Considering the 8662. Some questions

I am seriously considering the 8662, but I have some questions first. This will be my first gaming laptop, so some of these might seem obvious, but I want to be sure before I buy. Thanks in advance for any replies.

1. I am torn between the 1920x1080 and 1640x1050 screen options. I know people here talk about gaming at 1440x900, but don't you lose a lot of image quality at non-native resultions? I have never played a game on a monitor at less than native resolution, so I have no idea what that would even look like, but I know using the desktop at a lower res looks awful. Assuming that playing games at nonnative resolutions is ok, would a game at 1440x900 look better on the 1920x1080 screen or the 1640x1050 screen? If playing games on a non-native resolution does not look great, then I would just get the lower res screen to be able to play more at native.

2. How loud is this computer in operation? If I'm playing a game, will the sound of the computer bother my wife sitting on the couch next to me watching tv?

3. I know people complain about heat levels of hdds. Is my best bet to just go with an intel ssd, or are there problems with that option as well?

4. How big is this computer? Is it much smaller than the Asus G51? How does it compare to the studio xps 16 or the sony fw in size? I will use this computer almost exclusively on my lap, so I want to know if that will be comfortable.

5. Will either powernotebooks or xoticpc let me specify the brand of harddrive I get, if I don't go ssd? Also, do these companies have return policies? I'm concerned about a stuck pixel, and want to know if a return is possible, or if the overpriced dpp is actually a good idea.

Thanks again for any answers!

 

1) Unless you are doing intense picture editing or graphics work go with the 1680x1050. Thats what I went with and I cant imagine using any bigger resolution as I simply wouldnt be able to see it well.

2) The computer has two modes. Full fans and silent fans. To be honest sitting in a quiet room I could barely hear it on with full fans and silent fans is just that, silent. So no you wont bother your wife at all.

3) Some people have heat problems some dont. Personally I am running a seagate Momentus 7200 rpm 320 gb drive and just sitting on a desk in a fairly warm room playing music w/6 programs open its at 39 degrees. As long as you install all the drivers you shouldnt have any serious heat problems. If you have the money for the SSD go for it but it definitely isnt necessary.

4) Its a fine size for your lap. It is somewhat smaller than the Asus and im not sure about the dell. The thing is that both of those laptops use a 16x9 format screen while the NP8662 uses a 16x10 format screen. Because of this I think the Sager is slightly longer while the other two are wider. As for weight it isnt a problem and if you want the thickness its about a nickel and a half thick (Sorry its the only standard sized object I have around me).

5) Im not sure about choosing the HDD but I know XoticPC's sales support is amazing so give them a call and see what they say. It cant hurt. As for return policies Im pretty sure all Sager Resellers off the 30 day no questions asked money back return.

Also you can check out my full review here. Hope it helps.

 

I agree with danr22. As for xoticpc, they have great customer service and I am sure they can give you the hdd you want, if you ask them (unless they don't have any in stock of course). But don't be afraid to ask whatever questions you have to them directly. They also have live chat on their site, and yes someone will answer to you Don't go for the ddp, it is a big waste of money in my opinion.

I think an SSD, if you don't need too much space, is a really great option. You won't need to worry about temps (since they can hold up to about 70C I think), and your computer will be faster. But again it's expensive and it has less storage capabilities.

I have a seagate 7200.3 320GB HDD, and I don't have heat issues inside with 22-24c ambiant temperature. But if I would use my laptop outside at 30c or so, the temps would rise up to 60-65c.

 

Where is there the option of putting the fan to full or silient?

 

its the silent mode button beside the power button.

 

Yeah the first button to the left of the power button. Mine has an M on it.

 

Thanks for the replies. any thoughts on how games look at lower resolutions on a 1920x1080 monitor vs a 1640x1050? I know the former will have smaller pixels, so maybe the distortion is not as bad?

 

I'd go with the 1680 screen. 1920 is just too small on 15.4"

 

Agreed, even on a 1680 I'm typing this at 200% zoom in my browser.
Also, the glossy finish of the 1680 adds more vibrancy to colours.

If you can afford SSD and they meet your size requirements, go for it: faster access times, less wear, tear and heat, and quieter operation. (though I'm still keen on how they deal with memory wearing and max number of writes)
Xotic does not offer differently branded HDs on their website configuration just the seagate 7200.4), but as mentioned, if you speak to a rep they may be able to accommodate your tastes (that being said, I've heard the Seagate still runs cooler/better than the WD's with the exception of maybe slightly less performance)

 

The 1680 X 1050 is perfect for gaming and it is easier on the GPU future wise if you want to continue playing at native resolutions for as long as possible in newly released games. I refuse to game at non native resolutions, I find it terrible

I would not recommend getting a SSD simply because they are way too expensive with a low capacity to high price ratio.

The hard disk in my NP8662 sits idle at about 39-40C, can rise to 50-55C during gaming but it used to run a lot hotter until I installed the Intel Matrix Drivers. I recommend you get a 500GB 7200.4 RPM Seagate Momentus drive, I have found that 5400 RPM ones run a lot hotter.


I do use a Zalman NC2000 cooler which I highly recommend although definitely not a necessity since the laptop has excellent cooling.

 

I remember reading a post somewhere, ssd's aren't necessarily lower in temperature. Don't remember where the old post is, so i can't link, but it was recommended to do research on which ssd you'll be getting.

 

It's not really that ssd's are lower in temperature, but more that they can take more heat than an hdd, so even at 65c, the ssd is still in operating temperatures (You would have to verify that with whichever brand you look at tho).

But if you think the price is too high, I second getting the seagate 7200.4.

 

Using the seagate drive, there are no temperature problems? I was thinking of getting an 80 gig ssd, and just using an external for data.

 

I don't understand how that make sense... I have never heard of a 5400rpm drive running hotter than a 7200 rpm drive......

p.s. isnt the 320gig 5400 drive the same speed as the 200gig 7200rpm drive and runs cooler thats what I was told in the past.

(yes I know the 500gb 7200 is faster then both) but If i'm right I would suggest the 320gig 5400 drive for temps/speed?

 

I have seen alot of different drives temps in the M860TU and as strange as it might sound the 7200 RPMs drives seem to run cooler in the M860TU. As for the 7200rpm hdds speed, you have to make sure to get a 7200.4, and it will be fast, faster than the 5400rpm ones.

If a 80 gig ssd is enough for you, and that you can afford it, then I would suggest getting that. Although I wanna point out that for one I don't have any hdd heating issues, and I can use my laptop like it pleases me. Even if it would get to 60-65c, the worst that can happen is it fails and I get a free replacement (backing up your stuff is required tho ).

 

so...i've done some research...getting myself a hitachi 5K500.B
compare with WD5000BEVT....this hitachi...runs cooler due to its lower power consumption...
and i recommend everyone who doesnt mind sacrificing a bit lower of performance for lower hdd heat..of course