• out of stock

METABOX ALPHA-X - 1660Ti, i7-10750H, 144hz - $1379 Delivered @ Kong Computers

700

Decent deal considering what else is around at the moment.

CPU - i7-10750H 2.6GHz-5.0GHz
GPU - 1660Ti 6GB
Monitor - 15.6" 1920 x 1080, IPS, 144HZ. If anyone knows the nits/colourspace please comment.
RAM - 8GB DDR4 2666MHZ, can be upgraded to 2x8GB for $39. or fill the empty slot yourself.
Storage - 512GB Toshiba SSD
Battery - 48.96WH
Weight - 2.2KG
OS - No Windows included

Ports:
1 x USB 2.0 port
1 x USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) port
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (Type A)
1 x DisplayPort 1.3 via dual purpose USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C)
1 x Mini Display 1.2 port
1 x HDMI 2.0 (60Hz) output port (with HDCP)
1 x 2-in-1 Audio Jack (Headphone / Microphone)
1 x Microphone jack
1 x RJ-45 LAN port

Model: Metabox Alpha-X NH58DC

17" version for $1479
Variant with RTX2060, i7-10875H for $1,629

Related Stores

Kong Computers
Kong Computers

closed Comments

  • +4

    15.6 inch before anyone asks

  • +2

    Um…can anyone share their experience with the Metabox brand? I googled, but wanna hear some more opinions from OzBargainers who own a Metabox.

    • +3

      I don't have personal experience with them but have seen Metabox recommended around OzBargain.
      Jarrod'sTech is trustworthy and has a review of the same machine with an older generation CPU

    • +27

      Really great computers can get hot though

      Mine however went dead at 3 years just ended with an Asus g14 due to size and portability never been happier except the time I had a wife and side chick

      • +2

        Lol

      • +4

        Commas, are your friends.

        • +1

          U keeding me man English is my 6th language I'm learning still and my only friends are my friends in real life not online

    • Had to send one off twice under warranty. They fixed it both times but it took some time.

    • +1

      Mine lasted 6 years until I sold it. No issues.

    • Mine overheated while gaming pretty often. Sometimes the gpu would go missing from device manager. But that's just laptop gaming for ya. Loved it otherwise

    • I have a Metabox Laptop (specifically the P650HS-G version) with 120Hz panel and GTX 1070.

      It's been 3+ years with that laptop and I'm using it for everything. I also got it from Kong Computers (since they charge less for delivery) and it had a deal at the time which is why I got it.

      But the 1070 has shown it's age (CyberPunk 2077 runs pretty awful on mine, but I don't think it's a great benchmark since the game itself is a buggy mess). And I also realised I'm not that much of a gamer (most of the games I've played are ones that were released awhile ago which runs so well, which is nice I guess).

      So I'm happy with my purchase, just know these laptops are not that portable (they weigh about 2.5 kg with the laptop battery, and that is a lot) and maybe you'd be suited for a gaming PC + cheap laptop under $1000 with does your office + work stuff.

      But if you're moving a lot, I highly recommend Metabox. Also comes with no bloatware, and you only get the software you're required to install.

    • Good laptop, had mine for 3-4 years.

      Like others have said, heat is an issue but that's true for every laptop.

      However, compared to other gaming laptops, it seems to do a good job. Brand new, I was getting 70C playing the newest games on highest settings.

      Now, it is more like 90C. I also have this issue after 2.5 years use, where when it is charging, it can reach 80C at times. I tried everything even throttling and it helps a bit but still an issue (yes, I have cleaned it and replaced the thermal paste)

      Battery life is trash tier though + had to change the battery after 1.5 years because it only started to last 30 minutes

      • +2

        Every 6-12 months my gaming laptop also begins to overheat. This is due to dust accumulating in the heat pipe grills. I usually have to open up the laptop and use an air duster to blow out the clumps of dust in both directions - fan and grill. Once done, temperature returns to near original.

    • Have one that's 5 - 6 years old still going fine. Have a newer one which I've had for about 2 years and no problems so far.

    • +1

      I bought my P170EM probably around 8 years ago. It remains my main computer (typing this on it), and I have no intention on looking for a replacement yet. It is always on so the battery is probably shot from over charging, but it is an absolute workhorse. I am a software developer and sit at this thing for at least 8 hours a day.

      This one is an absolute unit though, weighing in at around 4kg, and the power brick is just that - a brick. Not exactly portable then, but I've been WFH for years now.

      When it comes time to buy anew, Metabox will be what I look for first. Just maybe a 15" and a tad lighter!

      • wat about fan noise

        • +8

          sorry, WHAT?!!

      • we have(had) the same model, it is absolutely incredible. It died though because the thermal compound on the CPU deteriorated over that 8 yr period so the poor thing was hitting 90c+ while gaming. After a bad crash one time, i was getting artifacting over the screen. I replaced the thermal compound, and temps were back in the low 70s where they should be but the artifacting never went away. Now im tempted to replace the CPU (about $130 on ebay for a used one) but dont know whether to take the gamble. incase its not actually the cpu (disabling the intel IGP makes the artifacting go away, but i dont think the nvidia card works when the IGP was disabled. has been a long time since i was playing around with it). All in all though, it was an incredible system, so damn easy to work on (everything is user servicable), and we'd still be using it too if i didnt kill it through neglect :)

    • +3

      I have experience. Been using a Metabox Prime N850EK (i7 8750h, GTX 1060 6GB, 32GB RAM, 2x 1TB SSD) for almost two years now, and it hasn't skipped a beat. Cooling performance is excellent, and I don't experience any thermal throttling (and that's before the undervolting that I did).

      Thoroughly recommend grabbing obsidian PC updater (https://code.obsidian-pc.com/clevo-software/obsidian-tools/) as a purchase afterwards, as it will scan and update the particular drivers on any clevo-based (metabox) laptop with ease!

      • +2

        purchasing a license on the website is missing

        • Yeah super weird! Not sure whats going on there, but I did purchase mine over a year ago, so its possible they dont offer anymore :(

    • +1

      Yeah it is great bang for buck. If you want to find reviews find the clevo brand in the US as they are using the same template and are pretty much identical from memory.

      I had mine die after 3 years as well so maybe they don't last ages.

      Kong computers is a good place to deal with.

      • -1

        computers advance so quickly, especially portable ones, that you probably want a new one after 3 years anyway

        • that's not a good thing lol

          • @Lighter Fluid: In a way. It's good that tech is advancing so fast. It sucks that we can't have computers that last 20 years though

    • +2

      I bought one a little over a year ago and it's been great. i7-9750h, 16gb ram, rtx2060 8gb, 15.6" 60hz screen, but plugged into a 144hz 1080p monitor.

      Came with a 500gb SSD, but there was an extra slot that I just filled with a 1tb crucial nvme drive. Super easy to upgrade.

      Very solid build quality, and it feels very sturdy while still not being too heavy.

      I mostly play Destiny 2 and Borderlands 3 on high/ultra settings averaging around 90-110fps. Runs a little hot under high loads, but elevated on a good laptop cooler, I've had 0 overheating issues, even after 8+ hours of non-stop playing.

      The software that came pre-installed is kind of wonky (Fan speed control, power settings, hotkeys etc.), but I just uninstalled that crap and replaced it with known tools that are better.

      Let me know if there's anything else you want to know!

    • i bought one in March 2020 but it died by Christmas and I have since replaced it after 9 months. Did not expect it to last so short tbh.

      Runs hot as per the other commenter but while it did work, it was great! Battery only lasted 50mins on balanced even when new so strictly for at-home use only

    • Metabox are just rebadged Clevo laptops, you can find tonnes of reviews googling them.

    • Got my first metabox about 7 years ago, with 960m, still works today even after using it for 1000s of hours of video editing and 3d rendering.

      Bought my current one February 2020, with a 2060rtx gpu and it's still working flawlessly. No over heating issues (metabox devolt by 0.1v to minimise this, works a treat!)

      Can't recommend them enough.

      I will recommend upgrading the screen to a brighter one, unless only working indoors. Outdoors it doesn't quite get bright enough.

      Edit: I forgot, dual m.2 and another SSD 2.5" slot is rad. Have two m.2 in mine, ~1gbps transfer with game files (lots of little files, stop/start read write) that was chub worthy haha

      • Thanks for your comment!
        I'm planning to get your one with 2060rtx gpu, and you are definitely sure it's great for professional photography & videography editing right?
        Which screen upgrade do you think is best or most suitable for me?
        What are your full specs if you don't mind me asking?

        • Check out metabox site, they're still showing their boxing Day sale (was meant to finish yesterday (?)) They have newer CPU options and come with other options, if

          Depending on photo sizes consider more too, 16 goes fine for me, and I do large panoramas at times to (over 45000*8000 pixels) and it handles it fine. Full time with might consider more ram though, or very heavy editing, consider more. See how you go and upgrade later too even!

          Consider saving some cash and getting a 1660ti over the 2060, generally only 5% performance, sometimes more. Just my two cents.

          Monitor: If you're Photoshopping more than gaming they offer 100% sRGB screens too, which is nice, but extra ~$250. If you don't already have a decent colour accurate desktop screen think about getting one of them that comes up on special on ozb to use for about the same!

          Other thing to consider is some of their screens on other builds have Pantone, which are colour print accurate.

          Sorry, a lot of non direct information, I don't know budget or your main objective.

          • @teereb: Sorry, I should give you more of my background and what I'm after.

            I'm actually wanting to start getting into professional photography & videography and I want the best or close to the best that I can get in terms of quality & value that will last me at least 5 years. My budget is preferably under $2500 and I was looking to get the Dell Xps 15 9500 if it went on sale again. I heard and read reviews and it seems like the best and most ideal laptop for me until I found out about Metabox and this post today. I don't mind saving some money if I can get under or about $2000 and it has better/almost just as good specs as the Xps 15 because that means I can spend it elsewhere (to buy a mini 2 drone).

            I most likely won't do much gaming, so I'm after better colour display.
            Stupid question but which is better sRGB or Pantone? and are there laptops that have both?
            If you had a budget under $2500 or $2000, which Metabox model with cpu and all upgrades will you get?

            I only have a little knowledge on specs so any advice is very much appreciated!

            Don't be sorry, that's actually great info! thanks

            • @brokeman: Without reading much tonight I think Pantone is better from memory! Will read up again tomorrow. Pantone is just print accurate colour (more to it, but that's super simplified) it's different to sRGB though; Pantone is accuracy of colours, and sRGB is how many colours it'll display (can explain more if you want / Google)

              The aer metabox is a new line they started that looks amazing imo. Still dedicated gpu so will get some decent gaming at 1080p for sure.

              It'll def keep you under that 2k budget too. Xps are premium and feel it to, I've never used it felt the aer to compare but I think it'd feel cheaper; that said it'd be best bet to start there; same if not better specs than the xps (and a dedicated gpu, sort helpful for Photoshop aftereffects) at far less money. If you're in Perth might be able to call metabox and feel the aer in person, and compare with an xps (should be on shelf in JB or Harvey or office?)

              • @teereb: Oh the Metabox AER NV40 ME looks pretty good.
                Someone linked down below saying "differences 1650ti card not 1660ti, this is lighter, this has newer processor, and comes with more (16gb) ram."
                There seems to quite a difference between the 1650ti and 1660ti in terms of performance.
                Do you think it's worth it to upgrade the screen from [FHD 1920 x 1080] to [UHD 4k 3840 x 2160] for extra $299?

                Hmm what a dilemma!?
                [1] METABOX ALPHA-X - 1660Ti, i7-10750H, 144hz - $1379 + $39 16GB Ram Upgrade + $279 QFHD (4k) = $1697
                OR
                [2] Metabox AER NV40 ME - 1650ti $1599 + $299 UHD 4k = $1998

                I don't live in Perth so I can't go in store to have a feel for it. I live in Melbourne.

                • @brokeman: Def is a large performance gain between the two GPUs, about 40-60%. That isn't to say that you can't use the 1650ti for gaming though.

                  I honestly think 4k screens are overkill at 15.6" or even more so on a 14" screen. They do look nice and sharp though! I think only the aer comes with the Pantone option though.

                  Having a higher res also uses more battery, if you think your ever going to be on the run using it, I never do, but something that might be worth considering.

                  Speaking of, unless you're carrying your laptop around every minute, or if you care hugely about having a thin light laptop, go the slightly larger one with more air flow; the faster gfx card is nice, how ever Photoshop and aftereffects you won't notice any difference between the two cards.

                  I don't mind the feel of my keyboard, it isn't the best by any means, doesn't feel cheap and tacky though, but I've used it a lot without hassle, the keys do their job and haven't failed at all this last year.

                  • @teereb: Thanks for your advice! and man am I so indecisive!
                    I'm actually now debating whether to get the variant with RTX 2060 or just the 1660ti.

                    However, I've decided on FHD 1920 x 1080 300Hz LED 100% sRGB with x-Rite pro colour calibration and 32gb ram though

                    • @brokeman: Well the gfx cost difference is $250 between 2060 and 1660ti.

                      Performance difference between the two cards varies between about 3-10%; depending on game and settings you choose.

                      What games do you play?

                      The comparisons I'm just using this website atm:
                      https://www.notebookcheck.net/GeForce-RTX-2060-Laptop-vs-GeF…

                      • @teereb: Oh I see.
                        Sadly I actually haven't played any games in a very long time.
                        I'm too busy hustling so I don't have much time outside of work.
                        I guess I just want the better performance and capability to handle intense games if I ever do game again

                        • @brokeman: With that in mind save yourself the $250 and get the 1660ti I think.

                          The 2060 does perform better, but not enough to warrant the extra dosh, imo. The rtx capabilities of the 2060 are minimal, and although the drivers are making rtx stuff more efficient there are really few software that make use of it, let alone with 2060 minimal tensor cores.

                          I dunno, I love my 2060, but would be just as happy with a 1660ti and the extra money? Ehh, dunno.

    • Haven't tried mid range, bought a high end config, ~5k, weight ~4.5kg without the charger, battery can not sustain the machine for any meaningful usage.

      I gave it to my little brother that after a 2 weeks and bought a Macbook Pro instead.
      Wasn't their fault, We are pretty much on our own.

    • I bought one for my daughter who is studying 3d animation - it's now 2 years old and is a good solid workstation for when she is at home. It's a little big and heavy to take to uni every day (as is any machine with a similar spec). Great value and no issues. The whole range has good specs generally for their price point (IPS, 144 screens, good GPU options etc). We haven't needed to access support so cannot comment on that.

    • I bought a metabox laptop for 2.2k with 1070 couple of years ago from Kong Computers. While I'm super happy with price and operation, the build is plastic not solid compared to what I've seen in Alienware. One of the vents bits kept breaking off. The RGB keyboard keeps peeling off for keys even though they replaced for free once.

      It does get heated quite well but manageable in winter.

    • I got the metabox Prime-S. Metal chassis super light, 4K OLED screen, per key RGB keyboard, i7 10875H CPU, RTX 2060, 32GB ram and I love it. It’s got 5-6 hour battery life in normal use (not gaming). The downsides are the inbuilt speakers and there’s a bit of keyboard flex. Haven’t had overheating issues. I think metabox (clevo) have got a lot better over the years.

  • Tempting, but I'm assuming that like most 10750h laptops it's going to run pretty hot. Does anyone have any experience with the thermals of this laptop?

    • My current metabox has this cpu, the devolt by 0.1v and while gaming, video editing, and 3d rendering it does get hot (~93c) it doesn't overheat or derate performance like other laptops with the same CPU.

  • Nice price, if only this was the 14 inch version

    • +1

      Best i can do is 5

      • Well you've got me beat..

      • +1

        Is that with a hard drive or a floppy?

    • +1

      Metabox website still showing their boxing Day special.

      14" similar spec: (this is their Ultra light 1.39kg)
      Differences 1650ti card not 1660ti, this is lighter, this has newer processor, and comes with more (16gb) ram.

      https://www.metabox.com.au/store/Aer-Range/Buy

      Starts $1,699.00

      Model No: NV40ME

      NVIDIA GTX 1650Ti 4GB GDDR6
      Intel i7-1165G7 Quad Core
      14.0" FHD Pantone Certified Colour
      16GB DDR4 3200MHZ (1 x 16GB)
      WD SN550 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD

      Features
      * Ultra Thin & Lightweight
      * 14.0" Pantone Certified Displays
      * Up to 10 Hour Battery Runtime
      * Up to 3X Separate Displays
      * Thunderbolt 4.0 Technology
      * Up to 64GB RAM & 8TB M.2 SSD
      * Vibrant Back-Lit Keyboard
      * Top-Lid Metal Construction

      • 10 battery even though its got a dgpu is really impressive. edit: im sure that's just the computer sitting idle with the screen off. id expect 1 hr of gaming and 3-4 hours of movie watching

        • Mine has a 2060, and didn't have it plugged in while gaming, but it still used the dgpu, just limited game to 30fps. Not sure how long I'd get - was surfing net for about an hour or so before I gamed and it took a few minutes to figure what was happening, buyer was still at 80%

          The aer would be better than mine I feel, so basic surfing you should get closer to that figure I think.

          Still a really nice light and thin laptop with a dgpu. I'd have def considered it if it was available when I bought mine is the option was there a year ago, just don't think a 1650ti would write cut it for me, eh

  • +1

    dumb question - how many external monitors could this drive?

    Would it do 3 - hdmi, usb c, mini display port?

    • +3

      Yes it can drive 3

  • +5

    To anyone purchasing, I'd recommend upgrading to the 16GB RAM option for an additional $39

    8GB RAM on a laptop dedicated for gaming is insufficient in 2021. $39 is worth the upgrade

    • 2 stick (dual channel) instead of 1 can add a heap of performance depending on the game also, was running single stick 16gb for ages, dropped in 2nd stick gained 10-20 max frames in some games.

      On thermal throttling, without cooling pad, liquidmetal, better pads and extra shims/graphite foil would got thermal throttling constantly with n870ep6/Alpha sourced similar to open mentioned n850ek. Replaced my p150em,
      Would still recommend purchase recent if some additional cooling required, love it.

      • better pads and extra shims/graphite foil…

        What are those? Link?

        • Random shim pack
          AU $9.08 13%OFF | 40pcs 8models 15mm x 15mm DIY Copper Shim Heatsink thermal Pad for Laptop GPU CPU VGA Chip RAM Copper sheet cooling

          https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0OrqMD

          1 type of pad good cool pad not most expensive range from $3 - $70+ (on a scale of cardboard spacer to make a difference)(industrial strength can be 100's to 1000's last time I was browsing)

          https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08CGL7MLN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i…

          Edit-
          graphite foil -debatable as to its effectiveness due to how it works but it def works for me. Fingers get toasted in 1 position on keyboard where some is on heatsink/pipes underneath after I popped it on in that spot.
          AU $1.37 32%OFF | High Conductivity Thermal Pad CPU Heatsink Cooling Synthetic Graphite Piece
          https://a.aliexpress.com/_mq3fyzT

          Getting to the point where I'm better off buying 1 of those backyard laptop water-cooling systems from AliExpress, pretty sure they somehow managed to sneak on the microcode to disable undervolting even though I haven't updated that windows in a year or so, sneaky Intel n Microsoft ass****s. Will have two try n flash back to prev me/bios with a programmer at some stage

      • +2

        That's exactly right, it would yield a fairly decent increase in performance… However, I wasn't specifically recommending that since some people may have plans to upgrade to dual 16GB sticks in the future. Wanted to let the individual decide on that one

        • +1

          True true, better to inform them now if they're unaware/r nubs that dual channel is a thing before they spend that 39 which seems like it would be just swap the stick out for a16gb instead of 2x8gb if they aren't planning on going 32gb.
          But completely understand your reasoning.

  • Bought something very similar 1 year ago. Very nice performance for the money. Only downside is keyboard isn't very durable.

    16gb ram is a must too

    • Agreed the keyboard isn't great and accumulates a lot of dried semen

  • 1660ti means people should buy

    • It was a very solid laptop gpu when I was buying a year ago, I'm guessing nothing really out yet which beats it for value? Amd mobile GPUs were a bit disappointing in price

  • Cheapest 1660 ti so far.

    Does it come with any OS? How they check if everything works without an OS?

    • no OS

    • My guess, plug in an ssd, test, remove. That it something equivalent just to boot and test.

      • Not sure about Metabox but most stores load a trial version of Windows for testing (then you put in your stolen 20c activation key from aliexpress later)

  • I would like to ask this compared to Harvey Norman Acer Nitro 5 1026dollar, which is more cost-effective

    • Link the Acer nitro you mention?

        • Different gfx cards. You link a 1650ti, this one is a 1660ti
          Different CPUs, yours is a 10300, this one is a 10750 (i5 vs i7)

          Also acer is a smidge heavier

          • +2

            @teereb: My friend I'm just playing Dota 2. Which one is better for me? Or is there any other introduction? My budget is under 1000. Thank you

            • +2

              @Peter Lim: A toaster would play Dota 2, you'll be fine with the Acer.

              • @Ryballs: nitro 5 is toaster?

                • @Peter Lim: Yeah he'd probably be fine with integrated graphics but I thought 1650 ti be handy if he wants to play other games.

              • @Ryballs: have you played it recently? the patches have made it a mess. my 580 barely runs it

            • @Peter Lim: i play dota 2. id highly recommend spending 3-400 more and getting something 'decent'. dota 2 code is a hot mess and the cosmetics make it worse. pray you dont get into a match with an illusion hero if you buy something cheap. try to find a laptop with decent cooling because if it overheats, which laptops tend to do while gaming, youll get an abandon for sure

  • +1

    RAM - 8GB DDR4 2666MHZ, can be upgraded to 2x8GB for $39

    Gotta compare this $39 RAM upgrade with the $300 Apple charges for the same +8GB on their Macbooks.

  • +1

    For those that live in Perth, request to pick it up from their home base to save on delivery (I did with mine in Feb last year)

    Alternatively metabox homepage has same laptop for sale at $20 more here: 🤷

    https://www.metabox.com.au/store/b293/Metabox-Alpha-X-NH58DC…

  • +1

    2yr warranty

  • +4

    $1 cheaper here lol

    https://www.affordablelaptops.com.au/contents/en-us/p3833_me…

    Select 1660 TI, 16gb (2 x 8gb), 512gb kioxia (-$1)

    Comes to $1,417 vs $1,418 from kong

  • +1

    There's a $250 difference between the Alpha-X NH58DC (i7-10750H, GTX1660Ti) and the Alpha-X NH58DD (i7-10875H, RTX2060).

    Is it worth the $250 extra?

  • +1

    I bought one 😅
    Thanks for the suggestion.

    • Hope it goes well for you.

  • A stupid question but in the display upgrade SRGB with x-rite Pro Calibration +$279 it is the device itself right? or does it mean you calibrate the monitor once for us? haha
    If it's the device, can you tell me which model.
    Thanks

    • As far as I know, it just means they calibrate it for you before delivery, no device included.

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