Origin PC’s Evo-17-S gaming laptop computer places the blazing efficiency of top-end elements in a slim, stealthy physique, assembled with the non-public contact of a customized PC builder. The 17.3-inch laptop computer is remarkably compact and light-weight at 4.9 kilos (2.2 kilograms) and but churns out spectacular body charges. Just like the firm’s gaming desktop builds, you get extra management over what goes into the Evo17-S than you’d with any of the bigger-name manufacturers. You may even select what goes on the surface, too. And also you get extra private service and help. There are just a few alternatives for enchancment, however general the Evo17-S is a big-screen gaming laptop computer to shortlist, particularly in case you’re after one thing that is extra tailor-made to your needs.

Selection is yours

For the Evo17-S, Origin gives only a few combos of a show, Intel processor and Nvidia graphics processor. The beginning configuration, at present priced at $2,416 (£2,203, AU$3,823) pairs a 144Hz 17.3-inch 1080p show, an Intel Core i7-12700H and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. For $500 extra, you’ll be able to bump the graphics as much as an RTX 3080 Ti or, for $800 extra, you get the 3080 Ti with a Core i9-12900H CPU and a 240Hz 1440p show with 100% sRGB shade area. 

From there you select the RAM — 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR5 — and as much as two, 2TB PCIe NVMe solid-state drives. That is the place Origin stands out from the competitors. Whereas gaming laptops from others may allow you to choose the quantity of storage you get, they do not supply a collection of manufacturers, sizes and speeds to fulfill your wants and price range. Plus, with extra laptops being made with the RAM soldered onboard, it is good to have the choice so as to add extra down the street. 

This laptop computer is pricey, going over $4,000 totally loaded. However different gaming laptops equally configured from Alienware and Razer are equally dear. 

Origin additionally supplies free labor on RAM and storage upgrades in case you ship within the laptop computer. Along with its stellar status for hands-on help, Origin additionally gives a wider array of configuration choices in its system-building instrument, so it’s best to be capable to hit your dream specs fairly intently from the beginning. This consists of elements from its mother or father firm, Corsair. Elements are lined with a one-year substitute guarantee and consumers get 24/7 US-based tech help.

Efficiency that does not disappoint

With a top-notch processor and high-end graphics chip, it is not a shock the Evo17-S can hit some excessive body charges even on newer demanding video games. Whether or not you wish to have a extra immersive gaming expertise with the 1440p-resolution show and particulars set to excessive or drop the decision and element settings to essentially use the show’s 240Hz refresh charge, the element mixture in my overview system can deal with it. (Our benchmark check outcomes are on the finish of this overview.)

The one minor efficiency ding can be the Corsair MP600 Professional SSD that was in my system that was barely slower than WD and Samsung drives in different gaming laptops we have examined just lately. It is unlikely to be a efficiency distinction you’d discover in use, however it is perhaps price paying a bit of additional for the Samsung 970 Evo Plus or 980 Professional SSDs in order for you the perfect speeds. 

Predictably, a laptop computer this skinny and highly effective does get scorching while you’re gaming or doing the rest demanding. The followers do get loud however preserve each the left and proper sides of the laptop computer cool on your arms. The one place it will get scorching on high is within the center from above the keyboard right down to the highest of the touchpad.

Remarkably, battery life is fairly good. Gaming ought to nonetheless be accomplished when it is plugged in. However if you wish to chill and stream some video or get some workplace work accomplished away from an outlet, you’ll be able to. On our streaming video check, it lasted 5 hours, 38 minutes. Some energy administration and decreasing the display brightness under 50% will stretch the battery time additional. 

The show is good, too

The bottom mannequin of the Evo17-S has a 144Hz 1080p show. I can not converse to the standard of that show, sadly, however the higher-end 1440p 240Hz display in my overview laptop computer was fairly good. Shiny with good shade and distinction, the show lined 96% sRGB, 68% NTSC and 73% AdobeRGB and P3 shade areas and its brightness at 100% measured 420 nits. 

At its highest brightness, although, I did discover backlight bleed on the corners in darkish sport scenes, particularly on the backside of the panel. This isn’t unusual and never a deal-breaker for me, nonetheless, it is perhaps for some potential consumers. 

I’ve just a few extra minor criticisms. For example, the dearth of per-key RGB backlighting on the keyboard — a function you’d discover on different gaming laptops at this worth. The keyboard does have RGB lights, however you’ll be able to solely set them to strong colours or a handful of various patterns. (There is a gentle bar on the entrance fringe of the laptop computer as nicely.) I am not a fan of the flat keycaps, however that is private desire and on the whole, the keyboard’s really feel and format are simply fantastic. 

Additionally, the audio system are loud however they sound skinny. There are separate audio-out and mic-in jacks on the fitting facet, although, so get your self some audio system or a headset to plug in as an alternative. Equally, the built-in webcam is 1080p, which does offer you extra element than the 720p webcams that had been as soon as commonplace. Even in good lighting, although, there’s seen picture noise so you should still wish to use a discrete webcam. With loads of ports on the left, proper and rear of the laptop computer, you’ll be able to join a number of shows and equipment. 

It is price mentioning, too, that though the laptop computer is available in a stealthy black with a steel lid, soft-touch keyboard deck and a plastic backside, you’ll be able to choose to have Origin apply one among 11 prints to the lid for an extra $65. I just like the all-black look, although, and makes it extra office-friendly. 

No matter what you select, you are still getting a nice-looking thin-and-light design full of as a lot efficiency as you wish to pay for and the non-public service and help of a customized PC builder.