Can you beat this laptop for gaming?

[jimi_hendrix]

Can you beat this laptop for gaming while keeping the price around here

(just making sure ive searched every spot of the internet before i buy)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220417

[damis648]

Hmm..

http://www.alienware.com/products/area-51-m15x-notebook.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M15X-AI1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

http://www.alienware.com/products/area-51-m17x-notebook.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M17X-GC&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1730?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

You can get better stuff in a similar price range. :popcorn:

http://voodoopc.com/#/productsenvy (Not a gaming laptop, but probably the best looking notebook I know, and thinner than the macbook air)

[grazed]

that card would struggle pretty hard at 1920 x 1200

[jimi_hendrix]

that card would struggle pretty hard at 1920 x 1200

review said guy ran some new games mid - high graphics at native res

[damis648]

In intensive games, sure. Have a look at those Alienwares. They look worth the extra money (if any at all)

[jimi_hendrix]

Hmm..

http://www.alienware.com/products/area-51-m15x-notebook.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M15X-AI1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

http://www.alienware.com/products/area-51-m17x-notebook.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AREA51M17X-GC&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m1730?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

You can get better stuff in a similar price range. :popcorn:

http://voodoopc.com/#/productsenvy (Not a gaming laptop, but probably the best looking notebook I know, and thinner than the macbook air)

those alienware are extremely overpriced...if i want a better laptop than the one i linked i need to pay over 2,000

[Bölvaður]

I probably could if my fav. computer shop's owner hadn't got more interest in different business.... they specialized in assembling computers for people, which can be cheaper than buying an already assembled one.

[gn2]

If you want a decent gaming computer perhaps you don't want a laptop....?

A decent gaming PC and a so-so laptop will probably cost less together than a "gaming" laptop.

[billgoldberg]

Yes, a similar desktop would cost half of that laptop, a similar priced desktop would be a monster (think core i7 and nvidea cards in sli).

And I would pick something with a blu-ray drive.

It won't be long before games start coming out in blu-ray discs instead of dvd discs.

[toupeiro]

Decent price, but as some posters said, if you did any real GFX/FPS intensive gaming at that resolution, you'd be hurting a bit. If you want something for "hardcore gaming" and are topped out on price, then go for a desktop, you'll get WAY more bang for that kind of money. If you want a really nice laptop that can play most of the current gen games out there, I think your sights are on the right machine. Fact is, you will not find a "hardcore gaming" laptop that cheap.

If I were going to spend that kind of money on a laptop, I would go for an elitebook 8730w. Around $2,200 would get me a nice one with a very powerful video card. I've had an 8710w for a year and it's absolutely stomped any other laptop I've used this year, including Alienware and XPS... Note the NVidia Quadro-FX card offering in the 8710's and 8730's. You will find some performance statistics somewhere in the forums where an 8710w also beat up on a Macbook Pro, a laptop model which has an almost cult-ish fanbase who believe their intel parts are better than everyone elses intel parts.

I made note of the Quadro card because of the fact that I am assuming you will put ubuntu on this laptop... Geforce cards are NVidia's gaming line, but don't fool yourself, you are not unlocking the full potential of that gaming card if you are not planning to run a Windows OS. Geforce cards are typically much better with shaders than the Quadro-FX line if you have the luxury of directX, something fundamentally lacking in Linux... Quadro-FX cards are built with OpenGL in mind from the get-go, therefore gaming in linux (this is a linux forum after all) on a quadro card would trump a Geforce card and give you so much more GPU power.

Elitebooks are bar none the most powerful laptops on the market. Take a look at some of the configuration options on them sometime. The high end ones boast a pretty high pricetag. I especially like that all builds come with HDMI output ports as a standard, something they've had for a few years now. They even offer a docking station for one with a built-in NAS...

[glotz]

And I would pick something with a blu-ray drive.

I wouldn't. http://bluraysucks.com/

[jimi_hendrix]

@all the people reommending desktops

as i have said before I CAN NOT GET ONE due to issues out of my control

[gn2]

@all the people reommending desktops

as i have said before I CAN NOT GET ONE due to issues out of my control

Not in this thread you didn't.

[jimi_hendrix]

well if gaming tech advances at the current rate and i got the computer i linked how long would it last me if i just played games at low graphics?

[jimi_hendrix]

Not in this thread you didn't.

correct...but i have in multiple other threads (billgoldburg should know that)

[mips]

well if gaming tech advances at the current rate and i got the computer i linked how long would it last me if i just played games at low graphics?

What games do you play though and do you always buy new the games the whole time?
That laptop should be fine for the next 2yrs or so with current games.

[jimi_hendrix]

with advancing at the current rate you mean?

heres my progression of technology:

my first laptop (lasted a long time very well) -> another laptop that broke after 2 years (bulb blew out) played games so-so -> the laptop im currently on (family laptop but no one in my family ever really used it for more than the occational googling) was decent with gaming for a bit than it would run Might and Magic 5 for more than 10 seconds at a bareable framerate -> my now broken computer, for the little bit i had it it was great, and ran unreal tornament 3 at mid graphics flawlessly -> which ever computer i get

In short i play whatever games are new and good as well as some classics (diablo 2 ftw)

i generally care more about playing the game at a nice framerate than looking at shiney stuff but shiney stuff helps

[jimi_hendrix]

ok so no other ideas?

[gn2]

well if gaming tech advances at the current rate and i got the computer i linked how long would it last me if i just played games at low graphics?

I would estimate three or four years if you want to play new releases.

[jimi_hendrix]

I would estimate three or four years if you want to play new releases.

thanks...so im set with this for a while? (i am a paranoid buyer)

[glotz]

(i am a paranoid buyer)That's a good thing.

[jimi_hendrix]

so answer:

it will last a long time?

[jimi_hendrix]

would that laptop be a good buy for gaming for the next few years?

[toupeiro]

I'm more inclined to say 2 years tops, but you still have not cleared up a very big factor?

Game on windows or Game on linux?

[MaxIBoy]

Yes, I can beat that laptop for gaming. For about the same price as a laptop, you can get a desktop which is about five times better.


Gaming on a laptop == bad idea.




However, if you must insist on getting a laptop, try getting a barebones laptop and putting in parts. You can save money that way. You can even put a desktop processor in it if you want!

[jimi_hendrix]

I'm more inclined to say 2 years tops, but you still have not cleared up a very big factor?

Game on windows or Game on linux?

both...windows for when i have to linux for the other stuff


Yes, I can beat that laptop for gaming. For about the same price as a laptop, you can get a desktop which is about five times better.


Gaming on a laptop == bad idea.

link desktop


However, if you must insist on getting a laptop, try getting a barebones laptop and putting in parts. You can save money that way. You can even put a desktop processor in it if you want!

[gn2]

You can save money that way. You can even put a desktop processor in it if you want!

But it would be A Very Bad Idea because of the higher TDP.

[jimi_hendrix]

ok im considering getting a high end desktop and a cheap barebones laptop

desktop suggestions?

[MaxIBoy]

Note that I didn't exactly recommend putting in a desktop processor. (Although those DIY laptop cases are pretty thick.)



link desktop
As per your request:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=14111487
It came out to about a hundred dollars more than the laptop.
You could probably get a cheaper one without much performance loss. For example, you really only need 2 or 3 gigs of RAM for gaming; the 6 gigs I put on the list (just to match that laptop :)) is overkill unless you plan to run five VMs at once or something. Also, depending on your plans, you might not need the 1 TB hard drive I put on the list.

[gn2]

~ and a cheap barebones laptop

Not a good idea.

It will cost you significantly more to self assemble a barebones laptop than you can get one pre-built for, because you will have to buy a CPU, RAM and a hard drive at full retail prices whereas a system builder can get them cheaper due to bulk purchase discount.

[MaxIBoy]

I think he misunderstood the meaning of "barebones."

"Barebones" means "actually missing most of its parts." It's for DIYers.


If you buy carefully, you can save money with a barebones laptop, but that only pays off if you're building something very high-end.

Just get a netbook or something cheap for your laptop.

[jimi_hendrix]

can anyone recommend a DESKTOP for gaming?

[MaxIBoy]

*ahem*


note that i didn't exactly recommend putting in a desktop processor. (although those diy laptop cases are pretty thick.)



as per your request:
http://secure.newegg.com/wishlist/publicwishdetail.aspx?wishlistnumber=14111487
it came out to about a hundred dollars more than the laptop.
You could probably get a cheaper one without much performance loss. For example, you really only need 2 or 3 gigs of ram for gaming; the 6 gigs i put on the list (just to match that laptop :)) is overkill unless you plan to run five vms at once or something. Also, depending on your plans, you might not need the 1 tb hard drive i put on the list.

[jimi_hendrix]

missed that

building your own...cool

any prebuilts recommended (or customizable)

[mips]

building your own...cool


What is your budget? Else people will be recommending Core i7 systems with Tri-SLI etc

[mips]

If you do decide to purchace a high-end laptop be sure to get a manufacturers extended warranty. Also get insurance to cover theft and all user negligence like liquid spills, droppage, cracked screen etc.

Having a laptop fixed out of warranty is usually expensive and not worth it.

[jimi_hendrix]

What is your budget? Else people will be recommending Core i7 systems with Tri-SLI etc

< 2,000


Having a laptop fixed out of warranty is usually expensive and not worth it.


happened to a family laptop a while ago...bulb in screen got burnt out after 2 years and HP would fix for 500...we just got a new machine because it would be so much faster

[gn2]

happened to a family laptop a while ago...bulb in screen got burnt out after 2 years and HP would fix for 500...we just got a new machine because it would be so much faster

Usually all it takes to sort laptop screen failure is a new inverter, cost around £30 and simple to do yourself.

[jimi_hendrix]

Usually all it takes to sort laptop screen failure is a new inverter, cost around £30 and simple to do yourself.

what about if theres a huge dent in the screen

[MaxIBoy]

External monitor, of course!

[mips]

what about if theres a huge dent in the screen

Physical damage will require replacement of the LCD.

[gn2]

what about if theres a huge dent in the screen

It wouldn't be a failure, it would be a breakage.

You would need to get a replacement screen from eBay, slightly more expensive than an inverter, but still simple enough to replace.

[jimi_hendrix]

ok...i think i got my computer all built at ibuypower.com but any other last suggestions?

[gn2]

~any other last suggestions?

Get a good case and a Seasonic PSU.

[mips]

ok...i think i got my computer all built at ibuypower.com but any other last suggestions?

Care to share with us the list of components?

[jimi_hendrix]

ya in a second i will...but looking at some reviews here (http://www.resellerratings.com/store/iBUYPOWER) some people seem to be having problems but not saying what only that tech support helped them...any clue why?

[jimi_hendrix]

http://pastebin.com/m60889fc1

[mips]

1. You do realise that MB does not support SLI, only ati crossfire, should you decide to run 2x sli gfx cards later on?

2. Get a HD with 32MB cache, pref Seagate or WD.

3. I would get a 22" LCD as they seem to be the sweet spot for size vs cost. This might have changed in the last few months so maybe look at 24"

I'm not very partial to MSI. My MB of choice would be Gigabyte as I have not had a single one ever fail on me since I started using them over 10yrs ago where Asus, MSI, Epox MBs have failed. Gigabyte customer service is also great I have found. For gfx cards I like XFX, great product and excellent customer service.

[mips]

Here is multiple options for you based on price. All brands are excellent.

Gigabyte MB & Core i7 CPU Combo, saves $20:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.147058
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.147057

RAM:
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-ex58-ud5.pdf
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-ex58-extreme.pdf

GPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150326

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112168
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129025

PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371018
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194020
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151030
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151031
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151028

HD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136260
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150014%2050001305%201035424340%20103530113&name=400GB%20-%20750GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150014%2050001306%201035915133%201035507776% 20103530113%201035424340&name=32MB

DVD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106280
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827131059

LCD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005109
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005112

Keyboard & Mouse:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126022&Tpk=Ultra-X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104076
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104079
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104178
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104136

Wireless LAN:
Probably something with Atheros, Ralink, Prism & Intel chipset, do proper research!!! The first 3 have completely open source drivers/firmware. Intel has an opensource driver but not the firmware. They should all work fine though. Please see link below:
https://www.fsf.org/resources/hw/net/wireless/cards.html


Lol, after doing this list I wish I could build myself a Core i7 system from the above listed components but I got a Q6600 system about 6 months ago or so :)

[jimi_hendrix]

i afraid that if i build from scratch i might break something...

[mips]

i afraid that if i build from scratch i might break something...

It really is not hard. If you can read the instructions you will be fine and there is lots of help here. Learn now and you will be glad in future as you will be able to build any system you want to your specifications. If you are still not confident enough get a friend that knows to help you or contact your local LUG for a hardware guru :) I find people are always more than willing to share their knowledge and teach others, one of the things I love about humanity .

You can even expand this into a small business venture building pcs for other people if you like.

[jimi_hendrix]

i just bought a prebuilt gateway gaming rig and i will upgrade the components when needed