Dell XPS 1530 vs. my Desktop ATI X1950 GT (Gaming)

I really like the XPS 1530, but how will it hold up in comparison to my X1950 GT? I'll post the major specs below, but GPU review has a better comparison of the two GPU's. The 2.2ghz Core2duo however, is clearly and upgrade over my Pentium D. I'm just worried that the (64x2) 128 bit 8600M GT won't be an upgrade. How much does Memory Bus effect performance?

Laptop:
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2Ghz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache)
- 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600 GT
- Genuine Windows Vista™ Business Edition
- 2 GB RAM
- 15.4 | 1280x800 display

Current Desktop:
- Intel Pentium D, Dual core 3.4Ghz
- ATI X1950 GT
- Windows XP
- 3 GB RAM
- 20" | 1400 * 900 Display

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=500&card2=534

If it can* keep up/ exceed my desktop, I'll get it no doubt. If it can't I'll have some regrets about my 15.4" $1400 investment.

some games...:

Call of Duty 4 (desktop: maxed, 1400 * 900, no soft shadows...)
Company of Heroes (1300 * 1024?, maxed, no AA)
The Orange Box (Maximum everything, 2-6 times AA)
Oblivion* (How well does the XPS 1530 (2.2 GHZ) preform in Oblivion?) My system struggles with it, mainly because of the weak processor.

Thanks.

 

I think the 8600gt will be a bit slower than the x1950gt, but since the xps screen has a bit lower resolution, you should do fine

 

It won`t exceed it, the X1950 is a very good card.Still better than the 8600M GT.It`s 128bit bus will cripple it in higher resolutions.
The 8800M GTS, now that`s an upgrade.
Consider getting this : http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...=product&tab=2&id=1195599780039#productdetail
Truly the best bang for the buck gaming laptop out there.

But the XPS1530 is not a bad choice either. But for the money,the FX is much better,unless you`re actually forced to own a specific type.

 

Yeaah, I'm aware of all of those laptops. But the institution has these regulated ones. If they didn't, then I'd be looking at some Xotic Pc ones for sure

 

That`s the dumbest rule yet.How can they force you to get a specific one?
In that case,the XPS1530 is the smart choice.

 

Have you checked with the univeristy to see if you HAVE to purchase one of theirs? Most typically universities recommend certain laptops because they can get them at discounted price, will support the ones the sell, and can guarentee they will run all the necessary programs. If you haven't check yet, find out, typically if you buy one from somewhere else you have to guarntee that it will work.

 

Get a Macbook Pro equal or better then the XPS.

 

x1950GT will still be better, although not much because the 8600GT GDDR3 is no slouch. I personally would hold off until the Montevina platform and the 9-series graphics cards come out. Assuming you dont need the laptop until September.

 

You know what? I haven't checked with them yet. I'll find out. Cause I can do better for $1500.00

9600 perhaps?

 

9600GS is no better than the GF8600GT GDDR3, and not the X1950GT.

GF8800 would be better on both counts, otherwise it's all the same pretty much on the graphics front.

But more importantly if you can hold off until later in the summer there shouldbe lots more options and lots more deals.

If you're allowed to buy yourself, then wait until a few weeks before school and then buy, you should find some nice Montevina deals and few changes in the graphics side should happen by then.

Of course make sure there isn't a big shortage like last year if you wait. however even in that case the 'mandatory' laptops could always be your safety net.

 

Ok thanks (I will definitely wait before purchasing). But I have to clearify something, I thought I've seen an Asus with a 9600 and 512mb of VRAM? Is that not a good card?

 

I think you mean 9500M GS?

The DDR2 9500M GS performs similarly to the DDR2 8600M GT.

 

Quote "A couple are Apple and the other two are Dells. I clearly identified the best one for gaming as the Dell XPS 1530 with the 8600M GT."

Funny, I identified the best one for gaming because of the operating system....unless there are a lot of "Games for Mac" out there that I do not know about.

 

You can always do boot camp for gaming

 

There's a 18" Acer with a 9650M GS.

 

Somehow I don`t think he`d want a 18incher
That`s why I recommended the Gateway, you just can`t beat that price/performance ratio.
Anything close to it would be over 2000.

 

How much does the Model: P-6831FX weigh? I love the spec's, price/performance etc... but I can't stand the design. No offense to anyone that owns one, but I think its very ugly. - Mainly the Orange stripes all over the place. Is there a solid color model? Maybe it would look better in person, I don't know... .

I actually want a 15.4 inch, but the only real gaming grade one I can find seems to be the Alienware m15x (The Quanta KN1? eleron?). It's just repulsive to me that they charge $150 for an extra Gig of RAM (among other things...). "2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SO-DIMM at 667MHz – 2 x 1024MB [+C$150] " Do they think buyers are stupid or what? at 667MHz? Only DDr2? How is that an extra $150.00? lol? again, no offense to the many people on here that own one, I just think thats too much.

Maybe by August there will be some 15.4" 8700M+/9700M+ laptops, other than the ridiculously overpriced 'Alienware' brand.

BTW: Dell is apparently going to phase out, the XPS models, starting as early as June. "Dell will instead channel its efforts into its subsidiary Alienware, a manufacturer renowned for its ultra-high-end gaming PC" - maybe they'll explain to them how to price their product. If they haven't starting doing so already...

http://www.gamereplays.org/portals.php?show=news&news_id=371108

 

That's a rumor that's been dismissed. Dell will maintain its XPS line.

 

dismissed by whom? Just curious...

 

I have a sager with the same type of Orange trim and it`s awesome.
The weight is normal for a 17 incher, some 3-3.5 kg.
The M15x is a quanta by design,but AW has notoriousely high prices, 15% return fee and terrible customer support.
The upcoming M860TU might fit your profile,but it will be 2000$+ .
I sugested the Gateway FX as it`s the best choice in cheap hardcore gaming, unbeatable price/performance ratio in ANY notebook,including Sagers which I love...
And Dell is NOT phasing out the XPS line : http://www.techspot.com/news/30038-dell-denies-plans-to-drop-xps-line.html

 

As for the 15.4"'s, the NP2092 seems like the best bang for buck. 2.50Ghz, 4GB Ram included in the base price (SAGER), 1680* 1024? super glossy screen only +65. Too bad its sooo plain.