2016+ Gaming Laptop Thread: Embracing Pascal's Wafer (Please Read OP)
- Thread starter K.Jack
- Start date
sssstententen
Member
Sadly, unless they fix the 4k screen's refresh rate lock on lower resolutions, you're far better off getting a different laptop.
Either wait for the G551/GX500 or get the non UHD model and deal with the awful tn panel.
fluffydelusions
Member
Kjack said it is ddr3 on the previous page
The 850m and up GPU'S use gddr5. Everything lower in the 800 series uses ddr3. Basically, if it has a 64 bit memory interface, it's ddr3.
Edit: apparently it can use both ddr3 and gddr5, so I guess it depends on the manufacturer.
But apparently some versions of that GPU use GDDR5?
I don't have any problem with Clevos, just with this shop here in Greece that is selling them. Maybe I'll get one from PCSpecialist after I get to the UK.
Also, some more questions.
1) How does the 765M fare against the 860M?
2) I have a 120GB SSD in my desktop right now, and I want to put it in the laptop I'm going to buy. a) Is there any shop that will let me configure and buy a laptop without any hard drive at all? b) How can I tell which laptops come with 2 HDD slots so I can get the smallest/cheapest HDD and then put my SSD in the other slot.
Asus, Acer = DDR3
Clevo, MSI = GDDR5
Anyone else have them?
1) Depending on the game, the 765M is as much as 30% slower.
2) Most shops with custom options will let you configure with no HDD. Any laptop that has a '2nd HDD' option has two drive bays.
Spiderjericho
Member
Stopped by Tiger a Direct and saw the Y50. For the price, it has a whole lot bang for the buck. Going to give it a whirl. I'll admit the screen does look meh. I also tried typing on the key board. I've heard there are missed key strokes if you're not hitting it directly in the center.
I saw some ASUS and MSI laptops that were nice but a bit more expensive.
Was thinking of the 15.6 Clevo. Guess I'll give the Lenovo a shot for a little while. Too bad There isn't a Clevo store.
I saw some ASUS and MSI laptops that were nice but a bit more expensive.
Was thinking of the 15.6 Clevo. Guess I'll give the Lenovo a shot for a little while. Too bad There isn't a Clevo store.
burnside13
Member
Reply to OP - I've had 3 'Gaming' Laptops over the years.
Acer Aspire 8930
Toshiba Qosmio x755
2013 Apple Macbook Retina
Main reason for the purchases were that I'm only a casual gamer and prefer working on notebooks for the portability. There's not much use for a desktop other than for gaming.
I can't wait for the day laptops can perform on a respectable level with PC so if you're looking into a PC for gaming then expect a decent drop in performance at a much higher price. It's just the price you pay for portability. Maybe they could work on developing more external graphics cards and CPU's for use in thunderbolt ports. This could help increase performance,
Battlefield 4 will currently play on high for latest 2013 Macbook Retina but if you're online you want the frame- rate as high as possible so a drop to medium across the settings will be enough.
Acer Aspire 8930
Toshiba Qosmio x755
2013 Apple Macbook Retina
Main reason for the purchases were that I'm only a casual gamer and prefer working on notebooks for the portability. There's not much use for a desktop other than for gaming.
I can't wait for the day laptops can perform on a respectable level with PC so if you're looking into a PC for gaming then expect a decent drop in performance at a much higher price. It's just the price you pay for portability. Maybe they could work on developing more external graphics cards and CPU's for use in thunderbolt ports. This could help increase performance,
Battlefield 4 will currently play on high for latest 2013 Macbook Retina but if you're online you want the frame- rate as high as possible so a drop to medium across the settings will be enough.
AlexMeloche
Member
Yeah, it seems to be the biggest problem this laptop has. Still, for this price, pretty sure it's the best I can get.
Don't think I ever saw any other brand carry that GPU, though our selection is pretty limited. Most stores stopped carrying Acer laptops.
Thanks.
It seems that PCSpecialist doesn't let you not get an HDD with your machine. I found a shop in the USA that does, but it doesn't ship to Europe. So I guess I will have to get a 2-slot machine, or find something else.
That leaves me with an Optimus V from PCSpecialist which I don't really mind, the 15,6 screen will do fine, and I will probably use the Line-in as well, which the 13,3 doesn't have. Does anyone have any experience with this model? What is the screen like? What about build quality and durability? Also, is the Arctic paste really worth it? I think it is not worth the 12 euros. A tube of the paste itself costs less than that, and if at any time you get overheating problems you get one yourself and apply it. Right?
Also, are the other wireless adapters offered worth it? Do they offer better signal reception apart from a larger bandwidth?
Are there any other UK/European laptop sellers that are worth looking at besides PCSpecialist?
Looking at costs and compromises would it be better to go for the i5-4210 and the 870m or the i7-4710 with the 860m?
I'm right on the limit of my budget (£800) and don't know enough about these things to make a well educated decision.
Are the Clevo laptops upgradable? CPU/GPU?
Thanks
I'm right on the limit of my budget (£800) and don't know enough about these things to make a well educated decision.
Are the Clevo laptops upgradable? CPU/GPU?
Thanks
Right, so I'm looking at 2 models of the GT70 that are in my budget.
Option A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152551R
Option B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152451R
Comparisons:
A: i7 4800MQ
B: i7 4700MQ
A: 24GB DDR3
B: 12GB DDR3
A: RAID-0 128GB SSDs + 1TB HDD
B: 1TB HDD
A: GTX 870M 6GB (I assume GDDR5)
B: GTX 780M 4GB (GDDR5)
A: BD Burner
B: BD Reader
A: Windows 8.1 64-bit
B: Windows 7 64-bit Home
EDIT:
I suppose the only significant difference performance wise is the 870m vs the 780m. The extra 12GB of RAM is probably superfluous for gaming and I could add SSDs myself. BD is a wash. I like Windows 7 far better than 8, but it's not a dealbreaker. Looking at the comparisons for the 4800MQ and the 4700MQ, the performance gap isn't wide. I'm on the fence more or less. Which one should I go for?
Option A
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152551R
Option B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152451R
Comparisons:
A: i7 4800MQ
B: i7 4700MQ
A: 24GB DDR3
B: 12GB DDR3
A: RAID-0 128GB SSDs + 1TB HDD
B: 1TB HDD
A: GTX 870M 6GB (I assume GDDR5)
B: GTX 780M 4GB (GDDR5)
A: BD Burner
B: BD Reader
A: Windows 8.1 64-bit
B: Windows 7 64-bit Home
EDIT:
I suppose the only significant difference performance wise is the 870m vs the 780m. The extra 12GB of RAM is probably superfluous for gaming and I could add SSDs myself. BD is a wash. I like Windows 7 far better than 8, but it's not a dealbreaker. Looking at the comparisons for the 4800MQ and the 4700MQ, the performance gap isn't wide. I'm on the fence more or less. Which one should I go for?
sssstententen
Member
Sadly I'm gonna swap out my y50 4k for a different laptop. Just can't deal with the idea of never being able to go past 48hz/fps. Hopefully they fix it.
Gonna go for the MSI GS60 with the 870m. Three questions:
-Can I and how easy is it to swap the HDD out for a SSD down the line?
-Can I upgrade the ram, and at 12GB would that even be worth it?
-I've heard the biggest issue is the heat. I already plan on getting a elevated laptop pad to play on to increase air flow, but how manageable is it? Anyone here with the ghost who can attest?
If anyone has some better suggestions though I'd be glad to have em, but newegg has a deal for $1539 for the normally 1799 870 model. My other potential canndidates were the p34gv2, the G550JK and the FHD y50. If I could afford to wait for the newer asus models with the 860 I would but I can't, and GDDR3 for a gaming system seems silly.
Gonna go for the MSI GS60 with the 870m. Three questions:
-Can I and how easy is it to swap the HDD out for a SSD down the line?
-Can I upgrade the ram, and at 12GB would that even be worth it?
-I've heard the biggest issue is the heat. I already plan on getting a elevated laptop pad to play on to increase air flow, but how manageable is it? Anyone here with the ghost who can attest?
If anyone has some better suggestions though I'd be glad to have em, but newegg has a deal for $1539 for the normally 1799 870 model. My other potential canndidates were the p34gv2, the G550JK and the FHD y50. If I could afford to wait for the newer asus models with the 860 I would but I can't, and GDDR3 for a gaming system seems silly.
Marty Chinn
Member
I forget where the HDD is offhand, but the SSD and RAM are on the other side of the motherboard, so you'd have to completely take it apart in order to replace them. I just had it done at the time of purchase so I wouldn't have to worry about it down the line.
As far as heat, what are your concerns with it? Does it run hot to touch on the bottom when gaming? Yes. Does it run hot to touch on the bottom when doing normal browsing, no. Will it overheat? No, it's got great airflow to keep it fairly cool.
I can't speak about the specific laptop, but....
Paste: no not worth paying someone else.
Wireless: I'd take an Intel card, or Killer, if you're going to be on wi-fi a lot.
Other sellers? No, not really.
That's a tough scenario. At it's best, the 870M is maybe 25%. On the other hand, if the new-gen games start to require a quad core to run well, the 870M will be severely hampered, maybe even to the point where a quad + 860M combo will outperform the faster GPU.
I lean toward the quad equipped machine, but I really hate leaving the power on the table.
Neither. 'Open Box' laptops are only under 30 days warranty, which should scare you out of spending $1.7l on a used laptop. For the price of option 'A', you could buy a brand new GT70 w/ 870M, and still have $300 left over to spend on a much larger SSD.
Oh. Didn't realize they were used. The adage holds true... if it seems too good, it probably is.
Will an 860m last two or three years running games at 1080p medium settings? Roommate was looking at an HP that said it had a 850m with 4GB of GPU Ram but looking at NotebookCheck it seemed the 860m would be a better card even with only 2GB of GPU Ram. He isn't looking to spend more than $1100, just trying to find the best solution for him.
I had an asus g750jm which came equipped with an 860m maxwell and it could handle watch dogs on high settings but that was at 30 fps. On medium it ran at about 45 fps but we all know that game is a mess for pc's. It could handle FFXIV maxed out while maintaining a decent 45-60 fps. Metro LL ran maxed out, except for AA which was set to .5, between 30-45 fps. My point is the 860m very capable and should have no trouble so long as maintaining a constant 60 fps isn't a "must have".
Sleepy Buddha
Member
Hey K.Jack, I currently own a slightly over 2 years old Asus N56VZ with a quad-core i7 and a GT 650m. I mostly game at 720p with as many effects at max as possible, so most games still run well enough.
But I've seen some previews of the Asus G551 and was kinda left wanting it. However, with 14nm intel and lower than 28nm nvidia chips supposedly coming next year and considering my current laptop, what would you think best, go for the G551 or wait for the next hardware revision?
But I've seen some previews of the Asus G551 and was kinda left wanting it. However, with 14nm intel and lower than 28nm nvidia chips supposedly coming next year and considering my current laptop, what would you think best, go for the G551 or wait for the next hardware revision?
So I don't need to get the extended Newegg repair/replacement service plan right? If they already come with a 2 year warranty.
I hate telling people to wait for things which have no release dates, but since you have a decent card already, in my opinion you'd gain more longevity from something which packs much more power than the 860M.
2 years of factory warranty is about all I'd like or need on a laptop, because that amount covers the period in which the machine would have any resale value.
ColonelTrident
Neo Member
Hey guys, was wondering if any of you could help me out.
So I had bought an HP Envy 14 two years ago as my primary PC. I had just got to the university and needed portability and was never much of a PC gamer so I was satisfied with the mediocre gaming specs that it had. Unfortunately, in the process of moving out of the university for the end of the school year, I someone managed to spill on it and completely broke it. I went crazy for about 20 minutes freaking out since I can't afford a new one on this broke college student budget and figured my accidental damage warranty had run out. Turns out I still had a couple months left in warranty and I proceeded to relax.
Got on the phone with a couple people at HP and after one or two angry phone calls, I talked to a case manager and they agreed to completely replace with a new model since they do not make my model any longer. They ended up offering me this:
HP ENVY - 15t
G0T95AV
Windows 8.1 64
4th generation Intel® Core i7-4510U Dual Core Processor + 2GB NVIDIA GeForce 840M Graphics
15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1366x768)
8GB DDR3L System Memory (1 Dimm)
1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
I think its a pretty good laptop seeing as my last one had the same resolution along with a weaker CPU and a radeon HD 6630m. What do you guys think about this laptop?
I am actually a huge PC gamer now; well with whatever games I could run on my old laptop. This will be my primary school and gaming PC. Resolution is not a huge concern for me as I plug in my laptop via HDMI to this bad boy
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K287K1M/?tag=neogaf0e-20
and only really game from home. At school I will just use this laptop for taking notes, and Game of Thrones. The biggest use this laptop will get is gaming. How long will this laptop run me for running newer games at around medium settings? Thank guys.
So I had bought an HP Envy 14 two years ago as my primary PC. I had just got to the university and needed portability and was never much of a PC gamer so I was satisfied with the mediocre gaming specs that it had. Unfortunately, in the process of moving out of the university for the end of the school year, I someone managed to spill on it and completely broke it. I went crazy for about 20 minutes freaking out since I can't afford a new one on this broke college student budget and figured my accidental damage warranty had run out. Turns out I still had a couple months left in warranty and I proceeded to relax.
Got on the phone with a couple people at HP and after one or two angry phone calls, I talked to a case manager and they agreed to completely replace with a new model since they do not make my model any longer. They ended up offering me this:
HP ENVY - 15t
G0T95AV
Windows 8.1 64
4th generation Intel® Core i7-4510U Dual Core Processor + 2GB NVIDIA GeForce 840M Graphics
15.6-inch diagonal HD BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1366x768)
8GB DDR3L System Memory (1 Dimm)
1TB 5400 rpm Hard Drive
I think its a pretty good laptop seeing as my last one had the same resolution along with a weaker CPU and a radeon HD 6630m. What do you guys think about this laptop?
I am actually a huge PC gamer now; well with whatever games I could run on my old laptop. This will be my primary school and gaming PC. Resolution is not a huge concern for me as I plug in my laptop via HDMI to this bad boy
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K287K1M/?tag=neogaf0e-20
and only really game from home. At school I will just use this laptop for taking notes, and Game of Thrones. The biggest use this laptop will get is gaming. How long will this laptop run me for running newer games at around medium settings? Thank guys.
Spiderjericho
Member
I'm getting the non UHD Y50 in a few days.
I looked at reports of the P34Gv2 and there seems to be heat issues.
The MSI GS60 looks good spec wise but I like to use it on my lap. It seems pretty hot and heavy.
The ASUS looks great besides the video card.
I broke my old laptop's screen last week so I want a replacement now so I can understand your conundrum.
Well it's free and way more powerful, so I can't think of anything bad to say.
The 840M is okay, but would be below the minimum requirements for almost every game that's been announced for the PS4/X1/PC.
camaropilot
Member
Just got my 2014 Razer Blade in on Monday. I'm loving it so far although I haven't had much time to game on it yet. Build quality is amazing the screen is perfect! If anyone has any questions, I'd be glad to answer.
Melchettsmoustache
Member
http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/optimusV-13/
I am looking at getting this model from the OP except I am going to put the i7 quad core in. Takes the cost up to about £750, I've never gamed on a 13inch screen is it still reasonable enough to game on. I can't really go any bigger as this pc will go with me on business.
I am looking at getting this model from the OP except I am going to put the i7 quad core in. Takes the cost up to about £750, I've never gamed on a 13inch screen is it still reasonable enough to game on. I can't really go any bigger as this pc will go with me on business.
SyntheCypher
Member
Anyone think ASUS is being really misleading with some of their laptop marketing photos?
I know people who gamed on the 11" Alienware and Clevo gaming laptops just fine. Plus you could always hook it up to a TV or monitor via HDMI.
Anyone think ASUS is being really misleading with some of their laptop marketing photos?
What am I looking at?
Tapered edges + some flattering lighting and photography.
Pics are from the same machine, and in 2 it looks quite thin when it really isn't.
Diomedeskun
Member
Why? From what I've seen on other sites, it seems that the sli y510 is still a bit more powerful than the y50? I was just about to order a 510, but if there's a major reason, I'll go with the y50.
Andodalf
Banned
Diomedeskun
Member
That's a good point. I looked up some comparisons, and it seems like the performance will be pretty close overall either way, but I like that the y50 is lighter and cooler. My only concern is that so many people say that the screen is terrible.
Having just read Digital Trend's scathing Y50 review, I feel bad about having ever recommended the machine.
It's all about the screen; a 90:1 contrast ratio, 57% color gamut, and terrible viewing angles makes it the worst 1080p panel to ever ship in a gaming laptop, or maybe just the worst ever in a laptops period.
Go with a Clevo instead.
It's all about the screen; a 90:1 contrast ratio, 57% color gamut, and terrible viewing angles makes it the worst 1080p panel to ever ship in a gaming laptop, or maybe just the worst ever in a laptops period.
Go with a Clevo instead.
Spiderjericho
Member
Ouch. Wish I saw that before I ordered it. Lenovo's return policy is pretty terrible. I'm going to contact Amazon to see they can give me 100% refund instead of 85%.
Melchettsmoustache
Member
PCS have a pre made model ready to order with a matte 1080 screen and a 1 tb HD DRIVE. The model I had complied had a Scorpio 750 gig 7200 HD and a 3200 glossy screen.
I am probably going to be using the machine on my lap in my conservatory and in an office environment. Is it worth getting the pre made or just waiting for my own to be built if the screen is the only real difference. I don't need the machine in a particular hurry.
I am probably going to be using the machine on my lap in my conservatory and in an office environment. Is it worth getting the pre made or just waiting for my own to be built if the screen is the only real difference. I don't need the machine in a particular hurry.
Melchettsmoustache
Member
Hmm.... Having a look around it seems like a qhd monitor on a 13 inch laptop will provide some real headaches when working with menus and the laptop gpu sounds like it will run into difficulty pushing any 4k gaming.
Probably not worth the hassle at present.
Probably not worth the hassle at present.
Melchettsmoustache
Member
Bought the ready to order version with the 1080p screen after reading further on 4k gaming on a laptop.
Yeh 4k on a 13" is pretty insane, and you won't be able to push any recent or future game at such a res, with a GTX 860M.
Amazon is amazing with returns. Just tell them the screen is faulty.
Amazon is amazing with returns. Just tell them the screen is faulty.
Hey guys, I realize this is primarily a gaming laptop thread but I could use suggestions. I currently have a Lenovo Y510p, and while I love it, it's just what I feared would happen, did. I just don't game on my laptop. I currently have a gaming desktop that can do it all. It's not too big or bulky but once I have a book or two in my backpack it's unbearable. Plus the battery and charger.
Anyways I'm thinking of selling it and get something for the upcoming fall semester. I would prefer a 14" screen, but I could do with a 15 provided the computer is light. 1080p screen, no touchscreen preferred. User upgradable is a must as I'll probably end up installing an SSD. Good battery life. Minimum 5 hours. Would like something with a good build quality too. The Macs are just amazing in build quality, but I need to run Windows because of Microsoft Visual Studio. No gaming, just programming and general school work.
I was thinking of going with a Lenovo T440s, but I'm hoping someone could give me better suggestions, as I'd hope no to be in the $1000 range unless it already comes with at least a 250 ssd installed. Preferred retailers would be Best Buy, Amazon(Prime if possible), or Newegg. Thanks for any help.
Anyways I'm thinking of selling it and get something for the upcoming fall semester. I would prefer a 14" screen, but I could do with a 15 provided the computer is light. 1080p screen, no touchscreen preferred. User upgradable is a must as I'll probably end up installing an SSD. Good battery life. Minimum 5 hours. Would like something with a good build quality too. The Macs are just amazing in build quality, but I need to run Windows because of Microsoft Visual Studio. No gaming, just programming and general school work.
I was thinking of going with a Lenovo T440s, but I'm hoping someone could give me better suggestions, as I'd hope no to be in the $1000 range unless it already comes with at least a 250 ssd installed. Preferred retailers would be Best Buy, Amazon(Prime if possible), or Newegg. Thanks for any help.
It sucks reading that review and hearing that the y50's screen is so sub-par. Guess I'll wait to see what the GX500 looks like and if THAT one is junk, I'll go with an MSI...