Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed

[Shinobi7]

Hi there!

 

So I'm considering buying an MSI laptop for games mostly - but I have a rather low budget.

I have found these 2 to my taste and they are affordable (at 880€).

 

1. MSI GE60 2OE 072X

-

15.6" screen

Core i7 - 4700MQ @ 2.4GHz

4Go DDR3L SDRAM

750Go HD

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M / Intel HD Graphics 4600 - 2 Go GDDR5 SDRAM

 

2. MSI GE60 2OC 008

-

same specs just NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M / Intel HD Graphics 4600 - 2 Go GDDR5

 

 

I'm just seeking advice here, tell me what you think of these and are they good enough to hold for a few years of gaming so that I don't have to renew it too quickly?

 

Apparently the GTX 765M is superior... I am wondering why is the price the same?

 

I'm also seeing lots of more expensive variations using i5's instead but with better GPU's. Is that a compromise I should look for?

 

Thanks anyhow let me know your thoughts

[Ark of Truth]

Don't buy a laptop, build a desktop instead.

 

Cheaper and you get what you want, plus it will last longer in the long run.

[Shinobi7]

Don't buy a laptop, build a desktop instead.

 

Cheaper and you get what you want, plus it will last longer in the long run.

 

I agree, however I'm going to be travelling a lot soon and I won't be able to drag a desktop around with me.

[rainbowdash]

 

Don't buy a laptop, build a desktop instead.

 

Cheaper and you get what you want, plus it will last longer in the long run.

 

I agree, however I'm going to be travelling a lot soon and I won't be able to drag a desktop around with me.

 

 

Thing is that if you buy a gaming laptop, it'll feel like you do. They're really, really heavy and you don't want to be carrying one around even half a day.

That on top of miserable battery life and the unavoidable fact that its going to be outdated on arrival if you fancy playing anything new.

 

Instead buy a cheap and light weight laptop and play indygames and older stuff if you must.

[FurryPornForLife]

 

 

Don't buy a laptop, build a desktop instead.

 

Cheaper and you get what you want, plus it will last longer in the long run.

 

I agree, however I'm going to be travelling a lot soon and I won't be able to drag a desktop around with me.

 

 

Thing is that if you buy a gaming laptop, it'll feel like you do. They're really, really heavy and you don't want to be carrying one around even half a day.

That on top of miserable battery life and the unavoidable fact that its going to be outdated on arrival if you fancy playing anything new.

 

Instead buy a cheap and light weight laptop and play indygames and older stuff if you must.

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

______________________________________________________________________________

 

Now to answer your question Shinobi556: 

 

Those are decent choices though I would look for something with 6 gigs of ram minimum,but atleast the first one has 2 gigs of video ram,also I would look for an I7 or some form or another of a quadcore or 6 core processor if possible.(the quadcore and the I7 will me much easier to find and probably cheaper though)

[rainbowdash]

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

 

It's confrontational people like you who make internet such a nasty place. There's no need to ride in and start dictating what I should or shouldn't post. Topic is "Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed" and the answer "don't" is perfectly reasonable and helpful advice.

 

Either way I sincerely question your definition of "up to date" as mobile GPU's are always several years behind their desktop counterparts in terms of performance.

I also frown upon you spreading ideas about laptops being upgradeable. While technically true, it's not something that an average user is able to do and far from affordable option compared to buying a new one.

[Ark of Truth]

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,.

 

We are answering his question and advising them not to do it, its not cost effective to by a laptop these days.

 

Normally when laptops die you need to buy a new one, which means another £500 or whatever that is in euro.

[FurryPornForLife]

 

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,.

 

We are answering his question and advising them not to do it, its not cost effective to by a laptop these days.

 

Normally when laptops die you need to buy a new one, which means another £500 or whatever that is in euro.

 

Laptops don't just die unless you buy some uber low quality pos like a netbook or if you have a tendency to drop things,op said they need a laptop ,to suggest a deskop is not going to help them when they are set on getting a laptop now is it? Oh please laptops really are not that much more expensive unless you are comparing bottom of the barrel pc's to great laptops.Also much like a desktop you can custom build a laptop although it is more time consuming but you end up saving more cash then a desktop build if you do your own soldering.Again the op's question was not if it was cost effective,the question was if the laptops listed had decent specs for gaming at that price range for a laptop. 

[FurryPornForLife]

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

 

It's confrontational people like you who make internet such a nasty place. There's no need to ride in and start dictating what I should or shouldn't post. Topic is "Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed" and the answer "don't" is perfectly reasonable and helpful advice.

 

Either way I sincerely question your definition of "up to date" as mobile GPU's are always several years behind their desktop counterparts in terms of performance.

I also frown upon you spreading ideas about laptops being upgradeable. While technically true, it's not something that an average user is able to do and far from affordable option compared to buying a new one.

 

You clearly are not up to date on laptop GPU's then,I have yet to to encounter a single game that won't get less than 120 frames on the laptop I built on ultra,sure its been upgraded but not for over a year and a half,part of my solution is I use Linux as windows IMO use to much ram(I dedicate me 12 gigs of ram solely to games and 3d designs to use on the CNC machine,it is a lot more affordable to upgrade a laptop then you realize sure it takes some know how but so does upgrading a desktop,I doubt the average pc user is likely to know how to upgrade their desktop either but with the right tools and an open tab with youtube up anyone can do it,the difference is the parts are harder to find cost a little bit more,and sometimes you need to make some space by getting a larger shell or solder new wire if you make any significant changes such as a new and larger screen.(also not that hard if you have an Idea of the exact or close to the exact measurements you will need) I was not trying to make an attack just kind of rude to post if you are not going to give some advice the op can use,don't is not reasonable advice there are hundreds of good reasons to get a laptop over a desktop,besides if you read the post they are set on getting a laptop,unless you really believe that hauling around a desktop,monitor, keyboard,and mouse is somehow a more practical solution.(Hint: its not)

[Rayblue]

I think that performance ENBs/SweetFX presets and "lite" versions of known texture replacers may be the way to go when playing, in addition to reduced resolutions, and mid/low-res tweaks for added performance. Some power-saving features may have to be disabled while playing.

 

Also get a quality cooling pad, a good gaming keyboard and mouse (to reduce wear and tear on the laptop keyboard and touchpad) for longer playthroughs.

[FurryPornForLife]

I think that performance ENBs/SweetFX presets and "lite" versions of known texture replacers may be the way to go when playing, in addition to reduced resolutions, and mid/low-res tweaks for added performance. Some power-saving features may have to be disabled while playing.

 

Also get a quality cooling pad, a good gaming keyboard and mouse (to reduce wear and tear on the laptop keyboard and touchpad) for longer playthroughs.

I'm pretty sure that even a decent laptop can run skryim on high with a good frame rate,but maybe the choices here in Deutschland are different,then again some of those hi resalution replacement textures and mods can eat up some ram.

[Shinobi7]

 

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

 

It's confrontational people like you who make internet such a nasty place. There's no need to ride in and start dictating what I should or shouldn't post. Topic is "Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed" and the answer "don't" is perfectly reasonable and helpful advice.

 

Either way I sincerely question your definition of "up to date" as mobile GPU's are always several years behind their desktop counterparts in terms of performance.

I also frown upon you spreading ideas about laptops being upgradeable. While technically true, it's not something that an average user is able to do and far from affordable option compared to buying a new one.

 

You clearly are not up to date on laptop GPU's then,I have yet to to encounter a single game that won't get less than 120 frames on the laptop I built on ultra,sure its been upgraded but not for over a year and a half,part of my solution is I use Linux as windows IMO use to much ram(I dedicate me 12 gigs of ram solely to games and 3d designs to use on the CNC machine,it is a lot more affordable to upgrade a laptop then you realize sure it takes some know how but so does upgrading a desktop,I doubt the average pc user is likely to know how to upgrade their desktop either but with the right tools and an open tab with youtube up anyone can do it,the difference is the parts are harder to find cost a little bit more,and sometimes you need to make some space by getting a larger shell or solder new wire if you make any significant changes such as a new and larger screen.(also not that hard if you have an Idea of the exact or close to the exact measurements you will need) I was not trying to make an attack just kind of rude to post if you are not going to give some advice the op can use,don't is not reasonable advice there are hundreds of good reasons to get a laptop over a desktop,besides if you read the post they are set on getting a laptop,unless you really believe that hauling around a desktop,monitor, keyboard,and mouse is somehow a more practical solution.(Hint: its not)

 

 

I've got to thank you all for the replies, and although I agree that desktop pc's are better for gaming - and I thank you for your cautious advice about going for desktops rather than laptops - I must admit FurryPornForLife is right here... Because I already have a good desktop for games at home.

 

I'm indeed looking for a mobile pc that can -also- play games.

I should have been clearer in the op, sorry for the confusion!

Don't flame eachother because of me

 

Anyhow that being said, I do want a laptop which can play recent games as I will be away from my home and desktop pc a lot.

 

Low battery won't be too much of a problem, however I don't think I will craft together an ultra laptop as I fear it will be too pricey since you mentioned it can be a bit more expensive (?).

 

As for the 2 pc's I listed, I gather I should add some RAM then?

[FurryPornForLife]

 

 

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

 

It's confrontational people like you who make internet such a nasty place. There's no need to ride in and start dictating what I should or shouldn't post. Topic is "Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed" and the answer "don't" is perfectly reasonable and helpful advice.

 

Either way I sincerely question your definition of "up to date" as mobile GPU's are always several years behind their desktop counterparts in terms of performance.

I also frown upon you spreading ideas about laptops being upgradeable. While technically true, it's not something that an average user is able to do and far from affordable option compared to buying a new one.

 

You clearly are not up to date on laptop GPU's then,I have yet to to encounter a single game that won't get less than 120 frames on the laptop I built on ultra,sure its been upgraded but not for over a year and a half,part of my solution is I use Linux as windows IMO use to much ram(I dedicate me 12 gigs of ram solely to games and 3d designs to use on the CNC machine,it is a lot more affordable to upgrade a laptop then you realize sure it takes some know how but so does upgrading a desktop,I doubt the average pc user is likely to know how to upgrade their desktop either but with the right tools and an open tab with youtube up anyone can do it,the difference is the parts are harder to find cost a little bit more,and sometimes you need to make some space by getting a larger shell or solder new wire if you make any significant changes such as a new and larger screen.(also not that hard if you have an Idea of the exact or close to the exact measurements you will need) I was not trying to make an attack just kind of rude to post if you are not going to give some advice the op can use,don't is not reasonable advice there are hundreds of good reasons to get a laptop over a desktop,besides if you read the post they are set on getting a laptop,unless you really believe that hauling around a desktop,monitor, keyboard,and mouse is somehow a more practical solution.(Hint: its not)

 

 

I've got to thank you all for the replies, and although I agree that desktop pc's are better for gaming, I must admit FurryPornForLife is right here... Because I already have a good desktop for games "at home".

 

I'm indeed looking for a mobile pc that can -also- play games. I should have been clearer in the op, sorry for the confusion, so don't flame eachother because of me ^^.

 

Anyhow that being said, I do want a laptop which does play games.

 

I was not trying to flame anyone in particular,I am just annoyed when people send a reply to a thread without having read the entirety of what the author wrote. I hope you have good luck choosing a laptop I know it was hard picking out my first one,good luck to you from Germany.

[Shinobi7]

 

I was not trying to flame anyone in particular,I am just annoyed when people send a reply to a thread without having read the entirety of what the author wrote. I hope you have good luck choosing a laptop I know it was hard picking out my first one,good luck to you from Germany.

 

 

I am curious though. You can custom build a laptop? Buy a new case and mobo etc?

Would you have any links to share?

 

[FurryPornForLife]

 

 

 

 

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

 

It's confrontational people like you who make internet such a nasty place. There's no need to ride in and start dictating what I should or shouldn't post. Topic is "Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed" and the answer "don't" is perfectly reasonable and helpful advice.

 

Either way I sincerely question your definition of "up to date" as mobile GPU's are always several years behind their desktop counterparts in terms of performance.

I also frown upon you spreading ideas about laptops being upgradeable. While technically true, it's not something that an average user is able to do and far from affordable option compared to buying a new one.

 

You clearly are not up to date on laptop GPU's then,I have yet to to encounter a single game that won't get less than 120 frames on the laptop I built on ultra,sure its been upgraded but not for over a year and a half,part of my solution is I use Linux as windows IMO use to much ram(I dedicate me 12 gigs of ram solely to games and 3d designs to use on the CNC machine,it is a lot more affordable to upgrade a laptop then you realize sure it takes some know how but so does upgrading a desktop,I doubt the average pc user is likely to know how to upgrade their desktop either but with the right tools and an open tab with youtube up anyone can do it,the difference is the parts are harder to find cost a little bit more,and sometimes you need to make some space by getting a larger shell or solder new wire if you make any significant changes such as a new and larger screen.(also not that hard if you have an Idea of the exact or close to the exact measurements you will need) I was not trying to make an attack just kind of rude to post if you are not going to give some advice the op can use,don't is not reasonable advice there are hundreds of good reasons to get a laptop over a desktop,besides if you read the post they are set on getting a laptop,unless you really believe that hauling around a desktop,monitor, keyboard,and mouse is somehow a more practical solution.(Hint: its not)

 

 

I've got to thank you all for the replies, and although I agree that desktop pc's are better for gaming, I must admit FurryPornForLife is right here... Because I already have a good desktop for games "at home".

 

I'm indeed looking for a mobile pc that can -also- play games. I should have been clearer in the op, sorry for the confusion, so don't flame eachother because of me ^^.

 

Anyhow that being said, I do want a laptop which does play games.

 

I was not trying to flame anyone in particular,I am just annoyed when people send a reply to a thread without having read the entirety of what the author wrote. I hope you have good luck choosing a laptop I know it was hard picking out my first one,good luck to you from Germany.

 

 

I am curious though. You can custom build a laptop? Buy a new case and mobo etc?

Would you have any links to share?

 

 

I had a custom case made by my friend Lukas,he is in the polymer making business and makes some of the polymers used on some H&K weapons,I buy all my parts at a local store that my friends call Lertzers I do not know what that would translate to in english,but I have heard newegg.com is good for pc parts though I do not know if they have many laptop parts.I would not get into build a laptop as my first laptop it takes some learning and some time and frustration if you solder anything wrong,I'm sure you might be able to find a good deal at a Fry electronics store,I've gone there with my American cousin a few times to help her get a good computer for making 3d models and video editing,they seemed to have good pricing but I have not been to many computer stores in American so I am just assuming. 

[Shinobi7]

 

I had a custom case made by my friend Lukas,he is in the polymer making business and makes some of the polymers used on some H&K weapons,I buy all my parts at a local store that my friends call Lertzers I do not know what that would translate to in english,but I have heard newegg.com is good for pc parts though I do not know if they have many laptop parts.I would not get into build a laptop as my first laptop it takes some learning and some time and frustration if you solder anything wrong,I'm sure you might be able to find a good deal at a Fry electronics store,I've gone there with my American cousin a few times to help her get a good computer for making 3d models and video editing,they seemed to have good pricing but I have not been to many computer stores in American so I am just assuming. 

 

 

Roger chief, thanks anyhow. I would not start by building myself a latpop of course. But it seems like you have a good deal there lol.

 

I'm sticking to this laptop so far + 4Go extra ram

[FurryPornForLife]

 

 

I had a custom case made by my friend Lukas,he is in the polymer making business and makes some of the polymers used on some H&K weapons,I buy all my parts at a local store that my friends call Lertzers I do not know what that would translate to in english,but I have heard newegg.com is good for pc parts though I do not know if they have many laptop parts.I would not get into build a laptop as my first laptop it takes some learning and some time and frustration if you solder anything wrong,I'm sure you might be able to find a good deal at a Fry electronics store,I've gone there with my American cousin a few times to help her get a good computer for making 3d models and video editing,they seemed to have good pricing but I have not been to many computer stores in American so I am just assuming. 

 

 

Roger chief, thanks anyhow. I would not start by building myself a latpop of course. But it seems like you have a good deal there lol.

 

I'm sticking to this laptop so far + 4Go extra ram

 

Yeah I guess so,that weapons grade plastic might come in handy,lol.

Looks like a good deal,any particular game you plan on playing on it?(should run most recently released games decently)

[...0...]

 

Or you know you could just answer the op's question,he or she just wants to know how good of laptop he or she can get for the amount of quid listed,laptops are just as up to date as desktops,I know this from owning several desktops and laptops,believe it or not laptops can be upgraded as well,sure its more expensive but that is the price you pay for the convenience of a portable computer.

 

The question is about what the op wants,not if you are comfortable with carrying a laptop or not.

 

It's confrontational people like you who make internet such a nasty place. There's no need to ride in and start dictating what I should or shouldn't post. Topic is "Buying a gamer laptop: advice needed" and the answer "don't" is perfectly reasonable and helpful advice.

 

Either way I sincerely question your definition of "up to date" as mobile GPU's are always several years behind their desktop counterparts in terms of performance.

I also frown upon you spreading ideas about laptops being upgradeable. While technically true, it's not something that an average user is able to do and far from affordable option compared to buying a new one.

 

 

This valid reply and desktops always upfront of any other gaming device from laptops to consoles you can't just compare it. And updating a laptop is not only expensive its also pain to do.

 

But if you need a laptop for on the road MSI is not bad but the ones you show are low end.

 

It can run games like skyrim but its all limited not even close to a mid range desktop.

 

Most games you can run but on medium and soon with games going dx11 i doubful these last very long i 'll bet you will ask in year or so for better laptop again.

 

[wayra]

i have to agree, laptops for gaming is kinda meh. But if you are set for one, then i recommend you take a look at the clevo/sager lines, these gaming laptops are usually cheaper than the brand names laptop.

[Rayblue]

 

I think that performance ENBs/SweetFX presets and "lite" versions of known texture replacers may be the way to go when playing, in addition to reduced resolutions, and mid/low-res tweaks for added performance. Some power-saving features may have to be disabled while playing.

 

Also get a quality cooling pad, a good gaming keyboard and mouse (to reduce wear and tear on the laptop keyboard and touchpad) for longer playthroughs.

I'm pretty sure that even a decent laptop can run skryim on high with a good frame rate,but maybe the choices here in Deutschland are different,then again some of those hi resalution replacement textures and mods can eat up some ram.

 

 

If it's just for more stability and gameplay focus than pretty pictures, the other alternatives include using Vanilla Reduced Textures (used them and was able to go through one huge quest without CTD) and Bethesda Performance Textures (they're all optimized).

[FurryPornForLife]

 

 

I think that performance ENBs/SweetFX presets and "lite" versions of known texture replacers may be the way to go when playing, in addition to reduced resolutions, and mid/low-res tweaks for added performance. Some power-saving features may have to be disabled while playing.

 

Also get a quality cooling pad, a good gaming keyboard and mouse (to reduce wear and tear on the laptop keyboard and touchpad) for longer playthroughs.

I'm pretty sure that even a decent laptop can run skryim on high with a good frame rate,but maybe the choices here in Deutschland are different,then again some of those hi resalution replacement textures and mods can eat up some ram.

 

 

If it's just for more stability and gameplay focus than pretty pictures, the other alternatives include using Vanilla Reduced Textures (used them and was able to go through one huge quest without CTD) and Bethesda Performance Textures (they're all optimized).

 

Well it is a Bethesda game so I don't think CTD's will be completely avoidable.

[althekoolkid]

I know it sounds like the people saying "don't get a laptop" don't know what you want. But I personally have been through 4 $2000+ "gamming" laptops in the last 3 years. In the same amount of time I have maintained 1 $1500 desktop (plus parts and upgrades) that worked 10 times better. Do yourself a favor and just get a desktop. 

[Rayblue]

As much as he wants a desktop, circumstances prevent him from doing so.

 

 

 

I agree, however I'm going to be travelling a lot soon and I won't be able to drag a desktop around with me.

 

 

 

 

 

I think that performance ENBs/SweetFX presets and "lite" versions of known texture replacers may be the way to go when playing, in addition to reduced resolutions, and mid/low-res tweaks for added performance. Some power-saving features may have to be disabled while playing.

 

Also get a quality cooling pad, a good gaming keyboard and mouse (to reduce wear and tear on the laptop keyboard and touchpad) for longer playthroughs.

I'm pretty sure that even a decent laptop can run skryim on high with a good frame rate,but maybe the choices here in Deutschland are different,then again some of those hi resalution replacement textures and mods can eat up some ram.

 

 

If it's just for more stability and gameplay focus than pretty pictures, the other alternatives include using Vanilla Reduced Textures (used them and was able to go through one huge quest without CTD) and Bethesda Performance Textures (they're all optimized).

 

Well it is a Bethesda game so I don't think CTD's will be completely avoidable.

 

 

It's just that mobile GPUs tend to have small amounts of shared memory.

[Tepi]

My laptop is not a gaming laptop and its already 8 years old, still going strong. Occasionally playing lol and hearthstone with it. It even runs skyrim without any fancy graphicmods on medium. And it has a 5600GS. Ofc desktop is a better solution for gaming, but if the option is only a laptop, you can still play with it np.

 

OP is asking for a laptop, so the answer is not "buy a desktop instead"

[ds64]

well from my experience:
Got this laptop in November 2011 for maybe about $550

I can play skyrim on high with low shadow on 1366x768 (20-30 FPS) and that is enough for me.

Used it for playing some games, surfing internet and office work.

Still used it till now.

 

Just make sure to keep the vent clear and control the laptop temperature (using cooling pad/extra fan helps).

 

Never had any problem except some blue screen..  because of the bad sector HDD, after I replaced it, it fine, never have any serious trouble.
But yeah, your laptop technology gonna be expired in the next 2 years...

I think I choose GTX 765M from that 2 choice..