Introduction

In the community “working” most with common desktop systems. His reasons, after all the appropriate equipment is also more or less fit for the future not only leistungsstärksten but in addition also quite inexpensive and thanks to its modular structure. Not only since yesterday, there are however also notebooks aimed precisely in this direction – the advantages of a notebook including.

One of these products is among other things, the “XMG8″ by Schenker-notebook, designed not so much for longer mobile use, but for all the more for’s games.

The XMG8 comes along with an 18, 4-inch display, which is meant not only in terms of performance as a desktop replacement system. In addition, there are freely configurable components, so that it can be either a cheap dual-core CPU or an expensive quad-core CPU on request. As graphics card a GeForce GTX used as standard 280 m. If desired, are also two possible in SLI mode.

How does Schenker XMG8 in the game and in the operation that? Can the laptop replace of a gaming machine? On the following pages, we will pursue these matters.

Impressions

Schenker XMG8

The XMG8 is if current spearhead and is not intended to be a small purse. The device is classified in the category “Big Screen Gaming”, and thus with a basic configuration by the manufacturer, which can be configured to a large extent according to the own needs. Currently, the standard costs 1,499 euros, while our version with 1,835 euro record. We have listed the deviation from the standard equipment at the end of this page.

The XMG8 will stand out not only by the integrated hardware but also by the exterior. So is the entire surface made of lacquered, what naturally chic looks at first glance, but inevitably in a notebook in the long finger traces provokes. Be ready to do so, often to clean the notebook as the disturbing grease to accumulate otherwise massively increases. In addition to the piano black, the XMG8 attempts with various illuminated function display to impress. Who is on a simple product should look rather for other models. Build quality is not at the highest level, but still good to call. The XMG8 brings rich 5.6 kg (!) on the scales and has size of 439 x 299 x 44 mm.

Communicate with external hardware can do the Schenker of XMG8 through various ports. The buyer can find 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI, 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x eSATA, 1 x Mikrofon, 1 x line-in, 1 x IEEE 1394a, 1 x SPDIF, 1 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x modem analog V. 90 / 92, 56 Kbps, 1 x Express card 54 slot, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x RJ-11, 1 x CAT TV, 1 x Deivce for remote control, as well as a 7in1 card reader (MMC/RSMMC/MS/MS pro/MS duo / SD / mini-SD) before. In addition, there is a webcam with 2.0 Megapixel, built-in Bluetooth receiver and wireless LAN according to 802.11a/b/g-Standard.

The keyboard of Schenker XMG8 leaves a good impression in practice. The pressure point of the individual keys is well chosen, so that writing without errors. A settling time, however, required the touchpad, because it is integrated completely into the case and therefore stands out from the rest of the palm rest. After a few hours this is longer there but no barrier. Apart from the keyboard are integrated with all other keys directly into the case and respond only to touch (like the volume control, where it often so wanted not at first as we).

The built-in boxes in the donor XMG8 make a proper impression for a laptop, high, they are nevertheless only unsatisfactory. This change nothing five integrated speakers and a subwoofer.

The display has a size of rich 18.4 inch and offers the buyer a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The device is optimally suitable for movies, because the aspect ratio is 16: 9. Apart from this, the display reflects strongly, so that it is not possible to work from a light source. The view from the side on the notebook should be avoided as well as the display is heavily dependent on the angle. However, the quality of the bottom line for a laptop is neat. The colors seem to be exaggerated vigorously without and in play, we could notice no significant Schlieren or ghosting effects. A different display not offers Schenker for the XMG8.

Without power the device by means of a 8-cell battery with 4,650 is operated mAh, about one and a half hours to see manufacturer’s specifications. This is greatly dependent on the selected components. A SLI system, the battery life will probably be reduced a lot.

Optionally, the notebook with or without operating system can be, where you can choose between Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32 bit or 64 bit) ordered. The installation of the operating system including current driver is free of charge. A 24-months guarantee including pick-up service is included in the purchase price. If necessary, this may be extended for 170 euros to 36 months respectively for 340 euro to 48 months.

We have shown the facilities of our test copy in the following table.

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Comparison system

Comparison system to the laptop:

• Processor
  • Intel Core 2 extreme QX9770 (underclocked to 2.93 GHz, 2 cores active)
• CPU cooler
  • Noctua NH-U12P
• Motherboard
  • ASUS rampage extreme (Intel X 48, BIOS version: 0501)
• Memory
  • 2 x 1024 MB G.skill DDR3-1066 (7-7-7-18)
  • 2 x 1024 MB Patriot DDR3-1066 (7-7-7-18)
• Graphics cards
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT 512 MB (600/1.512/900)
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 (738/1.836/1.100), 1,024 MB
• Power supply
  • M850 Coolermaster real power Pro modular (850 Watts)
• Peripherals
  • Toshiba SD-H802A HD-DVD drive
  • Pioneer BDC-202BK SATA Blu-ray drive
  • Samsung SpinPoint F1 SATA2 HDD with 750 GB, and 32 MB cache
• Housing
  • Coolermaster of stacker 832
• Driver versions
  • NVIDIA GeForce 195.62
• Software
  • Microsoft Windows Vista x 64 SP1
  • Microsoft DirectX 9.0 c
  • Microsoft Direct3D 10

Synthetic benchmarks

3DMark Vantage

After the long-serving 3DMark06 has some years on the knob and affects not only the graphic now somewhat dusty, but in addition, the CPU limit for fast graphics cards is becoming more and more apparent, it was high time for a successor. Accordingly the Finnish manufacturer Futuremark has brought the 3DMark Vantage on the market after a long wait, who is from the outset been programmed for the Direct3D 10 API. Graphically, the two game tests accordingly much for the eye, and in particular the second test can set highlights offer. FP16 HDR, depth of field, Parallax Occlusion Mapping, a physical simulation on the GPU, various Shadereffekten, and much more, 3DMark Vantage easily brings the 3D hardware to the performance limit. We test the program (if the video cards allow it) in the performance, high and extreme preset. There are more details about this program in our detailed article.

Direct3D 9 benchmarks

Call of duty 5

The latest addition from that famous “call of duty” series called world at war is once again in the second world war, and shows among other things, the fight of the Americans against the Asians. This one looks from much of the very successful and popular predecessor to call of duty 4, what did work although not quite as good, but still going to be a very good game was enough. But not only playful white to like the first-person shooter, technically making used a small step forward – and that, although it always still same graphics engine as in call of duty 2. Visually call of duty 5 however is a completely different level: send shader and an intelligent use of Parallax mapping cover up the partly somewhat weak textures. Already call of duty 2 could score points in the show with a unique display of smoke; Call of duty 5 in this respect is the second part of the series in nothing and comes along with a smoke show to impress the white. On Direct3D 10 support you but do without: call of duty 5 is still only on the predecessor of Direct3D 9.

Riddick: Assault on dark Athena

Riddick diesel not only stands for Vin alias Riddick himself, but also for many slow passages, fun combat and not just low power levels. Exactly on those elements put the manufacturer also when Riddick: assault on dark Athena, which is high but unfortunately not quite at the high level of its predecessor approached. Nevertheless is Riddick: assault on dark Athena is a very good game, that knows to please also graphically. Various shader fall directly on the first play and draw attention to themselves. And thanks to the mostly dark environment that is enhanced with nice shadow effects, the atmosphere is generally very dense. We use a 60 second long scene in the first level as a test sequence. If you would like to use in the new Riddick title anti-aliasing, the SSAO feature switches off automatically. That is why the FPS values with four x anti-aliasing are higher than without AA.

Direct3D 10 benchmarks

Anno 1404

Anno 1404 is the latest addition of the Anno series, which has a big task ahead of them: to beat the three very successful predecessor. Seems you loose to can meet this purely technical, since anno 1404 probably the most visually beautiful game is currently without a doubt – and that perhaps by far. So the title offers even a Direct3D 10 support, what has still rarity in strategy games. The eye notes this in any case like to, since anno 1404 not only a beautiful water display offers, but also knows about, consistently to please. The game does not have a real graphical weakness.

Bioshock

“Bioshock”, more or less the unofficial successor of “System Shock 2″, had it when truly not easy. The expectations were so high that it seemed almost impossible to meet them all. In advance, you spoke them as “best game of all time”. Bioshock has been published by now – whether it is actually the best game of all time, one can discuss it probably still forever. One is however unique: technically, Bioshock is ahead not only very well forward, but probably currently all other titles. Reason for this is that Unreal engine 3, the developers have modified to adapt them to the own needs. The result is a Direct3D 10 renderer that can score with hitherto unprecedented water effects. So the water interacts physically correctly with the player, if it is running, for example, through a flooded room. Bioshock offers many more optical delicacies: send particle effects, spectacular fire representation, realistic shadows, beautiful surface, physics interactions with the opponents as well as the environment and much more make Bioshock graphic a tidbit. So far no anti-aliasing works with the Direct3D 10 API, as was mentioned before several times. Current NVIDIA drivers let in the game due to a “driver hacks”, yet enable anti-aliasing in the D3D 10 mode.

Crysis warhead

After the first-person shooter Crysis has now a year on the hump, is nevertheless still the best aussehendste game, the Frankfurt-based developer Crytek sending an addon in the dealer shelves now and Crysis warhead, that the graphic quality is even a little further upwards. So the texture looks slightly better, as well the explosions. Especially in the representation of the faces they have been given that much trouble, which look more realistic than ever in an other PC game previously now by more wrinkles, skin pigments and various other bits and pieces. The Direct3D 10 support is remained in Crysis warhead, the remaining technology as well. Primarily, it was trimmed in the addon on a better performance. We test the game with a 60-second long scene, we adjust each time exactly. You can find more details of the test method in our match report to Crysis warhead. Only the quality settings deviate from this, because we consistently use the enthusiast setting.

World in conflict SA

Meanwhile strategy while significantly better looks than some years ago – really succeed it wants the programs but rarely, the graphical Premier class, which is provided mostly by first person shooters, penetrate. The developers of world in conflict seem to not have to resign and developed a graphics engine that needs to hide itself from any other game. World in conflict Soviet assault support the Direct3D 10 API and has no difficulty to apply anti-aliasing on the new platform. Chic shader adorn the game (for example, beams of light through the clouds, which illuminate the surroundings including so throws the Sun), as well as detailed textures and a realistic representation of the shadow. The animations of the characters are well managed, what be in combination with a cinematic cut cinematic atmosphere in the cutscenes. As the test sequence, we use not the built-in benchmark function, because they sometimes little predictable behaves. Instead, we use the cinematic intro to the eleventh mission, which is part of the new Russian campaign.

Performance rating

Now finally we come to the performance rating. This is to be facilitated it, to get together all results at a glance. Because the synthetic benchmark in the test course (i.e. The 3DMark Vantage) have no game engine and thus no realistic statements about the speed in 3D-Titeln play, we have removed from the rating of these applications.

Other

Volume

We differentiate the 2D and the 3D measurements. For the last measurements, a Timedemo run in Crysis warhead in an infinite loop, and after thirty minutes, the volume recorded. Both measurements at a distance of 15 cm for the video card.The measurement is carried out for the entire test system.

The volume is always problematic for high-performance notebooks. Before these problems logically the Schenker of XMG8 does not stop, the fans rotate accordingly quickly due to the high power consumption. On Windows, the device holding back while still reasonably and manages to 44 decibels and compared to the desktop computer, this value appears well. But is the result of deceptive. Because differently than the desktop PC the notebook is obviously not at least one metre from the user away, but this is sitting right in front of the mobile computer. 44 Decibels can be compared with the noise which put conventional Office notebooks the day as already clearly perceptible and not at all.

Under load, it looks then even awful in terms of noise emissions. The concentrated heat can dissipate the Schenker XMG8 only nor by Maddens quickly rotating fan. 57 Decibels are just very noisy to call – the typical problem of current high end games notebooks.

Temperature

Similarly, also the temperature measurements are carried out the measurements for the volume. Almost all current graphics cards have sensors that can be read by drivers or manufacturer tool. The core temperature is read at rest in the Windows desktop and under load Crysis warhead here after thirty minutes.

The most critical component in the donor XMG8 regarding the temperatures is the graphics card, i.e. the GeForce GTX 280 m. On Windows, it remains cool, although still as the accelerator not only massively down settles taktet and tensions, but also unnecessary parts spinning. Thus, it creates the GPU to 38 degrees Celsius, a very good value.

Under load, the Energiesparmechanismen but no longer help the XMG8 and the GeForce GTX heats 280 m up to 88 degrees – and despite the brutal sound. The main processor is not warmer than 66 degrees Celsius during the load.

Power consumption

A commercial consumption monitor, you can rent in the local electricity provider, is used for the measurements of power consumption.The total power consumption of the test system is measured. Also here is the division between idle and load operation. The latter is simulated 1920 x 1200 by use of Crysis warhead under the resolution.

Notebooks are designed typically for low power consumption, because without an active power supply, the integrated battery for a long period must have enough capacity. And to minimise burdens them, more or less all components have a Energiesparmechanismus which added down the hardware, lowers the tensions or even spinning. Also in the donor these mechanisms work however on a considerable level of raw power.

So that pulls Schenker XMG8 idle “just once” 47 Watts from the tap (40% in the brightness of the display, 100 percent, there are 54 Watts). Compared to a similarly nifty desktop PC, which is very little or less than half. On the other hand, 47 Watts for a mobile computer are very much. Here are the high-performance components with which the device is equipped.

Under load, the power consumption goes up massively. With 125 Watts (100% screen brightness) is more than twice as high as on Windows, and also one closer to clear the desktop PC. Should, however, the CPU work alone, the power consumption is only at 66 Watts. The majority is so generated by the GeForce GTX 280 m.

Battery

When buying a laptop, the battery power is usually important. The battery is bad, you can only use the device in mobile use, and must continuously place themselves close to a wall outlet.

We check the battery with the tool “Battery Eater”, which can generate different load scenarios with different profiles. You can simulate load with a 3D application, a work with a text/chat as well a complete state of idle. In addition to unloading the tool draws to the battery charging time.

Already idle shows that the Schenker of XMG8 with a dual-core CPU and a single GeForce GTX 280 m heavily burdened the integrated battery. Because, although these are not the most powerful hardware components, the display brightness has been reduced as much as possible, and the notebook does not only work, the device stops by just 108 minutes before Windows is automatically download drives. The charging time is 97 minutes.

It switches the tool battery Eater in “Work mode”, simulates a chat and the machines thus minimally impacted. Much difference does not make this at run time, because the device keeps perform in this case 102 minutes and so just six minutes less than in idle mode. Also, we had raised the display brightness to 40 percent, which appears to have therefore no too much effect on power consumption. The time to recharge is 99 minutes.

We can not reach unfortunately tangible information on the operation of the load, because is simply the GeForce GTX 280 m and simply not high added, if there is no external power supply. Instead of the graphics chip continues with the frequencies of 2D mode, which greatly reduces performance. Sophisticated games are possible only with the attached power source on the donor XMG8. Without the pleasure would be with certainly but only of very short duration.

Assessment

One thing is clear (once again) at the end of this test: as long as it is not a problem that a computer has generally place, players of current games should quite traditionally access to a desktop PC. He promises is still the highest performance at an acceptable price and Additionally, negative aspects, such as a high volume required (if being paid on it). If the end game computer to regularly not only on the local desktop, there is no way on a laptop passes. The disadvantages of this solution again verdeutlichten in this test must be taken then in purchase.

The Schenker of XMG8 made a good impression in the test as a game machine. The processing power is quite high and with a GeForce GTX 280 m by NVIDIA as well as a modern dual-core processor from Intel (15in1) performance in games is only slightly lower than a comparable desktop device with a GeForce GTS 250. Thus, most games are fluid play. If the customer desired and affordable, also a flottere quad-core CPU or add a second graphics card can be added.

Since the XMG8 relies on an 18.4-inch display with 1920 x 1080 pixels, not always the native resolution is possible in use and it must be brought down. This helps in a proper fashion, of the display. Most games run however liquid in the native resolution.

Even apart from this, the display is neat. The illumination is although not optimal and above all mirroring will disturb the buyer one or the other, the monitor does not have real weaknesses but. The same applies to the keyboard, which provides a good pressure point and so an error-free writing. The operation of the touchpad and the remaining buttons will be not for everyone, however, because there is a hearing aid, and even then not always everything works perfectly.

For which the device is definitely not suitable, the mobile operations between point A and B. starting with the high weight of over 5 kg and a low battery life of 102 minutes in simple tasks it only for the very few activities. Given that not even a complete feature film with a battery can be played. As long as “mobile” so, working on battery power means, also the Schenker is unsuitable.

Quite well, that beats Schenker XMG8 in the volume under Windows. The device is no Lixouri, the noise level is but acceptable for the facilities. Under load, the notebook, however, an ordinary Radau, because the exhaust air of brisk hardware makes otherwise not fast enough can be removed.

Conclusion

Who is gaining a Schenker XMG8 should primarily with the device make, for which it is designed: playing – and often in the most diverse places and by cable to the outlet. If the notebook with high performance, as well as the large and useful display white to like. All current games can be tamed with the XMG8, the same is true for HD movies. Also, the use of text knows to please. For this, the buyer must fight the sound level.

The XMG8 is not suitable for all mobile operations away from the wall outlet. The device is simple and poignant too big, too heavy, too loud, and above all the battery life too low.

The Schenker XMG8 comes along with a striking look. The lacquered of surface looks beautiful while the first moment, within a few minutes the shine is over but again. The same is true for many illuminated boxes on the XMG8, which certainly are not for everyone.

For the 1,800 euros (in our configuration) the Schenker of XMG8 is a good game notebook so no cheap but still with all’ their disadvantages.