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Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread
- Thread starter dLMN8R
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MaximusNeo701
Member
get a macbook pro and run bootcamp on it. Nice battery life a decent graphics card setup
scoobs
Member
Ended up saving $100 and went with this Acer Aspire..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115796
I'm crossing my fingers that it can run SC2 confidently at around high settings??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115796
I'm crossing my fingers that it can run SC2 confidently at around high settings??
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
There's a version of that with an i5 on Amazon for only $40 more. That's the one I'm personally eying, but it's more of a desktop replacement because of the battery life.scoobs said:
Lionheart1337
Member
Gamer approved laptop......does not compute.
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
Computer hardware has outpaced system requirements. One of the benefits of this long ass console cycle. You can play Crysis on a netbook.Lionheart1337 said:
SonOfABeep
Banned
I love my asus I bought like a year and a half ago for $800. (it wasn't a brand new model but it by far exceeded anything in that price range. I would have had to spend $1000 or so to move up) Played a ton of games on it. Mass Effect, TF2, L4D2, Dawn of War 2, Starcraft 2, Crysis, etc.
Doesn't run them on ultra settings but usually can get a good mix of medium/high with good framerate. The video card is the biggest bottleneck. Not good enough for fancy shaders.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5135
that's the model. Should be less than $500 now, well worth it for a budget purchase. I'm playing starcraft 2 on medium settings currently.
Doesn't run them on ultra settings but usually can get a good mix of medium/high with good framerate. The video card is the biggest bottleneck. Not good enough for fancy shaders.
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5135
that's the model. Should be less than $500 now, well worth it for a budget purchase. I'm playing starcraft 2 on medium settings currently.
I have a Dell SXPS 1645 (Core i5 540m 2.53ghz (3.06ghz boost), ATI MRadeon 4670 1GB, 4gb DDR3 ram, 500gb 7200rpm HDD, 1920x1080p screen, intel centrino ultimate N 6300 AGN wireless card and a Zalmann NC200) that cost $1250.
This is one of the most under ratted and under recognized laptops on the market. Its a great value and literally is one of those computers that can do it all. Gaming, video editing, media, you name it, it does it.
The 540m is more than enough for 90% of games out. Its runs very cool and compared to C2D takes far less power. Its a really good CPU. Current SXPS16s come with the i7. For example Crysis and Far Cry 2 are the types of games that get held back. As it stands it has no trouble encoding a 10 minute 1080p video in Adobe Encore CS5 in under 30 minutes.
The ATi 4670 is by far the biggest and if I may be honest ONLY weakness of this laptop. Once you get past games like Mirrors Edge and go into games like Crysis and NFS Shift you will have to turn the settings down. It run MW2 at max between 45 and 60 fps. Basically you can usually have the settings at max for most games just no AA and little MSAA. Also you will most likely have to run at 720p. The current SXPS16 comes with the newer 5730 which is only marginally better. The AW M11x does have a slightly better GPU (not that you can see those differences on an 11'' screen). With a better card this would be the best overall laptop on the market.
4gb is enough for me and 99% of situations. If you want more, more is available.
500gb HDD again is enough for me. There are SSD options. There is also NewEgg
This computer has THE BEST LAPTOP SCREEN ON THE MARKET. I say that with no exaggeration or bias. I have tested them all. It puts MBP 17'' screen to shame. HP, not even close. Sony is the only company that even makes a 1080p screen that can even begin to compare. It is truly breathtaking. Avatar and Planet Erath in 1080p looks absolutely stunning. As do any games at 1080p. If there is a single reason to get this computer it is this. That being said it is glossy and quite reflective.
I got a special wireless card that is not even offered on Dell's site. I am sure if you asked them for it they will give it to you. But anyways WOW, what a difference. This thing picks up signals that don't even show up on other people computers. It makes gaming wirelessly a completely viable option.
The only other downside besides the GPU is the heat. This weakness is however negated with the purchase of a Zalman NC2000 notebook cooler. Idle temps are in the mid to high 40c's without and high 30c's to low 40c's with. Gaming is where you see the biggest improvement. Without temps can hit 80c. With they NEVER climb above 65c.
Other little things. This computer has a great backlit keyboard which to me is a completely necessary feature. It looks really slick. In car terms its more Audi RS4 than Mercedes C63amg. Understated with class. However the glossy surface does attract finger prints. The speakers are LOUD! Like really really loud. The quality is not 10/10 but they do a very good job. The mousepad is great and can have multitouch. Boot to home screen is 90-120 seconds. Shut down is 30-45sec. Only 3 usb ports. Other ports: HDMi, eSATA, 3 audio ports, display port, VGA, ethernet and firewire.
There is one other thing I should mention, throttling. If you do not know what it is google it. Its far less likely to get this if you have a 130w power brick and is even less likely if you have the newer GPU. So in other words do not get a used SXPS16. If you do have it for some reason Dell WILL replace your computer.
In summary, I believe this laptop puts 90% of its competitors to shame. The MBP15's only trump is its a Mac other than that this computer is better in EVERY regard. The HP Envy is nice but also comes at a hefty price of $ and no disk drive. Sony's compare nicely until it comes to gaming. AW is more gaming focused but again at a price. No computer does what this computer does at this level for this price point.
It is an Audi RS4 for the price of an Mitsubishi Evolution. Its not the fastest kid on the block but it the best value.
Pics:
Videos (not by me):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oS2Lr5NhfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq-jbWuZNp8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhaPONggnA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q5pUeFi-PE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XALP4Kcc6Tg
This is one of the most under ratted and under recognized laptops on the market. Its a great value and literally is one of those computers that can do it all. Gaming, video editing, media, you name it, it does it.
The 540m is more than enough for 90% of games out. Its runs very cool and compared to C2D takes far less power. Its a really good CPU. Current SXPS16s come with the i7. For example Crysis and Far Cry 2 are the types of games that get held back. As it stands it has no trouble encoding a 10 minute 1080p video in Adobe Encore CS5 in under 30 minutes.
The ATi 4670 is by far the biggest and if I may be honest ONLY weakness of this laptop. Once you get past games like Mirrors Edge and go into games like Crysis and NFS Shift you will have to turn the settings down. It run MW2 at max between 45 and 60 fps. Basically you can usually have the settings at max for most games just no AA and little MSAA. Also you will most likely have to run at 720p. The current SXPS16 comes with the newer 5730 which is only marginally better. The AW M11x does have a slightly better GPU (not that you can see those differences on an 11'' screen). With a better card this would be the best overall laptop on the market.
4gb is enough for me and 99% of situations. If you want more, more is available.
500gb HDD again is enough for me. There are SSD options. There is also NewEgg
This computer has THE BEST LAPTOP SCREEN ON THE MARKET. I say that with no exaggeration or bias. I have tested them all. It puts MBP 17'' screen to shame. HP, not even close. Sony is the only company that even makes a 1080p screen that can even begin to compare. It is truly breathtaking. Avatar and Planet Erath in 1080p looks absolutely stunning. As do any games at 1080p. If there is a single reason to get this computer it is this. That being said it is glossy and quite reflective.
I got a special wireless card that is not even offered on Dell's site. I am sure if you asked them for it they will give it to you. But anyways WOW, what a difference. This thing picks up signals that don't even show up on other people computers. It makes gaming wirelessly a completely viable option.
The only other downside besides the GPU is the heat. This weakness is however negated with the purchase of a Zalman NC2000 notebook cooler. Idle temps are in the mid to high 40c's without and high 30c's to low 40c's with. Gaming is where you see the biggest improvement. Without temps can hit 80c. With they NEVER climb above 65c.
Other little things. This computer has a great backlit keyboard which to me is a completely necessary feature. It looks really slick. In car terms its more Audi RS4 than Mercedes C63amg. Understated with class. However the glossy surface does attract finger prints. The speakers are LOUD! Like really really loud. The quality is not 10/10 but they do a very good job. The mousepad is great and can have multitouch. Boot to home screen is 90-120 seconds. Shut down is 30-45sec. Only 3 usb ports. Other ports: HDMi, eSATA, 3 audio ports, display port, VGA, ethernet and firewire.
There is one other thing I should mention, throttling. If you do not know what it is google it. Its far less likely to get this if you have a 130w power brick and is even less likely if you have the newer GPU. So in other words do not get a used SXPS16. If you do have it for some reason Dell WILL replace your computer.
In summary, I believe this laptop puts 90% of its competitors to shame. The MBP15's only trump is its a Mac other than that this computer is better in EVERY regard. The HP Envy is nice but also comes at a hefty price of $ and no disk drive. Sony's compare nicely until it comes to gaming. AW is more gaming focused but again at a price. No computer does what this computer does at this level for this price point.
It is an Audi RS4 for the price of an Mitsubishi Evolution. Its not the fastest kid on the block but it the best value.
Pics:
Videos (not by me):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oS2Lr5NhfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq-jbWuZNp8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhaPONggnA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q5pUeFi-PE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XALP4Kcc6Tg
brain_stew said:
Ahh that card seemed pretty decent for the price range I'm looking at which is, ideally, under £500. Then again, I'm hardly looking for desktop quality for that price range just something that can handle a bit of TF2,other source games and perhaps a few 'console port' games.
Then again I just had a better look at that NotebookCheck website and it seems there are a load more models I will have to check out
It costs too much for what you get. Spending over $1k for a gaming notebook can net you a Mobility 5850. Then there's the poor cooling solution and throttling issues.paskowitz said:
Well have you um, ever, cleaned out the fans and heatsinks?Griffin said:
So I've going to be traveling on business a lot this next year, and I'm going to want a powerful computer for both gaming and graphic-intensive programs (video editing, primarily) - and I'm fine with it being a Desktop Replacement. I obviously can't get a desktop because I'm going to be constantly moving every 2 weeks or so.
So with that in mind - is this the best computer (speaking strictly from a performance viewpoint) for me?
Asus G72GX-RBBX05 for $999 new
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700
6GB DDR2
500GB HDD
17.3" 1600 x 900 screen
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M w/ 1GB DDR3 VRAM
And - please, don't recommend me to get a desktop because it just isn't feasible in my current situation. Thanks!
Edit: Oh and I'd prefer to keep it under $1000.
So with that in mind - is this the best computer (speaking strictly from a performance viewpoint) for me?
Asus G72GX-RBBX05 for $999 new
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700
6GB DDR2
500GB HDD
17.3" 1600 x 900 screen
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M w/ 1GB DDR3 VRAM
And - please, don't recommend me to get a desktop because it just isn't feasible in my current situation. Thanks!
Edit: Oh and I'd prefer to keep it under $1000.
paskowitz said:
I have the same laptop, well I have the Studio XPS 1640. With a C2D, 4670, 4GB DDR and 1080p HD screen.
It has great specs, but the construct is just emberassing:
Just ordered a notebook cooler, hopefully it will do it's thing.
K.Jack said:
Yes, I should open my laptop and void my warranty.
The MSI GX640 is a much better buy. It's right at the peak of your $1k budget, but....the walrus said:
- It's a smaller footprint at 15.4", with a more modern resolution to boot
- The Core i5 will smoke that Core 2 Duo
- The Mobility 5850 will massacre the GTX 260M, at anything. It's 2010, so don't go with the GPU that's still based on the 9800 GT
- Better build quality
Think it over.
What, is there a Doomsday switch, which will activate if you remove the back panel?Griffin said:
Your heat is higher because the fan is caked in dust, period. You need to clean out your fans, as basic maintenance, because it's only going to get worse.
It's impossible to break anything in the process. Does Dell want you to let your machine slowly deteriorate? Are they implicate, in that opening it is an auto-void of your warranty? If so, forget them. You've spent the money, so it's now your responsibility to take care of it.
Eventually, the notebook cooler won't even help, because your fan system will become too dusted.
Hey everyone, just wondering what GAF's opinion would be on the HP ENVY 17. I'm a sucker for aesthetics and function and this one looks like it doesn't skimp out on either with its i7 720M, USB 3.0 & Mobility 5850. Thing is, the ASUS G73-A1 keeps on tempting me with better storage (2 x 500GB 7200RPM vs. 2 x 320GB 7200RPM) & a better GPU (HD5870 vs 5850) for around the same price. As much as size doesn't bother me when it comes to my laptops (I had a 17" for a while, and loved the screen way back, it spoiled me), I'm fond of both the Envy's proportions (it's definitely nicer looking and easier on the eyes in a college setting) and weight (7.25 lbs vs 8 lbs), but I've been hearing scary things about its build quality every now and again. As much as I could just return it if it's a lemon, I'd rather not deal with that level of headaches and feelings of "is this one just pretending to be ok" again. :lol
With the ASUS, I love what it's packing but that bulge is gonna make me stand out if I take it around town.
With the ASUS, I love what it's packing but that bulge is gonna make me stand out if I take it around town.
The Envy 17 is solid. If I wasn't resolute in waiting for ATI's Blackcomb and Nvidia's mobile GF104 to hit, I'd consider one.
If you want a lot of user opinion, skim through this forum thread.
I guarantee, there have been twice as many G73 RMAs. That thing has been a slight trainwreck.
If you want a lot of user opinion, skim through this forum thread.
I guarantee, there have been twice as many G73 RMAs. That thing has been a slight trainwreck.
It also depends on the type of PC games you play what laptop you want. If you play strategy games, you'd want a faster processor and RAM over the graphics card.
Don't underestimate reliability either, you can't play crap if your laptop's broke, no matter how powerful it is.
I have an Asus G71G. I've had problems with fan noise on startup,and one case where the power supply moved and disabled my laptop (had to take it to a shop for that , got fixed for $30)- but the parts are high quality according to the repair guy.
Then again, I have this fancy gaming laptop- and the most powerful games I play are Stardock's, Kohan, and TF2. Go figure.
Don't underestimate reliability either, you can't play crap if your laptop's broke, no matter how powerful it is.
I have an Asus G71G. I've had problems with fan noise on startup,and one case where the power supply moved and disabled my laptop (had to take it to a shop for that , got fixed for $30)- but the parts are high quality according to the repair guy.
Then again, I have this fancy gaming laptop- and the most powerful games I play are Stardock's, Kohan, and TF2. Go figure.
Shrennin
Didn't get the memo regarding the 14th Amendment
K.Jack said:
I'm looking at getting a new laptop and pretty much my only requirements is for it to be able to play StarCraft 2, WoW, and TOR (when it comes out). I know we don't know the TOR specs, but $1,000 is pretty much the most I want to spend and this seems like a good deal so I guess it can run those games easily? I'm pretty sure it will run WoW, but SC2 is my main concern (and TOR's specs should be mid-high range anyway).
Shrennin
Didn't get the memo regarding the 14th Amendment
K.Jack said:
I've never been a PC gamer so I don't really know how to overclock anything but I should be good anyway? If so, I think this will be the one I want. I just need the laptop to run the few games I mentioned (forgot to add Diablo 3 and League of Legends) while allowing me to do work on it.
terrdactycalsrock
Member
SapientWolf said:
can you give me a link to the i5 version please? i've been looking all over for it but cant seem to find it
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
K.Jack said:
Hmmm... I really do like what it offers. Decent battery life (for a gaming-capable laptop), i5, 15" and I didn't know that about the 5850 - good to know...
I'll definitely consider this one. Any other similar laptops in this price range? Someone in the other thread pointed me to the Asus G73jh, but that's definitely out of my budget.
Also, are there any promotions going for the m11x atm? If that thing wasn't so goddamn ugly, it would probably be an instabuy...
Ive been seriously looking at the ASUS N71JQ-A1 for a desktop replacement/audio/media/gaming machine. It actually has dual 320gb 7200rpm drives and not one 640 as listed. I prefer that as I like to have all my audio files separate from the main drive.
So my real question: is the 5730 going to give me some nice gaming? Thanks!
edit: I see they've released a newer version with an nVidia GeForce GT 425M in it. Anyone know which would perform better? Thanks again
So my real question: is the 5730 going to give me some nice gaming? Thanks!
edit: I see they've released a newer version with an nVidia GeForce GT 425M in it. Anyone know which would perform better? Thanks again
K.Jack said:
If I wanted to get my hands on the MSI GX640, would it be worthwhile to upgrade the processor to an i7 (trying to future-proof), and if so, what would be the best and most reputable site to buy it on? Frankly, seeing that I can, I'd probably also upgrade the heatsink compound, RAM and HD while I'm at it.
Or is there a stock gaming laptop that would serve me better? I'd rather not spend more than $2k, and I really don't want to have a screen larger than 16" (I actually do lug my notebook around, and larger than that becomes unwieldy).
zero margin
Member
Pankaks said:
You owe it to yourself to get borderlands on steam right now then as it is $10 at the moment.
So I have a fairly theoretical question regarding buying a laptop, I hope you guys can help me out!
I am thinking of a purchasing a laptop that will hopefully last me about 4 years. But with the rate at which technology is advancing, I have a hard time spending so much money on a computer that will be outdated shortly afterwards.
Would I be better off buying a high-end computer and riding it out for four years, or should I spend half as much on a middle-of-the-road one now and two years later, spend the rest of the money on another mid-range laptop?
I am thinking of a purchasing a laptop that will hopefully last me about 4 years. But with the rate at which technology is advancing, I have a hard time spending so much money on a computer that will be outdated shortly afterwards.
Would I be better off buying a high-end computer and riding it out for four years, or should I spend half as much on a middle-of-the-road one now and two years later, spend the rest of the money on another mid-range laptop?
I bought a clearance, floor model laptop for $800 + tax in January 2007. I'm thinking of upgrading now about 3.5 years later (battery is completely shot). If you don't care about gaming at the high end that much, you can easily do with a $1000 laptop for 3 - 4 years.Icicle said:
Technology is at the point where efficiency matters more than power in laptops. For everyday users, laptops can run everything they want. Only 3D modellers and gamers need more power.
zero margin
Member
Pankaks said:Already done bro.
Well done my friend.
keeblerdrow
Member
Okay, I posted this in the PC thread. Maybe it was the wrong place. I'm gonna repost here.
I'm shopping for a laptop that needs to last me ~4 years of grad school with "downtime gaming" possible on it. No more than 15.5" dimensions (the smaller the better within reason), no more than 6.5 lbs. I'd like to be able to run Starcraft 2, Diablo 3 and Civ 5 on the thing without it breaking much of a sweat.
I have a budget of $1050.
Suggestions? My shopping for this thing has just involved a lot of blind stumbling at this point. I know enough about the desktop market, but don't really have a grasp on the finer points of laptops. Would quad cores run hot for a laptop? Obviously, a dedicated video card is gonna add unwanted heat to the whole equation. I don't even know how nVidia's naming process for their GPUs work. It's all pretty shitty. I also don't want a laptop that's gonna look like shit, like alienwares or high end ASUS desktops replacement tanks.
Also, all you PC pros, tell me what you think of this one. It seems good to me, but I want you to tear this thing to shreds, tell me what sucks and what could be improved.
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=BA37690&pagetitle=ASUS%20N61Jq-A1%20Notebook,%20Intel%20Core%20i7%20720QM%201.6%20GHz,%2016
Also, if there's something coming on the horizon (1-2 months) I can hold off if it means a good amount of future-proofing buffer.
I'm shopping for a laptop that needs to last me ~4 years of grad school with "downtime gaming" possible on it. No more than 15.5" dimensions (the smaller the better within reason), no more than 6.5 lbs. I'd like to be able to run Starcraft 2, Diablo 3 and Civ 5 on the thing without it breaking much of a sweat.
I have a budget of $1050.
Suggestions? My shopping for this thing has just involved a lot of blind stumbling at this point. I know enough about the desktop market, but don't really have a grasp on the finer points of laptops. Would quad cores run hot for a laptop? Obviously, a dedicated video card is gonna add unwanted heat to the whole equation. I don't even know how nVidia's naming process for their GPUs work. It's all pretty shitty. I also don't want a laptop that's gonna look like shit, like alienwares or high end ASUS desktops replacement tanks.
Also, all you PC pros, tell me what you think of this one. It seems good to me, but I want you to tear this thing to shreds, tell me what sucks and what could be improved.
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=BA37690&pagetitle=ASUS%20N61Jq-A1%20Notebook,%20Intel%20Core%20i7%20720QM%201.6%20GHz,%2016
Also, if there's something coming on the horizon (1-2 months) I can hold off if it means a good amount of future-proofing buffer.
Shrennin
Didn't get the memo regarding the 14th Amendment
brain_stew
Member
keeblerdrow said:
Hp Envy 14?
13" MBP with student discount?
K.Jack said:
I will have to respectfully disagree... sort of. For just gaming, you can do better. Sure MSi, Sager, and AW are all better at the price point. But its the overall package that makes it an unequivocally great value. So sure you do not get the best GPU but its definitely capable for a lot of peoples tastes. But you do get 4-5 hours of battery life, realistic portability (ie <7lbs and relatively thin), and I can't say it enough an amazing screen.
And as for throttling. Yes it WAS a huge problem... and while it is not completely gone, FAR less systems suffer from it.
As far as heat, yeah the SXPS16 was designed be moron, but we are talking about gaming notebooks here. You will not be playing on your lap (not without a cooler) with any laptop, so what the hell does it matter?
So no its not a gaming notebook, but is a notebook that does gaming and many other things very well.
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