Mr_Appleby
Member
kai3345 said:
bugger. such a useful site. i tried googling some stuff for you but no joy
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Gamer-approved laptop recommendation thread
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bugger. such a useful site. i tried googling some stuff for you but no joy
Is the 5470 decent? I probably wouldn't do any real heavy gaming on it, mostly Source games and emulators.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220753
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220753
Spiderjericho
Member
K.Jack said:
Yeah, if you're getting a 14", get one with the 5650 like the Envy, Acer Timeline, Lenovo Y460.
If you're getting a 15" and up, get a 5650, 5750, 5830, 5870, GT 460M, GTX480.
keeblerdrow
Member
Just wanted to pop in here to say that my Lenovo Y460 with an i5 540, radeon 5650 and 4 gigs of RAM has been running awesome for all the three months I've owned it. If you get one, just be warned, budget for an SSD or something cause the 5400 rpm hard drive is gonna killlll youuuuuu. Everything runs okay with it except Borderlands. Borderlands freaks the fuck out that it can't get information fast enough and constantly locks up my entire system.
5650 worth it with an i3-370, or do you really need to have an i5 to get the most benefit?
Looking at a simple i3-370/4GB for a family computer now that the kids are needing one for homework, and was wondering what it'd take to make it reasonable for games (either for the kids or myself)
I can get an i3-370 for about £450, an i3 with 5650 for £550, and an i5 5650 for about £620
Want to keep the cost closer to £500 if possible
Looking at a simple i3-370/4GB for a family computer now that the kids are needing one for homework, and was wondering what it'd take to make it reasonable for games (either for the kids or myself)
I can get an i3-370 for about £450, an i3 with 5650 for £550, and an i5 5650 for about £620
Want to keep the cost closer to £500 if possible
I am looking at this bad boy for my laptop , yes I know it's huge, carrying it won't be a problem and when I do its for 3-4 mins at a time. I stay out if town alot for my job and looking to replace my older toshiba. Just wanted GaFs input as a gaming laptop.
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?poid=488792
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?poid=488792
I got my m11X (i5 version) and I have a question.
Where is the option to on/off Turbo Frequency?
Do I access it after it boots or through the BIOS setup? On the BIOS page I see that I can enable/disable turbo mode and enable/disable overclocking, which I assume are two different things.
Help, I don't want to fry my new laptop
EDIT: Okay I see that Turbo Mode is an automatic thing, and it's enabled/disabled in the BIOS. I guess my next question is if anyone's has any tips/warnings about OCing the m11x.
Where is the option to on/off Turbo Frequency?
Do I access it after it boots or through the BIOS setup? On the BIOS page I see that I can enable/disable turbo mode and enable/disable overclocking, which I assume are two different things.
Help, I don't want to fry my new laptop
EDIT: Okay I see that Turbo Mode is an automatic thing, and it's enabled/disabled in the BIOS. I guess my next question is if anyone's has any tips/warnings about OCing the m11x.
Has your frozen up at all when running a game?Halycon said:I got my m11X (i5 version) and I have a question.
Where is the option to on/off Turbo Frequency?
Do I access it after it boots or through the BIOS setup? On the BIOS page I see that I can enable/disable turbo mode and enable/disable overclocking, which I assume are two different things.
Help, I don't want to fry my new laptop
EDIT: Okay I see that Turbo Mode is an automatic thing, and it's enabled/disabled in the BIOS. I guess my next question is if anyone's has any tips/warnings about OCing the m11x.
The difference between Turbo and overclocking confused me a bit on my m11x too. I say just forget about overclocking. The potential benefit simply isn't worth it especially since battery life is one of the best parts of the m11x, and overclocking would heavily affect that. It would also make it run hotter, and less reliably.
Turbo automatically kicks in when you're playing a game and especially if you're on battery. You can witness it in action if you:
-Start a game plugged in
-Game runs fast because turbo is on plugged in
-Unplug the laptop, game performance plummets cause turbo turned off at first
-After a few seconds, performance picks back up, cause turbo comes on.
On battery it'll still be a little bit slower than when plugged in, but not nearly as bad as when you first unplug it.
Turbo automatically kicks in when you're playing a game and especially if you're on battery. You can witness it in action if you:
-Start a game plugged in
-Game runs fast because turbo is on plugged in
-Unplug the laptop, game performance plummets cause turbo turned off at first
-After a few seconds, performance picks back up, cause turbo comes on.
On battery it'll still be a little bit slower than when plugged in, but not nearly as bad as when you first unplug it.
I think most of the people having this problem are attributing it to the 335m or the drivers. I wonder if there are R2 owners out there who are not having this problem or they are just not complaining about it. Tempted to ask Alienware for a new one.
Jakoavain said:
the i5 ones are duo cores, i7 ones are quad cores. but if i were you, i'd wait for sandybridge processor that's coming to the G73-SW.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...us-sandy-bridge-laptop-g73sw-coming-soon.html
it uses a i7-2630QM. I can't seem to find the specs for this processor, but the QM would implicate it's a quad core.
here's hoping it supports optimus or switching graphics.
unless... you prefer the AMD HD 5870m, then you'll have to go with G73-JH. If that's the case, the i7-740QM / 720QM would probably be more future proof.
Shrennin
Didn't get the memo regarding the 14th Amendment
GAF, I need some advice when my laptop gets here.
I decided to get the Asus G73JW-A1 but I hear it's good to do some things before actually using the computer (in order to get all the bloatware and whatnot off of the computer). Any ideas on what I should do? I don't want to mess it up, although I do have some, albeit limited, computer expertise, I am really cautious when it comes to laptops. I had the place I ordered it from create a boot disk for me so I wouldn't have to worry about it (will I need this in order to get rid of the bloatware?).
To summarize, what are the things I should do before using my new laptop? I wanted to ask now before it comes (it's coming soon).
I decided to get the Asus G73JW-A1 but I hear it's good to do some things before actually using the computer (in order to get all the bloatware and whatnot off of the computer). Any ideas on what I should do? I don't want to mess it up, although I do have some, albeit limited, computer expertise, I am really cautious when it comes to laptops. I had the place I ordered it from create a boot disk for me so I wouldn't have to worry about it (will I need this in order to get rid of the bloatware?).
To summarize, what are the things I should do before using my new laptop? I wanted to ask now before it comes (it's coming soon).
My M11x R1 has been rock solid since I bought it back in late May. The R2s have been flaky at best. I'm not sure what the hell Dell did to ruin such a great laptop (I've used mine every single day this year I've had it, sometimes at 4-5-6 hours a stretch), but hopefully you guys get some satisfaction with Dell.
FWIW, I don't find the C2D to limit my gaming performance in anything except for something like Civ V. WoW runs perfectly on it.
FWIW, I don't find the C2D to limit my gaming performance in anything except for something like Civ V. WoW runs perfectly on it.
Not sure where you got the idea that R2s are "flaky", but mine has been running rock-solid with no problems to speak of. Maybe people are overclocking too much?Cheech said:
I'm using it right now, after playing Torchlight on it on a plane on battery for 2 hours straight. Awesome
XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
Likewise. Had a few issues at first, but once I found a stable OC setting I haven't had any issues at all. My R2's been running smooth.dLMN8R said:Not sure where you got the idea that R2s are "flaky", but mine has been running rock-solid with no problems to speak of. Maybe people are overclocking too much?
I'm using it right now, after playing Torchlight on it on a plane on battery for 2 hours straight. Awesome
Banjo Tango
Member
You're referring to this fellow here?hteng said:
I'm also on the fence about waiting - not sure about the graphics cards, I don't do a lot with optimization / overclocking.
Also, where do most folks pick up their laptops? Any sites that typically have post-Xmas promotions and such?
help me decide between these two laptop please
1. TOSHIBA Satellite L655-S5111 NoteBook Intel Core i3 370M(2.40GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...043&cm_re=toshiba_l655-_-34-214-043-_-Product
or
Acer Aspire AS5745G-7671 NoteBook Intel Core i3 370M(2.40GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 420M
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115860
do i want the NVIDIA geforce gt 420m or the 5650??
thanks
1. TOSHIBA Satellite L655-S5111 NoteBook Intel Core i3 370M(2.40GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...043&cm_re=toshiba_l655-_-34-214-043-_-Product
or
Acer Aspire AS5745G-7671 NoteBook Intel Core i3 370M(2.40GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 420M
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115860
do i want the NVIDIA geforce gt 420m or the 5650??
thanks
TestMonkey
Member
Any thoughts on this laptop for this price?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220755
Seems like a steal to me but I thought I'd check in with GAF before I purchase. Not looking for high end just future proof at medium settings. Getting paid tomorrow so if warnings are to be had I would they would come in the next few hours. Thanks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220755
Seems like a steal to me but I thought I'd check in with GAF before I purchase. Not looking for high end just future proof at medium settings. Getting paid tomorrow so if warnings are to be had I would they would come in the next few hours. Thanks.
keeblerdrow
Member
D23 said:
I am always susceptible to buyer's remorse so I've been trying not to pop in here too much (I don't want to see a deal and regret not waiting
). I just wanted to say with either of these laptops, you're limiting yourself with the processor and the hard drive. The 5400 RPM hard drive can really screw up certain games. I am having real and substantive problems running Borderlands because of my 5400 rpm hard drive for instance. The i3, though is not something that's keeping pace with the video cards in either of those laptops. It lacks the turbo mode that the i5 and i7 have, which can really help with heat and battery issues. Those are just about the fastest i3's you can get, but I'd see if you can find an i5 in a similar model before them. That is, of course, if you're planning to play the games those cards imply you'd like to try playing on them.
Shrennin
Didn't get the memo regarding the 14th Amendment
I got my ASUS A73JW-A1 and it is amazing. I would definitely recommend it. The only issue I have right now is the USB 3.0 is not being recognized, I am working on finding a fix (and if anyone has any suggestions then feel free to post them).
I did notice that during the beginning cutscene of StarCraft 2, the cutscene sometimes leaves a black imprint (it doesn't last long, it fades right after the next scene) after certain parts of the cutscene ends. I think it's the quality of the LCD and not the laptop though (it only does that when the cutscene is already really dark and everything else has run really well).
The ASUS Live Update is crap though, I uninstalled that as fast as I could (it doesn't work and is apparently known for such).
I did notice that during the beginning cutscene of StarCraft 2, the cutscene sometimes leaves a black imprint (it doesn't last long, it fades right after the next scene) after certain parts of the cutscene ends. I think it's the quality of the LCD and not the laptop though (it only does that when the cutscene is already really dark and everything else has run really well).
The ASUS Live Update is crap though, I uninstalled that as fast as I could (it doesn't work and is apparently known for such).
^ they will be in stores within the next 2 weeks. Expect availability directly after CES.
@ keeblerdrow - the Core i3s are faster than similarly clocked Core 2 Duos, and neither of them will bottleneck a 128-bit GDDR3 GPU.
- Even with all 4 cores in use, testing shows that the AMD Phenom II X4 P920 is just as fast as the Core i3 330M. That's ridiculously slow. Thus, we know their CPUs are significantly slower than Intel's, clock for clock. The Core i3 370M is faster than the Phenom.
- So consider what that means, if a game or application only uses two cores. That's where the lack of turbo boost, like Intel's quad cores, will hurt the worst. So in any game which only uses 2 cores will be far below most Minimum Requirements, even when they only ask for a 2Ghz Core 2 Duo.
Spend the $50 on a 7200RPM HDD.
@ keeblerdrow - the Core i3s are faster than similarly clocked Core 2 Duos, and neither of them will bottleneck a 128-bit GDDR3 GPU.
I'll break it down:Ledsen said:
- Even with all 4 cores in use, testing shows that the AMD Phenom II X4 P920 is just as fast as the Core i3 330M. That's ridiculously slow. Thus, we know their CPUs are significantly slower than Intel's, clock for clock. The Core i3 370M is faster than the Phenom.
- So consider what that means, if a game or application only uses two cores. That's where the lack of turbo boost, like Intel's quad cores, will hurt the worst. So in any game which only uses 2 cores will be far below most Minimum Requirements, even when they only ask for a 2Ghz Core 2 Duo.
Spend the $50 on a 7200RPM HDD.
K.Jack said:
Thanks, i've been trying to decide between a netbook/ Sandy bridge laptop/ next ipad revision. I'll wait to see what kinda prices Sandy Bridge laptops have before deciding.
Ipad: Very small, doesn't run hot, can use Splashtop to read my Marvel Digital Unlimted comics online subscription/emails/fun apps/netflix/casual games.
Downside: I don't like typing on a screen....fingerprints!
Netbook: Good battery life, doesn't run hot, can read my Marvel comics sub easily, watch streaming video/netflix/nba games. Better functionality for taking notes during college classes. Can play my gog.com games.
Sandy Bridge: Mystery! But could possibly play newer games like The Witcher/Amnesia...not sure about heat/battery life though, and price. That's the biggest concern. I want a laptop that can actually go on my lap on occasion without deciding my legs should be on fire like my current Dell inspiron e1505.
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
Yeah, hi, me again.Jinfash said:
Four days ago, I contacted Asus' customer services in Saudi Arabia and reported my problem, after the suggested solutions by their online support didn't solve it (updating the graphics drivers and BIOS) which by the way, started appearing in other games, like Bejewel 3.
They were kind enough to send someone pick my machine up from my place the next morning. Today I called to check on how things were going, and they told me that they solved the problem and already shipped my laptop, that I should be expecting it later today, or tomorrow morning. I got curious about what exactly caused the problem and whether they replaced any hardware, so I asked.
Asus rep: "Yes, the engineer says that he ran Windows update and it seemed to solve the problem..."
...
I told him that it's impossible since A) I'm sure I ran Windows update many times and B) that's a stupid solution to an overheating GPU.
Asus rep: "I asked again, and he said all it needed was a Windows GENUINE update."
I said no shit, my copy of Windows is genuine so obviously all the updates are too, but that's all I got from the guy.
Is that even possible?
All I can do right now is wait for the laptop to get here, in the meantime I can pass the time writing a long ass complaint to Asus.
Jinfash said:
85C seems pretty normal for the JH models, im on JW and i've seen my go 89C only in FFXIV, usually for other games it tops at 80C.
if the nature of your freeze is getting GSOD/BSOD, then you'll need to update your bios. look at this forum on how to fix it. It's a well known issue with JH models
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
I updated my bios to the latest version (211 iirc) before sending it in, and ran into the issue. I thought "maybe it's a Civ5 issue, wait for the patch", patch was released but the problem persisted, thought "well maybe Civ5 is still buggy", but then I ran into it when playing Bejewled3!hteng said:
85 is the old number btw, after posting that the temp starting hitting 95 before freezing.
I guess what I don't understand is how "windows update" was their solution, if they said something along the lines of "there are no hardware problems, we're sure of it" or "we couldn't replicate the problem" I'd understand. But no, they said "we identified the freezing problem, and solved it by updating windows."
:|
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834214051
What do you guys think of this TOSHIBA gaming laptop? I'm thinking of getting one pretty soon since its $300 off and at a pretty good price point. The only downside I can think of is that the size is really really bulky and not at all suitable for portability...such as going to class and stuff. Anyways some feedback would be great. thanks.
What do you guys think of this TOSHIBA gaming laptop? I'm thinking of getting one pretty soon since its $300 off and at a pretty good price point. The only downside I can think of is that the size is really really bulky and not at all suitable for portability...such as going to class and stuff. Anyways some feedback would be great. thanks.
Jinfash said:
they probably couldn't replicate the problem. high temps are almost usually caused by dust stuck on the vents or thermal paste failing/drying out.
read this and judge for yourself
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...titys-thoughts-repasting-read-here-first.html
if you want to repaste and not void your warranty, you'll have to ask an asus supplier to do the paste for you.
Can't speak for that specific laptop, but my last Toshiba was a piece of shit. It lasted surprisingly long but with a ton of problems all along the way. Not to mention it would overheat incredibly easily and it wasn't even a gaming laptop. While it lasted surprisingly long, after the overall experience I wouldn't recommend one again. I'll stick with Asus from now on.g23 said:
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
This is fucked up. I shouldn't be doing these things on a brand new unit, and the manufacturer are completely incapable of solving a simple overheating problem, something that's as old as PC gaming itself, either that or they don't want to. Now I have to order some thermal paste and apply it myself? there are no authorized suppliers around here to do it for me. I paid more money for this?hteng said:
Fuck gaming laptops, PC gaming and everything in between.
Jinfash said:
if it's a brand new unit then dust is not likely to collect enough to cause high temps, it's probably the shitty paste used in earlier JH models, you can always ask asus to do the repaste and ask them to use the better pastes like ICD7..etc.
My JW model is still using stock paste, it's 2 months old and has been pretty good with some minor hiccups. I was turned off by the problems in the JH model, so i went for the JW model.
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