Razer Blade 870 vs 970 - $400 diff, which to choose?

I've found a deal for the Razer Blade 870 (QHD, 256 ssd), which is almost $400 cheaper than the current model with 970 video card (1080, 256 ssd). While the cheaper choice here has the QHD and touchscreen, I don't really care for it as I don't think i'd use the touchscreen anyway and that the QHD has it's own problems too.

I do understand that the 970 is based on the maxwell chip which is a big step up from the 870 Kepler. The Maxwell also runs cooler. Still, is it worth an extra $400usd to go with the newer?

I do game, on and off but not very hardcore. Recently I'm just playing starcraft 2 which is not very demanding, and in the past I played games like counterstrike.

I'm wondering since the Maxwell is better and runs cooler, will the longevity of the laptop be enhanced? I would hope to keep this laptop for at least 5 years. thanks for your advice.

 

I would go with the 1080p 970M model. The 970M blows the 870M out of the water. I personally have the QHD+ model but I game at 900p as it is equivalent to gaming at 1080p in bigger 15 inch computers so a 970M could last for very long. It would definitely last five years.

 

Yeah, I have the QHD model coming too. Run easy games at QHD, demanding games at 900p with lots of AA. I think that will be my approach.

 

Just to set the record straight. It's QHD+, QHD is a separate resolution

 

I have the QHD+ (2014) and the screen quality is simply outstanding. It is very hard (for me) to go back to FHD matte screens when you are used to macbook retina like displays. Lowering the resolution to play games still yields amazing results. Everything still looks very sharp, clear, and vivid.

 

You think the FULL HD blade will be able to run games like Phantom Pain, Fallout 4 , and future big title games at good performance? for the next 3 years atleast? (not at ultra settings)....im looking to possible get a blade.

Thanks

 

Yes, the 970M is a very powerful card and handily beats the Desktop 960.