I need to narrow the search from these three laptops

[darkjfman]

What I really want from all the laptops that I've been looking at are i7, 17.3", and a dedicated GPU (nothing specific)

They will be used for some gaming (slightly older steam games) but mostly to run other technical softwares (CAD with the occasional 3D and computational programs)

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314160

This acer does have a GTX 760M, a slightly lower cpu speed than the other ones but a nice SSD and it's the cheapest of the rest (not by much). The HDD is running at 5400 rpm, I've always had 7200 so I'm not sure if I'll notice the difference.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834233049

The Gigabyte is slightly more than the acer, but it's running a faster processor, a GTX 860M, but 8GB of ram compared to the previous 12.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G1W31387

The MSI is another price increase from the MSI with a processor between the acer the Gigabyte (nothing crazy), and it does have 12GB of RAM with the GTX 860M.


As you can see the price overall isn't the problem, just wanting additional input from knowledgable individuals to finally buy my laptop. Also, the difference between the specs isn't much, this laptop will be used constantly throughout the day so I'd like to have a nice one that runs and lasts without problems (but so does everyone else).

Any ideas? Let know if you need more detailed information that I didn't mention.

 

[aaronfield]

What I really want from all the laptops that I've been looking at are i7, 17.3", and a dedicated GPU (nothing specific)

They will be used for some gaming (slightly older steam games) but mostly to run other technical softwares (CAD with the occasional 3D and computational programs)

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314160

This acer does have a GTX 760M, a slightly lower cpu speed than the other ones but a nice SSD and it's the cheapest of the rest (not by much). The HDD is running at 5400 rpm, I've always had 7200 so I'm not sure if I'll notice the difference.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834233049

The Gigabyte is slightly more than the acer, but it's running a faster processor, a GTX 860M, but 8GB of ram compared to the previous 12.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G1W31387

The MSI is another price increase from the MSI with a processor between the acer the Gigabyte (nothing crazy), and it does have 12GB of RAM with the GTX 860M.


As you can see the price overall isn't the problem, just wanting additional input from knowledgable individuals to finally buy my laptop. Also, the difference between the specs isn't much, this laptop will be used constantly throughout the day so I'd like to have a nice one that runs and lasts without problems (but so does everyone else).

Any ideas? Let know if you need more detailed information that I didn't mention.

Out of those 3 i would get the Gigabyte. If I may suggest one it would be the Lenovo y510p. graphics are about the same power for cheaper.

 

[darkjfman]

What I really want from all the laptops that I've been looking at are i7, 17.3", and a dedicated GPU (nothing specific)

They will be used for some gaming (slightly older steam games) but mostly to run other technical softwares (CAD with the occasional 3D and computational programs)

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314160

This acer does have a GTX 760M, a slightly lower cpu speed than the other ones but a nice SSD and it's the cheapest of the rest (not by much). The HDD is running at 5400 rpm, I've always had 7200 so I'm not sure if I'll notice the difference.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834233049

The Gigabyte is slightly more than the acer, but it's running a faster processor, a GTX 860M, but 8GB of ram compared to the previous 12.

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G1W31387

The MSI is another price increase from the MSI with a processor between the acer the Gigabyte (nothing crazy), and it does have 12GB of RAM with the GTX 860M.


As you can see the price overall isn't the problem, just wanting additional input from knowledgable individuals to finally buy my laptop. Also, the difference between the specs isn't much, this laptop will be used constantly throughout the day so I'd like to have a nice one that runs and lasts without problems (but so does everyone else).

Any ideas? Let know if you need more detailed information that I didn't mention.

Out of those 3 i would get the Gigabyte. If I may suggest one it would be the Lenovo y510p. graphics are about the same power for cheaper.

I would consider it, but I would rather get a 17.3 screen. I much prefer the bigger screen for the work I do.

 

[03321]

Y510p is sold out on Lenovo's site and Newegg, guessing it's the same elsewhere.

Of those 3, I agree with the Gigabyte choice. Best processor and the 760M lags behind the 860M a bit. Not certain on whether you'd ever have a use for more than 8GB of RAM with the programs you're using.

I can't help configuring the Acer like this: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314569. Saves $50, bigger SSD, better processor but no 1TB HDD. Maybe you need more storage space than 256GB, but there is the external hard drive route or installing a 2nd hard drive if it has room.

 

[darkjfman]

I did look at that Acer, I'm just not sure if 256 will be enough like you said. That size ssd sure is nice, it will definitely hold all the programs I need.

An external hdd would be too bulky since I'm on the move a lot, maybe a dropbox account.

I'll think about, find out how much storage I really need. If it's doable with that Acer I might go with it, if not it'll be the Gigabyte one.

Thanks guys.

 

[orlbuckeye]

I would go for the MSI because of the gaming reputation.