Gaming on the Z63A?

I've been looking mostly at the z70va for my laptop of choice, but recently the z63a has caught my eye. For similar configurations, the z63a would be around $350 cheaper. One of the most notable difference (other than size, screen, etc.) would be the [lack of a] dedicated video card. I realize, of course, that a dedicated video card would be the way to go if I wanted access to the latest and greatest games, but just how does the onboard video fare?

For reference, here are some of my favorite PC games:

-Starcraft
-Counter-Strike 1.6
-Homeworld2
-Guild Wars
-Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War
-Half-Life 2
-Counter-Strike: Source
-I'd also be playing various roms, ranging from NES to N64.

Which games would be playable, and which ones wouldn't quite make the cut?

Also, I'd need to wait a couple more months to get the z70va, but I've got the means to get the z63a much sooner than that. If I parted out and sold my current desktop, I could probably have it ordered in 2 weeks. I'm worried that if I wait two or three more months the z70va would be sold out, so it might be in my best interest to go with the less expensive (but still friggin' awesome) z63a route.

Lastly, the z63a is glossy screen, correct? I have trouble remembering the abbreviations for the different types of screens. >_<

Thanks!

 

See this link:
http://support.intel.com/support/graphics/intel915gm/sb/CS-020153.htm

 

Yes it's glossy.

I *think* the only games that would give you problems would be CS:S and HL2

 

The Z63A is the W3V if I am not mistaken?
I've got the W3V so I can tell you what the games are like.


-Counter-Strike 1.6 - CS:S runs perfectly, havent tried 1.6
--Half-Life 2 - runs the same as CS:S
-Counter-Strike: Source - runs perfectly
-I'd also be playing various roms, ranging from NES to N64 - you might want ScumMVM from http://www.scummvm.org/ to play older games

 

the Z63a is NOT the W3V... the Z63a is the W3a.

Most of those games would run okay... I wouldn't hold your breath though. If gaming really is a priority...the W3V is the obvious choice.

 

the w3v would be a better choice if you wanted something more portable but having the better ability to play games.

however since you seem to emphasize budget, cheaper 14" widescreens with a dedicated GPU are the Compal EFL 30 (chembook 2030) and MSI 1022. between the two I'd opt for the Compal

 

Sam1, thanks for the link! BigV, thank you for the clarification.

AuroraS, gaming is a priority, but most of the newer, flashier games don't hold my attention for very long. The games I keep coming back to are the tried and true classics like Starcraft or CS 1.6. It'd be nice to jump on HL2 when I feel like it, but I won't die if I'm not running it at 4x AA at max resolution with 120 fps. I'm more curious how the higher-end games would be running on the z63a with its onboard video memory.

I like the look of the z63a more than the z70va, that's for sure. The problem I have with the w3v is the apparent lack of customization. I do not want a 4200 rpm hard drive in my laptop. I can settle for a 5400, but would much prefer a 7200 option.

How does the Compal EFL 30 compare to the z63a?

 

StarTech will customize a W3V for you and let you get a faster HD & more memory. This will void the Asus 2 year warranty, but they replace it with their own. That being said, I think I would rather have a reliable small-shop warranty than a big corporation warranty any day.

With all the gaming you want to do, I don't think you should get the Z63A.

 

It comes with a 1 year global warranty now. First shipment of W3V and V6Va still have the 2 Year sticker on them.

 

To me it just seems more logical to opt for the z70va if, otherwise, I would have to buy the w3v and send it to a shop to get the parts I want in it. Cost-wise, at least. Unless StarTech sells w3v and I just missed the link on their site..?

What is the general consensus of the Compal EFL 30? Any reliable resellers?

 

www.rawpowerpc.com, www.xmeld.com, www.discountlaptops.com, www.istnc.com, www.powernotebooks.com

all are well known resellers, infact 3 or 4 of them post here too.
all the reviews I read were generally positive. But here are some key things u should understand

-It uses DDR1 not DDR2, it turns off some people. Like the Asus Z33, one of it is integrated with the motherboard, so u only really upgrade just one stick.

-It comes with a 6 cell battery instead of the 8 cell on the Asus Z63 and W3V..so it gets less battery life. it does have a 9 cell option

-It's all high quality plastic instead of carbon fiber in the w3v.. however I've heard no complaints on flex or build quality

-stock Nvidia drivers give scores of only 950 (about)..updating them will improve it to 1050 (3dmark05 scores)

I personally prefer Discountlaptops because they have more generous return policies.

 

They do - http://pc11.flashecom.com/startech/system_dept.asp?dept_id=SD-024

 

Agreed.

MSI is another Taiwanese quality manufacturer of good mobos and laptops and enjoys good reputations in the far east. I would opt for MSI 1022 if the price is same.

 

It's almost painful considering these other options after having looked at so many beautiful, beautiful pictures of the Asus options.



I think that I'm going to sit on my money a while longer and see what the new Asus models are going to be like before I decide on anything. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. You can probably expect many more questions from me!

 

heh, that's what I'm doing myself. I don't really need a new notebook until next summer. Hopefully by then there will be better customizeable 14" widescreen w/vid card options.

 

By summer, you will have plenty of Yonah notebooks to choose from and I guess most of them will be single CPU cored and by the end of the year, most notebooks will have dual cored CPU in them.