What's the Next Step Up From an 8600M GT?

I currently have a 2.2GHZ MacBook Pro with a 128MB 8600M GT. I'm actually quite happy with how well it runs most games, but it seems as if it always just misses being able to run them at all max settings. So, I was wondering what the next step up from the 8600M GT would be. I know that the new MacBook Pros have the 9600M GT, but from what I read there really is not a significant performance increase over the 8600, so I'm willing to switch back to a Windows PC.

So basically, which laptops (preferably $2000 or under) would be the next step up from a MacBook Pro, in terms of gaming performance?

Thanks for any help.

P.S. Just saw some screenshots of Crysis on highest settings, and now my 8600 isn't looking nearly as nice. Are there any notebooks around the $2000 range or below that can run Crysis (the first one) on almost all highest settings? If not, then I'll not worry about it. I'm looking for some more power than my MBP, but not looking to spend $4000.

 

Consider the Asus G50Vt, on sale for $999 at BestBuy at the moment. It features the high-end 9800M graphics card, that can easily handle Crysis. Please fill out the FAQ for more recommendations.

 

Some of the best laptops that run games are:

Alienware Area-51 m15x (I think this is too expensive)
Maingear eX-L ($4,068, too expensive)
Gateway P-7811FX $1399
iBuypower Battalion 101 CZ-9 Ultra ($1,255)
Eurocom M570TU Montebello ($2450)

 

yea fill out the faq so we can suggest something that will be appropriate to you.

i would certainly agree with getting the ASUS g50vt but make sure u get the newegg model. its called ASUS g50vt-x2. thats the one which is supposed to be really good. im also thinking about getting it.

others include

asus g50v-a1 or a2
Gateway p-7811 fx
Alienware M17 (can get it for reasonable price with dual 3870s)


cant think of any thing else rite now.

good luck with finding a new gaming laptop!

 

Thanks for the replies. I looked at the FAQ thread, but where do I post it once I've filled it out, and what do I call it?

P.S. Those notebooks that were mentioned look pretty good in terms of power, but does anyone make one that looks even semi-professional? I don't really care about size, but I could do without the red and orange flames and what not.

P.P.S. Also, saw this: http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668217.php Gateway P7801u FX. Not bad for $1700 (although I guess everything seems fine when I'm used to $2000 for a 128MB 8600M GT ). I saw that the 9800M GTS is ranked pretty high on the Mobile Graphics Card Info page, but was wondering if anyone has one and knows from experience.

Thanks again for the help.

 

The Asus is the best price/performance ratio. You save $700 over the Gateway, and the performance is only 15% worse.

 

No one mentioned the NP8660

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220403

By some reviews it sounds chunky, but it's a great price with great specs.

 

I love my 8660 =)

 

Yeah the 8600M GT is pretty much the highest tier there is for a mid-range card so it's up there with the 9600M GT and the HD3650 on the throne of "middle class guys"

The next step up is basically a 256bit bus interface GPU such as the 9800M GTS or the like.

As others have said, in the 15.4" category, the NP8660, the Gateway P-7811FX and the Asus G50vt are your best bets.

 

no overclock ?

 

The next tier would be the 9700M GTS I guess, which is in it's own class.

After that comes the 8800Ms and 9800Ms.

 

The M860TU sale is still going on.

WSXGA+ screen
P9500 2.53 6MB cache
9800M GTS (about as good as 9800M GT, benchies show minor difference)
4GB DDR3 ram
Vista Home Premium 32 and 64 bit

$1789 (without tax) from xoticpc.com . This is the best deal you're going to get on a 15 inch gaming notebook with this much power but the sale ends sometime in January.

 

i'd go for the best buy assus for $999 with 9800m GS.

 

I don't think thats a good choice for him.
Unless he goes for the xoticpc.com one since he mentioned professional stuff I think he'd want a higher resolution than the bestbuy one. Which generally isnt to great.
Also the Processor on the Bestbuy version is good but depends on his uses...

Personally I'd say go with the NP8660/M860TU.

 

That too but I prefer a higher res screen and a less flashy lid design although that is personal preference and can't really justify $700 more for the Sager. 9800M GS is a bit slower than a GTS tho, just a little.

Add what SemiGamer said about CPU in there

 

The 9700M GT is the highest of the midrange cards.

The 9700 GTS is 256bit with 512MB of DDR3 RAM. It's a top tier card along with the 9800s.