Nova Year - New Build

[Warbelian]

Hello o/

So after a pretty tough experience with my previous Defience which I ended up selling because of the heating problems, I've decided to re-consider after the Nova was sneakly shown off. I appreciate the space for cooling in this one and hope that it does the job on my intense Doom Eternal sessions.
This is what I've decided to go with since there is not really much difference between the 3600 & 3700X

Chassis & Display
Nova Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD 144Hz 72% NTSC LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Six Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.2GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair 2666MHz SODIMM DDR4 (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2070 - 8.0GB GDDR6 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated Micro-SD Memory Card Reader
AC Adaptor
1 x 230W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Battery
Nova Series 4 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
2 Channel High Def. Audio + SoundBlaster™ Cinema
Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (2.4 Gbps) + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
1 x USB 3.2 PORT (Type C) + 2 x USB 3.2 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT
Keyboard Language
15" NOVA SERIES PORTUGUESE KEYBOARD
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365 (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
Notebook Mouse
Fnatic FLICK 2 Gaming Mouse
Headsets
Fnatic REACT Gaming Headset
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1MP HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)

What are your thoughts on cooling of this new version ?

o/

 

[Scott]

Looks first class.

The initial reports on the chassis so far are excellent. You're giving yourself the most optimum solution for cooling with the CPU and the 2070 is an excellent card to pair with it. Should be fantastic

 

[Warbelian]

Great feedback, Scott!

I'm pretty new on benchmarks but I want to share some with the community when it arrives as I can see it being a setup with popular demand.
Which softwares would you recommend that I test it with ?

o/

 

[SpyderTracks]

Great feedback, Scott!

I'm pretty new on benchmarks but I want to share some with the community when it arrives as I can see it being a setup with popular demand.
Which softwares would you recommend that I test it with ?

o/

The usual ones are Unigine Heaven, Firestrike, Prime95, Geekbench.

UNIGINE Benchmarks

Performance benchmarks by Unigine

benchmark.unigine.com

3DMark Fire Strike benchmarks on Steam

Includes three DirectX 11 benchmark tests for high-performance gaming PCs.

store.steampowered.com

Download Prime95 version 30.19 Build 20

Download Prime95 - a handy tool for overclockers and system stability checkers, Prime95 has a feature called "Torture Test" that allows maximum stress testing on the CPU and RAM. There are several options allowing the stress test to focus on the memory, processor, or a balance of both.

www.guru3d.com

Geekbench 6 - Cross-Platform Benchmark

www.geekbench.com

 

[Warbelian]

Thank you for the quick reply there, @SpyderTracks

I'll install them first thing when I get it to share the outcome.
Quite pleased with the combo.

I'm thinking about getting a 3M skin for the lid, does anyone know any reputable companies that can bespoke it ?

o/

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thank you for the quick reply there, @SpyderTracks

I'll install them first thing when I get it to share the outcome.
Quite pleased with the combo.

I'm thinking about getting a 3M skin for the lid, does anyone know any reputable companies that can bespoke it ?

o/

I'm really excited for your review, I think a lot of us are looking at this chassis, there's just nothing that comes close to it for power vs price, it's incredible value.

There are some other benchmarks you can run, the ones above are specifically for the CPU and graphics, but you may want to check the PCIe speeds on the M2 drive or any other storage drives:

CrystalDiskMark

About CrystalDiskMark CrystalDiskMark is a simple disk benchmark software. Download Standard Edition Aoi Edition Shizuku Edition System Requirements OS Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10/11Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022 Architecture x86/x64/ARM64 Key Features Important Notice -> FAQ Unit M...

crystalmark.info

 

[SpyderTracks]

Regarding Skins, I think these guys are generally regarded the best, but depends on shipping costs as to weather it's worth it:

Laptop Skins

www.decalgirl.com

These guys are UK based, but not used them personally, but they've got great reviews on TrustPilot:

Laptop Skins: Custom Laptop Skins UK | Wrappz

Create personalised and unique skins for your Laptop using your own images and text with our easy to use design tool. Get creative and make a unique design!

www.wrappz.com

Wrappz is rated "Excellent" with 4.7 / 5 on Trustpilot

Do you agree with Wrappz's TrustScore? Voice your opinion today and hear what 1,775 customers have already said.

uk.trustpilot.com

 

[Warbelian]

Thank you, @SpyderTracks once again.

I am looking to pair G-Sync to an external screen, currently I am betting on Samsung but if there's alternatives for the price, I'll take them.

Samsung C27RG5 27" Curved Gaming Monitor 240Hz: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Buy

www.amazon.co.uk

o/

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thank you, @SpyderTracks once again.

I am looking to pair G-Sync to an external screen, currently I am betting on Samsung but if there's alternatives for the price, I'll take them.

Samsung C27RG5 27" Curved Gaming Monitor 240Hz: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Buy

www.amazon.co.uk

o/

That would be a good pairing.
I’m not 100% sure if gsync extends to external monitors though, may need some clarification in that.

 

[Warbelian]

Apparently this monitor has adaptive G-Sync, it's not a G-Sync Chip but still does the same job.

I am on the hunt for a USB C Docking Station but there seems to be so many options out there, it's a shame that it didn't come with Thunderbold 3, that would make my life much easier on achieving the minimalist setup that I want.

Anyone have any recommendations ?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Apparently this monitor has adaptive G-Sync, it's not a G-Sync Chip but still does the same job.

I am on the hunt for a USB C Docking Station but there seems to be so many options out there, it's a shame that it didn't come with Thunderbold 3, that would make my life much easier on achieving the minimalist setup that I want.

Anyone have any recommendations ?

It's Gsync compatible which means it's a freesync monitor (AMD's version of GSync) that's been approved by NVidia as being good enough to merit their approval.

Any freesync or gsync monitor will worth with an NVidia card, but only freesync monitors will work with an AMD card.

Startech are a good make of docks, and usually fairly priced. That chassis does carry Display Port over the USB C just to confirm, so if you find one that can carry that into it, then you don't have to attach a monitor separately, just the USB C for everything.

There's this one I came across in a search which does do DP over USB C and then has room for a couple of monitors:

Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station Review

Plugable's USB-C Triple Display Docking Station outputs at 4K, powers up to three monitors and charges your laptop, using just one cable.

www.laptopmag.com

 

[Warbelian]

This is the forniture that I plan to put together.

Desk:

LINNMON / ALEX white, Table, 150x75 cm - IKEA

LINNMON / ALEX white, Table, 150x75 cm. Pre-drilled holes for legs, for easy assembly. Drawer stops prevent the drawers from being pulled out too far. Can be placed in the middle of a room because the back is finished. Adjustable feet make the table stand steady also on uneven floors.

www.ikea.com

Chair:

Products - Discover Our Full Range Of Furniture And Homeware

Browse our full range of products from dressing tables to complete modern kitchens. Click here to find the right IKEA product for you. Shop online and in store today.

www.ikea.com

Lamp x2 bouncing to the wall:

Products - Discover Our Full Range Of Furniture And Homeware

Browse our full range of products from dressing tables to complete modern kitchens. Click here to find the right IKEA product for you. Shop online and in store today.

www.ikea.com

I got a 55'' TV that I got off of work, but now I can't find the place to put it xD

 

[Warbelian]

It's Gsync compatible which means it's a freesync monitor (AMD's version of GSync) that's been approved by NVidia as being good enough to merit their approval.

Any freesync or gsync monitor will worth with an NVidia card, but only freesync monitors will work with an AMD card.

Startech are a good make of docks, and usually fairly priced. That chassis does carry Display Port over the USB C just to confirm, so if you find one that can carry that into it, then you don't have to attach a monitor separately, just the USB C for everything.

There's this one I came across in a search which does do DP over USB C and then has room for a couple of monitors:

Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station Review

Plugable's USB-C Triple Display Docking Station outputs at 4K, powers up to three monitors and charges your laptop, using just one cable.

www.laptopmag.com

Nice one, even though it's quite ugly, I can still manage to hide it.
I wanted to get a dock because I'll be taking my laptop to work and bringing it back after shift, so if I just connect 1 cable instead of 5 when coming back, will make my life easier.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Nice one, even though it's quite ugly, I can still manage to hide it.
I wanted to get a dock because I'll be taking my laptop to work and bringing it back after shift, so if I just connect 1 cable instead of 5 when coming back, will make my life easier.

Yeah, docks are brilliant. They can be quite expensive these days when you factor in usbc or thunderbolt, but that one would work with any usbc laptop so you could use it in the future with any luck.

 

[Warbelian]

Can you think of any other accessories that would make this setup greater ?

Does anyone yet know how the cooling works ?
I just found this vertical stand with all the ports that I need included pretty much.

I know some laptops were extracting/releasing from the keyboard.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vertical-Ethernet-Adjustable-Compatible-MacBooks-Space-grey/dp/B081H1KGZ5/ref=sr_1_27?dchild=1&keywords=Vertical+Laptop+Stand&qid=1586812314&sr=8-27

 

[SpyderTracks]

Can you think of any other accessories that would make this setup greater ?

USB headset for gaming and external speakers are a given for any laptop.
I bought this one around Christmas and it's absolutely incredible for the price:

Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 500GB M.2 NVMe PCIe Performance SSD/Solid State Drive

Buy from Scan - 500GB Samsung 970 EVO Plus, M.2 (2280) PCIe 3.0 (x4), NVMe SSD, MLC V-NAND, 3500MB/s Read,3200MB/s Write, 480k/550k IOPS

www.scan.co.uk

Does anyone yet know how the cooling works ?

No reviews as yet

I just found this vertical stand with all the ports that I need included pretty much.

I don't think that would fit the nova if you look at the specs.

 

[Warbelian]

Nice one once again @SpyderTracks, just double check the link as it's coming with the EVO 970 that one.

As for the stand, it doesn't match because of the Type C DB or won't fit the tickness of the laptop ? Didn't really check properly what it was.

Off-topic:

People seem to be spending quite a lot even though we're on COVID break,
Just checked my system and I have about 3500 parcels to deliver until 17:00 tomorrow, lmao, I hope fleets are snappy tomorrow.

 

[Warbelian]

It has arrived, lets run some tests. ​

 

[Warbelian]

3DMark - Fire Strike Results

3DMark - Time Spy Results

Heaven Benchmark 4.0

CINEBENCH - CPU/GPU

Geekbench 5 - CPU Score

Full breakdown:

PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx - Geekbench Browser

Benchmark results for a PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor.

browser.geekbench.com

Geekbench 5 - GPU OpenGL Score

Full breakdown:

PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx - Geekbench Browser

Benchmark results for a PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor.

browser.geekbench.com

Geekbench 5 - GPU Volkan Score

Full breakdown:

PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx - Geekbench Browser

Benchmark results for a PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor.

browser.geekbench.com

Geekbench 5 - GPU CUDA Score

Full breakdown:

PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx - Geekbench Browser

Benchmark results for a PC Specialist LTD NH5xAx with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor.

browser.geekbench.com

Crystal Disk Bench -M.2 MB/s @1

Crystal Disk Bench -M.2 GB/s @1

 

[SpyderTracks]

You got it!!! It's a nice chassis, I rather like that! What's the weight like? And can you take a photo of the power pack?

What are temperatures like when idle and under load? That's the first thing you want to check.

And how do you find the screen?

Sorry for all the questions, you're the first person to get one and post some feedback

I'm really impressed with that Heaven result, that's a very impressive result.