Gaming: Core2Duo + 8800M GTS vs i5+HD4000

[Blue_Max]

I have some option open to me in order to have a laptop for me and one for my son.

I'm wondering which will be the better gamer... the i5 machine I have with HD 4000, or an old Core2Duo machine with 8800M GTS.

The old machine has video ranked much higher than the HD4000 but is paired with a much slower CPU... what do you think will make more difference in a game like Civ5 or Skyrim?



I'll be keeping the i5 for sure, but I'm wondering if trading for the C2D is a bad idea, regardless of its higher-res screen and high-end video.

Don't really want to spend the money on a new lappy with better graphics...

 

[Blue_Max]

...looking like I should just buy a new lappy and give junior the HD 4000...

...still hoping for input. 😉

 

[Flapdrol1337]

8800m probably isn't going to last long if you start gaming on it, I'd keep the i5.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Most multiplayer games are going to run much better on the i5. Core 2 is getting really long in the tooth.

There isn't that much gap between HD4000 and 8800m, what maybe 10% decrease? Is it pushing a higher res screen?

You didn't mention ram which can make a big difference. Any plans to game on battery power?

 

[Blue_Max]

Good points made... maybe it's just as well that the guy disappeared before I could finalize the purchase.

I already gave my kids the lappy w/ HD4000 and they love it! 🙂 It's enough for the LEGO games and Space Engineers at the 768 res of the screen, so they're golden.

Now I just need something BETTER for myself. 😉