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    Buying laptop with decent graphics

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by lmull21, Jan 14, 2012.

  1. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys,

    Im about to buy my first propper laptop which has decent graphics. Im starting University very soon and will be studying Town Planning/Architecture so I will be using 3D intense programs like CAD. And also in my free time I would like to play games, preferably high end games like Empire Total War, FIFA 12, and the latest NFS Games. This is the one im currently interested in: HP Pavilion DV6-6B03TX 15" Notebook | Computers & Laptops, Laptops : JB HI-FI

    Could any of you tell me if this laptop is good for decent gaming and if its good overall for its price?

    Cheers
     
    lmull21, Jan 14, 2012
    #1
  2. Roco94652

    Roco94652 Newbie

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    Its a very solid laptop with fast GPU, good choice I would say. HD6770 is one of best GPU's in the mid-end segment. quite powerfull.
     
    Roco94652, Jan 14, 2012
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  3. Roco94652

    Roco94652 Newbie

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    But for a CAD drawing you would definatelly need hi res screen preferably full-HD 1920x1080 or at least 1600x900 try Acer 7750G with 17.3 inch screen (preferably 6850 graphics). don't think you would need specialistic GPU for CAD thou , a standard GPU should be fine.
     
    Roco94652, Jan 14, 2012
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  4. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for your reply, that wont be a problem, also will this laptop be able to play high end games? On high? Will it play Starcraft 2 on ultra?
     
    lmull21, Jan 14, 2012
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  5. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    $1180 MSI GE620DX is a better buy: TECS MSI GE620DX-632AU 15.6" GAMING NOTEBOOK . It has a Full HD LCD which will come in handy for your course. GT555M graphics too.

    Other than that if want a business grade system then consider a Lenovo W520 (FX2000M) or a Dell Precision M4600/M6600. The 17" M6600 with a M8900 giving equivalent to a HD6970M in performance so is up there with higher end gaming machines. Could be an option if are OK with buying a refurb from ebay-US and importing it.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 14, 2012
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  6. Jentage

    Jentage Notebook Consultant

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    yes it'll be able to play Starcraft 2 on mid/high settings adjustments
     
    Jentage, Jan 14, 2012
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  7. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah that might be good too because I live in Brisbane so I could probs get it delivered here. But isnt the HD 6770 better than the GT555m?
     
    lmull21, Jan 14, 2012
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  8. Ellatan

    Ellatan Old Timer

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    Eh, it's very similar in performance. That GT 555M is 128 bit though, so it's a little underpowered in comparison to full 192 bit version.
     
    Ellatan, Jan 14, 2012
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  9. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    lmull21, Jan 14, 2012
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  10. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    If you like the HP, then best to configure and buy from HP. There's 33% off currently and comes with the newer 7690m which is a decent performance boost from the 6770m.

    i7-2670QM
    HD 7690M 2GB
    8GB DDR3
    Blu-Ray / DVDRW
    1080p matte screen (excellent screen)

    $934 + tax (Free shipping)

    Coupon Code NBJ7558
     
    HTWingNut, Jan 14, 2012
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  11. Ellatan

    Ellatan Old Timer

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    I don't think it works like that in Australia, HTWingNut :)
     
    Ellatan, Jan 14, 2012
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  12. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    That's right. The DV6 units here get no FHD screens yet cost considerably more than the US units :cry:
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 14, 2012
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  13. maxheap

    maxheap caparison horus :)

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    man I will say one thing, it may seem overpriced, but, alienware is the best laptop I ever had, I had 1 asus, 2 HP, 1 toshiba and finally arrived on alienware, it totally worth's the premium over those brands imho
     
    maxheap, Jan 14, 2012
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  14. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Aww crud, sorry. I missed the Aussie part. Sorry mate!
     
    HTWingNut, Jan 14, 2012
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  15. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Another option to consider is a smaller quad-core upgradeable notebook with a 1600x900 LCD like a 14" Dell E6420 or Lenovo T420 with an expresscard slot and then add a GTX460 DIY eGPU + external LCD. You'd have higher portability, the graphics would outbench a GT555M/HD6770M and the sum total could cost less if you got the candidate notebook at a good price like this. See the links in my sig if interested. A x1 2.0 DIY eGPU kit is scheduled for release shortly. You'd be gaming at a docked location.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 14, 2012
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  16. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the replies guys, Yeah I think im going to stick to the HP one
     
    lmull21, Jan 14, 2012
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  17. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Btw can the HP run DOW 2 on high?
     
    lmull21, Jan 14, 2012
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  18. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    You can save yourself a couple of hundred $$ if happy with a refurb: Search GraysOnline - Auctions, Items For Sale . Remember to add the 15% buyer's premium + ~$43 delivery to get the total price.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 14, 2012
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  19. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
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  20. sykrot

    sykrot Notebook Consultant

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    Don't go for dv6 - Most dv6 series have had overheating issues!
     
    sykrot, Jan 15, 2012
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  21. Kevin

    Kevin Egregious

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    Kevin, Jan 15, 2012
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  22. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So is the cheaper metabox really good for gaming? Is the GTX 560 good? I dont know much about them.
     
    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
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  23. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Does the HP Envy have heating problems too?
     
    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
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  24. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    DV6 has heating problems? Where? if you OC it can have heating problems, but what can you expect?
     
    HTWingNut, Jan 15, 2012
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  25. Ritzy Cat

    Ritzy Cat Notebook Evangelist

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    This is a great deal, I suggest this one! I have the 6770, and I can play Civ 5 on high, L4D2 on max. I'm sure this GPU can handle your games.

    My HP also does not have any heating problems whatsoever. I don't use a cooler or anything and it never gets into dangerous heights (never checked but im sure of it)
     
    Ritzy Cat, Jan 15, 2012
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  26. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well I live in Australia so...
     
    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
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  27. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
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  28. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    It's going to be faster, have a 1080P LCD but significantly worse battery life since it's not switchable graphics.

    If you want best gaming performance have you considered a desktop system for home use combined with a tablet/ultrabook/ultraportable for when you are out? Or consider waiting a few months for notebooks with Thunderbolt ports + enclosures to be released so can attach a desktop card to those systems at x4 2.0 link speed. $1300 is a fair bit to pay for a notebook these days.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 15, 2012
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  29. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Okay yea i dont mind the Metabox, Yes im only after laptops as i will need it for university. But would the Metabox be a better buy than the HP dv6? GTX 560m 1.5 GB better than HD 6770 2GB?
     
    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
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  30. Kevin

    Kevin Egregious

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    The GTX 560M is 40% faster than the 6770M, putting it in an entirely different performance class.

    And that notebook can still get 3 hours of battery life, so it's not so bad.

    Given all of the options in this thread, and the fact that gaming really matters to you, I'd take the machine with the fastest video card and 1080p screen.
     
    Kevin, Jan 15, 2012
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  31. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Don't hold your breath on 3 hours battery life. Try 2 or a bit more realistically. The 560m is a definite beast of a GPU for a mid-range card. But yeah, if gaming is of importance, take the 560m minimum.
     
    HTWingNut, Jan 15, 2012
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  32. lmull21

    lmull21 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Alright thank you guys, your help is much appreciated. I think im going to get the Metabox.
     
    lmull21, Jan 15, 2012
    #32