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[Outdoor Miner]

Hey guys I'm looking for a decent laptop around $1000. I prefer to keep it at 14" or below for screen size and just want to run FFXIV at a decent clip while i'm away from home.

I was browsing xoticpc.com and saw they had a Sager NP7330 for $969 configured as:

Main Specs:
13.3" 1920x1080 screen, Matte Anti-glare
Intel Core i5-4200M (Haswell)
nVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M 2GB
8 GB RAM
Backlit Keyboard
Weight: 4.6 lbs

I figured I'd spring for the i7-4700m +16gb upgrade (run lots of VMs, network student) for an additional $165 ($1129). Can I do better than this at that price? Is the 765M sufficient for gaming (FFXIV - Civ 5 mostly)?

 

[K.Jack]

So just received the g750jx with a nice stuck pixel on the screen!! Tried all the tricks to get rid of it but nothing worked. Newegg were cool though and let me return it for a full refund...even paid the shipping. Maybe I will go that gt70 with 780m that kjack recommended when i get the refund.

I completely forgot to mention the problem people have been having, receiving sub-standard screens in their G750s. Sorry about that. Going by the NotebookReview forum, it's a widespread issue.

Hey guys I'm looking for a decent laptop around $1000. I prefer to keep it at 14" or below for screen size and just want to run FFXIV at a decent clip while i'm away from home.

I was browsing xoticpc.com and saw they had a Sager NP7330 for $969 configured as:

Main Specs:
13.3" 1920x1080 screen, Matte Anti-glare
Intel Core i5-4200M (Haswell)
nVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M 2GB
8 GB RAM
Backlit Keyboard
Weight: 4.6 lbs

I figured I'd spring for the i7-4700m +16gb upgrade (run lots of VMs, network student) for an additional $165 ($1129). Can I do better than this at that price? Is the 765M sufficient for gaming (FFXIV - Civ 5 mostly)?

No, you won't do better, not at that size, for that price.

The 765M can definitely handle your needs, and definitely take the i7-4700MQ option.

 

[OverHeat]

I'm starting to regret buying a laptop with only 1 780m....Next gen game will bring my laptop to it's knee.

 

[fluffydelusions]

Hey guys I'm looking for a decent laptop around $1000. I prefer to keep it at 14" or below for screen size and just want to run FFXIV at a decent clip while i'm away from home.

I was browsing xoticpc.com and saw they had a Sager NP7330 for $969 configured as:

Main Specs:
13.3" 1920x1080 screen, Matte Anti-glare
Intel Core i5-4200M (Haswell)
nVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M 2GB
8 GB RAM
Backlit Keyboard
Weight: 4.6 lbs

I figured I'd spring for the i7-4700m +16gb upgrade (run lots of VMs, network student) for an additional $165 ($1129). Can I do better than this at that price? Is the 765M sufficient for gaming (FFXIV - Civ 5 mostly)?

I played ff14 arr on that card at high and it played perfectly even during huge fates without issue.

 

[fluffydelusions]

I'm starting to regret buying a laptop with only 1 780m....Next gen game will bring my laptop to it's knee.

You think so? I know min specs will of course be raised but more than the 780m? Years down the road well probably but not so soon I would think.

 

[fluffydelusions]

I completely forgot to mention the problem people have been having, receiving sub-standard screens in their G750s. Sorry about that. Going by the NotebookReview forum, it's a widespread issue.

That is terrible to hear. Asus rog line is generally very well built from experience. Been using them since the g51j

 

[K.Jack]

I'm starting to regret buying a laptop with only 1 780m....Next gen game will bring my laptop to it's knee.

You think so? I'm not so cynical. I mean, it's a fully fledged GTX 680, after overclocking. At worst it'll be the card listed under 'Recommened', in a few years.

It won't play games on Ultra for eternity, but then, no card will. A card is in troublw when it can no longer game at the resolution for which it was designed, and the 780M won't be forced below 1080p in the next three years for sure.

What got you shook, Watch_Dogs or Call of Duty?

That is terrible to hear. Asus rog line is generally very well built from experience. Been using them since the g51j

Yeah, though the main problem being reported is color banding.

It's really too bad they cheaped out on the display, because it's a really nice looking laptop.

 

[fluffydelusions]

You think so? I'm not so cynical. I mean, it's a fully fledged GTX 680, after overclocking. At worst it'll be the card listed under 'Recommened', in a few years.

It won't play games on Ultra for eternity, but then, no card will. A card is in troublw when it can no longer game at the resolution for which it was designed, and the 780M won't be forced below 1080p in the next three years for sure.

What got you shook, Watch_Dogs or Call of Duty?


Yeah, though the main problem being reported is color banding.

It's really too bad they cheaped out on the display, because it's a really nice looking laptop.

You know what else. I was reading reviews and I see lots of people talking about the keyboard missing keystrokes. I always thought it was just me not hitting hard enough but that also seems a known issue. BTW the color issue is totally the splendid app Asus installs. Uninstall and it is perfect

 

[Outdoor Miner]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm really close to pulling the trigger. How do you guys feel about the Sager brand as a whole?

 

[K.Jack]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm really close to pulling the trigger. How do you guys feel about the Sager brand as a whole?

My critique has to be split into two parts. The model you're looking at is unparalleled, right now. 1080p IPS display, i7 quad, and a 765M packaged in a tidy 13" is the best thing Clevo has done in years, easily. I highly recommend that you read this quite extensive User Review. It's done by one of the best.

For my complete thoughts on the brand, check out the 'What Is A Clevo?' section of the OP.

 

[Kapow]

I was wondering if someone could help me with a problem im having with my laptop. I have a Lenovo Y580 which has an i7 and a gtx 660m yet when i try to play 1080p videos on battery it stutters so much whereas it runs perfectly when plugged in.

Plugged in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLt8FOw99hc

Unplugged
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqVnVNHsY8

Also ive been getting a massive amount of object pop in and texture pop in in every game i try. Im out of warranty so i cant send it back.

And i've already tried the usual solutions like trying different drivers and power settings and nothing has worked. Temperatures are not a problem as well.

Edit: I should also mention that the computer runs slower as a whole but the video playback is whats bothering me the most

 

[K.Jack]

I was wondering if someone could help me with a problem im having with my laptop. I have a Lenovo Y580 which has an i7 and a gtx 660m yet when i try to play 1080p videos on battery it stutters so much whereas it runs perfectly when plugged in.

Plugged in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLt8FOw99hc

Unplugged
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCqVnVNHsY8

Also ive been getting a massive amount of object pop in and texture pop in in every game i try. Im out of warranty so i cant send it back.

And i've already tried the usual solutions like trying different drivers and power settings and nothing has worked. Temperatures are not a problem as well.

Edit: I should also mention that the computer runs slower as a whole but the video playback is whats bothering me the most

Have you tried reinstalling Windows?

 

[Kapow]

Have you tried reinstalling Windows?

No but I have tried the one key recovery feature which resets it to factory defaults. The thing is, the laptop was working perfectly until i sent it in to have a battery issue fixed in which they swapped out the motherboard. Maybe they didn't put everything back properly?

 

[Adam Blade]

So what you're saying is I don't have to worry for the next two years with my 780m, KJ?

 

[K.Jack]

No but I have tried the one key recovery feature which resets it to factory defaults. The thing is, the laptop was working perfectly until i sent it in to have a battery issue fixed in which they swapped out the motherboard. Maybe they didn't put everything back properly?

Okay, that's definitely suspect. I advise you get back to Lenovo about that. even on battery, the HD 4000 integrated chip should play 1080p smoothly.

So what you're saying is I don't have to worry for the next two years with my 780m, KJ?

I will say yes. But the truth will be told, a year from now, when the new games are no longer cross generation, using the full brunt of the next-gen development.

Whatever happens, we'll rise or burn together. I'm confident. Sorta.

 

[MogCakes]

Okay, that's definitely suspect. I advise you get back to Lenovo about that. even on battery, the HD 4000 integrated chip should play 1080p smoothly.


I will say yes. But the truth will be told, a year from now, when the new games are no longer cross generation, using the full brunt of the next-gen development.

Whatever happens, we'll rise or burn together. I'm confident. Sorta.

If I can play XIV ARR on max settings then I don't care what happens in a year. lol

 

[cartoon_soldier]

Which one of these two RAMs is better?

 

[K.Jack]

If I can play XIV ARR on max settings then I don't care what happens in a year. lol

You will be pleased!

Which one of these two RAMs is better?

May I have a direct link to the RAM?

 

[cartoon_soldier]

You will be pleased!


May I have a direct link to the RAM?

Here:
http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/Latitude/Latitude+E7440-upgrades.html

It's more of a general laptop question rather than a gaming laptop one.

 

[K.Jack]

Here:
http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/Latitude/Latitude+E7440-upgrades.html

It's more of a general laptop question rather than a gaming laptop one.

Okay so you have the E7440, then huh? I was wondering about the PC-14900 RAM, because that's 1866MHz. If you don't specifically need that speed, go with some cheaper sticks.

 

[ghstwrld]

Are these Lenovo L430's good for light pc gaming? We don't really play anything more intense than, say, The Sims or Diablo 3 on low/med settings.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Lenovo-...89752930?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item43c0574262
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-Thin...96241557?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item3f2a841f95

Thanks.

 

[K.Jack]

Are these Lenovo L430's good for light pc gaming? We don't really play anything more intense than, say, The Sims or Diablo 3 on low/med settings.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Lenovo-...89752930?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item43c0574262
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-Thin...96241557?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item3f2a841f95

Thanks.

According to Notebookcheck, the Intel HD 4000 plays Diablo 3 on Medium settings at ~25fps.

 

[ghstwrld]

I C

Is something like that playable?

 

[K.Jack]

I C

Is something like that playable?

Depends on your tolerance. Twenty-six being the average means the framerate dips even lower than that figure, during intense fights.

 

[fluffydelusions]

According to Notebookcheck, the Intel HD 4000 plays Diablo 3 on Medium settings at ~25fps.

I wonder how the 4400 will play games. The surface 2 could make a nice little gaming companion and comes out next week.

 

[K.Jack]

I wonder how the 4400 will play games. The surface 2 could make a nice little gaming companion and comes out next week.

The 4400 is like 20% faster than the 4000, max.

 

[stn]

Need help with buying a laptop cooler. A few questions...

1. Do they work as intended?

2. If I have a 21" laptop base, can I still buy a 17" cooler? I haven't been able to find any 21" coolers anywhere.

Please feel free to recommend a cooler. Thanks so much, guys!

 

[OverHeat]

Upgrade my gt70 to windows 8.1 or not....

 

[K.Jack]

Need help with buying a laptop cooler. A few questions...

1. Do they work as intended?

2. If I have a 21" laptop base, can I still buy a 17" cooler? I haven't been able to find any 21" coolers anywhere.

Please feel free to recommend a cooler. Thanks so much, guys!

What's important is that the fans of the cooler match up with the vents of the laptop. Otherwise it can be detrimental to the cooling solution.

For a 21" laptop it's going to be really hard to find a cooler that works. I'm not sure what to recommend.

Upgrade my gt70 to windows 8.1 or not....

I'm not touching 8.1 until a game has some special DirectX 11.2 sauce. I'm completely fine with regular Win 8 + Start8.

 

[OverHeat]

What's important is that the fans of the cooler match up with the vents of the laptop. Otherwise it can be detrimental to the cooling solution.

For a 21" laptop it's going to be really hard to find a cooler that works. I'm not sure what to recommend.


I'm not touching 8.1 until a game has some special DirectX 11.2 sauce. I'm completely fine with regular Win 8 + Start8.

it's installing on my x51 so will see how it goes.

 

[diffusionx]

I've been using my new Alienware 14 for about a week now and I love it. Great screen, very comfortable, not hot, not too loud, and plays the titles I want for it. I've been playing games like Guild Wars 2, SC2, Borderlands 2, and Dragon Age on it with very favorable impressions. So, if anyone is thinking about pulling the trigger and has questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Mr. X]

I'm prepping for Cyber Monday, trying to scoop a good laptop to replace my ancient one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314149

Anything similar/on par for less or significantly better for little bit more?

I'm not loyal to brands for the laptop, cpu or gpu so feel free to suggest whoever.

I know there's no guarantee or heads up about if it is going on sale but this is just in case they do.

 

[fluffydelusions]

The lenovo y510p has 750m sli for like $100 more.

 

[K.Jack]

I'm prepping for Cyber Monday, trying to scoop a good laptop to replace my ancient one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314149

Anything similar/on par for less or significantly better for little bit more?

I'm not loyal to brands for the laptop, cpu or gpu so feel free to suggest whoever.

I know there's no guarantee or heads up about if it is going on sale but this is just in case they do.

The lenovo y510p has 750m sli for like $100 more.

Yeah, this.

 

[A Link to the Past]

I was directed here - could someone recommend me a laptop within the range of $300-350 that can run The Binding of Isaac specifically?

 

[Mr. X]

The lenovo y510p has 750m sli for like $100 more.

Yeah, this.

Thanks.

 

[K.Jack]

I was directed here - could someone recommend me a laptop within the range of $300-350 that can run The Binding of Isaac specifically?

This can.

 

[A Link to the Past]

This can.

Hmm. Seems like a pretty nice laptop overall sans the lack of an optical drive (which is hardly a killer). Would you say that the laptop can run it proficiently? Like, I don't have to deal with a stilted experience?

 

[K.Jack]

Would you say that the laptop can run it proficiently? Like, I don't have to deal with a stilted experience?

Yes, TBoI should run smoothly.

 

[A Link to the Past]

Yes, TBoI should run smoothly.

Alright, awesome. Thanks

 

[terrisus]

Hey all, just me again. Well, my plans from the beginning of the year to get a new awesome laptop have gone by the wayside as I've had to deal with some medical issues. However, my current 4-year-old laptop is having some serious issues (hinge is cracking being the main issue. Also some keys have come off the keyboard, but I know those aren't too expensive to replace. Still, it's about to hit the end of the road).

One possibility my wife tossed out is that I could have her laptop which she got last year, and she could get a new laptop. So, wanted to have some opinions on her laptop - obviously it's an upgrade over mine (and isn't falling apart), but just curious how much.

So, my current laptop is this one:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01896913&product=4041797

With the following changes made to it:
120GB Intel 320 SSD put in as boot drive, with the stock 500GB drive moved to the second drive slot
RAM upgraded from 6GB to 8GB

Her laptop, which I'm not currently able to find a full spec page for (but maybe someone will have better luck than me), is:
Dell Inspiron i17RSE-3589BK

In particular, it's a 3rd-gen i7, with a geForce GT 650M 2GB, and 8GB RAM. I would, however, make the following changes:
Add in a SSD as the boot drive (I assume it has 2 hard drive slots, can anyone confirm? I suppose I could just open it up and look, but if anyone can find out)
Install Windows 7 as opposed to the Windows 8 it came with (I assume the drivers are available for Windows 7 on that?)

So, thoughts, opinions, advice, etc.?
I know it's not an amazing laptop like I was hoping to be able to do, but, it seems to be the path of least resistance right now.

 

[Ledgehanger]

NeoGAF I need help again finding a laptop. This time I am helping my parents find a laptop for my brother.
Country: UK
Price range: £450 or under
My brother wants to be able to play like CS:GO, Call of Duty and indie games.
Thanks for the help

 

[DurielBlack]

Considering a new laptop this year if I can find something of a satisfactory price/performance ratio.

My current laptop is from 2006, so I won't bother with details on that. Let's just say its old, slow, and I am tired of dealing with a tiny 15" screen after being spoiled by my triple 24" monitor setup on my gaming desktop at home.

So I absolutely require a 17" screen. I also want something that can handle current games and will be passable for future games. Mostly I play MMO and F2P games lately which usually aren't the most cutting edge in graphics to begin with.

The price is the kicker, I want to stay near or below $1500. I'm hoping to catch some holiday deals.

Right now I have an eye on the Sager NP8275-S from Xotic PC.

With the OS and stock configuration options its $1565.58.

Would be nice to add in an SSD boot drive, but that would put the price over my limit. Maybe if it goes on sale I could see adding one.

Does anyone have experience with Xotic PC/Sager? I'm wondering if I should consider upgrading that screen (if there is really any difference), or picking up extra warranty options.

 

[K.Jack]

Hey all, just me again. Well, my plans from the beginning of the year to get a new awesome laptop have gone by the wayside as I've had to deal with some medical issues. However, my current 4-year-old laptop is having some serious issues (hinge is cracking being the main issue. Also some keys have come off the keyboard, but I know those aren't too expensive to replace. Still, it's about to hit the end of the road).

One possibility my wife tossed out is that I could have her laptop which she got last year, and she could get a new laptop. So, wanted to have some opinions on her laptop - obviously it's an upgrade over mine (and isn't falling apart), but just curious how much.

So, my current laptop is this one:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01896913&product=4041797

With the following changes made to it:
120GB Intel 320 SSD put in as boot drive, with the stock 500GB drive moved to the second drive slot
RAM upgraded from 6GB to 8GB

Her laptop, which I'm not currently able to find a full spec page for (but maybe someone will have better luck than me), is:
Dell Inspiron i17RSE-3589BK

In particular, it's a 3rd-gen i7, with a geForce GT 650M 2GB, and 8GB RAM. I would, however, make the following changes:
Add in a SSD as the boot drive (I assume it has 2 hard drive slots, can anyone confirm? I suppose I could just open it up and look, but if anyone can find out)
Install Windows 7 as opposed to the Windows 8 it came with (I assume the drivers are available for Windows 7 on that?)

So, thoughts, opinions, advice, etc.?
I know it's not an amazing laptop like I was hoping to be able to do, but, it seems to be the path of least resistance right now.

Okay.

Your wife's laptop is the Dell Inspiron 17R Special Edition.

So it's an i7-3610QM and GT 650M 2GB GDDR5 vs.the i7-720QM and GT 230M 1GB (GDDR3?)

The upgrade in gaming capability is absolutely massive. The CPU difference is huge and the 650M is probably 6x the speed of the GT 230M.

NeoGAF I need help again finding a laptop. This time I am helping my parents find a laptop for my brother.
Country: UK
Price range: £450 or under
My brother wants to be able to play like CS:GO, Call of Duty and indie games.
Thanks for the help

I've been searching, but I can't find anything in that price range with a dedicated GPU.

This is the cheapest thing I can find.

Considering a new laptop this year if I can find something of a satisfactory price/performance ratio.

My current laptop is from 2006, so I won't bother with details on that. Let's just say its old, slow, and I am tired of dealing with a tiny 15" screen after being spoiled by my triple 24" monitor setup on my gaming desktop at home.

So I absolutely require a 17" screen. I also want something that can handle current games and will be passable for future games. Mostly I play MMO and F2P games lately which usually aren't the most cutting edge in graphics to begin with.

The price is the kicker, I want to stay near or below $1500. I'm hoping to catch some holiday deals.

Right now I have an eye on the Sager NP8275-S from Xotic PC.

With the OS and stock configuration options its $1565.58.

Would be nice to add in an SSD boot drive, but that would put the price over my limit. Maybe if it goes on sale I could see adding one.

Does anyone have experience with Xotic PC/Sager? I'm wondering if I should consider upgrading that screen (if there is really any difference), or picking up extra warranty options.

Well, if you had checked the OP first, you'd have seen that I recommend the $1,366.99 MSI GT70, over any Sager model. MSI simply delivers a higher quality machine. MSI brings the best speakers and keyboard of any gaming laptop. Sager is mediocre at best with speakers and the keyboard is decent.

Another advantage is that MSI laptops automatically comes standard with 2 years of warranty, including a year of accidental on top, after you register online. That would cost you a large amount of extra dough, with Sager.

The price of the GT70 would also allow you to fit a pretty decent SSD into that $1,500 budget.

 

[terrisus]

Okay.

Your wife's laptop is the Dell Inspiron 17R Special Edition.

So it's an i7-3610QM and GT 650M 2GB GDDR5 vs.the i7-720QM and GT 230M 1GB (GDDR3?)

The upgrade in gaming capability is absolutely massive. The CPU difference is huge and the 650M is probably 6x the speed of the GT 230M.

Yeah, we paid $630 when we got it, which definitely seemed like a good deal. And, while I did have my heart set on getting one of those 4th-gen i7s with the new geForce cards, I suppose it could be worse. And to hear you give it such a good impression definitely makes me feel better.

I'll have to talk it over with her and see if she'll do it (she didn't get it for gaming, she was just looking for a 17" with an i7, so we'll just have to get her something else). I mean, obviously my preferred option would be to be able to pick out one that I really like, but otherwise it sounds like this is a good option.

 

[K.Jack]

Yeah, we paid $630 when we got it, which definitely seemed like a good deal. And, while I did have my heart set on getting one of those 4th-gen i7s with the new geForce cards, I suppose it could be worse. And to hear you give it such a good impression definitely makes me feel better.

I'll have to talk it over with her and see if she'll do it (she didn't get it for gaming, she was just looking for a 17" with an i7, so we'll just have to get her something else). I mean, obviously my preferred option would be to be able to pick out one that I really like, but otherwise it sounds like this is a good option.

My advice on whether you should take hers, will come down to what the budget for the new laptop is. There's no reason to spend $1k on a new laptop for her, when that amount would buy you a 750M in SLI Lenovo, that runs all over her current Dell. She might as well keep it to let you buy the new one, in that case.

 

[iJudged]

Buying a laptop, specs...need quick input

17in
Intel Core i5 2nd gen (quad? ) running at 2.67ghz
6GB Ram
500gb HD
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850

How good is it for gaming, will it handle some of the newer games?

This laptop is $400, my budget is around $500.

Can I find something better or is this as good as it gets for this price? Any suggestions? Thnx much

 

[K.Jack]

Buying a laptop, specs...need quick input

17in
Intel Core i5 2nd gen (quad? ) running at 2.67ghz
6GB Ram
500gb HD
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850

How good is it for gaming, will it handle some of the newer games?

This laptop is $400, my budget is around $500.

Can I find something better or is this as good as it gets for this price? Any suggestions? Thnx much

There are no i5 quads, in the mobile space, so that's a dual core.

What laptop is this? Whether or not the 5850 has GDDR5 is huge.

 

[iJudged]

There are no i5 quads, in the mobile space, so that's a dual core.

What laptop is this? Whether or not the 5850 has GDDR5 is huge.

Thanx for the reply, it's hp envy 17.

 

[Giard]

This might be a stupid question, but is there any place that sells laptop GPUs? My 675M keeps overheating all the damn time, and supposedly Sager GPUs are "easy" to replace.

Also, is there anyway I could try improving the GPU's heating problem? Thought about opening up the laptop, dusting it a little... is thermal paste used for laptop GPUs?