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    I need major help on notebook options

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Spartan2586, Apr 14, 2008.

  1. Spartan2586

    Spartan2586 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm planning on getting a dv9700t from hp here are the details

    – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
    – Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 2.40 GHz
    – 17.0" diagonal WXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
    – 3GB DDR2 System Memory
    – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
    – HP Imprint (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
    – Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth
    – 240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
    – LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
    – High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

    I heard that the faster hard drives (7200rpm) takes up more energy. so with the high 8 cell battery , how much time would I get? Is the loading speeds really much faster then the 5200rmp? Now is 3gb of ram and 8600m gs good enough to play games? Can i play oblivion and gears of war on it? I want the most time but if the 7200rpm doesn't take up alot of energy then I 'll get it. What do you guys think?
     
    Spartan2586, Apr 14, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    The 8600m GS is a poor choice for gaming on a 17" machine. You can usually find at least an 8600m GT for a similar price on a different machine.

    Edit: Don't quadruple post.
     
    Lithus, Apr 14, 2008
    #2
  3. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    I agree 8600m GS poor choice. Two HDD's when concerned about batt life. I wold go larger single drive like 320GB 5400.
     
    powerpack, Apr 14, 2008
    #3
  4. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    You may have a bit of difficulty gaming with the 8600GS, look for something with an 8600Gt or 8700GT
    3gb of memory is plenty, but it is a smarter idea to buy your laptop with 1gb of memory and then upgrade to 4gb with aftermarket memory. (4gb of pc5300 ddr2 sodimm memory is around $60 from newegg)
    I would not get two 7200drives, its kindof stupid.
    A 120gb 7200rpm drive is actually slower than a 250gb 5400rpm drive, cause the 250gb drive has a higher data density.
    I would go with a single 250gb or 320gb 5400rpm drive.
    There is no reason to get two harddrives if youre considering battery life.
    A 250gb or 320gb 5400rpm drive will be more than fast enough for your needs.
    Since its a 17" notebook, I would look for something with a higher resoultion, preferably 1680x1050 or 1920x1200.

    Your probably looking at 2 hours of battery life on that config.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Apr 14, 2008
    #4
  5. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    You can play Oblivion on a 8600gs but i dunno about gears of war
     
    flipfire, Apr 14, 2008
    #5
  6. John B

    John B Notebook Prophet

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    Spartan2586: Please stop posting the same thing everywhere.

    Thank you.
     
    John B, Apr 14, 2008
    #6
  7. Spartan2586

    Spartan2586 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thank you and sorry for mult posting. But on a dv9700t the 8600m gs is the highest but how good will oblivion play with this laptop. Will it be smooth? Will it be pretty?
     
    Spartan2586, Apr 14, 2008
    #7