Gaming laptops have significantly evolved over the past few years, with slimmer designs, RTX-powered graphics, and ultra-high refresh rate screens becoming the norm. Among older gaming laptops that have maintained a loyal fanbase is the Clevo NH70. Known for its solid hardware, customization options, and raw performance, the NH70 once stood tall in the mid-range gaming category.
But in 2025, with the ever-advancing gaming ecosystem, is the Clevo NH70 still a relevant choice? This review takes a deep dive into every aspect of the Clevo NH70, analyzing its specifications, gaming performance, thermals, upgradability, and overall value to determine whether it’s still worth buying in 2025.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 17.3-inch Full HD (1920×1080) 144Hz |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-9750H (6 cores, 12 threads) |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 (expandable up to 64GB) |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD + 2.5″ SATA slot |
| Battery | 3-cell 41Wh lithium-ion |
| Weight | Approx. 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) |
| Keyboard | RGB backlit mechanical-style |
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 compatible
|
2. Design and Build Quality
The Clevo NH70 is built with a functional and minimalistic approach. Unlike flashy gaming laptops with aggressive aesthetics and LED stripes, the NH70 keeps things understated. It features a plastic chassis with a metallic finish, offering decent durability but lacking the premium feel of aluminum-clad competitors.
While the laptop is sturdy, its bulkiness and weight (over 2.5kg) make it more suitable as a stationary setup rather than a portable gaming companion. The bezels around the screen are larger by 2025 standards, giving it a slightly dated look.
3. Display Quality
The 17.3-inch Full HD panel supports a 144Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for first-person shooters and other fast-paced titles. Although it lacks higher resolutions or HDR support, it does well in:
- Color reproduction
- Viewing angles
- Smooth gameplay experience at 1080p
However, the panel struggles with brightness in outdoor environments and has an average contrast ratio. Competing laptops in 2025 now offer QHD 165Hz or OLED displays, so the NH70 lags slightly in this department.
4. Performance: Gaming & Beyond
The Clevo NH70, equipped with the Intel i7-9750H and GTX 1660 Ti, offers reliable performance for 1080p gaming.
Gaming Benchmarks (2025 titles, medium settings):
| Game | FPS (Avg.) |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 52 FPS |
| Valorant | 120 FPS |
| Elden Ring | 45 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 38 FPS |
| Apex Legends | 60 FPS |
For esports titles and slightly older AAA games, the performance remains solid. However, modern AAA games with ray tracing and DLSS support will require compromises in resolution and graphic quality.
Productivity Use:
- Handles video editing at 1080p efficiently
- Multi-tasking and browsing are smooth
- Not ideal for 4K rendering or AI-based workloads
5. Thermals and Noise
The NH70 includes dual fans and multiple heat pipes. While thermal performance is generally adequate, extended gaming sessions can lead to noticeable heat buildup near the WASD keys and bottom chassis.
Fan noise becomes quite loud under heavy loads, sometimes exceeding 50 dB, which may be distracting in quiet environments.
Thermal tip: Reapplying thermal paste and using a cooling pad can significantly improve performance and noise levels.
6. Battery Life
The 41Wh battery is arguably the NH70’s weakest point. Even under light use (web browsing, YouTube), battery life hovers around 2.5 to 3 hours. During gaming, the laptop barely lasts 1 hour unplugged.
This further positions the NH70 as a desktop replacement, not a travel laptop.
7. Upgrade Options
One of the biggest strengths of the Clevo NH70 is its modular and upgrade-friendly design:
- RAM: Upgradeable up to 64GB
- Storage: 1x M.2 NVMe + 1x 2.5-inch SATA slot
- Wi-Fi Card: Replaceable
Users comfortable with opening the back panel can easily enhance performance or storage capacity, a rarity in many thin-and-light gaming laptops today.
8. Keyboard and Trackpad
The RGB backlit keyboard mimics a mechanical feel and provides decent travel and feedback. It supports multiple zones of lighting customization.
The trackpad, however, is mediocre by today’s standards—usable but not exceptional. Gamers will almost certainly prefer using an external mouse.
9. Connectivity and I/O
The NH70 offers a generous selection of ports:
- 1 x USB-C
- 2 x USB 3.1
- 1 x USB 2.0
- HDMI + Mini DisplayPort
- Ethernet (RJ45)
- Audio jacks (headphone + mic)
- SD card reader
Despite lacking Thunderbolt 4 (now common in 2025), the available ports cover all essential use cases.
10. Software and Drivers
The NH70 comes with minimal bloatware and relies on Clevo Control Center for fan profiles, keyboard lighting, and performance presets. It supports Windows 10 and is fully compatible with Windows 11.
Drivers and BIOS updates are available via the Clevo or reseller websites like XMG or Sager.
11. Pricing and Value in 2025
In 2025, a new or refurbished Clevo NH70 can be found in the range of $500 to $650, depending on condition and configuration. While newer laptops in the $900–$1,200 range offer better specs, the NH70 still delivers solid value for budget-conscious users who:
- Prioritize screen size
- Are willing to game at medium settings
- Don’t need portability
12. Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Strong 1080p gaming performance for its age
- Upgradeable RAM and storage
- Large 144Hz display
- Decent build quality
- Competitive price (used/refurbished)
Cons:
- Poor battery life
- Outdated GPU lacks ray tracing/DLSS
- Loud fan noise under load
- Heavy and bulky design
- Average thermal solution
13. Alternatives in 2025
| Laptop Model | GPU | Display | Price (USD) | Notes |
| ASUS TUF A15 (2025) | RTX 4050 | 15.6″ QHD 165Hz | ~$1,100 | Better GPU, newer CPU |
| Lenovo Legion 5 (2024) | RTX 3060 | 15.6″ FHD 144Hz | ~$950 | Great thermal design |
| Acer Nitro 17 (2025) | RTX 4060 | 17.3″ QHD | ~$1,200 | Closer to NH70’s screen size |
| MSI GF63 (2023) | GTX 1650 | 15.6″ FHD | ~$600 | Similar value, slightly newer |
Conclusion: Is the Clevo NH70 Still Worth It in 2025?
The Clevo NH70 is a legacy gaming laptop that still manages to offer decent 1080p performance, a large 144Hz display, and excellent upgrade potential in 2025. However, it falls short in terms of battery life, GPU capabilities, and portability.
If you’re on a tight budget, prefer a DIY-friendly laptop, and plan to use it mainly as a stationary gaming or productivity machine, the NH70 is still a respectable choice.
For users seeking modern graphics, better portability, and long-term software support, it’s worth spending extra on a newer model
FAQ: Clevo NH70 in 2025
Q1: Can I upgrade the GPU in Clevo NH70? A: No, the GPU is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Q2: Does the Clevo NH70 support Windows 11? A: Yes, the NH70 is compatible with Windows 11 and runs it smoothly.
Q3: Is the Clevo NH70 good for video editing? A: It handles 1080p editing well but may struggle with 4K or high-end rendering tasks.
Q4: How loud is the Clevo NH70 during gaming? A: Fan noise can exceed 50 dB under load, which may be noticeable in quiet environments.
Q5: Can I find the Clevo NH70 brand new in 2025? A: It may still be available from resellers or as refurbished stock, but most units will be used.
Q6: Is the battery user-replaceable? A: While not hot-swappable, the battery can be replaced by opening the back panel.
Q7: What’s the best use case for the NH70 in 2025? A: Best suited for budget-conscious gamers, students, and users who prioritize upgradeability over portability.
Q8: Does it support external monitors? A: Yes, it includes HDMI and Mini DisplayPort outputs for dual-display setups.