The Clevo PA71 is a powerful, budget-friendly gaming laptop designed for users who need strong performance without paying for a big brand name. It features an Intel i7 processor, NVIDIA GTX 1070 GPU, 17.3-inch 120Hz display, and is built for gaming, content creation, and multitasking. The laptop allows easy upgrades for RAM and storage and includes many ports for added flexibility.
While its bulky design and short battery life may not suit frequent travelers, its excellent performance, large screen, and customization options make it ideal for gamers, designers, and professionals working at a desk. It’s not the newest laptop, but it’s still a smart choice for those who value power and upgrade potential over appearance or portability.
What is the Clevo PA71?
The Clevo PA71 is a high-performance gaming laptop known for its strong hardware, large screen, and desktop-like performance. It is manufactured by Clevo, a company that provides barebones laptops. These laptops are often rebranded and sold under different names by other companies. This makes Clevo models popular among gamers and power users who want top specs without the premium brand price.
Quick Specs Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700HQ |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (upgradable) |
| Display | 17.3-inch Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Operating System | Windows 10 (customizable) |
| Weight | Around 3.2 kg |
Why People Choose the Clevo PA71
The main reason people go for the Clevo PA71 is its ability to handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, and multitasking — all without lag.
Main Benefits
- Great Performance: Thanks to its strong CPU and GPU.
- Large Display: A 17.3-inch screen makes gaming more immersive.
- Customizable Parts: Easily upgrade RAM and storage.
- Cooling System: Dual fans and multiple vents help manage heat.
- Reasonable Price: High-end specs without the brand-name markup.
Who Is This Laptop For?
Not every user needs the Clevo PA71. It’s made for:
- Gamers who want high FPS and smooth gameplay.
- Video editors who need GPU power for rendering.
- 3D artists who run modeling tools like Blender or AutoCAD.
- Streamers who need to game and broadcast at once.
- Power users who keep many apps running all day.
Clevo PA71 Performance Review: What You Can Expect
Gaming Experience
The GTX 1070 GPU handles most modern games at high settings. Here’s how some popular titles perform:
| Game | Settings | Avg FPS (1080p) |
|---|---|---|
| GTA V | Ultra | 85 |
| Call of Duty Warzone | High | 75 |
| Fortnite | Epic | 90 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Medium | 50 |
Tip: Lowering settings just a bit gives smoother performance and helps reduce heat.
Everyday Use
For office work, web browsing, and watching videos, the PA71 is overpowered — but in a good way. Everything feels fast and responsive. You can easily run 15+ Chrome tabs, edit documents, play YouTube, and still have system power left.
Build Quality and Design
The PA71 has a clean and simple design. It’s not as slim as ultrabooks, but that’s due to its cooling system and hardware.
Key Design Features
- Solid Build: Mostly plastic, but sturdy.
- Keyboard: RGB backlit, mechanical feel, good key spacing.
- Touchpad: Accurate, supports gestures.
- Weight: A bit heavy for travel — better for desk setups.
Tip: Use a cooling pad if you’re gaming for long hours.
Display Quality
The 17.3-inch Full HD screen supports 120Hz, which makes motion feel smoother. It’s great for competitive games and video editing where smoothness and clarity matter.
Display Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 17.3 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Color Accuracy | Good, covers sRGB well |
| Panel Type | IPS (for better viewing) |
Ports and Connectivity
You get a wide range of ports, which is useful for connecting external monitors, USB devices, or an Ethernet cable.
Port List
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x Mini DisplayPort
- 2 x USB 3.0
- 1 x USB-C
- 1 x USB 2.0
- 1 x Ethernet
- 1 x SD card reader
- 1 x Audio jack
Battery Life
This is one area where the Clevo PA71 falls short — but that’s expected from a gaming laptop.
Battery Test Results
| Task | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Browsing | ~3.5 hours |
| Video Playback | ~4 hours |
| Gaming | ~1.5 hours |
Tip: Always keep the charger nearby if you’re gaming or editing videos.
Upgradability and Customization
One major selling point of Clevo laptops is the ability to upgrade parts.
Upgradable Components
- RAM: Supports up to 64GB
- Storage: 2.5″ HDD + M.2 SSD slots
- WiFi card: Swappable
- Battery and Fans: User-replaceable
Example: If you start with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, you can later upgrade to 32GB RAM and add a 1TB HDD.
Thermals and Cooling
The laptop has dual fans and several heat pipes. Still, it can get warm under load.
Cooling System Tips
- Use the laptop on a hard surface.
- Avoid placing it on beds or sofas.
- Clean the fans every 6 months.
- Use thermal paste if you notice overheating.
Real Insight: When gaming for over an hour, expect fans to get loud — but they keep the system stable.
Sound Quality
The speakers are average — not too loud but clear. For better sound, most users prefer headphones.
Audio Features
- Dual speakers
- Realtek HD Audio
- Headphone jack available
- Software audio controls
Comparison with Other Laptops
Let’s compare the PA71 with similar gaming laptops.
| Laptop Model | Clevo PA71 | ASUS ROG Strix G17 | Acer Predator Helios 300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 17.3″, 120Hz | 17.3″, 144Hz | 15.6″, 144Hz |
| GPU | GTX 1070 | RTX 3060 | RTX 3060 |
| RAM | 16GB (upgradable) | 16GB (upgradable) | 16GB (upgradable) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Price Range (Used) | $800–$1000 | $1200+ | $1100+ |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great performance | Heavy and bulky |
| Upgrade options | Weak battery life |
| Big, smooth display | Loud fans under load |
| Affordable for its specs | Speakers could be louder |
Tips for Best Use
- Keep it clean: Dust can affect cooling.
- Don’t game on battery: Performance drops.
- Use an external mouse/keyboard: For better comfort.
- Install updates: Especially GPU drivers.
- Check BIOS settings: Some features like fan control can be adjusted.
Real User Opinions
We asked users on forums and Reddit about their experience. Here’s what they said:
“I’ve been using it for 3 years and it still runs everything I throw at it. Upgraded to 32GB RAM and a second SSD — no regrets.”
— @TechWolf89
“It’s not fancy looking but it gets the job done. Heavy, yes, but I use it mostly on my desk for work and gaming.”
— @NovaBuilds
Should You Buy the Clevo PA71 in 2025?
If you find a well-maintained or refurbished unit, it’s still a good pick — especially under a tight budget. But if you’re looking for the latest GPUs or ultra-slim designs, consider newer options.
Best for:
- Students studying design or programming
- Budget gamers
- Freelancers doing photo/video work
- Anyone needing raw performance without flashy extras
Conclusion
The Clevo PA71 is a solid gaming laptop. It may not be the latest, but it still holds its value well. With a big screen, powerful GPU, and the ability to upgrade, it’s a smart choice for anyone who values function over brand names. It’s not lightweight or long-lasting on battery, but it was never meant to be.
If you’re looking for a device that performs more like a desktop but gives you the option to move around, this could be the one.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Clevo PA71 good for gaming in 2025?
Yes, the Clevo PA71 is still a strong choice for gaming, especially if you’re playing titles released a few years ago. With its GTX 1070 GPU and Intel i7 processor, it can handle many popular games at high settings. While it may not support the latest ray-tracing features found in newer GPUs, it still delivers smooth and enjoyable gameplay.
Q2: Can I upgrade the Clevo PA71?
Yes, the Clevo PA71 is highly upgradable. You can expand RAM up to 64GB and add more storage via an extra SSD or HDD slot. This makes it a good long-term investment, allowing users to improve performance over time without buying a whole new machine.
Q3: How is the battery life of the Clevo PA71?
The battery life is one of its weaker points. During normal use like browsing or video watching, it lasts about 3–4 hours. For gaming or heavy tasks, the battery drains in 1.5 hours or less. It’s best used plugged in for full performance.
Q4: Is the Clevo PA71 too heavy to carry?
Yes, it is relatively heavy at around 3.2 kg (7 lbs). This makes it less ideal for users who need portability. It works best as a desktop replacement or for those who don’t move their laptops often.
Q5: Does the Clevo PA71 overheat during gaming?
It does get warm during extended gaming sessions, but the built-in dual-fan cooling system manages heat well. Using it on a hard surface or with a cooling pad is recommended for better airflow and comfort.
Q6: What operating system does the Clevo PA71 come with?
Most models come with Windows 10, but since it’s customizable, you can install Linux or upgrade to Windows 11 if needed. The system handles both very well thanks to its strong hardware.
Q7: Is the display good for editing videos or photos?
Yes, the 17.3-inch Full HD screen has good color accuracy and a high refresh rate. While it may not match professional color grading monitors, it is good enough for content creators and YouTubers working on basic editing projects.
Q8: What ports are available on the Clevo PA71?
It includes HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C, Ethernet, SD card reader, and audio jack. This variety makes it easy to connect external devices, monitors, and accessories without needing adapters.
Q9: Is the keyboard suitable for gaming?
Yes, the keyboard is responsive and has RGB backlighting, which adds style and visibility. The key spacing is comfortable for long gaming or typing sessions, though some may prefer using an external mechanical keyboard.
Q10: Can I replace the GPU or CPU?
No, the GPU and CPU are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced. However, the laptop allows upgrades to RAM, SSD, and WiFi cards, giving you some flexibility to boost performance.
Q11: Does the Clevo PA71 support VR gaming?
Yes, with the GTX 1070 GPU, the laptop meets the basic requirements for many VR headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. You’ll get decent performance in VR games, though not as smooth as on newer RTX-powered laptops.
Q12: Is the Clevo PA71 good for school or office use?
It is suitable for heavy-duty tasks like programming, video editing, or design work. However, its size and battery limitations may not be ideal for students or professionals who need to carry their laptop every day.
Q13: How loud are the fans during use?
The fans are quiet during light tasks but become quite loud during gaming or rendering. This is expected in most high-performance laptops. Wearing headphones can help if the noise is distracting.
Q14: What kind of storage options does it support?
The Clevo PA71 supports both M.2 NVMe SSDs and standard 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs. This allows for fast boot speeds and large storage space for games, media, or project files.
Q15: Is the Clevo PA71 worth buying used or refurbished?
Yes, if you find a well-maintained unit, it can be a smart purchase. It offers excellent performance for its price, especially for users who don’t need the latest features but want solid gaming and multitasking power.
