. Clevo’s P170HM barebone (e.g. see Schenker XMG P701 PRO) would be named as a technically equal, though more conservative looking alternative, here.

By courtesy of ...
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review: Samsung 700G7A
In Review: Samsung 700G7A, by courtesy of:

Specifications

Samsung 700G7A (Series 7 Series)
Processor
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon HD 6970M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 680 MHz, Memory: 900 MHz, GDDR5-VRAM, Catalyst 11.10
Memory
16 GB 
, 4x 4096 MB DDR3-RAM (1333 MHz)
Display
17.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, Samsung 173HT02-C01, Full HD SuperBright Plus, LED backlight, 120 Hz, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM65
Storage
Hitachi Travelstar 7K750 HTS727575A9E, 750 GB 
, 7200 rpm, - 2x HDDs with a total of 1500 GB + SanDisk iSSD P4, 8 GB
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ Intel Cougar Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: headphone, microphone, Card Reader: XD,MMC,MMC Plus,SDHC,SD,MS,MS Pro
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 3.0
Optical drive
TSSTcorp DVDWBD TS-LB23D
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 53 x 409 x 277 ( = 2.09 x 16.1 x 10.91 in)
Battery
89 Wh Lithium-Ion, 5900 mAh, 8 cells, 0.442 kg
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0 Megapixel
Additional features
power adapter: 200 Watt, Recovery DVD, System Software Media DVD, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Guide, Safety Guide, CyberLink Media Suite (incl. PowerDVD 10), Microsoft Office 2010 Starter, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
4.084 kg ( = 144.06 oz / 9 pounds), Power Supply: 830 g ( = 29.28 oz / 1.83 pounds)
Price
1779 Euro

 

The design partly reminds of Alienware.
The design partly reminds of Alienware.
The four scenarios can be switched via a dial.
The four scenarios can be switched via a dial.
Samsung relies on powerful high-end hardware.
Samsung relies on powerful high-end hardware.
The WASD keys light up in red in Gaming Mode.
The WASD keys light up in red in Gaming Mode.
The loudspeaker bar makes a somewhat cheap impression.
The loudspeaker bar makes a somewhat cheap impression.
The display bezel has a nice pattern.
The display bezel has a nice pattern.
A webcam (2.0 megapixels) is naturally also available.
A webcam (2.0 megapixels) is naturally also available.
The lack of graphics switching takes its toll on battery life.
The lack of graphics switching takes its toll on battery life.
The battery is simply inserted into the rear.
The battery is simply inserted into the rear.
The wrist rest conceals a microphone.
The wrist rest conceals a microphone.
The arrow keys’ size is fairly acceptable.
The arrow keys’ size is fairly acceptable.
The 17 inch model weighs about four kilograms with the battery.
The 17 inch model weighs about four kilograms with the battery.
Two audio ports are pretty scanty for a gaming laptop.
Two audio ports are pretty scanty for a gaming laptop.
Almost no notebook has a display port out.
Almost no notebook has a display port out.
The 700G7A consumes a lot of power during load.
The 700G7A consumes a lot of power during load.
The workmanship is on a good level.
The workmanship is on a good level.
A total of four USB ports are installed.
A total of four USB ports are installed.
Dolby Home Theater noticeably enhances the sound.
Dolby Home Theater noticeably enhances the sound.
The touchpad has a sufficient size.
The touchpad has a sufficient size.
Samsung has built in a subwoofer on the case’s bottom.
Samsung has built in a subwoofer on the case’s bottom.
The hard disk supply good performance.
The hard disk supply good performance.
The wrist rest looks like brushed aluminum.
The wrist rest looks like brushed aluminum.
The warm air is discharged over the rear.
The warm air is discharged over the rear.
The maximum opening angle could be a bit wider.
The maximum opening angle could be a bit wider.
The laptop has a height of five centimeters in the rear.
The laptop has a height of five centimeters in the rear.
The surroundings are mirrored in the high gloss screen (bezel).
The surroundings are mirrored in the high gloss screen (bezel).
Two fans rest under the hood.
Two fans rest under the hood.
The case is completely made of plastic.
The case is completely made of plastic.
Dark colors dominate.
Dark colors dominate.
The case looks rather squarish.
The case looks rather squarish.
The user can’t access the graphics card or processor.
The user can’t access the graphics card or processor.
16 GB of DDR3 RAM are extremely lavish.
16 GB of DDR3 RAM are extremely lavish.
Samsung installs two 750 GB HDDs.
Samsung installs two 750 GB HDDs.
Only the hard disks and a part of the RAM can be accessed.
Only the hard disks and a part of the RAM can be accessed.
Practical: The maintenance cover is secured by one screw.
Practical: The maintenance cover is secured by one screw.
A Blu-Ray drive serves as the optical drive.
A Blu-Ray drive serves as the optical drive.
Most ports are located on the left.
Most ports are located on the left.
The sensitive lid smudges quickly.
The sensitive lid smudges quickly.
In our opinion, the inputs are well-designed.
In our opinion, the inputs are well-designed.
The 200 watt power adapter weighs almost one kilogram.
The 200 watt power adapter weighs almost one kilogram.

Similar Notebooks

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Samsung Odyssey NP800G5M (7700HQ, FHD, GTX 1050) Laptop Review
GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Kaby Lake i7-7700HQ, 15.60", 2.5 kg
Review Samsung Series 7 Gamer 700G7C Notebook
GeForce GTX 675M, Core i7 3610QM, 17.30", 4 kg

Devices from the same Manufacturer

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: The ultimate smartphone becomes an AI smartphone
Adreno 750, Snapdragon SD 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, 6.80", 0.232 kg

Links

Compare Prices

Pros

+High-end screen
+Illuminated keyboard
+Good input devices
+Good equipment
+Two big HDDs
+Blu-Ray drive
+Recovery DVD
+Great performance
 

Cons

-Temperatures during load
-Sensitive lid
-Scanty battery life
-High weight

Shortcut

What we like

Samsung has opted for an extremely fast high-end GPU with the Radeon HD 6970M.

What we'd like to see

A matt case lid and a better battery life.

What surprises us

Such a bright and contrast rich screen isn’t offered very often.

The competition

17 inch laptops with a gaming graphics card, such as the Alienware M17x, the Asus G74SX, the DevilTech Fragbook, the Medion Erazer X7813, the MSI GT780R, the Schenker XMG P701 PRO or the Toshiba Qosmio X770.

Rating

Samsung 700G7A - 11/22/2011 v2(old)
Florian Glaser

Chassis
85%
Keyboard
87%
Pointing Device
85%
Connectivity
78%
Weight
55%
Battery
62%
Display
86%
Games Performance
95%
Application Performance
91%
Temperature
80%
Noise
75%
Add Points
87%
Average
81%
85%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Florian Glaser, 2011-11-24 (Update: 2013-06- 6)