twinturbo2
butthurt Heat fan
So, when will the GeForce GTX 680MX be more widely available?
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/notebook-gpus/geforce-gtx-680mx
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/notebook-gpus/geforce-gtx-680mx
The 2012-2013 Gaming Laptop Thread | Read OP before asking questions!
- Thread starter K.Jack
- Start date
- Status
So my Acer Aspire V3-571G-6479 has arrived and so far I'm decently happy with it.
A few things:
Screen: Right away I noticed the screen is pretty mediocre. It seems washed out compared to some other laptops I've seen, however, I'm primarily using an external display so I don't really mind.
Keyboard: The keyboard layout is really annoying. You have to press Fn+up (or down) to change the volume instead of having a dedicated key. I have no idea if this is standard fare but it's bewildering to me why there wouldn't be dedicated keys for volume. It's especially annoying since I work from a USB keyboard so I have to reach into the semi-closed laptop to change the volume with both hands, since the "Fn" key is too far away from the arrow keys to hit both with one hand (and my hands are big). There are other minor annoyances such as the "\" key being attached to both the enter key and the left shift which makes it really easy to accidentally hit it.
Touchpad: The touchpad is really bad; almost oversensitive and I'm constantly "clicking" when I don't intend to. Luckily I use a mouse 90% of the time.
Graphics: One thing to note is that I wasn't used to having the dual Intel/Nvidia-based video processor, so I unwittingly booted up my first few games without activating the dedicated 640M. This is fixed simply by forcing Nvidia graphics through the Nvidia control panel.
Performance: So my go-to games, Super Monday Night Combat and Civ 5 run flawlessly, as expected. The only demanding game I've installed so far is Saints Row 3, and I got a dismal performance. The in-game auto-detect sets every graphics setting as low as possible which is far too ugly for my liking. I can bump it up to medium for OK performance; high and ultra settings cause severe slowdown. I don't recommend this laptop if you want to play Saints Row 3.
I'll repost after I've tried a few more games; Witcher 2 will probably be my next install and possibly Dirt 3.
A few things:
Screen: Right away I noticed the screen is pretty mediocre. It seems washed out compared to some other laptops I've seen, however, I'm primarily using an external display so I don't really mind.
Keyboard: The keyboard layout is really annoying. You have to press Fn+up (or down) to change the volume instead of having a dedicated key. I have no idea if this is standard fare but it's bewildering to me why there wouldn't be dedicated keys for volume. It's especially annoying since I work from a USB keyboard so I have to reach into the semi-closed laptop to change the volume with both hands, since the "Fn" key is too far away from the arrow keys to hit both with one hand (and my hands are big). There are other minor annoyances such as the "\" key being attached to both the enter key and the left shift which makes it really easy to accidentally hit it.
Touchpad: The touchpad is really bad; almost oversensitive and I'm constantly "clicking" when I don't intend to. Luckily I use a mouse 90% of the time.
Graphics: One thing to note is that I wasn't used to having the dual Intel/Nvidia-based video processor, so I unwittingly booted up my first few games without activating the dedicated 640M. This is fixed simply by forcing Nvidia graphics through the Nvidia control panel.
Performance: So my go-to games, Super Monday Night Combat and Civ 5 run flawlessly, as expected. The only demanding game I've installed so far is Saints Row 3, and I got a dismal performance. The in-game auto-detect sets every graphics setting as low as possible which is far too ugly for my liking. I can bump it up to medium for OK performance; high and ultra settings cause severe slowdown. I don't recommend this laptop if you want to play Saints Row 3.
I'll repost after I've tried a few more games; Witcher 2 will probably be my next install and possibly Dirt 3.
I'm trying to find a laptop that fits these requirements, in order of importance:
Under $1000
Around 15"
dedicated graphics with its own RAM (anything decent)
Backlit keyboard
4GB RAM
USB 3
Webcam
HDMI out
BD Combo drive
That's right, I don't care about screen resolution or processor. All processors are good at this point. It's more about the bells and whistles.
Strangely a Bluray drive is the hardest to find at any price range; why is it so rare? People don't like to watch BD movies on their laptops? It's the least important thing, though.
http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP700Z5A-S09US-features
I like this guy, but no BD Combo drive
Edit:
Toshiba lets you customize. I can add a BD drive for $50 or a BD burner for $75.
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cdetland.to?poid=2000044248
What other sites let you do customization like this? It would help this process so much.
Under $1000
Around 15"
dedicated graphics with its own RAM (anything decent)
Backlit keyboard
4GB RAM
USB 3
Webcam
HDMI out
BD Combo drive
That's right, I don't care about screen resolution or processor. All processors are good at this point. It's more about the bells and whistles.
Strangely a Bluray drive is the hardest to find at any price range; why is it so rare? People don't like to watch BD movies on their laptops? It's the least important thing, though.
http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/laptops/NP700Z5A-S09US-features
I like this guy, but no BD Combo drive
Edit:
Toshiba lets you customize. I can add a BD drive for $50 or a BD burner for $75.
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cdetland.to?poid=2000044248
What other sites let you do customization like this? It would help this process so much.
So I am about to pull the trigger on a Sager/Clevo 9150 from XoticPC. PC will primary be for indie games, but that includes Star Citizen, Strike Suit Zero. Plus I do like the option to play Valve's releases on the PC. No need for a machine that plays AAA FPS on ultra.
A few questions:
1. I'm going with the ultrabright, 95% NTSC color gamut screen. I'm leaning toward the glossy, since I understand that's supposed to be more vibrant. I use my laptop almost exclusively indoors, so I'm not worried about glare. Any argument in favor of the matte display that I'm missing?
2. The specs note that the GPU is user upgradeable. I assume that means that - if I can find a free standing 680M down the line - I can open up the laptop and swap out the GPU (but future cards after the 680M are not guaranteed). I've never replaced a laptop GPU but am comfortable swapping cards, drives, etc. in a desktop. Anything I should be aware of about this "user upgradeable" claim? Assuming there isn't, I'm planning on sticking with the 670 for now, and grabbing a 680M down the line when the price falls.
3. Xotic's price for RAM is dirt cheap considering they do the install work. But is there any good reason to get more than 8 gigs right now?
A few questions:
1. I'm going with the ultrabright, 95% NTSC color gamut screen. I'm leaning toward the glossy, since I understand that's supposed to be more vibrant. I use my laptop almost exclusively indoors, so I'm not worried about glare. Any argument in favor of the matte display that I'm missing?
2. The specs note that the GPU is user upgradeable. I assume that means that - if I can find a free standing 680M down the line - I can open up the laptop and swap out the GPU (but future cards after the 680M are not guaranteed). I've never replaced a laptop GPU but am comfortable swapping cards, drives, etc. in a desktop. Anything I should be aware of about this "user upgradeable" claim? Assuming there isn't, I'm planning on sticking with the 670 for now, and grabbing a 680M down the line when the price falls.
3. Xotic's price for RAM is dirt cheap considering they do the install work. But is there any good reason to get more than 8 gigs right now?
I´m close to buy the Nexoc M727II (the smaler M507II ist based on the Clevo W251EG(Q) )
the only thing is that i have to decide if I take the I7-3630QM or the one with the I5-3210M
Note: the one with the I7 also have an 750GB Hybridd HDD(8GB FLash) and a transferrate 6gb/s for 100€ more
(I ,as a student , don´t have that much money so if it isn´t neccecary I want to save the 100€ instead of spending it for the I7 and 750gb HDD with 8gb flash)
Edit: after I read the OP the main question is about the 8gb flashmemory. What does effort does it bring?
to compare them
http://www.notebooksbilliger.de/not...oc+m727ii+i5+2x+250ghz+8gb+ram+500gb+hdd+43cm
http://www.notebooksbilliger.de/nex...fcampaign_id=0c59b7c191b6f18a10b2b1e157b4f1a8
the only thing is that i have to decide if I take the I7-3630QM or the one with the I5-3210M
Note: the one with the I7 also have an 750GB Hybridd HDD(8GB FLash) and a transferrate 6gb/s for 100€ more
(I ,as a student , don´t have that much money so if it isn´t neccecary I want to save the 100€ instead of spending it for the I7 and 750gb HDD with 8gb flash)
Edit: after I read the OP the main question is about the 8gb flashmemory. What does effort does it bring?
to compare them
http://www.notebooksbilliger.de/not...oc+m727ii+i5+2x+250ghz+8gb+ram+500gb+hdd+43cm
http://www.notebooksbilliger.de/nex...fcampaign_id=0c59b7c191b6f18a10b2b1e157b4f1a8
There's still no guarantee it comes to laptops.
The $1,099 Y580 has a BRD and everything else you listed.
I will do one, if any are announced. Right now, all we have is the Samsung Series 7.
Don't expect any deluge of options, until Intel drops Haswell, and Nvidia/AMD reveal there real next-gen cards in Q2.
1. I have no counters, as the glossy has objectively better stats.
2. Yeah, you have the definition down pretty concretely. BUT I must warn you, that aftermarket prices on the highest-end GPUs almost never drop very far. Here you can see, for sale, nearly every mobile GPU from the last 5 years. Notice how the x80M cards are still expensive as hell, with the 680M sitting at $750.
The long story short, you will never find a decent GTX 680M for less than the $400 they're asking from you, right now. I'd bet a laptop on that, straight up.
3. Because of, why not.
Frequently used apps are stored in the flash, which leads to a quicker moving OS and faster boot times.
I have to say, that the i7 and Momentus XT are worth at least 300, so 100 would be quite the deal. But it comes down to how much that 100 means to your current, everyday existence.
Thanks, I'm going with the Y580 from Newegg.
So I´m going to buy the Nexoc M727II with the I7-3630QM / 1600*900 screen (17")/Geforce GT645M GDDR5/ 8GB 1600Mhz RAM/ Seagate Momentum 750GB+8GB flash 7200rpm 6gb/s /Win 7 64Bit
The games I would play away from home should be well playable (Borderlands 1 (when there´s a Game of the year eddition Borderlands 2/ Torchlight 1+2 / and maybe Darksiders II
and Thanks to all the answers
The games I would play away from home should be well playable (Borderlands 1 (when there´s a Game of the year eddition Borderlands 2/ Torchlight 1+2 / and maybe Darksiders II
and Thanks to all the answers
Thanks K.Jack - I can't justify the $400 but it's good to have a real understanding of where the prices are going to go. I may spring for the 675 since it's just $100. But that, memory, etc. - all those things add up.
Thanks K.Jack - I can't justify the $400 but it's good to have a real understanding of where the prices are going to go. I may spring for the 675 since it's just $100. But that, memory, etc. - all those things add up.
The 675MX is definitely worth that $100, so I highly recommend it.
Hey thanks. Doesn't look like it comes with backlit keyboard though. And the "Customize" option offers no customization.
The $1,099 Y580 has a BRD and everything else you listed.
Hey thanks. Doesn't look like it comes with backlit keyboard though. And the "Customize" option offers no customization.
I do believe that all the Y580 come with a backlight keyboard. And yeah, there is very little customization with the Lenovo systems.
Hey thanks. Doesn't look like it comes with backlit keyboard though. And the "Customize" option offers no customization.
Then how about this MSI?
What do you mean by "doesn't work"?
i mean it runs but i wouldnt consider it playable.
OK, that's more customization than needed. Haha, I'll make it through. Thanks.
Still impossible to say, this far out. The "leaked" specs don't even go into detail about the GPUs yet.
As far as gaming goes, I haven't heard many complaints about 8, so I guess it doesn't matter, within the purpose of this thread.
Though I don't know how well Nvidia and AMD are doing with getting their graphics switching drivers up to date, so that's something to be wary of, for now.
Vigilant Walrus
Member
Hashwell. Could this become what we want it to be. Serious reduction in power. More battery, less heat, less chance of throttling?
I'm trying to imagine a notebook like Macbook Pro 15 with Retina, with that CPU. I've felt for a long time that the problem with most notebooks and smartphones these days, is that the battery revolution has not progressed as much. We are still nowhere near the 10 hour mark for a powerful computer, or with much more than a thousand cycles per unit. I wonder if they are working on something to replace Lithium.
I'm trying to imagine a notebook like Macbook Pro 15 with Retina, with that CPU. I've felt for a long time that the problem with most notebooks and smartphones these days, is that the battery revolution has not progressed as much. We are still nowhere near the 10 hour mark for a powerful computer, or with much more than a thousand cycles per unit. I wonder if they are working on something to replace Lithium.
Few manufacturers provide discs these days, so I doubt it.
That's a good deal for an M14X, so buy it if you like it.
BibiMaghoo
Member
Nope. DDR3
I get 37fps in DOW2 : Retribution on Ultra though
The laptop is really nice. Windows 8, not so much.
Thanks for the info.Nope. DDR3
If you're interested in overclocking, you should be able to boost that Core frequency to the 7690M's 725MHz, easily.
It's the same exact core, only downclocked. Just monitor the heat with a program like HWMonitor.
Calibrated Chaos
Member
Anything nice at sub-$1000 and sub-15inch? Doesn't need to be the most powerful just portable and fairly light. I'd still like to play most modern games on medium though. Currently lugging a 15inch Macbook Pro around and its just not convenient anymore.
What's a good cooling pad?
Cooler Master Notepal U2/U3?
Can you upgrade the fans on it?
Cooler Master Notepal U2/U3?
Can you upgrade the fans on it?
Does MS still let you download the ISO?
BibiMaghoo
Member
If it's safe, sure.
I have no idea how though, is there good software that can do this for me?
I could Google it, but would rather a recommendation from someone that knows what they are talking about.
You should probably wait for the Intel Haswell laptops.
If by "let" you mean, you can download it from anywhere, and use the product key from the bottom of your machine, yes.
As far as cooling pads go, I'm not much into them, so my only advice is to look for reviews.
I use Sapphire TRIXX. It has a simple interface.
I don't know.
There's no W8 product key stickers anymore tho right? I was looking up why mine was missing, and it's encrypted in the bios for W8?
I forgot about that.
So then I assume that you can just acquire the ISO, burn it to disc, then when you boot from it the BIOS will auto-fill the product key and initiate a clean install.
Fine Ham Abounds
Member
I clicked on this to check it out, and it appears to be on a weekly deal for $869 atm. Am I doing it wrong, or is this a really good price for this?
Edit: Just realized the 1080 screen is $950.
goldenpp72
Member
This might seem like a dumb question but, is there a good reason to buy a laptop cooling mat or is it ultimately a gimmick? I had one before for a dell I purchased and it seemed to work well but the cable broke really quickly. Also, using xoticpc, the default option is coming up to not include an OS, would it just be best to spring for the 80 dollars windows 8 thing or do better alternatives exist for that? Lastly, and this might be most important, the standard model comes with 8 gigs of ram, with 12 being 25 more and 16 being 75 more, is it even worth investing in that? I ask under the impression i plan to use this laptop for many years.
Risk Breaker
Member
Wow, I found this thread at the right time! My brother wants a new laptop, and any advice would be useful.
Country where it will be purchased: Spain
Maximum budget: 900€
Max size (can be in screen inches, dimensions, weight): 17"
Planned usage (what kind of games, if heavily gaming at all).: He just wants to be able to play DayZ and League of Legends. In fact, he only wants a new computer so he can play DayZ, as our main rig has a shitty Core 2 Duo and the game becomes unplayable whenever he gets close to a city. He would settle for medium settings @ 720p, I guess.
---
Thing is, here in Spain people get their Christmas gifts on January 6th, so I'd like to buy the computer in the next two days :lol. I'm just looking for the best computer within that budget and look for the closest one in the local stores.
The best computer I've found so far is the Sony Vaio BibiMaghoo posted about... Can't believe he got it for 575$, it's around 900€ everywhere I've looked around here (including Sony's web store
I may be late, but I saw you posting later that you couldn't find a quad core i7 with decent GPU for less than 1100€. I bought a Dell Inspiron 17R Special Edition with a 1080p screen, a quad core i7 and a quite OCable GT 650M (it's at 950MHz right now) for 1.050€ three months ago, shipping included. It's big and everything, but it's worth looking into it
Oh and in Spain, of course.
Risk Breaker
Member
Basically, MSI Afterburner and you're good to go. I have mine at around +70/+105 core and +100/+300 memory, and it sits comfortably around 70º when at heavy load.
Fuck, sorry for the double post, I thought I was editing ><
The 1080p SKU at $949 is the one you should consider the good deal.
You can just stick with the 8GB for now, then wait and see what the next-gen consoles require later. An additional 8GB of 1600MHz RAM can be had for as cheap as $39.99 on Newegg, so I wouldn't pay Xotic $75 for the extra 8GB right now.
Thanks K.Jack for the thread over the years. I've finally taken the plunge on a mid-range Y580.
https://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary...y_id=AC523278A4F13F27A84F5F5622D1AC7A#3D_Tour
It has just enough power to do what I want, and 1080p with a bluray drive is a nice addition. I'm hoping to spend a lot time on this device developing my next game.
Yep, it IS a good deal. Just bought one myself. I added the 3 year in-house warranty, just because I know my children.
https://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary...y_id=AC523278A4F13F27A84F5F5622D1AC7A#3D_Tour
It has just enough power to do what I want, and 1080p with a bluray drive is a nice addition. I'm hoping to spend a lot time on this device developing my next game.
Yep, it IS a good deal. Just bought one myself. I added the 3 year in-house warranty, just because I know my children.
So what's the consensus on the y580 hard drive temps? Mine got up to 55°C after 4 or so hours of DAYZ gaming. It slowly went down to 50°C the next 30 minutes after I stopped and restarted a few times installing a few things and such. So, it's not necessarily under a full load above 50°C? It's made it's way to 44°C after using the internet for an hour-ish today.
Correct me if I'm wrong: Basically it just runs hot because it's between the CPU an GPU, 55°C is in the operating range I hope, and I probably should replace it with a 2.5" SSD in the next month or two? Might have to be three or four depending upon monies. I'm keeping my optical drive in because It's blu-ray and 1 year warranty would be voided too probably?
Correct me if I'm wrong: Basically it just runs hot because it's between the CPU an GPU, 55°C is in the operating range I hope, and I probably should replace it with a 2.5" SSD in the next month or two? Might have to be three or four depending upon monies. I'm keeping my optical drive in because It's blu-ray and 1 year warranty would be voided too probably?
I appreciate the recognition. Gaming laptops are just my hobby, and I love helping out.
Be sure to let us know how the Y580 treats you. I've been kinda nervous about how a small percentage of people seem to be having issues.
You should not be concerned.
For $500 CAD? Yikes.
The best we'll do in that range is an AMD Trinity APU. It should run LOTRO easily.
This is terrifying. The possibility that I'd have to send it back after waiting "Ships in more than 4 weeks**" makes me not even want to bother with lenovo
Even if I'm apparently saving $450
To be fair, we are an extremely small sample set here on GAF. I've been reading through the huge Y580 Owners Thread on Notebook Review, and it paints a completely different picture. It's hard to even find people who have had the issue.
So I dunno. It seems to be a good laptop, overall.
I'll do one of these now that they're mandatory, I'm really on the fence about the Y580 right now because I'm just really not sure what else is out there that I may prefer for any kind of reason.
Country where it will be purchased.
Canada
Maximum budget.
$1000 CAD
Max size (can be in screen inches, dimensions, weight).
15.6 sounds good to me
Planned usage (what kind of games, if heavily gaming at all). Ideally you'll point out what resolution and settings are your standard, based off of what I've laid out in the OP.
I'll be moving abroad and won't be able to bring my PC with me. I'm mostly interested in something that will be able to run Bioshock Infinite, and other upcoming games. I play Dota 2 daily, but it isn't very intensive. I also want good processing power for programs like Photoshop and Ableton Live
Whatever else you find relevant, such as desired battery life, screen resolution, fan noise, etc.
Battery life might not be an issue as I see myself just leaving it at home plugged into the wall. I'd really like a 1080 resolution
Country where it will be purchased.
Canada
Maximum budget.
$1000 CAD
Max size (can be in screen inches, dimensions, weight).
15.6 sounds good to me
Planned usage (what kind of games, if heavily gaming at all). Ideally you'll point out what resolution and settings are your standard, based off of what I've laid out in the OP.
I'll be moving abroad and won't be able to bring my PC with me. I'm mostly interested in something that will be able to run Bioshock Infinite, and other upcoming games. I play Dota 2 daily, but it isn't very intensive. I also want good processing power for programs like Photoshop and Ableton Live
Whatever else you find relevant, such as desired battery life, screen resolution, fan noise, etc.
Battery life might not be an issue as I see myself just leaving it at home plugged into the wall. I'd really like a 1080 resolution
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