After already looking at a rival gaming notebook - bearing a similar specification with the GTX 1060, has GIGABYTE been able to edge in front?

By this notebook adopting understated aesthetics, those who prefer a simplistic and discreet theme will favour the design which has been implemented. It’s quite unusual to see a gaming notebook lack an aggressive, bulky approach and also see an absence of flashy LEDs. Although the design does look classy, the construction of P55W V6 bears lots of plastic – including the lid. We’d like to have seen some brushed metal being used on such a product.

GIGABYTE has chosen a nice selection of hardware for P55W V6, this notebook bears a strong processor in the Intel Core i7-6700HQ and this is backed by 16GB DDR4 and the GTX 1060. Combining all of this hardware renders P55W V6 a more than capable machine – providing good framerates in most of the latest gaming titles – at 1080p with settings maxed out. Outside of the gaming arena, this notebook also performs well; showing that it is indeed versatile.

The inclusion of HDMI 2.0 and all-USB 3.0/3.1 is an especially wise decision by GIGABYTE. Having HDMI 2.0 instead of 1.4 allows an increase from 30Hz to 60Hz at 4K – handy if you’re planning to output to a larger display. Since USB 3.0/3.1 is backwards compatible, omitting USB 2.0 is a great decision as it just futureproofs and increases bandwidth capabilities.


Although the experience with this notebook is mostly positive there is one of the concern we have which is quite significant. It involves P55W V6 and its implementation of a single cooling fan design. Inside, the CPU and GPU share the same heatsink, heatpipes and cooling fan – a decision which delivers unsurprising results; while the CPU’s temperature under load is within the realms of acceptable, the GPU temperature recording is certainly not. As shown in our video, the temperatures for the GTX 1060 exceed 90 degrees Celsius – boarding on treacherous. GIGABYTE appear to have tried to conserve space for other components and have chosen to focus on noise rather than thermal performance, a balance of the two would have been a much wiser route to take. There comes a point when thermal performance overrides that of audible.

P55W V6 arrives with a price-tag of Ł1274 @ CCL Computers (Updated price - Jan 2017) / $1600, making it slightly cheaper than some of the competition. This notebook also comes with 2 years warranty we should help to seal the deal. Against the recently reviewed MSI GE62VR, P55W V6 could struggle – especially with the sky high GPU temperatures under load.

GIGABYTE’s new P55W V6 offers some excellent performance in a range of different scenarios. The included hardware and features present a capable gaming notebook – although we do feel an improvement to the current cooling system should be a top priority.




Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.