MAG 15 In-Depth Review!

The game changer has arrived!
New (WIP) Bob Of All Trades Storefront www.amazon.com...
GPU undervolting guide • GPU Undervolting Guide...
CPU undervolting guides
1) • Address that HOT i7 87...
2) • CPU Performance Tuning...
Performance metrics overlay • Video
MAG 15 Thermal and Tweaks discussion • Video
MAG 15 via Amazon Affiliate (helps the channel)
amzn.to/2LJ0rxN $1599 Review model
amzn.to/2M9byiH $1899 2070MQ
Update 10/7/2019 Price Hike due to employee hires to keep up with demand
MAG-15 2070MaxQ Review • A Gaming Laptop That E...
Eluktronics www.eluktronic...
NBR Forum Thread for this Chassis forum.notebookr...
Remove key caps easily here • XMG FUSION 15: Keycap ...
Three weeks and many late nights up with the CEO at Eluktronics to get the MAG where it needs to be. Several private videos sent to Intel in regards to the GPU limitations and why it's important to get this increased. This isn't the first time I went above and beyond, but it's the first time i'm talking about it because of the overall importance this laptop is to the market. Maybe someday i'll make a documentary about these journeys.
There's so much more in the works, we're only getting started.
www.patreon.co...

[@BobOfAllTrades]

You can install the Sound Blaster Audio now and it’s a nice improvement. I’ve been using it for several days 👍 Once a few more things get ironed out I’ll cover it all in a video.

[@ashtonbeattie8902]

How do you undervolt in the bios? I was unable to find an option for undervolting in the bios.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

That’s not an option

[@johnniejames1053]

Hi Bob, i done a fresh reboot and lost sound blaster - i installed the audio drivers as per the instructions, but sound blaster has not deployed after a reboot or windows update. how did you get it to work?

[@henrycastleton7316]

@@BobOfAllTrades Bob I purchased the Oplp2 15" and I'm trying to get a bigger battery. They're out of stock of the 72wh you had linked in that video. Do you have another link? Also, do you think they will sell this 92wh battery and would it be compatible with op setting as it's a similar build? Ty

[@shadebinder9969]

We're your thermals with the base thermal paste or with the optional Thermal Grizzly?

[@nathancasey7712]

People put this laptop under an incredible amount of scrutiny and after everything it prevails.

[@datniggakermit5287]

@What So is the laptop a typical over heated gaming laptop like the rest that will die out in a couple years from now or is it like what dave 2d advertised?

[@drmindriot]

@@datniggakermit5287 It's definitely higher quality than a "typical" laptop but its not the second coming of christ as dave2d professed. i would purchase this machine if i wanted a gaming laptop. it looks like eluktronics really cares about this machine and is investing a lot of time into it. always a good sign when the company that manufactures it is as excited as the fans.

[@nathancasey7712]

@@datniggakermit5287 "Overheated". Yeah you obviously don't have the device because even after hours of gaming it's not even hot just a bit warm.

[@avxrevo]

Nathan Casey you own the 2070 ?

[@datniggakermit5287]

@@nathancasey7712 I'm asking a question btw, chill nigga

[@sidewayssadface]

Hey Bob, I’ve been watching the notebookreview thread closely throughout the past month in anticipation of this review. I really can’t thank you enough for delivering the most in-depth review of the Mag-15 on KZbin, both in the thread and now in video form. Great work as always and thank you for your time and effort.

[@icer22x]

What I heard: "I tried tweaking the crap out of this machine, and I got very little increase from stock settings. Therefore the laptop is amazingly optimized out of the box."

[@dia6loblancojr620]

I can vouch for it!

[@corentin2638]

I guess I'll answer your question from the point of view of the general dude who knows nothing about tuning and just stumbled upon this while looking for reviews : I'll probably keep it stock, but i'll watch your tuning videos and maybe try it if its not too risky/complicated. I'm already making some compromises to get a thin and light machines, i can live with 10 less FPS in my games.

[@lhmissio]

dudes sounds like a narrator of a tom cruise movie trailer

[@andymarty80]

Great review and in depth research Bob. To answer your question, definitely a BIOS update upping the limit to 87c, and let the users adjust to their needs. Way more possibilities and versatility that way.

[@creaturecore13]

I prefer a bios update and let me decide how to tune it. For CPU I always undervolt and sometimes even limit the clock speed to keep temperature down. I prefer to run at 85 and cooler for both GPU and CPU. I usually never touch GPU settings as GPU is almost always 85ish since temp limit is 87. Oh I also hate playing with max fans. Prefer a better acoustic experience then max graphic settings.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

@What The CEO is working on the best possible BIOS. He's probably read every comment in this video.

[@xmg_gg]

You might want to have a look into using NVIDIA WhisperMode or using a Frame Limiter option like in NVIDIA Inspector app if you want to reduce performance for the benefit of reduce fan speeds. On the other hand, the 75°C GPU Temp Target is not negotiable - it's part of the system design and the promise of low RMA rate and long usage life. Furthermore, you can customize the 3 performance profiles via setup.ini (before install) and Windows Registry (after install) to some degree. // Tom

[@creaturecore13]

@@xmg_gg Yup, will end up buying this laptop. Was going to pull the trigger yesterday but waited until today and eluktronics raised the price by $100. So no real rush now to buy it. Will wait for nov to see if it goes on sale. Ty for all the info you supplied in bobs thread over at notebookreview.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

@@creaturecore13 Same , laptop was already out of my budget then they raised the price. I just got an Alpine White DELL G5 i5 and 1650 gpu for $600 brand new . But it runs HOT HOT HOT and I kind of want to return it. I undervolted it and running hwinfo to max fans to help thermals. It's sits around high 40s watching YT but spikes to 76 now and then. For$600 though i5 and 1650 gpu , good price. I just wish BIOS had any kind of fan options. I can run it on performance mode but without HWINFO max fans the laptop will melt the surface of the earth and create a new island in the pacific.

[@maurofmf]

Thank you so much for the review Bob! This video made me decide to buy the laptop ! Oh, and you totally deserve WAAAAAAY more followers :)

[@BeaverChainsaw]

Did you like the laptop?

[@jonathanr4160]

This thing is sooo close to being perfect. Tell Eluktronics I'll throw lots of $$ to them for years if they changed only a few things.. 1.) Talk Intel into having the normal 87 degree limit for GPU. 2.) Have an option for a mux switch/ g sync. 3.) This one more minor but try to get better speakers. I don't expect Apple quality but all the tongfang laptops seem to have pretty bad speakers. I hope this makes other companies start putting bigger battery options and not just expensive thin/light gaming laptops. Something like the y740 with a 90 w battery would be awesome. Thanks for all the work Bob 👌

[@BobOfAllTrades]

1) that’s on Intel 2) that’s on TongFang 3) that’s waiting for the sound blaster software. But, yes, I’d take a better solution for sure.

[@aashutoshrijal4741]

Yes the speakers are really poor if you are to believe notebookcheck's review (german xmg fusion 15) , dunno if soundblaster would improve things. I also wish intel includes an SKU with a 4k high color gamut panel, or the recent oled panels. Yes folks who play competitive fps games would rather want the high refresh panels but for casual gamers who are into other games like RPGs and also do a little professional work in the side would much rather appreciate the vibrant colors and contrast. Funny tho eluktronics chose to go with the BOE panel, I'm assuming because of the response times. Other eluktronics laptops used the 144hz LG panel and its probably the best 144hz panel when it comes to colors and contrast, but has like 15ms response times.

[@KshitijChawla]

@@aashutoshrijal4741 Intel chose the specs for the device and had it manufactured, based on their supply chain to reduce prices. The vendors can real things around but not sleep the base does set by Intel.

[@IncredibleJim]

Aashutosh Rijal if that’s the case I’m glad they chose the BOE panel. @15ms doesn’t that crear ghosting? The panel looks good enough to me. No screen tear on it and light bled as at a minimal.

[@cristianstanescu6235]

Hey Bob, thank you for the review. Straight to the point, do you have any knowledge if the XMG Fusion 15 is exactly like Mag 15? Does it do eluktroboost and have all the updates and tweaks as the Mag 15? Thank you

[@xmg_gg]

XMG|Tom here. Yes it is exactly the same. Eluktroboost is not proprietary to Eluktronics, it is built into the Intel reference design. If I may shill a bit: feel free to read our FAQ on Reddit at /r/XMG_gg

[@madducks9391]

I just got mine and I love it. I had an issue with the audio but eluktronics was very helpful in getting it fixed. Overall really good. Good gaming performance and long battery life to use for college classes.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Nice 👍

[@micah9462]

How many hours of battery do you get with your college workflow?

[@ethanHat]

@MadDucks I heard that Eluktronics had fixed the audio issue. What exactly was the problem and how did they fix it?

[@madducks9391]

@@micah9462 the only class I use it for is web design which is 3 hours. This concists of web browsing, using an ftp and also an ide. It lasts the whole time and starts at 100 and usually ends of at 60-50 percent.

[@madducks9391]

@@ethanHat the audio jack wasn't working properly. I had to reset for something unrelated and the drivers weren't on the website. They uploaded all the drivers including the Soundblaster application which I believe wasnt working when it launched.

[@marcosorgato8957]

Hi Bob, great review, you convinced me to take the European XMG version. Would you recommend the standard thermal paste or the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut? Can you upload your color profile calibration?

[@dampflokfreund]

Do not use Kryonaut on laptops with those powerful components. It will dry out quickly because of low mounting pressure and high temperatures above 80c (it's only meant for up to 80c) Use something like IC Diamond (but that could scratch your CPU/GPU surface), Coolermaster Nano Gel Maker, or even MX4 will do the job just fine.

[@BOOMcoffee]

I would buy one if it had option 4. I dont want to risk relying on 3 and some update break that for me.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Just the fact that this notebook has exhaust vents on both the left and right sides is what I'm sold on. I wish HP learned this lesson for their Omen 15 series of notebooks from 2015-2018. Seriously HP. Great job Eluktronics.

[@olegvasiljevic5920]

Well done! Who ever wants to buy this lap top should see this video first. Enjoyable to thouse who already bought laptop by your recommendation (myself). Keep doing this kind of videos; gets us really what we need to know about specific model. Great job! You got all recommendations from me!

[@bowsarbrowsar3136]

Sorry for asking again something, but would you recommend this same model but with the 2070 graphics card?

[@emrandelowar9061]

I would like to know too. Will performance increase or will it run cooler. It has lower base clock speed and has higher count of everything.

[@bowsarbrowsar3136]

@@emrandelowar9061 I'm not sure but in ownordisown has the mac 15 but with a 2070 max-q. You can do your own comparison.

[@sdfasdfvccvvc]

This depends on games you play. If you play something like Metro Exodus and want to experience game at maximum graphics effects - you need 2070 Max-q option, 1660ti will not be powerful enough to run it with RTX enabled or at Ultra settings. If you just play Minecraft or Fortnite - 1660ti will be enough.

[@bowsarbrowsar3136]

Randomness well, I would like to play AAA games but I’m also concerned about battery and temperatures that’s why I’m asking if it’s worth the upgrade.

[@emrandelowar9061]

@@sdfasdfvccvvc I know that GTX can't run ray tracing obviously but what I'm asking is it worth paying 400 euro for the RTX option. Does it have better performance in similar workload as with 1660Ti. It has lower clock speed just wanted to know if it hinders performance. EDIT: It seems eluktroboost increases the 90 watt limit of the Max-Q and overclocks it. So it might perform similar to Max-P. Even EU version has this called 'Overboost'.

[@spectrive9739]

Hey Bob, I'm looking for a good engineering laptop for college that can handle 3D modeling software and whatnot. I'm sold on the mag-15 with a 1660 ti and 32gb of ram but am wondering if I should pay an extra $50 for the thermal grizzly conductonaut. Also do you think its a good idea to buy it without an operating system and download windows when it comes in or should I bite the $100 bullet and not deal with messing up with the drives? Thank you and very helpful video :)

[@sisifo241]

Neal Specter installing Windows is as easy as downloading the image from Microsoft and burning It onto a USB, then inserting it and following the instructions. After that you can pirate It or buy a cheap oem license.

[@jmizer88]

Thanks for the video. I was on the fence about buying it but after this vid, I bought this laptop. Cant wait for it to get here. I appreciate your hard work.

[@Ethereal184]

Very good review Bob, within seconds of watching this video I could see the extra effort you were putting in. I think you made the video compact and with information for both the average and advanced user to understand. As far as the different options that you proposed for this laptop. In my opinion having all of them as an option is what’s best. It would be great if the user could just choose any of these options with a click of a button. Laptop manufacturers always give different options for users to use on laptop but only one option ever ends up being good. I think having three options to choose from that provide good battery life(quiet mode), best gaming performance at around 80C, and best gaming performance with thermals at 90C is what’s best for the community and of course all three options should have laptop already undervolted. Thank you for making a great video, might buy this over blade 15 lol

[@shariqzaheer8486]

Thanks for your in-depth review and prompt replies, I was able to play around with some undervolt settings and lower upto a good 5-8 Celsius temperature on CPU and GPU. Thanks man

[@USNEM]

There is something fishy about this laptop, theres no reviews except for like 3.......youd think that there would be a bunch of videos about this laptop.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Why is that fishy? A small company sends out a few to reviewers. BPS Customs has his too so that makes four that I know of.

[@USNEM]

@@BobOfAllTrades don't you think it's weird that there aren't many reviews on KZbin?

[@sdfasdfvccvvc]

How is this weird? If Eluktronics only wanted to send review sample to 3 people, how do you expect to see more reviews? Most people who buy them for personal use do not make KZbin reviews.

[@USNEM]

@@sdfasdfvccvvc lol ok

[@creaturecore13]

@@sdfasdfvccvvc well that and almost no one has them yet. They just started shipping.

[@Dumpster-J-]

I really enjoyed the review. This is a great release from Eluktronics but I don't think I'm moved to "upgrade" from my Aero X9 to the 2070 model although I'm curious about the 2070 model with 87C limit set. Its definitely a great value.

[@Rasyad95]

Amazing review. One of the best channel to discuss about tweaking and thermal performance. You're the boss!

[@stephanepv]

Thanks for the great review i will be buying the mag 15 because of your insight hopefully on black friday on sale!

[@nobody5197]

How long did it take for your cpu and gpu to start throttling. Cos I don’t plan on gaming for long periods

[@erikpark8661]

You are the best! We appreciate all the hard work that goes into your videos, have a great day!

[@fatrocky4943]

Such dedication towards tuning it and then sharing the results to the world. You deserve a ton more followers, and the gaming laptop industry needs more people like you to push manufacturers to do better. Liked, subbed and turned on all bell notifications.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Fat Rocky Thank you! Your name and avatar crack me up 🤣

[@woodybg]

Great review, that I was waiting so much. You are the community hero and I hope you know that. If I buy this laptop, I would prefer to have BIOS update, that unlocks the GPU.

[@faizandilawar4491]

Number 2 in most cases but if there is something that requires the performance maybe 3/4 as well.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

I wish you would upload more videos , just do a quick 5 minute video every other day!

[@BobOfAllTrades]

TheAgentAssassin What do you have in mind?

[@sdfasdfvccvvc]

Good review. I am surprised that liquid metal didn't help much for CPU, it worked great for different laptop that I have (not Eluktronics). I would still increase the GPU temp limit on MAG-15, I do not care how hot the bottom gets. And I do agree that this is a good laptop for people who need good battery life, better than Dell XPS for everything except display.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Ive put LM and many laptops like this and the results are pretty similar

[@baronwinston4958]

Option 2. And thanks, came here while researching this model, good channel content.

[@Terreos]

I don’t know why I never really gave this laptop a look. I guess since it’s not a name brand like Msi or gigabyte I had feelings it was gonna be a gamble if it was honestly any good. Well I pulled the trigger from eluktronics official website and will hopefully be happy. Too me it seems like a cheaper aero 15. A good Swiss Army knife laptop. And the free red dead redemption 2 was a nice touch. 😃

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Yeah it’s good my friend

[@Terreos]

I’ll let ya know how I feel once it arrives. 🤣

[@nikovlogs9837]

@@Terreos How is it?

[@Hhubs_]

Any update??

[@bojan24fit]

Hey Bob your content is great, really like your work, big 👍 But I'm a little confused about cooling options, I would be grateful if you could answer me on one question. I really like this product Mag 15 and i plan to buy one, but it is not completely clear to me what the cooling options are. My plan is to chose RTX2070maxQ/32gb ram, how to get the most out of the components and stay in safe zone? There is the 3 options when order, what is differece?

[@dragnetpro917]

Best NMV M.2 cooling pad? Hello Bob, I think i can find the most knowledge about laptops on this youtube channel. I will put evo 970 in my msi gp73, there are many reviews that talk about the very hot evo 970 temperatures. I will like to keep my laptop as cool as possible Could you please suggest me some thermal pads for the evo 970? Thank you

[@adr007]

I'll tweak it using Asus tool for GPU. Prefer to have system stock for most of my travelling for better battery life. Thanks Bob, just ordered and will be tweaking it the way you did. UV CPU, Unlock GPU temp limit with Asus tool.

[@stonefree7973]

What GPU temp do u want to unlock?

[@adr007]

@@stonefree7973 75 --> 87

[@SimoneDiBilio1]

does it work for you? I tried on mine but the temp seems to stay locked in place even with the 87° C on ASUS GPU Tweak II

[@akashinigaami2247]

Is mag 15 good for students

[@abdulazizalfaqih1990]

Hey you're the real MVP when it comes to laptops. You work is so detailed and just many levels ahead of other KZbinrs !!

[@taelee347]

Great review Bob. I think you said it the best when you mentioned that the CPU/GPU benchmarks don't run enough to heat-saturate the cooling system. Cinebench R20 shows some amazing numbers out of box at over 3000 easily (I had to undervolt the heck out of my MS65 to barely hit 3000, and I'm hitting 95C doing that) but during sustained games this laptop too shows hitting 90C. This laptop is not magical as initially claimed but still great on its own - if nothing else the existence of this product at this price point will help keep other notebook manufacturers in check and keep them innovating.

[@CultivateAwareness]

I have a small question. A lot of people are saying that 2070 and 2080 max q cards should not be overclocked... which makes absolutely no sense to me as they're just underclocked versions of the original ones. What is your take on this ?

[@TurboLife]

Great video! I ordered one 9/16, supposed to ship on 9/25 +4 days for the extra cooling options I chose. Still doesn't show that it has shipped, hoping I'll get an update soon. I subscribed so once I do get my machine I can use your videos to help me get the most out of it! Thanks!

[@LuisGarcia-lb7dn]

by any chance do you know if there is any way on this laptop, to bypass having to press the FN key to use the function F keys

[@mqkhas]

So do you think +300 for a 2070 is worth it?

[@petitpanierdosier3206]

Not really imo wait for a discount for the rtx

[@tomasflores6231]

Hello Bob! I did the gpu and cpu undervolting and also removed the 75º cap from then gpu (i folowed your guides! :) ), while i did get better clock speeds on my cpu i didn't see a performance boost in my game(r6). I am very new when it comes to tuning laptops so it's hard identifying the problem. Could you possibly help me ? thank you!

[@BobOfAllTrades]

What problem are you trying to identify?

[@tomasflores6231]

@@BobOfAllTrades Why have not seen a increase in fps or a better thermal performance like you did? Was it something i did wrong?

[@tomasflores6231]

Here are a few numbers: -120mV Core/Cache, 800mV 1700MHz

[@HaloblackopsTenken]

I'm ganna stay with the N970TF but your reviews on the Mag 15 just pulls me in alot more.. ughhh >.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Too completely different laptops 👍

[@StavrosZorbas]

Love the review! I would personally choose to modify the default temperature from 75 to 87 C on this laptop with the Asus GPU tweak software to reach the best possible performance but a BIOS update is always the best option and certainly i would apply the thermal grizzly kryonaut on both CPU & GPU because i dont feel very comfortable with liquid metal just yet. I am surprised that it doesnt have a 2.5mm HDD slot thought.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Big battery > 2.5”

[@mkarlsson1354]

What's about the touchpad? When googling mag-15 or xmg fusion 15 some people have complained about the touchpad?

[@grahamjones4539]

Do I have to tweak the GPU and tone it in order for it to not harm itself?

[@joco8587]

My Mag-15 maintains 1800 MHz at 69C to 70C for the GPU on Gaming mode with Performance Fan (no Eluktroboost). I use a cooling pad and repasted with Kryonaut. It touches the 80W power limit but is still 5C below thermal throttle limit.

[@arnoldvales784]

@Bob Of All Trades, awesome comprehensive review! I watched all of your vids in preparation to getting mine. I ordered the 2070 max q w/ 32gb ram, 1tb drive. I went a bit overboard but I still saved a lot considering I almost ordered the Lenovo X1 extreme. One question, which program are you using to monitor gpu/cpu/frame rates? Thanks in advance!

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Arnold Vales Strong choice! MSI AB for the overlay kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGPbcnWdr9WSZ9k

[@almog7887]

Hey Bob I need your help making the right choice I want to buy the Mag-15 but I don't know if I should get the GTX1660ti or the RTX 2070 MQ I need a computer for programming and gaming and my concerns are about the battery life with the 2070MQ and if its worth the upgrade because I know you cant replace the GPU after buying the laptop. I also don't know how much better the 2070MQ with elutktroboost what should I do? GTX 1660ti or RTX 2070 MQ? what will you do?

[@striderben]

Awesome review! This (and OWNorDISOWN) convinced me to buy the AUS/SG variant of the laptop (Vapor 15 Pro) almost a couple of years ago. No complaints on the performance, but I'm beginning to see a slight increase to the average temps of the CPU and GPU. I thought repasting is a good idea, but I'm having some trouble removing the heatsink. Unfortunately, I can't find a guide to disassemble it. Do you have any tips or guide that can help? Thanks in advance!

[@Hnetan]

I rarely have the attention to sit through an 18min review but this one was superb. Thanks for the hard work! I'm in the process of returning my defected Triton 500 and I'm thinking of getting this one instead. The overall look is great for those who don't want a screaming gamer look, like the helios for example.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Viktor Birgisson Thank you and my content from the latest review moving forward will be much shorter with more exterior footage and test results. It’s win win 🙏

[@viktorstorelv]

What kind of defect did your triton have? I had some soundissues and coil whine, som mine was DoA. But, the triton was indeed a great machine!:)

[@Hnetan]

@@viktorstorelv I kept getting the BSOD VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR despite uninstalling and updating every driver you can think of which led me to believe the graphics card was up to no good. I couldn't play any games that used directx for a long period of time (Vulkan codec worked for some reason) so I sent it for repairs to Germany (I live in Italy) and it came back in the same condition. The Acer repair guy simply re flashed the BIOS and updated the same drivers which I had tried prior to sending. Anyway I got a full refund and I placed an order for the xmg Fusion last Tuesday so I'm hoping I'll have it by next week :)

[@jasonnorton8233]

Taking a shot here and replying 5 months late... worth the extra $$ over, say, a legion Y540? Been looking for a productivity laptop that can game.. not easy. Torn between the Aero, Mag 15 and Y540... just sure the extra cash is going to be worth it

[@benjaminchen4367]

Bob, the guy on the forum who bought that CyberpowerPC version of this chassis ended up receiving the laptop and says everything is good about it apart from an ugly plastic logo on the lid that was removed with floss. A little over $1000 for the equivalent to the base model mag is pretty good isn't it? Apparently he checked the manufacturing dates on those and they're all from 2019, with very old BIOS versions, so I guess CyberpowerPC is just selling old stock

[@codeHusky]

3 or 4 for me, honestly. Still not seeing any stress tests ran besides some games, but the extra data this time is appreciated.

[@lordoftherims436]

I am thinking about buying this laptop. It is on between this eluktronics mag 15 (gtx1660ti 94w/hr (1600usd) and the acer predator triton 500 (rtx 2060 84w/hr( usd1652)I need a laptop with great battery life and portability that i can take to school and use to run triple a titles at 144hz. My main problem with this is that i live in new zealand which dont have retailers for eluktronics so i am worried about warranty and how it will hold up over time and how good their customer service is for both software and hardware. I understand both panels are very similar. I am also worried about how a magnesium alloy chassis compares to aluminium (like on the triton 500. Can anybody inform me further

[@mikespike79]

Hi Bob, Where is your Mag-15 tweak discussion video it says it's unavailable. I need it :)

[@petrsolny3510]

Why ThrottleStop and not XTU? XTU is from Intel, right? So isn't it better? Sorry, I'm new to this.

[@trouse23]

Awesome review Bob, I appreciate reviewers that put in your kind of effort. I actually had ordered a MAG-15, but cancelled after I discovered the 75C limit. It's my understanding, from Eluktronics response on reddit, that Intel made that call for user comfort reasons. Now that's not to say I think it's a bad thing, but I would have preferred having the mode button switch between a game mode (87C) and a standard mode (75C). Having it locked through the BIOS just felt like Intel gimped the thermals because of some guidelines that were handed down. The biggest selling point for me is the solid magnesium chassis and the clean looks that won't get you funny looks from your boss. All things considered, it's probably the best choice at it's price point and great value. I was fortunate and found an open box razer 15 for the same price so went with that, but I would have preferred to give my money to Eluktronics for building such a great product.

[@xmg_gg]

I would argue that designing the laptop around a 75C temp target is not only for user comfort (skin temperatures) but also to increase the lifespan and lower the RMA rates. Nobody likes their mainboards dying a few weeks before or after end of warranty. You might say "87C is till within NVIDIA's specs for the GPU" - yes, but the real hot spots are sitting in the power circuits around the GPU and they can heat up considerably more than the GPU. // Tom

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Thanks Tom! There’s many people that actually like it the way it is at 75c for the reasons you mention. I heavily tested skin temps post heavy saturation and compared 75c to 87c in a previous video. From an immediate consumer perspective it’s the difference between an advertised feature known as Eluktroboost, not working, versus a few C increase on the chassis. These tables tend to turn a few years down the road when people have dead laptops, especially if it’s from high temps 🤷‍♂️

[@xmg_gg]

@@BobOfAllTrades Exactly. That's why we officially don't advertise Overboost on this laptop, even though it's implemented. Unlike XMG NEO 15 where we advertise it quite heavily thanks to the thermal headroom. Cheers! // Tom

[@crashtestdummy2337]

I feel like you choose somewhat poorly. Razer's run very hot even while idling and therefore have little in the way of longevity. You also bought an open box which means a RETURNED product of a very unreliable laptop maker. Razer has crazy quality control issues.

[@yeanxen123]

I would really love to get this laptop. But I think it does not have G-sync right? Can someone let me know if that will be a deal breaker? I plan to use this laptop for years and worry that the lack of g sync may come back to chew my ass when it gets old and newer games come around after a few years.

[@eurodj101]

wait so u are limiting the cpu to 35w? also even doing the 87 degree gpu tweak its a little toasty...id rather have it around 77-78

[@ddaarrkknneezz]

An interesting laptop, albeit ZERO availability in indonesia. Sad lyf :")

[@emrandelowar9061]

Check out if Aftershock Vapour 15 ships. It's Singapore based

[@tommybro5313]

@@emrandelowar9061 eew not that one.

[@dblake1947]

Very succinct video.Lots of good knowledge to be gleaned from this video.I just purchased this Wonder so this was very timely for me as well.I vote for Bios update also. Keep up the excellent work.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

It’s a slick machine my friend 👍

[@savvystudio5930]

Hey did you get a better microphone for the voice overs?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

ThatOnePCGamer The lapel mic is newer. The other mic is an older Fifine mic I reviewed long ago. Good 🎙

[@undissatisfied1557]

So my only question after this review is whether the thermal performance is inhibited by the height of the feet on the laptop. With my current laptop, I 3M taped on little feet that are about twice the height of the originals, and they do seem to help with thermals.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

No

[@quadzilla3326]

Great review. Almost 21k subs you are crushing it man.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

I don’t know if I’m crushing it or it’s crushing me LOL. Oh KZbin

[@joshb853]

Bob Of All Trades love your content man

[@IBuzz7]

Is this laptop appropriate for a 90% creator / 10% gamer? Or should I go maybe with the gigabyte aero 15 oled?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

For you I think I’d have to go Aero OLED 👌

[@IBuzz7]

@@BobOfAllTrades Thank you!

[@dmitryfedorov5171]

How is the trackpad compared to the surface laptop or Mac book?

[@nathancasey7712]

I enjoy it coming from a surface book but it's not quite as good as either of those

[@kvni88]

Great review! Tough call between this and the Aero 15 classic?

[@Depth_Psychology]

Are you keeping the Mag-15?

[@vineeshkp8323]

Thanks you so much for the in-depth review. Feels like it's been ages. But in the end, it was worth it. Thanks again

[@incapaisa]

Wow amazing review...just found out about you..as im researching a laptop purchase.. new sub and thank you sir

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Welcome aboard my friend 👍

[@Deerjr1020]

thank you i needed this info very much

[@Peyton1218]

Wow definitely in-depth thanks for this

[@maru7102]

You have amazing contents. Only if your thumbnails look as good as Dave's, you maybe more famous than him.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

I don’t have the tools like he does. Can’t afford them either lol. This channel makes pennies in comparison.

[@maru7102]

With that much passion, you will get there one day.

[@viktorstorelv]

This is now available in Norway as well, www.komplett.no and it is called "Komplett Khameleon". Seems like a great machine!:) Wonder if the bios-updates for the mag 15 Will Apply for the "Komplett"-version 🤔

[@BobOfAllTrades]

viktorstorelv So long as the third-party vendor does a good job updating their website to offer the most recent bios, yes!

[@viktorstorelv]

@@BobOfAllTrades i have to check. I had the triton 500 with rtx 2070mq, but hasd to send inn for service(coil whine and some sound issues), i get a new computer, but might trade ut for this one. But, i think they Are pretty equal, and both have good batterylife (mag maybe a bit better). Not sure about performance. A bit bad with the upsidedown MB om the triton, but... Ill survive. What U think, Mag15 vs triton 500 with same specs?

[@pfeliciano5976]

Is the battery replaceable?

[@jimenezgd9916]

Thank you for the review! I’m more confident now of getting one. I have never done any tune to a laptop, so I will probably use it stock, but I’m welling to learn how to tune if you do any video I will follow. Thanks for your work.

[@SerjStar]

i just unlock the gpu and use it like that

[@wagyubeef6808]

your reviews are awesome. also you look like a young buff heisenberg

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Wagyu Beef 💪💪

[@zeahroela]

Hey Bob, awesome content, 2021 and still a solid option for cost/value gaming laptop. Just bought mine and have a few questions. In your optimization did you set 35w only on PL1 or also on P2? I assume that if you set both to 35w CPU wouldn't be able to reach 4ghz turbo limit without extra juice and might be stuck around at 3.5ghz around all times. Also, is it optimal to leave GPU locked at a setting or to flatten the curve, I assume without locking it you could alleviate some tension when not needed. Cheers!

[@BobOfAllTrades]

There’s too many ways to get the job done. Tune and test and see what’s ideal per your software 👍 The MAG rocks!

[@MoeAmen]

Hey, i was wondering How do i check that Eluktroboost is working properly on the Mag 15? Can i run a stress test and check hwinfo if the gpu goes above 80 watts?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

It works like this 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYnVgYidjNGJpaM

[@parkytheasian]

Hey Bob, anything I can do to turn the quiet mode into a silent mode? My CPU temps hover around 50C and the fans kick to 2600 rpm for 5-10 minutes before shutting off again. It'd be great if I could keep the CPU temps low enough for basic usage (web browsing, drafting emails) without the fans coming on. All drivers and BIOS are up to date.

[@harryaldieny7697]

my only take is the nvidia 2070 is in fact Max-Q not RTX. solid all-rounder review tho thanx

[@BobOfAllTrades]

MaxQ just means it’s a lower wattage part 👍

[@siddj08]

Does the design of the mag-15 keyboard allow for more dust and debris to collect in it compared to other laptops? Anybody have long-term issues with this?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

I used one for over a year and it never gave a trouble. But, I cleaned it out with compressed air ever few months.

[@Thewickedjon]

I would probably leave it stock out of the box and play dota2 connected through an external monitor. It would probably be in a docked position mostly while playing games, If I have to take it with me , i probably won't be playing games.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Sounds like you have a plan 👍

[@notvio]

Why did you personally choose the 2070 over the 1660?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

I didn’t

[@davidle1226]

can we charge battery by this thunderbolt usb c. Idk why i cant charge my mag 15 laptop with usb c

[@jackargie1092]

No you can’t.

[@Radhaugo108]

Bob, you are the review KING! Question: At this price point. Who are the main competitors to the MAG 15?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Radha K. Ugo Nothing at this price point. That’s the main reason why this is an important laptop for the market its targeted for.

[@Radhaugo108]

@@BobOfAllTrades Wouldn't the Aero 15 qualify as a competitor? Thanks

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Radha K. Ugo You said “at this price point”. I wasn’t aware the Aero could be had for $1499 with these specs. Pretty awesome if we can 👍

[@Radhaugo108]

@@BobOfAllTrades Bob you are 100% correct on the price! I was thinking of battery life. May I suggest you do a Aero 15 vs Mag 15 showdown? Might generate some views.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Radha K. Ugo I put my thoughts on that in a forum linked in the description

[@artembidnichenko8371]

I am a bit late to the party, but would definitely appreciate the response: Is there a generic guide to tweaking the laptop? Why do the laptops do not come "pre tweaked" ? It seems like for every game/software you need to do the same things just to a different extent, so why not help out the user by safely pre-configuring their hardware?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Artem Cobalt the software I use to tune laptops is free to the consumer. But if the manufacturers preinstall these they’re have to pay a fee. Some companies like Eluktronics and HIDevolution May Undervolt their CPU before you get it but there’s still more to do.

[@SerjStar]

Hi Bob i have a question for u . How do i stop the Mag 15 from Squeaking noises . Im not sure what i did but its making annoying crunchy noises . Did i put the bottom panel on wrong ? is there some kind of guide or a pattern to the screws?? the screws seem to be all the same

[@BobOfAllTrades]

I can’t imagine he would’ve done anything incorrectly. Take the bottom panel off turn the machine on (be very careful) see if the noise goes away

[@Emdrag13]

How did you power limit the cpu to 35w. In throttle stop? I am trying to do that for acer helios 300 so I can drop the 9750h to 35w tdp.

[@BobOfAllTrades]

You can but good luck with the Helios 300. It can be done but you will definitely run into some issues when activating Turbo since it changes everything. That can be an annoying laptop to tune.

[@luluw9699]

Predator helios 300 vs mag15 i7 9750h gtx1660ti which one is better?

[@bloogaming8827]

I’m seriously considering buying this laptop. I’d use your tuning strategy and occasionally use GPU Tweak to raise the thermal limit if I really needed it.

[@Viewer13128]

so it's not color accurate out of the box?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

I didn’t say that 💪

[@corentin2638]

@@BobOfAllTrades the notebookcheck review of the Fusion 15 did, though !

[@Viewer13128]

​@@BobOfAllTrades didn't u say "after post color calibration accuracy" or something like that? i thought that meant you had to calibrate it yourself.

[@arteren90]

Which one is worth buying on this device rtx 2070 or gtx 1660ti?

[@jro669]

The best value purchase is usually going to be 1660ti unless you really need ray tracing. The 2070 max q usually costs 20% more though you'll just get around 12-15% extra performance in FPS for the cost.

[@Balkeet007]

Its good for portability and more battery backup than other gaming laptops, but yes if gaming thermals matter more than this is not the laptop for you. GPU should not be getting to 80c+ temperatures when all other contemporary laptops are maintaining gpu in 70c even with auto fans.

[@maru7102]

Hi Bob. Is adding Intel OPtane in this this laptop worth it? Where is it located?

[@BobOfAllTrades]

Nope. It takes up a m.2 slot.