np9262 configuration guidance

I intend to order an np9262 in the next day or two to replace an XPS1730 I recently returned to Dell. I’ve haunted this, and other, boards for hours and hours over the last couple of weeks, attempting to gather enough information to configure the machine intelligently to meet my needs. I think I’m almost there, but, before I pull the trigger on the order, I thought it would be a good idea to pass my thoughts by you guys, with the hope that you will point out any mistakes in my thinking (actually, I’m pretty sure you won’t be reticent about that ).

First, some background. This is to be, primarily, a gaming machine. All other work on it-internet surfing, email, word processing, simple spreadsheets, simple photo editing-will be very undemanding tasks. Unlike most people, I guess, I use a laptop on my lap (on a home made “lapboard” actually). I can stand the weight (the Dell weighs about the same as the np9262), but heat is a big concern.

Here’s what I’m thinking:

Processor: E6850

This processor consumes 30-40 watts less than the quad according to the information I’ve been able to dig up, thus generating significantly less heat. (It’s interesting to note that this energy saving is close to the energy that would be required for a second 8800 card.) It also seems to me that, since few games use multi-core now anyway, this processor will be as fast as the quad in most games over the near future.

Storage: 2x 160GB/7200rpm, RAID-0

This is probably an irrational decision. I know RAID-0 reduces reliability, and I’ve read that it doesn’t do much for typical application performance. It also adds 8-10 watts to my heat budget. However, I hate staring at long loading screens in games, and thought this might help a little. Besides, I’ve never used RAID before and I’m crazy eager to try it. (I could be talked out of this one.)

OS: Win XP Home

I need to stick with 32-bit for now to maintain compatibility with some devices I have. I could use Vista 32-bit of course, but I’m familiar with XP and like it. XP will consume a little less base memory, thus freeing up more for applications, and, from what I gather, will run games a little faster. I chose XP Home simply because I can’t find any features in XP Pro that would be useful to me, but there could easily be something I’m overlooking.

I intend to purchase the Vista Home Premium 32/64-bit recovery disk and associated utilities/drivers at the time of order, in case I’m able to upgrade in the future. I don’t find any features in Vista Ultimate that I would need.

RAM: 4GB

The price over 2GB is decent, the 32-bit OS could use a little of the surplus, so why not?

Anti-virus Software: None

The Dell had Trend Micro antivirus software on it. I liked the way it didn’t try to “take over” the machine as Norton sometimes does, I’ve read positive reviews about it, and so I’m thinking about buying and installing that. I’ve heard reference made to free antivirus software but know nothing about it.

Other Software: None

I’ve had good luck with OpenOffice, and I believe it will run on a 64-bit OS if I upgrade to that OS in the future.

That’s about it I guess. Please jump in with both feet and point out those areas of fuzzy thinking that might otherwise lead to an order I might regret.

Thanks…

 

I think you're pretty right on with it, Wobble.

Processor: I went with the Q6700 over the E6850, but I think it is personal taste. Right now the E6850 is definitely better performing. In the future though as they start to make games multithreaded, the Q6700 will pull ahead, but who knows when that'll be more common. Either or is good I think.

Storage: RAID-0 is slightly more prone to failure, solely because you have basically 2 chances to go bad instead of 1. Even then a bad sector generally going to ruin everything, you might lose a little data. *shrug* Back up regularly Plus the load times are greatly improved.

OS: Also personal taste. Win XP will definitely give you the best performance today. You can always upgrade later.

RAM: the 4GB upgrade is negligible in cost. Grab it like you said

Anti-Virus: Trend Micro is definitely not a bad program. It is far less invasive (as you said) and does fairly well in most reviews.

So in short.. your config sounds good to me I'd say definitely go with the high res screen, since you didn't mention that. Unless you really really can't stand any glare. They are beautiful!

 

Yes, I forgot that. I do plan to go with the high res screen.

Thanks for looking at the config!

 

I'm like you, still "researching" my soon to be NP9262........ although at this point I am mainly waiting for the Penryn Yorkfield Quad Core Q9450 to be available/supported.

However, on the subject of Anti-Virus: I just ditched Trend Micro in favour of AVG 7.5 Free Edition. So far I have been much happier with AVG. System boots (and shuts down) faster. Automatic updates seem to be less obtrusive. Generally, I feel it has much less impact on my system overall.

Have a read here, especially later in the thread for more up to date info/opinions than the first post.

 

Thanks. I'm checking out that thread now.

 

I have pretty much the exact same system you are thinking about getting except for the OS. I decided to go ahead and get Vista 64 Ultimate to make use of the 4gb of ram. Very tempted to reformat it though and install XP and then Vista on a seperate partition. No matter how you configure her though, you can not go wrong.

 

Thanks for your response. How do you like your machine?

 

The first thing I noticed and was very impressed with (besides the size) was the keyboard. This thing has one of the best keyboards I have ever felt on a laptop. I love it. The raid 0 makes this thing load games faster than my desktop. She is much quieter than I thought she would be, even when the fans are turned on high. Um, that is about all I can come up with for now. I have only had my hands on her for about a week. I have installed Crysis and The Witcher and have not had a single problem with either one yet. So far, I am very happy with the 9262. The only bad thing is that she only has one video card at the moment! That second one better get here soon!!!!

 

Looks like a good machine!
E6850 vs Q6600 has always been a tough choice.

Personally I went with the quad, with the hopes that more people will be coding for four threads ( which should happen but the question is when )

I agree with the others, you will be impressed by this machine I definitely am. Check the review in my sig if you haven't seen it already.

 

In terms of the keyboard, how do you find the lack of dedicated Page Up/Page Down keys and Home and End keys ?

 

I seem to not notice that anymore... since they are dedicated if you turn off NumLock.

This is really only useful for a small number of games/apps (BF2142)

 

Aryantes,

I did read your post and it was one of the most helpful I've read. I thought I left you a "thank you" in that thread, but, if I didn't, then... thank you.

 

Well theres always the Q6700

 

My bad, you're right thanks.

Although, make sure you see the updated review with more stuff about the general use of the laptop and not just the performance.

Let us know when you get it, I'd like to see the numbers on Crysis with a dual core.

 

^ what he said about the upadation of the review (word I cam up with myself)