- Intel Core i7-4800MQ (2.70GHz up to 3.7GHz) (4 cores, 8 threads)
- 32GB (4 x 8GB) Corsair DDR3 Vengeance RAM 1,600MHz
- NVIDIA Quadro K3000M (2GB GDDR5)
- 17.3” HD 1,920 x 1,080 backlit LED display
- 250GB Samsung 840 Evo SSD + 1TB Hitachi Travelstar 7K10000 + Samsung DVD writer
- Full size keyboard with numeric keypadTouch pad with multi-gesture and scrolling
- 8-cell (77Wh) Lithium Ion battery
- Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235, 300Mbps & Bluetooth
- 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 1 x eSATA / USB 3.0. RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet.Mini Firewire
- 9-in-1 memory card reader
- DisplayPort, Mini DP, HDMi
- 412 x 276 x 45-42mm
- Starting at 3.9kg + 1.1kg
- Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
- 2 Years Collect and Return (screen 1st year only)
- 3xs.scan.co.uk
- £1,553
Considering the amount of technology on offer in this 17-inch model from Scan, 3XS MGW-10 wins hands down on value for money.
With a Core i7-4800MQ CPU, Quadro K3000M GPU and 32GB RAM, it has a spec to rival a decent desktop workstation.
A 250GB Samsung 840 Evo mSATA SSD provides fast storage for OS and apps, while a 2.5-inch 1TB HDD will hold the bulk of your CAD data. With room for an additional 2.5-inch and mSATA drive there’s plenty scope to expand. RAID 0/1 is supported in pairs.
The Clevo P170SM chassis (also used in the WS-M1760) is plasticky in places and a little uninspiring.
That’s not to say it isn’t well-built, but when one can customise the backlit keyboard with flashing colours, it’s obvious Clevo only has one eye on the professional user.
The Quadro K3000M GPU is older than the K3100M and didn’t reach the same heights as Schenker’s W503. Scan says this is down to supplier availability rather than cost, so it’s probably worth waiting for the newer GPU to come online.
Overall, the Scan 3XS MGW-10 offers solid performance, good expandability and great value for money, making it a cost-effective alternative to a mainstream desktop CAD workstation.
