Custom Laptop

[vikika]

Hi, guys, i'm just ordered this configuration for gaming( WOW, Lineage2) laptop, any thoughts?

Chassis & Display
Optimus II: 17.3" Full HD LED Backlit Widescreen (1920x1080) Super Clear Glossy
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Mobile Processor i7-2630QM (2.00GHz) 6MB Cache
Memory (RAM)
8GB SAMSUNG 1333MHz SODIMM DDR3 MEMORY (2 x 4GB)
Graphics Card
nVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M - 1GB DDR3 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
Memory - 1st Hard Disk
80GB INTEL® 320 SERIES SSD, SATA 3 Gb/s (upto 270MB/sR | 90MB/sW)
1st 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)
Network Facilities
GIGABIT LAN & KILLER™ 1102 WIRELESS 802.11N - IDEAL FOR ONLINE GAMING
USB Options
2 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS AS STANDARD
Battery
Optimus Series 6 Cell Lithium-ION Battery - 48.85WH
Power Lead & Adaptor
1 x UK Power Lead & 90W AC Adaptor
Operating System
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (£79)
Office Software
FREE Microsoft® Office Starter 2010 (Limited functionality Word & Excel)
Anti-Virus
NORTON ANTI-VIRUS 2011 - 1 Year Licence for 1 PC (£13)
Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 1.3 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days

Price: £943.00 including VAT and delivery.

 

[Studentguyct]

I'd advise you to stick in another Hard drive but i dont think the optimus II let's you do that. 80GB is a really small amount of space nowadays. i have a desktop from 7 years ago with that much. the lack of space isn't worth the boost if your gaming. WoW and Lineage 2 will probably eventually fill up most of your SSD. Also, what's your budget? and is WoW and L2 all you'll be playing? cos their not very demanding games.

If you will dabble in the newer games, i'd advise getting the best cpu/gpu you can as they aren't upgradeable. It's definitely worth spending a bit more if you can though, depending on whether or not you'll be playing newer games.

Also, i reccomend the razer naga gaming mouse, you can't buy it here but it's great for mmos.

 

[vikika]

Hmmmm.... i have external HDD, so for storage is not a problem for me, but you are right, i'm going to get 120G SSD instead of 80. I just checked processors i7-2630QM and i7-2720QM, and for extra £108 spent there is only 13% increase in performance, is it a dramatic change? And my budget already exceeded my allowed maximum
P.S. I really want to get more info about heating problems, can i keep this like on my knees? Maybe someone has some similar laptop?

 

[Studentguyct]

Well a laptop stand that puts it at an angle would help the fan out, and unless your doing something strenuous (WoW isn't strenuous, that thing should run it full blast)
and about the processors, it depends. it'll help with the newer games but that processor is fine for wow.

 

[Urtha]

Hiya Vikika,

As studentguy said, 80G (even 120G) is tiny nowadays, unless this is going to be a laptop absolutely dedicated to WoW/Lineage -you'll also find that plugging an external drive into anything other than a desk-based machine is asking for trouble, as you will be placing stress on laptop sockets if you move the machine during play (even moving it from your lap to a table/the floor etc.)

Personally (as in I have just ordered!) would go for GT555M graphics card, and the 500GB SEAGATE MOMENTUS XT HYBRID, SATA 3 Gb/s, 32MB CACHE (7200 rpm) drive. Also, Kingston memory rather than Samsung, as Kingston are a time-honoured company with regard to memory - very small failure rate.

Also, I personally use Bullguard for virus protection, as it is geared towards gamers.

I hope this helps,

Ben.

 

[Studentguyct]

Hiya Vikika,

As studentguy said, 80G (even 120G) is tiny nowadays, unless this is going to be a laptop absolutely dedicated to WoW/Lineage -you'll also find that plugging an external drive into anything other than a desk-based machine is asking for trouble, as you will be placing stress on laptop sockets if you move the machine during play (even moving it from your lap to a table/the floor etc.)

Personally (as in I have just ordered!) would go for GT555M graphics card, and the 500GB SEAGATE MOMENTUS XT HYBRID, SATA 3 Gb/s, 32MB CACHE (7200 rpm) drive. Also, Kingston memory rather than Samsung, as Kingston are a time-honoured company with regard to memory - very small failure rate.

Also, I personally use Bullguard for virus protection, as it is geared towards gamers.

I hope this helps,

Ben.

Do external hard drives really put that much pressure on laptop sockets? do they work fine if not moved?

 

[Urtha]

Do external hard drives really put that much pressure on laptop sockets? do they work fine if not moved?

I work in an engineering environment which utilises laptops, and there is a constant problem with interfaces failing during use - My step-daughter also borked a laptop via the power socket by not unplugging it when it was moved. Any socket that is connected while the unit is being moved will be subject to mechanical stress, which would normally be soldered pins from the socket to the motherboard being distorted and suffering from degradation over time. It could result in dry joints, or fracturing of legs in the extreme.

If you will be using it in the same place every time then it shouldn't be a huge problem as long as you are careful though.

I hope this helps you decide

Ben.