What, exactly, is a workstation-class notebook computer? We’ve long seen desktop replacement notebooks with big screens and lower-efficiency (but higher-performance) desktop processors, but those have often targeted mainstream users who were looking for only a hint of portability. And then there are gaming notebooks, most of which now use top-model mobile processors to reduce heat, power consumption, and by proxy, cooling requirements. For as long as any of us can remember, the only way to approach the level of performance offered in high-end desktops was to buy a high end desktop.
Eurocom has other ideas, though.
Designed to serve as either a portable replacement for a mid-range graphics workstation or a high-end game machine, the D900F Panther features Intel’s fastest Core i7 Extreme desktop processors, RAID support for up to four drives and, purportedly, the user’s choice of Nvidia’s latest GeForce or Quadro graphics. It appears that the only thing blocking legitimacy to Eurocom’s mobile workstation designation is that the Quadro graphics solution isn’t available from Eurocom yet (though the company is offering Xeon 5500-series CPUs in the machine).
Today’s test system uses the Intel Core i7-965 Extreme and GeForce GTX 280M. Because this notebook uses the second-fastest desktop processor available, we wanted to compare the second-fastest “mobile” CPU. Likewise, we wanted to see how Nvidia’s fastest mobile graphics solution would stand up to AMD’s. Unfortunately, most notebook companies have discontinued their short-lived Radeon Mobility HD 4870 solutions, including Asus’ CrossFire version, leaving us scrambling to find the closest possible contender. MSI stepped in with its 512MB Radeon Mobility 4850 configuration.
| Notebook Configurations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Eurocom D900F Panther | MSI GT725-212US |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-965 Extreme (3.20 GHz) | Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 (2.00 GHz) |
| Chipset | Intel X58/ICH10R | Intel PM45/ICH9M |
| Memory | 6.0 GB DDR3-1333 (as listed) | 4.0 GB DDR2-800 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 280M 1.0 GB | ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB |
| Display | 17" WUXGA (1920x1200) | 17" WUXGA (1920x1200) |
| Hard Drive | 2 x Seagate 7200.4 500 GB RAID 0 | WD Scorpio Black 320 GB |
| Sound | Integrated HD Audio | Integrated HD Audio |
| Wired LAN | Integrated Gigabit LAN | Integrated Gigabit LAN |
| Wireless LAN | Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11n | Atheros AR928X 802.11n |
| Telephony | Integrated 56k Fax Modem | Integrated 56k Fax Modem |
| Bluetooth | Internal Bluetooth Module | Internal Bluetooth Module |
| Optical | Panasonic UJ-130 BD-ROM DVD±RW | Optiarc BC-5500S BD-ROM DVD±RW |
| Media Reader | Multi-format flash card interface | Multi-format flash card interface |
| Webcam | 2.0 Megapixel | 2.0 Megapixel |
| Expansion | ExpressCard/54 | ExpressCard/54 |
| USB 2.0 | Four Ports (right-side) | Four Ports (2-left, 2-right) |
| IEEE 1394 | 1 x FireWire 400 (left-side) | 1 x FireWire 400 (right-side) |
| eSATA | 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s (left-side) | 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s (right-side) |
| Audio I/O | Line-In, Digital Out, Microphone, | Headphone, Digital Out, Line-In, |
| Video Output | 1 x DVI (rear), 1 x HDMI (left-side) | 1 x VGA, 1 x HDMI (rear) |
| Battery | 12-cell 14.4V 6600mAh | 9-cell 10.8V 7800mAh |
| Weight | Notebook 11.8 lbs, Power Adapter | Notebook 7.8 lbs, Power Adapter |
| Warranty | One-year return service | Three-year electronics parts/labor |
| Service | One-year online and telephone | Three-year online tech support |
| Total Price: | $5,354 | $1,600 |
The use of AMD’s second-fastest mobile GPU with only 512 MB graphics RAM forces us to emphasize the lower price of MSI’s GT725-212US, with value considerations taken throughout today’s review. Desktop gamers seeking increased system portability will find details beyond the scope of a notebook review in today’s GTX 280M/GTX 280 editorial.
- Defining The Mobile Workstation
- Eurocom D900F Panther
- Panther Guts
- MSI GT725-212US
- Inside MSI's GT725
- Practical Notes On Using Secondary Displays
- Test Settings
- Benchmark Results: 3D Games
- Benchmark Results: Encoding
- Benchmark Results: Productivity
- Benchmark Results: Synthetic
- Power Use, Battery Life, And Efficiency
- Conclusion
Just look at the game selection, 2 games based on the same engine that heavily favor nVidia Architecture and 1 that is more processor bound.
Second fastest mobile processor vs second-fastest desktop processor, it shows the weakness of mobile CPUs AND the weakness of the latest notebook GPU's.
It had to be compared to something...and it's the only notebook platform available with Core i7 so you can forget about that type of comparison.
The real point of picking the MSI notebook was to compare the HD 4850 to the GTX 280m. None of Tom's Hardware's suppliers were able to deliver an HD 4870 notebook.
I'm not that familiar with those kinds of power supply, but isn't that way to low for these kinds of hardware setups?
Did you look at the power draw numbers on Page 12?
Just look at the game selection, 2 games based on the same engine that heavily favor nVidia Architecture and 1 that is more processor bound.
Is there a way Toms could add external temps of the casing?
Asus has actually discontinued that product, unfortunately.
So sure you can put in the extreme 965 CPU, compare it to the budget mobile quad, just cos you could; but the fact of the matter is, that’s pointless, as is this review. What you’re getting by paying the extra $3000 can only be considered diminishing return, by anyone but most demanding power users. Also Eurocom is known to list extortionate prices on their site; where as if you contact them, they would price match against other resellers, save you a lot of money.
The extra you pay on the Sager brings much greater degree of upgradability, CPU, Ram,GPU, HDD, etc, you name it.
Intel i9 is just around the corner, with wholesome 12 threads. Three Sodimm brings more affordable Ram upgrade; later GPU MMX standard is certain to support the next gen GT 300 GPU.
By contrast, if you get GT 725 now, you'd save a few hundred bucks, but would have to buy a whole new laptop if you want mobile version of i7, or next gen GPU for that matter. The Core 2 brand is being phased out, Next gen CPU, GPU, Ram, won’t work in 725, it’s a bloody dead end, and just about all the parts on 725 are soldered in. Upgradability is important aspect of an investment, if at this stage of Core 2 life cycle, you opt for a Core 2 CPU powered laptop, then you’re a fool.
The Mobility HD 4850 was the fastest ATI graphics Tom's Hardware could get for comparison, and the only notebook Tom's Hardware could get with Mobility HD 4850 was the GT725. Knowing that the HD 4850 should be competitive with any G92-based card, this shouldn't have been such a big problem in games. Unfortunately, MSI's card thermal throttled due to a cooling issue, screwing up the game results. The heat problem cannot be easily fixed, and Tom's couldn't secure a substitute ATI graphics notebook of a high-enough graphics calibre to replace the GT725.
Now, get you hands on a Alienware M17x for benching with dual graphics cards and overclockable mobile CPU.
Now, get you hands on a Alienware M17x for benching with dual graphics cards and overclockable mobile CPU.
Do you have one to lend? Because Alienware said it would take a little over a month to deliver one.
Yup. The price comparison is quite skewed. But even with the price-break diminishing-return effect on these top-end parts, it's still more money than if you bought it from another vendor. Even though Eurocom does a portion of Clevo's design work, they charge 20% more for the machine a two dozen resellers would otherwise. You'd think they'd be the guys before the middleman - so much for "buying direct", I guess.
The desktop-replacement segment has been around for some time now, so the specs of powerhouse Clevo derivatives aren't as exotic or compelling as they once were say, ten years ago.
But you are right - we are looking at a greater number of desktop parts crammed inside, so aside from the less-than-stellar graphics numbers this time around (expect a few resellers to remedy this in time), not only obviously performance, but the upgrade capability of these things remains more or less unmatched as far as notebooks go.
That (robust upgradeability that is), not ultimately price, lightweight portability, heat output, or battery life is of far more concern to its target buyers. I would think (or have thought) this was clear to most readers.
If you read the final two paragraphs of the conclusion you'll see that it's mentioned that this is an incredibly powerful workhorse notebook, and that's why the "Mobile Workstation" name make sense.