Recommendations for "reasonable" Gaming Laptop

[Meaker10]

Well at stock you are look at a 25-30% advantage over the 570m, once both are overclocked that gap narrows to around 20-25%

 

[Termie]

Ok, after seeing everyone basically miss the OP's point, that he wants a gaming laptop, and then seeing that they still wouldn't budge after he clarified that he really does want a laptop, I'm going to chime in here.

My brother games (playing BF3, no less), on his HP dv6t. Is it a gaming laptop? Well, it's has an HD6770m, which is about equivalent to the HD5670 (not quite the 6670 as mentioned previously). What really makes it kick butt is its amazing i7-2630 quad-core CPU. What a wonder of modern science that thing is. Nearly the power of my desktop i7-860, wrapped up in a 5.8lb chassis. It is my brother's work computer, and it's just at the limits of portability for all of his plane flights, but he forgets how much it weighs when he plugs it in for a round of BF3.

So, OP, if you're looking for a machine to play modern games at low settings on, this machine will do the job. The CPU has clock cycles to spare, and the graphics card is just good enough. Yes, there are a few cards that would be closer to what you're looking for (GTX560m, HD6970m), so you can look for those as well.

Just don't let anyone tell you that you can't game on a laptop. You can, even in the <$1000 category.

Here's the HP machine that my bro has, which is now about $800:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s.../psg/notebooks/High_performance/dv6tqe_series

Use code NBDV5528 for $450 off. Make sure to upgrade to the "2GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5", which is the newly-named equivalent of a desktop HD6670, i.e., a nice entry-level gaming card.

If I were personally buying one, here's the setup I'd get (for a pretty reasonable $1095):

&#8226;2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz
&#8226;2GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5 Discrete Graphics(TM) [HDMI, VGA]
&#8226;FREE UPGRADE to 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
&#8226;160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
&#8226;High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
&#8226;15.6" Full HD HP Anti-glare LED (1920 x 1080)
&#8226;FREE UPGRADE to Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner

 

[rabbitz]

Ok, after seeing everyone basically miss the OP's point, that he wants a gaming laptop, and then seeing that they still wouldn't budge after he clarified that he really does want a laptop, I'm going to chime in here.

Seems like you missed the point too, OP doesn't want a laptop that can barely play today's games, he wants a laptop that can barely play games 2 years into the future.

As for the 570m vs 580m.... it might actually be worth it. Op, try this: See which graphics card TODAY plays games at a minimum quality/framerate that you would find acceptable. Then, see which graphics card from 2 years ago is comparable in power. Now, obviously I know this is not how these thigns work at all but it can give a rough estimate to a question that is impossible to answer accurately.

For example check out this chart

We can see that gtx 295 from 3 years ago is about equal in power to gtx 480 of a year and a half ago which is about equal to gtx560ti today... which is still a decent card. I know that these are desktop cards and that past performance does not necessarily equal future results but using this method coudl be useful to guess which card you need.

 

[Termie]

Seems like you missed the point too, OP doesn't want a laptop that can barely play today's games, he wants a laptop that can barely play games 2 years into the future.

As for the 570m vs 580m.... it might actually be worth it. Op, try this: See which graphics card TODAY plays games at a minimum quality/framerate that you would find acceptable. Then, see which graphics card from 2 years ago is comparable in power. Now, obviously I know this is not how these thigns work at all but it can give a rough estimate to a question that is impossible to answer accurately.

For example check out this chart

We can see that gtx 295 from 3 years ago is about equal in power to gtx 480 of a year and a half ago which is about equal to gtx560ti today... which is still a decent card. I know that these are desktop cards and that past performance does not necessarily equal future results but using this method coudl be useful to guess which card you need.

In my opinion, purchasing a laptop with GPU power to spare for the next two years (i.e. 580m-class) will defeat the OP's other use, business travel. The power bricks on those machines alone will probably be 1.5 lbs. So perhaps I should amend what I said: if OP is willing to trade some GPU horsepower for portability, he can get a gaming laptop. But 580m-class machines are not portable, if you're talking actually using them on a plane.

 

[Meaker10]

Well Termie it's lucky what you think and what's actually possible are two different things then.

 

[EliteRetard]

Well Termie it's lucky what you think and what's actually possible are two different things then.

Whats possible doesnt mean whats available, the only option with switchable 560-570-580 gpus is the M17x (maybe M18x?). Again not really portable, 3hrs internet and far less if you try to "game on the go". Big bulky heavy and requires a power outlet...not what he said he wanted.

It would be friggen fantastic if somebody somewhere actually built a nice 14-15" GAMING laptop with switchable graphics (ie 560-570-580). Imagine the M14x without a stupid DVD drive (and they could fit a good 15" screen in there), increase the size of the current fan and add a second where the DVD used to be. One for the CPU one for the GPU so they could put a GTX560m in there. Then the thing wouldnt be as slow and terribly hot/loud. Maybe squeeze a bit more battery in there too. I think a small buldge on the bottom (5mm?) is good, it elevates the laptop for cooling.

Or maybe Asus should get it done, they used to be very innovative...and they have some decent gaming laptops. Itd be pretty sweet to see it in something like an XPS 15, decent build, speakers, and keyboard, good screen and not to big.

Maybe, just maybe, well get lucky with the new generation of GPUs (though Id expect 580 performance, not 560).

 

[Meaker10]

The problem with switchable graphics is the issues it can cause with drivers.

4 hours off a single charge in 2d apps is fine for most people, for a plane get a second battery.

As for gaming on the go, that's not really the job of the notebook, optimus is not going to help you either in that case because if a machine eats 180W at full pelt your battery needs to hold 1800Wh to get 10 hours out of it, we are currently at around 70-80Wh.

But for portability (taking it to a lan, using it around the house or on a trip) next to an outlet you can get a GTX580M in a 3.08kg 15.6" (6.83 pound) machine.

 

[Tom]

Whats possible doesnt mean whats available, the only option with switchable 560-570-580 gpus is the M17x (maybe M18x?). Again not really portable, 3hrs internet and far less if you try to "game on the go". Big bulky heavy and requires a power outlet...not what he said he wanted.

It would be friggen fantastic if somebody somewhere actually built a nice 14-15" GAMING laptop with switchable graphics (ie 560-570-580). Imagine the M14x without a stupid DVD drive (and they could fit a good 15" screen in there), increase the size of the current fan and add a second where the DVD used to be. One for the CPU one for the GPU so they could put a GTX560m in there. Then the thing wouldnt be as slow and terribly hot/loud. Maybe squeeze a bit more battery in there too. I think a small buldge on the bottom (5mm?) is good, it elevates the laptop for cooling.

Or maybe Asus should get it done, they used to be very innovative...and they have some decent gaming laptops. Itd be pretty sweet to see it in something like an XPS 15, decent build, speakers, and keyboard, good screen and not to big.

Maybe, just maybe, well get lucky with the new generation of GPUs (though Id expect 580 performance, not 560).

I play games all the time on my m11x r1. It'll play fairly demanding games on battery for a couple of hours..or do normal use like browsing for 5 to 6 hours.

And it weighs a little more than 4 lbs.

Sure some games require not running at max, so it's a compromise.

Another compromise is not having a very portable gaming laptop at all.

But there are good solutions out there and have been for a while.

 

[Meaker10]

Ok, after seeing everyone basically miss the OP's point, that he wants a gaming laptop, and then seeing that they still wouldn't budge after he clarified that he really does want a laptop, I'm going to chime in here.

My brother games (playing BF3, no less), on his HP dv6t. Is it a gaming laptop? Well, it's has an HD6770m, which is about equivalent to the HD5670 (not quite the 6670 as mentioned previously). What really makes it kick butt is its amazing i7-2630 quad-core CPU. What a wonder of modern science that thing is. Nearly the power of my desktop i7-860, wrapped up in a 5.8lb chassis. It is my brother's work computer, and it's just at the limits of portability for all of his plane flights, but he forgets how much it weighs when he plugs it in for a round of BF3.

So, OP, if you're looking for a machine to play modern games at low settings on, this machine will do the job. The CPU has clock cycles to spare, and the graphics card is just good enough. Yes, there are a few cards that would be closer to what you're looking for (GTX560m, HD6970m), so you can look for those as well.

Just don't let anyone tell you that you can't game on a laptop. You can, even in the <$1000 category.

Here's the HP machine that my bro has, which is now about $800:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s.../psg/notebooks/High_performance/dv6tqe_series

Use code NBDV5528 for $450 off. Make sure to upgrade to the "2GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5", which is the newly-named equivalent of a desktop HD6670, i.e., a nice entry-level gaming card.

If I were personally buying one, here's the setup I'd get (for a pretty reasonable $1095):

•2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz
•2GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5 Discrete Graphics(TM) [HDMI, VGA]
•FREE UPGRADE to 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
•160GB (Solid State Drive Flash Module)
•High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
•15.6" Full HD HP Anti-glare LED (1920 x 1080)
•FREE UPGRADE to Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner

The problem with skimping on the graphics in notebooks is that they are not upgradable. Spending the extra now not only means it will last longer but the higher end machines are upgradable.

We have 5870 mobility/ GTX280M users now running GTX580M and HD6990M cards.

 

[taltamir]

Seems like you missed the point too, OP doesn't want a laptop that can barely play today's games, he wants a laptop that can barely play games 2 years into the future.

AND can outperform his current desktop.
AND is not obscenely expensive.

To which I must say "sorry, can't do that dave".

OP, are you willing to drop the requirements that it be faster then your current desktop?

Also can you be more specific on your current configuration than "top of the line 4 years ago"?

 

[rabbitz]

AND can outperform his current desktop.
AND is not obscenely expensive.

To which I must say "sorry, can't do that dave".

OP, are you willing to drop the requirements that it be faster then your current desktop?

Also can you be more specific on your current configuration than "top of the line 4 years ago"?

Have you seen laptop prices these days? $2000 can get you a really powerful computer. Especially considering how great of a jump sandy bridge is in price/performance ratio.

Now, benchmarks aren't everything but take a look at this: http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

The i7-2720qm/i7-2760qm is a relatively affordable processor that you can find in $1000 notebooks... I bought my laptop about half a year ago and if I hadn't upgraded my screen and backlit keyboard, I could have had that processor instead with a mid-range gpu (gt540m) for $1000 before taxes.

Look at where the i7-2720/2760 sits... I doubt any laptop or desktop from 4 years ago can top it.

Graphics card... debatable. But with a 2000 budget you are well with range of all but the most ridiculous dual top end set ups..

4 years might not seem like a long time ago, but in computer terms the progress we've made, not just power but in price too, is just unbelievable when you really think about it

 

[Meaker10]

A top of the line 4 year old PC would have an HD4890 or GTX280 in it (actually slightly less than 4 years).

A GTX580M will handily beat either before you clock it.

 

[thespyder]

AND can outperform his current desktop.
AND is not obscenely expensive.

To which I must say "sorry, can't do that dave".

OP, are you willing to drop the requirements that it be faster then your current desktop?

Also can you be more specific on your current configuration than "top of the line 4 years ago"?

My desktop is a Core 2 Duo 2.4. GPU is 9500 GTX (I think). Looks like even reasonable laptops are better than that these days.

 

[Meaker10]

Well a GT240M would be on par with that if its a 9500gt so yeah lol. Even if it's a 9800GTX then anything GTX560M or HD5870 and up will be a decent increase.

 

[taltamir]

My desktop is a Core 2 Duo 2.4. GPU is 9500 GTX (I think). Looks like even reasonable laptops are better than that these days.

it appears so, I just went and assumed you spent the same amount on your desktop as you are now willing to spend on a laptop.
Maker's answer is solid then.

 

[Termie]

Here's the cheapest 560m-based laptop I could find on Xotic: http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8130-clevo-p151hm1-p-2973.html
It's 15.6" 1080p, quad-core, 8GB, etc, etc., for under $1000. It seems great, until you get to the weight. 6.8 pounds. It's a pound heavier than systems with a GPU one notch below (540/555).

Guys, that's the tale of the tape, so to speak. You can't get gaming-grade graphics in a portable laptop.

So, OP, you have to sacrifice portability or GPU power. 6.8lbs isn't portable in my book. For his purposes, I'd look for a notch below 560m and take advantage of the more compact chassis. And there are no serious gaming GPUs available in the 14" class. I checked.

 

[rabbitz]

Guys, that's the tale of the tape, so to speak. You can't get gaming-grade graphics in a portable laptop.

Well your definition of portable seems pretty narrow and arbitrary.... in terms of gaming I would say anything that I can fit in one bag would be considered 'portable' (laptop, mouse, charger). I mean weight isn't even a factor when you're using it, unless you are standing and gaming.

 

[Meaker10]

I like to use my machine around the flat (that and we don't have room for another desktop), but I'm sorry if 6.8 pounds is too much (less than 3.1kg) then you need to consider a gym.

If you want to save a bit yet still get 80-90% of top end performance then this machine:

http://www.xoticpc.com/force-16f2012-msi-16f2-p-3376.html?wconfigure=yes

Is going to get you that. A bit heavier but offers a second HDD and the 570M is a nice jump over the 560M (similar to the jump from 550ti to 560).

 

[Termie]

Well your definition of portable seems pretty narrow and arbitrary.... in terms of gaming I would say anything that I can fit in one bag would be considered 'portable' (laptop, mouse, charger). I mean weight isn't even a factor when you're using it, unless you are standing and gaming.

It's slightly arbitrary, but I'm just thinking about what someone would want slung over their shoulder while walking through an airport. Obviously it doesn't matter if it's on a table.

I like to use my machine around the flat (that and we don't have room for another desktop), but I'm sorry if 6.8 pounds is too much (less than 3.1kg) then you need to consider a gym.

LOL, I knew that was coming. I actually don't own a gaming laptop (I have a 3.2lb Acer notebook that isn't good for all that much), but my brother, who's a pretty burly guy at 6'1", 200lb, commented that his 5.8lb laptop is a pain to travel with, so he doesn't bring it on every business trip.

 

[Meaker10]

Then he needs to consider a better bag, I have a belkin slimline bag that stores away easily (I fly a bit) and fits enough clothes for a week. As a backpack it distributes the weight well.

 

[Meaker10]

What you need to understand is I approach each request for speccing differently.

If someone says they want to make their desktop portable but give no other info I am going to assume they:

A) Want to use it around the house.
B) Take it over to friend's houses.
C) Take it on occasional trips.

In which case the gaming notebooks above are perfect.

If someone says they want an ultimate machine that needs to pack away in the car easily then you are looking at an alienware M18x.

If someone wants a smart machine that's good for lots of business trips you look a the Timeline-X series.

 

[thespyder]

Was watching an old episode of Chuck. The 'Buy More' was getting in the latest and greatest "Gaming Laptop". I don't think they said the specs but all of the 'Nerd herd' were drooling over it. They did say 'Quad core' and liquid cooled. Of course it looked like a brick, and the screen was definitely sub-par (looked like a '14). But to hear them talk it up, it was (in fictional world) more or less what I was hoping for (assuming that 2008 specs were translated to 2012 specs).

 

[taltamir]

Well your definition of portable seems pretty narrow and arbitrary.... in terms of gaming I would say anything that I can fit in one bag would be considered 'portable' (laptop, mouse, charger). I mean weight isn't even a factor when you're using it, unless you are standing and gaming.

I used to have a 9.8 lbs laptop (with a 1.9 lbs charging brick of doom).
I swapped it for a 13 inch 3.5 lbs lappy and I would like very much to go lighter, its too big and heavy for true portability but the sub 3lbs just suck in terms of performance

 

[thespyder]

I used to have a 9.8 lbs laptop (with a 1.9 lbs charging brick of doom).
I swapped it for a 13 inch 3.5 lbs lappy and I would like very much to go lighter, its too big and heavy for true portability but the sub 3lbs just suck in terms of performance

My work laptop is in the 4.5 range and I have to port it between meetings and all over campus. it isn't a big deal. And so I figure that even twice that amount won't be a HUGE deal, although lugging it through the airport might be. Done some pretty killer lay-overs where I had to move several different terminals and had to sit for hours at each. So something to think about.

 

[taltamir]

My work laptop is in the 4.5 range and I have to port it between meetings and all over campus. it isn't a big deal. And so I figure that even twice that amount won't be a HUGE deal

Just wait until you get lower back pain from it. I leg press 2000 lbs (max the machine will let me, last time I tried I did 6 reps and then stopped because my spine tingled, never did that again due to justifiable concerns about damaging myself) and lift 200 weights in each hand. I am not a small wimpy guy... Although to be honest I am far more fat then muscle .

I scoffed at the idea such small weights will matter but carrying that 10 lbs lappy gave me horrible low back pain. Greatly reduced when I switched to a roller bag but did not disappear. Greatly reduced again when I switched to ultra portable lappy (still not completely gone though)... I recently (1 week ago) traded my heavy-ish roller bag for a sub 1 lbs ultra portable backpack and I pack very light (never carry textbooks anymore). Hope this finally eliminates the backpain but bottom line is that weight really matters even if it doesn't seem like it should.