Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread

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K.Jack - do you have an opinion on the best value:high performance gaming laptop?

i really like those sager notebooks i mentioned earlier, though some ROGs look alright too.
 
Just to follow up. I was in Bestbuy today and saw this beauty:
http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Gaming_Powerhouse/G74SX/

and picked it up. Pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Actually there are some slight differences in the g74 I have but pretty much the same and I can't complain. My biggest problem with most of the laptops today is the terrible 1366x768 resolution which is irritating as a programmer where screen real estate is important.
 
K.Jack said:
I like this Asus. It's very highly reviewed, and I've linked two versions, one with a dedicated GPU and the other without.
Click to expand...

Since one is out of stock, I was looking through the stuff on the A53E and noticed it didn't say anything about this stuff:

LCD Features
Optical Drive Interface
USB
Video Port
Audio Ports
Card Reader

Is it because its the same as the other one, or does this computer really not have any USB ports?
 
I have a Dell XPS17 3D and every time I play SWTOR, the palm wrest area gets extremely hot. Is there any way to fix this? I don't really want to put something to cover it because the speaker is also placed there (no idea why).

I have already capped my CPU to 99% of its capability as to not allow Dell's turboboost thing (basically OCing) to kick in, but it still gets uncomfortably hot.

I have a feeling the only answer will be to build a desktop.
 
Seraphinianus said:
K.Jack - do you have an opinion on the best value:high performance gaming laptop?

i really like those sager notebooks i mentioned earlier, though some ROGs look alright too.
Click to expand...

Well the upcoming Clevo/Sager machines will be battling for that crown, now that they'll have full-size backlit keyboards, Optimus, and as always the highest-end cards available.

The Asus ROGs do look nice, but the 7970M and GTX 680M (which the Asus machines won't get) will be over 2x the speed of the GTX 660M, which is what it appears the new G75 and G55 will be sporting.

fluffydelusions said:
Just to follow up. I was in Bestbuy today and saw this beauty:
http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Gaming_Powerhouse/G74SX/

and picked it up. Pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Actually there are some slight differences in the g74 I have but pretty much the same and I can't complain. My biggest problem with most of the laptops today is the terrible 1366x768 resolution which is irritating as a programmer where screen real estate is important.
Click to expand...
Price?

torontoml said:
Since one is out of stock, I was looking through the stuff on the A53E and noticed it didn't say anything about this stuff:

LCD Features
Optical Drive Interface
USB
Video Port
Audio Ports
Card Reader

Is it because its the same as the other one, or does this computer really not have any USB ports?
Click to expand...
Yes they are the same. If you look at the pictures, it's clear that it's the exact same shell.

And sorry about recommending an OOS model. This Asus K53 is a good model if you need an option with dedicated GPU.

jling84 said:
I have a Dell XPS17 3D and every time I play SWTOR, the palm wrest area gets extremely hot. Is there any way to fix this? I don't really want to put something to cover it because the speaker is also placed there (no idea why).

I have already capped my CPU to 99% of its capability as to not allow Dell's turboboost thing (basically OCing) to kick in, but it still gets uncomfortably hot.

I have a feeling the only answer will be to build a desktop.
Click to expand...
1. What component is under the palmrest?

2. Have you run any software to check the internal temperatures? Try leaving HWMonitor running while you game, to find out whether the GPU, CPU, or HDD is overheating.
 
K.Jack said:
Price?
Click to expand...

It was $1250 at bestbuy...pretty much the same price everywhere apart from ebay and such but man is it awesome. I first downloaded l4d2...I know it's not demanding but I cranked it up to the max at 1080p and it flew! Ran so much more smoothly than my previousl laptop (core i5, nvidia 540m @ 1366x768). The real test I suppose is BF3 which I will download now :)
 
Well yeah the 560M is easily around 2.5x the speed of the 540M. You're in a whole different tier of performance.

Have fun.
 
K.Jack said:
1. What component is under the palmrest?

2. Have you run any software to check the internal temperatures? Try leaving HWMonitor running while you game, to find out whether the GPU, CPU, or HDD is overheating.
Click to expand...

The exhaust opening for the fan is fairly close to it. I'm not exactly sure which component is directly under.

Also I have run HWMonitor on it before and it usually hovers around 70 degrees.
 
anyone else here looking forward to the intel HD 4k? i think itll handle my gaming needs nicely with low heat/power usage.
 
Danielsan said:
Glad I've hold out on purchasing a Laptop just yet.
A photo of the new Dell XPS 15 just appeared and it looks outstanding.

9YuCH.jpg


Love the new design and it will have the option for a Nvidia GeForce 640M, i7-3612-quadcore, up to 16GB ddr3, a 1980x1080 matt screen behind gorilla glass as well a 1TB HDD or up to 512GB SSD. Depending on the costs I will probably end up going with the 640m, i7, 8GB ddr3 and a 256GB SSD.
Click to expand...

wow
 
jling84 said:
The exhaust opening for the fan is fairly close to it. I'm not exactly sure which component is directly under.

Also I have run HWMonitor on it before and it usually hovers around 70 degrees.
Click to expand...

If it hasn't always been like this, you may want to take advantage of your warranty. Do some reading and ask around here, to see if there is a hardware issue.


Yenrot said:
Guys, I'm looking to buy a cheap laptop to replace my really old PC. I'm not a big PC gamer, Football Manager being the height of it.

http://m.tesco.com/mt/www.tesco.com...ay-red/212-1067.prd?skuId=212-1067&pageLevel=

Or

http://m.tesco.com/mt/www.tesco.com...-black/212-9644.prd?skuId=212-9644&pageLevel=

I also don't understand dual core processors. Does having a Dual core processor mean a 1.6Ghz is actually 3.2Ghz?
Click to expand...

Between those, I'd take the HP.

RE: dual core CPUs - 1.6Ghz means you have two cores running at 1.6Ghz, which theoretically equals a single core CPU at 3.2Ghz
-COOLIO- said:
anyone else here looking forward to the intel HD 4k? i think itll handle my gaming needs nicely with low heat/power usage.
Click to expand...
Yeah HD 4k will really increase the gaming strength of low level machines.
 
Hey guys, I've found out that the NDA on Sager notebooks will be ending on Thursday or Friday.

At that point:

- New chassis go on sale; shipping begins April 12th
- Compatible with Ivy Bridge, but will initially be sold with Sandy Bridge, due to the Intel delay. You'd be able to pop in an IB CPU at a later date, if desired
- GTX 670M and GTX 675M will be available for P150EM and P170EM; these are rebranded 570M and 580M, but Nvidia has slashed the prices massively, by like two-thirds

The only thing I'm not yet clear on, due to the heavy NDA, is whether the Kepler based GTX 660M will also be available this weekend.
 
K.Jack said:
Between those, I'd take the HP.

RE: dual core CPUs - 1.6Ghz means you have two cores running at 1.6Ghz, which theoretically equals a single core CPU at 3.2Ghz
Click to expand...
Thanks! I think I'm going to get a Compaq CQ57 with an i3 and 4GB RAM because I've shopped around/done my homework. I only want it for word processor, Internet and Football Manager.
 
K.Jack said:
Hey guys, I've found out that the NDA on Sager notebooks will be ending on Thursday or Friday.

At that point:

- New chassis go on sale; shipping begins April 12th
- Compatible with Ivy Bridge, but will initially be sold with Sandy Bridge, due to the Intel delay. You'd be able to pop in an IB CPU at a later date, if desired
- GTX 670M and GTX 675M will be available for P150EM and P170EM; these are rebranded 570M and 580M, but Nvidia has slashed the prices massively, by like two-thirds

The only thing I'm not yet clear on, due to the heavy NDA, is whether the Kepler based GTX 660M will also be available this weekend.
Click to expand...



awesome. I'm so damn excited, been hard to resist settling for something less :x

Thanks for all your help in this thread, it's much appreciated!
 
I have a question about overclocking my GT 540M.

Should I do it?

I have been reading up some overclocking guidelines and OC'd my card. Relevant details are below. I'm also thinking of OC'ing my CPU. Is that a wise move?

-Card: GT 540M
-Memory: 1 GB

Before OC:
-Core/Memory Clocks: 672/900 MHz
-Avg. GPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 57 C
-Avg. CPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 55 C
-3DMark 06 score (standard free version): 8296

After OC:
-Core/Memory Clocks: 770/1000 MHz
-Avg. GPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 69 C
-Avg. CPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 71 C
-3DMark 06 score (standard free version): 9436

* I used WoW because because that's the PC game I play the most. Haven't tried other games.
* CPU is i7-2670QM. Intel system monitor shows its always at 3.1 GHz while I'm playing WoW. Base speed is 2.2 GHz.
* Laptop is an F series Sony Vaio.


Thanks!
 
Danielsan said:
Glad I've hold out on purchasing a Laptop just yet.
A photo of the new Dell XPS 15 just appeared and it looks outstanding.

9YuCH.jpg


Love the new design and it will have the option for a Nvidia GeForce 640M, i7-3612-quadcore, up to 16GB ddr3, a 1980x1080 matt screen behind gorilla glass as well a 1TB HDD or up to 512GB SSD. Depending on the costs I will probably end up going with the 640m, i7, 8GB ddr3 and a 256GB SSD.
Click to expand...
GT 640m?
That's pretty disappointing...
 
hi gaf, i need a portable pc that can run adobe photoshop bullshit programs without hiccupping (so 64 bit w7) but can also play some games (mostly stuff like dota2, maybe stuff like mass effect? not really necessary though). max settings are totally unnecessary. i'm ok with medium settings. i'd really like higher resolution monitor, but i don't really want anything above 16". i just kind of want to buy one and not have to worry about it anymore. my price range is 900-1100 bucks.

i also don't want a dell or HP or gateway.

thanks!
 
sazzy said:
I have a question about overclocking my GT 540M.

Should I do it?

I have been reading up some overclocking guidelines and OC'd my card. Relevant details are below. I'm also thinking of OC'ing my CPU. Is that a wise move?

-Card: GT 540M
-Memory: 1 GB

Before OC:
-Core/Memory Clocks: 672/900 MHz
-Avg. GPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 57 C
-Avg. CPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 55 C
-3DMark 06 score (standard free version): 8296

After OC:
-Core/Memory Clocks: 770/1000 MHz
-Avg. GPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 69 C
-Avg. CPU temp while playing WoW on max settings: 71 C
-3DMark 06 score (standard free version): 9436

* I used WoW because because that's the PC game I play the most. Haven't tried other games.
* CPU is i7-2670QM. Intel system monitor shows its always at 3.1 GHz while I'm playing WoW. Base speed is 2.2 GHz.
* Laptop is an F series Sony Vaio.


Thanks!
Click to expand...
1. You already did it. Leave it overclocked.
2. You can't overclock your CPU.

X05 said:
GT 640m?
That's pretty disappointing...
Click to expand...

It's a thin multimedia laptop, while the GT 640M is over twice the speed of the GT 540M, and as fast as the previous gen GTX 460M. What is disappointing about that?
zaccheus said:
hi gaf, i need a portable pc that can run adobe photoshop bullshit programs without hiccupping (so 64 bit w7) but can also play some games (mostly stuff like dota2, maybe stuff like mass effect? not really necessary though). max settings are totally unnecessary. i'm ok with medium settings. i'd really like higher resolution monitor, but i don't really want anything above 16". i just kind of want to buy one and not have to worry about it anymore. my price range is 900-1100 bucks.

i also don't want a dell or HP or gateway.

thanks!
Click to expand...
This.
 
AngmarsKing701 said:
Still looking for a laptop for my teenagers. The main purpose is educational but they are going to want to play games. Diablo III and Starcraft II come to mind. FPS they normally play on the 360.

Looking at this from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MO0IYQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Great price as I want to stay under $500, but can it get the job done gaming wise? Has an ATI Radeon HD 6320G graphics card.
Click to expand...

How long do your plan for your teenagers to use this laptop? Do you need the computer to be portable?
 
AngmarsKing701 said:
Still looking for a laptop for my teenagers. The main purpose is educational but they are going to want to play games. Diablo III and Starcraft II come to mind. FPS they normally play on the 360.

Looking at this from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MO0IYQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Great price as I want to stay under $500, but can it get the job done gaming wise? Has an ATI Radeon HD 6320G graphics card.
Click to expand...

You could play _some_ games on that but I've seen way better than that for a little more money. I picked up a core i5 w/ nvidia 540m for $550 from newegg not to long ago.
 
fluffydelusions said:
You could play _some_ games on that but I've seen way better than that for a little more money. I picked up a core i5 w/ nvidia 540m for $550 from newegg not to long ago.
Click to expand...

Link?

Edit: Probably want the laptop to be used for a few years. My oldest is 15 this year, so he'll likely be getting a new one when he heads off to college.

Would love to see a couple of options for laptops in the $500-ish range that will be capable of playing Diablo III and Starcraft II but are also capable laptops for a few years.
 
AngmarsKing701 said:
Still looking for a laptop for my teenagers. The main purpose is educational but they are going to want to play games. Diablo III and Starcraft II come to mind. FPS they normally play on the 360.

Looking at this from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MO0IYQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Great price as I want to stay under $500, but can it get the job done gaming wise? Has an ATI Radeon HD 6320G graphics card.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I would've sworn that I responded to your original post, but I somehow didn't submit on whatever reply I typed up way back when.

To answer your present question: No. The 6320G is only going to frustrate a person with how slowly games run on it.

If you're willing to go into the $500-ish range, at $550 this Lenovo is by far the best machine available at this time, with gaming in mind.
 
Looking at my very first laptop, for school this fall.

Don't play a ton of games anymore, but I have quite a few titles on my Steam account from when I had a working desktop.

How likely is it that something like an off-the-shelf Staples or Best Buy laptop (~$600-$700) will play something like Fallout New Vegas?

Or is there something from a place like NCIX or TigerDirect (Canada)?
 
K.Jack said:
I'm sorry, I would've sworn that I responded to your original post, but I somehow didn't submit on whatever reply I typed up way back when.

To answer your present question: No. The 6320G is only going to frustrate a person with how slowly games run on it.

If you're willing to go into the $500-ish range, at $550 this Lenovo is by far the best machine available at this time, with gaming in mind.
Click to expand...

I'm a little squeamish about the Lenovos. I have a new W520 for work and literally the speakers were busted right out of the box. That and I went through two or three others with fan problems (pre-500 series) over the past 5+ years. Maybe they've cleaned up their act, but if I wasn't given one of these for work I probably wouldn't buy one by choice.

Anything comparable from another manufacturer? Anything with an i5 vs. A6 or does that not matter as much? Would still like to keep it in the $550 range but I understand if it goes a little higher.
 
Quick question. I'm looking at getting a decent but not remarkable laptop. One thing I feel like I must have is a nice resolution machine. But I'm flipping through all of the Asus that Newegg carries, and I only see ONE that goes about this 1366 x 768 resolution.

I'm wondering if what I'm looking for is excessive? Does 1366 x 768 satisfy the needs for most people?

While I may do a bit of gaming, I'm mostly getting it for Photoshop + 3ds MAX.

Thanks!
 
Fodder76 said:
Quick question. I'm looking at getting a decent but not remarkable laptop. One thing I feel like I must have is a nice resolution machine. But I'm flipping through all of the Asus that Newegg carries, and I only see ONE that goes about this 1366 x 768 resolution.

I'm wondering if what I'm looking for is excessive? Does 1366 x 768 satisfy the needs for most people?

While I may do a bit of gaming, I'm mostly getting it for Photoshop + 3ds MAX.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you need a laptop for graphical work, then you need a 1080p display minimum. Anything below 1920 x 1080 is smartphone territory. What is your budget? There is a nice Asus laptop recommended by a fellow Gaffer in this page; costs $900. If you can wait a month, I'd wait for laptops with Ivy Bridge and Keppler graphics.

Laptop that I might get in the future, but in 15" display: http://laptoping.com/asus-g75vw.html
 
Fodder76 said:
Quick question. I'm looking at getting a decent but not remarkable laptop. One thing I feel like I must have is a nice resolution machine. But I'm flipping through all of the Asus that Newegg carries, and I only see ONE that goes about this 1366 x 768 resolution.

I'm wondering if what I'm looking for is excessive? Does 1366 x 768 satisfy the needs for most people?

While I may do a bit of gaming, I'm mostly getting it for Photoshop + 3ds MAX.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sadly 1366 x 768 is pretty much standard nowadays. I haven't seen anything with a recent resolution + decent specs to match that wasn't around the $1000 price range. I paid $1249 for mine....I can't deal with that 1366x768 resolution.
 
threetri333 said:
If you need a laptop for graphical work, then you need a 1080p display minimum. Anything below 1920 x 1080 is smartphone territory. What is your budget? There is a nice Asus laptop recommended by a fellow Gaffer in this page; costs $900. If you can wait a month, I'd wait for laptops with Ivy Bridge and Keppler graphics.

Laptop that I might get in the future, but in 15" display: http://laptoping.com/asus-g75vw.html
Click to expand...

That g75 will be awesome...I have the g74 currently :)
 
K.Jack said:
It's a thin multimedia laptop, while the GT 640M is over twice the speed of the GT 540M, and as fast as the previous gen GTX 460M. What is disappointing about that?
Click to expand...
That card is being placed in smaller machines (in an 11-inch even!)... I expected that card as the base option and a 650m as an upgrade at the very least.

I miss the days of the sexy XPS powerhouses :(
 
Thanks guys. I'm really surprised by this. I don't have it with me, but I'm pretty sure my 6 year old Dell gets up to at least 1600 x somethin.

I was really only hoping to spend in the $600 range. I have a nice desktop at home, so this lapstop would just be a supplementary computer that would let me work outside of my home every once in a while. So i don't need a beast, but giant icons is something I can't really handle.

That $900 Asus is appealing. I just have to decide if I want to spend that much.

Thanks for the advice!
 
AngmarsKing701 said:
I'm a little squeamish about the Lenovos. I have a new W520 for work and literally the speakers were busted right out of the box. That and I went through two or three others with fan problems (pre-500 series) over the past 5+ years. Maybe they've cleaned up their act, but if I wasn't given one of these for work I probably wouldn't buy one by choice.

Anything comparable from another manufacturer? Anything with an i5 vs. A6 or does that not matter as much? Would still like to keep it in the $550 range but I understand if it goes a little higher.
Click to expand...
Honestly, this is the machine you want me to show you. Outside of this and the Lenovo, the available options will not last until your oldest graduates high school. I mean, to be frank the 540M and 6650M are already pushing it, for three years. Every lesser card is simply going to make it for a year, max.

X05 said:
I miss the days of the sexy XPS powerhouses :(
Click to expand...
Back when I thought my 8600M GT was the bar none shit. I feel you.

Fodder76 said:
Thanks guys. I'm really surprised by this. I don't have it with me, but I'm pretty sure my 6 year old Dell gets up to at least 1600 x somethin.

I was really only hoping to spend in the $600 range. I have a nice desktop at home, so this lapstop would just be a supplementary computer that would let me work outside of my home every once in a while. So i don't need a beast, but giant icons is something I can't really handle.

That $900 Asus is appealing. I just have to decide if I want to spend that much.

Thanks for the advice!
Click to expand...
This Newegg available version of the Sony Vaio has a 1080p LCD and GT 540M, for $849.99
 
A stick of 4GB DDR3 laptop RAM costs like $20 right now. That's a trivial upgrade. Sony always prices highly, because they're stylish and people love cute things.

Also, just so we're all on the same level of understanding, I want to repeat that the currently available GT 630M is the exact same card as the GT 540M. So don't be fooled into thinking it's a new gen card.
 
K.Jack said:
Honestly, this is the machine you want me to show you. Outside of this and the Lenovo, the available options will not last until your oldest graduates high school. I mean, to be frank the 540M and 6650M are already pushing it, for three years. Every lesser card is simply going to make it for a year, max.
Click to expand...

Thank you, K.Jack! Picked up two of these. I'll be back in a few months when I'm ready to buy something for myself. :-)
 
I am looking for a new laptop this Spring, criteria thus:

• Available in the UK
• 13"
• Option for SSD
• Pref no optical ( not a deal breaker)
• Capable of D3, GW2 and maybe stuff like Max Payne 3 at low details.

Essentially an ultra book but with something a bit better than an Intel HD3000 in it. Anything like that around?
 
There are, but ironically an Intel HD 3000 will run all of those anyway (not well, you'll have to play them at low settings/resolutions, but if what's important to you is being able to play them, there's not really a laptop you can buy other than a netbook that won't run those).

I doubt Xotic ships internationally, but it will give you an idea of what kind of laptop to look for and the price you're looking at.
http://www.xoticpc.com/asus-u36sgxs71-p-3558.html
 
K.Jack said:
Back when I thought my 8600M GT was the bar none shit. I feel you.
Click to expand...
I still game on mine :)

I need to get a new laptop asap, 4 years is too much... hopefully IB+K/GCN is around the corner!
 
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