Eurocom Panther 5D Notebook Review: Faster Than Your Desktop

Features
By Stephen Taylor
published

There's a good chance that Eurocom's Panther 5D notebook is faster than your desktop. The sample we're reviewing sports a six-core Core i7-3970X, two GeForce GTX 680M modules in SLI, 32 GB of DDR3-1600, and three 256 GB SSDs. Talk about a beast!

Bundled Software

The Panther 5D ships from Eurocom with very little bundled software, which we typically like. Almost everything that's installed supports the machine's hardware components. The AuthenTec TrueSuite handles fingerswipe logins and encryption. The BisonCam software is used by the Panther’s webcam. The Realtek and Sound Blaster software controls the Panther’s audio options. The Bigfoot Killer Network manager allows for in-depth management of the Atheros wireless card.

Even though the Panther 5D comes with ArcSoft's TotalMedia Extreme entertainment software, it was not preinstalled. Eurocom leaves it up to you whether you want add-ons or not. 

The Atheros Killer Network Manager allows network traffic to be prioritized for gaming or video streaming.

The Sound Blaster software gives you lots of control over the Panther 5D's audio options.

The THX TruStudio Pro software, which is part of Creative's suite, facilitates additional options for home theater-oriented audio processing.

Creative's Sound Blaster Console enables interesting options for altering how you sound over a microphone.

The system also includes Rapture3D software to help control game audio. Similar functionality can also be found in the Sound Blaster software.

Configuration of audio inputs and outputs is done in the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

Stephen Taylor
65 Comments Comment from the forums
  • vmem
    I want the satisfaction of just dropping this monster on someone's desk, and say

    "personal server: DEPLOY!"
    Reply
  • coffeecoffee
    Great for individuals that moves around often (i.e LAN parties, get togethers, etc) IF the hardware can be kept cool AND if the fan doesn't sound like a space rocket taking off. However, one will need a deep pocket to afford something like this.

    @vmem "Personal Server: Please insert Credit Card to continue! $_$"
    Reply
  • Razerium
    Sure it's better than my desktop, but it's also three times more expensive!
    Reply
  • f-14
    now this is how you're meant to play crisis 1-2-3 right by any one with an iMac.

    the main people i can see needing this bad boy is division commanders on a battlefield as well as NSA hackers and CIA spies and Drone operators
    Reply
  • airplanegeek
    you guys didn't review the sound volume :(
    but what i really wanted to see was the effects of ocing the gtx 680Ms :P
    Reply
  • 16bit
    Great article. Puts my 17.3 inch laptop to shame.

    Finally I can have high end desktop performance on the go.
    Reply
  • palladin9479
    I once had a Desktop Replacement laptop, huge monster that required a large AC adapter, was loud and heavy. These things are NOT portable, they are heavy to lug around and completely impractical for mobility. They are for people who, for whatever reason, do not want a desktop +monitor at their house. These are just desktops that are easier to transport around.
    Reply
  • belardo
    This seems more for bragging rights. Sure some people will NEED this... For a portable gaming system with 3 power-bricks, etc... why not get customized AIO? Or simply brink a small (SFF) case with keyboard and 20" display which would weight less? If you're gaming anyway - you'll need a mouse. The keyboard looks crappy, the numeric keypad is up against the main keys.

    Lets see, a SFF setup parts:
    PC: 5 = SFF-PC, keyboard, mouse, monitor, 2 power cords.
    5D: 7 = 5D Panther, Mouse, 2 power cords, 3 power bricks/converter.

    In return, you get a much better keyboard... then when broken, its a $10~150 replacement...
    Reply
  • Avus
    It may be fast, but it sure look ugly. If i compare this notebook to a car, it will be a Mitsuoka Orochi.
    Reply
  • zodiacfml
    awesome photography. i enjoyed looking at the parts.
    Reply