Laptop Graphic Card Help

[Edd1e]

Hi, I have tried to do a search for this but a I am getting nowhere slowly so thought I would post here (hopefully the right place).

I have just sold my old iMac for £700 and am looking to replace it with a laptop for general use with a bit of Adobe Premiere, Photoshop and After effects thrown in. I have not played games much in recent years but I would like to be able to take it back up as bit of a 'light hobby'.

I have a budget of basically what I got back from my mac, and maybe another £100 or so. I am very aware that this will be a budget machine for this money and expectations are in line with this.

One thing I am having particular trouble getting my head round is the different graphics cards.

Within my budget there seems to be a choice between the Nvidia Geforce GTX 765M, 850M and possibly 860M depending on what machine I go for.

I don't really know that much about what makes one graphics card better than the other. I believe the 8 series are newer but while the 765M and 860M run DDR5 VRAM the 850M is DDR3. The 765M also runs on a wider bus 256 vs 128 (I think), but I don't really know how all of this actually affects the performance and/or begins to separate the cards from one another?

If anyone can begin to shed some light on what the differences are between these cards, and where it is best to put the £'s into or if there is something I should be avoiding then I would be very grateful.

Many thanks in advance for any help.
(Confused), Ed

 

[keynes]

If you can push your budget to £850 you could get a gtx 860m
Chassis & Display
SkyFire: 14" Matte Full HD LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM)
8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 850M - 2.0GB DDR5 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
Memory - Hard Disk
750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
Ultra Slim 8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated 2 in 1 Memory Card Reader (SD, MMC)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND (£9)
Sound Card
Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
USB Options
2 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery
SkyFire 14" Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Power Lead & Adaptor
1 x UK Power Lead & 90W AC Adaptor
Operating System
Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (£79)
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365
Anti-Virus
BULLGUARD INTERNET SECURITY - FREE 90 DAY TRIAL
Keyboard Language
INTEGRATED 11.6"/14" MSI UK KEYBOARD
Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 3.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour) (£5)
Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Quantity
1

Price: £799.00 including VAT and delivery.

Unique URL to re-configure: http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/quotes/SkyFireIII-14/dPdROAXOnK/

 

[A314159]

Yeah, I'd try and get the 860m.

 

[GeorgeHillier]

Either the 850m or 860m will be fine. The 850m has a ddr3 version in the cosmos and a ddr5 version in the skyfire 14". I have the cosmos with an 850m and the memory doesn't seem to effect performance that I've seen so far.

Obviously the 860m will be better but I'm not sure if you could fit it into your price range.

Also, what size laptop did you want?

 

[Edd1e]

Hi, thanks for all the replies and for the suggested build by Keynes. Nice to know there is something out there in the right price range.

I am guessing as no one has said go for the 765m that the wider bus makes little or no difference and 8 series are a better buy, newer being better I am assuming?

In terms of size I am happy with smaller rather than larger so would not want a 17 inch, 15.6 and below would be good. The only thing that put me off the Optimus 13 inch was that it didn't have DVD/CD drive, thought I guess that is not really a deal breaker when I think the last time I used a disk actually was...

One of things that got me thinking about PC specialist for this was this link I found on a reseller website: http://www.ebuyer.com/642077-pc-specialist-optimus-v-x15-860-gaming-laptop-pcs-l672510

This seemed to be good value but I can not seem to find it here and also I do not think the 5,400 speed HHD will be a good idea.

Thanks again for all the input and I will try to play with some configurations and maybe post back once I do.

 

[GeorgeHillier]

Here's some builds on suitably priced laptops:

Cosmos II 15.6" at £773:

Chassis & Display Cosmos Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU) Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM) 8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 850M - 2.0GB DDR3 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
2nd Graphics Card NONE
Memory - Hard Disk 750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
2nd Hard Disk NONE
mSATA SSD Drive NONE
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive 8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Memory Card Reader Internal 9 in 1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD: Mini, XC & HC/MS: Pro & Duo)
Thermal Paste ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
Wireless Router/HomePlugs NONE
USB Options 3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery Cosmos Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (48.84WH)
Power Lead & Adaptor 1 x UK Power Lead & 120W AC Adaptor
Operating System Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence
DVD Recovery Media Windows 8.1 (64-bit) DVD with paper sleeve
Office Software NO OFFICE SOFTWARE
Anti-Virus NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Laptop Cooling Stands NONE
Carry Case NONE
Stand-Alone Monitor NONE
Keyboard Language COSMOS SERIES UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Additional Keyboard NONE
Notebook Mouse INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Gaming Mouse Pad NONE
External Speakers NONE
Webcam INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Headsets NONE
Surge Protection NONE
Printer NONE
External Hard Drive NONE
Warranty 3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Home Installation NONE
Dead Pixel Guarantee NONE
Insurance 1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Data Recovery NONE
Delivery STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Pricing Information
Price (excluding VAT) £644.17
Price £773.00


Skyfire III 14" at £779:

Chassis & Display SkyFire: 14" Matte Full HD LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU) Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM) 8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 850M - 2.0GB DDR5 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
2nd Graphics Card NONE
Memory - Hard Disk 750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
2nd Hard Disk NONE
RAID NONE
mSATA SSD Drive NONE
2nd mSATA SSD Drive NONE
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive NONE
Memory Card Reader Integrated 2 in 1 Memory Card Reader (SD, MMC)
Thermal Paste ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
Wireless Router/HomePlugs NONE
USB Options 2 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery SkyFire 14" Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Power Lead & Adaptor 1 x UK Power Lead & 90W AC Adaptor
Operating System Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence
DVD Recovery Media Windows 8.1 (64-bit) DVD with paper sleeve
Office Software NO OFFICE SOFTWARE
Anti-Virus NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Laptop Cooling Stands NONE
Carry Case NONE
Stand-Alone Monitor NONE
Keyboard Language INTEGRATED 11.6"/14" MSI UK KEYBOARD
Additional Keyboard NONE
Notebook Mouse INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Gaming Mouse Pad NONE
External Speakers NONE
Webcam INTEGRATED 3.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Headsets NONE
Surge Protection NONE
Printer NONE
External Hard Drive NONE
Warranty 3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Home Installation NONE
Dead Pixel Guarantee NONE
Insurance 1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Data Recovery NONE
Delivery STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Pricing Information
Price (excluding VAT) £649.17
Price £779.00


Optimus IV 13.3" at £807:

Chassis & Display Optimus Series: 13.3" Matte Full HD LED IPS Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU) Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM) 8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 860M - 2.0GB DDR5, 640 CUDA Cores - DirectX® 11
2nd Graphics Card NONE
Memory - Hard Disk 750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
mSATA SSD Drive NONE
External DVD/BLU-RAY Drive NONE
Memory Card Reader Integrated 6 in 1 Card Reader (SD /Mini SD/ SDHC / SDXC / MMC / RSMMC)
Thermal Paste ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
Wireless Router/HomePlugs NONE
USB Options 3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery 13.3" Optimus Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (62.16WH)
Power Lead & Adaptor 1 x UK Power Lead & 120W AC Adaptor
Operating System Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence
DVD Recovery Media Windows 8.1 (64-bit) DVD with paper sleeve
Office Software NO OFFICE SOFTWARE
Anti-Virus NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Laptop Cooling Stands NONE
Carry Case NONE
Stand-Alone Monitor NONE
Keyboard Language 13.3" OPTIMUS SERIES BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD
Additional Keyboard NONE
Notebook Mouse INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Gaming Mouse Pad NONE
External Speakers NONE
Webcam INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Headsets NONE
Surge Protection NONE
Printer NONE
External Hard Drive NONE
Warranty 3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Home Installation NONE
Dead Pixel Guarantee NONE
Insurance 1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Data Recovery NONE
Delivery STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Pricing Information
Price (excluding VAT) £672.50
Price £807.00


Optimus IV 15.6" at £872:

Chassis & Display Optimus Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU) Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM) 8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 860M - 2.0GB DDR5, 640 CUDA Cores - DirectX® 11
2nd Graphics Card NONE
Memory - Hard Disk 750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
2nd Hard Disk NONE
RAID NONE
mSATA SSD Drive NONE
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive 8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Memory Card Reader Internal 9 in 1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD: Mini, XC & HC/MS: Pro & Duo)
Thermal Paste ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
Wireless Router/HomePlugs NONE
USB Options 3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery Optimus Series 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (5,200 mAh/76.96WH)
Power Lead & Adaptor 1 x UK Power Lead & 120W AC Adaptor
Operating System Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence
DVD Recovery Media Windows 8.1 (64-bit) DVD with paper sleeve
Office Software NO OFFICE SOFTWARE
Anti-Virus NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Laptop Cooling Stands NONE
Carry Case NONE
Stand-Alone Monitor NONE
Keyboard Language BACKLIT OPTIMUS UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Additional Keyboard NONE
Notebook Mouse INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Gaming Mouse Pad NONE
External Speakers NONE
Webcam INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Headsets NONE
Surge Protection NONE
Printer NONE
External Hard Drive NONE
Warranty 3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Home Installation NONE
Dead Pixel Guarantee NONE
Insurance 1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Data Recovery NONE
Delivery STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Pricing Information
Price (excluding VAT) £726.67
Price £872.00

The components are the same in all of them other than the GPU. The Cosmos has a DDR3 850m, the Skyfire has a DDR5 850m and the Optimus chassis have a DDR5 860m. I wouldn't worry too much about the DDR3/DDR5 difference in the Cosmos and Skyfire as it doesn't seem to make much of a difference in benchmarks. The Optimus does have a better GPU but does cost more as you can see.

 

[GeorgeHillier]

Hi, thanks for all the replies and for the suggested build by Keynes. Nice to know there is something out there in the right price range.

I am guessing as no one has said go for the 765m that the wider bus makes little or no difference and 8 series are a better buy, newer being better I am assuming?

In terms of size I am happy with smaller rather than larger so would not want a 17 inch, 15.6 and below would be good. The only thing that put me off the Optimus 13 inch was that it didn't have DVD/CD drive, thought I guess that is not really a deal breaker when I think the last time I used a disk actually was...

One of things that got me thinking about PC specialist for this was this link I found on a reseller website: http://www.ebuyer.com/642077-pc-specialist-optimus-v-x15-860-gaming-laptop-pcs-l672510

This seemed to be good value but I can not seem to find it here and also I do not think the 5,400 speed HHD will be a good idea.

Thanks again for all the input and I will try to play with some configurations and maybe post back once I do.

Also, I wouldn't get one of the pre-build systems as they aren't perfect due to things like a slow HDD as you said. The 765m is only as good as the 850m, which uses less power and therefore keeps cooler. Plus it's in a ligher chassis

 

[Edd1e]

Wow, thank you very much for the spec build George Hiller (when I work the reps thing out I will make sure people get them for their help!).

I had just finished building the Cosmos II spec you had but with an IPS screen to bring it to an even £800 which my OCD liked..! Id this screen worth the extra money or would it be better to save it and put it towards saving for an extra HDD or RAM for the future?

Chassis & Display
Cosmos Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD IPS LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM)
8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 850M - 2.0GB DDR3 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
Memory - Hard Disk
750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Memory Card Reader
Internal 9 in 1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD: Mini, XC & HC/MS: Pro & Duo)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND (£9)
Sound Card
Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
USB Options
3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery
Cosmos Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (48.84WH)
Power Lead & Adaptor
1 x UK Power Lead & 120W AC Adaptor
Operating System
Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (£79)
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365
Anti-Virus
BULLGUARD INTERNET SECURITY - FREE 90 DAY TRIAL
Keyboard Language
COSMOS SERIES UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour) (£5)
Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Quantity
1

Price: £800.00 including VAT and delivery.

Unique URL to re-configure: http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/quotes/cosmosII/mseDvyk0gp/



I will look at the other suggested specs and see who they compare. I appreciate that spending a bit more will get me a better graphic card and I am sure the 860m is value for money but it is a slippery slope and I think given all the options presented the 850M should probably be fine for my needs for the Adobe work - bonus actually as they support CUDA which is utilised by some of their software - and my gaming needs are also only light (famous last words), and since the last games I played were the original force unleaded and Black Ops I imagine my expectations of what would be good are probably a bit dated by now!

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Rakk]

Wow, thank you very much for the spec build George Hiller (when I work the reps thing out I will make sure people get them for their help!).

To give someone rep, go to the footer of their post and you will see an icon that looks like a star on the left-hand side of the footer, click on it and it will let you give the person rep

 

[GeorgeHillier]

Wow, thank you very much for the spec build George Hiller (when I work the reps thing out I will make sure people get them for their help!).

I had just finished building the Cosmos II spec you had but with an IPS screen to bring it to an even £800 which my OCD liked..! Id this screen worth the extra money or would it be better to save it and put it towards saving for an extra HDD or RAM for the future?

Chassis & Display
Cosmos Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD IPS LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-4710MQ (2.50GHz) 6MB
Memory (RAM)
8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 850M - 2.0GB DDR3 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
Memory - Hard Disk
750GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD7500BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Memory Card Reader
Internal 9 in 1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD: Mini, XC & HC/MS: Pro & Duo)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND (£9)
Sound Card
Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0
USB Options
3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery
Cosmos Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (48.84WH)
Power Lead & Adaptor
1 x UK Power Lead & 120W AC Adaptor
Operating System
Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (£79)
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365
Anti-Virus
BULLGUARD INTERNET SECURITY - FREE 90 DAY TRIAL
Keyboard Language
COSMOS SERIES UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour) (£5)
Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Quantity
1

Price: £800.00 including VAT and delivery.

Unique URL to re-configure: http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/quotes/cosmosII/mseDvyk0gp/



I will look at the other suggested specs and see who they compare. I appreciate that spending a bit more will get me a better graphic card and I am sure the 860m is value for money but it is a slippery slope and I think given all the options presented the 850M should probably be fine for my needs for the Adobe work - bonus actually as they support CUDA which is utilised by some of their software - and my gaming needs are also only light (famous last words), and since the last games I played were the original force unleaded and Black Ops I imagine my expectations of what would be good are probably a bit dated by now!

Thanks,
Ed

That spec looks good. The IPS screen will give you better viewing angles. I don't have the IPS screen but kind of wish I had, don't get me wrong, the standard matt one is fine, but I think the IPS screen would be worth the extra if you can afford it

What kind of games at what kind of settings were you thinking of playing? The 850m can play most games on medium-high at 30-60 fps.

 

[Edd1e]

Thanks George. I picked the screen in the config due to reading a review that said the screen suffered from tearing (whatever that is), and thought maybe getting the IPS would stop this? I do edit video and do some animation work so I would need it to be good for this almost more than the gaming so I can really see what I am making.

In terms of games I do not really have any in mind. As I said the last games I played were the original black ops and force unleashed so probably ones along those lines. In terms of settings I always just plugged and played and never played settings so I probably don't know how to answer that in a meaningful way. Hopefully 30-60fps is good for general usage like mine.

One other thing I was wondering is I noticed everyone has gone for the GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0 option. Is this a 'must' for decent gaming over wifi, or if I always had it plugged into a network cable would this be something I could maybe downgrade do you think?

I just noticed you actually have the same computer so I could not have asked a better person!

Thanks again
Ed

 

[GeorgeHillier]

Thanks George. I picked the screen in the config due to reading a review that said the screen suffered from tearing (whatever that is), and thought maybe getting the IPS would stop this? I do edit video and do some animation work so I would need it to be good for this almost more than the gaming so I can really see what I am making.

In terms of games I do not really have any in mind. As I said the last games I played were the original black ops and force unleashed so probably ones along those lines. In terms of settings I always just plugged and played and never played settings so I probably don't know how to answer that in a meaningful way. Hopefully 30-60fps is good for general usage like mine.

One other thing I was wondering is I noticed everyone has gone for the GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1202 WIRELESS GAMING 802.11N + BLUETOOTH 4.0 option. Is this a 'must' for decent gaming over wifi, or if I always had it plugged into a network cable would this be something I could maybe downgrade do you think?

I just noticed you actually have the same computer so I could not have asked a better person!

Thanks again
Ed

I think that was my review I think I may have a loose connection or dodgy screen. I'm going to ask them how to check the connection and if that doesn't do it then I'll ask for a replacement screen. It should be fine to get the matt one, but the IPS screen will be nicer in terms of colour contrast and viewing angles.

The reason everyone goes for that wifi card is that the standard one has major issues, so kind of is a must.

 

[Edd1e]

Indeed I was just re-reading some of them and it was your review!

It is good to know that the non IPS versions is still good but sorry to hear you might have a problem with yours. I will have to give it some thought as it would be nice to have as best picture quality as possible for my editing and graphic work, but I would have also loved to get a second drive inside to carry media assets and stuff for my editing. I know I can always buy one later but I have never opened a laptop before and so not sure if this is an easy thing to do, and would not want to invalidate any warranties etc.

Thanks for the tip on the wifi, seems a must so that will be staying.

Ed

I think that was my review I think I may have a loose connection or dodgy screen. I'm going to ask them how to check the connection and if that doesn't do it then I'll ask for a replacement screen. It should be fine to get the matt one, but the IPS screen will be nicer in terms of colour contrast and viewing angles.

The reason everyone goes for that wifi card is that the standard one has major issues, so kind of is a must.

 

[GeorgeHillier]

Indeed I was just re-reading some of them and it was your review!

It is good to know that the non IPS versions is still good but sorry to hear you might have a problem with yours. I will have to give it some thought as it would be nice to have as best picture quality as possible for my editing and graphic work, but I would have also loved to get a second drive inside to carry media assets and stuff for my editing. I know I can always buy one later but I have never opened a laptop before and so not sure if this is an easy thing to do, and would not want to invalidate any warranties etc.

Thanks for the tip on the wifi, seems a must so that will be staying.

Ed

with regards to the second drive you could swap the dvd drive for a HDD bay and then add another HDD at a later date. I believe you can buy the HDD bays from the spares ordering once you've ordered the laptop