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Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread

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is there any way to deactivate the initel hd 4000 if u have another graphics card inside? even though i changed the settings (every game should use the gt 650m) some just dont get it. for example gta4 still uses the integrated. intel optimus technology is the worst crap ever. no shit. lately i think i should have gone for the x51.

You should be able to toggle the graphics options in the BIOS.
 
is there any way to deactivate the initel hd 4000 if u have another graphics card inside? even though i changed the settings (every game should use the gt 650m) some just dont get it. for example gta4 still uses the integrated. intel optimus technology is the worst crap ever. no shit. lately i think i should have gone for the x51.

Pressing the Turbo button on my MSI effectively does this. You can also select the GPU on a per app basis in the Nvidia software, I think.

And yeah, it's a pain in the ass, I was never quite sure which GPU my laptop is going to choose until I found the workarounds.
 
is there any way to deactivate the initel hd 4000 if u have another graphics card inside? even though i changed the settings (every game should use the gt 650m) some just dont get it. for example gta4 still uses the integrated. intel optimus technology is the worst crap ever. no shit. lately i think i should have gone for the x51.

It's pretty easy to use Nvidia Control Panel to make the laptop always use the Nvidia GPU instead of the Intel IGP.

nvcpl.gif


You can also define individual program settings using the Program Settings tab. Just add a game .exe and you can select to use IGP or GPU on a program by program basis.
 
It's pretty easy to use Nvidia Control Panel to make the laptop always use the Nvidia GPU instead of the Intel IGP.

nvcpl.gif


You can also define individual program settings using the Program Settings tab. Just add a game .exe and you can select to use IGP or GPU on a program by program basis.

i tried it all, i'm not that stupid :P but when i started the benchmark test, gta told me its still using the integrated graphics.
 
i tried it all, i'm not that stupid :P but when i started the benchmark test, gta told me its still using the integrated graphics.

You do know that some games can't "see" the Nvidia GPU that way? The Nvidia GPU actually uses the Intel IGP for output by rendering directly into the IGP's framebuffer even when it's running, that's how Optimus works. It should be easy to tell by the reported framerate and image quality if it's the IGP or the GT 650M.
 
any thoughts on the y850 I posted a few posts back?

I might pull the trigger on that if it's the best bang for my buck (800-1200).

Looks like a good deal to me sir.

As far as data transfer, I'm an amateur, but I'd use a USB 3.0 drive.
 
Sold my g74...fantastic laptop but just too big for me to lug around. Didn't even fit in my bag lol...had to keep zipper open. What is a nice setup for around $1200 that is well smaller lol 14/15" range...Asus g55 any good?
 
My old laptop just died, and I'm looking to spend $500-700 on something that can run newer games playably (if not necessarily at top settings). The Acer models discussed in this thread look like some of my best bets, but don't they have lousy reliability?


For the record, looking at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085H64E6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215408 - how much difference does 1GB more make for graphics, vs. the similar model above?
Or, if I splurge a bit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215541&name=Laptops-Notebooks
 
Regarding shipping...seems amazon is delaying shipments in NYC due to hurricane sandy bleh. Going to go with a Asus g55. Loved the g74 just too big for me.

If you want something even a little bit less bulky, ASUS is soon to release the G46, which is a 14" gaming laptop with the GTX 660M
My old laptop just died, and I'm looking to spend $500-700 on something that can run newer games playably (if not necessarily at top settings). The Acer models discussed in this thread look like some of my best bets, but don't they have lousy reliability?


For the record, looking at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0085H64E6/?tag=neogaf0e-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215408 - how much difference does 1GB more make for graphics, vs. the similar model above?
Or, if I splurge a bit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215541&name=Laptops-Notebooks

Well I mean if you can afford it, the one with the quad core and GT 640M is the no-brainer choice.
 
Fuck the y580 that I wanted now doesn't have the bluray drive...wtf newegg?

Amazon has it but from a marketplace guy...not sure if trustworthy.
 
Quick question, I keep toying with dropping money into a sager, their 91xx series has video cards that say user upgradable. Does this mean in the future if an updated mobile gpu comes out I could potentially swap it out and extend the life of the laptop?

Sort of have been wanting to build a desktop, just gad my first son born this Monday though, thinking desktop in the other room gaming won't be an option for years, figured a hop on laptop for a quick session is more reasonable, just wanted to see if this wold possibly extend the life of the laptop.

I have been using a dell Inspiron 1720 and a 8600m gt for ages to play cs and cs source, source engine stuff.

Any way any suggestions from anyone is appreciated if I sound like my line of thinking is skewed.

Also have wanted to try dolphin and pcsx2 emulation, (the dell burns out/sputters out when I try).

Thanks!
 
Fuck the y580 that I wanted now doesn't have the bluray drive...wtf newegg?

Amazon has it but from a marketplace guy...not sure if trustworthy.

How close is the price direct through Lenovo? Link to marketplace?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009JXJWZI/?tag=neogaf0e-20 yay or nay. they managed to pricematch this with newegg.

Yay.
Quick question, I keep toying with dropping money into a sager, their 91xx series has video cards that say user upgradable. Does this mean in the future if an updated mobile gpu comes out I could potentially swap it out and extend the life of the laptop?

Yes, theoretically, future GPUs could be available as aftermarket upgrades. For instance, my 2011 Sager NP8170 is able to upgrade to the 2012 7970M. But no gaming laptop should be bought under the assumption that this will hold true 100% of the time.
 
Yes, theoretically, future GPUs could be available as aftermarket upgrades. For instance, my 2011 Sager NP8170 is able to upgrade to the 2012 7970M. But no gaming laptop should be bought under the assumption that this will hold true 100% of the time.

I do know that, I was just wondering more from someone who had a Sager possibly and their experience, good to know that is what they were saying, I do know I could get burned possibly, but still good to know there is more of a chance at extendability than my Dell monster.

Thanks again!

Side Note: K. Jack, have you ever done any ps2/wii/gamecube emulation from your sager? If so, how did it handle heat?
 
Side Note: K. Jack, have you ever done any ps2/wii/gamecube emulation from your sager? If so, how did it handle heat?

No I haven't emulated myself, but I know people who do/did, and the emulators don't raise the temps any higher than the average gaming session.
 
Still stuck.

The Y480 can't use the BIOS mod from the Vaio S series. I can't buy a Vaio S because they just switched parts and upgraded the models to W8 which means that the old BIOS mod doesn't work anymore.

Really close to saying goodbye to the dream of a 14' gaming laptop and just going for a Y580 with a 660m.
 
Someone might hack the new VAIO S BIOS. Who knows, if you ask around on the Notebook Review forums you might be able to rustle up a modder to help you out with that.
 
I know that I literally could've saved a few Benjamin's, but I placed an order for an Alienware m17x for their 12 month financing plan...I'm a little tight on funds right now, and just couldn't help myself. I did manage to get a $100 discount though. >.>
 
Which notebook are you looking at? Need any advice on the build?

Right now I keep flirting with the np9150 and just can't decide on a gpu (as I said I am looking into playing some old ps2 rpgs and some wii games I have upscaled, as well as some decent source games). I just want the ability to future it a bit.

Thanks again!
 

I've heard of "end of December" for the US and it's exclusive to Best-Buy for now. As a an unfortunate canadian, it's a few months off for to use.

I'm now looking into the Y400
series from Lenovo. 1366x768 screen but it's a 650M 2GB. I don't understand why they have the Y400 and the Y480, they are just way too similar in terms of prices and features. I almost missed the Y400. Quick question, any big difference between the i5-3210M or the i7-3630QM and would that difference be worth 80$? That's the only real difference between the Y400-952329U(769$ with a coupon) and the Y-400952328U(829$ with a coupon). Those coupons are just insane, I hope it isn't some kind of elaborate scam. :\
 
Bought it straight from Lenovo.

Now the waiting game begins...as well as the buyers remorse.

Funnily enough my shitty laptop has worked fine sine I bought the new one.

It knows it's days are numbered lol.
 
Hello gamer laptop GAF,

I've been rocking 10/11" Asus netbooks for the last couple of years, but now it's time to upgrade. So I'm looking for a 13/14/15" laptop/ultrabook with which I can do some serious gaming. I've been looking at this thread for leads but unfortunately, most of the models are from the US, and I'm from Euroland.

My budget would be below 800€, ideally. Any models that you could recommend ? Bunch of thanks.

Reposting, since it kinda went unanswered. Too many references thrown left and right for me to follow.
 
shit...Lenovo delayed my shipping (although it still shows up with an expecting delivery of 11/14).

I figure that's ok since they have to actually make the thing but then I read a bunch of horror stories of their shitty service...

has anyone ordered from them before?

That would suck to have 1000 bucks in limbo.
 
If you want something even a little bit less bulky, ASUS is soon to release the G46, which is a 14" gaming laptop with the GTX 660M

Well I mean if you can afford it, the one with the quad core and GT 640M is the no-brainer choice.
Yeah I have seen that...14" may be a bit too small for me though lol. I think 15.6 is just right for portability. Is 14" 1080p screen BTW?
 
Reposting, since it kinda went unanswered. Too many references thrown left and right for me to follow.
I am a big Asus fan...I've purchased 3 different rog models and all are solid for gaming. Currently getting a g55 which is 15.6" so maybe that will work for you? Also lenovo y580 seems popular here...I haven't used one personally though.
 
So, anyone know of any good Black Friday deals on gaming laptops? I was intending to build a gaming PC but I just moved to an extremely tiny apartment and I don't think having a full desktop would be very feasible right now.
 
Yeah I have seen that...14" may be a bit too small for me though lol. I think 15.6 is just right for portability. Is 14" 1080p screen BTW?

I haven't seen a whole lot of 14' with 1080p screens. It seems to start mostly around the 15.6 line. It might be a size issue? I've seen a few 1600x900 screen though.
 
OK so I plan on buying a new laptop come January, and I would like for it to be at $1000 or less. What's a good model that can run emulators well (mainly PS2 & Wii)?
I mainly want one that is 15 or 16 inch screen. 1080p is optional, and I'd be fine with 720p.
 
I haven't seen a whole lot of 14' with 1080p screens. It seems to start mostly around the 15.6 line. It might be a size issue? I've seen a few 1600x900 screen though.

Just received my g55 and am currently setting it up. So far it's awesome. This is much more portable than the g74
 
So, anyone know of any good Black Friday deals on gaming laptops? I was intending to build a gaming PC but I just moved to an extremely tiny apartment and I don't think having a full desktop would be very feasible right now.

Black Friday laptops are not gaming laptops. But you'll want to look here if you want to stand in line with a stomach full of turkey in the freezing cold.
 
Took the plunge on an IdeaPad Y580 Laptop

i7-3610QM processor
Windows 8
NVIDIA GeForce GTX660M
8GB DDR3 memory
1TB hard drive + 32GB solid state drive
15.6" HD LED widescreen display

999.00 after 400 dollar savings coupon!

now the waiting game.....

working the storm shelter duty in Jersey next week will be a little easier
 
Took the plunge on an IdeaPad Y580 Laptop

i7-3610QM processor
Windows 8
NVIDIA GeForce GTX660M
8GB DDR3 memory
1TB hard drive + 32GB solid state drive
15.6" HD LED widescreen display

999.00 after 400 dollar savings coupon!

now the waiting game.....

working the storm shelter duty in Jersey next week will be a little easier

Nice purchase! It was the one I was considering until they changed the "Weekly" coupon in the middle of the week. :/ How is shipping time looking?

That 32 GB looks kind of weird. Is it enough for a full W7 install? I mean, could you just rip it out and go with the 1TB as a main drive?
 
Usually the 32GB SSD comes by default as a cache for the 1TB mechanical HDD. Some of them can be 'de-coupled' and used as a standalone SSD. However 32GB is pushing it in terms of what you can put on it. Windows by itself will certainly fit but you will have every little space left over after for your apps and games.
 
Reposting, since it kinda went unanswered. Too many references thrown left and right for me to follow.

Where are you, specifically?
OK so I plan on buying a new laptop come January, and I would like for it to be at $1000 or less. What's a good model that can run emulators well (mainly PS2 & Wii)?
I mainly want one that is 15 or 16 inch screen. 1080p is optional, and I'd be fine with 720p.

Might as well wait and come back in January. Things change quickly.
I've heard of "end of December" for the US and it's exclusive to Best-Buy for now. As a an unfortunate canadian, it's a few months off for to use.

I'm now looking into the Y400
series from Lenovo. 1366x768 screen but it's a 650M 2GB. I don't understand why they have the Y400 and the Y480, they are just way too similar in terms of prices and features. I almost missed the Y400. Quick question, any big difference between the i5-3210M or the i7-3630QM and would that difference be worth 80$? That's the only real difference between the Y400-952329U(769$ with a coupon) and the Y-400952328U(829$ with a coupon). Those coupons are just insane, I hope it isn't some kind of elaborate scam. :\
The Y400 is a lower featured model. It has one USB 3.0 port vs three of them on the Y480, and lacks any mini PCIe slots. It's also a different size: Y400 = 350 x 245 x 15 - 33 mm (13.8 x 9.6 x 0.6 - 1.3") vs Y480 = 345mm x 239mm x 20-32.8mm (13.6" x 9.4" x 0.8-1.3").

You want the quad core for $80 more. There's no reason to purposely bottleneck yourself with a dual core, in this day and age.
 
Any good black Friday deals going on? And if not what's good in the 800-1000 range? 13 inch maybe? The ASUS Zenbook UX32VD-DB71 looks nice, is that the top of the top?
 
Usually the 32GB SSD comes by default as a cache for the 1TB mechanical HDD. Some of them can be 'de-coupled' and used as a standalone SSD. However 32GB is pushing it in terms of what you can put on it. Windows by itself will certainly fit but you will have every little space left over after for your apps and games.

Yeah this. On the lenovos they come merged with the HDD to act as a cache for frequently used files. I don't know how smart it is or how the speed compares to a HDD only setup vs an SSD only setup. You can always pull out the 32GB one and put in another as long as it is mSSD. So effectively you have two hard drive bays which can be handy.
 
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