If you’re eyeing budget-friendly gaming laptops with big screens and solid power, the Clevo NH70 and Sager NP7870 often pop up in the same conversations. Both are rooted in Clevo’s barebones designs reliable Taiwanese engineering that’s customizable and no-nonsense. The NH70 (from around 2019-2020) is still kicking in 2025 as a value pick, while the NP7870 (launched circa 2017) is its older sibling, now mostly found on the used market or as refurbs.
They’re not direct apples-to-apples rivals due to their age gap, but if you’re comparing for upgrades, deals, or second-hand buys, here’s the straight-up breakdown. I’ll focus on typical configs, real-world use, and why one might edge out the other.
Quick Specs Face-Off
Both rock 17.3-inch chassis for that immersive desktop-like feel, but the NH70 pulls ahead with newer guts. Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Clevo NH70 (Typical 2025 Config) | Sager NP7870 (Typical Config) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-9750H (9th Gen, 6-core, up to 4.5GHz) | Intel Core i7-7700HQ (7th Gen, 4-core, up to 3.8GHz) |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB (upgradable to RTX 3060 in some) | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 |
| Display | 17.3″ FHD IPS (1920×1080), 144Hz refresh rate | 17.3″ FHD IPS (1920×1080), 60Hz refresh rate |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 (up to 32GB, dual-channel) | 16GB DDR4 (up to 32GB) |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD (expandable, dual slots) | 256GB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD (expandable) |
| Battery | 90Wh, ~3-4 hours light use / 1-2 hours gaming | ~4-5 hours light use / 1 hour gaming |
| Ports | USB-C, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, multiple USB 3.0 | USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, Thunderbolt optional |
| Weight | ~2.8 kg (6.2 lbs) | ~3.0 kg (6.6 lbs) |
| OS | Windows 11 Home (upgradable) | Windows 10/11 (user-upgradable) |
The NH70’s 144Hz screen is a game-changer for smooth esports like Valorant, while the NP7870’s 60Hz feels dated for fast-paced titles. Both are upgradable beasts pop in more RAM or SSDs easily but the NH70’s newer platform handles modern apps better.
Performance: NH70 Takes the Crown for 2025 Gaming
- Raw Power: The i7-9750H in the NH70 crushes multitasking and content creation (e.g., Adobe Premiere exports in ~8-10 minutes for 4K clips). The NP7870’s i7-7700HQ lags here it’s quad-core vs. hexa-core, so expect 20-30% slower benchmarks in Cinebench or Geekbench.
- Gaming FPS: At 1080p medium-high settings:
- NH70 (GTX 1650): GTA V ~80 FPS, Cyberpunk 2077 ~50 FPS (DLSS if RTX variant), PUBG ~90 FPS.
- NP7870 (GTX 1060): GTA V ~70 FPS, Cyberpunk ~40 FPS (no DLSS), PUBG ~80 FPS.
The GTX 1650 edges out the older 1060 in efficiency and newer features like better ray-tracing support, but the 1060’s 6GB VRAM shines in VR or texture-heavy games. Neither screams “4K monster,” but the NH70 feels fresher for AAA titles in 2025.
- Thermals & Noise: Both get toasty (75-85°C under load) with loud fans—think “hairdryer on blast.” The NH70’s improved cooling prevents more throttling, but pair either with a $20 pad for sessions. No major overheating issues reported, though dust buildup hits both hard.
Battery Life & Portability: Tie, But Neither Wins
Expect plugged-in life from these tanks. The NH70’s 90Wh battery squeaks out 3 hours for browsing/Netflix, dropping to 1.5 under games. The NP7870 is similar, maybe edging 30 minutes longer on light tasks thanks to lower power draw. At 2.8-3kg, they’re desk warriors not backpack heroes. If mobility matters, look elsewhere.
Build, Keyboard, & Display: NH70 Feels More Modern
- Build Quality: Plastic chassis on both sturdy but fingerprint magnets. The NH70’s feels a tad more rigid, with better hinge stability.
- Keyboard & Sound: Mechanical RGB keys on the NH70 (satisfying click, great for typing marathons). NP7870 has a membrane setup decent but mushier. Speakers are tinny on both (dual 2W setups); external audio recommended for immersion.
- Display Quality: NH70’s 144Hz IPS pops with vibrant colors (300 nits brightness) and minimal bezels ideal for GTA V sunsets. NP7870’s 60Hz is fine for casual play but shows ghosting in fast action. Both hit 127ppi for sharp 1080p.
Price & Value in 2025: NH70 for New, NP7870 for Deals
- Clevo NH70: $1,200-$1,500 new (deals dip to $1,000 via resellers like XoticPC). Great value for mid-range gaming holds resale better.
- Sager NP7870: Discontinued new; used/refurb ~$500-$800 on eBay/Amazon. Budget steal if you’re okay with 7th-gen tech, but factor in potential repairs.
The NH70 wins on bang-for-buck if buying fresh; NP7870 is a “fixer-upper” gem for tinkerers.
Pros & Cons Head-to-Head
Clevo NH70
Pros:
- Newer CPU/GPU for better 2025 compatibility
- Smoother 144Hz display
- Easy upgrades and clean Windows install
Cons:
- Still loud/hot under load
- Average battery
- Heavier than slim competitors
Sager NP7870
Pros:
- Cheaper on used market
- Solid VRAM for older games
- Proven durability (many 7+ year users)
Cons:
- Outdated CPU limits future-proofing
- 60Hz screen feels laggy now
- Harder to find parts/support
Who Should Pick Which?
- Go NH70 if you’re gaming/streaming in 2025, want 60+ FPS in new titles, and have $1,200 to spend. It’s the “future-ready” pick for students or creators.
- Go NP7870 if you’re on a tight budget (<$800), love modding old hardware, or just need reliable 1080p for classics like GTA V. It’s a nostalgia-fueled bargain.
Final Verdict
The Clevo NH70 edges out as the winner for most folks its 9th-gen upgrades make it punchier and more relevant in 2025, without a huge premium. The Sager NP7870 is no slouch (and a Clevo clone at heart), but its age shows in benchmarks and smoothness. If neither clicks, eye modern alternatives like the Acer Predator Helios 300 (~$1,300) for better battery. Got a specific budget or game in mind? Hit the comments I’ll chime in!
