I’ve been using this custom Defiance 16” model laptop for 6-months. I needed a future-proof, somewhat portable and powerful laptop capable of managing large databases, maintaining extensive indexes, very large excel spreadsheets integrated with python, OCR and translating very large documents and somewhat able to cope with AI and local LLM’s. Occasional image and video editing but not at pro levels. No gaming requirement. In normal use there are extensive background processes plus demanding foreground work. I targeted the most powerful laptop I could afford, that would handle heat without throttling or excessive fan noise when under load. Fast high capacity SSD’s where also important with a reasonably high spec graphic card to help with AI and local LLM’s. The Defiance 16” models provided a superb base, hard to find elsewhere. Key components included: Processor: Intel Core i7 14650HX with Arctic MX-4 Extreme Thermal Compound, System SSD: 1 x 1TB SAMSUNG 990 PR, Data SSD: 2 x 4TB SAMSUNG 990 PRO, RAM: 2 x 32GB Corsair 4800MHz SODIMM DDR5, Graphics: QHD+ 240Hz sRGB (2560 x 1600) screen with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Power: 230W AC Adaptor The laptop has been extremely fast and rarely struggles under heavy load. For the most part fan noise is acceptable ranging between silent and a slight purr under low loads, under medium to heavy load the fan become more noticeable but usually not to a level that is intrusive. Standard CPU temps are in the range 50-60°c, under heavy load 70-80°c, under extreme loads it will briefly peak at up to 90°c. The provided ControlCentre is normally set-and-forget, but allows effective real-time configuration of CPU and Cooling to mitigate high temps if required. Cons. • The sound is awful. It can be improved to just about acceptable quality using Equalizer and Peace APO’s. For me this isn’t a deal-breaker. • In 6-months I’ve experienced maybe 6 blue screens for reasons that aren’t clear, this may be OS or driver related or perhaps when running under very high load. • I’d prefer additional USB ports, although in practice chaining from the USB-C has been adequate. • The power and LAN connections on the back of the Defiance can be mildly inconvenient and easy to knock. Overall the Defiance has completely fulfilled my requirements. Its not the smallest laptop, but is somewhat portable; speed, reliability, screen-size and overall brute-force have completely met my requirements. The case and hinges feel solid. If only focused on using local LLM an AI focused laptop may be better, but for use of 7-15 parameters local LLM’s the Defiance is more than adequate and can push to more demanding LLM’s on occasion. When deciding on Defiance specs the PCSpecialists staff where responsive and helpful. Price v Specs this laptop is hard to beat and I recommend.