general use laptop + WoW

Mainly a general use laptop, but will be playing WoW, so I want it to perform somewhat above average (not just, oh I can get away with x or y). So:

Dell Studio 17
(main problem is they seem to not offer the ATI Radeon 5650 (or 5750 i cant recall) anymore, its only Intel HD which is no good...I was pretty sold on the rest though..)

- Intel® Core™ i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz, 4 Threads, turbo boost up to 3.33GHz, 4M cache)
- 17.3” High Definition+ WLED (1600x900) Display with TrueLife™
- 6GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM(1x2GB + 1x4GB)(operates at 1066MHZ for Corei3/i5,and i7-620M processors) [Included in Price] OR 8GB Dual-channel 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 4GB) [add $224.40 or $3/week-1]
- 1TB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive (2x500GB)

Questions
- Can I upgrade the graphics card myself/is it worth it
If so,
- Am I going to have heat problems with any i7 - I have read this one gets hot?
- Do I need quad core (I realise this isn't)?
- Worth the extra RAM?

Because of the lack of dedicated graphics. I have considered:

- Dell XPS 17 Dell XPS 17 Laptop Details | Dell Australia
(not sure if I need something that full-on though..)

- Intel® CoreTM i7 840QM Processor (1.86GHz/8MB cache)
OR Intel® CoreTM i7 740QM Processor (1.73GHz/6MB cache
- 6GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1 x 2GB + 1 x 4GB) (operates at 1066MHZ for Core i3/i5 processors) - can upgrade
- 3072MB NVIDIA GeForce® GT445M
- Up to 1280GB8 SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
- 17.3 HD+ WLED TL (1600x900)

That's probably enough for now, I look forward to your opintions and we'll go from there lol
Thanks =)
_________________________________
General Questions

1) What is your budget?
<$2000 AUD

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
I'm willing to compromise, I realise better specs = higher weight.. If theres a great spec'd system thats small, awesome.

c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook?
Australia

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

a. Like: Asus, Dell, Toshiba (only from what Ive heard/read)
b. Dislike: HP. Never again.

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
Redistruibuted OK i guess.

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Internet, watching movies, music, playing wow

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Both. Mostly desk.

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
WoW

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Min 2 hours.. it'd be nice to watch a movie unplugged if possible

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Online is ok

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows

Screen Specifics

12) Resolution
Enough for 2 windows side by side
And suitable for WoW

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't really matter

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
A little, but not at the expense of specs.

15) When are you buying this laptop?
ASAP

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
A while.. At least 2-3 years

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
at least 640 GB, higher is good

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
DVD is fine

 

Thanks for your reply!

I was referring to the graphics card.. It did come with 1 GB dedicated but apparently they no longer have the parts.

The XPS 17 does have quad core and from the reviews I've read runs pretty hot (I suppose it depends what you are running on it).

I am open to other suggestions of brands also

 

In regards to the RAM, you'd be struggling to ever make use of the full 6GB let alone 8GB so If i were you, I'd save that $200 odd dollars and get an SSD from USA shipped and put into the 2nd HDD Bay. Then you'd feel the performance increase, also SSD's run quieter and cooler which is also beneficial for gaming because games are able to read faster off the drive.

 

Thanks roastedpork =)

Still none closer to deciding..

 

Maybe 2nd time around... I've done a lot more reading and research and have thought things out a bit more..

Still considering the Dell XPS 17 (since the Studio 17 is out of the question now)
- Intel® CoreTM i7 740QM Processor (1.73GHz/6MB cache) or i7 840QM Processor (1.86GHz/8MB cache)
- 6GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- 3072MB NVIDIA GeForce® GT445M
- 17.3 HD+ WLED TL (1600x900)

but the weight and external heat things I've read are turning me off..

I think I'd prefer something in the middle (upper middle) - i7 dual core, good (above average) graphics, average weight but I'm prepared to go a bit above my needs if its not to my detriment

I am open to any other suggestions =)

General Questions

1) What is your budget?
<$2000 AUD

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Obviously its a compromise. I would like a numeric keypad, which probably means 17"..

c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook?
Australia

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

a. Like: Asus, Dell, Toshiba (only from what Ive heard/read)
b. Dislike: HP.. I have a dv2308TX, died after 2 years, resurrected but performance is pretty poor

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
Preferably new, but redistruibuted would be OK

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Playing wow (maybe others in teh future), internet, watching movies, skype

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Both. Mostly desk. I'd like something not too heavy for travel but again realise its a compromise

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
WoW, possibly others in the future e.g Fable III

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
It'd be nice to watch a movie unplugged if possible.. Say minimum 2 hrs

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
Online is ok

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows.. Ive been using vista but very open to 7

Screen Specifics

12) Resolution
Not really sure.. I don't like tiny writing and icons.
And it needs to be suitable for WoW and watching movies

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't really matter

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
A little, but not at the expense of quality

15) When are you buying this laptop?
ASAP

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
A while.. 2-3 years

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?
at least 640 GB, higher is good. I haven't heard much about SSD

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
yes, DVD-ROM is fine. A burner would be a bonus, but not necessary.

 

A 17.3" notebook is quite large and having to carry one around is not pleasant.

The ASUS N53F is a good choice -- 15.6" screen, Core i5 processor, Nvidia GT 425M graphics, and a full-size keyboard with number pad.
For 17", the Dell XPS 17 is a good choice; also consider the HP Pavilion dv7t, which has similar specifications to the Dell but is not quite as strong in the graphics department (ATI HD 5650).

What computer stores are you looking at?

 

Thanks for your reply

I am in Australia, so I dont know if these will mean anything to you.. But JB-HiFi, Bing Lee, Harvey Norman (preferably not.. $$$), and a couple of local independent ones. The Dell online store if I go with them (we only have one reseller).

I looked on the ASUS AU site, I can only see the N53 J series.

I dont mind the look of the N53Jq -

- Intel® Core™ i7 Processor 720QM : 1.6 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz
- DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM, 4 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 16GB SDRAM
- 15.6" HD (1366x768)/Full HD (1920x1080)
- NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 425M with 1GB DDR3 VRAM
- 2.5" 9.5mm SATA/640GB,5400rpm/500GB,5400rpm;7200rpm/320GB,5400rpm;7200rpm

How would this rate in terms of WoW (resolution, performance).. And compare to the XPS 17?

Im still pretty reluctant to go with HP again.. they don't seem to rate too well on performance..

I do like the idea of i7, not essential but nice to have the most up to date in some respects

 

To be honest you don't sound in need of an 840, which is key if you're concerned about heat, to be honest you could even use an i5 and fit perfectly, when i bought my i7 i regretted it so bad, i thought i would make use of it but i ended up suffering from the battery and heat. You could save yourself some dollars and get an SSD from ebay or something mate.

 

Thanks roastedpork.

My current hp practically melts my wrist at the palm rest and fries my lap... something id prefer to avoid if I can!!

More options to add -

another Asus -- N53JL-SX012V only avail from the actual store.

-i5-460M (2.53GHz)
-4 gig ram
-640 gig HD
-nVidia GT425M with 2GB Dedicated
- 15.6" (1920x1080)

This sounds pretty good from what I gather. Any known other brands with same/similar, possibly an i7 dual? The 2 gig graphics is a plus here.. Aesthetically there seems to be a lot of wasted space with the asus, but again I'm prepared to compromise on looks, just want to explore options.

Thanks again guys =)

 

The Core i5 definitely makes more sense for you; it will indeed run cooler and provide longer battery life.

That ASUS N53JL is a good option. The GT 425M graphics card is quite strong and will be good for gaming. How much is it?

 

It looks like I can only get this specific model instore -- its $1276 (AUD)

It also seems like models don't seem to be offered in Australia directly through the manufacturer, so I'd also consider getting something shipped over if that increases my options =)

 

ASUS notebooks carry international warranties so if you can get one shipped in for less, that is a viable option. Just be careful and make sure the shipping company/vendor is legitimate.

 

Are there any that you could recommend?

I am happy to go away from Asus as well, if I can find something in the US that meets my specs and will be shipped out here.

You have been more than helpful btw =)

 

Ah sorry, I am not very familiar with importing services. From experiences people have posted here over the years, shipping is going to cost quite a bit (of course, it still might end up being cheaper than buying it there). Check to see if Amazon.com will ship it to you. Also check XoticPC.com, I know they ship out of the US though not sure about Australia. You can contact them here on our forums via private message:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?find=lastposter&t=278483

 

Still searching. I have found an online store that ships to Au, and am looking at combining an order with a friend to save $$

BUT, I still have too many choices! i5 vs. i7 as well as any significant differences between each.

Basically I'm looking for the best overall package. I'm getting too hung up on the individual components and need some perspective


i5's

ASUS N53JL-SX012V

$1,256.86

- Intel Core i5-460m Up To 2.8GHz CPU
- 4 GB RAM
- 640 GB HDD
- Nv Gt425m With 2GB Dedicated
- 1,366x768

Cons: I don't like the look of it so much.. I have seen this one in store

VS.

MSI GX640-260US 15.4"

$1,077.43

- 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-450M
- ATI Radeon HD 5850 1GB Graphics with 1GB GDDR5 SDRAM Dedicated
- 4GB (2x2GB) RAM DDR3 SDRAM
- 500GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
- 1680 x 1050 CCFL

Cons: only 2.5 hrs battery life in a 9 cell!?

Also, I can get a FX700 ($1,573.56) from a local dealer.. I have compared the 2 here

VS.

Dell XPS 17

$1,476.49

- Intel® CoreTM i5 460M Processor (2.53GHz/3MB cache)
- 1024MB NVIDIA GeForce® GT435M
- 6GB2 DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz
- 640GB3 SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
- 17.3 HD+ WLED TL (1600x900)

Cons: Heavy!

Or, if i am really better off getting an i7

Thanks again =)

 

Also, this link seems to find last poster.. I messaged someone yesterday and they said not them. Just cliked it again and got a different person

 

The MSI for the best GPU by far of what you've listed and good resolution.

 

Quite strange. Here is a direct link to the poster:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=27368

Anyways I agree, the MSI has the best video card and the best screen resolution. I advise against 1366x768, it is very limiting and tough to get work done; you can't even see one-half of a Microsoft Word document with it.

1680x1050, on the other hand, is a very nice screen resolution and has plenty of vertical/horizontal space. Be sure to check out our MSI forum:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/

I reviewed an MSI notebook earlier this year; it's not the same as the GX640 but should give you an idea of MSI quality:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5493

 

Once again, thank you..

I have pretty much settled on the GX640, but again would like some opinions RE the custom options..

The options are here

Mainly:

Processor (I'm sticking with the i5)
-Intel® Core™ i5-450M, 2.4-2.67GHz, (3MB L3 cache) vs.
-Intel® Core™ i5-560M, 2.66-3.2GHz, (3MB L3 cache) ( + 259 ) vs.
-Intel® Core™ i5-580M, 2.66-3.33GHz, (3MB L3 cache) ( + 299 )

Thermal compound (do they put this on/in for me?)
-Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU ( + 15 )
- Arctic Cooling MX-2 - CPU + GPU ( + 25 )
- IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU (Cools better than all Compounds) ( + 35 )

RAM upgrade
- 4,096MB (4GB) DDR3 1066MHzDual Channel Memory vs.
- 4GB (2 SODIMM) DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory ( + 60 )

Hard drive - Just not sure what the differences in cache and rpms would translate to
- 500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Buffer (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) - Default
- 640GB 5400RPM 8MB Cache Buffer (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) ( + 44 )
- 500GB (w/ 4GB SSD Memory) Seagate XT 7200RPM NCQ Hybrid 32MB Cache (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) ( + 98 )
- 1,000GB (1TB) 5200RPM (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) ( + 102 )

I can get the same model here for less but can't customise at all..

So, the one from Xotic (with or without modifications) vs. the one from BHPhoto (no mods).

Thanks

 

I've already answered the questions in a different thread, and I've all but decided so here are the relevant points:

Primary use(s):
- Internet, games, watching movies, MSN, other basic stuff

Games:
- WoW, Fable, LoL, possibly others later on

Battery life:
- Min 2 hours

Concerns:
- external heat & excessive noise (which is why I have been looking at an i5.. but if these i7 options are comparable then I will consider)

I will be buying online in Australia.. I would have liked the ability to customise like with Xotic, but it is going to end up exceeding my budget with shipping & duty etc.

---

GX640 here

- i5 430 M CPU
- 4GB DDR3 1066MHz, 2 slots,
- 2.5" 500GB SATA HDD
- ATI HD 5850 3D
- 9 cell battery

vs. (these 2 look very very similar)

GT640 here or here

- I7 720GM CPU 1.6 GHz
- 4 GB DDR3 RAM
- 500 GB HDD
- nVidia Geforce GTS 250M, 1 GB DDR3 VRAM
- 9 cell battery

[with these 2, the only difference seems to be the GPU/CPU combo.. GT640 has weaker card + 'better' processor, the GX640 vice versa.. what would be better?]

GX660R here

- i7-740QM
- (amt of RAM not stated)
- 500GB 7200RPM
- 1GB DDR 5; GPU not stated but I presume ATI 5870
- 9 cell battery

Thanks =)

 

Bump... I really really want to order this today/tomorrow

 

Simple question really.. 2 laptops, pretty much exactly the same

specs of both here

Which CPU/GPU combo is going to give me the best results in terms of gaming (WoW, Fable, LoL)?

i7 + nVidia GeForce GTS 250M 3D

OR

i5 + Radeon HD 5850 3D

Cheers

 

Hi all.. hopefully this is the best place to look!

I am looking at 2 laptops, pretty much exactly the same, MSI GT640 and GX640 specs here

I mainly play WoW, and have just started with Fable and LoL.. Basically would like to know which CPU/GPU combo is going to give me the best results?

i7 + nVidia GeForce GTS 250M 3D

OR

i5 + Radeon HD 5850 3D

Cheers

 

Get the HD 5850... You can upgrade the cpu later, it is easier.

 

3dmark06: HD5850=9774, GTS250M=7625
HD5850 FTW. Often can be overclocked to HD5870 levels.

Consider too a x1.Opt DIY ViDock option if wanting a smaller base system with more portability such as a i5/i7 12" Lenovo X201 or 13" Toshiba R700. A x1.Opt GTS450 setup being ~US$200 as shown here.

In either case, worth waiting for Sandy Bridge systems to be released in less than 2 weeks with their significantly faster CPUs.

 

go with the radeon 5850 for sure, better GPU> i5-i7 difference (hardly any diff)

 

I'd go for the i5 w/ the 5850 (Assuming you're purchasing one w/ GDDR5 memory), the GDDR3 version is reportedly around 30-40% slower.

Reportedly, the Mobility 5850 has the potential to OC to around the specifications of the Mobility 5870. Though it'll run faster (and hotter), (you may be able to get the clock speeds to match) it'll still be slightly slower than a real mobility 5870 because it has a lesser number of shaders.

Personally, I kinda think of 3D as a fad, until the 3DS comes out we'll see how mainstream popular reception to 3D as a more wide-spread form of media becomes. I wouldn't spend extra money on something that isn't a sure-sell yet.

WoW, Fable & LoL aren't particularly demanding games, so honestly, you could probably go with either setup, I'm preferential to the i5, because I've heard good things about the 5850 GDDR5 GPU. I've been in situations with my i7-720QM where having a stronger clocked dual-core would have smoothed out several of my games better.

Just my thoughts.

 

WoW, Fable, LoL and most games are not processor intensive application (as far as I know, only the Microsoft Flight Simulator X makes an exception) instead they rely more on the graphic card's power. Not to mention that the duo core i5 comes with faster base clock in which general computing benefits from. So the i5 + HD 5850 obviously make a much better combo for your needs .

 

Awesome, thanks so much guys =)

 

Thank you, thank you its kind of what I was thinking/hoping =)

 

gx 660 it has 2 hd bays.

 

just a heads up, the HD5850m has the same number of shaders as the HD5870m. The desktop variants have different numbers of shaders, but not our laptop cards

 

I would get the i5 with the 5850 as well. The graphics card is way more powerful.

 

Yep.

The only difference between a 5850M and a 5870M are the clocks and the maxVID values (1.05 V vs 1.15 V). You can clock an HD5850M beyond HD5870M on 1.05V VID.

 

Depends on which games you are planning to play. Certain games that heavily rely on AI will benefit from a more powerful CPU.

But 98% of games will benefit from a more powerful GPU.