Considering replacing desktop with laptop...can a laptop really compare?

steinooo

steinooo

steinooo

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Hi all,

With all the dual core laptops we're getting in at work with sharp looking graphics, the thought has crossed my mind to sell my beloved rig (Geforce 6800, 2.8Ghz P4 800Mhz FSB, 2 x 512Mb PC3200, Asus P4P800) and just get a TFT, and plug it in to that for games when I'm at my desk, but i'd have the option of portability.

I was just after benchmarks and stats off fellow Overclockers who have laptops they use as gaming machines, and how much they cost for example. The Dell dual core ones for ~£500 on OCUK would probably be the max I could afford, but then again I wouldnt even consider the idea if the graphics cards weren't up to scratch.

I.e I have a Dell D820 sitting in front of me with Centrino Duo and an NVIDIA Quadro NVS 120M which from what I've read is more of a workstation graphics card rather than 3d.. What are your thoughts please? :)
 
If portability is important then there is nothing wrong with using a laptop as your main computer. My friend used to do it all the time. He plugged in a big widescreen TFT and also wireless mouse and keyboard [laptop was sat in a drawer!]. His desk was always clutter free and he could play most games at the time fairly well.

However, if you want max performance you will always be paying a fair bit more than the PC counterpart. It is basically a balance between how powerful you want and how much you can afford.

SiriusB
 
My old p4 laptop just failed so I got a dual core Lenovo for £550, it's got Intel integrated graphics, GMA950 or something like that. It runs Guild Wars alright, but not at stunning settings.

From your post, I'm not sure that going laptop would be the way forward, especially seeing as you are used to a 6800. Integrated graphics are pitiful compared to that, and you're looking at big bucks to get the gaming laptops.

What sort of games do you play?
 
Most laptops I have seen max out at the X1600XT graphics card.

So, as you can imagine - they are no where near as good as the destktop.

I reckon its got a lot to do with heat dissaption and power consumption.

If you put an X1900XT in a laptop, I personally wouldnt like to sit near the exhuast as it would be scalding. However your laptop wouldnt likely be on for very long anyway, unless you fancy lugging a car battery around...
 
good thoughts guys, for the record I mainly play UT2004, Doom 3, Half Life 2 and occasionally the Sims 2 and Pro Evo4. I borrow quite a few games from friends etc so get through quite a lot of games.
 
You'll need to spend more than £500 to get a good gaming laptop. Hard drives are much slower in performance as well.

Laptops are fine for most uses, and light gaming if you accept lower framerates, lower detail and older games will have to be used...unless you get a stonking gaming laptop.

You'll get a slideshow with Doom 3. Things like Age of Empires III will be fine on a £500-£600 laptop
 
There are several gaming laptops at the high end £££'s bracket.

For £1700 you could get the following specs in a lappy - just as good as a desktop...more expensive - but portable if that's what you want: - just have a look here on OCUK for the gaming lappy made by *ELL

Typical spec of a £1700 gaming lappy

# Up to Intel® Core Duo T2600 processor (2 x 2.16GHz)
– Featuring Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology
– 2MB Level 2 Cache
# NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GTX 512MB
# 17" WSXGA+ X-Glass TFT Screen (1680 x 1050) / 17" WUXGA+ X-Glass TFT Screen (1920 x 1200) (Optional)
# Up to 2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
# 7200rpm SATA 100GB Hard Drive as standard – 33% faster than 4200rpm drives
# 2nd HDD (Optional)
# 8x Dual Layer (-/+) DVD Writer
# TV Tuner (Optional)
# Intel Pro 802.11a/b/g Integrated Wireless LAN
# 1 x IEEE1394 Firewire
# 4 x USB 2.0
# Bluetooth
# Express Card Slot
# 4 in 1 Card Reader
# S-Video out & DVI Port (VGA Converter Included)
# Webcam with video recording
# SRS WOW Surround sound
# 7.1 Surround Sound Output
 
if you dont need portability then why have a laptop instead of a desktop because you could make a desktop cheaper than you could buy the same spec laptop, couldnt you?
 
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