Help with a decision.

Hi there,
I recently got a hold of a Dell Vostro 1700.

Specs:
Core 2 Duo T7500 @ 2.2 GHz
3 GB RAM
8600m GT - DDR 2 video card
2 x 160 GB HDD
17" display with a maximum resolution of 1440x900

I got this machine with gaming in mind, but clearly, 8600m GT, despite it's potential, has some major draw-backs when compared to the high bandwidth GPUs of the 7 series. I often compare this laptop to my Dell Inspiron 9400 with a 7900GS and an older Centrino Duo at 1.66 MHz. The performance difference is very mild, and hell, the 7900 GS seems to be doing better at some games when it comes to Anti-Aliasing and higher resolutions.

My choice:
I have a chance to sell the laptop for the same purchase price. In place, I have the option of buying an SLi laptop. Keep in mind, gaming is my primary concern, and heat/battery issues aren't even a significant concern.

The other laptop specs:
AMD Turion 64 - ML-42 @ 2.2 GHz
2 GB RAM
80 GB HDD with Vista
250 GB HDD with XP
[Dual Boot]
17" WUXGA display with a max resolution of 1900x1200
Video Card - Go 7800 GTX (256 - GDDR3, each) x 2 in SLi.

Will this other machine provide me with better gaming benchmarks? And if so, how much of a performance gap am I looking at - significant, or mild?

Constructive input and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

how much is your budget?and fill the FAQ!

 

I'd personally go for 1 single fast card like an 8800m GTX or GTS instead of 2 lesser cards in SLI. That said,even a single 7800GTX would be faster in almost all games than your last 2 setups, so a 7800GTX SLI setup will be much better.....anywhere from 20-50+% faster depending on the game, SLI compatibility, etc. The AMD Turion CPU isn't as good as the Core 2 Duo in your other one, but even 8800s are GPU bound in most titles, so it's not a big deal.

Strictly as a gaming platform and only considering the laptops you stated, the 7800GTX SLI laptop is your best option.


Lastly, on the SLI laptop, I'd dump the dual boot and go XP only (to save HD space) A 7800 can't do DX10, so what's the point of a slower, 2nd OS on it?

 

I don't have a budget per se. I'll be using the money that I get from the Vostro to purchase this other laptop. I'll probably make about hundred-dollar profit.

This is more of a question of whether a single-core turion 64 with twin 7800 GTX in SLi will give me significantly higher gaming performance and quality in comparison to a Core 2 Duo laptop with a DDR 8600m GT.

Thanks for the info Tony A. It is a limited choice. I can't spend more, and 8800s are way out - ditto for 8700s.

 

I wouldn't recommend going backwards when you have the option to move forward.

The second purchase option is decent, but you won't be getting quite the increase in performance you are expecting, especially considering those aren't 7950s.

If at all possible, it'd be a better idea to get a Dell XPS with an 8800m or a Sager Notebooks NP5793.

You will see a performance bump with that 7800GTX SLI...but it might only be around 50%. I just don't think it is worth it, especially considering it is old tech.

Heck, check out the Gateway P-6831 FX: Best Midrange Gaming Notebook Ever according to Anandtech.

That Gateway is a sweet system for just under 1400 USD at your local Best Buy.

 

Hey Kade if you get the Vostro 1700, you can actually adapt your old Inspiron 9400's 7900 GS to the Vostro (as long as you get one with an nvidia vid card already)... Its a very easy procedure, you remove the 2 cards and desolder the heat pipes swap them and then place the 7900 in the Vostro 1700

 

StormEffect,
That's ace advice. However, I can't afford this range as I am in UK. It's just not possible for me to get a newer and categorically better machine. Perhaps a side-step; giving up the new card and machine for an older but stronger setup - 50% increase does sound good.

Hawkshark,
I didn't know the swap was possible, but it seems like a job suited to someone who's done more technical work than me; I don't want to end up damaging both cards and machines.

 

It is a shame you don't have Best Buy in the UK, as that Gatway P-6831 FX would probably be ideal for you. It's $1350 and could easily match or beat the system with the 7800 GTX SLI while being newer tech.

Otherwise, good luck with you 7800 SLI system. It should work fine, what makes me worry is the SLI, which is sometimes a little bit wonky with some games.