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The 2012-2013 Gaming Laptop Thread | Read OP before asking questions!
- Thread starter K.Jack
- Start date
- Status
Word is that there will be high-end 8000M cards this Summer. I can't confirm this yet, but there's talk of both an 8970M and 8990M.
You can easily overclock +135Mhz on the core and +700MHz on the memory with MSI Afterburner. If you want to go higher, we have to get into the flashing of a custom video BIOS.
It's a solid laptop, but overpriced as far as the specs you get for the dollar. Check out the Alienware M14X forum on Notebook Review.
The 650M can play all but the heaviest (Witcher 2...) current gen games at 1080p. In the future you will have to definitely have to dial the res down to 900p or 720p. And, as you noted, there will always be the option of acquiring the 2nd Ultrabay 650M, which would increase your gaming performance significantly.
You can get 2 years out of it, if you deem this as acceptable.
You can easily overclock +135Mhz on the core and +700MHz on the memory with MSI Afterburner. If you want to go higher, we have to get into the flashing of a custom video BIOS.
It's a solid laptop, but overpriced as far as the specs you get for the dollar. Check out the Alienware M14X forum on Notebook Review.
The 650M can play all but the heaviest (Witcher 2...) current gen games at 1080p. In the future you will have to definitely have to dial the res down to 900p or 720p. And, as you noted, there will always be the option of acquiring the 2nd Ultrabay 650M, which would increase your gaming performance significantly.
You can get 2 years out of it, if you deem this as acceptable.
HolyBaikal
Banned
So how is about a laptop bought specifically for the purpose of emulating PlayStation 2 and Gamecube games?
Any particular model optimal for that?
By the way, I'm from the United States. And I was kind of hoping not to spend much over $1,000. But hey, if I have to, I have to.
Any particular model optimal for that?
By the way, I'm from the United States. And I was kind of hoping not to spend much over $1,000. But hey, if I have to, I have to.
My "play" will always mean 30fps gameplay, or higher. The 650M can handle High settings in the typical console port, say Mass Effect 2/3, and will be close to 60fps.
I guess I'd just tell you to buy a Lenovo Y500.
SnakeswithLasers
Member
This is probably a stupid question, but don't non-native resolutions look like blurry garbage on most monitors? So isn't playing at a sub-optimal resolution essentially unplayable? Or is this just because I have an old laptop with a janky display?
I'm actually wondering the same thing. My lappy's native res is 900p, but I want to lower it for better performance
I know that the laptop is going to be worse value wise, but if I were to build a comparable desktop with similar specs to the laptop I'm considering:
3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630QM Processor( 2.40GHz 1600MHz 6MB)
NVIDIA GeForce GT650M 2GB
8.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
1TB 5400RPM+16GB SSD
DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
How much would it run me? Keep in mind I'd also need to buy the OS (probably Windows 8).
Really trying to weigh the pros and cons of this decision. If the desktop would be MILES cheaper, I might consider it more. If it's still going to be in the $700 range, I wouldn't mind spending the extra $150 or so to buy the laptop.
3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3630QM Processor( 2.40GHz 1600MHz 6MB)
NVIDIA GeForce GT650M 2GB
8.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
1TB 5400RPM+16GB SSD
DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
How much would it run me? Keep in mind I'd also need to buy the OS (probably Windows 8).
Really trying to weigh the pros and cons of this decision. If the desktop would be MILES cheaper, I might consider it more. If it's still going to be in the $700 range, I wouldn't mind spending the extra $150 or so to buy the laptop.
state_vector_collapse
Member
Does anyone know of any retailers (actual shops) in the U.K carrying the Lenovo Y500 with the i7 CPU?
I've been hoping to actually go and see one in the flesh, but places like John Lewis They would have been ideal with their 2 year warranty) etc only list the i5 version :/ Thanks
I've been hoping to actually go and see one in the flesh, but places like John Lewis They would have been ideal with their 2 year warranty) etc only list the i5 version :/ Thanks
if the screen is the same, the chassis will be too - so you could go and try one out and then order the i7 version online?
BTW, I'm thinking of selling my y580 to part fund a gaming PC (I tend to flip flop between desktop and laptop every 18 months). If anyone might be interested, let me know. I'm in the UK and its the i7 quad core with gtx660m, 1080p screen and 64GB SSD/1TB HDD with bluray drive. Its 6 months old
Good morning GAF,
I need a bit of help and thought this would be the right place to ask. Next month I am starting a masters program in computer science. One of the requirements is that I have a laptop.
I do not have a lot of extra money to spend so I am looking for something that is at most 500 to 600 with decent stock memory and storage space, and decent battery life.
I will be using this primarily for programming and taking notes, but if it can play games all the better.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for your time.
edit: sorry one other thing I would like it to be running win7 or at least have the ability to be downgraded to win7
I need a bit of help and thought this would be the right place to ask. Next month I am starting a masters program in computer science. One of the requirements is that I have a laptop.
I do not have a lot of extra money to spend so I am looking for something that is at most 500 to 600 with decent stock memory and storage space, and decent battery life.
I will be using this primarily for programming and taking notes, but if it can play games all the better.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for your time.
edit: sorry one other thing I would like it to be running win7 or at least have the ability to be downgraded to win7
Gaming below the screen's native res definitely does cause the image to lose sharpness, but I'd hardly call it garbage or unplayable, especially if you're only going down to the next resolution in your aspect ratio (i.e. 1080p -> 900p, 900p -> 768p). With this in mind, I always recommend lowering graphical settings over screen res. A game will have to be unplayable (avg. <30fps) at the absolute barest of settings before my screen goes below 1080p.
You already have it? Then test it out yourself at 1366x768.
What GPU do you have?
As far as CPU and GPU go, you only need an i5-3350P and GTX 650 to match up, and actually slightly exceed the specs you posted, due to the GTX 650 having significantly higher clocks than the GT 650M. Do the math on the rest. The desktop build always wins. You could do a GTX 660 Ti build for that price.
Hey, any recommendations?
Country where it will be purchased.
- America
Maximum budget.
- $1000ish. Preferably lower.
Max size (can be in screen inches, dimensions, weight).
- 15-18 inches, 900-1080p.
Planned usage (what kind of games or specific games it must run, if heavily gaming at all).
- Media playback, screen quality and web browsing are priorities. The ability for light gaming (indie/doujin games, etc) is nice to have.
Country where it will be purchased.
- America
Maximum budget.
- $1000ish. Preferably lower.
Max size (can be in screen inches, dimensions, weight).
- 15-18 inches, 900-1080p.
Planned usage (what kind of games or specific games it must run, if heavily gaming at all).
- Media playback, screen quality and web browsing are priorities. The ability for light gaming (indie/doujin games, etc) is nice to have.
OK GAF, I am currently in the market for a new mid to high-end laptop. I've kinda drifted away from PC gaming over the past six years or so, and I've come to realize that I just don't do enough heavy lifting to justify maintaining a desktop. In addition, my current laptop and desktop are starting to show their age. So, with that said, I'm planning on replacing both my computers in one move with a nice laptop.
As I said previously, I've kinda drifted away from PC gaming. That said, I still play the occasional PC game and I would like a nice bit of power under the hood. So far as what I'd be playing on PC, I would mostly be sticking to classic titles, indie games and the occasional PC exclusive (with the total war series being the best example of what I would play on a regular basis). However, my laptops primary function will be general usage, multimedia and productivity (mostly for college projects). Overall, I'm hoping this computer will last me a good three years or so.
So, bearing all that in mind, I am currently leaning towards getting a Sager model. Most likely, NP9130 or NP9150 model. The biggest questions I have in mind right now are these: for my needs, will the GTX670m be sufficient or should I look into higher end cards? Secondly, what can you tell me about Sager and xoticpc PC? I'm not really familiar with either company so I'm a tad apprehensive. Finally, are there any other laptops I should investigate before pulling the trigger on either one of these?
Here is my additional information:
Country: United States of America
Maximum budget: $1500
Max size: 15 inches
Planned usage: Productivy, multimedia and light to moderate gaming.
Misc: 1080p and Blu-ray preferred.
As I said previously, I've kinda drifted away from PC gaming. That said, I still play the occasional PC game and I would like a nice bit of power under the hood. So far as what I'd be playing on PC, I would mostly be sticking to classic titles, indie games and the occasional PC exclusive (with the total war series being the best example of what I would play on a regular basis). However, my laptops primary function will be general usage, multimedia and productivity (mostly for college projects). Overall, I'm hoping this computer will last me a good three years or so.
So, bearing all that in mind, I am currently leaning towards getting a Sager model. Most likely, NP9130 or NP9150 model. The biggest questions I have in mind right now are these: for my needs, will the GTX670m be sufficient or should I look into higher end cards? Secondly, what can you tell me about Sager and xoticpc PC? I'm not really familiar with either company so I'm a tad apprehensive. Finally, are there any other laptops I should investigate before pulling the trigger on either one of these?
Here is my additional information:
Country: United States of America
Maximum budget: $1500
Max size: 15 inches
Planned usage: Productivy, multimedia and light to moderate gaming.
Misc: 1080p and Blu-ray preferred.
So I am considering this laptop from Bestbuy:http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+...lack/7674057.p?id=1218858193064&skuId=7674057
It fits my budget and specs for a gaming laptop. However, the 5400RPM hard drive has me concerned...how crippling will that be?
It fits my budget and specs for a gaming laptop. However, the 5400RPM hard drive has me concerned...how crippling will that be?
Just get it and work with it until you can save some money and buy an SSD.
Best upgrade you will make to your machine. Once you install it, it will feel like a different machine.
That sounds a lot like my situation. I picked a NP9130 with a GTX 670MX (Xotic offers the upgrade from the 670M to the 670MX for free in the NP9130), and although I can't comment on it since it will arrive this Friday, I think it was a solid value ($1500) for a laptop with a 256GB SSD and a 1TB HD (including OS) and a 1080p screen. Additionally, the 670MX will certainly help you run games on high to medium settings fairly well for a good time.
Personally though, if you are in no rush, I would wait for the new Nvidia cards get announced and see how they will be priced.
Lenovo Y500 in the OP.
I can agree with this. 5400 or 7200 makes no difference, when compared to an SSD.
I can agree with Zeroth. We're a month or so from the new Clevo/Sager models being released. I'd wait, if possible. They have some major improvements over the current models.
This is good to know. Makes me want to wait.
They were shown to a select few at CEBIT just last week.
Replacing the P150EM and P170EM we have the P157SM and P177SM, respectively.
This morning a Polish site accidentally put up their sales pages too early, and had to take them down due to the NDAs. The P157SM page is still available via Google cache.
It's badly formatted, but some of the highlights:
- Fourth generation Intel (Maxwell)
- GTX 780M (ignore everything they say about the specs)
- Sound Blaster Audigy X-Fi MB3 for the audio. This is a HUGE upgrade over the crappy onboard audio they have now. This alone is worth the wait!
- Two mSATA drives + two HDD/SSD slots
- able to use some kinds of next-gen memory, but I'm losing the facts due to the bad translation
Overall, I'm looking forward to owning a P177SM.
That's an incredible amount of storage space. I doubt I could figure out a way to use it all.
Replacing the P150EM and P170EM we have the P157SM and P177SM, respectively.
This morning a Polish site accidentally put up their sales pages too early, and had to take them down due to the NDAs. The P157SM page is still available via Google cache.
It's badly formatted, but some of the highlights:
- Fourth generation Intel (Maxwell)
- GTX 780M (ignore everything they say about the specs)
- Sound Blaster Audigy X-Fi MB3 for the audio. This is a HUGE upgrade over the crappy onboard audio they have now. This alone is worth the wait!
- Two mSATA drives + two HDD/SSD slots
- able to use some kinds of next-gen memory, but I'm losing the facts due to the bad translation
Overall, I'm looking forward to owning a P177SM.
That's an incredible amount of storage space. I doubt I could figure out a way to use it all.
That's unfortunate. I actually pulled the trigger on a NP9150 last night. That said, time is kind of an issue since I'd really like to have a new computer for the second half of the spring semester.
I ended up going mostly stock on the model, though I did upgrade to a 7970M after doing a bit of research. Even though new CPU and GPU models are right around the corner, I think this should be more than enough power for what I actually intend to use my computer for. Still, any additional thoughts are welcome.
GhostRidah
Member
Where are you checking? I can still see on both the US and Canadian Lenovo sites.
this one is crap since it only has integrated graphics. check the lenovo y580 or the asus n76vz instead.
They replaced it with the y500 in Europe at least. We only ever had a couple of options compared to the US market and I'm guessing it was expensive compared to the competition and so lenovo lowered the spec on its successor.
So it sounds like if I want something really high end I should wait a few months for Haswell and these 7XX series units to drop then?
The site was down for it a week, and no retailer has it anymore. Its back up?
Other than the sli, its kinda why I've been reluctant to jump on the y500 for an option.
Yep, pretty much. Not much reason to invest so much in a laptop GPU now since new cards are coming.
FWIW, I'm selling my y580 in the B/S/T thread. UK unfortunately, but its the top spec one. Lovely laptop, and IMO worth looking around to see if there are any left in stores.
Is it actually a spec bump? I thought the desktop GPUs are treading water this year with just rebranding
Is it actually a spec bump? I thought the desktop GPUs are treading water this year with just rebranding
They are using the same architecture as the current MX and 680M processors, but they will be better optimized and thus run fairly better than current GPUs. In some cases they are just renamed (like the 670M and 675M GPUs being older GPUs), but all data we have so far suggests the 7XXM GPUs will be a significant upgrade (at least the higher end ones) and not just a rebranding.
So gaming laptop gurus, which one of these is a better sale:
800: Toshiba Qosmio x870-14W
17 inch, 1600 x 900
i5-3230M
8GB RAM
670M 3GB
750GB (5400 RPM)
Win 8
1000: Lenovo Y500
15 inch, 1920 x 1080
i7-3630QM
8GB RAM
650M SLI 2GB+2GB
1TB (5400 RPM)
Win 8
So Toshiba has only dual core which is my main worry. I looked around the web and it doesn't seem to matter that much now but what about the next few years? I'm the type that uses one laptop for at least 3-4 years.
Also 650M SLI seems about 20% more powerful in games (than 670M) but I have read that SLI also adds a lot of microstutter which would make it worse than 670M in my eyes. Is the stutter true?
My main gaming would be PS2 emulation, maybe some Dolphin emulation, ARMAs, Guild Wars 2, Battlefield 3 to name a few. Also a lot of older games but obviously both of these will run all that stuff.
So I guess what I'm asking is that is either of these deals a great one or should I wait few months for the new stuff?
800: Toshiba Qosmio x870-14W
17 inch, 1600 x 900
i5-3230M
8GB RAM
670M 3GB
750GB (5400 RPM)
Win 8
1000: Lenovo Y500
15 inch, 1920 x 1080
i7-3630QM
8GB RAM
650M SLI 2GB+2GB
1TB (5400 RPM)
Win 8
So Toshiba has only dual core which is my main worry. I looked around the web and it doesn't seem to matter that much now but what about the next few years? I'm the type that uses one laptop for at least 3-4 years.
Also 650M SLI seems about 20% more powerful in games (than 670M) but I have read that SLI also adds a lot of microstutter which would make it worse than 670M in my eyes. Is the stutter true?
My main gaming would be PS2 emulation, maybe some Dolphin emulation, ARMAs, Guild Wars 2, Battlefield 3 to name a few. Also a lot of older games but obviously both of these will run all that stuff.
So I guess what I'm asking is that is either of these deals a great one or should I wait few months for the new stuff?
Somnium986
Member
So is this the reason everything is going ETA 3/22 on XoticPC? Was so ready to buy that P150EM. Oh well just leaves more time to save up.
Their will be no major performance advancements in the GTX 700M series. Expect nothing more from the GTX 780M than a rebrand of the GTX 680MX that made it into the latest edition of Apple's iMac. That is a downclocked desktop GTX 680, mind you.
The Qosmio having a dual core automatically eliminates it from consideration. It's quad or bust from here on out.
I'll update as soon as I hear something new.
The Qosmio having a dual core automatically eliminates it from consideration. It's quad or bust from here on out.
I can't confirm that. Sagernotebooks.com is showing that every LCD option on every laptop is on backorder with an ETA: March 22, 2013. Also, the 7970M and 675MX options are showing that same date. It's definitely fishy, but I haven't heard anything about the new P1x7SM chassis launching before April.
I'll update as soon as I hear something new.
Tizoc
Member
Right so due to various personal and monetary reasons I was unable to purchase a new laptop in the past few months, but I'll start saving for the ASUS G55 and get it by Summer.
ATM were any new laptop models released that offer the same performance as the Lenovo Y580 and ASUS G55 and G75 models?
ATM were any new laptop models released that offer the same performance as the Lenovo Y580 and ASUS G55 and G75 models?
No.
Following this post up: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=47817792&highlight=#post47817792
Upgrade done (a couple of weeks back), so my P150HM is now running primary SSD, secondary HDD and the optical drive is in a USB enclosure.
Three purchases were needed for the job; a Kingston HyperX 120GB SSD, and these:
(The top listing only shows a PCB, but it's the full enclosure.) All in all, a fairly cheap way to breathe new life into the machine. I've kicked /Users to the old HDD where it's free to bloat, and installed a handful of favourite games on the SSD.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there is a universal clip pattern used for optical drive fascias, so I was able to use the stock Clevo fascia on the new HDD bay adaptor. It looks just like the original drive is still there.
Criminy. I'll settle for a GPU upgrade this year, but that's looking mighty nice.
Upgrade done (a couple of weeks back), so my P150HM is now running primary SSD, secondary HDD and the optical drive is in a USB enclosure.
Three purchases were needed for the job; a Kingston HyperX 120GB SSD, and these:
(The top listing only shows a PCB, but it's the full enclosure.) All in all, a fairly cheap way to breathe new life into the machine. I've kicked /Users to the old HDD where it's free to bloat, and installed a handful of favourite games on the SSD.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there is a universal clip pattern used for optical drive fascias, so I was able to use the stock Clevo fascia on the new HDD bay adaptor. It looks just like the original drive is still there.
Criminy. I'll settle for a GPU upgrade this year, but that's looking mighty nice.
uncleniccius
Member
Country where it will be purchased:UK
Maximum budget £1000, but I'd prefer £900.
Max size 15.6'
Planned usage: Mostly for studying, but I hope to play Sim City/ a few strategy/indie games on it.
I found a Samsung laptop (I've heard that they are reliable) for £900 with the following:
Processor Intel® Core i5-3230M processor (2.6 GHz, 3.1 GHz with TurboBoost, DMI 5 GT/s, 3 MB Cache)
Operating System Windows 8
RAM 8 GB DDR3 (1600 MHz)
Graphics card AMD® Radeon 8850M (2 GB gDDR3 Power Express)
Screen type Superbright 300nit Anti Reflective FHD LED Display with 10 point Touch Screen Panel
Screen resolution 1920 x 1080
I didn't think the 8xxx series was available yet, it seems that the card above is similar to a 660m. Will this meet my needs? Is an I5 enough?
Maximum budget £1000, but I'd prefer £900.
Max size 15.6'
Planned usage: Mostly for studying, but I hope to play Sim City/ a few strategy/indie games on it.
I found a Samsung laptop (I've heard that they are reliable) for £900 with the following:
Processor Intel® Core i5-3230M processor (2.6 GHz, 3.1 GHz with TurboBoost, DMI 5 GT/s, 3 MB Cache)
Operating System Windows 8
RAM 8 GB DDR3 (1600 MHz)
Graphics card AMD® Radeon 8850M (2 GB gDDR3 Power Express)
Screen type Superbright 300nit Anti Reflective FHD LED Display with 10 point Touch Screen Panel
Screen resolution 1920 x 1080
I didn't think the 8xxx series was available yet, it seems that the card above is similar to a 660m. Will this meet my needs? Is an I5 enough?
What is your source on this "better optimized"and "significant upgrade"? My understanding is that there are no technological improvements taking place in the mobile GPU space this year. Just obligatory OEM rebranding.
CoachKevin
Member
Hoping to get some advice in here.
I am moving to Japan in a few months and need to go from a desktop setup to a laptop for the video editing I do in Adobe Premiere.
I was thinking of getting a 15" Macbook Pro, but the configs are pretty dumb right now ($2000 to get one with a 1GB 650m in it).
So I have been looking at the Lenovo y500 at around $1200. Seems to have some great reviews, although ascetically, it is a lot rougher than the Macbook Pro. How would you guys compare the two?
The laptop would be traveling with me a bit, maybe a few days a week to work.
Thanks!
I am moving to Japan in a few months and need to go from a desktop setup to a laptop for the video editing I do in Adobe Premiere.
I was thinking of getting a 15" Macbook Pro, but the configs are pretty dumb right now ($2000 to get one with a 1GB 650m in it).
So I have been looking at the Lenovo y500 at around $1200. Seems to have some great reviews, although ascetically, it is a lot rougher than the Macbook Pro. How would you guys compare the two?
The laptop would be traveling with me a bit, maybe a few days a week to work.
Thanks!
Deaf Spacker
Memb
I'm considering getting a desktop pc but lack of space and the fact that I'd need a monitor is making me reconsider. I'm currently using a MSI GE6200X which is pretty decent but it's going to be given to my girlfriend provided I can get a better performing laptop for myself.
I have a budget of £800 but I can stretch it if the performance is worth it. I'd prefer the same screen size as my current MSI, the full HD resolution is nice but not absolutely necessary.
Can anyone help?
I have a budget of £800 but I can stretch it if the performance is worth it. I'd prefer the same screen size as my current MSI, the full HD resolution is nice but not absolutely necessary.
Can anyone help?
If you're spending that kind of money, get a quad core
Buy my y580 for £750
Other that, lenovo y500 is pretty good
Aesthetics aside, if the trackpad and keyboard are similar to the y580, then its a good buy. the trackpad is huge and the closest I've used to a MacBook Pro (king of trackpads). Don't know if it has a backlit keyboard like the y580.
Risk Breaker
Member
I would take the Lenovo without thinking. My 1000€ laptop from a few months back only has 1 650M, so I would take SLI in an instant. Also my i7-3610QM runs PCSX2 absolutely flawlessly in software mode and very well in hardware mode. My previous dual core ran Dolphin much worse as well.
Obviously you should look into the possible SLI issues you might encounter, but it's quite extended nowadays so I would think those issues are much less common than years ago.
Fuck, now I want 650M SLI
I would take the Lenovo without thinking. My 1000€ laptop from a few months back only has 1 650M, so I would take SLI in an instant. Also my i7-3610QM runs PCSX2 absolutely flawlessly in software mode and very well in hardware mode. My previous dual core ran Dolphin much worse as well.
Obviously you should look into the possible SLI issues you might encounter, but it's quite extended nowadays so I would think those issues are much less common than years ago.
Fuck, now I want 650M SLI
I just checked the Lenovo deal again, they won't be shipping it until in a month or so. Might as well wait for some of the new stuff in Q2 and build a custom one from mysn.de.
uncleniccius
Member
If you're spending that kind of money, get a quad core
Buy my y580 for £750
Other that, lenovo y500 is pretty good
Will that make a huge difference? I'm aiming for the makes which are more reliable (I haven't checked Lenovo to be honest) and Samsung coming 2nd in most makes them very appealing.
Quad core will keep you going much longer before running out of steam.
Lenovo are a big laptop brand, my work laptops have always been lenovo (they were previously IBM think pads)
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