In the saturated world of gaming laptops, filled with flagship giants like Alienware, ASUS ROG, and MSI, it’s easy to overlook lesser-known contenders. But sometimes, a hidden gem emerges from the shadows—and the Clevo NH70 is one such case. While it may not be a household name, the Clevo NH70 offers impressive performance, customizability, and raw power that many mainstream brands often compromise in favor of aesthetics or branding.
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or power user looking for high performance at a more competitive price, this in-depth article will help you understand why the Clevo NH70 deserves your attention in 2025 and beyond.
What is the Clevo NH70?
The Clevo NH70 is a 17.3-inch high-performance laptop built by Clevo, a Taiwanese OEM manufacturer that specializes in creating powerful barebones laptops. These machines are often sold under different brand names across various regions (such as Sager, XMG, or Eurocom), but at their core, they’re Clevo designs.
The NH70 is part of Clevo’s high-performance lineup, aimed at gamers and professionals who need powerful internal hardware without the flashy, RGB-laden designs seen in other gaming laptops.
Clevo NH70 Key Specifications
Let’s break down the hardware profile of the Clevo NH70, which can vary depending on the reseller or customization:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 17.3” Full HD (1920×1080), IPS, 144Hz |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-9750H / i7-10750H / Ryzen options |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti / RTX 2060 / RTX 3060 |
| RAM | Up to 64GB DDR4 (2x SODIMM slots) |
| Storage | 1x M.2 NVMe SSD + 1x 2.5” SATA HDD/SSD |
| Battery | 14.4V 3275mAh, 4-cell Lithium-Ion |
| Weight | Approximately 2.5 – 2.7 kg (5.5 – 6 lbs) |
| Ports | USB 3.2, USB-C, HDMI, mini DisplayPort, RJ-45 Ethernet, Audio Jack |
| Keyboard | Backlit (RGB optional, depending on vendor) |
The Clevo NH70 is a performance powerhouse designed for customization and raw speed rather than flashiness. That gives it a unique position in the market.
Real-World Performance: Gaming and Beyond
Gaming Capabilities
With graphics options like the GTX 1660 Ti, RTX 2060, or even RTX 3060 in some custom builds, the Clevo NH70 can comfortably handle modern AAA games at 1080p resolution with high or ultra settings. Popular games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II run smoothly on the RTX variants.
Here are average FPS results on the RTX 2060 configuration (1080p, high settings):
- Cyberpunk 2077 – 45–55 FPS
- Fortnite – 100–120 FPS
- Valorant – 140–160 FPS
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – 50–60 FPS
This performance is made possible thanks to Clevo’s efficient cooling solution, featuring dual-fan setups and multiple copper heat pipes. The laptop handles thermal loads well, although it does get warm under stress—a trade-off for performance laptops in this range.
Content Creation and Productivity
The Clevo NH70 isn’t just for gamers. Thanks to its powerful CPUs and high RAM capacity, it’s ideal for content creators and professionals working in 3D rendering, video editing, and data analysis. Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, and DaVinci Resolve perform smoothly, especially when the laptop is configured with an RTX GPU and 32 GB+ of RAM.
Build Quality and Design: Industrial, Not Flashy
If you’re expecting a razor-thin design or ultra-modern chassis, the Clevo NH70 may surprise you. It features a rugged, somewhat industrial build with a matte black finish. It doesn’t scream “gamer,” but that’s part of its charm—it blends into professional environments while packing serious firepower inside.
The keyboard is solid, with deep travel and satisfying feedback. Optional RGB backlighting is available depending on the reseller. The touchpad is functional but nothing exceptional—serious users will likely prefer an external mouse.
Unique Customization Options
One of the standout features of the Clevo NH70 is how customizable it is compared to mainstream laptops.
- Choose your CPU & GPU: Depending on where you buy, you can configure it with different Intel or AMD processors.
- Memory and Storage Options: Unlike sealed ultrabooks, the NH70 gives users easy access to upgrade RAM and add storage drives.
- BIOS Tweaks: Some resellers unlock advanced BIOS options for enthusiasts wanting to fine-tune voltage, fan curves, or performance profiles.
- Linux-Friendly: Unlike many laptops that struggle with Linux compatibility, the Clevo NH70 works well with most major distros with minimal driver issues.
This open-ended customization gives users more control over their machine’s performance, something rare in the laptop market.
Battery Life: A Portable Desktop, Not a Mobile Road Warrior
If battery life is your primary concern, the Clevo NH70 might not be your best choice. With a 4-cell battery and power-hungry internals, you can expect about 2–3 hours of moderate use and significantly less when gaming or rendering video.
This laptop was designed to perform like a desktop in a portable form, not to last an entire workday unplugged. Many owners use it as a semi-mobile desktop replacement.
Audio and Display Quality
The 17.3″ IPS panel provides vibrant color reproduction and decent contrast, especially at 144Hz. While not intended for professional color grading, it offers a good viewing experience for gaming and media consumption.
The built-in speakers are serviceable but not exceptional. If audio fidelity is important, we recommend pairing the Clevo NH70 with a quality headset or external speakers.
Who Should Buy the Clevo NH70?
The Clevo NH70 is best suited for:
- Gamers are seeking high performance at a lower cost than brand-name alternatives.
- Developers and data scientists who need powerful specs and upgrade paths.
- Content creators looking for a desktop replacement for video and 3D work.
- Linux users and tech enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and customizing.
- Buyers in need of value over branding or aesthetics.
It’s not ideal for:
- Frequent travelers need all-day battery life.
- Design-focused buyers who prefer sleek and thin ultrabooks.
- Casual users who don’t need high-end specifications.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Clevo NH70 stands strong on its own, here are a few competitors worth considering:
- MSI GF75 Thin – Similar specs, lighter, but less upgrade-friendly.
- Acer Predator Helios 300 – Better build quality, pricier.
- Dell G15 – More mainstream, but less customizable.
- Eluktronics RP-17 – Premium alternative built on Clevo’s chassis.
Still, few alternatives offer the same blend of power and customizability as the NH70, especially in its price range.
Final Verdict: Is the Clevo NH70 Worth It?
The Clevo NH70 might not win any beauty contests, and it won’t last a full day unplugged—but when it comes to raw performance, upgrade flexibility, and value for money, it’s in a league of its own.
For users who prioritize performance and flexibility over flashy branding, the Clevo NH70 is an exceptional choice in 2025. With proper customization, it can outperform many more expensive laptops—and last longer, thanks to its upgrade-friendly design.
If you’re the kind of user who prefers building your PC, the Clevo NH70 is the laptop equivalent of that experience.
TL;DR: Clevo NH70 Quick Summary
- Pros: Excellent performance, customizable hardware, great value, large display.
- Cons: Short battery life, plain design, heavier than average.
- Best For: Gamers, creators, developers, power users.
In a market dominated by style-over-substance machines, the Clevo NH70 proves that performance and user freedom still matter.
