Another look at ASUS' reference Ivy Bridge notebook, the N56VM
Subject: Mobile | May 24, 2012 - 03:40 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: n56, mobile, laptop review, laptop, Ivy Bridge, asus
You are likely already familiar with the ASUS N56VM from Matt's review, if not you really should check it out. He was not the only one to receive this laptop to test out though, as The Tech Report also recently published a look at this powerful notebook. The new Core i7-3720QM really stands out and tops the performance charts, while the Nvidia GeForce GT 630M helps this notebook stand out for moderate gaming duties. They were disappointed with the battery life as it is not noticeably improved from the previous generation, however it will get a lot more done in the time that it has a charge to run on.
"Join us as we take a 15.6" notebook with a quad-core Ivy Bridge CPU and discrete GeForce 600M graphics through our mobile test suite."
Here are some more Mobile articles from around the web:
- Samsung Series 7 (NP700G7C-S01US) Review @ TechReviewSource
- ASUS Transformer Pad TF300 Android Tablet Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Asus G75VW-DS71 Review @ TechReviewSource
- ASUS Zenbook Prime (UX21A) Review: The First of the 2nd Gen Ultrabooks @ AnandTech
- Lenovo IdeaPad Y480 Review @ TechReviewSource
- Mobile CPU Comparison Guide @ TechARP
- The Archos G9 Tablet Reviews: Fast Enough @ AnandTech
- Genius Ring Presenter Wireless Device @ Pro-Clockers
- Cooler Master ARC Macbook and iPad Stand @ Benchmark Reviews
- WiMAX vs. LTE: Should You Switch? @ TechReviewSource
- HTC One X Android Smartphone Review @ HardwareHeaven
- Android to the Maxx, DROID Razr Maxx @ LanOC Reviews
- Blackberry Curve 9320 @ The Inquirer
- HTC One V @ The Inquirer
Podcast #203 - ASUS N56VM notebook, XFX 7850s and 7870s, Thunderbolt on Windows and more!
Subject: General Tech | May 24, 2012 - 02:59 PM | Ken Addison
Tagged: video, xfx, thunderbolt, podcast, msi, Ivy Bridge, Intel, asus, amd, 7870, 7850, 680
PC Perspective Podcast #203 - 05/24/2012
Join us this week as we talk about the ASUS N56VM notebook, XFX 7850s and 7870s, Thunderbolt on Windows and more!
You can subscribe to us through iTunes and you can still
The URL for the podcast is: http://pcper.com/podcast - Share with your friends!
- iTunes - Subscribe to the podcast directly through the iTunes Store
- RSS - Subscribe through your regular
RSS reader - MP3 - Direct download link to the MP3 file
Hosts: Ryan Shrout, Jeremy Hellstrom, Josh Walrath, and Allyn Malvantano
Program Schedule:
- Introduction
- 1-888-38-PCPER or podcast@pcper.com
- http://pcper.com/podcast
- http://twitter.com/ryanshrout and http://twitter.com/pcper
- 0:02:00 You talked about all the cool stuff last week!
- 0:13:30 Antec High Current Pro Platinum 1000 watt PSU
- 0:16:20 ASUS N56VM Ivy Bridge Notebook - our reference system
- 0:17:30 XFX HD 7870 and HD 7850 Black Edition
- 0:28:25 Unreal Engine 4 Screenshots
- 0:31:00 AMD to stop making "needlessly powerful" CPUs
- 0:42:00 NVIDIA is not recalling Kepler
- 0:45:00 Thunderbolt for Windows from ASUS and MSI announced
- 0:48:30 Josh's Banana Phone - VIA $49 Android PC
- 0:51:30 Seagate to purchase LaCie
- 0:56:30 The discrete graphics card is not dead
- 1:02:00 Hardware / Software Pick of the Week
- Ryan: Pegasus R4 Thunderbolt External Storage
- Jeremy: DeLorean Hovercraft or levitating bed? Or I could go old school.
- Josh: Some Thieving Goodies from Way Back
- Allyn: Paragon Hard Disk Manager 12 - alignment for SSDs integral with partition moves / resizes / etc
- 1-888-38-PCPER or podcast@pcper.com
- http://pcper.com/podcast
- http://twitter.com/ryanshrout and http://twitter.com/pcper
- Closing
Introduction, Design, User Interface
When Ivy Bridge was released Ryan did a deep-dive and desktop review while I worked on a review of the mobile processor. My mobile review was based on a reference laptop known as the ASUS N56VM. Although considered a “reference platform,” the laptop is really a production product and successor to the outgoing ASUS N55. We held off on a full review to provide coverage of the new G75, but now it’s time to revisit the N56.
This is an important product for ASUS. The 15.6” laptop remains a sales leader and the N56 will likely be the company’s flagship in this arena for the coming year. This means it won’t be a high-volume model, but it serve as a “halo product” – an example of what ASUS is capable of. If the company follows its usually modus operandi we’ll see this same chassis used as the basis for a number of variations at different price points with different hardware.
As you may remember from our Ivy Bridge for mobile review, the model we received is equipped with a Core i7-3720QM processor. It’s hard to say if this is a mid-range quad given the limited number of Ivy Bridge products available so far, but it probably will end up in that role. What about the rest of the system? Well, take a look.
Continue reading our review of the ASUS N56VM Ivy Bridge Notebook!!
Podcast #201 - GTX 690 review, ASUS G75V Ivy Bridge Notebook review, a Vertex 4 update and more!
Subject: Editorial | May 10, 2012 - 03:56 PM | Ken Addison
Tagged: Vertex 4, podcast, nvidia, Ivy Bridge, Intel, gtx690, g75v, amd, 690
PC Perspective Podcast #201 - 05/10/2012
Join us this week as we talk about our GTX 690 review, ASUS G75V Ivy Bridge Notebook review, a Vertex 4 update and more!
You can subscribe to us through iTunes and you can still
The URL for the podcast is: http://pcper.com/podcast - Share with your friends!
- iTunes - Subscribe to the podcast directly through the iTunes Store
- RSS - Subscribe through your regular
RSS reader - MP3 - Direct download link to the MP3 file
Hosts: Ryan Shrout, Jeremy Hellstrom, Josh Walrath, and Allyn Malvantano
Program Schedule:
- Introduction
- 1-888-38-PCPER or podcast@pcper.com
- http://pcper.com/podcast
- http://twitter.com/ryanshrout and http://twitter.com/pcper
- Win a Netgear R6300 802.11ac router!!
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 690 Review - Dual GK104 Kepler Greatness
- ASUS G75V Review: Gaming Goes Ivy
- Greater than 20 Percent of Malware Articles Miss the Point
- Trinity Improvements Include Updated Piledriver Cores and VLIW4 GPUs
- More Leaks Emerge on NVIDIA’s Kepler Based GTX 670 GPU
- Ready for Diablo III? Not with Catalyst 12.4 you're not.
- Corsair Launches Air Series of High Airflow and High Static Pressure Fans
- Steam Allows Remote Installation of Games
- OCZ Updates Vertex 4 Enthusiasts to 1.4 Release Candidate Firmware
- Windows Media Center To Be A Pro Only Feature In Windows 8
- Good news from TSMC for NVIDIA and you
- Hardware / Software Pick of the Week
- Ryan: ASUS N66U Dual-band Router
- Jeremy: Wave your hands like an idiot for free
- Josh: Not exactly mine, but good.
- Allyn: pqi U819V 3cm USB3
- 1-888-38-PCPER or podcast@pcper.com
- http://pcper.com/podcast
- http://twitter.com/ryanshrout and http://twitter.com/pcper
- Closing
Dell is bringing Ivy Bridge to the server room
Subject: General Tech | May 10, 2012 - 12:34 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: xeon e3, Ivy Bridge, E3-1200 v2, dell, 22nm
Dell's microserver family is undergoing a major change right now as their 5000 series is moving to the new generation of chips from Intel. The current C5000 and C5125 uses Athlon II X2 and X4 and Phenom II X2 chips based on the customers preferences and will continue to do so for the near future but the C5220 will be using the not quite yet released yet Xeon E3-1200 v2. That Ivy Bridge chip means that Dell expects to be selling 17W and 45W versions of the C5220 which gives Intel a nice lead in power efficiency and processing density. As more new Xeons come out you will see models requiring more power and thus less physical servers in a rack. Dell expects to fit a dozen of the lower powered models into a full rack mount chassis and eight of the higher wattage models. Check out the specifics as well as hints as to the other members of the Ivy Bridge contingent of the Xeon family at The Register.
"Dell's PowerEdge server line is once again trying to get out in front of Intel, announcing that its PowerEdge-C family of microservers are revved up with the new Ivy Bridge Xeon E3 processors, which the chip giant is launching soon."
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- AMD's Hondo APUs ready for Windows 8 Q4 launch @ The Register
- Microsoft boasts of quicker recovery from NTFS corruption @ The Inquirer
- HP launches several ultrabooks and ultra-like notebooks @ DigiTimes
ASUS Launches Three New Ivy Bridge Desktops
Subject: Systems | May 8, 2012 - 06:56 AM | Tim Verry
Tagged: usb 3.0, Ivy Bridge, cases, asus
ASUS, a company popular for its line of enthusiast motherboards and gaming notebooks, recently unveiled three new Ivy Bridge powered desktop systems. Although specific pricing is still up in the air, the three systems span the range from low powered desktop systems to the high end enthusiast computer.
The ASUS CM6870 desktop is a low end desktop that is powered by Intel’s latest Ivy Bridge processors (Core i3/i5/i7 Pentiums), up to 16GB of dual channel DDR3 1600MHz RAM, and a choice from a variety of low end (mainly HTPC class) discrete graphics cards including the NVIDIA GT640 on the top end and the AMD HD5450 on the low end. The system also has Gigabit LAN, up to 4TB of hard drive space, a 300W or 350W PSU, four USB 3.0 ports, 6 USB 2.0 ports, headphone/microphone jacks, and a 16-in-one card reader. The system runs Windows 7 Home Premium x64 or Windows 7 Home Basic x64.
The ASUS CG8270 features higher end CPU and GPU choices, making it suitable for entry level gaming. It uses either a Core i5 or Core i7 Ivy Bridge processor, up to 16GB of DDR3 1600MHz memory, up to 4TB of hard drive space, and up to a NVIDIA GTX560 Ti 1GB graphics card. The system comes with a 400W or 500W power supply, depending on what GPU the user chooses. It also features Gigabit LAN, headphone and microphone jacks, a 16-in-1 card reader, four USB 3.0 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and 8 channel analog audio output. This desktop has an angled brushed aluminum front panel and dark chassis. It also runs Windows 7 Home Premium x64.
Occupying the high end is the ASUS CG8580 desktop. At first glance, the desktop has a large black case with an angled design that sports the ROG (Republic of Gamers) branding. It has a front panel that opens up to reveal the drive bays and an LED light that illuminates the ASUS logo. The case further has five open vents to improve airflow. On the inside is a liquid cooled Core i7 Ivy Bridge processor, a NVIDIA GTX 680 (or GTX560 Ti SLI) graphics card, up to 16GB DDR3 1600MHz memory, up to 10TB of hard drive storage, dual 128GB SATA III SSDs in Raid 0, and a Xonar DX sound card (optional). IO includes headphone and microphone jacks, four USB 3.0 ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, PS/2 port, Gigabit LAN, 8 channel audio, S/PDIF out, and a 16-in-1 card reader. The desktop also comes with a 700W power supply. It comes equipped with Windows 7 Home Premium x64.
The back of the CG8580 Gaming Rig
The three Ivy Bridge powered desktops are coming soon, but there is no word yet on pricing. In the meantime, please check out our Intel Ivy Bridge and NVIDIA GTX 680 GPU reviews to brush up on the new architectures.
Introduction, Design, User Interface
Intel has decided to lead its introduction of Ivy Bridge for mobile with its most powerful quad-core parts. Many of these processors will end up in mainstream laptop, but they’re also great for gaming laptops. In our first look at Ivy Bridge we saw that it holds up well when paired with its own Intel HD 4000 graphics – if you keep the resolution around 1366x768. A bit more than that and the IGP just can’t hang.
Gamers will still want a beefy discrete GPU, and that’s what the G75 offers. Inside this beast you’ll find an Nvidia GeForce GTX 670M. Those who were reading our Kepler coverage will remember that this is not based off Nvidia’s newest architecture but is instead a re-work of an older Fermi chip. That mean seem a bit disappointing, and it is – but the performance of Nvidia’s older mobile chips wasn’t lackluster.
So, this new laptop is packing a spanking-new Core i7-3720QM as well as Nvidia’s new GTX 670M. That’s an impressive combination, and ASUS has wisely backed it up with a well-rounded set of performance components.
Continue reading our review of the ASUS G75V Gaming Notebook!
Getting hot and bothered by Ivy Bridge
Subject: Processors | May 2, 2012 - 04:14 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: Ivy Bridge, Intel, i7-3770k
Anyone who has been keeping up with the reviews coming out which try overclocking Intel's new Ivy Bridge processor will be familiar with the large amount of power required to hit high frequencies. While the voltages required to overclock Ivy Bridge and its predecessor Sandy Bridge are very similar, Ivy Bridge's stock voltage is lower so the change is greater for Ivy Bridge. That larger increase could be one cause of the higher heat that Ivy Bridge generates. Another theory is that the heatspreader could be a cause as Intel used thermal paste in the design as opposed to the fluxless solder present on SandyB, however other tests have shown that this does not seem to be the case. The Tech Report has gathered together the current facts on this hot topic, so you can check out the numbers for yourself right here.
"Folks across the web have reported some eye-poppingly high temperatures for their overclocked Ivy Bridge processors, leading to some tough questions about the causes. Does Ivy Bridge truly run hotter than its predecessor, Sandy Bridge, and if so, why? We checked into it, and the answers were surprising, to say the least. Have a look."
Here are some more Processor articles from around the web:
- Ivy Bridge's heat problems persist, even with the removal of its IHS @ Tweaktown
- Intel Ivy Bridge Processor Overclocking Proves Challenging For Some Motherboard Makers @ Legit Reviews
- Intel Core i5-3570K "Ivy Bridge" Processor Review @ Hi Tech Legion
- Intel Ivy Bridge i5-3570K and i7-3770K Review @ Madshrimps
- Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge GPU Performance @ techPowerUp
- Ivy Bridge on air: The Core i7-3770K overclocked on four motherboards @ The Tech Report
- Intel Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge CPU @ SPCR
- Intel Third Generation Core i7 3770K Review @ OCC
- Intel Core i7 3770K "Ivy Bridge" Processor Review @Hi Tech Legion
- Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Ivy Bridge Processor Review @ Legit Reviews
- Ivy Bridge Temperatures – It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here @ Overclockers.com
- Overclocking Intel’s HD 4000 @ SemiAccurate
- Intel HD 4000 Ivy Bridge Graphics On Linux @ Phoronix
- Desktop Ivy Bridge. Intel Core i7-3770K and Core i5-3570K @ X-bit Labs
- Desktop CPU Comparison Guide @ TechARP
- CPU shoot-out: Intel Atom D2700 vs. AMD E-450 @ Hardware.Info
- AMD A8-3870K Black Edition APU Review @ Madshrimps
- AMD Trinity APU Preview: Evolution or Devolution? @ VR-Zone
Alienware Updates Laptop Lineup With Ivy Bridge Processors
Subject: Mobile | April 30, 2012 - 12:43 PM | Matt Smith
Tagged: news, Ivy Bridge, gaming laptop, alienware
When Alienware made some adjustments to its laptop lineup about a week before the Ivy Bridge release, many observers scratched their heads. Why update now? Was the company going to delay its introduction of Ivy Bridge laptops?
Apparently not, as they’ve now made the availability of Ivy Bridge in Alienware laptops official. The M14x, M17x and M18x can now be configured with one of several Ivy Bridge quad cores including the Core i7-3610QM, 3720QM, 3820QM, and 3920XM. The M11x, axed in the lineup change prior to Ivy Bridge's launch, remains dead.
The XM processor, which features a blazing base clock of 2.9 GHz with a maximum Turbo Boost of 3.8 GHz, is only available in the flagship M18x. If that’s still not fast enough for your tastes you can order an overclocked version that ups the Turbo Boost maximum.
While Ivy Bridge processors will be stock on the M17x and M18x, the M14x still comes standard with a Sandy Bridge dual core. This is because the new dual-cores have yet to be released into the wild. It’s all but certain that the M14x will be updated with a standard Ivy Bridge dual-core once the parts are available.
As you’d expect, Alienware is pairing the latest CPUs with the newest GPUs. The M14x now comes standard with a Kepler-based GT 650M. Buying an M17x will give you a choice between a GTX 660M, GTX 675M or a Radeon HD 7970M. And the mammoth M18x can be had with a GTX 660M, GTX 675M (single or SLI) or two Radeon HD 7970Ms in CrossFire.
If my memory is correct, none of these laptops have been slapped with a price increase. The M14x is $1099, the M17x is $1499 and the M18x is $1999 - in base form, of course.
These updates put to rest any concerns about the company’s laptop lineup. Based on our review of Ivy Bridge for mobile, we expect the new processors to provide Alienware’s products with a respectable boost in performance. They may allow the laptops to run cooler and quieter, as well.
Make the jump to read the full press release.
ASUS P8Z77-V Premium motherboard announced.
Subject: General Tech, Motherboards | April 27, 2012 - 02:48 PM | Scott Michaud
Tagged: Z77, msata, Ivy Bridge, asus
ASUS announces their upcoming P8Z77-V Premium flagship motherboard for Intel processors. Many features have been included such as 4-way SLi and onboard MSATA support with a 32GB MSATA SSD.
Does anyone know where I can get 4 GTX 680s?
In case you missed it, JJ from ASUS was recently at the PC Perspective offices to announce their Z77 lineup of motherboards. Lots of stuff was given away to live viewers. JJ stuck around after the live stream to record a couple of videos about overclocking Ivy Bridge and WiDi support which were released publicly earlier this week.
Now they reached out to us to announce their flagship P8Z77-V Premium Z77-based motherboard.
Two antennas, why-fi not?
The main features of the motherboard are as follows:
- USB3 Boost support
- USB Bios Flashback
- Dual Intel Gigabit Nics featuring iNetwork Control Packet Priority
- 4 way SLI and 4 way Crossfire support via a new PLX Gen 3 switch
- Dual Band Wifi with BT 4.0 featuring WiFi Go! Software Suite ( for DLNA Streaming/Serving, Easy file transfer to android/iOS devices and remote desktop functionality )
- Onboard MSATA support with 32GB MSATA SSD
- Digi+ VRM with 3 way Digital power design ( CPU/VRM – DRAM – iGPU )
- 9 SATA Ports
- 6 4 Pin PWM Fan Headers featuring Fan Xpert 2 Fan Technology ( for advanced control in UEFI and OS as well as automatic fan calibration )
The feature which sticks out to me the most is the 32 GB mSATA SSD allegedly packaged with the motherboard. That would certainly be nothing to sneer at. Judging by the photos provided by Asus the flash cells appear to be produced by Toshiba.
Want to see half of a pegasus flashing?
Also visible on the MSATA drive is a chip produced by Nanya which is commonly known for producing RAM. I am, however, not Al and as such will not speculate further about the SSD -- except that my guess is the chip is probably cache. So unfortunately, I do not know which controller it will utilize.
The other feature which catches my eye is the support for 4-way SLi or Crossfire. Not much else to say about that except that knowing somewhere out there someone will be gaming with four GTX 680s and there better be more than a single 60hz 1080p monitor.
Some day.
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