Need some gaming laptop advice

[TheMadScot]

I'm trying to find a gaming laptop with good performance without spending $2K on it. I've pretty much narrowed it down to two options. They have the same CPU, but the graphics differences are making it difficult for me.

MSI G Series GT70 0ND-202US

The MSI is $1499 after rebate at Amazon and has a GTX675M, which I know is basically a rebadged 580M. It also has a 1080P display.

Alienware AM17xR4-7263BK

The Alienware is $1677 and has a 7970M, which should perform much better than the 675M. However, it has only a 1600X900 display.

Honestly, I wouldn't even be considering the Alienware if it weren't such a (relatively) cheap way to get a 7970M. Neither machine has a Blu-ray drive, so I don't know that the 1600X900 screen is really a negative. So, much stronger graphics with a little lower resolution, or pretty solid performance for around $200 less?

 

[stateofmind]

1. There are cheaper machines with Raedeon 7970M:
http://www.gaminglaptopsjunky.com/g...ptop-gtx-670m-gtx-675m-gtx-680m-radeon-7970m/

2. You can get the MSI GT70-0ND for 1450$ here:
http://www.gaminglaptopsjunky.com/m...m-gtx-675m-12gb-ddr3-750gb-hdd-fullhd-screen/
best performance for the money currently, under 1500$

3. Do not take this Alienware with its regular screen - it is low quality compared to the FHD ones.

 

[sunzt]

Don't forget Sager for gaming laptops.

If you're ok with something a bit lighter and smaller: Gigabyte P2542g

 

[stateofmind]

The Sagers are good, but the MSI GT70 with the current discount is better when keeping in mind that it comes with a Windows copy..
I'd be recommending the Sager NP9150/70 with Radeon 7970M, but they currently have some problem with the switching system of AMD (like all others) and you cannot switch it yourself

 

[lakedude]

Cheaper and configurable:

http://www.pro-star.com/index.cfm?m...id=20134600&ramid=80146204&batteryid=10148206

 

[kelco]

no ssd?D:

 

[stateofmind]

Cheaper and configurable:

http://www.pro-star.com/index.cfm?m...id=20134600&ramid=80146204&batteryid=10148206

how that's cheaper?

 

[lakedude]

how that's cheaper?

Ahhh, cheaper than the one the OP posted, not cheaper than your link.

Configurable is still nice but if one was going to buy the laptop as is your link is cheaper.

 

[festa_freak]

I just got an NP9170 from sager. Can't wait till it arrives. Through all my research it seemed the best bang for buck and it will last me many years.

 

[Red Storm]

no ssd?D:

This. If you're going to spend big bucks on a gaming laptop, you need to put an SSD in there.

 

[ther00kie16]

http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-laptops-ct-95_51_150.html

 

[TheMadScot]

This. If you're going to spend big bucks on a gaming laptop, you need to put an SSD in there.

Already got one to install. I bought it for a new desktop build but decided I'd rather have a laptop because I'm not in my office as much as I am the living room.

I appreciate everyone's input. Went with the MSI in the end because the performance was pretty decent for the amount of money I was willing to spend. Had to order a pre-configured one because it was a rush. Wound up getting it for $1399 after rebate, so overall I'm satisfied.