Gaming Benchmark Results
We run our game tests plugged in and away from the wall, yielding two very different looks at performance as Nvidia’s Battery Boost technology kicks in.
Ideally, we want to see the P34W v3 hold a steady 30 FPS on battery power (or whatever frame rate you specify through GeForce Experience). Then, when we attach the AC adapter, the notebook should generate playable performance at its panel’s native resolution and the highest-quality detail settings.
Gigabyte does not disappoint. Plugged in to the wall, we were able to crank each game up to 1920x1080 and its top graphics preset and enjoy smooth frame rates. Battlefield 4 averaged more than 53 FPS; Metro Last Light averaged 50; Tomb Raider nearly hit 80 FPS; Thief was up around 50 as well. The more platform-bound Grid 2 soared up to approach 90 FPS on average.
Even on battery power (and reduced clock rates) the P34W v3 is fast enough to maintain a smooth 30 FPS in these titles without giving up any graphics quality. For the system’s 14” FHD panel, a GeForce GTX 970M is just about right. Faster graphics modules (like the 980M) would really only be useful for attaching external displays. Then again, without a DisplayPort output, the P34W v3 wouldn’t be our top choice for docking to a more stationary desktop.