Sager NP9370 or NP9370-3D

So I'm most likely going to be putting an order with a reseller in a few days, and I am trying to decide between the NP9370 and the 3D version. The differences between the two configs I am looking at are:

Sager NP9370
2x 7970m

Sager NP9370-3D
1x680m
120Hz Screen with emitter
1x Nividia 3D Vision glasses

Both with 2 year warranties, the 3D model is $50 more than the model with 7970s. Originally I was going to go with the 3D model and pick up a second 680m later this year, but started to read up on the Oculus Rift and seeing what it can be capable of. I also started to research Nvidia 3D vision and saw a lot of issues with games not supporting it or claiming to support it but having issues needing 3rd party workaround.

So the question I have is, is the 3D/120Hz screen worth the ~$500-$600 it would cost to add a second 680m down the road?

 

I'd ask myself which is more important now and not consider actually adding a second GPU later.
Personally I love 3D. I have a 3D TV and movies and games look so much better. Its not just the 3D factor but overall picture quality is improved going from 2D to 3D plus you'll get the 120hz for regular 2D mode.

 

For the thermal benefit and the 120hz screen (regardless of 3d) I would go for the single card for now.

Be aware you will also be restricted to Nvidia cards in the future though.

 

It's a shame the AMD "Never Settle:Reloaded" promotion doesn't apply to 7970m's, otherwise free Bioshock Infinite would make that choice more appealing. My main concern is the single 680m not being able to keep up with newer games running 3D. I apparently have a few more days before I can make my decision, since Lenovo likes to take a long time to process refunds, so I've set up a time to go demo a 3D Vision setup to make sure it's something I can actually use without experiencing some of the more extreme physical side effects.

If you folks happen to know, if I run an output from the HDMI 1.4a port out to a 3D capable TV, will that conflict with the laptops native screen? Would the emitter and glasses for the laptop be used in that scenario or would I need other equipment?

 

If you don't mind a little overclocking the 680M has quite a bit of headroom even at stock voltage, so an unlocked bios (be careful of warranty concerns here) would give you most of the performance of a stock sli setup.

 

I think I will end up going with the 3D since that's a unique setup compared to the regular 9370. I have seen some of the information for OCing a 680m but a lot of it is fragmented, aside from a posting on I think it was Tech Inferno?

Where would be a better place to look for more concise information on the actual overclock process, starting with the application of the vBios flash? I can handle stuff like that easy, but I take it it's a "as soon as you do this the warranty is null and void" kind of thing?

 

sure, but u can always flash back to stock vbios when warranty purposes arise

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Personally, I will go with the dual video card. The reason is because I hate the 3D technology today. Until they get rid of the classes, the technology is just not there yet.

(Do take note this is a personal opinion, and it is very subjective)

Have you yourself watch movies or play games on 3D before? You better try out the technology before committing the $ to buy it. The annoyance of wearing the 3D glasses. Plus, watching movies on 3D screen does put a lot of stress on the eyes. I always get a freaking headache watching movies in 3D. I've been to theater and had movie experience ruined because of the "3D experience". So far, the only 3D experience I've truly enjoy is IMAX. Other than that, I felt everything else is crap.

Don't forget another issue, the glasses. Those glasses are not meant to fit every face on earth. You will have to hope that the glasses will be a comfortable fit for you.

The point is, try out the technology and make sure you like wearing 3D glasses constantly, and don't get headaches. Then you buy it.

 

3D screens can be fun if your stereo vision is up to par. Personally mine is not, so the 3D aspect does not jump out at me as it should. I agree with Hutsady on "I'd ask myself which is more important now...". You gain the graphical benefit of the crossfire in one setup and the boon of a higher refresh rate with a OC-friendly 680m in the other.

Meaker makes a good point about the thermals too, as this is a common killer of laptops and you want your investment to last (I would think).

 

I went and helped set up an older Alienware OptX monitor setup at a school I used to work at to get a feel for the tech, yesterday. I didn't have any issues with the gen 1 glasses, which I believe the 3Ds ship with unless they've changed from around lost October, which is cool because I have to wear glasses for astigmatism. Felt a little strain but it went away, unfortunately the demo videos and picture viewer on Nvidias site were lackluster, so working out pulling out Bioshock 1 with the Helix mod to give it a go in (System is running an 8800 GTX so can't go super high end games)

Luckily, after talking with Lenovo, it seems I am going to have an extra week to make my decision so I have all the time in the world to test! ^%#$

 

+1
It's a really cool thing, but i don't see myself gaming in 3D full time or full-timing glasses. After 15-20 mins it really becomes an encumbrance more than anything.

 

A little off topic, but does 120Hz 3D monitor allow normal 2D vision at 120Hz? Without glasses the vision becomes blurry? Are glasses an absolute necessity even when not gaming/watching movies (like browsing web)? Also can we play games non-3D on a 3D monitor?

 

yep, that the reason why lots of people choose a 3D capable machine, even tho they dont use 3D that much. those 120Hz are just way more fluent in 2D mode in 3D ull have half refresh rate at 60Hz per eye.

 

You only need the glasses when running 3D.

 

Yes, the glasses gives you the perspective differences for the two eyes, remove that and you are left with a beautiful pure 120hz.