Need Some Laptop Advice

mingy

Estimable
Jul 30, 2014
3
0
4,510
Hello All

I had asked about some laptop options in a previous threaad (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2240119/advice.html) and got a great answer from Ninjaxsl.

I purchased that HP, as recommended and love it. However it doesn't do the gaming as well as I woould like it to. I think I will take advantage of the 90 Day return policy and increase my budget somewhat.

The items I am looking to run are as follows:

I am looking for a laptop for business applications, (Office, PDF Creator, Online CRM, etc). It will also do double duty for some light to mid range gaming. I play World of Tanks, Civ 5, Wargame, War Thunder. My budget is now around 800.00

I am finding two laptops that fit the requirements, but am having a hard time deciding.

I would appreciate some opinions:

Option #1:

HP ENVY 15t Slim K0B71AV

Specifications

CPU I7-4712HQ
GPU GTX 850M 4GB DDR3
RAM 8GB DDR3
HDD 750GB 5400RPM (no mSATA SSD connector)
Screen 15.6" 1080p, initial reviews show low quality - but can be replaced with IPS ~100.00
Keyboard Backlit
Weight 5.07 lbs (~2.3 kg)

$799.99 after rebate

Option #2

Acer Aspire V3-772G

Specifications

CPU I5-4210M
GPU GTX 850M 2GB GDDR5
RAM 8GB DDR3L
HDD 1TB HDD (can add mSATA SSD)
Screen 17.3" matte 1080p, CMN N173HGE-E11
Keyboard Backlit
Weight 7.05 lbs (3.159 kg)

$799.00

I am having trouble deciding between the i5 and i7, from most reviws I have read the GPU will bottleneck long before the increased i7 performance offers a benefit. While others say that the i7 is the better way togo as developers will start too use the Cores and Threading allowed in the i7.

The other item giving me pause, is the GPU. From the reviews I have read the DDR5 version offers significantly better performance, except on GPUboss.com where they come out equal, for a 2mb DDR3 vs 2mb DDR5. Is the extra 2GB on the DDDR3 version the factor that will make it the better choice?

I am hoping that someone can help me navigate through this. I am getting bogged down in the reviews, speeds and feeds etc.....
 
Solution
I would go with the hp for these reasonsL

1. CPU is better which is going to make a huge difference when you are doing professional work like compiling complex programs
2. Although yes the 2 gigs of gddr5 is good for gaming, it shouldn't make any real difference with the type of gaming you are doing
3. The type of ram in the hp is better
4. The laptop is ligher which gives you more portability which is the main reason why you are going the laptop route

mingy

Estimable
Jul 30, 2014
3
0
4,510


And the award for the most obvious answer goes to....... mcmastertroll who lived up to his name.

In all seriousness, I know that if I were throwing more money at it that I could get a better one. I need a laptop, not a PC.

Anyone have some real advice on these two systems?

 
I would go with the hp for these reasonsL

1. CPU is better which is going to make a huge difference when you are doing professional work like compiling complex programs
2. Although yes the 2 gigs of gddr5 is good for gaming, it shouldn't make any real difference with the type of gaming you are doing
3. The type of ram in the hp is better
4. The laptop is ligher which gives you more portability which is the main reason why you are going the laptop route
 
Solution