Help WaffleBoy decide which laptop to buy

Is this good??
ASUS - Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 17.3" Display / 8GB Memory / 750GB Hard Drive - Black - G73SW-BST6

It has FHD or HD?


Is this worth the price too?
ASUS - Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 17.3" Display / 8GB Memory / 1TB Hard Drive - Black - G73SW-BST8


Edit:

I made a comparison, and I don't think G53SX much better then G53SW.

Here my results:

They both 15.6" 16:9 1920X1080 Full HD LED backlight (glossy)
They both have HDMI 1.4, 60Hz/120Hz output 1080P, 3D Ready
Same CPU options (2nd Gen Intel Core i7-2630QM, 2.0-2.8GHz,32nm, 6MB, 45W)
The SW, 8GB Ram, and the SX has 12GB(with special offer 14GB) (More then 8GB is not importent)
They both have 2 HHD/SSD solts and 1 HDD 750GB 7200rpm SATA II 16MB 3GB/s (Standard) (except the XN1 with 640GB/500GB, which is good too)
EACH ONE has 8X DVDRW DL Super Multi (Standard)
Same wirless card (802.11 Wireless a/b/g/n + Bluetooth Combo Card)
AND the most importent, The GPU.
I was looking at Notebookcheck for more info', and I don't think something has changed so much...
The GTX 460M:
Core Speed: 675 MHz
Shader Speed: 1350 MHz
Memory Speed: 1250 MHz
Memory Type: GDDR5
Memory: 1.5GB
Memory Bus: 192 Bit
3DMark 06: 11521~16957 points

The GTX 560M:
Core Speed: 775 MHz
Shader Speed: 1550 MHz
Memory Speed: 1250 MHz
Memory Type: GDDR5
Memory: 2GB
Memory Bus: 128Bit (on G53SX)
3DMark 06: 13919~16591


For the best laptop for HIGH gaming WITH OVERCLOCK, The G53SW-A1 is better.
For the best laptop for LOW gaming WITHOUT OVERCLOCK, The G53SX-A1 is better.
HIGH means: HIGHEST settings and FULL HD
LOW means: HIGHEST settings and HD

So the SX-A1 is 1400$
the SW-A1 is 1391$
the SW-XN1 is 1240$ (Which it might be my new choise, Better then G53SX-A1 on FHD, same system like the A1 (except the HHD), AND FOR THE MOST IMPORTENT, YOU SAVE LIKE 150$~200$, THAT YOU CAN BUY SSD!! OR A GAMING MOUSE)
(Here: Newegg.com - ASUS G Series G53SW-XN1 Notebook Intel Core i7 2630QM(2.00GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M its 1200$, even better, no?)

So in this case, I think the G53SW-XN1 Wins.

What do you think?

 

Remember the most vital point if you are planning to game with one of these that they come with the 1GB 460 GTX 128bit not the 192bit 1.5gb version and you probably wont notice much difference between the XPS 17 you are looking at with the 555M GT in terms of performance.

 

BB models usually have a 1600x900 display instead of a FHD unless specified like in your second link.

 

Everyone here will suggest to stay away from the BB model, and I agree. If the price was good, I'd maybe make an exception. But the Amazon G73SW-XA1 is only $1400, which it has the full 1.5gb/192bit bus GTX460m, 1920x1080 screen, and bluetooth. Unless you can get the BB model tax free, ull end up paying exactly the same.

Amazon.com: ASUS G73SW-XA1 Republic of Gamers 17.3-Inch Gaming Laptop (Black): Computer & Accessories

 

So the models are not so good... ok thanks!!

 

Yeah those models are a rip off.

 

Doesn't that mostly apply to the models that are actually in the store? At least thats what I thought. I'm not sure if the models in his link were ones at the store or online where they have a much bigger selection.

 

G53SW from Amazon worth the price?
Good price? good system?

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

Should I wait for G74?
More how much time it will be able for sell?

G53SW has optimus?
I checked on nVidia's site about the GTX 460M, and it has Optimus tech' now.

 

Nope, G53 does not have Optimus. Neither will any 3D laptops including G74SX because IGP is disabled. It is up to the OEMs to include Optimus on the non 3D laptops. So it doesn`t matter that Nvidia says that the GPU supports it.

Alienware is the only OEM that have optimus for high end GPUs like 460M

 

G53SW from Amazon worth the price?
Good price? good system?

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

Should I wait for G74?
More how much time it will be able for sell?

 

Well i'll give my input, i got the BB version last year July for $1100 after tax and it hasn't given any problems at all after dealing with all the normal out of box issues etc. So good luck on whatever choice you make

 

A few months ago I would have disagreed with the general concensus and said that the Best Buy models are pretty good but not anymore. Not after they put a weaker version of the 460m into the G73SW and hardly gave notice that they did it? Shame on you Best Buy!

 

OK WHAT ABOUT THE MODEL I GAVE???// worth the price? should I wait for G74? (when comes one)

 

If I were you I would wait for the G74 but that's just my personal opinion.

As far as the G53 goes it depends on whether you prefer 15" or 17."

 

That system looks great, but for another $160 you get 2 year warranty, Bigger hard drive, CArry bag, and mouse, Also the dealer will test the unit B4 shipping to you if you request it.
Asus G53SW-A1 15.6" HD/NV GTX460M 1.5GB/i7-2630QM/8GB/750GB 7200/DVDRW/ In Stock: GenTech PC Store

 

I got my G73jh from Best Buys in Toronto last May - have had no problems since (apart from the usual problems/solutions applicable to all models).

It does have a 1600x900 display, which I've heard from others in the forum, is not as good as the 1080 display. However, on the plus side, the reduced resolution offers more longevity as a gaming rig by having higher FPS capability at native resolution - since less pixels need to be driven.

I have an external 1080 display that I use to get Full HD.

 

The JH best buy models are fine but these new g73sw-bst have a gimped GPU.

 

I love my G73JH, BB model.

 

This isn't a "We love BB thread" This is more of "Why did BB gimp my GPU?" thread

 

Let me hazard a wild guesse - Cost !! In any case, I would be a bit weary with a gimped GPU. Are there any benchmark numbers comparing G73SW BB model with the non BB model ?

 

Best Buy are dookieheads.

 

Quite a few. Basically, there's a 15% performance loss, depending on benchmark/game.

 

And what about the model from Amazon? G53SW-XA1

 

The Amazon model has 1.5GB GPU's

 

Questions:
I want to buy this:
Amazon.com: ASUS G53SW-XA1 Republic of Gamers 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop: Computer & Accessories

-Is it comes with HD webcam?
-Is there any way to "make" the GPU with "Optimus tech'"?
-The Battery life, is good or not? how many hours for example?
-Can I put HDD with SSD in it at the same time?

Thanks!

 

I have a G73JH, don't know much about the G53, but having used an XPS 17 L702 recently, I can tell you this.

Where XPS falls short: very loud fan compared to ASUS G73 when GT555M kicks on, left palm rest burning hot after long use due to the metal body, lousy viewing angle for the screen (I had the 1600x900, maybe 30° from center before dark colors start washing out).

Where XPS excels: Good battery life (5+ hours regular/non-gaming use on 9-cell, which is required for 555M)

One more thing, the XPS only has 2 DIMM slots, rumor is only the 3D version come with 4 DIMMs

 

You can't have the G53 with optimus, battery life should be around 3 hours browsing and office work.

The webcam in the G53 is a 2MP i think, it's either that or 1.3MP

Finally, yup the G53 has two HDD bays so you can have a SSD and HDD together.

 

Thanks

and the G53/73 has 4DIMMs?

Thanks!!!

So the webcam isn't HD... G53 can be with optimus no? I saw new drivers to "make" the GTX 460 with Optimus (kind of)
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVvvv

http://www.nvidia.com/object/product-geforce-gtx-460m-us.html

"NVIDIA Optimus Technology V"

"NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 460M notebook GPUs give your games an adrenaline shot with the premium performance and great battery life thanks to NVIDIA® Optimus™ technology."

 

The motherboard needs to support it. It's not supported in G53/73.

G53/73 have 4 DIMMs.

About the webcam, you know that 1.3 MP is already HD, and 2 MP is Full HD? 1920*1080 = 2073600 = 2,07 MP

I will test it later today. Reinstalling windows at the moment.

 

Ok tell me if its FHD... Thanks any way^

 

Yes. But one or two of the DIMMs are mostly unaccessible (by "normal" upgrading means) unless you are willing to do a teardown, i.e., removing keyboard, etc.

My XPS17 is 2630, 555M, 1600x900, backlit, 500GB, Bluray. Honestly, having been using both in the past week or so, I prefer the G73 right now, even though it's a year older. The only things I wish for on the G73 is the Optimus and better battery life (1.5 hours basically render it immobile). The Dell also looks nicer, but that, as they say, is in the eye of beholder.

 

To be more specific:
Only i7 versions of G53/73 have 4 memory slots, but 1 is hardly accessible and it requires almost complete disassembly.

The i5 versions of G53/73 have only 2 memory slots, one being hardly accessible.

Also the battery life is way better in the SW versions than the one in the older JW versions. IIRC i've read reports of almost 4 hours of easy use (easy office use, internet browsing)

 

Really^!?!?!? So I guess the G53SW better then the XPS, No?

 

well, gt460m with 1.5Gb DDR5 vram is better than 555M
Make sure you avoid the 460M with only 1Gb vram.

 

As I said, having used both, I would whole-heartedly recommend the G73/53 over the Dell XPS line. The only problem I have ever had with my G73 is that famous loud static issue, and their online/email tech support is next to useless. So buy from some place with a good return policy on defective items and go for the ASUS.

 

Ok, Thanks guys! I think I will go for the G53SW from Amazon I have 1 more question... I will be able to change the display to FHD RBGLED in the future?

 

I have 3 options:

G53SX:
15.6” FHD 16:9 LED Backlit Wide screen (1920x1080) Super Clear Glare Type Screen

2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM, 2.0-2.8GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache)

nVidia GeForce GTX 560M 2,048MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11

14,336MB (14GB) DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (3x4GB 1x2GB) - Special Free Upgrade

500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Buffer

Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW/CDRW Drive w/ Softwar

Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna)

1444$

G74SX:
17.3" FHD 16:9 "Glare Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen (1920x1080)

2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM, 2.0-2.8GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache)

nVidia GeForce GTX 560M 3,072MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11

14,336MB (14GB) DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (3x4GB 1x2GB)

500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Buffer (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)

Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti DVDRW/CDRW Drive w/ Software

Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna)

1601$

G74SX-3DE:

17.3" FHD 16:9 "Matte Type" Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Screen (1920x1080) 120Hz 3D Ready w/ 3D Vision Glasses

Included nVIDIA Wireless 3D Glasses (Bundled with 3D Screen)

2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM, 2.0-2.8GHz, (32nm, 6MB L3 cache)

nVidia GeForce GTX 560M 3,072MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11

14,336MB (14GB) DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (3x4GB 1x2GB)

500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Buffer (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)

Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software

Intel® Ultimate-N 6300 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module (Includes 3rd Antenna)

1761$

Questions:
1.Is it worth to pay 75$ for 500GB (w/ 4GB SSD Memory) Seagate XT 7200RPM NCQ Hybrid 32MB Cache (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s)?

2.Is it worth to add more 157$ to get G74SX instead G53SX? (G53SX has 2GB and 128bit, and the G74SX has 3GB and 192bit)

3.Is it worth to add more 160$ to get G74SX-3DE instead G74SX? (G74SX-3DE have 120Hz with Glasses, and the G74SX has 60Hz)

4.The G74SX-3DE will have Optimus tech'?

I'm buying from "Xoticpc"

Thanks for help!

 

I find the panels on the 17.3" units are superior to the 15.6" ones, so that's my recommendation.

As for XoticPC, well, I don't like some of the shenanigans they've pulled. Full pricing for upgrades, selling Rev 1 Sandybridge units instead of just pulling them, tsk tsk.

I'd use GentechPC or PowerNotebooks.

 

Get the g74 for sure.

3d or not 3d?

well i was a big 3d enthusiast but I can tell you that unless you can have a rig that can play 3d games in 1080p very well (not hapenning with laptops) you should stay away from 3D.

I mean its cool and everything but playing games in 720p is an insult to this generation.

 

To be honest with you guy.. Dont buy the G74 right now.. Wait. Its brand new, people will find bugs, they will fix the bugs then issue a new batch out. I personally would wait, but if you want it now, the G74 3D would be your best bet. I personally do not, nor will ever use 3D, but the 120hz screen is a major plus in my opinion and for 160 more.. hell yeah..

The ASUS G73 will play 3D games with ease man.. My old Gateway P7805u FX played Crysis 2 in 3D with ease... that had a 9800M GTS.. Laptops are more than capable of playing 3D games.. As for the G74.. 560M GTX with 3GB Ram... yes... far more capable then needed.

 

I have to agree with the benefits of having a 120Hz panel. So the G74SX-3DE would be my choice.

 

Are you sure 100%? is it so bad?

 

Nah, I would say it is that bad, but maybe you should test it yourself.

 

how did you get these prices? by downgrading everything on their site? (less primary HDD, no 2nd HDD, DVD instead of Blu-ray)?

edit: cause i tried that, and i got 1741, and 1689 after rebate (if you use cash)

edit2: prices with everything downgraded
$1645 (gentechpc, no HDDs, rebate for cash users, free shipping) ($1805 w/ tax if you live in CA)

$1689 (xoticpc, w/ a 500GB primary HDD, rebate for cash users, free shipping) w/o tax

seems like prices are pretty close, since gentechpc charges $45 for a 500GB HDD, only diff is the tax (for CA and NE) and the reliability of xoticpc

lol&thanks for whoever edit for me ;P

 

what is the benefits of having 120hz panel?

 

1) Less strain on the eyes over time. OSHA recommends panels should be 75Hz or better to prevent long-term eyestrain.

2) The higher refresh allows for higher FPS with VSync enabled.

3) Higher quality panel compared to the standard Hannstar or CMO panel we get on 60Hz units

4) It's a matte panel vs shiny reflective glossy, which is better since it's not reflective.

 

I don't think you are right. for gaming, 3D using and blablabla, the glossy much better, because of the deeper colors, and more brightness then the matte one!
The matt is good for work, school, web, and blablabla...
But I prefer to choose the glare(glossy) Super Clear Ultra Bright LED Glossy Screen w/ 95% NTSC Color Gamut, Better then the 3D 120Hz display.

 

If anyone buys the BB model with the 128-bit GTX 460M it's almost for sure that Witcher 2 ain't going to run properly on it even if you OC to 750+ Mhz core clock. Probobly ain't going to run future games properly too with high hardware demand.

The 192-bit is okay but still needs OC to fully, fully enhance the gaming experience on high hardware demand games like TW2. Though stock clock is okay already on the 192-bit.

I was able to finish Fallout New Vegas on ultra high with the 192-bit, I doubt that with the 128-bit. Most desktop gpu are 320-384-bit. You are going to waste your money with the 128-bit GTX 460M, and will end up playing in your desktop again.

I'm totally impressed already with my 17.3" glossy screen even at 60 Hz.
15.6" screen is small for gaming in a laptop, I know this from experience.

 

Yea, but what about the GTX560 types? 128BIT and 192BIT

 

I'm telling you this because I have the 192-bit and was able to finish TW2 on stock clocks. I'm OC now to 700+ and the 560M is 775 Mhz. People here already have their 192-bit OC to 800 Mhz and above to fully enhance the gaming experience.

Even 8 yrs. ago, it was never a good idea to buy a low memory bit gpu. I only buy 320-bit for a desktop and no OC ing. Every bit helps.

You are only as strong as your weakest point, which is the 128-bit.

If you really want the 128-bit, then buy it!