-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread
- Thread starter dLMN8R
- Start date
- Status
Do you have Nvidia Optimus ie. switching between these cards? dxdiag probably only shows the card currently running, which is the intel by default.
Friend of mine pointed me here for advice on this, so here goes.
I am looking for a laptop, my very first one. I would really like it to be powerful as money right now is not an issue, though it doesn't have to be the very top of the line. I would just like it to be able to run say Battlefield 3 for example at a good frame rate with decent to good quality.
My problem is where to look for one where the price matches the performance I get, as I don't have much experience in this subject I don't know what to look for in price or performance for that matter. I was hastily looking at Alienware but thought it seemed to be mostly me paying for having their logo on my computer. I also live in Sweden so most American retailers that usually comes up during my searches are not a very good options (the shipping costs are scary).
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
I am looking for a laptop, my very first one. I would really like it to be powerful as money right now is not an issue, though it doesn't have to be the very top of the line. I would just like it to be able to run say Battlefield 3 for example at a good frame rate with decent to good quality.
My problem is where to look for one where the price matches the performance I get, as I don't have much experience in this subject I don't know what to look for in price or performance for that matter. I was hastily looking at Alienware but thought it seemed to be mostly me paying for having their logo on my computer. I also live in Sweden so most American retailers that usually comes up during my searches are not a very good options (the shipping costs are scary).
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Any gaming at all going to happen?
What graphics card is included with the i5?
The 525M is only going to kick in when a program engages 3D mode, so a lot of mundane system readers are only going to detect the Intel HD part.
twinturbo2
butthurt Heat fan
Dammit, MSI, this isn't helping!
http://www.msimobile.com/level3_productpage.aspx?cid=6&id=347
GeForce 580, solid state drive with a 750GB hard drive, Blu-ray burner, the works, $2499.
http://www.msimobile.com/level3_productpage.aspx?cid=6&id=347
GeForce 580, solid state drive with a 750GB hard drive, Blu-ray burner, the works, $2499.
I asked this in the OT, didn't realize there was a topic for it.
What are your opinions on the VAIO series? I have a $1000 budget. The only gaming I'm doing is WoW and maybe guild wars 2 when it comes around. Every other game I play is old school adventure games.
Which series of the Vaio should I get?
What are your opinions on the VAIO series? I have a $1000 budget. The only gaming I'm doing is WoW and maybe guild wars 2 when it comes around. Every other game I play is old school adventure games.
Which series of the Vaio should I get?
Drinky Crow
Banned
hey k.jack, does ANY manufacturer ship a rig with a gddr5 gt555m that has a 192-bit bus interface? i *thought* msi did (and had it downclocked), but i can't find any record of it. (settling the nerdiest argument of all time, here.)
You'd be mental to buy a notebook that expensive right now, when AMD should officially announce the 7900M and 7800M lines at CES, within a matter of days.
MSI is about almost a year late to the party with finally launching 500M equipped gaming notebooks.
I've always like the style of them. If Sony made a high-end gaming model, I'd jump in immediately, as long as it's priced competitively.
You have three options for gaming:
C Series w/ 6630M upgrade
S Series w/ 6630M upgrade
F Series w/ GT 540M upgrade
Three versions made it to retail:
144 shader, 192-bit GDDR3
144 shader, 12-bit GDDR3
96 shader, 128-bit GDDR5
The 192-bit GDDR5 version never made it through to public viewing, presumably because it encroached too closely on the 460M/560M territory, so Nvidia cut it. Also, there used to be a video on YT of a pre-production MSI machine with the Nvidia control panel open, and it clearly showed a 144 shader, 128-bit GDDR5 version. Why it never came out is a mystery.
There's an identical version of the GT 445M which was never released:
To conclude: MSI very well could have planned to use the 555M 192-bit GDDR5, before it was axed.
Kilgore Trout
Member
I'm stuck between two laptops and I'm not sure if in terms of gaming performance it is worth it to pay an extra $120 for a i7-2670QM cpu over an AMD A8-3550MX cpu when both are paired with a 2GB Radeon HD 7690M card. I'm leaning towards the i7 at the moment but if it won't make much of a difference for games then I'd like to save my money.
Hi guys
I am looking to consolidate my electronics and so replace my Tablet AND Desktop with a Laptop.
I need something that I can play games on (Nothing too intensive, Left 4 Dead 2 and Star Trek online mostly).
I am looking at these two
http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/computers/portable/pc-notebooks/toshiba-p750-02j-15-6-notebook/prod113004.html
&
http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/c...s/hp-dv6-6b10tx-15-6-notebook/prod114071.html
Any advise on what is better?
I am looking to consolidate my electronics and so replace my Tablet AND Desktop with a Laptop.
I need something that I can play games on (Nothing too intensive, Left 4 Dead 2 and Star Trek online mostly).
I am looking at these two
http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/computers/portable/pc-notebooks/toshiba-p750-02j-15-6-notebook/prod113004.html
&
http://www.bondandbond.co.nz/shop/c...s/hp-dv6-6b10tx-15-6-notebook/prod114071.html
Any advise on what is better?
The AMD CPU is decent, but it doesn't hold a candle to the i7. If you can afford the Intel part, take it.
The HP has both a faster CPU and GPU. Take that one.
Very few laptops come with recovery disks anymore. Most just have a recovery partition hidden on the drive.
How does the 6770m compare to the desktop 5770?
what likely real-world improvements is ivy bridge integrated graphics going to bring compared to sandy bridge?
Looking at getting a laptop that can play games at ok settings - nothing fancy, just letting me access my steam library to work on my backlog. Games like the witcher 2 and skyrim but I don't mind lowering the settings. Looking at things like the GT540m along with an i5 2410m, but if Ivy Bridge integrated graphics will be at a similar level, I might hold off and see if I can save some money
Looking at getting a laptop that can play games at ok settings - nothing fancy, just letting me access my steam library to work on my backlog. Games like the witcher 2 and skyrim but I don't mind lowering the settings. Looking at things like the GT540m along with an i5 2410m, but if Ivy Bridge integrated graphics will be at a similar level, I might hold off and see if I can save some money
Fellow GAFers, I have a problem. I've recently tasted digital crack in the form of Skyrim running buttery smooth at 60FPS - I now need that shit bad, problem is my nVidia 9600M GT can only do it on medium 1200x800 letterbox with no AA and medium settings (16x AF though) and only then, only about 30% of the time in really low intensity areas.
Dual booting my MacBook Pro to play it was an afterthought after the issues with console Skyrim. The small hits of magic 60FPS have now converted me and I've decided my 'next gen' primary source of gaming will be Steam.
Naturally, I now have to put together a reasonably future-protected PC, the problem is that I need it to be a laptop. I don't need it to be a svelte laptop or be particularly portable; but I do need to be able to shut the lid and cart it to a hotel room or family's houses.
The other thing I really want to be able to do is run Fallout 4 (when it arrives) at, or within a stone's throw of max settings and get 60FPS. I'm prepared to pay a bit for this, but I can't go 'money-no-object' crazy; I could buy soon-ish and hope it'll get me to Fallout 4 or I could wait, say, 12 months for a FO4 announcement and see what the machines are like this time next year, but I'd have missed out on a year of sweet PC gaming.
I've been looking at 17" machines from MSI, Toshiba, Asus and similar, but the Alienware m18x with the dual 580M GTX setup looks as if it has the most room for future-protection, I'd have to really, really think before pulling the trigger on something like that though.
tl,dr: Is there anything in the laptop landcape now that's likely to be up to playing Fallout 4 at or near max when it comes out? (and yes, I realise the unknowns involved but with Skyrim out I think we have an idea where FO4 will be technically.)
Dual booting my MacBook Pro to play it was an afterthought after the issues with console Skyrim. The small hits of magic 60FPS have now converted me and I've decided my 'next gen' primary source of gaming will be Steam.
Naturally, I now have to put together a reasonably future-protected PC, the problem is that I need it to be a laptop. I don't need it to be a svelte laptop or be particularly portable; but I do need to be able to shut the lid and cart it to a hotel room or family's houses.
The other thing I really want to be able to do is run Fallout 4 (when it arrives) at, or within a stone's throw of max settings and get 60FPS. I'm prepared to pay a bit for this, but I can't go 'money-no-object' crazy; I could buy soon-ish and hope it'll get me to Fallout 4 or I could wait, say, 12 months for a FO4 announcement and see what the machines are like this time next year, but I'd have missed out on a year of sweet PC gaming.
I've been looking at 17" machines from MSI, Toshiba, Asus and similar, but the Alienware m18x with the dual 580M GTX setup looks as if it has the most room for future-protection, I'd have to really, really think before pulling the trigger on something like that though.
tl,dr: Is there anything in the laptop landcape now that's likely to be up to playing Fallout 4 at or near max when it comes out? (and yes, I realise the unknowns involved but with Skyrim out I think we have an idea where FO4 will be technically.)
Hey guys. Please tell me what would be the gaming experience on this laptop;
Model is Packard Bell TS11HR-609TK.
Website didn't let me c/p so here is a screenshot. I am sure you can make the things in another language
Also is the graphics card really 2gb or is it a typo?
My purchase is depending on your comments. Thanks in advance.
Model is Packard Bell TS11HR-609TK.
Website didn't let me c/p so here is a screenshot. I am sure you can make the things in another language
Also is the graphics card really 2gb or is it a typo?
My purchase is depending on your comments. Thanks in advance.
SolarKnight
Member
GAF, I need your help. My laptop broke for like the 5th time in a year and I really need a new one right now. The best options I have available for my budget around here are a Toshiba Satellite p755 and an Asus n53v-ma2. I don't really know too much about this stuff, which one is better?
If I only plan on playing Old Republic, D3, and GW2 this and next year, is a 560m sufficient for running these games well at 1080? By well I mean around high settings; I don't need to max every single option. I'm currently deciding between the 8150 and 8130 Sagers and if the 6990m is worth the extra $400 some for my needs.
Well I am not sure but I think we are about to see a bunch of new laptop GPU's launch after CES are we not?
Samsung and Asus both have well regarded top end gaming laptops, the formers doesn't even look fucking ugly either like most tend to (or you like games? you must love neon lights and "stealth bomber" styling!"
Hi guys, will be purchasing my first laptop in a long time. I'm out of the loop on what is considered good.
Budget: $900-1100
OS: Windows
Use: Schoolwork and gaming
Will be taking it with me to work
15-16 inch
700GB+
Don't know what else I should mention.
here are a couple that seem interesting:
Toshiba Satellite L755D-21J 15.6" HD
ASUS K53SV 15.6" HD
Budget: $900-1100
OS: Windows
Use: Schoolwork and gaming
Will be taking it with me to work
15-16 inch
700GB+
Don't know what else I should mention.
here are a couple that seem interesting:
Toshiba Satellite L755D-21J 15.6" HD
ASUS K53SV 15.6" HD
What do GAF think about the Razer Blade? It sounds great from what I have read so far about it. Though it is very flashy and all, it does seem to really pack a punch and the portability combined with perfomance is very attractive, if it now performs as advertised.
Well I am not sure but I think we are about to see a bunch of new laptop GPU's launch after CES are we not?
Samsung and Asus both have well regarded top end gaming laptops, the formers doesn't even look fucking ugly either like most tend to (or you like games? you must love neon lights and "stealth bomber" styling!"
Thanks for the reply! As for CES, I've not heard anything specific; the best I can come up with is a leaked roadmap which says nVidia are expecting 28nm parts for a GeForce 6xx series in Q1 2012, no idea when they'll make it to mobile; but I'm tempted to wait at least another couple of months for some kind of 28nm announcement.
I've mentioned nVidia a lot, that's not to say I'm against ATI or anything, just that the nVidia parts seem to outperform the Radeons in tests I've seen.
I've also unearthed 'Eurocom' today who look like they build to order some really high spec stuff. Prices seem to be similar to Alienware but you get a non-dudebro fairly nice plain black brushed alu chassis and seem to be able to config the display you'd like - you can even spec the desktop class 130W i7's in their 'Panther 2' 17.3 inch chassis.
http://web.eurocom.com/EC/ec_model_config1(1,214,0)
They look as if they're based out of Canada so no idea how to get one to the UK, but these look pretty sweet and might be upgradeable for a lappy. Pricey though but I'm coming to realise what I'm after in terms of performance and form factor is going to cost.
I realize this is one of those things that no one asked for, but I find the topic of "What can your crappy machine run" just as interesting as any other.
As such, I want to offer my "expertise" on what a very common, but laughable, laptop configuration will run, surprisingly. These are games that either aren't listed on Intel's website, or which aren't commonly tested. This isn't a long list, but it is a list of games I've had extensive time with on this machine.
I never use AA or V-sync on any of these games, for reasons indicated directly below.
i3 Second Generation Core 2330M @ 2.2 Ghz
4 GB DDR3 RAM
Intel HD Graphics 3000, shared at up to 1696, 64 MB "dedicated"
The following titles will run at 1600x900 on medium or high at around 30 FPS (sometimes 25-30)
-Left 4 Dead
-Oblivion
-Portal (and its sequel I'm sure)
-Psychonauts (duh)
-Fable: The Lost Chapters
-Orcs Must Die
-Rock of Ages
-Xenoclash
-Mount and Blade
-
1280x720 medium/high settings tweaked
-The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (yes, you read that correctly)
-Dead Space 2
-Amnesia: The Dark Descent (at least the demo runs at about 45 FPS on average)
-Dirt 2
-Bulletstorm
-Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
-Overlord 2
-Street Fighter IV (yes, this game runs at 30 FPS. No, you probably don't want to play it at 30 FPS)
-Fallout: New Vegas
1280x720 low settings
-Blur
Games that run poorly enough to dramatically affect gameplay performance:
-Divinity 2 demo
-Mafia 2 demo (runs like a slideshow, don't know why honestly)
-The Witcher: Enhanced Edition (I'd wager good money it's sequel is even worse).
So there you have it. Conclusion: Don't buy a laptop with this setup for gaming, but don't forego gaming if you already have one.
As such, I want to offer my "expertise" on what a very common, but laughable, laptop configuration will run, surprisingly. These are games that either aren't listed on Intel's website, or which aren't commonly tested. This isn't a long list, but it is a list of games I've had extensive time with on this machine.
I never use AA or V-sync on any of these games, for reasons indicated directly below.
i3 Second Generation Core 2330M @ 2.2 Ghz
4 GB DDR3 RAM
Intel HD Graphics 3000, shared at up to 1696, 64 MB "dedicated"
The following titles will run at 1600x900 on medium or high at around 30 FPS (sometimes 25-30)
-Left 4 Dead
-Oblivion
-Portal (and its sequel I'm sure)
-Psychonauts (duh)
-Fable: The Lost Chapters
-Orcs Must Die
-Rock of Ages
-Xenoclash
-Mount and Blade
-
1280x720 medium/high settings tweaked
-The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (yes, you read that correctly)
-Dead Space 2
-Amnesia: The Dark Descent (at least the demo runs at about 45 FPS on average)
-Dirt 2
-Bulletstorm
-Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
-Overlord 2
-Street Fighter IV (yes, this game runs at 30 FPS. No, you probably don't want to play it at 30 FPS)
-Fallout: New Vegas
1280x720 low settings
-Blur
Games that run poorly enough to dramatically affect gameplay performance:
-Divinity 2 demo
-Mafia 2 demo (runs like a slideshow, don't know why honestly)
-The Witcher: Enhanced Edition (I'd wager good money it's sequel is even worse).
So there you have it. Conclusion: Don't buy a laptop with this setup for gaming, but don't forego gaming if you already have one.
Hey guys. Please tell me what would be the gaming experience on this laptop;
Model is Packard Bell TS11HR-609TK.
Website didn't let me c/p so here is a screenshot. I am sure you can make the things in another language
Also is the graphics card really 2gb or is it a typo?
My purchase is depending on your comments. Thanks in advance.
Basically this. 540M is a good budget card for medium end gaming, but don't expect flawless battlefield or witcher 2.
Also, it's possible they're 2GB. I've seen them; I've got 1GB myself.
I've been playing SWTOR on my 14-month-old Toshiba recently, and it plays Skyrim like a dream at High settings too - both games at 1920x1080 on an external monitor. (SWTOR 40-70fps, Skyrim locked at 30fps for smoothness).
Toshiba Satellite Pro L650-1CG
i3 - 350M @ 2.27ghz
4GB (upgraded from 2GB) RAM
Radeon 5650HD (overclocked from 400/800 to 650/950)
Anything better than that will do you just fine.
EDIT: Can also play BF3 at Medium-ish settings at 30fps, 1280x720.
SolarKnight
Member
Uh, GAF?
What are the configurations on both of those?
Just don't buy anything until CES is at least over, and all new notebook announcements are released to the public.
That's the reason I'm not bothering with the 2012 thread, because I may have to redo the entire OP right after it's finished.
If you're absolutely desperate for something at this instant, say so any we'll point you in the right direction.
That's the reason I'm not bothering with the 2012 thread, because I may have to redo the entire OP right after it's finished.
If you're absolutely desperate for something at this instant, say so any we'll point you in the right direction.
Alienware m11x is the only gaming machine that meets those portability specs. And it's fantastic.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4505/alienware-m11x-r3-portable-powerhouse
SolarKnight
Member
The Asus was like
-750 GB
-6GB of RAM
-Intel Core i7
-an Nvidia video card of 1GB
The Toshiba is about the same IIRC, but with 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8), and a different Nvidia video card that I can't remember exactly what it was but I think it had a 540 in it...
And how much is this Asus? If it's anywhere near the $900+ I'm seeing online, buy an Asus G53 instead.
SolarKnight
Member
Hmm, they seem to have a g74 but no g53, and that one is...definitely out of the question.
I live in Mexico, so it's kinda harder to find (hell, I couldn't even find that Asus outside of Best Buy AT ALL, closest things they had were Asus with i3...) and probably pricier too.
I live in Mexico, so it's kinda harder to find (hell, I couldn't even find that Asus outside of Best Buy AT ALL, closest things they had were Asus with i3...) and probably pricier too.
Good call. I've pretty much decided to wait for 28nm, this seals it. Cheers.
LowEndTorque
Member
Out of pure curiosity, what's the closest desktop card you can compare to the 580M?
speevy, thats really good info, thanks. I've been looking at getting a replacement laptop and I've been looking at 540m as a minimum, but I think a HD3000 would be 'ok'. Going to try and hold out for ivy bridge and HD4000 - I'm guessing that'd bring IGP up to approximately 540m level? If so, it'd open up prices and availability a lot as options with IGP are much wider at the budget end than trying to find dedicated graphics.
From reading around I think it's equivalent to the 560 Ti.
It's hard to flat out say that the HD 4000 will be equal to the GT 540M, when the latter is 3-4x faster than the HD 3000 at higher resolutions/settings.
The 580M is literally a downclocked GTX 560 Ti. It's the same exact card, reduced to mobile form.
The 580M is literally a downclocked GTX 560 Ti. It's the same exact card, reduced to mobile form.
I'll quote myself. Anyone have any tips? I'm hoping to have a new laptop by the end of next week. Are any of the two I posted good?
Between those two, the Asus is by far the better machine.
Would you say it is worth about $1100? Would it serve me well for a few years? Should I maybe look for something better in this priceclass?
(Thanks for taking your time and sorry to be a bother.)
If I need a laptop before the end of the month, should I just pick up the Sager NP8150 with a 6990m and hope it can be upgraded with whatever is coming out of CES?
First off, you're not bothering at all. This thread is for helping people make proper decisions, which is something I enjoy, so ask as much as you need.
In what country are you, exactly? It's always hard to say what machines are worth in USD, because people outside of the US always pay way more than I would for far less.
For $1100 USD here, I can have an i7-2670QM + GTX 560M, but looks like that would cost double where you are.
Well, with the 6990M at just +$145, it's pretty much impossible to suggest a better alternative. The new high-end chips are looking like March/April releases, from what I've been able to gather so far, which means the 6990M is indeed your best move today.
The main thing to understand is that CES is more about announcements and release dates, and less about things going retail as soon as the expo ends. The reason I suggested that people wait, is so they could better decide on whether buying now or waiting is for them.
Further toward your situation, it's already been semi-confirmed (by a Clevo engineer at a tech meeting in Taiwan) that the current machines will be plug and play with the next-gen AMD/Nvidia cards, and I'm hoping he knows what he's talking about, as I'd love to upgrade my 6970M to a 7970M in a few quarters.
Thanks. I'll put an order in for the 6990m today then.
Plug and play GPUs sounds really cool.
- Status