NV41 Series 14 inch coreboot laptop

(6 customer reviews)

From: 1.070 EUR

Equipped with a powerful yet energy-efficient 12th generation Intel Core (Alder Lake) processor and Dasharo coreboot firmware! This laptop is redesigned to be more secure and to give the freedom back to the user, thanks to the open-source firmware code. This high-end laptop is built to deliver the very best in performance, in a case with a screen of only 14.0 inches. In addition, the latest technologies are also not lacking, this model is equipped with support for charging via USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, the very latest Intel Xe Graphics graphics chip, a beautiful display with 90% sRGB display and much more.

    Choose a processor.
  • This laptop has two memory slots, Dual Channel for 3200 MHz DDR4 memory. Please choose your preferred memory here.
  • An M.2 SSD chip is a faster alternative to the regular storage drive and works in an M.2 slot. If selected, the operating system will be installed on this storage chip.
  • Branding & logo

    Would you like to have a nice logo engraved on the laptop lid? We engrave our own logo on the laptop lid as standard. You can also choose not to have this done, or to specify your own file for engraving the laptop lid.

    *Uploaded logo for engraving

    For the best results, please supply an SVG file. Please note that we cannot engrave colours, nor gray-scales. We will convert your file into a file that can be used for engraving. We will contact you to show the result of the conversion if we believe a review is needed.

    • (max file size 100 MB)

    Which BIOS logo should be displayed while booting?

    *Uploaded logo for BIOS

    • (max file size 100 MB)

    Palm rest part engraving

    Would you like us to laser engrave something at the palm rest part of the laptop?

    Name
    Please note that the example above is for reference only. The actual result may vary.

    What font should we use for the engraving?

    *Specify font

    Please specify the font that we should use for the name engraving.

    *Uploaded file for engraving on the palm rest part

    • (max file size 100 MB)

    *Right of return expires

  • The current Dasharo coreboot firmware options for advanced and firmware-interested people are listed here.

    Current NV41 Series device owners can upgrade to coreboot+Heads here.

    *Limitations Heads firmware

    Heads firmware:

    - Is for very advanced users only
    - Only supports GNU/Linux operating systems (not Windows)
    - Has Intel ME disabled anyway (HAP disabling mode)
    - Doesn't have the UEFI settings of the default coreboot+EDK-II version

    *Limitations Intel ME disabling

    Disabling the Intel Management Engine (ME) results in the following features no longer being available:

    - Remote Management
    - fTPM (the hardware TPM is still available)
    - Thunderbolt. USB-C, Display Alt Mode (for video signals) and USB-C charging (PowerDelivery) are still supported.
    - Modern standby (S0ix)*

    * Please also note that the NS51 and NS70 Series do not support S3 suspend mode. As a result, no suspend mode is available when having Intel ME disabled.
    Even though the NV41 Series does support S3 suspend mode, it only works in GNU/Linux; not in Windows.

    Since the October 2023 firmware update, it is possible to use S4 suspend-to-disk: https://github.com/Dasharo/dasharo-issues/issues/471

    *Support duration for coreboot+Heads

    How long would you like to receive security updates and direct support from Dasharo?

    Separate shipping

    Would you like the USB Securite Device to be shipped separately?

    *Shipping country

    Please select your shipping country for the separate shipping of your USB Security Device.

  • You can choose between Windows and a GNU/Linux operating system. As an alternative, you can also install the operating system by yourself. Even a Dual Boot with multiple operating system is possible to configure.
    Select your operating system
    Other operating system
    What operating system should we install?
    Dual-Boot or VirtualBox?

    How should the second operating system be reached?

    Primary operating system

    Which operating system will you use the most?

    Secondary operating system

    Which operating system will you use alongside the primary operating system?

    What operating system should we install as primary OS?

    What operating system should we install as secondary OS?

    Partition


    How much percent (%) of the available storage capacity may be assigned to the primary OS? The other available space will be assigned to the second OS.

    What language should be displayed by the operating system?

    Which user name (name of user of the OS) would you like to be set up?

    Fill in a username in the text field.

    Please disable the 'separate partitions' option if you would like us to install your operating system the recommended way (without separate partitions). Otherwise, please specify how you would like the partitions to be formatted. For each partition, please specify the size and the mount point or drive letter. Optionally, you can mention the partition type (ext4, BTRFS, NTFS, FAT, and so on).
    Disk encryption ensures that your data cannot be stolen if it is turned off. The access to the data can only be unlocked with a passphrase. You will receive instructions how to change the default passphrase.
    Disk encryption ensures that your data cannot be stolen if it is turned off. The access to the data can only be unlocked with a passphrase. You will receive instructions how to change the default passphrase.
    Would you like to have an OS pen drive, so you can reinstall your operating system in the future?
    You have the option to pre-install additional software. We only supply clean laptops, no malware, bloatware or extra software that you did not ask for.
    Windows Software
    Extra Software
    Linux Software

    Please choose the web browser which you'd like to be installed.

  • Here you can pick a M.2 WiFi module. There are different types for different purposes.

    *A few things to note about this WiFi card ...

    This WiFi card uses older standards, which means the maximum achievable speed is a lot slower than other WiFi cards.

    This WiFi card is only compatible with GNU/Linux and NOT Windows.

    The WiFi card blocks the laptop's ability to enter modern sleep mode (S0ix). Only the NV41 Series is compatible with the alternative deeper S3 sleep mode. The NS51 and NS70 Series do not provide hardware support for S0ix, so these laptops cannot be put into sleep mode with this WiFi card.

    This WiFi card is referred to as 'blob-free' as meant by the Free Software Foundation (FSF): the WiFi card's firmware is considered to be non-modifiable pre-installed firmware that is part of the hardware. So it does NOT mean that 'blob-free' means that the source code of this WiFi card is publicly available.

    The Bluetooth functionality of this WiFi card does require blobs - blob-free as mentioned above is only applicable for the WiFi functionality.

    The fact that the WiFi functionality does not require firmware to be loaded from the storage disk to the working memory is seen by many as a security advantage. After all, that kind of firmware is theoretically easier to manipulate.

  • Do you take your laptop with you regularly? Here you can pick an additional adapter (charger), for example to use at home or at the office.

  • Select the keyboard layout you would like.

    Please note that the images below are just as a reference of the keyboard layout - they do not represent the actual keyboard, not all signs may be engraved and the physical keyboard layout may look differently.

    After ordering, you will be sent a file with instructions on how to get started creating your own keyboard layout.

    ANSI / ISO

    SUPER key

    Please upload a logo for your custom SUPER key here.

    • (max file size 100 MB)

    Which variant of keyboard illumination do you want?

    For firmware related options, please check the firmware options section.

  • We deliver a power cord with every adapter. Which power cord fits to your power wall?

    With every adapter, we deliver a power cord. How long would you like those power cords to be?

  • We collaborate with IT-recycling to recycle old IT hardware as much as possible. Thanks to this collaboration, we can recycle your old laptop in an environmentally friendly way for a compensation.

    IT-recycling is a WEEELABEX – ISO certified company with 20 years of experience. Their recycling services are environmentally friendly and transparent. Read more about this collaboration in our dedicated blog post.

    *Where do you live?

    Trade-in not available

    We are sorry, but our trade-in programme is currently limited to EU customers.

    *What would you like to trade-in?

    Please specify the device you would like to trade-in.

    *Laptop series trade-in

    Please specify your NovaCustom laptop series that you would like to trade-in in order to calculate your compensation.

    *Serial number

    The serial number can be found on the backside of the laptop. You can also specify your NovaCustom order number here.

    *Condition

    How is the condition of the laptop that you would like to trade-in?

    *25 EUR trade-in compensation

    *50 EUR trade-in compensation

    *75 EUR trade-in compensation

    *120 EUR trade-in compensation

    *130 EUR trade-in compensation

    *150 EUR trade-in compensation

    *170 EUR trade-in compensation

    *250 EUR trade-in compensation

    *300 EUR trade-in compensation

    *400 EUR trade-in compensation

    *420 EUR trade-in compensation

Category:

Configure laptop

About the author: Wessel Klein Snakenborg is passionate about technology since childhood. He launched NovaCustom in 2015, crafting tailor-made laptops with privacy and security in mind. With a focus on user-friendliness, NovaCustom continues to redefine the laptop experience, led by Wessel's commitment to innovation and collaboration.

Specifications

Specifications

Processor CPU Refer to configurator.
Display 14.0” inch (35.56 cm) Full HD (1920×1080) N7 16:9 LED-Backlit display 2.85 mm, 60 Hz.
Colour reproduction: 72% NTSC, ~ 98% sRGB
Luminance: 300 cd/m²
Contrast ratio: 800:1
Treatment: anti-glare, Hard coating (3H), IPS likely
Screen model: BOE NV140FHM-N62 or Panda LM140LF4L01
Memory Dual Channel DDR4
2 x 260 Pins SODIMM sockets
DDR4-3200MHz
Expandable memory up to 64GB, depends on 4GB/8GB/16GB/32GB SODIMM module
Video Controller GPU Intel Xe integrated graphics
Storage 1x M.2 2280 SSD PCIe3/PCIe4 interface
Audio High Definition Audio
2 channel HD audio
Headphone/MIC-in phone jack
Built in two speakers
Array Microphone
Keyboard A4 size isolated keyboard
Keyboard illumination with 4 brightness levels
Keyboard layout: refer to configurator.
Pointing device
Integrated Touchpad with multi-gesture and scrolling function
I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen. 1 port (Type A)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen. 2 port (Type C) with Thunderbolt™ 4 support and charging over USB-C and Display Alt Mode (up to two external displays via USB-C)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen. 2 port (Type C)
1 x HDMI™ output port (with HDCP)
1 x Headphone/microphone combined jack
1 x RJ-45 LAN port
1 x DC-in jack
Card Reader
6-in-1 Card Reader (MMC / RSMMC / SD / Mini SD / SDHC / SDXC)
Slot Two M.2 Card Slots,
– 1st for WLAN Combo M.2 2230 card with PCIe and USB interface. It does not support SSDs.
– 2nd for SSD M.2 2280 Card with SATA / PCIe Gen4 interface.
Communication Built-in 10/100/1000Mb Base-TX Ethernet LAN
Camera 1.0MP with microphone. The camera can be covered with a slider or the camera module can be removed entirely, refer to configurator.
Power supply
90W AC Adapter AC-in 100~240V, 50~60Hz, DC output 19V, 4.7A
4 cells Smart Lithium-Ion battery pack, 53WH
Battery life: up to 360 minutes
The battery life is a realistic value based on a mix of light tasks in Windows 11 such as web surfing and watching videos. This was tested with WiFi enabled, Bluetooth disabled, the screen brightness level at 50% and the keyboard backlight enabled at the lowest level. The battery life indication is highly dependent on the intensity of the laptop use and the health of the battery. Therefore, no rights can be derived from this value.

PowerDelivery (PD) support for charging via USB-C (min. 87W)

Security Kensington® Slot
TPM 2.0
OS Support Windows® 11 (64-bit)
GNU/Linux (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and so on)

Qubes OS (certified) with kernel-latest and S3 set in BIOS. Please select the Qubes OS certified option in our configurator to assure full compatibility and to contribute to the project.

Firmware NovaCustom open source coreboot firmware with 5 years of security updates, provided by Dasharo.

Main SPI (BIOS) firmware: coreboot+EDK-II (or coreboot+Heads -> Dasharo Entry Subscription)

More details and the test scope can be found here.

Open source Embedded Controller (EC) firmware.

Dasharo firmware features:
– TPM 2.0 support
– Verified boot
– Measured boot
– Secure boot support
– Intel ME disabling options (HECI and HAP)
– OS independent keyboard backlight control
– OS independent fan profiles
– Fn lock hotkey to switch F1-F12 and the function keys (Fn + Caps Lock)
– Easy installation of firmware updates via the Dasharo Tool Suite (DTS)
– And many other features, please check the test scope.

Further Dasharo firmware features (October 2023):
– UEFI Setup password
– SMM BIOS Write Protection
– Early Boot DMA protection
– Network stack enable/disable
– USB stack enable/disable
– Firmware based camera switch. The camera can be covered with a slider or the camera module can be removed enitrely, refer to configurator.
– Firmware based WiFi + Bluetooth switch
– Firmware Update Mode for updating the firmware easily

The laptop supports both modern standby (S0ix) and S3 suspend mode. It can be switched in the firmware settings. S3 suspend mode is only working for GNU/Linux operating systems, including Qubes OS.

Further firmware information can be found on this page.

Cooling system High quality copper cooling element.

Two fans running at low speed (you cannot or barely hear them, unless the performance fan profile is selected).

Fan profiles in UEFI firmware settings:
– Quiet (default)
– Performance

Case material These laptop body case parts are made of sturdy synthetic material:

– D cover (bottom case)
– C cover (laptop shell / palm rest part)
– B cover (screen bezel)

The A cover (screen backside) is made of metal.

Dimension & Weight
Width: 324.9 mm
Depth: 225 mm
Height: 17.6 mm
Weight: 1.4 kg

coreboot firmware


This laptop is very unique because of its firmware. Where other laptop suppliers use the default Insyde proprietary BIOS, we supply our laptops with open source Dasharo coreboot based firmware.

You will get at least 5 years of security updates which can be downloaded and installed via Easy Firmware Update Mode which uses the Dasharo Tools Suite (DTS).

Check out the Firmware section under the Specifications tab for more details about the firmware features of this laptop model.

Maintenance

We offer spare parts up to at least 7 years after your purchase.

Spare parts can be ordered here.

Before performing any maintenance, please consult the following video tutorials:

For more technical details about the laptop, please consult the service manual.

Drivers

Windows drivers should preferably always be installed automatically via Windows Updates. All drivers should be available there. Please also check the ‘Optional updates’ tab.

Using your laptop offline? Download offline Windows drivers from our external TransIP-Stack server.

Please note that GNU/Linux operating systems do not require additional drivers. We highly recommend the latest (LTS) version of your Linux OS.

6 reviews for NV41 Series 14 inch coreboot laptop

  1. English

    Cristian Zanetti (verified owner)

    Excellent laptop.
    Excellent service, perfect packaging.
    The fans aren’t noisy, you can just hear them if there’s absolute silence in the room. Excellent heat removal from behind the screen, keyboard and palmrest always cold even with heavy cpu workloads (I did some cpu stress-tests).
    The screen is very bright, the anti-glare treatment works very well and my eyes don’t get tired when it’s evening.
    Keyboard: good quality and feedback, there’s a slight bending when you click Y, U, 8, keys. The “click” sounds pleasant and the key travel is good (I prefer this feedback rather than my previous macbook).
    Touchpad: mid-range but it’s accurate, well sized and it does its job.
    Speakers: powerful volume, not excellent bass, but we’re on a laptop not specifically designed for music.
    The chassis is well refined, the top is hard, just a little bending effect if you push hard in the center of it. It looks durable.
    The booting time is very low (Coreboot + Ubuntu, 500gb ssd), the pc is ready in less than 60 seconds.
    Support (email): excellent, in a working day Wessel always answered (and solved) my questions.
    Conclusions: I’m very satisfied with this laptop and the service of NovaCustom.

  2. German

    Dietmar S. (verified owner)

    Nach 3 Monaten intensiver Nutzung muss ich sagen, dass ich den Laptop sehr mag. Alles funktioniert, wie ich es möchte. Ich habe ein Dualboot mit Manjaro KDE und Qubes OS bestellt und schnell geliefert bekommen. Es war dreimal fett eingepackt!!! Auf meine Fragen wurde schnell per WhatsApp geantwortet. Mal ein gutes Beispiel, wie guter Service aussehen kann. Vielen Dank an alle die daran mitgewirkt haben und macht bitte auch bei wachsendem Erfolg weiter so. mfg Dietmar

  3. English

    sbatushe (verified owner)

    NV41 is a very nice laptop: small, elegant and powerful.

    – Power: The i5 hexa-core processor is blazing fast while compiling Gentoo packages and it’s very solid. Drivers for this CPU are supported on Linux and a generic not-compiled kernel install is ready out of the box. Animations (using Hyprland and Wayland) are smooth.
    – Display: Compared to my old 2010 T410 this display is very very good. Resolution is high and colors are sharp and realistic.
    – Keyboard: It’s a good keyboard. Surely the old thinkpad one was better but, as a new 2023 laptop, the keyboard is solid, elegant, slim and comfortable. Characters on the keyboard are well printed and precise.
    – Chassis: It’s shiny, metallic, cold and solid. It can cool the laptop very fast and it’s a good thing.
    – Fans: They are very powerful and noisy, but for me it’s not a problem. You can use a shortcut (fn+1) to enhance the speed to maximum. Probably you can choose a low-power profile or even disable fans, but I’ve not tried it yet. Heat removing is the most efficient i ever saw. The temperature goes from 81° to 30°-40° in just seconds.
    – Firmware: It’s fast and not proprietary. I like it.
    – Engraved logo: It’s precise and well done. It’s not heavily visible, but I’m pleased with it.
    – Nova Custom support: The support is very nice, Wessel answered all my questions professionally.
    – Packaging: It was done nicely, laptop traveled around Europe and arrived in perfect state.
    – Construction: I never saw such precision. Perfect.
    – Touchpad: it’s big, clean and elegant. It works but i don’t like the fact you have to press and bend it strongly the left and right buttons to make clicks. To avoid that, I never use the left and right click. It’s not a big problem, you can just tap the touchpad to make clicks. Strange fact: the middle click works fine.
    – Linux support: Everything works: camera, mic, fans, display, touchpad, volume, hibernation.

    Overall I can say I love this laptop. Before buying it I wandered across all the web to find the perfect 14 inch laptop. Nova is not the only one selling Clevo laptops, but surely they offer the most complete customization with a premium service and quality. If you’re looking for a small, powerful, clean, premium and 100% customization this is the choice.

  4. English

    Divan Santana (verified owner)

    It really is better then I expected. From researching, I could see
    novacustom was customer focused and very good at service delivery.

    They were excellent at handling my delivery query and other queries
    and you can see attention to detail everywhere you look when looking
    at the laptop, the service, etc

    Everything from ordering, to customising to delivery, to the end
    product feels like customer first is a priority.

    The laptop (nv41) itself surpasses my expectations. I didnt like the
    light baby blue color and look. I thought it was maybe purple-ish.
    Either way, wasnt too much of a fan, but I bought it for other
    reasons.

    The look in real life is much better then I thought.

    But the really great thing is the laptop is built for the user and
    optimised for a free OS (linux bsd etc). I love the dasharo core
    boot. SOO easy to update the firmware. Everything works great and I
    find the hardware support and linux integration better then my lenovo
    e14 gen5 laptop. I still prefer the look of the lenovo though. But
    that’s very minor and not worth the difference for me. I also prefer
    the keyboard of the lenovo, but this one is fine.

    I guess, it would be nice, if the hard drive bay was easy to access.
    Its still easy now, but one needs to remove the whole back cover. It
    would be nice if it was even easier, so I can swap the hard drive
    frequently and try different OS’es on the machine quickly.

    I shopped around but in the end, I’m happy with buying through them
    and wish them luck.

  5. English

    dwayneking (verified owner)

    期待したより良かったです。人生ではじめてノートパソコンを買うと完璧ぐらいに満足されました。デュアルブートウィンドウズ11とキューブスが選んだ。まじでパソコンが思ったより速いです。パソコンを買った後にもキューブスについての質問が尋ねたら数時間後でヴェッセルさんから優しくに教えてくれたメールが届きました。日本に負けないレベルお客様サッポトしてくれると良い値段があるのでパソコンを買いたいなら絶対にノヴァカスタムがお薦めです。

    我找Qubes OS可以用的電腦的時候很多公司的網站見面。但是NovaCustom的NV41看起來最好的。買以前送給Wessel電視郵件。我問了他很多問題。他的回答讓我更有信心購買。電腦比我預想的還要好。即使我在設定 Qubes OS 時遇到困難,他的電子郵件回答也很好地指導了我。我買的客製化電腦的價格和品質超出了我的預期。我強烈建議從 Nova Custom 購買一台客製化電腦。

    I’ve bought laptops in Japan and Taiwan. So I’m accustomed to a high level of customer support and quality specifications when purchasing laptops. Nova Custom has exceeded my expectations and I’m thoroughly satisfied with my purchase. The NV41 runs very fast and smooth in both Windows 11 and Qubes OS. The customization is top notch. This is my first time using a laptop without bloatware on it right out of the box. Wessel is very knowledgable, thorough, friendly, informative and helpful in his prompt email responses. I highly recommend buying laptops from Nova Custom.

  6. English

    hikari_shinkansen (verified owner)

    Bought this model recently. Here are some notes about the laptop: It is quite slim and light. Before this, I was using Thinkpad X230, which was bulky, light but fragile (plastic body doesn’t give confidence). This NV41 has some metallic (aluminum?) body on its top side, and on its bottom side has a much sturdy plastic body. I ordered the model with 4 TB SSD, and 64 GB RAM, which work flawlessly for my QubesOS daily-driving. Screen is great. Not so great is its keyboard and its touchpad. But unfortunately all the modern laptops are like this, nowadays. I like the Coreboot aspect of this machine, which provides me privacy from potentially malicious Intel Management Engine. I also like that I can use my 100 Watt USB-C charger with its Thunderbolt port. Very nice using experience.

    Here are some points about customs process if you are in Turkiye and want to order this:
    1) novacustom guarantee: “the payment you make to novacustom is the final one, and includes the customs fee, VAT fee, etc.” is CORRECT. I made a single payment to novacustom, and that payment covered VAT and customs import fees with UPS Turkiye.
    2) For your customs process to go through, you will have to give authorization to UPS Turkiye, which involves you going to a local notary and getting one such authorization paper. UPS Turkiye will provide you with an example document of such, and you will give it to the notary office, which then they will prepare you the real document. Then you will post that to the customs office of UPS Turkiye (which, again, will SMS you their postal address), and in 3 working days, your import process will be completed.

    Lastly, I absolutely like NovaCustom’s professionalism and helping attitude during my purchase process. It was easy to reach NovaCustom over the Signal messenger, and they were replying my questions and addressing my concerns daily. Good customer support they have.

    My 4 stars review is mainly due to the NV41’s keyboard and touchpad, which becomes a hurdle to use after hours of working on the computer itself. Apart from that, machine is good for what it does. It’s a good buy.

Show only reviews in English (5)

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