Computer Performance Questions

11-18-12, 02:01 PM

So, Ive been talking about it for a while, but in Leau of money, needs for a PC laptop, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday coming up, I am going to get one, and am in a pickle. So let me start with what I'm looking for.

Im looking for something that can run AutoCAD easily as well as run SH5 with many mods and a smooth framerate. Now here is where Im torn, Ive been looking for a few computers and this is what I found.

OPTION A- AMAZON Cost- around $1500 USD

Summary

Screen Size15.6 inches Max Screen Resolution1920x1080 pixels Processor2.3 GHz Core i7-3610QM RAM12 GB SO-DIMM Hard Drive750 GB Graphics CoprocessorNvidia GTX 660M Graphics Card Ram Size200 MB Wireless Type802.11bgn Number of USB 3.0 Ports 4

Other Technical Details

Brand NameAsus SeriesG55VW Item model numberG55VW-DS71 Hardware PlatformPC Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Item Weight: 8.4 pounds Item Dimensions L x W x H14.80 x 0.90 x 11.80 inches Color Black Processor BrandIntel Processor Count1 Computer Memory TypeSODIMM Hard Drive InterfaceSerial ATA Hard Drive Rotational Speed7200 RPM Optical Drive TypeDL DVD±RW/CD-RW Audio-out Ports (#)1 Batteries1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)

Found this puppy on Amazon, but shes a bit more than Id like to pay, especially when Option B is cheaper and more powerful.

Option B- Amazon Cost $1279 USD (Shes on Sale right now)

Screen Size17.3 inches Max Screen Resolution1920x1080 Processor2.3 GHz Core i7 2.7 GHz RAM16 GB DIMM Hard Drive750 GB SATA Graphics CoprocessorNvidia GT 660M 2G GDDR5 Graphics Card Ram Size2000 MB Wireless Type802.11bgn Number of USB 3.0 Ports 4 Expand
Other Technical Details

Brand NameAsus SeriesG Item model numberG75VW-AS71 Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Item Dimensions L x W x H22.70 x 14.60 x 3.80 inches Color Black Processor BrandIntel Computer Memory TypeDIMM Hard Drive Rotational Speed7200 RPM Optical Drive TypeDL DVD±RW/CD-RW Audio-out Ports (#)1 Batteries1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Only problem with this one is it is 17.3 Inches, and I dont think I want that big of a computer.

Option C- My Base NEX Cost -$869 USD Much cheaper, but I could be getting a much better laptop.

Asus 15.6" laptop with windows 8 (Unfortunately)

-I7 3630QM @ 2.4GHz
-4GB RAM X 2 (so 8GB Total)
-NVIDIA GEforce 610 (Doesnt say anything about dedicated gigs, safe to assume that its 2gigs of dedicated ram?
-1.5 TB HDD (Ill probably swap out or add a SDD

So there it is, those are my 3 options and Im torn to either get the cheaper one or the hulking monster thats on a $400 sale, or the 1500 15.6 " from Amazon.

Any help or knowledge to help ease my choice would be much much appreciated guys

the_tyrant · 11-18-12, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USNSRCaseySmith

So, Ive been talking about it for a while, but in Leau of money, needs for a PC laptop, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday coming up, I am going to get one, and am in a pickle. So let me start with what I'm looking for.

Im looking for something that can run AutoCAD easily as well as run SH5 with many mods and a smooth framerate. Now here is where Im torn, Ive been looking for a few computers and this is what I found.

OPTION A- AMAZON Cost- around $1500 USD

Summary

Screen Size15.6 inches Max Screen Resolution1920x1080 pixels Processor2.3 GHz Core i7-3610QM RAM12 GB SO-DIMM Hard Drive750 GB Graphics CoprocessorNvidia GTX 660M Graphics Card Ram Size200 MB Wireless Type802.11bgn Number of USB 3.0 Ports 4

Other Technical Details

Brand NameAsus SeriesG55VW Item model numberG55VW-DS71 Hardware PlatformPC Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Item Weight: 8.4 pounds Item Dimensions L x W x H14.80 x 0.90 x 11.80 inches Color Black Processor BrandIntel Processor Count1 Computer Memory TypeSODIMM Hard Drive InterfaceSerial ATA Hard Drive Rotational Speed7200 RPM Optical Drive TypeDL DVD±RW/CD-RW Audio-out Ports (#)1 Batteries1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)

Found this puppy on Amazon, but shes a bit more than Id like to pay, especially when Option B is cheaper and more powerful.

Option B- Amazon Cost $1279 USD (Shes on Sale right now)

Screen Size17.3 inches Max Screen Resolution1920x1080 Processor2.3 GHz Core i7 2.7 GHz RAM16 GB DIMM Hard Drive750 GB SATA Graphics CoprocessorNvidia GT 660M 2G GDDR5 Graphics Card Ram Size2000 MB Wireless Type802.11bgn Number of USB 3.0 Ports 4 Expand
Other Technical Details

Brand NameAsus SeriesG Item model numberG75VW-AS71 Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Item Dimensions L x W x H22.70 x 14.60 x 3.80 inches Color Black Processor BrandIntel Computer Memory TypeDIMM Hard Drive Rotational Speed7200 RPM Optical Drive TypeDL DVD±RW/CD-RW Audio-out Ports (#)1 Batteries1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Only problem with this one is it is 17.3 Inches, and I dont think I want that big of a computer.

Option C- My Base NEX Cost -$869 USD Much cheaper, but I could be getting a much better laptop.

Asus 15.6" laptop with windows 8 (Unfortunately)

-I7 3630QM @ 2.4GHz
-4GB RAM X 2 (so 8GB Total)
-NVIDIA GEforce 610 (Doesnt say anything about dedicated gigs, safe to assume that its 2gigs of dedicated ram?
-1.5 TB HDD (Ill probably swap out or add a SDD

So there it is, those are my 3 options and Im torn to either get the cheaper one or the hulking monster thats on a $400 sale, or the 1500 15.6 " from Amazon.

Any help or knowledge to help ease my choice would be much much appreciated guys

C is a definite no go, trying to power stuff with lots of graphical performance with a 610m? that is a joke.

I would not recommend b, b is WAY to heavy and big, at that kind of size, you might as well get a desktop.

Why don't you consider this: http://www.digitalstormonline.com/ga...ice=%241%2C550

The graphics card is pretty much the best you can get under 2000$, it costs around 1500$, give or take, depending on the specs.

This is a more gaming focus computer, if you want something more business/cad focused, this thinkpad looks good:

http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/la...w-series/w530/

that 20 hour battery life looks great! The quadro card is much better than a GeForce when it comes to gaming.

11-18-12, 03:09 PM

Only thing is Im tryin to stay away from that 1500$ and I like the fact that the 17" is cheaper and more powerful by far... but then again its a brick house

11-18-12, 05:02 PM

Any other ideas guys?

the_tyrant · 11-18-12, 05:13 PM

If I were you, I would take the Thinkpad W

Sure, you compromise a bit on the gaming (still miles better than option C)

The price is in between, and the 20 hour battery life sounds great!

11-18-12, 05:22 PM

Possibly... Ill have to see

the_tyrant · 11-18-12, 05:27 PM

this dell also looks pretty good: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19

11-18-12, 05:51 PM

Well Im looking at gaming as being a secondary (Think SH5, Arma II, Sims 3, Skyrim and BF3) and I kept thinking I REALLY wanted the 12 gigs of ram BUT, I found the 15.6" for $1219 USD with only 8GB of ram and now that I think about it, that 15.6" should have MORE than enough power with 8GB RAM (Its expandable to 16 anyways), a 2.4 GHz i7, and the NVIDIA 660 with 2GB dedicated right?? Plus Id like the exra money saved so I can buy a SSD for it for fast boot ups. What do you think?

EDIT: Question now is.... Windows 7 or 8?? How do you feel about 8? I just started getting used to 7 and I went into the store and was messing around with 8 there and absolutely hated the initial interface.

the_tyrant · 11-18-12, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USNSRCaseySmith

Well Im looking at gaming as being a secondary (Think SH5, Arma II, Sims 3, Skyrim and BF3) and I kept thinking I REALLY wanted the 12 gigs of ram BUT, I found the 15.6" for $1219 USD with only 8GB of ram and now that I think about it, that 15.6" should have MORE than enough power with 8GB RAM (Its expandable to 16 anyways), a 2.4 GHz i7, and the NVIDIA 660 with 2GB dedicated right?? Plus Id like the exra money saved so I can buy a SSD for it for fast boot ups. What do you think?

EDIT: Question now is.... Windows 7 or 8?? How do you feel about 8? I just started getting used to 7 and I went into the store and was messing around with 8 there and absolutely hated the initial interface.

For gaming, 8 gb is more than enough, cad might require a bit more.

If your main focus is CAD, the Thinkpad is the best choice, if it is for gaming, the Dell is better. Quadros are MUCH better for CAD, but than, the Radeon beats it in gaming.

I absolutely love windows 8, but than I have been using windows with a touchscreen ever since XP. I still say go for windows 8, since Microsoft allows downgrades, as outlined below (I haven't used it though)
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/lice...id=8N3u2IcX9gY

antikristuseke · 11-19-12, 07:09 AM

Personally I like 17" laptops and disagree with people who say they are not really portable. Agreed that they are less of a mobile device than a 11"-13" netbook, but when it comes to decent performance for your hard earned cash 17" laptops go long way and are only marginally larger than 15.6" models.
I carry my 17" Acer pretty much everywhere and I am by no means the largest of guys, only 6'2 and 160 something pounds.

Edit: on the ram issue, ram costs about as much as a sandwitch, get a model with 8gigs, a philips head screwdriver and buy two extra sticks of compatible DDR3 sticks and you are golden, 4 gig sticks are less than 20 dollars each unless you go into the silly end of the spectrum.

11-23-12, 02:13 PM

Its not that its 17" its that this Asus G75 series is 17" and wont fit in even 18" bags because its bigger than its specs, plus its something in the plus of 13Lbs, not a problem for me BUT, I want to take it with me on deployment, and we have to have it on us on a carryon and they only allow a max of 15 Lbs on the carryon, and I dont want to even push that number. The only thing that makes me want the 17" more is that it has a second slot for easy installation of a SSD, whereas the 15 does too but it seems like you really gotta gut the computer to get to it, that or replace your HDD with an SSD entirely.

11-23-12, 02:16 PM

So far Ive decided on the 15.6"(The 17" went OFF sale back to 1700$) with 8GB of ram (Im going to install another 8, or 2 sticks of 8 just for good measure :P) and then MAYBE order a SSD or wait until I have time, take it to my local computer shop and have them do it for me, I feel confident I can install the RAM (Its plug and play pretty much right?) but the SSD is a different story.

On another note, dunno if it will be worth trying to wait till cyber monday or just buying it now, I mean Im seeing SSD and RAM on sale for like half off atm and the computer is 1299 atm too.

antikristuseke · 11-26-12, 04:58 AM

not really, an SSD is as easy to install as ram, there is only one way it fits into the connector. Then again if the computer is badly designed and swaping the hdd reqires you to dismantle the damn thing more than removing the rear access panel it might be a different story.

12-01-12, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antikristuseke

not really, an SSD is as easy to install as ram, there is only one way it fits into the connector. Then again if the computer is badly designed and swaping the hdd reqires you to dismantle the damn thing more than removing the rear access panel it might be a different story.

Thats not the problem its the HDD cloning part Im worried about, a I have no clue how to do it (I can make windows recovery disks) and B according to a review apparently it is hard to clone the HDD on the G55vw because of the partition tables it uses. The slot where the drive goes is easily accessible. Only thing I could do probably (Without taking it to a technician) is pop in the SSD and then pop in my windows recovery disks (Which I havent made yet) for a fresh clean install, which btw makes me question.... is it possible I could make a windows recovery on say a 32GB flash drive?

Casey

antikristuseke · 12-03-12, 05:02 AM

Well, personally I would not go the cloning route, but that's my own preference. Just backup what you need and go for a clean install on the SSD. Also, I would use the other hard drive for the backup and have a secondary backup on some cloud service as having a backup on the same drive sort of defeats the entire purpose.
That said I have had no real experience with cloning a hard drive since I have never had a good reason to do so.

11-18-12, 02:01 PM	#1
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Computer Performance Questions So, Ive been talking about it for a while, but in Leau of money, needs for a PC laptop, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday coming up, I am going to get one, and am in a pickle. So let me start with what I'm looking for. Im looking for something that can run AutoCAD easily as well as run SH5 with many mods and a smooth framerate. Now here is where Im torn, Ive been looking for a few computers and this is what I found. OPTION A- AMAZON Cost- around $1500 USD Summary Screen Size15.6 inches Max Screen Resolution1920x1080 pixels Processor2.3 GHz Core i7-3610QM RAM12 GB SO-DIMM Hard Drive750 GB Graphics CoprocessorNvidia GTX 660M Graphics Card Ram Size200 MB Wireless Type802.11bgn Number of USB 3.0 Ports 4 Other Technical Details Brand NameAsus SeriesG55VW Item model numberG55VW-DS71 Hardware PlatformPC Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Item Weight: 8.4 pounds Item Dimensions L x W x H14.80 x 0.90 x 11.80 inches Color Black Processor BrandIntel Processor Count1 Computer Memory TypeSODIMM Hard Drive InterfaceSerial ATA Hard Drive Rotational Speed7200 RPM Optical Drive TypeDL DVD±RW/CD-RW Audio-out Ports (#)1 Batteries1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included) Found this puppy on Amazon, but shes a bit more than Id like to pay, especially when Option B is cheaper and more powerful. Option B- Amazon Cost $1279 USD (Shes on Sale right now) Screen Size17.3 inches Max Screen Resolution1920x1080 Processor2.3 GHz Core i7 2.7 GHz RAM16 GB DIMM Hard Drive750 GB SATA Graphics CoprocessorNvidia GT 660M 2G GDDR5 Graphics Card Ram Size2000 MB Wireless Type802.11bgn Number of USB 3.0 Ports 4 Expand Other Technical Details Brand NameAsus SeriesG Item model numberG75VW-AS71 Operating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Item Dimensions L x W x H22.70 x 14.60 x 3.80 inches Color Black Processor BrandIntel Computer Memory TypeDIMM Hard Drive Rotational Speed7200 RPM Optical Drive TypeDL DVD±RW/CD-RW Audio-out Ports (#)1 Batteries1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included) Only problem with this one is it is 17.3 Inches, and I dont think I want that big of a computer. Option C- My Base NEX Cost -$869 USD Much cheaper, but I could be getting a much better laptop. Asus 15.6" laptop with windows 8 (Unfortunately) -I7 3630QM @ 2.4GHz -4GB RAM X 2 (so 8GB Total) -NVIDIA GEforce 610 (Doesnt say anything about dedicated gigs, safe to assume that its 2gigs of dedicated ram? -1.5 TB HDD (Ill probably swap out or add a SDD So there it is, those are my 3 options and Im torn to either get the cheaper one or the hulking monster thats on a $400 sale, or the 1500 15.6 " from Amazon. Any help or knowledge to help ease my choice would be much much appreciated guys

11-18-12, 05:13 PM	#5
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	If I were you, I would take the Thinkpad W Sure, you compromise a bit on the gaming (still miles better than option C) The price is in between, and the 20 hour battery life sounds great! __________________ My own open source project on Sourceforge OTP.net KGB grade encryption for the rest of us

11-18-12, 05:27 PM	#7
the_tyrant Admiral Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 2,272 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	this dell also looks pretty good: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...en&s=dhs&cs=19 __________________ My own open source project on Sourceforge OTP.net KGB grade encryption for the rest of us

11-18-12, 03:09 PM	#3
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Only thing is Im tryin to stay away from that 1500$ and I like the fact that the 17" is cheaper and more powerful by far... but then again its a brick house

11-18-12, 05:02 PM	#4
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Any other ideas guys?

11-18-12, 05:22 PM	#6
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Possibly... Ill have to see

11-18-12, 05:51 PM	#8
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Well Im looking at gaming as being a secondary (Think SH5, Arma II, Sims 3, Skyrim and BF3) and I kept thinking I REALLY wanted the 12 gigs of ram BUT, I found the 15.6" for $1219 USD with only 8GB of ram and now that I think about it, that 15.6" should have MORE than enough power with 8GB RAM (Its expandable to 16 anyways), a 2.4 GHz i7, and the NVIDIA 660 with 2GB dedicated right?? Plus Id like the exra money saved so I can buy a SSD for it for fast boot ups. What do you think? EDIT: Question now is.... Windows 7 or 8?? How do you feel about 8? I just started getting used to 7 and I went into the store and was messing around with 8 there and absolutely hated the initial interface.

11-19-12, 07:09 AM	#10
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	Personally I like 17" laptops and disagree with people who say they are not really portable. Agreed that they are less of a mobile device than a 11"-13" netbook, but when it comes to decent performance for your hard earned cash 17" laptops go long way and are only marginally larger than 15.6" models. I carry my 17" Acer pretty much everywhere and I am by no means the largest of guys, only 6'2 and 160 something pounds. Edit: on the ram issue, ram costs about as much as a sandwitch, get a model with 8gigs, a philips head screwdriver and buy two extra sticks of compatible DDR3 sticks and you are golden, 4 gig sticks are less than 20 dollars each unless you go into the silly end of the spectrum.

11-23-12, 02:13 PM	#11
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Its not that its 17" its that this Asus G75 series is 17" and wont fit in even 18" bags because its bigger than its specs, plus its something in the plus of 13Lbs, not a problem for me BUT, I want to take it with me on deployment, and we have to have it on us on a carryon and they only allow a max of 15 Lbs on the carryon, and I dont want to even push that number. The only thing that makes me want the 17" more is that it has a second slot for easy installation of a SSD, whereas the 15 does too but it seems like you really gotta gut the computer to get to it, that or replace your HDD with an SSD entirely.

11-23-12, 02:16 PM	#12
reignofdeath Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	So far Ive decided on the 15.6"(The 17" went OFF sale back to 1700$) with 8GB of ram (Im going to install another 8, or 2 sticks of 8 just for good measure :P) and then MAYBE order a SSD or wait until I have time, take it to my local computer shop and have them do it for me, I feel confident I can install the RAM (Its plug and play pretty much right?) but the SSD is a different story. On another note, dunno if it will be worth trying to wait till cyber monday or just buying it now, I mean Im seeing SSD and RAM on sale for like half off atm and the computer is 1299 atm too.

11-26-12, 04:58 AM	#13
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	not really, an SSD is as easy to install as ram, there is only one way it fits into the connector. Then again if the computer is badly designed and swaping the hdd reqires you to dismantle the damn thing more than removing the rear access panel it might be a different story.

12-03-12, 05:02 AM	#15
antikristuseke Silent Hunter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Estland Posts: 4,330 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	Well, personally I would not go the cloning route, but that's my own preference. Just backup what you need and go for a clean install on the SSD. Also, I would use the other hard drive for the backup and have a secondary backup on some cloud service as having a backup on the same drive sort of defeats the entire purpose. That said I have had no real experience with cloning a hard drive since I have never had a good reason to do so.