G73SW-XN2 (Newegg) vs. G73SW-BST6 (Best Buy)

Newegg Version

Best Buy Version




From what I can see, the Newegg version has a higher resolution screen and a better warranty (if I'm reading it correctly, the Newegg version has 1 year accidental and 1 year parts/labor as opposed to BB's 1 year parts/labor). It's also cheaper when you factor in BB's tax.

On the other hand, I'm always hesitant to buy a laptop online since it's easier to return a DOA unit to a physical store. I'm never had to RMA anything with Newegg so I don't know how smooth the process is or if they expect you to pay to ship it back. There's also the fact that Newegg doesn't allow returns for refunds, but then BB has a %15 restocking fee so I'd be losing out there too.


I'm definitely leaning towards the Newegg version since it seems to be a better value, but I'd still like to get some opinions. Even if I do ultimately go with Newegg, I'll still head over to the local BB to try it out in person before making a final decision.

 

If you checked the specs on the Best Buy model, you would have seen:

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
Video Memory: 1GB

The Newegg model has 1.5GB of video RAM, so therefore is the better choice.

 

I'd like to add that since you aren't sure since newegg is online and all that I personally have had nothing but good things to say about neweggs customer service.

They will definitely go out on a limb to help you out where need be and will swap it out if something goes wrong with it more than likely.

 

Bestbuy's version is always somewhat neutered as compared to online versions, to control price, I would presume. If you want value, it's always online. If convenience, it's brick and mortar stores. What's more important to you?

PS I think BB got ride of the 15% restocking fee a while ago.

 

No clue how I missed that, but thanks. I don't put much stock in Best Buy's website, since it's been wrong before, but it playing it safe would be another nod in Newegg's direction.

I've certainly had a good experience buying from Newegg (bought all the parts for my last desktop build there), but I always like to take customer service into consideration as well. It's good to know that you've had a positive experience in that regard. I just took the time to search comments on ResellerRatings and I see there are plenty of positive comments about Newegg when problems did arise for people.




Thanks for the input. I'll probably check out the BB model to get a feel for build quality, size, etc. and then if I'm satisfied, go ahead and make the purchase on Newegg.

 

Yeah, get the one from newegg, while 1GB would have been fine vs 1.5GB, the bus is 128-bit on the BB model vs 192-bit on the newegg model and this does make a difference. They gimped video memory bus the GPU in the BB model. It's a good idea to take a look at it at BB though, that's what i use it for: as a showroom .

 

1st post, but just thought I would mention that since Best Buy is a retailer with stores all over the country, you will most likely have to pay state sales tax--even if you buy from them on-line.

With NewEgg, you will not be charged with state sales tax unless you happen to live in a state where they have physical facilities. This means that after check-out----according what ever your state sales taxes are (usually 6 to 8%) the BestBuy model will end up costing more than NewEgg.

Of course if you buy from any on-line Etailer who does not change state sales taxes, you know that your state has a form you can request where you can report and pay all of these uncollected taxes.

You all do this don't you?

 

Do you notice if the newegg models are prepped differently than the best buy models? Thermal paste, build quality?

 

I did take the tax into consideration, and so the Newegg version does end up giving me a lot more for less, even with shipping charges.

The only things that should be different are the internal components.

 

I had this same debate over the past week as well. I decided to go ahead and get the Best Buy version, benchmark it and if I wasn't satisfied, return it and go the Newegg route. I prefer to have a store to go back to rather than shipping for repairs, etc. Anyhow, unboxed the G73sw-bst6, went through the normal setup, downloaded 3dmark06.

Results...14800.

I'm keeping the Bestbuy version.

 

Here's what you are missing:

 

I still cant believe that people are still going for the 1GB 128bit gimped 460M?!

Your coughing up for a laptop that was out of date years ago! The only reason your 3Dmark06 score is quite good is because the Sandy Bridge trashes it.

For instance:

The 8800M GTX released 3 year ago. Which is the minimum for games released this year. Has a higher bandwidth and texture fill rate with GDDR3!!

Stop funding Best Buy they are laughing at you!!

 

default stock got 14800 ? how about score after you oc it?

 

yeah how much of that 3dmark 06 score is CPU?

 

Since that score I've only turned up the core to 725 and it's completely stable. I'll redo '06 and vantage and see what happens.

Again, I'm not saying everyone should go get the best buy version, obviously you get a little more horsepower through newegg or such. I prefer a store rather than shipping, just a personal preference of mine. I'm posting the numbers on here for informational purposes.

As far as Best Buy laughing at me? I'm laughing at you for getting so worked up over a benchmark. Had the laptop not satisfied my needs (which it does), I woulda returned it an ordered neweggs version, or something else entirely. My laptop went out (g50v), I needed one that night, and I went and bought one.

Forgot to add, with my student ID I got a free xbox 360 for my 10 year old. Yeah, back in school finishing up another degree at 35.

http://3dmark.com/3dmv/3204042


8111 on Vantage.

http://3dmark.com/3dm06/15760726

15302 on '06

All stock but with the GPU core at 725.

 

Dude... Take this:

Amazon.com: ASUS G53SW-XA1 Republic of Gamers 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop: Computer & Accessories

Amazon.com: ASUS G53SW-A1 Republic of Gamers 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop: Computer & Accessories

A1 for 1400$. WORTH IT!

 

for 1gb gtx 460m that is really good result

 

Im not saying they are specifically laughing at you, or maybe I am. Even so there have been a dozen threads on here warning people away from the 1GB version of the 460M because it is very poor for gaming and bottlenecks the sandy bridge that it comes with. If you are expecting to game in 2012 with anything above low-medium you are going to be sorely dissapointed.

With the Sandy Bridge that is an awful vantage score if you look at the breakup of scores to show CPU/GPU you can see the difference:

Graphics Score 6874

CPU Score 17609

The score is mostly because of the CPU. My 5870M linked with the old rusty 720QM released Jan 2010 gets 9000+ in vantage.

But whatever floats your boat.

 

OH, guys I just noticed my '06 results are in 1280x720. It won't allow me to change it. I thought it defaulted to 1280x1024. It won't let me change it.

Dallers : I intend to do no gaming other than what I'm currently running in 2012, hence why I said it satisfies my needs.

 

Your screen cannot support that resolution you need to benchmark on an external screen using the VGA/HDMI output.

If you intend to do no gaming why splash out on a gaming laptop

 

I guess if you got the free xbox360 thing out of it, the deal seems a bit better. And yeah, since your max res is 1600x900, you wont be able to select the 1280x1024 which is the default standard res most 3dmark06 benchmarks are run at. So that is why you are seeing decent scores.

My stock score at 1280x1024 res is 14,100, but ofc, I have the 1.5gb, 192bit 460m.

 

I didn't say I wouldn't be doing any gaming in 2012, I just won't be doing any gaming aside from what I'm already doing. I play WoW, so I already know exactly what I need performance wise. I play no other games, just need my laptop able to handle my raids when I'm out of town. My desktop is fine.

Hmm, how did vantage run 1280x1024? At least the link to my performance thing said it was in that resolution.

 

I get P8285 in vantage with default res, don't have a link to a results page, but here is a image of my results.

 

Well I got my 5870m g73 from best buy about 9 months ago and have never had a single GSOD or issue with it. It was 600 bucks cheaper then the 1920x1200 one and I upgraded the screen myself for 2oo bucks so I saved a ton.

Now, from what I can tell, the NEW BB ones only use the 460 and its the inferior 460m 1gb. If you can find out with the 5870, I would say go for it.

 

The Newegg version is now cheaper than the BB version with no tax and free shipping. Makes the decision even easier.

 

Yeah. $1189 shipped with no tax is excellent. I ordered one but my beautiful wife made me cancel it!

 

That $1189 price is great and makes it a no brainer if anyone is thinking of getting a G73SW...

 

On newegg it says the G73SW-A1 has a LED backlight screen... and the G73SW-XN2 says nothing about the screen type. Does anyone know what is going on here? Do they have different screens maybe?

Thanks

 

They both have LED backlit screens, now these days you don't see a laptop without a LED-backlit. But they use the same panel, newegg just didnt say led on the xn2.

 

thank you very much for the info, and even with the free xbox360, i'm still thinking newegg version is the way to go, thanks to everyone for the information in this thread, very helpful.

 

I don't think this series of laptops qualify for that promotion, does it? If so, I would be even more hardpressed to order it soon. I have been looking into getting a new laptop as my old one is getting horribly slow with it's dual core and general intel graphics. I can barely play WoW on the thing. My desktop is top notch though.

Anyway, if anyone knows that this laptop is compatible, let me know! (Though I doubt it is...)

 

Only suckers will go for the best buy version.