X305. Omg!

Exactly what dtwn said, as we have already seen with E-wrecked, 3dmark isn't a reliable tool. Devil may cry just seems to be the easiest comparison we can make because its free and easy to download the benchmark. If we had gone off what E-wrecked said, people could have gone out buying this laptop and thinking its as fast as a 8800m gts, when its not.

 

That is one downside, as for the general consensus, yes the wrist is the most comfortable when resting on one of the five speakers, but it's comfortable, none the less. I am planning to add a cushion modification so that my wrist is even more comfortable, but I game intensely using this setup...

 

I personally tend to prefer the arrow keys over WASD for shooters (I guess I like to have my keyboard hand and mouse hand closer together), I'm not sure if it would be more or less comfortable to use such a configuration for a laptop, as I've noticed in pictures that the arrow keys are in a bit of a different position on a laptop than they are on a wider desktop keyboard.

Also, again on the subject of upgrades, do you need to get special internal hard drives for laptops? I'm assuming yes, and I'd also assume they'd be more expensive since they'd have to be more compact. Are there any from Best Buy that wouldn't be too expensive to get?

Also, I'm still a little iffy about this Vs. the Gateway, I'm leaning toward the Gateway one because it's got a better CPU and graphics card (not to mention it's cheaper, although that makes me worried in a "too good to be true" sense)-and if I can upgrade it with an additional hard drive, than it would probably end up being superior to my desktop set up in every way.

Also, I'm fairly interested in Crysis, since I played the demo version on my Desktop (it ran fairly well on the default graphics settings), and it seems pretty cool. Of course performance/playability would likely override eye candy, but if I can get a good chunk of both that's nice too.

Ah yes, and one last thing 32-bit Vs. 64-bit. I've been leaning toward 64 because it's supposed to take full advantage of the RAM and irrc it's required for Crysis' level-editing tools or something.

 

I actually prefer a nice console controller, when playing a relaxed game(offline). Upgrades, for notebooks, the main difference is size, it's just an ordinary SATA 2.5" hard drive, compared to the 3.5" SATA in my desktop. The speeds vary, and in certain(most) cases can offer a noticable improvement in performance just like in a desktop. Best buy does sell 2.5" SATA drives, but you could find better deals on http://www.newegg.com .
My advice (I too, own and play Crysis) is to wait for updated drivers, for the X305 anyways. So which Gateway were you considering? One important factor overall in notebooks is, upgradability, If I purchase this notebook, does it give me room to move up? Among other things like OS and memory support. To each their own...

 

Laptop drives = 2.5 drives. Make sure it's 9.5 MM, as there are some 12.5 mm drives that won't fit. There's the 7k200 Hitachi for 89.99 after MIR.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10005818&prodlist=froogle

It's arguably the best 7200RPM 200 GB HDD out there, with performances that beat most 200 GB 7200 RPM and 320 GB 5400 RPM drives.

A few users picked up the 7811FX today. It's rather interesting as online stores don't seem to have it in stock yet.

 

More and more I lean towards getting the X300-11S. As you can see from here it has slightly better specs, though of course more expensive. Still comes with the 9700m GTS. I am not worried so much about future games cause I plan to buy FPS and similar games on my xbox 360 console, and I just hope this notebook will be able to run without problems all my current PC games that are demanding. For example Rainbow Six Vegas, Oblivion, Call of Juarez, STALKER, etc.
No interest in Crysis.
I wouldn't mind so much playing at a lower resolution, like 1280x720, as long as I could play them without dropping in framerate under 35 ish.
Apart from them, the main games I will continue playing on the notebook will be strategy and wargames which are not that demanding.
If the notebook is really upgradable and I could buy a 9800m card for a normal price, then that would be perfect, but I have my doubts for it. Or if the specific model would recognise it and use it without problems due to the extra heat and perhaps space.
I was having my eyes on Clevo models to be released "soon" but all these delays and higher cost (EU) ruined it for me.



You mentioned that it has room for a second HDD, is it easy to install one?

 

Also of note is the fact that I have a 32 bit OS(Windows Vista Ultimate), and it so far recognizes and utilizes up to 8 GB of ram (my desktop), as well as the 4GB of ram in my notebook.

 

you can create your recovery disks I believe by opening the start menu and its one of the top programs that allow you to create recovery disks. I think it fits all on 4 DVDs, the last one is the toshiba drivers disk that has all the drivers that are shipped with your notebook.
ABR is this:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228
I first heard about it from my HP DV9500t days, and it works fine with all the notebook i've tried out (Acer, Dell, HP, Toshiba). Only thing is you need a windows disk

Cq, Any reason why you choose 32bit version windows? It shows that you have 4gbs of ram, but it doesn't utilize it all. Its a fix they show because people were complaining they weren't seeing all their memory, but you would need 64bit OS to utilize more than 3.5GBs of ram.
As to adding a 2nd HD, its possible, we just have to wait for Toshiba to sell the HD caddy as you'll need a caddy for the bottom HD. I've called up Toshiba Direct and they don't have any part# for it yet.

 

Okay to be more clear, when I run a diagnostic from an ingame menu that is completely independent of the SysInfo of the OS, as the game scans and creates it's own, it fully registers, space and speed of ram...I can say that it is being utilized my friend. A really good test of this is to turn page file off, and run an editor then ramp up all the details, and objects in a specific map, thereby testing memory utilization in real time.

 

Also if you go to my tear down page, you will see that a caddy isnt required to hold the second HDD in place as there is a prong on the HDD access bay door that holds it in place... http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/christopherquinalty/Qosmio X305-Q701 disassembly/ . Also i did not ask about any recovery disks my friend, I think you are mistaken. Besides I Digitally purchase Vista Ultimate, then backed it up.

 

oops sorry cq, read it a bit fast, it was someone else.
And not trying to argue with you, but its an x86 architecture problem, so i don't see how you're able to use all 4gb if its a physical problem with x86.
And when i opened up my HD bay, i thought you'd need one. OH well, i'll buy a 2nd HD and test it out =)
Thanks for the pics btw if you didn't see it in the other thread.

 

Well I'm looking at the Gateway P-7811FX, which has been talked about in this thread as an alternative gaming laptop-albeit one that may be less upgradable.

If it is indeed currently available in stores at least I'd have opportunity to hear about it's performance and reliability before I get my financial aid, hopefully on Wednesday next week.

I'm also considering getting an X-Box 360 controller so some games will feel more like console games which is what I've been a bit used to up until recently.

Are all X-Box 360 controllers PC-compatible, btw?

 

>.> Technically it is in stores, because most bestbuys list the floor model as a in stock unit. It was pretty dumb for that store to sell their floor model, but you should be able to go into a store and give them the sku off the website and find where there is a unit in stock and have it shipped to the store.

 

Yep, all of the Xbox 360 controllers are compatible. One thing I have noticed though is some of the controllers analog sticks are not aligned properly, so in a first person shooter you might notice your view slowly moving to one of the sides. I find that annoying, but it really depends I guess. You just have to calibrate it to compensate for that. If you get the wireless then you will need an adapter (Microsoft sells them), but the USB ones also work.

 

bwhxeon; thanks for offering mad props to me. I'm sure if dtwn has any input he'll let you know that I base my statements off of research and reading. I tend to throw fact in to those two principles as well. Fact being experience, of course. I'm not looking to make any enemies, hell..not looking to offend anyone. But you're going to believe what YOU want to believe. Do UFOs exist? Does the universe really go on forever, and if not where does it end? Is E-wrecked full of crap, or does he possibly have an idea of what the heck he's talking bout?

I understand you may be a "NBR Reviewer" based on your sub-title.. but without any basis aside from assumption..which we all do at times, it is insulting to have you degrade me in such a manor.. AGAIN.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=284302#5

 

To the owner of a Gateway notebook that said that the Gateway FX11 is a much better offer since as he said the X300-11S is at 2300 US$ where the FX11 is at about 1500.

The FX11 isn't and none of similar models of Gateway are available in the UK. Perhaps even in most if not all other EU countries.
So one would have to import it from the USA.
So, 1500 dollars plus about 250 for shipping (if you find a place that ships it to the UK)=1750. Plus a customs fee, mind you not an import fee that doesn't exist for the product. The customs fee can be from zero to 200 pounds. Let's say 100 pounds which is $192. 192+1750=1942 US dollars. Then you have to add the 17.5% VAT that you have to pay in the UK to it. Which makes it 2281 US dollars. That is 19 dollars less than the Toshiba x300 11s. Consider that the specific Gateway models are not available in the UK and that for anything that has to do with repairs etc it would probably mean a long wait, even if you find an international warranty for the Gateway, which as far as I know, does not exist.

So, pay 19 more for the Toshiba and peace of mind, with perhaps, a bit slower graphics card (which can be upgraded in the future), or save the 19 dollars and get the Gateway model?
Hmm...

The chances that I will buy the Toshiba model increase by the day. By the 18th or so that I will order one, I will know for certain.

 

E-Wrecked, I have no reason to not believe you, but my problem is, believe or not believe what?

Once you say that the 8K score is with stock settings, and once you say it is overclocked. So, which one is it?


Also, where do you guys find Vista 64bit drivers for this model? I can't find them.

 

http://www.start64.com/index.php?option=com_mamboezine&Itemid=109

 

Guys, Guys... Can we not agree to disagree, and to each their own respectable choice, the basis for improvement is not only testing and comparing, but contributing, so how is this a means to contribute, by arguing and accusing? Let's bury the proverbial hatchett, and start this one from the beginning. What say you?

 

Cool link, thank you, but I was talking about official Toshiba 64bit drivers for this model.

 

How did you overclock the card? How are the temperatures now, much higher? Performance increase?

 

One thing and More important, Dont mind the speeds under NV Monitor, as they are obviously false. Second, On average it run around 48-49c idle, 52c (Max) under full load..I used Nvidia Ntune and original outdated Toshiba drivers... http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v720/christopherquinalty/My Qosmio/?action=view&current=MYGPU.jpg

Still waiting for updated Drivers....From either Toshiba or Nvidia...PS does anyone know where I can buy laptop video cards, of the nvidia flavor? So far I have found one site, but I dont see any updated cards above 8600m GT

 

Update, when I acheive a nigh maximum overclock, core @ 810MHZ, memory @1101 MHZ, the temps jump up considerably. I think I'll do what I did with my radeon 4850 and apply an after market cooler, with Artic silver 5 thermal paste. Well see how it goes.

 

Hi all. The most stable overclock for gaming that I have found so far is core-730 mhz, memory-1015mhz.... that seems to work pretty well in games, today i have arctic silver 5 on the way and I intend to apply it to this notebook, next week, I will order a pci slot fan, as I have a sneaking suspicion that it is remarkably similar to the fan being used by toshiba, only with better results.

 

Do you see any performance increase in games? Noticable? Numbers behind it? Also, what is the default speed for the card before overclocking?

 

There is a definite performance increase, no numbers as of yet, because PCMark Vantage doesnt report right,( driver level issues, like reporting generic VGA device) , I use the Nvidia Tech demos, as a valid basis for performance increase and stability, as these programs were originally optimized for Nvidia cards. The default speed for this card is core-530mhz, memory 799mhz as reported by Nvidia Ntune. Like I was saying though, I see alot of room fro improvement, driver update wise.

 

Any chance of trying that DMC demo mentioned earlier or 3Dmark06 to see how this overclocking helps? (numbers)

 

It sure would help if the drivers were better....but I'm sure that I could try the DMC4 benchmark later, however 3DMark06 seems to report wrong...I'm sure it's a matter of a hotfix/driver update.

 

Downloading DMC4 demo w/benchmark utility, time now, over.

 

God I love this lag-tastic game, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, for XBOX, on the 360.

 

Are you using Vista 64 or 32? IF 64, can you provide a link with their drivers? I can't find them.

 

I'm using the 32bit Vista Ultimate, but you can find Toshiba's drivers for both versions here.... http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...BV_EngineID=ccciadeelhggfdkcgfkceghdgngdgmn.0

...your welcome...How come my rep stays the same?

 

Thanks.

Well, I asked the same questions about 10 times till I got a reply. Of course no one has to reply in the first place, but still.
As for why no rep, I didn't know you care for it. I rarely use it as I find it useless, but if you want it so much, sure, here it is.


EDIT: Apparently I was the only one that gave you positive rep few days ago and it doesn't allow me to do it again. Perhaps you should check your CP to see who gives you rep before you ask why he doesn't give you any.

 

I dont think you once, asked me that question, or I would have gladly replied with the information you needed. As for my rep, I really dont place too much emphasis on it, but I see all the rep votes in my CP, but only one green box under my avatar, so I was a little confused is all...

 

I am too lazy to go through 29 pages and quote myself, so if you don't believe me, fine, let's leave it at that.

And apology accepted.

 

LOL...were you talking to me? Because I didnt apologize friend...

 

To be honest, this point is something I already brought up earlier.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3737062&postcount=206
You will notice that I said the 7811FX is unavailable in the EU and UK, making it unfair comparisons.

Secondly,
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3737126&postcount=208
you will notice that I mentioned

Lastly,
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3737737&postcount=221

I've essentially, stated everything that you mentioned as well. And I'm not arguing with you, I'm just pointing out that I've already said whatever it was you said in YOUR post. We are essentially in agreement with each other.

To answer CQ

each green box = 100 rep points.

 

Ahhh, thank you....

 

Were you talking to me? Because I didn't say thank you.

 

Fair enough dtwn83.

 

Were you replying to me? Because I didnt ask you for an unprofessional comment...

 

Anyway, Bluemak if you're looking for the OC'ed performance of DMC4 tests, you'll have to wait on cq. If you want stock tests, I posted my results a few pages back already.

 

Indeed. I looked at them and although the results were B and C, even at C, they fps per level looked great to me for such a new game. I don't know about you, but I don't see much difference from 40 to 60 fps anyway, and anything higher is just irrelevant.
Crysis' benchmarks don't mean much IMO, for any system.

This Toshiba model looks more and more like one hell of a notebook. Even if the upgrade to the 9800m GT doesn't work for whatever reason, I believe the 9700m GTS is a fine card for games that are out (sans Crysis perhaps).

 

Have you tried to contact one of the Clevo/Sager sellers/resellers in the USA? One of them might be able to sell graphics card on their own, although perhaps it would be better to not mention the exact reason you want it (non Clevo/Sager notebook).

 

Thanks for the resource, I'll check it out...LOL, good advice, like when walking into a head shop, one should NEVER inquire about marijuana...I know it stands to reason, but I'm sure a few unfortunate souls have tried...

 

By the way I am currently posting the overclocked versus stock speeds in another thread...for those that dont know....

 

Yeah i don't see any diff under 30 FPS, the C score really is with me turning AA up to 8x, without AA it runs absolutely fine at B.

 

@cq842000:
can you give me a link ?

 

Yeah it's weird, because I am actually one of the (presumably) 9% of people that actually can see a difference at 60+fps, as well as 30-fps. I have to get wounded, and night-blinded, with constant glare and dazzle now, I wear prescription sunglasses, but my visual acuity is somewhere off the charts( I'm guessing my senses compensated, for a lack of feeling in my right hand, being extremely hard of hearing(both eardrums were blown), and almost blind during the day, due to light...I first noticed it, when I could see refresh rate scan-lines in my LCD TV, when I adjusted positions... It really more of a curse than a blessing, though, as seemingly minute flaws become huge gaping absesses to me....

 

Sure...start here, and work forward, as my results are ongoing at the moment... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=284302&page=6