I really like the concept and the gradual increase in popularity of these slim/compact "gaming" notebooks. They define mobile gaming experience to not only be large and bulky but also small and portable.
What's the point on releasing a laptop capable of two mid-range GPUs in SLI if a single high-end GPU (GTX780M) would consume less power, perform better and bring less hassle for compatibility and stability?
I assume there may be several causes here 1- marketing. SLI or Crossfire is always a good thing to shout out event when useless or pointless (like those dual-mid-range GPU enabled full-sized computers where it is clearly useless) 2- maybe parts availability? 3- two GTX765M may be less expensive than a single GTX780M ? 4- being an ultra-thin notebook has consequences on cooling possibilities. I'm not sure one can properly cool a GTX780M in such a thin envelope. But Gigabyte must have had lots of surface to work on (with all the stuff embedded in cpu, its own tiny footprint, ...), and dividing the cooling into two ultra-thin coolers, each one being sufficient to cool a GTX765M may be a viable option here, even at the cost of more power and more heat, it may be easier to cool than a single big GPU.
the performance is about then same, for about more 28 watts(about 150 watt TDP on the 765s vs the 122 watt TDP on 780), where the cooling system needed for the 780 wouldn't be practical in this for factor.
I hope that there is a USB port on the back of the laptop so when you plug in your mouse the wires aren't in the way. It's terrible that almost all 'gaming' laptops don't even take a mouse into consideration when it's designed.
Same question here. Lenovo has been doing the midrange SLI thing with slower parts for a while now, but they've never had Optimus (even when the 2nd GPU from the interchangeable bay isn't installed), and have had horrendous battery life as a result. On a side note, I like Gigabytes design language for their gaming laptops. This isn't as classy as their P35K, but more subdued than most 17" gaming designs.
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Fluctus - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
I really like the concept and the gradual increase in popularity of these slim/compact "gaming" notebooks. They define mobile gaming experience to not only be large and bulky but also small and portable.ToTTenTranz - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
What's the point on releasing a laptop capable of two mid-range GPUs in SLI if a single high-end GPU (GTX780M) would consume less power, perform better and bring less hassle for compatibility and stability?Galatian - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
I guess they can use two slower and more silent fans instead of using one big and loud one. Just a guess thoughnightbringer57 - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
I assume there may be several causes here1- marketing. SLI or Crossfire is always a good thing to shout out event when useless or pointless (like those dual-mid-range GPU enabled full-sized computers where it is clearly useless)
2- maybe parts availability?
3- two GTX765M may be less expensive than a single GTX780M ?
4- being an ultra-thin notebook has consequences on cooling possibilities. I'm not sure one can properly cool a GTX780M in such a thin envelope. But Gigabyte must have had lots of surface to work on (with all the stuff embedded in cpu, its own tiny footprint, ...), and dividing the cooling into two ultra-thin coolers, each one being sufficient to cool a GTX765M may be a viable option here, even at the cost of more power and more heat, it may be easier to cool than a single big GPU.
chaosbloodterfly - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
Better performance/$. A GTX780M is horrendously expensive.inperfectdarkness - Friday, January 10, 2014 - link
Then why is the GT60-20D261 equipped with one, plus 16GB ram & a 3k screen...for the same price point--and in a smaller form factor?Magius - Friday, January 10, 2014 - link
You do know the GT60 is roughly the same width and length and more than double the height?GT60=>395 x 267 x 55mm
X7=>392(W) x 263(D) x 22.9(H)mm
It may have the 680m and hires screen, but your tradeoff is in thickness and weight. If you don't mind those, go for it.
nerd1 - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
765M looks quite affordable (maybe $100 range) and 780M costs a lot (usually $600 or more)oloop - Saturday, January 18, 2014 - link
the performance is about then same, for about more 28 watts(about 150 watt TDP on the 765s vs the 122 watt TDP on 780), where the cooling system needed for the 780 wouldn't be practical in this for factor.iTzSnypah - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
I hope that there is a USB port on the back of the laptop so when you plug in your mouse the wires aren't in the way. It's terrible that almost all 'gaming' laptops don't even take a mouse into consideration when it's designed.lmcd - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
Two are pictured on the official site.Notmyusualid - Tuesday, January 14, 2014 - link
^^ Absolutely this!My old Clevo had two on the back, and they were SO useful.
Also, the VGA port on this machine looks too far forward for my liking too...
AlphandtheOmega - Sunday, January 26, 2014 - link
Yes 2 USB 2.0 ports as well as powerMeaker10 - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
The 765m is the fastest but cheapest chip before you want to move to mxm slots due to power delivery and trace routing issues.But a 780m 15.6" machine makes more sense.
Magius - Friday, January 10, 2014 - link
Perhaps one day but right now it seems that keeping a 780m cool in that small envelope is not yet feasable. :/ We can only wish it happens soon.Hrel - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
I love that Gigabyte is getting into laptops. They're doing a really good job on them so far, probably gonna be my next laptop.lmcd - Tuesday, January 7, 2014 - link
Any word on Optimus?Bob Todd - Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - link
Same question here. Lenovo has been doing the midrange SLI thing with slower parts for a while now, but they've never had Optimus (even when the 2nd GPU from the interchangeable bay isn't installed), and have had horrendous battery life as a result. On a side note, I like Gigabytes design language for their gaming laptops. This isn't as classy as their P35K, but more subdued than most 17" gaming designs.nerd1 - Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - link
Optimus is always bad for gaming (unless you can manually turn it off).iamkyle - Wednesday, January 8, 2014 - link
Who is the actual ODM of this notebook? Seems like a longshot that Gigabyte is manufacturing this thing top to bottom.RMA5050 - Thursday, January 9, 2014 - link
My friend work there in taipei, they build all in house.....Landspeeder - Wednesday, January 22, 2014 - link
Any word from Aorus when you'll have one of these for review Jarred?inperfectdarkness - Thursday, February 6, 2014 - link
You can have Cheap, Powerful and Thin. Pick 2.Omardragonlord - Thursday, June 19, 2014 - link
I hate it when they put more that 3 hard drive. Make space for 2, & remaining space for bigger battery