I'm replacing my recently stolen laptop. I'm expecting to receive my settlement from insurance company soon. (I have renters insurance)
Country where it will be purchased: U.S.
Maximum budget: $1,000 - $1,200
Max size: 17 to 17.5 inches
Planned usage: I'll do some heavy gaming on it. Mostly for third-party multiplatform titles. My last laptop's resolution topped out at 1600x900, but I think I'm in the market for a full 1080p display this time. I'd like to be able to play at at least medium settings, but would prefer high and the occasional max settings if possible (even it means bumping the resolution down to 1600x900).
Misc. - I'd like something that maybe meets or exceeds PS4 or Xbox One specs if possible, but I'll settle for less if not.
Quoting myself from earlier in the thread, because I think I'm ready to make a decision but I don't want to put down a lot of money without asking laptop GAF's opinion. The last laptop I kind of purchased without doing a lot of research, so I want to make sure I do it right this time. I also want to make sure I get something that won't be outdated within a year. Apologies in advance for the super long post/wall of text.
Here are the choices I'm debating between:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313684
Lenovo IdeaPad Y510P
Specs:
Intel Core i7 4700MQ (2.40GHz)
16GB Memory 1TB HDD 24GB SSD
Dual NVIDIA GeForce GT750M Discrete Graphics (SLI)
1920 x 1080
Windows 8
Price: $1,149.99
Pros: Well within my budget. Lenovo seems to be a trusted brand.
Cons: No optical disc drive (I'm old fashioned, but I like having a disc drive).
Also, I've read that the dual graphic cards can increase performance over a standard 750m, but I'm hesitant to jump in after hearing comments about micro-stuttering and lack of SLI support in games.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Fangbook_Evo_HX6-100_Gaming_Notebook_-_Same_Day_Edition/
Cyberpower PC Fangbook Evo HX6-100 Gaming Notebook
(I came across this manufacturer while searching Newegg.I'm not sure how reputable they are)
Specs:
CPU: Intel® Core i7-4700MQ Mobile Processor 2.40 GHz 6M Smart Cache, Max Turbo Freq. 3.40 GHz
Motherboard: Mobile Intel HM87 Express Chipset Mainboard
RAM / System Memory: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-1600 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 765M 2GB PCIe Video (NB-FANG-501)
Hard Drive: 1 TB 5400RPM SATA300 Hard Drive
Price: $1,189
Pros: Within my budget. A 765M is a pretty good mobile card right? There's same day shipping (apparently it takes a week or two normally if you order directly from the manufacturer. Apparently these are custom made, so I might be able to upgrade it.
Cons: Again, I'm not sure how reputable the manufacturer is or what their build quality is like, but the reviews I've read seem positive.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X7-7600_Gaming_Notebook
CyberpowerPC Xplorer X7-7600 Gaming Notebook
Price: $1129
Specs:
Notebook: Clevo W370ST Gaming Notebook
17.3" Full HD 1920x1080 Display w/
CPU: Intel® Core i7-4700MQ Mobile Processor 2.40 GHz 6M Smart Cache, Max Turbo Freq. 3.40 GHz
Motherboard: Mobile Intel HM87 Express Chipset Mainboard
RAM / System Memory: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-1600 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 765M 2GB PCIe Video (NB-384-101)
Pros: Again good price and it has a 765M. Also looks to be a custom Clevo build. Looks less gaudy than most gaming notebooks.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/V-DAY_Fang_EVO_HX6
Fang EVO HX6
Price: $1025 (This one is on sale today only)
Specs:
CPU: Intel® Core i7-4700MQ Mobile Processor 2.40 GHz 6M Smart Cache, Max Turbo Freq. 3.40 GHz
Motherboard: Mobile Intel HM87 Express Chipset Mainboard
RAM / System Memory: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-1600 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 765M 2GB PCIe Video (NB-FANG-501)
Hard Drive: 1 TB 5400RPM SATA300 Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834198037
CyberpowerPC Fangbook Evo HX7-150 Notebook
(This one is $400 off on Newegg)
Price: $1,299.99
Specs:
Intel Core i7 4700MQ (2.40GHz)
16GB Memory 750GB HDD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770M
1920 x 1080
Windows 8 64-Bit
8x DVDRW Super Multi DRIVE
Pros: It's $400 off. It comes with a GTX770M, which is the most powerful card somewhat within my price range. (Maybe more future proof than my other suggestions). I can get it from Newegg, so probably faster shipping.
Cons: Price. While it's $400 off, it's slightly higher than what I want to spend. I'm wondering if the extra money for the 770M is worth it.
Also, it looks huge like it's a mobile missile launcher or something.
Again, apologies for the long post, but would appreciate any suggestions before I bite the bullet.