The Clevo PA71 is a gaming laptop that promises high-performance gaming and multitasking capabilities. Packed with top-tier hardware and a sleek design, this laptop aims to cater to the needs of avid gamers and power users. In this detailed review, we will delve into the specifications, design, performance, and overall user experience of the Clevo PA71.
Clevo PA71 Review
The Clevo PA71 offers powerful performance and an attractive display. However, its battery life could be better, and the trackpad is on the smaller side. It’s a reliable choice for power users, but not ideal for those prioritizing long battery life or larger trackpads.
Clevo PA71 Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10750H 6-core, 12-thread CPU
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 17.3-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Keyboard: RGB backlit keyboard
- Battery: 62Whr
- Weight: 5.95 pounds (2.7kg)
Price of Clevo PA71:
The Clevo PA71 is currently priced at around $1000 USD.
Clevo PA71 Design & Build Quality:
The Clevo PA71 features a premium build quality with a sturdy chassis. The laptop has a sleek and modern design with a black matte finish, giving it an elegant look. The build quality is solid, with minimal flex in the chassis. The laptop’s weight and thickness, however, make it less portable compared to some other gaming laptops in the market.
Clevo PA71 Display:
The 17.3-inch Full HD IPS display on the Clevo PA71 delivers crisp and vibrant visuals. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay and reduces motion blur. The display offers wide viewing angles, which is essential for immersive gaming experiences. However, the laptop lacks support for higher resolution displays, which may be a disappointment for users who prefer sharper visuals.
Clevo PA71 Performance:
With an Intel Core i7-10750H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, the Clevo PA71 delivers exceptional gaming and multitasking performance. The powerful hardware allows for smooth gameplay in demanding titles and effortless multitasking. The laptop handles intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with ease. The 16GB of RAM and fast storage further enhance the overall performance of the device.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
The Clevo PA71 features a comfortable RGB backlit keyboard that offers a satisfying typing experience. The keys have good travel and feedback, allowing for accurate and responsive keystrokes. The trackpad, on the other hand, is decent but not outstanding. It works well for basic navigation but lacks the precision and smoothness found in some other gaming laptops.
Audio Quality:
The audio quality of the Clevo PA71 is decent but not exceptional. The laptop is equipped with stereo speakers that produce clear and loud sound, suitable for casual gaming and multimedia consumption. However, for a truly immersive audio experience, external speakers or headphones are recommended.
Battery Life:
One area where the Clevo PA71 falls short is its battery life. The 62Whr battery struggles to provide extended usage time, especially during gaming sessions. Under normal usage conditions, the laptop lasts around 4-5 hours, which is below average for a gaming laptop. It’s advisable to keep the charger handy for extended gaming sessions or heavy usage.
Clevo PA71 Ports & Connectivity:
The Clevo PA71 offers a decent selection of ports and connectivity options. It includes three USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI output, an Ethernet port, an SD card reader, and separate audio jacks for microphone and headphones. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless wireless connectivity.
Upgradability:
One of the notable advantages of the Clevo PA71 is its upgradability. The laptop provides easy access to the RAM slots, storage drives, and other components, allowing users to upgrade or replace them without much hassle. This flexibility ensures that the device can be adapted to future needs and technology advancements.
Thermal Performance:
The Clevo PA71 tends to get hot during heavy gaming or resource-intensive tasks. The laptop’s cooling system struggles to keep temperatures in check, leading to thermal throttling and performance degradation over prolonged gaming sessions. Using a cooling pad or optimizing the fan settings can help somewhat mitigate this issue.
Performance Test Results:
The Clevo PA71 showcased impressive results in our performance tests. It handled demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Battlefield V with high graphics settings and maintained smooth frame rates above 60fps. In synthetic benchmarks, it performed admirably, showcasing the raw power of its hardware.
Conclusion:
The Clevo PA71 is a powerful gaming laptop that offers excellent performance and a sleek design. It delivers high-quality gaming experiences and handles resource-intensive tasks with ease. The upgradability and solid build quality are also commendable features. However, it falls short in terms of battery life, thermal performance, and display resolution options. Considering its price point, potential buyers should weigh these factors before making a purchase decision. If you can overlook these drawbacks, the Clevo PA71 is a solid choice for gamers and power users seeking a high-performance laptop.