• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

AMD FirePro w5130m alternative?

KaRLiToS

KaRLiToS

Golden Member
Hi guys,

My friend is looking for a laptop for his new class. The suggested laptop has a i5 6300HQ with AMD firepro w5130M. This laptop is suggested by the school. He will have to use programs such as autucad. The suggested laptop is a great one but it is way to expensive... 1800$ CAD.

It is easily possible to get one with a GTX 960m with i7 6700HQ for far less money at big stores instead of the greedy school supplier.

Will a GTX 960m be as good as a firepro w5130m for his needs which is autocad and other programs for drawing?
 
The Dell 3510 is $999 US. That is $1280 CAD. Just get the laptop from a different supplier. The 960M and the Firepro are not the same class of cards. There is a reason that professional gear is expensive. You need to be comparing against Quatro equipped laptops if you want to compare vs Nvidia.
 
Thanks for your answer. I'm not looking to compare VS nvidia though. I'm trying to get him something more affordable if it is possible.

Specs of the +1700$ laptop
acpu8i.jpg
 
Last edited:
I wouldnt screw around with anything less than the professional level cards, especially if the coursework is going to depend on correctly using professional level programs which may not support consumer GPUs. The only other approach would be to get hard confirmation that each required program will function properly on consumer grade GPUs. Either a confirmation from the company's support reps or other legitimate reference.

If this is full-price schooling the laptop will be a small expense compared to tuition
 
Headfoot said:
I wouldnt screw around with anything less than the professional level cards, especially if the coursework is going to depend on correctly using professional level programs which may not support consumer GPUs. The only other approach would be to get hard confirmation that each required program will function properly on consumer grade GPUs. Either a confirmation from the company's support reps or other legitimate reference.

If this is full-price schooling the laptop will be a small expense compared to tuition
Click to expand...

This is what I was alluding too. It's too important that you know your hardware will work without issue. I have no doubt you could get any decent laptop to work, but it could be a huge hassle finding drivers that work correctly. Certified drivers are peace of mind.

I priced out the laptop on Dell's site according to the spec sheet. $1544 CAD. The supplier looks to be taking quite a chunk. Maybe it's taxes? I would probably price out from Dell directly. Especially since my pricing didn't include any of the coupon's Dell usually has floating around. I would also maybe opt for the standard 500TB hard drive. If you want a SSD I would buy it from Amazon or whoever and then install it yourself. Dell charges unreasonable prices for the SSD upgrades.
 
Guys, solid replies from both of you. I appreciate.

I will look into it. Will try to find a list of all the programs that'll be used during the classes as Headfoot mentionned. And like Despoiler said, I will definately install the SSD myself if I get to buy from Dell.

I'm trying to find data with comparaison between worstation cards and consumer cards.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top