FUUUUUUUUU I want one now as my Diablo machine.
Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread
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FUUUUUUUUU I want one now as my Diablo machine.
Planning to buy a laptop in the next week or so that will replace my desktop. Does not need to be very portable...will be connected to a monitor or HDTV/sound system 95% of th time. Budget of around $1,500 Canadian...though I can go higher if the value is there.
Want to be able to play the witcher 2 and max payne 2 maxed (roughly) and upcoming games like company of heroes 3. As mentioned, if I can't do that at 1500, I'll bump it a bit.
Suggestions?
Want to be able to play the witcher 2 and max payne 2 maxed (roughly) and upcoming games like company of heroes 3. As mentioned, if I can't do that at 1500, I'll bump it a bit.
Suggestions?
I'd take the N version, so you don't run into CPU bottlenecks.
In that price range, the NP9150 w/ 7970M is the current standard. This comes up to $1,686.95 CAD, shipped.
Isn't it a lot less expensive to order from the other website you recommend? XoticPC I believe?
I come from Canada and would like to be sure, I was planning to get this laptop with the 95% NTSC color screen, 7970M and a 750 GB hard drive.
On Xotic you could also save a little by getting RAM with less Mhz.
Mushroomer25
Member
I was able to get an HP Pavilion dv6 with an i5, 8 Gigs RAM & dual Radeon (6770, I THINK. I do not know for sure.)/Intel HD Graphic cards for $750. That price was due to a $100 coupon for HP's website from BradsDeals - but still, even for $850 - it was a solid deal.
I am looking for a laptop that would be ok for gaming (as secondary purpose). Mainly for Diablo3, but I would like to try some other games too.
Main restrictions:
- must be HP (Lenovo only if there is something much much better for same price)
- must have docking connector (this is what gives me headache since multimedia/gaming models dont have it)
- max 15.6"
I would prefer eSATA connector so I can keep games on external drive.
currently I have HP elitebook 6930p (14", c2d T9400, ATI 3450M, 2GB)
BTW I haven't tried D3 on it. Would it work? I can upgrade ram to 4GB if that would help.
tnx
Main restrictions:
- must be HP (Lenovo only if there is something much much better for same price)
- must have docking connector (this is what gives me headache since multimedia/gaming models dont have it)
- max 15.6"
I would prefer eSATA connector so I can keep games on external drive.
currently I have HP elitebook 6930p (14", c2d T9400, ATI 3450M, 2GB)
BTW I haven't tried D3 on it. Would it work? I can upgrade ram to 4GB if that would help.
tnx
Ok. An radeon card? Interesting. I thought their poor optimization and compatibility was making them second choice to nvidia.
Any of the other options there seem worthwhile? What would that laptop be capable of?
Thanks
fluffydelusions
Member
Basically anything lol. I have an nvidia 560m in my laptop and can play anything at max minus BF3 which I have to tone down some. 7970 bests my card. There is a discussion about this card over at notebookreview if you want to check it out, people say it can play BF3 ultra with 50+ FPS:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...385-ati-hd-7970m-nvidia-geforce-gtx-675m.html
thanks, that was the other question. I really dont care about the 8 hours of battery life, my main reason with going with an ultrabook "like" is for the size of the laptop, i wont carry around a bigger one so its worthless to me
threetri333
Banned
My Sager NP 6165 just arrived today with an SSD that doesn't come with an OS. How do I install Windows 7 on an SSD?
I wasn't sure how he CAD matches up to what you'd pay from a US retailer. Help me out with that.
On Xotic, if I take the base NP9150, then I ad the three upgrades you listed, plus $90 OS + $30 CAD warranty, it comes to $1744, before shipping. Would you not also have to pay a tax upon its arrival to you, in Canada?
The same way you do on an HDD. But you usually want to update any necessary SSD firmware before the OS install.
soulassssns
Banned
Is there any "budget" laptops than can play BF3 and Diablo III at a descent setting?
threetri333
Banned
I have the updated SSD, but whenever I tried to install Windows 7, the progress does not get past "Expanding Windows Files" 0%
soulassssns
Banned
andthebeatgoeson
Junior Member
Damn it. XoticPC just let me know over the phone that their latest shipment of the 7970 didn't pass 'inspection' or something. They are waiting til June 11th for a new shipment. Crap. Probably won't get it until Mid june. Damn, son.
Left the Clevo boat and joined Alienware to a real boat...M18x R2. 7970M CFX, though. Should be sweet.
Alienware M18x R2 (Nebula Red) / 18.4" 1080p WLED / Intel Core i7-3720QM / 32GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz DDR3 RAM / 2x AMD Radeon 7970M 2GB GDDR5 (CrossFireX) / 256GB Samsung 830 SSD + 750GB Seagate Momentus XT SSHD + 500GB Alienware OEM 7.2k HDD / Blu-Ray / Killer Wi-Fi 1103
Haggled and received 16% off and free 2-day shipping. SSD/SSHD/RAM are mine that were intended for the Clevo 170EM. Going to toss 'em in the Alienware when it arrives (it will arrive with 6GB RAM/500GB HDD).
Alienware M18x R2 (Nebula Red) / 18.4" 1080p WLED / Intel Core i7-3720QM / 32GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz DDR3 RAM / 2x AMD Radeon 7970M 2GB GDDR5 (CrossFireX) / 256GB Samsung 830 SSD + 750GB Seagate Momentus XT SSHD + 500GB Alienware OEM 7.2k HDD / Blu-Ray / Killer Wi-Fi 1103
Haggled and received 16% off and free 2-day shipping. SSD/SSHD/RAM are mine that were intended for the Clevo 170EM. Going to toss 'em in the Alienware when it arrives (it will arrive with 6GB RAM/500GB HDD).
Is the sager upgradable (ram, video card etc.)?
Also... Is bf3 the most demanding game around? I see it mentioned a lot in this thread... Even if the card is more powerful, I worry about optimization. When will nvidia's next gen laptop cards cone out? Also, ivy bridge something to keep an eye our for gaming?
Thx
I'd be interested in hearing how you like that laptop when you get a chance as I've been looking at that one myself!
Dead Prince
Banned
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+17.3%22+Series+7+Laptop+-+8GB+Memory+-+1TB+Hard+Drive+-+Silver/4707146.p?skuId=4707146&productCategoryId=pcmcat247400050000&id=1218512740839
i'd get this but is there anything lower and probably smaller screen maybe to cut down the cost?
i'd get this but is there anything lower and probably smaller screen maybe to cut down the cost?
Not bad. I'd do the same if I didn't already get charged.
I'm sitting here, and have no idea about my order except for the fact that it's in phase 2.
I'll give XoticPC a call tomorrow to see what can be done.
da_stabbah
Member
this is kinda disappointing considering how much $ is at stake.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5865/laptop-graphics-face-off-diablo-iii-performance/3
really disappointed at the 1080p performance settings @ "high" with AA. i guess it's better to not get a screen with that high of a res?
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5865/laptop-graphics-face-off-diablo-iii-performance/3
really disappointed at the 1080p performance settings @ "high" with AA. i guess it's better to not get a screen with that high of a res?
I don't think I have to pay a tax, but I'm not really sure. Seems kinda random, I've ordered lots of stuff from the US that didn't get taxed, and ordered a DVD once and UPS charged me $20 on arrival.
By warranty, you mean "Canada Two Way Ground Shipping Coverage Add-on"? If so, then it adds up to 1854$... which is about 60 bucks more than it should cost. But I guess with the free shipping in Canada it evens out. My math sucks
Uh, which are you disappointed in there, on the 1080p charts?
The majority of those are simply weak old-gen cards or have been paired with mediocre AMD CPUs. The only one worth paying attention to is the W110ER, which is pretty amazing for an 11.6" laptop. And that's the DDR3 version of the GT650M, while all 15.6" notebooks are packing the faster GDDR5 version. Plus it's on bvery immature drivers.
I don't think I have to pay a tax, but I'm not really sure. Seems kinda random, I've ordered lots of stuff from the US that didn't get taxed, and ordered a DVD once and UPS charged me $20 on arrival.
By warranty, you mean "Canada Two Way Ground Shipping Coverage Add-on"? If so, then it adds up to 1854$... which is about 60 bucks more than it should cost. But I guess with the free shipping in Canada it evens out. My math sucks
Definitely call and make 100% sure, because I've read people on the NBR forums say they got hit with wtf $250 charges when the courier rang the door bell.
choodi
Banned
Ok I am going to preface this requestby saying that most of the numbers and specs posted in here so far are just confusing me...sooooooo, please go easy on me!
Is this laptop going to be able to run Diablo 3 at a reasonable level of detail/frame rate:
If you need more detail, let me know and I will see what I can get.
Thanks in advance for anyone willing to offer advice.
Is this laptop going to be able to run Diablo 3 at a reasonable level of detail/frame rate:
If you need more detail, let me know and I will see what I can get.
Thanks in advance for anyone willing to offer advice.
Look at the ASUS N56VM w/ 3720QM + GT 630M. Second highest on the charts.
The 2670QM is close enough to the CPU, that it shouldn't matter a huge amount (but assume you'll lose a few fps); the 540M and 630M are literally the same exact GPU, clocks and all.
So, as the results show, you will be very fine if you stay below 1080p.
How much and for what model?
Thinking of pulling the trigger on this Samsung Series 7 today or tomorrow.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MX0WHU/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Core i7 3610QM 2.3GHz
GTX 675M 2GB
16 GB SO-DIMM RAM
1.5TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive
Pretty near the top of the heap in power right now for a decent $1900. Pricing out a laptop on the build your own sites with these specs goes over $1900 everywhere, and I've read a lot of nice reviews about the screen, shell and keyboard on this model. Do I need 16gb of RAM? 'Course not. But this is a beast of a machine that will be future proof for quite a while and I'm tired of waiting for the 680m.
Any reason why I shouldn't? Something else out there with similar performance for less money?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006MX0WHU/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Core i7 3610QM 2.3GHz
GTX 675M 2GB
16 GB SO-DIMM RAM
1.5TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive
Pretty near the top of the heap in power right now for a decent $1900. Pricing out a laptop on the build your own sites with these specs goes over $1900 everywhere, and I've read a lot of nice reviews about the screen, shell and keyboard on this model. Do I need 16gb of RAM? 'Course not. But this is a beast of a machine that will be future proof for quite a while and I'm tired of waiting for the 680m.
Any reason why I shouldn't? Something else out there with similar performance for less money?
Friend is about to pull the trigger on a purchase. Can I just get a GAF stamp of approval on this laptop?
http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-n...6--w7hp-7WG6.html?refs=50626-4294943501&src=3
is the GT635 fairly good as far as mobile graphics go?
Or is that build outdated now for its price range? Better choices?
http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-n...6--w7hp-7WG6.html?refs=50626-4294943501&src=3
is the GT635 fairly good as far as mobile graphics go?
Or is that build outdated now for its price range? Better choices?
The cheapest 2670QM + 540M combo I could find is currently going for around $779 USD, in an Acer model on Newegg.
Most of the budget options are going out of stock, hopefully because the refresh is coming soon.
Bad value. You might as well go with the M17x w/ 7970M, if you're spending $2k. You're going with the significantly slower card.
In what country are you?
United Kingdom.
Your friend should consider an extra ~120 for this. The only changes I made were bumping the CPU up to the i7-361QM and the Memory up to 4GB, which left the price at £903.00 shipped.
That extra £123 gains a few premiums:
- higher quality 1080p LCD
- Faster, next-gen CPU
- GTX 660M is over 2x the speed of the GT 635M (which is just a rebranded GT 555M DDR3)
- Optimus switchable graphics
The only hits I took were HDD space and the Blu--ray, but those can be modified or bought at a later time. The machine is ridiculously easy to upgrade.
If gaming is a priority, rarely do you get the opportunity to flatly double you horsepower for such a small price increase.
So the 6 gigs of memory was overkill? She has a PS3 so blu ray drive isn't a huge loss.
I like your choice, though. Also, it's fairly cheap to upgrade the HDD on the site there and then. For example, taking it to 1TB only brings it up to £958. Would save some hassle down the road.
RadioHeadAche
Member
I'm in the market for a new laptop. These are two models I've been looking at:
Link
Link
Based on some research, it seems the Toshiba one may be able to play games better than the HP. However, the only games I'm really interested in playing on a laptop are, for example, the first two Max Payne games, the original Halo and the older Valve titles to name a few. I'm not very interested in playing newer releases on it because I have a PS3 and most of the games I want are either multiplatform or exclusive. I definitely want the blu-ray player, though.
Anyway, I'm not very tech-savvy so I figured I'd ask those who are. I'm also open to other laptop recommendations as long as they are below $1000.
Link
Link
Based on some research, it seems the Toshiba one may be able to play games better than the HP. However, the only games I'm really interested in playing on a laptop are, for example, the first two Max Payne games, the original Halo and the older Valve titles to name a few. I'm not very interested in playing newer releases on it because I have a PS3 and most of the games I want are either multiplatform or exclusive. I definitely want the blu-ray player, though.
Anyway, I'm not very tech-savvy so I figured I'd ask those who are. I'm also open to other laptop recommendations as long as they are below $1000.
threetri333
Banned
Hello Neogaf, my Sager 6165 arrived last Thursday and it's rocking!
My Praise
- Matte Screen
- Great Performance
- 6 pounds for 15"
- Two screws to access most internals
- I like the keyboard's travel
My criticisms
- Hot keyboard while gaming
- Loud Fans, though not as loud as HP NC6000
- Glossy Frames
- Very Big and Heavy Power Adapter
- No Illuminated Keyboard
My Praise
- Matte Screen
- Great Performance
- 6 pounds for 15"
- Two screws to access most internals
- I like the keyboard's travel
My criticisms
- Hot keyboard while gaming
- Loud Fans, though not as loud as HP NC6000
- Glossy Frames
- Very Big and Heavy Power Adapter
- No Illuminated Keyboard
How long was it from order to ship for you? Thanks!
andthebeatgoeson
Junior Member
I just bought a NP9170 from xoticpc and it also has an additional slot for an extra HD. I will buy an SSD from Amazon for about half the price of what xoticpc offers and load my OS, programs, ect on that. Just a small thing to think about.
BTW, did I goof? XoticPC told me their latest batch of the AMD 7970 was busted and another shipment was not expected until June 10. I have to wait til then but I did authorize them to charge my CC. They told me it would speed up the process but now I may have to pay the CC before I get the PC. I think that might have been stupid of me. Why did they even ask? I felt pressured.
What is the benefit of these "SSD" things? Is there a big performance boost when gaming? Did you chose any of the other additional upgrades/options? GPU, CPU, RAM, screen etc. Is the system upgrade-able?I just bought a NP9170 from xoticpc and it also has an additional slot for an extra HD. I will buy an SSD from Amazon for about half the price of what xoticpc offers and load my OS, programs, ect on that. Just a small thing to think about.
BTW, did I goof? XoticPC told me their latest batch of the AMD 7970 was busted and another shipment was not expected until June 10. I have to wait til then but I did authorize them to charge my CC. They told me it would speed up the process but now I may have to pay the CC before I get the PC. I think that might have been stupid of me. Why did they even ask? I felt pressured.
Out of curiosity, what is your gaming set-up going to be? Are you connecting your laptop to an HDTV?
I just bought a NP9170 from xoticpc and it also has an additional slot for an extra HD. I will buy an SSD from Amazon for about half the price of what xoticpc offers and load my OS, programs, ect on that. Just a small thing to think about.
BTW, did I goof? XoticPC told me their latest batch of the AMD 7970 was busted and another shipment was not expected until June 10. I have to wait til then but I did authorize them to charge my CC. They told me it would speed up the process but now I may have to pay the CC before I get the PC. I think that might have been stupid of me. Why did they even ask? I felt pressured.
by chance when did you order?
I've been sitting in phase 2 since the 16th.
They charged my CC too ($1800). So I'm thinking it really does speed up the process, because they don't charge until it's ready to be built/shipped out.
I hope what you say about the 10th is accurate. I'm about ready to jump ship to Alienware, for the money I'm spending. My only question is, can an order be canceled if it's already in phase 2?
SSD is more for the OS/Apps. It does help games load faster. But the real boost comes from overall system load times.
andthebeatgoeson
Junior Member
From what I could gather on here:
SSD is a solid state drive. Just like a USB or flash drive but bigger. Much faster. Gaming won't really benefit but everything else does. Enough of an improvement to matter. I'm guessing video editing and graphic intensive programs would benefit. You may want to wait for someone else to answer. Seems to me like a good future proofing of the laptop. When all PCs/laptops slow down due to advanced age, I'm splurging to keep somethings moving along fast. There are a few answers over the past 200 posts that will make better sense of it. Unless you do intense work, it may not be a benefit but a luxury.
I got the regular 17 inch screen but many have suggested/recc the upgrades. I stuck with the 3610 Ivy bridge CPU cuz someone said I wouldn't really take advantage of better ones.
Many have recc 6 or 8 GB of ram. Most PC games barely use 4, is the rational.
As far as upgrading, I never looked into and maybe I won't. But I have cracked open a PC or two in my day. I always thought that once you buy one, unless there is a big bottleneck somewhere, you are probably better off just getting a new one. I remember buying some RAM upgrades here in there and them not doing a thing. I hope this lasts me 5 years of solid gaming, then I will probably buy another. Bear in mind, I have no problem gaming at mid level standards, to get more out of the system. I can't tell the difference between 1080p and 720p, nor do I care.
It has a HDMI plug, so I will probably get some time on the big screen but since I have kids and limited TV time, I'll mostly just game on the laptop when I can. Don't want to fire up Resident Evil during Saturday cartoon time. No desire to have a chat with an 8 year old why it's okay to shoot zombies in the crotch or why Capcom chooses to go with on disc DLC (answer to both: cuz they're dicks).
May 24th. Damn, did they call you? I emailed them today and they are holding to June 11th (just rechecked). That's when they get the cards, so it will take some time to make. I may look to see if Alienware has any comparable deals. Seems like a long time to wait.
No call, but I may initiate one myself by the end of this week. I think June 11th sounds accurate for everyone in the second batch, considering the second batch is the one that had to be recalled.
An Alienware with similar specs will cost $200/$300 more. But you'll get it sooner.
Try Asus. Browsing Xoticpc.com, I found several laptops fitting that range.
Like this random one
ASUS N53SM-DS71 i7, Nv 630m, 8gb ram, 750gb hdd $920. I'm sure you could do better than that if you browse the website.
When should the new laptops and better prices start rolling in timewise? I want a new one, but not immediately unless one of my current ones give up the ghost.
Also when's the best time to look at desktops, I could get a desktop and worry about laptops when both break. I need a laptop no matter what, other computer doesn't matter.
I'm going to stick with Asus because they seem to be quiet and really good with handling heat.
Also when's the best time to look at desktops, I could get a desktop and worry about laptops when both break. I need a laptop no matter what, other computer doesn't matter.
I'm going to stick with Asus because they seem to be quiet and really good with handling heat.
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