.:Intro:.
This would be my first time doing a review in Lowyat.net. I’ll make this review as simple and packed with information. I apologized for my simple English. XD

Kindly visit LYN official Sager thread http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1755925

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There’s not much to tell about this model, since it’s already reviewed by our fellow LYN/Notebookreview member, This is a Lamp. You may refer to his post
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1794588

The only differences are this barebone laptop doesn’t have Sager / Reseller logo embedded on it. This should make other people curious what kind of laptop I’m using.

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.:About R&J Technology:.
http://rjtech.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=....view&page_id=3

As you can see, we are keeping our prices as low as possible to be the one of the best price on net. There's a lot of people asking why your prices are so great. The reasons are:

1. We are focusing our product lines on barebone notebook kits right now, customers can use their CPU, memory and hard drive from their previous notebook or get it from auction site like eBay, then put it to our barebone notebook. This way you can have the most flexibility in your budget and the notebook you want.
2. Due to our wholesale experience, we have several excellent suppliers. We also have an assembly factory here to assure excellent workmanship and prices. This also allows us to do repair jobs in-house.
3. We don't have significant overhead since we market our products mainly on the Internet. We can keep our profits low and update our prices whenever the market price is moving--unlike those big firms, with overstocking problems. That's why they can not reflect the market price immediately.

R&J Technology is based on Southern California, USA

Most of resellers (like Mucro/Cubehub), they don’t provide much flexibility for customers to customize their notebook. In my case, I opt for no hard drive and RAM to make it cheaper. They can remove hard drive, but not for RAM because they have similar case which the customer install aftermarket RAM and it does not operate perfectly even though the module is suitable.

I have never dealt with any notebook seller outside of USA, so this would be my first time doing so. In research stage, I have visit Malibal, XoticPC, LPC Digital, Logical Blue One, Mucro, CubeHub, Mythlogic and R&J Technology to find the best deal (especially pricing, upgrade and payment flexibility, and shipping rate). It took me less than 2 weeks to decide which model and which reseller I would go.

Then, I decide to go with R&J Tech and inquiry almost everything, from upgrading the components till the warranty procedures. The response received is not as detailed as other resellers. I type the questions in paragraph and they reply in few lines. The answer is straight to the point. Based on the answering patterns, I am able to know that the seller is not a robot, and not using a predefined replies/templates (except when entering the processing stage).

The payment option consist of Credit card, Paypal and Bank Wire. Unfortunately, the seller only offers Credit card and Paypal for USA and Canada customers. Since I’m living outside USA/Canada (obviously), I have to use Bank wire. For shipping, I choose USPS Express Mail International which will be handled by Poslaju once entering Malaysia. Take note that computer/notebook come in one package will be exempted from tax.

I proceed by placing an order and wire transfer the payment to seller’s account. This would be the most expensive stuff I have bought outside Malaysia.


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.:Tracking Information:.

I'm using insured USPS Express Mail International to deliver the item, and it will be handled by Poslaju once entering Malaysia.




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.:Specification:.

I pick the default specification to suits my available budget, and took out optical drive to give some space for extra hard drive.

Model: P150HM (Sager NP8150)

Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) LED GlassView Display
Video Card: nVidia GTX 460M 1.5GB GDDR5
Processor: Intel Core i7-2630QM Mobile CPU, 2.0Ghz, 6MB Smart Cache, Quad Core
Thermal Compound: Manufacturer's Thermal Compound
DDR3 Memory: No Memory
Primary Hard Drive: No Hard Drive
Optical Drive Bay: Hard drive Caddy Case Only
Wireless LAN: Intel 6230 abgn WLAN
Bluetooth: Yes (need to press Fn + F12 to enable the device)
Webcam: Standard 2.0MP Webcam
Security Features: Fingerprint scanner, Kensington Lock
Audio: Realtek High Definition Audio, THX TruStudio Pro Software
Speaker: 2.1 (two channel, one subwoofer)
AC Adapter: 100 - 240V 180W Auto Switch AC Adapter
Battery: 8 Cells Smart Li-Ion Battery
Carry Bag: Generic Carry Bag
Warranty: 1 Year Parts and Labor Standard Warranty

Cost breakdown
Rate : USD $1 – RM 3.060 (as on Apr 5th)
Unit Price : USD $1294.00 (RM 3959.64)
Shipping Rate : USD $124.06 (RM 379.62)
Bank Cable Charge : RM 30
Bank Commission : RM 2.00

Nett : RM 4371.26

Bank wire transfer only takes less than 16 hours from my account in Public Bank to seller’s account in Cathay Bank. Once the seller receive the payment, they will start building the unit and ship out within 3-5 business days (excluding weekends). Since I’m quite rushing to get the unit and lack of extra funds, I miss the opportunity to upgrade from GTX460m to AMD HD6970m at the price of USD$245. Huhu~~~ *sobs*

This post has been edited by soundsyst64: Apr 21 2011, 02:03 PM

.:Unpack:.
Note : Click the thumbnail to view the full image size

The package looks simple and doesn’t have Sager/Clevo/reseller brand printed on it, sealed perfectly with “Void” tape and consignment note on the lid. Opening the first layer of box will reveal another box, containing the laptop and generic bag (which I did not order) with other accessories.


The unit without Sager logo embedded on the lid. I let the packaging plastic sticks on it.


Accessories inside the generic bag. (Power Brick, Standard USA 3-pin power cord, User manual, CD, DVI to VGA converter) Since I don't have USA power socket, I use Malaysia standard 3-pin power cord that usually used to power up computer power supply.


Actual size of power brick compared to my palm and other notebook power brick.

Open the lid to reveal the plastic protector on the screen, palm rest and speaker.


I'm adding 500GB Western Digital Scorpio Black SATA hard drive and two pieces of 4GB Corsair DDR3-1333 RAM


Going naked~~~ 1


Going naked~~~ 2. I install both of Corsair RAM on the slot underneath the keyboard.


Installing WD Scorpio Black on the primary hard drive slot.


Caddy case on optical slot.


Battery pack and power brick.

Windows Installation (I let the speaker cover on just in case RAM is not functioning)


CPUID/GPUID Information


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.:Others:.

I don't have lots of time to benchmark some games, but I can provide benchmark from Unigine Heaven. To preserve the performance, I prefer gaming in window mode instead of full screen. I don't know why, maybe I already used to it.



Temperatures seems normal. Using one screen, GPU temp is around 40'c and went up to 56'c on 2 screens. Processor temp score an average of 48-51'c in non-aircond room and slightly dropped to min 45'c with the table fan blows directly on the notebook.

The fans are not really noisy in normal state/ idle (around 50dB). Once I push Fn + 1, it will spin in full power and the noise increased to 90dB, pretty much similar to normal conversation or table fan run in full speed.

I don't have specific preferences on the screen whether matte or glossy, as long as it produce a vibrant yet rich color, crystal clear in default settings.




3DMark 11 (1280x720 settings)


Portal 2 Screenshot (1680x1050 highest setting)



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.:Conclusion:.

It's simple and plain looking notebook, but packed with beast inside and the components are upgradable, especially processor and GPU. I will keep this toy for the next 3-4 years before switch to new model. Once you're onto this model, I'm sure you won't look on others.


My current setup:
- 22” LG W2242TQ 16:10 LCD Monitor
- 1TB + 640GB Hard Drive installed in Hotway Non-RAID 4-Bay Enclosure HF2-SU3S2 USB3.
- A4Tech X5-70MD, Sensonic U3 Slim Keyboard with silicon keyboard protector

This post has been edited by soundsyst64: Apr 24 2011, 03:12 PM

-

This post has been edited by joonwei23: Apr 20 2011, 09:32 PM

wow bro , why dont have sager wording 1?

yeah just wanted to ask that as well

Nice impression! Been waiting for it actually. Hehe.

Anyways, may I know how long does it take using USPS Express Mail International to reach Malaysia?

i think it took him around 1 week to 2 weeks time only =.=" to complete the whole purchasing process.

Lol that's fast. Haha. I'm better off using USPS Express Mail International when I'm getting one. UPS is soo expensive. 2 laptops for USD$498

@soundsyst64

better get some games installed and let us know how it performs!

why np8150 if u se gtx 460m should have gone for np8130 which is cheaper

I think it's because he ordered from R&J tech? they sell clevo barebones i think

upgradable ability.

You're aiming for the 6970m later on, soundsys?

It'd be a good review writeup to see how it REALLY compares with the 485m.

Nice system you have there. Congrats.
Would be glad to see some benchmarks from 3Dmark06 or 3Dmark11, if you're okay with that.

Nice review dude. And congratulations on getting your new toy

By the way, you should also include this one in your main post too so that everyone has an idea how long does it take to ship from RJTech (U.S.) to you in Kuching, Malaysia.

Here is the schedule that I copied from your post in the Sager thread:


This post has been edited by jimmykvt: Apr 21 2011, 08:44 AM

Soundsys, can consider swapping scorpio black 500gb with new 750gb. Much faster according to review.

Btw, is the screen view angle/color bad?

@kahjye, joonwei23
It's a barebone notebook, there's no brand embedded on it. And it's easy for the user if they plan to skin the lid.


@azimlatip
It's about 3-4 days from LA to Malaysia. The custom hold the item for a while and deliver it straight away.
The whole process (placing an order, payment, building, shipping) takes about 13 days.
I'll try to play and preform a benchmark on some new games, like Portal 2


@Riddhy
NP8130 doesn't have ability to upgrade to higher cards, but the processor is upgradable.


@This is a Lamp
I'm aiming on HD6970m, but the cost might kills me. The card including heatsink and shipping costs about USD$610.50 (RM 1838.31) compared to purchase together with notebook with upgrade price is only USD$245


@hidz7
I try to benchmark using 3DMark11


@jimmykvt
I already edit my first post together with tracking status from USPS and Poslaju


@toughnut
I have seek entire LYN garage sales, but I'm able to find 500GB. But it's good enough for me because I will get SATA 3 SSD in near future and place this 500GB as secondary hard drive.
I can see the image on the screen clearly from left and right. The LCD will tend to wash out if view from bottom and top, which is normal for other notebooks.

Fwir, motherboard using nvidia and amd gpu are different although both using MXM. So if ur laptop initially equipped with nvidia, you're stuck with nvidia offering.

Wow, that's fast. Haha. I'll just use USPS then if I'm gonna place an order. Anyways, may I know what's the weight written on the shipping receipt? If you don't mind that is

@toughnut
I can't assure for this one, but I do heard the rumors that the user have to stick with one card and cannot upgrade to other manufacturer.

@azimlatip
Oh, I forgot to check the weight. But I can estimate the overall package is more than 3 or 4KG

last i heard was unit with nvidia card cannot switch to ati and vice versa
but i think it can be done with a bios update

I notice that even after your package arrived Malaysia, USPS still kept track of your package go about within Malaysia.

Means that even your package enters Malaysia, you still can use either USPS or PosLaju tracking system to track your package. That's great

By the way, yours should come with bluetooth, right?
--> Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN + Bluetooth Combo Module

This post has been edited by jimmykvt: Apr 21 2011, 12:42 PM

@jimmykvt

Yup. The seller normally doesn't know what kind of courier will handle our package once entering malaysia. These kind of tracking system is very effective on both seller and buyer

In the website, Inte, 6230 does come with bluetooth, but when I try to install the driver, the computer doesn't detect any bluetooth device. But I'm okay with it since I don't use bluetooth much.

This post has been edited by soundsyst64: Apr 21 2011, 12:45 PM

I think you have to switch on the bluetooth for it to be detected. If the hotkey doesn't work then from the BIOS you can change it if I'm right.

Alright, thanks for the info ya. Should not be more than 5KG I supposed.

I think that applies to NP8170 I guess?

As stated on Mucro.Asia web:

@This is a Lamp

Oh, thanks for the info. My laptop able to detect the bluetooth after pressing Fn + F12. . My goodness, silly me

bro.. nice but X.. how the temp? can show us? thanks! ur OS ori x? ultimate

This post has been edited by ngkhanmein: Apr 21 2011, 02:47 PM

@azimlatip
I check the consignment slip, the weight is 14.9 pounds (6.75 KG)

@ngkhanmein
GPU - 39-43'C (idle)
CPU - 40-44'C (idle)
Overall unit - 44'C (idle)

my os -

lol.. privated eh? hahaha.. ur HDD? fan RPM? w/o cooler? in air cond room? almost like mine.. but my icore5 is old urs new.. so ur temp is way better..

LOL. 6.75Kg. Hm. Haha. Alright, thank you for your time Will be waiting for game benchmarks now

@ngkhanmein

I have upload the temperature screenshot (without cooler and non aircond room) in first post. The overall temperature is good without using any cooler, thanks to effective ventilation design. To reduce the temp, I point my table fan directly or press Fn + 1 to run the cooling fan to the max.

Overall temperature depends on ventilation design. We can compare any sandy bridge i7 laptops and make a few testing to find out which one is good or bad in terms of ventilation.

how come ur idle voltage so low
mine is 0.85

@Pewufod

Core voltage for processor or graphic card?

mine 0.95v at outside if home 0.9v.. how come?

3DMark 11 benchmark is up. (1280x720)

Nice score for GTX460M

once i got the gtx480m, i gonna do a review too xD

May I ask is it difficult to manually add the hard disk?

Sager is the brand that allows you to access most of the laptop parts, even the fans too!!! You can hardly find any laptops that allow you to access the fans and all Sager models have their parts easily accessible.
And yes, you can change the hard disk in it easily.

Please watch the videos below:

(at 15:09)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swp7aC05h5w

(at 6:57)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI9gHw8Jpt0

Sager NP8130 is the brother of NP8150, so their interior designs are exactly the same.

What's the brand of the hard disk (500GB 7200RPM SATAII) that comes with the unit?

All Sager laptops come with Seagate harddisk. But, if you follow what TS does, he bought the barebone only without harddisk and memory.

I am thinking to get a Western Digital Black like TS. Hmm,

So Jimmy, did you bought the 1 labour warranty and the 30 days no dead pixel?

I bought mine from Xoticpc and I chose the 2 years Sager warranty and I didn't purchase the 30 days no deal pixel warranty, I believe no one purchase that lol.
Hardly you can see any dead pixels with naked eyes.

Depends on how comfortable you are with the number of years of warranty. I normally stick with 2 years, because I had a bad experience with Dell Inspiron 1420 (comes with the defective Geforce 8400M GS), I changed my laptop twice within 2 years. So, for me, I think 2 years should be good enough for me to get myself familiarize with the laptop and take good care of it after those 2 years warranty period :]

I recommend you to buy from RJTech like TS if you want to buy your own harddisk and memory.

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Added on May 20, 2011, 12:41 amIf you are getting Sager NP8150 (Clevo P150HM), I highly suggest you to upgrade your GPU to AMD HD6970m. If you have the budget, of course GTX 485m would be the best :]

But if you want to stick with GTX 460m, then I suggest you getting Sager NP8130 (Clevo P151HM). NP8130's AC Adapter is only 120 Watt while NP8150's AC Adapter is 180 Watt (enough to power up HD6970m and GTX485m)

This post has been edited by jimmykvt: May 20 2011, 12:41 AM

Do you know what's the shipping charges for RJTech?

How about warranty claim? Are they reliable?

LOL, TS already mentioned the shipping cost in his main post.

Before I go with the warranty claim, let me give you an idea. The following resellers are from US:
1) Xoticpc (high shipping charges but reliable and they have good reputation and their website is very informative, I guess their good reputation makes them charge higher in shipping cost)
2) Powernotebook (I never ordered from them but I believe they are as good as xoticpc, shipping cost unknown)
3) RJTech (Low shipping charge but allow you to exclude harddisk, CPU and memory for your purchase)
4) LPC-Digital (Low shipping charge and if you purchase the whole unit including harddisk, CPU and memory, I believe LPC-Digital is cheaper than RJTech)

You can also purchase from Mucro Asia. Mucro is a Singaporean company but they also have their service partner in Imbi Plaza.

Let's talk about warranty now. If you buy from US reseller, anything happens to your laptop, you need to ship it back to U.S. to claim for warranty and you bear the shipping cost. Of course if you are lucky, let's say memory spoil or harddisk spoil or anything which is small, then your shipping cost is lower. If it is a motherboard, then you need to ship the whole laptop...

If you buy from Mucro, anything happens to your laptop, it will go to Mucro first, you either send it to KL or Singapore. If it is just small issue, they can fix it for you, so you don't have to ship it back to U.S. If it is a very big issue (like motherboard fault), then they will ship it back to U.S. and you bear the shipping cost.

For those resellers, you can refer to my signature, there are links to their websites :]

Thanks for your detailed explanation.

I saw the shipping from Mucro Asia is around RM200+ right?

I think Mucro provides a few options, you can email them your preferred shipping courier. I took this from here:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1755925/+160#


You can ask kahjye too. He bought 2 units of NP8130 from Mucro, I think he bought it quite cheap also. Around RM 4k+ for each including shipping.

If you buy from U.S. reseller, they will use USPS (United States Postal Service) to ship from U.S. to Malaysia, then in Malaysia, they use poslaju to send to you.

This post has been edited by jimmykvt: May 20 2011, 01:19 AM

Oh ya, did you buy the IC Diamond Thermal?

My NP8170-S1 comes with free IC Diamond Thermal

They only offer free IC Diamond Thermal for NP8150-S1 and NP8170-S1.

I think TS didn't buy IC Diamond Thermal, he chose the normal one, and same thing goes to many of them who purchased NP8130, they chose the normal one.

@soundsyst64

hows the battery life, normal use (light gaming)?

NP8150's battery life for gaming is about 1 to 1.25 hours, 2hours and 15 min to 2 hours and 30 minutes in idle.

Prince J answered for you. Take note that play game in battery mode will reduce framerate due to not provide full power on both processor and graphics card, compared in direct power mode.