Does mobile SLI compare to a desktop-class GPU? - Aorus X7 Pro v5 Review

Summary

The ORS X7 Pro V5 is a high-performance gaming laptop that stands out with features like mobile SLI, HDMI 2.0, and a sleek, thin design. Despite being compact, it offers impressive specs including dual NVIDIA GTX 970M GPUs, a Skylake i7 processor, and both SSD and HDD storage options. The laptop performs well in gaming tests, outpacing some desktop machines, and includes thoughtful extras like USB 3.1 Type-C, G-Sync, and a dedicated media encoder. While it runs hot and the fans are loud, the X7 Pro V5 offers strong value for its price, making it a compelling option for gamers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The ORS X7 Pro V5 is a thin and compact gaming laptop with a height of only 2.5 cm and a weight of 7 lbs.
• 😀 The laptop features two NVIDIA GTX 970M GPUs in SLI, providing strong gaming performance but with potential issues like increased heat and noise.
• 😀 It includes a 17.3-inch 1080p 75Hz IPS display with G-SYNC support for smoother gaming visuals.
• 😀 The ORS X7 Pro V5 offers a variety of ports, including HDMI 2.0, mini DisplayPort, USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.0, SD card reader, and more for flexibility.
• 😀 It supports dual external monitor setups with two HDMI 2.0 ports, which can handle 4K resolution at 60Hz.
• 😀 The laptop has a customizable backlit keyboard with 30-key rollover, programmable macro keys, and a glossy touchpad with tactile bumps.
• 😀 Under the hood, it has an unlocked Skylake Core i7 6820HK processor and 32GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 64GB).
• 😀 The storage setup includes 500GB of NVMe SSD in RAID 0 for fast performance, along with a 1TB mechanical hard drive for additional storage.
• 😀 Battery life is powered by a lithium polymer battery, but it is difficult to replace since it's sealed inside.
• 😀 The laptop's cooling system runs loud, especially during gaming, and users may need noise-canceling headphones for a better experience.
• 😀 Despite its slim profile and powerful specs, the ORS X7 Pro V5 is priced between $2,400 and $2,700, offering a solid value compared to desktop-class systems.

Q & A

What is the main feature that sets the ORS X7 Pro V5 apart from other high-end gaming laptops?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 stands out due to its mobile SLI configuration and HDMI 2.0 support, which enhances its versatility and graphics performance compared to other gaming laptops.

How does the build of the ORS X7 Pro V5 compare to other gaming laptops?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 is relatively thin, with a height of only 2.5 cm. Despite its slim profile, it’s not particularly light, but its compact design provides better portability compared to bulkier gaming laptops.

What are some of the key ports available on the ORS X7 Pro V5?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 offers multiple ports, including HDMI 2.0, mini DisplayPort, USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, and a Gigabit LAN port. These ports enhance connectivity and external display support.

What is the display specification of the ORS X7 Pro V5?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 features a 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with a 75Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support, providing a smooth gaming experience.

How does the ORS X7 Pro V5 perform in benchmarks like Cinebench, Crisis 3, and Tomb Raider?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 outperforms the Sager NP 9870 U2G in both Crisis 3 and Tomb Raider, beating it by small margins. In Cinebench, the Sager won by about 24%, but the X7 Pro still scored a respectable 704 points.

What processor and memory configuration does the ORS X7 Pro V5 have?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 is powered by an unlocked Skylake Core i7-6820HK processor and comes with 32GB of DDR4 memory, which can be upgraded to 64GB.

What graphics configuration does the ORS X7 Pro V5 have?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 features two NVIDIA GTX 970M GPUs in SLI, which provides improved graphics performance but also brings some challenges related to SLI technology.

How much storage does the ORS X7 Pro V5 provide?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 offers 500GB of NVMe solid-state storage in RAID 0 configuration, along with an additional 1TB mechanical hard drive for extra storage capacity.

Does the ORS X7 Pro V5 have any special features for media streaming?

Yes, the ORS X7 Pro V5 includes a dedicated hardware encoder for media streaming, which offloads the CPU and GPU, reducing performance impact while streaming.

What is the price range of the ORS X7 Pro V5, and how does it compare to competitors?

The ORS X7 Pro V5 is priced between $2,400 and $2,700 depending on the configuration. Considering its performance and features, it offers a compelling value proposition compared to other gaming laptops like the Sager.