A gaming laptop under 1.7kg? With a 2070MP somemore?
Welcome to my review on Illegear Onyx Pro thin and light gaming laptop, also known as Tongfang GK5CP7Y (Tongfang: ODM, GK5-Y: model). Main specs of the review unit are as below:
i7-9750H
RTX2070 Max-P
16gb dual channel RAM
Seagate Barracuda 510 256GB NVMe SSD
15.6 inch 240Hz IPS
Intel AX200
W10
Note: There are many images in this review, take note if you're using mobile data with limited quota
Design
Starting off from the design of the laptop. I really like the grey colour brush finish which makes the laptop looks shiny and premium. The footprint is also very small for a gaming laptop. The design language is minimalist. There are no disturbing lines which is suitable for professional/business environments. Overall design looks great in my opinion.
Display, speakers
The 15.6 inch 240Hz IPS display from BOE (BOE0865) is offered as default. There is no 144Hz option, only an optional UHD OLED panel from Samsung. The 240Hz panel has good colours, quite bright (more than 300cdm) and decent contrast. As expected, ghosting is minimal. Still, as a 144Hz user myself, I didn’t notice any significant difference between 144Hz and 240Hz.
Welcome to my review on Illegear Onyx Pro thin and light gaming laptop, also known as Tongfang GK5CP7Y (Tongfang: ODM, GK5-Y: model). Main specs of the review unit are as below:
i7-9750H
RTX2070 Max-P
16gb dual channel RAM
Seagate Barracuda 510 256GB NVMe SSD
15.6 inch 240Hz IPS
Intel AX200
W10
Note: There are many images in this review, take note if you're using mobile data with limited quota
Design
Starting off from the design of the laptop. I really like the grey colour brush finish which makes the laptop looks shiny and premium. The footprint is also very small for a gaming laptop. The design language is minimalist. There are no disturbing lines which is suitable for professional/business environments. Overall design looks great in my opinion.
Selenite Pro and Onyx Pro side by side
Build quality
The laptop chassis is mainly made from magnesium alloy. Due to its low weight (which will be discussed later), I expect there will be some compromises when comes to exterior build quality. The only compromise I found is the rigidity of the lid. There is some flex when the lid is twisted and when force is applied on the middle of the lid cover, even with light force. There is noticeable screen wobbling but not really a big deal. The lid can be opened with one hand. The max opening angle is around 145 degrees. Flex can also be found when pressing on the camera area, but not too much. The bottom chassis is the opposite: the entire C cover, including the keyboard area, doesn’t flex when force is applied on it. It cannot be twisted also. You will only notice tiny bit of flex when pressing really hard on the area between the keyboard and the clickpad. Overall, build quality is good, if not the lid rigidity I would rate it 5 over 5.
Input devices
One noticeable change in the Onyx Pro compared to the predecessor, Onyx, is the deletion of mechanical keyboard. Instead, it now has a membrane keyboard. However, the typing feel is similar to a mechanical keyboard in a way. The key travel is around 1.6mm and actuation force is around 55g. I wish the key travel can be slightly more, still typing on it is very pleasant. There is a numpad if you need it. Also, the keys are quiet when pressed in, which might be beneficial in quiet environments like in a library. The Precision clickpad has plastic surface and decent accuracy. As expected, the surface will become quite rough if you’re using with wet/sweaty fingers. The touchpad is adequately sized. The L/R clicks feel OK. They require some force and the click travel is shallow. The click sound is quite silent. You can disable the touchpad by double tapping the top left corner. The clickpad is slightly aligned to the middle.
Build quality
The laptop chassis is mainly made from magnesium alloy. Due to its low weight (which will be discussed later), I expect there will be some compromises when comes to exterior build quality. The only compromise I found is the rigidity of the lid. There is some flex when the lid is twisted and when force is applied on the middle of the lid cover, even with light force. There is noticeable screen wobbling but not really a big deal. The lid can be opened with one hand. The max opening angle is around 145 degrees. Flex can also be found when pressing on the camera area, but not too much. The bottom chassis is the opposite: the entire C cover, including the keyboard area, doesn’t flex when force is applied on it. It cannot be twisted also. You will only notice tiny bit of flex when pressing really hard on the area between the keyboard and the clickpad. Overall, build quality is good, if not the lid rigidity I would rate it 5 over 5.
Input devices
One noticeable change in the Onyx Pro compared to the predecessor, Onyx, is the deletion of mechanical keyboard. Instead, it now has a membrane keyboard. However, the typing feel is similar to a mechanical keyboard in a way. The key travel is around 1.6mm and actuation force is around 55g. I wish the key travel can be slightly more, still typing on it is very pleasant. There is a numpad if you need it. Also, the keys are quiet when pressed in, which might be beneficial in quiet environments like in a library. The Precision clickpad has plastic surface and decent accuracy. As expected, the surface will become quite rough if you’re using with wet/sweaty fingers. The touchpad is adequately sized. The L/R clicks feel OK. They require some force and the click travel is shallow. The click sound is quite silent. You can disable the touchpad by double tapping the top left corner. The clickpad is slightly aligned to the middle.
Display, speakers
The 15.6 inch 240Hz IPS display from BOE (BOE0865) is offered as default. There is no 144Hz option, only an optional UHD OLED panel from Samsung. The 240Hz panel has good colours, quite bright (more than 300cdm) and decent contrast. As expected, ghosting is minimal. Still, as a 144Hz user myself, I didn’t notice any significant difference between 144Hz and 240Hz.
*shot at 1/60s
The 2 down firing (sides of bottom cover, not blocked) speakers have decent audio quality. There is no audio software can be found, despite the THX branding. The volume is a bit quiet, however audio quality is quite balanced and rich. Highs is still a bit of an issue, though.
UPDATE: There is THX software, will update this section soon after retest
Thermals
Now on to thermal testing. The bottom cover has plenty of intakes. Inside the laptop, the cooling solution has 2 shared heatpipes (one doesn’t connect to GPU fan) and 1 separate heatpipe for both CPU (stretched to GPU VRMs) and GPU. There are 4 exhaust vents.
The 2 down firing (sides of bottom cover, not blocked) speakers have decent audio quality. There is no audio software can be found, despite the THX branding. The volume is a bit quiet, however audio quality is quite balanced and rich. Highs is still a bit of an issue, though.
UPDATE: There is THX software, will update this section soon after retest
Thermals
Now on to thermal testing. The bottom cover has plenty of intakes. Inside the laptop, the cooling solution has 2 shared heatpipes (one doesn’t connect to GPU fan) and 1 separate heatpipe for both CPU (stretched to GPU VRMs) and GPU. There are 4 exhaust vents.
Notes for thermal testing:
Ambient temp: 24-26C
CPU PROCHOT: 95C
Nvidia driver 441.66
Intel iGPU driver 26.21.14.4166
W10 1909 18363.535
Command Center 1.1.0.11, BIOS N.1.00, EC 1.04.00.00
There is CPU undervolt of -50mV by default. Custom undervolt is -100mV (highlighted in blue colour)
Laptop is plugged in
Max fan noise is around 52-54dBA (Fan Boost)
CPU power limits (PL1, PL2):
Turbo mode: 100W, 100W (CPU 95C temp cap when GPU is loaded)
Game mode: 100W, 100W (CPU 85C temp cap when GPU is loaded)
Office mode: Oddly, same power limits, if only CPU is loaded. Even with quiet fans it still runs like Game mode, there is no quiet fans
CPU - Aida64 FPU only: Game mode (Turbo mode will have same result), 60sec refresh interval (in Aida64)
Temp: 95C for all cases
Stock: 90-92W, 3.65-3.67GHz
Stock+lifted: ~95W, ~3.73GHz
UV: 89-91W, 3.79-3.80GHz
UV+lifted: ~95W, ~3.87GHz
47-49dBA
Max fan enabled:
Stock: 93-95W, 3.71-3.73GHz
Stock+lifted: ~97W, ~3.73GHz
UV: 94-96W, 3.85-3.87GHz
UV+lifted: ~98W, ~3.91GHz
GPU - Unigine Heaven: With CPU UV, CPU disabled turbo, Extreme profile, windowed mode
Game mode: 1845MHz max, average 115W
Average ~1569MHz, average 73C, max 75C. 46-48dBA: If below 75C; 49-50dBA: 75C or above
Max fan: Average ~1572MHz, average 72C, max 73C
Turbo mode: 1845MHz max, average 115W
Average ~1569MHz, average 74C, max 75C. 46-48dBA: If below 75C; 49-50dBA: 75C or above
Max fan: Average ~1574MHz, average 73C, max 74C
Safe to say that Game mode and Turbo mode doesn't make a difference in CPU only or GPU only load.
CPU+GPU - Aida64+Heaven, max fan enabled
Game mode:
Temps: CPU 85C; GPU average 80C, max 81C
CPU stock: 34-38W, 2.49-2.6GHz
CPU UV: 33-35W, 2.58-2.64GHz
CPU UV+lifted: 36-38W, +around 100MHz (~2.69-2.74)
GPU (in all cases): Average ~1603MHz, average ~115W
Turbo mode:
Temps: CPU 95C; GPU average 85C, max 87C
CPU UV: 45-49W, 3.0-3.06GHz
CPU UV+lifted: +2-3W (~47-52W), +50-100MHz (~3.05-3.16)
GPU (in all cases): Average ~1526MHz, average ~115W
Ambient temp: 24-26C
CPU PROCHOT: 95C
Nvidia driver 441.66
Intel iGPU driver 26.21.14.4166
W10 1909 18363.535
Command Center 1.1.0.11, BIOS N.1.00, EC 1.04.00.00
There is CPU undervolt of -50mV by default. Custom undervolt is -100mV (highlighted in blue colour)
Laptop is plugged in
Max fan noise is around 52-54dBA (Fan Boost)
CPU power limits (PL1, PL2):
Turbo mode: 100W, 100W (CPU 95C temp cap when GPU is loaded)
Game mode: 100W, 100W (CPU 85C temp cap when GPU is loaded)
Office mode: Oddly, same power limits, if only CPU is loaded. Even with quiet fans it still runs like Game mode, there is no quiet fans
CPU - Aida64 FPU only: Game mode (Turbo mode will have same result), 60sec refresh interval (in Aida64)
Temp: 95C for all cases
Stock: 90-92W, 3.65-3.67GHz
Stock+lifted: ~95W, ~3.73GHz
UV: 89-91W, 3.79-3.80GHz
UV+lifted: ~95W, ~3.87GHz
47-49dBA
Max fan enabled:
Stock: 93-95W, 3.71-3.73GHz
Stock+lifted: ~97W, ~3.73GHz
UV: 94-96W, 3.85-3.87GHz
UV+lifted: ~98W, ~3.91GHz
GPU - Unigine Heaven: With CPU UV, CPU disabled turbo, Extreme profile, windowed mode
Game mode: 1845MHz max, average 115W
Average ~1569MHz, average 73C, max 75C. 46-48dBA: If below 75C; 49-50dBA: 75C or above
Max fan: Average ~1572MHz, average 72C, max 73C
Turbo mode: 1845MHz max, average 115W
Average ~1569MHz, average 74C, max 75C. 46-48dBA: If below 75C; 49-50dBA: 75C or above
Max fan: Average ~1574MHz, average 73C, max 74C
Safe to say that Game mode and Turbo mode doesn't make a difference in CPU only or GPU only load.
CPU+GPU - Aida64+Heaven, max fan enabled
Game mode:
Temps: CPU 85C; GPU average 80C, max 81C
CPU stock: 34-38W, 2.49-2.6GHz
CPU UV: 33-35W, 2.58-2.64GHz
CPU UV+lifted: 36-38W, +around 100MHz (~2.69-2.74)
GPU (in all cases): Average ~1603MHz, average ~115W
Turbo mode:
Temps: CPU 95C; GPU average 85C, max 87C
CPU UV: 45-49W, 3.0-3.06GHz
CPU UV+lifted: +2-3W (~47-52W), +50-100MHz (~3.05-3.16)
GPU (in all cases): Average ~1526MHz, average ~115W
3DMark Time Spy: CPU undervolted, max fan enabled
Game mode:
Turbo mode:
3DMark Fire Strike: CPU undervolted, max fan enabled
Game mode:
Turbo mode:
Ports:
BIOS walkthrough:
It has IR camera for Windows Hello.
Issues found during testing:
Conclusion
So, how do I feel about this laptop? Cramping a full blown 2070 mobile GPU in such a small, light chassis is incredible. Even though the GPU runs hot when the CPU is drawing more than 45W of power in CPU+GPU heavy load, for this size of laptop I would say the cooling is adequate. Definitely an improvement from the older Onyx (GK5-Z) which could not handle constant 115W of heat from the GPU with Turbo mode enabled. One thing worth mentioning: CPU performance is exceptionally well in this machine, despite the fact that it's a thin and light. It can draw 90+W consistently and exceed 3.9GHz in Aida64 FPU (no GPU load). The best result I got after testing and reviewing so many laptops. With stock paste, not liquid metal BTW.
It looks great in my opinion without being too flashy, the build quality is good, except for the lid where the rigidity is compromised for lower weight. I like this keyboard rather than the one in the older Onyx - even though it’s a membrane keyboard, it still has some mechanical, clicky feel. 240Hz is nice to have, battery life is surprisingly decent despite only 63Wh battery capacity and having 240Hz+RTX2070. Currently, this will be the lightest gaming laptop in the market with RTX graphics, with a full blown 2070 mobile GPU too. Finally, the price isn’t too expensive for its size and specs. Check out Illegear website for more details and customization.
If you’re looking for the lightest gaming laptop, this is an excellent choice. Of course, if you don’t have the budget to spend on Onyx Pro, you can check out other models too, like Prodigy (GK5-X) which is also from Illegear.
Pros:
Tongfang GK5-Y aka Eluktronics Max-15, PCSpecialist Vyper II, Illegear Onyx Pro
Tongfang GK5CP0Y / GK5CP7Y
- Undervolting GPU doesn't seem to help thermals much, unless CPU is power capped and GPU is using an aggressive undervolt (eg 1455MHz)
- The middle of the keyboard and the area surrounding the keyboard will become warm under CPU+GPU load, but definitely not hot
- There is minimal uneven core temp: around 5C max
- Lifting the laptop will have slight effect on CPU clock speed+power draw
- The included power adapter is a 230W unit from Chicony, which is quite compact. Take note that temps will be a little higher when running dual channel memory.
Battery life
The laptop has a 62.32Wh battery (no 2.5 inch slot). Battery life of this laptop is surprisingly good. According to my testing, you can expect around 7 hrs of battery life while watching Youtube.
Test settings: Microsoft Edge, 1080p YT fullscreen, Game mode, volume 36%, brightness 20%, CPU UV -100mV, force iGPU in Nvidia Control Panel, CPU C states normal
MiscellaneousThe laptop has a 62.32Wh battery (no 2.5 inch slot). Battery life of this laptop is surprisingly good. According to my testing, you can expect around 7 hrs of battery life while watching Youtube.
Test settings: Microsoft Edge, 1080p YT fullscreen, Game mode, volume 36%, brightness 20%, CPU UV -100mV, force iGPU in Nvidia Control Panel, CPU C states normal
This laptop weights at ~1.6kg and has ~18mm thickness, which makes it the lightest gaming laptop with RTX GPU in the market right now. The size is compact for a 15 inch.
Ports:
*no Thunderbolt 3
Illegear Command Center walkthrough:
Illegear Command Center walkthrough:
BIOS walkthrough:
The paint material doesn't attract much fingerprints.
The bottom cover can be easily opened after taking off all screws.It has IR camera for Windows Hello.
Issues found during testing:
- There are no indicator lights for power and charging outside - only at C cover which is unable to see if lid is closed.
- Sometimes dGPU couldn't turn off even while idling, requires restart
Conclusion
So, how do I feel about this laptop? Cramping a full blown 2070 mobile GPU in such a small, light chassis is incredible. Even though the GPU runs hot when the CPU is drawing more than 45W of power in CPU+GPU heavy load, for this size of laptop I would say the cooling is adequate. Definitely an improvement from the older Onyx (GK5-Z) which could not handle constant 115W of heat from the GPU with Turbo mode enabled. One thing worth mentioning: CPU performance is exceptionally well in this machine, despite the fact that it's a thin and light. It can draw 90+W consistently and exceed 3.9GHz in Aida64 FPU (no GPU load). The best result I got after testing and reviewing so many laptops. With stock paste, not liquid metal BTW.
It looks great in my opinion without being too flashy, the build quality is good, except for the lid where the rigidity is compromised for lower weight. I like this keyboard rather than the one in the older Onyx - even though it’s a membrane keyboard, it still has some mechanical, clicky feel. 240Hz is nice to have, battery life is surprisingly decent despite only 63Wh battery capacity and having 240Hz+RTX2070. Currently, this will be the lightest gaming laptop in the market with RTX graphics, with a full blown 2070 mobile GPU too. Finally, the price isn’t too expensive for its size and specs. Check out Illegear website for more details and customization.
If you’re looking for the lightest gaming laptop, this is an excellent choice. Of course, if you don’t have the budget to spend on Onyx Pro, you can check out other models too, like Prodigy (GK5-X) which is also from Illegear.
Pros:
- Good thermals, considering its size and GPU; good fan curve (auto)
- One of the best CPU performance (GPU not loaded)
- Sturdy bottom chassis
- 240Hz IPS as standard
- Surprisingly good battery life
- Lightest laptop with RTX GPU
- Compact size, subtle yet premium look
- Good input devices
- Decent audio quality from speakers
- IR camera for Windows Hello
- Can be a bit hot when CPU and GPU are stressed at the same time
- Flimsy lid
- Webcam at bottom
- MicroSD slot, not full sized
- No 2.5 inch bay
Tongfang GK5CP0Y / GK5CP7Y
Have you tested the selenite pro? I'm a bit concerned with the thermals while looking at a few comments in the low that forum
ReplyDeleteWill test soon (probably next week from now)
Deletehi genexis, have you tested? been waiting for your details review till neck long long
DeleteUnfortunately not yet due to stock shortage, therefore review units aren't available
DeleteSad!!! Do keep update. Love your review
DeleteAny idea on the quality of the 4K OLED display?
ReplyDeleteYou can check the panel quality via other reviews, the panel model is Samsung SDCA029 / ATNA56WR06-0
DeleteWhat is thar blue thing on the cover? I am waiting for my TongFang with 10875H,Do you know anything about the new one?
ReplyDeleteI think you mean reflection on the display?
DeleteWill do a revisit of the updated specs model once I have the chance
The blue thing looks like cooling for the SSDs on backcover.
DeleteDo you know if 3200Mhz ram will work with the new Vyper?
Yes it's thermal pad for SSD cooling
Delete3200MHz RAM will work in i7-10875H laptops
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a laptop enthusiast.
Recently, i put a GK7CQ8S 17-inch model motherboard to an GK5CP7Y 15-inch laptop.
then i re-BGA an 9980hk on this 15-inch laptop. So, i get a 1.7kg 15inch 9980hk 2080MQ (105w) device.
But i get some problems. Due to the keyboard differences between 2 devices. i must use GK5CP7Y EC on the GK7CQ8S . It working, but in my country the GK5CP7Y EC is CPU PROCHOT at 85C.
Would you mind to share your Bios and EC?
Sorry but I don't have the unit now.
Delete