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New Gaming Computer

Discussion in 'Tilted Gear' started by FelixP, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. FelixP

    FelixP New Member

    Location:
    Anywhere at anytime
    Alright, all you tech-savvy TFPers, I need your assistance. I've had my current laptop for over two years now, and I think it's just about time for a replacement. For my next laptop I want a good gaming computer that won't be obsolete (or even obsolescent) two or three years from now, barring any crazy advances in technology. The max ammount of money I'm willing to spend is about 1700, but I'd be willing to go up to 1800 if the computer is powerful enough. So far I'm looking at the ASUS G74SX-DH71 and the MSI G Series GT780DXR-446US. Both have some good pros, but also some serious cons. The Asus seems to have a crappy touch pad, and the MSI seems to get the BSOD alot. BOTH companies are reported to have terrible customer service. I really don't want an Alienware, and none of the XPS systems seem to have enough power. I don't really want another HP, but I suppose I would consider one.

    The specs would ideally be something like this:
    12-16 GB RAM
    1-1.5 TB Hard Drive Space
    1.5-3 GB RAM Video Card
    2.2-2.5 GHz Quad-Core processor
    Webcam
    17.3 inch display

    So, fellow TFPers, what kind of gaming rigs do you currently own, or would like to own, that meet these requirements? Thanks in advance for all of your help!
     
    FelixP, Apr 14, 2012
    #1
  2. martian

    martian Server Monkey Staff Member

    Location:
    Mars
    Buying a laptop for gaming is always a losing proposition in my opinion. That said, if you're really set on the idea I'd say go with a Toshiba or an Asus. They build the best hardware. Dell's laptops are shit and I wouldn't use them for anything outside of a workplace environment (where you generally go with Vostros for the warranty support).

    You don't need 12 GB RAM for gaming. The only people using that much memory right now are folks who do a lot of heavy multimedia editing or people who are really into virtualization. I'd say 8 GB is more than sufficient, and anticipate it will continue to be for the next few years.

    If you're set on buying one tomorrow I'd suggest you take a look at this:

    Newegg.ca - TOSHIBA Qosmio X770-02P Notebook Intel Core i7 2670QM(2.20GHz) 17.3" 8GB Memory DDR3 1333 750GB HDD +128GB SSD HDD 5400rpm Blu-Ray Burner NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M

    But the smarter move in my opinion would be to hold off for a month or two if you can. Intel's new Ivy Bridge lineup is expected in about a week, and I'd be curious to see what a model taking advantage of that and nVidia's recently released 6 series does.
     
    martian, Apr 14, 2012
    #2
    • Like Like x 2
  3. Zweiblumen

    Zweiblumen Slightly Tilted

    Location:
    Iceland
    As usual Martian is spot on. 12-16 GB ram and 1 - 1.5 TB hd is a waste of money. I would rather go for a decent SSD and then if you need the storage add a second HD or external (even wireless external). A 17" laptop isn't a portable thing and like what was said about the first "mobile" IBM pc. "It's portable if you are driving a fork lift." Have you considered buying a all-in-one in stead (I know it isn't that different from an laptop when comes to expandability) ?
    When choosing a cpu look up the specs and select the one that fits your needs the most because i3 < i5 < i7 isn't true for all cpu's (and probable does this translate over to AMD too).
    Alienware is more often than not, over priced and like Martian said Thosiba and Asus should give you a reliable machines, just stay away from the cheapest Thosiba machines.
     
    Zweiblumen, Apr 17, 2012
    #3
  4. Shadowex3

    Shadowex3 Very Tilted

    "Laptop" these days is like saying "motor vehicle", but in general still tends to contradict that second part
    Not going to happen.
    Definitely going to happen.
    And that was your one chance at getting pretty much anything you want. The rule with mobiles is simple: Portability, Battery Life, Power. Pick Two.

    You can have something portable with battery life in which case it's probably low powered and/or small.
    It can have battery life and be a powerhouse but then you're probably in the double digit poundage.
    And lastly there's the alienware option of portability and power but at then you've got to deal with incredible heat and battery life issues that basically make it a carryable desktop, something you move from powerplug to powerplug with cooling accessories and stands.


    Honestly for the (imho) almost silly amount of money you're willing to spend you'd be far better served by putting ~$1100 of that towards a dedicated gaming rig and the other $600-800 towards a less extreme mobile. If you are dead set on a "gaming laptop" though then look into a portable-PC like alienware offers. They're part of dell, I know, but if you want a laptop that drinks juice like a vegan with a blendtec and has an exhaust that could run a convection oven they're the guys you want.
     
    Shadowex3, Apr 19, 2012
    #4
    • Like Like x 1
  5. FelixP

    FelixP New Member

    Location:
    Anywhere at anytime
    Hmmm, alot of good points here. I mean, my current laptop has 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a 17inch screen, and a 2.4GHz duo-core processor. This is all well and good, but it's starting to die on me, and I want it's replacement to last as long as this one has (a little over two years, still plays alot of games). I can agree that the huge hard drive is probably over-kill, but 12GB of RAM? Remember, I want it to last as long as my current HP has. ASUS, MSI, and a few more obscure companies whose names I can't remember all make laptops (or is notebook the correct term?) superior to and less expensive than Alienware. Like I said, my current "notebook" has been hanging on for over two years, so I do think my objectives are feasible. Also, because of my job, a desktop really isn't feasible. At all. That being said, thanks in part to your guys' suggestions, I have pretty much decided on ASUS. I've been reading alot of good things about them.
     
    FelixP, Apr 19, 2012
    #5
  6. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    The key is this...buy it for what you're going to use it for.
    Not anyone else.

    Stats are fine, name brands give you the warm & fuzzies...
    But what is good for you.

    Perhaps a laptop is more your style, you're mobile...able to take it anywhere, chill back in your lounge chair, etc.
    Then again, if you're gaming style is more sitting up, staring at a huge screen (or even multiple screen) then that's cool too.
    Do you download tons of movies?
    Do you game online, need quick feedback and reflexes.
    Do you do CAD or manipulate media?

    I've found many times in the past...the SME often are into the numbers, stats or the new in thing.
    That's great...but it may not be what you need. They're spending your money.
    Where should the emphasis go?

    Way back when, when I bought one of my first computers outright, I worked in the computer market.
    EVERYONE said, you've got to have a Pentium. (which just came out...vs. the 486. Yes, I'm aged)
    I'd read the stats, tests, trends...what worked with what. Thought to myself, that's not where I want to spend my money. (and $4000 was a lot back then)
    Instead I invested into a good motherboard, a good amount of RAM ($40/MB back then), a really good video card...and an "huge" 17" monitor.
    That thing lasted forever, and played anything.
    So instead of getting the "hip" or "cutting edge" CPU...I saved money, and got all the bells and whistles I wanted.

    -----------

    Personally, for gaming...I like a desktop and one very large monitor. (laptops are usually my secondary systems or for work)
    I don't do movies, so with the HD it's more about speed than storage.

    A good motherboard is always recommended. I always like a good cache on this itself.
    Make sure your video card is not only good on resources, but the most compatible with the games you like.
    I like a surround sound speaker setup...something that puts it all around me, but it doesn't have to be perfect, sound isn't that way.
    Get a good NIC you can get for the thru-put and quality.

    With CPU, there's always a new one around the corner...and they are pricey...
    So give yourself the best bang for your buck ratio. (I've always liked AMD, but that's me)

    And invest into FiOS if available for your internet...you'll never go back. (Unless you're rich enough for your own T1 line that is)
    With that, at least get the 25/25 package...but go for 50/50 if you can afford it.
    If you can't, then at least get a good connection and decent router.

    For me, it's all about the immersion into the game. (forgetting the world)
    And making sure the through-put is flowing fast ALL the way through. (one bottleneck is all you need to choke)

    These days, I like going to a good local vendor. (I hate phones for tech support, I want to get into people faces if necessary)
    I ask them what's hot, stats, what specials...have them piece it together for me on paper in front of me. (don't let them hustle you)
    Let them build it, burn it in. Set the warranty. (I'm tired of HW on the initial build)

    I'll install and configure the OS myself.
    I hate all the junk the name brand people put in there...I want it clean, minimal and efficient.

    But if you go with a laptop, you may not have that choice, name brands are likely better for the compact setup.
    I've always liked Toshiba. They're sturdy and don't put too much junk on their OS's

    But one thing I always do is this...the stats & names always change, everyone has their own biases, and your money is not theirs.
    I do research...not so much on the stats or numbers.
    But what tests are out there?
    The reviews, the trends...what works with what the best. What doesn't work well with other things.
    All for what kind of gaming and play I'm doing myself, not for others
     
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2012
    rogue49, Apr 20, 2012
    #6