[Flashorn]

Hey All!

Well, I just put together what should be my last notebook for some time to come.

I was working near Eurocom (actually, two doors down the road) : The building with all the buses around it was were my office was
and Eurocom was on the right :



I always wondered what kind of PCs they were building and at what cost. They are not cheap but, since they have been in business
for so long, I'm sure their reputation is more than adequate.

So, I went to their web site and hammered out a notebook for myself. Here is the configuration I chose :




Is there anything I missed??
Anything you guys think will not work or bottleneck the performance??

i have to add that all the major components are upgradable - CPU , GPU and RAM.
So, I'm sure this one will be on my desk for some time to come.

The best part is that, I can visit them and sit down with a REP, to order my notebook. Can't beat a face to face.

They are also so close to where I live that I should have done this a long time ago.



I live around the middle of Pleasant Park road and they are just 8 minutes away. I should know as I traveled
that same road for almost 20 of the 34 years I worked at OC Transpo.


OK, that's what I have. Any and all of your comments and suggestions are very much welcomed.



FLASHORN.

[coastie65]

Hey Flash, GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!! That thing is a monster. I did add a 256Gb SSD in here and that thing has a 512 Gb and saw something that said up to three drives???? No, I don't think you'll be needing anything for a while. Geez.

[Flashorn]

Hey coastie !

Thanks for your reply.

It's my birthday next month and this is my gift for all of the hardship I have to endure during my "retirement ".

Yes, it's pretty much up to date. I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything . I guess I didn't as I don't see
any suggestions .

I was looking at the new Asus G75VW : http://ca.asus.com/e...werhouse/G75VW/

but, it seems I am updating every two years or so, So, I wanted something that I could update once in a while
without having to by a new notebook.

This company will update all major components on the same platform which, suites me just fine. The best thing about
this is that, I can just drive down a few miles and talk to a REP about what can be done and at what price.

I will now make an appointment and order this monster for next month.

Can't wait to see what kind of tricks this thing pulls out of it's hat.



FLASHORN.

[LiveBrianD]

Wow... That ought to last you a while.

[waldojim]

There are two things I want to point out, is that it looks to me like you have an Ivy Bridge mobile chip, which is a dual channel chip using either 2 or 4 dimms. Then you have 12GB of ram listed there in a 3x4GB set. This will result in slightly lower performance. Either move up to 2x8GB (16GB) or 4x4GB (Also 16GB total) for the best performance.

Also, the clock speeds of the XM are 200Mhz (base) and 100Mhz(Turbo) faster than the 3820QM - yet priced $500 more (from Intel anyhow). So just my $.02, but the extra $500 could be much better spent on other things - like a few extra batteries!

Seriously though, you are looking at less than 2% performance difference there with a $500 price tag.

[LiveBrianD]

Yep, the highest end models of things are usually a ripoff. Say, wasn't there a tool you mentioned for adjusting Intel CPU voltages and clocks, even with a locked bios? That might be handy here.

[waldojim]

ThrottleStop.
It is a Windows utility that allows you to adjust many settings on the fly. Including a sort of overclocking.

[coastie65]

Flashorn, on 20 May 2012 - 10:23 AM, said:

Hey coastie !

Thanks for your reply.

It's my birthday next month and this is my gift for all of the hardship I have to endure during my "retirement ".

Yes, it's pretty much up to date. I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget anything . I guess I didn't as I don't see
any suggestions .

I was looking at the new Asus G75VW : http://ca.asus.com/e...werhouse/G75VW/

but, it seems I am updating every two years or so, So, I wanted something that I could update once in a while
without having to by a new notebook.

This company will update all major components on the same platform which, suites me just fine. The best thing about
this is that, I can just drive down a few miles and talk to a REP about what can be done and at what price.

I will now make an appointment and order this monster for next month.

Can't wait to see what kind of tricks this thing pulls out of it's hat.



FLASHORN.

Hey Flash, I have a Birthday next month myself. No new computers though ( maybe an upgrade or two for this thing ). I am looking at a Keyboard ( of the musical variety ) though. Yeah, you deserve to treat yourself, as I know how your "Retirement" has gone. That is good that you have the place right there. Might be good for support issues as well.

This post has been edited by coastie65: 20 May 2012 - 02:22 PM

[Flashorn]

waldojim, on 20 May 2012 - 12:16 PM, said:

There are two things I want to point out, is that it looks to me like you have an Ivy Bridge mobile chip, which is a dual channel chip using either 2 or 4 dimms. Then you have 12GB of ram listed there in a 3x4GB set. This will result in slightly lower performance. Either move up to 2x8GB (16GB) or 4x4GB (Also 16GB total) for the best performance.

Also, the clock speeds of the XM are 200Mhz (base) and 100Mhz(Turbo) faster than the 3820QM - yet priced $500 more (from Intel anyhow). So just my $.02, but the extra $500 could be much better spent on other things - like a few extra batteries!

Seriously though, you are looking at less than 2% performance difference there with a $500 price tag.

Hey Jim!

Thanks for your input. Did some checking and from what I found, the higher core speed is not worth the money difference.
So, thanks for pointing that out. I just went with what I wanted and didn't notice the price difference when I configured it.
I can always upgrade latter on IF I really need it.

Now, one question comes to mind. You said that 12 Gigs of ram would impact the performance as it would revert back to single
channel.

My question, Is 16 Gigs Really necessary ? I mean, I have 8 Gigs of 1333 Mhz CL 9 9 9 24 and it never goes over 25% of ram
when I'm working on it. Gaming will take up more but, will I ever use 16 Gigs even if I use VMWare??

I was thinking of just installing the same amount (8Gigs) and see. I can always upgrade latter on.

BTW, you just saved me $650.00 dollars :




So thanks for your help.



FLASHORN.

[LiveBrianD]

Trust me - 8GB is plenty. I run virtual machines and only then can I come close to using all the ram. (with multiple VMs that is) For gaming and everything else, it definitely won't be a problem.

[waldojim]

Flashorn, on 20 May 2012 - 03:47 PM, said:

Hey Jim!

Thanks for your input. Did some checking and from what I found, the higher core speed is not worth the money difference.
So, thanks for pointing that out. I just went with what I wanted and didn't notice the price difference when I configured it.
I can always upgrade latter on IF I really need it.

Now, one question comes to mind. You said that 12 Gigs of ram would impact the performance as it would revert back to single
channel.

My question, Is 16 Gigs Really necessary ? I mean, I have 8 Gigs of 1333 Mhz CL 9 9 9 24 and it never goes over 25% of ram
when I'm working on it. Gaming will take up more but, will I ever use 16 Gigs even if I use VMWare??

I was thinking of just installing the same amount (8Gigs) and see. I can always upgrade latter on.

BTW, you just saved me $650.00 dollars :




So thanks for your help.



FLASHORN.

To be honest, I went with 16 as I assumed that you wanted more than 8... 8GB is plenty, and you can easily find faster ram as well going with 2x4GB modules.

Oh - and you are quite welcome.

This post has been edited by waldojim: 20 May 2012 - 04:42 PM

[Flashorn]

Hey Jim!

Yes, that's what I'll do. 8 Gigs is plenty for now. Although, I will ask if I can get it in a faster CL. Maybe a CL 9 or 7.
We're only talking nano seconds here but, if they can accommodate my request, I will take advantage of it.

I'm also surprised that they don't offer 1866 Mhz on any of their Ram upgrades. I guess the mother board they use
doesn't support it.

I have quite a few questions to ask such as, which board they use , OEM discs , heat issues , what kind of Junk
programs and if I can ask them Not to install any but, as today is a holiday here in Canada (Queen Victoria day)
most commercial establishments are closed. It will have to wait until I have a few minutes of free time. I have to take
care of Mom and Dad and it's not an easy task.

Again, thanks for all of your suggestions and help.


FLASHORN.

[Flashorn]

Hey coastie!

Just a few minutes down the road and No long distance phone call.

I did look at others. Like I said, Asus has just released their new G75 notebook and I was really interested
in that one but, the video card is not what I was looking for. On the Asus site, in the Specs sheet, they refer
to it as a 18.4 inch screen and offer a 3720QM as processor upgrade. I don't know if this is just an misprint

ROG Site : http://rog.asus.com/.../17-inch/g75vw/

17.3" HD+/FHD EWV LED Backlight / FHD 3D LED Backlight
Intel® Core™ i7 3720QM Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 3610QM Processor

Asus.com site : http://ca.asus.com/e...#specifications

18.4" HD+/FHD EWV LED Backlight / FHD 3D LED Backlight
ntel® Core™ i7 3720QM Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 3610QM Processor

but, I can't seem to find Any of the vendors with this configuration. I guess I will have to give them a call
before I order the one from Eurocom. ( IF I can get a few minutes to myself)

I also built an Alienware of comparable price. But, again, they don't offer what I was looking for in video and HDD capacity.
Plus, it's Dell. Their 18.4 inch gaming notebook looks impressive and with a screen I've been looking for , for some time now.
Just can't get a decent configuration from anyone it seems.

You have a Happy Birthday coastie . I might not have the time to wish you one latter on.

A Musical Keyboard??? Can you type anything on that or play games??



FLASHORN.

[coastie65]

Flashorn, on 21 May 2012 - 12:21 PM, said:

Hey coastie!

Just a few minutes down the road and No long distance phone call.

I did look at others. Like I said, Asus has just released their new G75 notebook and I was really interested
in that one but, the video card is not what I was looking for. On the Asus site, in the Specs sheet, they refer
to it as a 18.4 inch screen and offer a 3720QM as processor upgrade. I don't know if this is just an misprint

ROG Site : http://rog.asus.com/.../17-inch/g75vw/

17.3" HD+/FHD EWV LED Backlight / FHD 3D LED Backlight
Intel® Core™ i7 3720QM Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 3610QM Processor

Asus.com site : http://ca.asus.com/e...#specifications

18.4" HD+/FHD EWV LED Backlight / FHD 3D LED Backlight
ntel® Core™ i7 3720QM Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 3610QM Processor

but, I can't seem to find Any of the vendors with this configuration. I guess I will have to give them a call
before I order the one from Eurocom. ( IF I can get a few minutes to myself)

I also built an Alienware of comparable price. But, again, they don't offer what I was looking for in video and HDD capacity.
Plus, it's Dell. Their 18.4 inch gaming notebook looks impressive and with a screen I've been looking for , for some time now.
Just can't get a decent configuration from anyone it seems.

You have a Happy Birthday coastie . I might not have the time to wish you one latter on.

A Musical Keyboard??? Can you type anything on that or play games??



FLASHORN.

Those ASUS things sound pretty impressive as well, particularly with 18.4 of screen real estate. As for the keyboard, can't type nything on that or play games. Will be a chore to see if I can actually play music on it. I can't play my guitar as i need some corrective surgery on my left hand in order to get back to that ( haven't been able to play it for years now ). A friend in Wales who suffered nerve damgae in his left arm that wrecked his guitar playing ( he was very good too ) shifted to a Keyboard and has been on me to do the same thing. My 85 year old mother came back from the store with my sister today, made it to the second step and lost her balance ( had both hands full and wasn't using the rail ) and fell straight back on the walk. Scared the heck out of me. I was trying to get the dog back so I could go out and help, and my sister was out there. Course she got blazing mad at me. Mom is okay, fortunately, but it was a scare.

NOTE: I found these, but they are 17.3 : http://www.amazon.ca...G75VW&x=17&y=16

This post has been edited by coastie65: 21 May 2012 - 02:19 PM

[LiveBrianD]

Personally, I feel that it's better to get a slightly smaller laptop in this case (17" maybe), and then plug it into a large external monitor at home. Just my 2 cents...

[waldojim]

One more thought here, as I just rememebered they exist, and work out to be a few bucks cheaper (by about $500 - I think).
Check out the Sager Notebooks NP9710. They have 2 displays available (none with Matte finish sadly), one of them 90% color gamut. Though I am not sure if they are willing to calibrate. They do offer a pretty similar build from there. Intel 3820 CPU, AMD 7970 video card, choice of hard drives, etc.

Just a thought, I figured I would toss it out there. I honestly couldn't tell you if they are as decent a company, but they have also been around for quite some time. That said, Eurocom is right down the road from you, so you may be able to get better support from them should anything happen.

[coastie65]

I keep running into Sager being mentioned, but haven't really seen any user reviews on those things. Eurocom being in the neighborhood is appealing to me in itself.

[Flashorn]

Hey coastie!

Yes, it's very appealing and this is where I will be ordering this new notebook.
I made a few calls today and Asus' latest endeavor is indeed a 17.3" notebook
so, I will pass on that one.

Called Eurocom and will be making an appointment with them next week sometime.



FLASHORN.

[Flashorn]

waldojim, on 21 May 2012 - 02:59 PM, said:

One more thought here, as I just rememebered they exist, and work out to be a few bucks cheaper (by about $500 - I think).
Check out the Sager Notebooks NP9710. They have 2 displays available (none with Matte finish sadly), one of them 90% color gamut. Though I am not sure if they are willing to calibrate. They do offer a pretty similar build from there. Intel 3820 CPU, AMD 7970 video card, choice of hard drives, etc.

Just a thought, I figured I would toss it out there. I honestly couldn't tell you if they are as decent a company, but they have also been around for quite some time. That said, Eurocom is right down the road from you, so you may be able to get better support from them should anything happen.

Hey Jim!

Ok, gave them a call today and this notebook is so new , they don't have any instock except the demos. But, I can order or configure one and shouldn't take more than a week to build it. The only other problem is that, since the 7970 is also so new, they only have the ones for testing. I will have to wait 10 days before I can get one for the notebook I will configure. The REP I talked with will give me a call when they get the cards in and I will book an appointment at that time.

Now, since I have your ear ( or eyes) can I also take advantage of your knowledge on memory?? I don't usually take advantage of people but, in this case, I would appreciate your help once again.

While talking with the REP (Eurocom) , I mentioned that I would like to have lower latency memory installed. I asked IF they would install CL 9 or 8 instead of the CL 11 they propose in the 8 Gig configuration.
He said that they don't have lower latency for the 8Gig package BUT, I could bring in (when I meet with him) the memory that I want them to install. I asked which company they prefer and he said it was up to me.
I forgot to ask IF their mother board (it's their own) will accept 1866Mhz instead of the 1600 Mhz. I have a feeling it's only the 1600. Wrote it down as to not forget to ask.
I will get a OEM original disc and not a mirrored version.
No Junk programs. Just the OS.
I also asked about heat issues and this is why they are still testing the 7970, to make sure.

So, my question is: Which of the many companies making memory do you consider good enough to be installed in this notebook??

From what I can tell by looking at at a few places (Canada Computers , Newegg...) I can only find 9 9 9 24 as the lowest CL possible. Is this the lowest notebooks can accept??

And, is it better to have buffered or unbuffered memory. Price, as long as it's reasonable, is not a problem.

Here are a few kits I was looking at :

http://www.newegg.ca...N82E16820104257

http://www.newegg.ca...N82E16820233242

http://www.canadacom...&item_id=046159

Jim, any and all of your suggestions would be very much welcomed.

I did know about Sager and Clevo but, was never a fan of them. I know they have been around for some time and if I'm not mistaken, one of them has changed it's
name in the not so distant past. The reviews I saw are good but, I don't think you can beat having the builder almost next door.

Thanks again for your help.



FLASHORN.

[LiveBrianD]

I would look into getting gskill ram - in my experience, it's pretty good, and it's cheaper than other brands.