Help for a Mac to PC Convert

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Natedog13

Weaksauce
Joined
Mar 2, 2012
Messages
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Ok, so I'm new to this forum and I need some help. I'm in the market for a computer. After using Macs for a while, I've decided to see what the other side has to offer. I'm looking for a gaming laptop, something that will run Skyrim pretty well and is under $900 (As low as possible). A friend recommended the Xplorer X6-9100 from cyberpower.com. (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X6-9100_Gaming_Notebook/) I also saw the 9200 of the same series for a little bit more. the 9200 has the Nvidida GT540m, and is $200 more. Do I need the nvidia? Or can I get by on whatever this is: Intel UMA Integrated GFX PCIe Video. Anyway, I'll post the specs of each below. Once again, I have no idea what I'm looking for and would appreciate any advice.
 
X6-9100

Summarize
[ x ] Close
Notebook: A15A Gaming Notebook 15.6" Full HD 1920x1080 Display w/ Built-in 1.3MP Webcam, HDMI Port, Li-Ion Battery, & Universal AC Adapter
Notebook Color: Xplorer X6 Gaming Notebook Cover
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM Mobile Processor 2.20 GHz 6M Intel Smart Cache, Max Turbo Freq. 3.10 GHz
Motherboard: Intel HM65 Chipset Mainboard
Memory: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-1333 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
Video Card: Intel UMA Integrated GFX PCIe Video
Hard Drive: 750GB 7200RPM SATA300 Hard Drive [+37]
External Hard Drive (USB3.0/2.0/eSATA): None
USB Flash Drive: None
Optical Drive: 8X DVD±R/RW/4X +DL Super-Multi Drive (NB-353-DVDRW)
Sound: Built-in 3D Premium Surround Sound
Wireless 802.11B/G Network Card: Built-in Wireless b/g/n + Bluetooth v3.0 WiFi Combo Card
WiDi Router: None
LCD Monitor: None
Speakers: Built-in Stereo Speakers System
Network: Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Card
Keyboard: Built-in Keyboard
Mouse: XtremeGear Optical USB 3 Buttons Gaming Mouse [+5]
Mouse Pad: None
Gaming Gear: * Thermaltake Massive23 LX Notebook Cooler w/ 230mm Blue LED Fan [+29]
External Wireless Network Card: None
Wireless 802.11 B/G/N Access Point: None
Bluetooth: None
Flash Media Reader/Writer: Built-In 3in1 Media Reader
Battery: 6-cells Li-Ion Battery Pack 4800mAh
Carrying Bag: Free Deluxe Carrying Bag for 15.6 Inch Notebook
AC Adapter: Universal AC-DC Adapter
Car Adapter: None
Video Camera: Built-in 1.3 Mega Pixel Webcam
Headset: None
HDMI Output Port: Built-in HDMI Port
Printer: None
Cable: None
Power Protection: None
USB Port: Built-in 2x USB2.0 Ports + 2x USB3.0 Ports
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit Edition)
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner: None
Office Suite: None
Service: STANDARD 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Additional Warranty: None
Rush Service: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 10~15 BUSINESS DAYS

X6-9200

The same but with:
Intel UMA Integrated GFX PCIe Video instead of the Nvidia
 
Still need advice?

If so, do not get Cyberpower or iBuypower built PCs. They're generally poorly assembled, poorly supported, and sometimes poorly chosen. There's that the reason why Cyberpower and iBuypower PCs are cheap compared to other PC boutiques.

Also, any Intel graphics is not gonna be enough for Skyrim. Look for a Nvidia or AMD card.
 
Yes, advice is definitely still needed. That X6-9200 has an Nvidia GT540M, is that good enough? Danny, do you have any specific computers you would recommend? Something that'll play Skyrim just fine, maybe more if the cost isn't too much more. Any list of the specifics I need to run these games so I can look for them would be helpful too. Thanks for the help!
 
Unfortunately at $900, you're pretty much gonna have to settle to playing Skyrim at low to medium settings. The GT 540M is pretty much the minimum I'd recommend for Skyrim. As for resolution, keep the resolution at 1336x768 as the GT 540M isn't enough to play Skyrim at higher resolutions at medium or high settings. CPU wise, you'd be fine with a Core i5 at the least.

However if you can buy today, I'd recommend this laptop deal:
http://www.gotapex.com/daily-deals/...blu-ray-749-99-shipped-free.html?referrerid=0

Start with the base model, upgrade the video card to the HD 7690M 1GB video card, add that coupon code, and it should be under $900.
 
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Oh, and what about going the upgraded Dell XPS route? Although it has a GT 540M Nvidia. Also, I keep seeing mixed reviews, people post videos of Skyrim on high settings on some of these lower spec computers, even the base model Dell XPS and the Cyberpower X6 9200. Are they legit?
 
Sorry about the triple post, but I know you said no Cyberpower, but what about the X6-9400? And how do the Nvidia's compare to the AMDs?
 
First things first: This thread has now been moved to the Mobile Computing subforum. Might get better help here.

Natedog13 said:
Cool, but what if I upped my budget to 1000-1200? Is it worth the price jump? And what about this one:Toshiba Qosmio X775, it's got a GTX 560M. I got it off of this list: http://www.bestgaminglaptop.net/articles-guides/top-10-gaming-laptops/
Click to expand...
For a gaming laptop, yes worth it. Not sure about the Toshiba.
Natedog13 said:
Oh, and what about going the upgraded Dell XPS route? Although it has a GT 540M Nvidia. Also, I keep seeing mixed reviews, people post videos of Skyrim on high settings on some of these lower spec computers, even the base model Dell XPS and the Cyberpower X6 9200. Are they legit?
Click to expand...
They're somewhat legit. But I'd aim for higher than the GT 540M
Natedog13 said:
Sorry about the triple post, but I know you said no Cyberpower, but what about the X6-9400? And how do the Nvidia's compare to the AMDs?
Click to expand...
It's a Cyberpower so not worth looking at. Like I said earlier: Don't get a Cyberpower or iBuypower. In the mobile space, I believe Nvidia is the same as AMD.
 
Totally forgot to ask: What size laptop do you want? A 17"? 16"? 15.6"?
 
Umm, 15 is ok. I mean any size really, if I can get 17 without too much cost, that'd be cool. 15 would probably suit my needs best though, in terms of portability. Anyways, any size would be ok.
 
If you are upping your budget then I hear that the Sager NP5165 is an excellent gaming laptop. It starts at $959, but if you were upping your budget to 1-1.2k (I think you said that), then it would give you a bit of room to upgrade bits.

There's also a 17" version for a similar price - NP5175

I personally have never had a Sager though -- just going by what others have said.
 
Natedog13 said:
Cool, but what if I upped my budget to 1000-1200? Is it worth the price jump? And what about this one:Toshiba Qosmio X775, it's got a GTX 560M. I got it off of this list: http://www.bestgaminglaptop.net/articles-guides/top-10-gaming-laptops/
Click to expand...
If you were to consider below $1200, i would probably go with Sager NP8131, i would just upgrade the CPU to a quad core and it should be set, its 15'' 1920x1080 matte screen + Nvidia GTX560, dual cooler / fan, should be a good bet for gaming laptop under your budget.
 
Alright, cool. I'll check out the Sager. $1200 is the absolute max. so anything that will run well and is under $1000 would be ideal. Is that even possible with the hardware I'm looking for.
 
Natedog13 said:
Ok, so I'm new to this forum and I need some help. I'm in the market for a computer. After using Macs for a while, I've decided to see what the other side has to offer. I'm looking for a gaming laptop, something that will run Skyrim pretty well and is under $900 (As low as possible). A friend recommended the Xplorer X6-9100 from cyberpower.com. (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X6-9100_Gaming_Notebook/) I also saw the 9200 of the same series for a little bit more. the 9200 has the Nvidida GT540m, and is $200 more. Do I need the nvidia? Or can I get by on whatever this is: Intel UMA Integrated GFX PCIe Video. Anyway, I'll post the specs of each below. Once again, I have no idea what I'm looking for and would appreciate any advice.
Click to expand...
Since you're moving to Windows, I want to make sure you understand that gaming on a laptop is going to be significantly less optimal that gaming on a $900 desktop.

I expect your only in the market for a laptop so if you want to game, get a laptop with a discrete GPU. HP runs 'coupon code' offers quite frequently. I recently helped a friend pick out a 17" HP with the newest Intel QuadCore CPU (Sandy Bridge), a discrete ATI GPU, 8 GB of ram, 750GB HDD, for under $900. The deal is still going on.. Just visit this link, copy the coupon code, then click on 'review and buy' next to Base Configuration. You can upgrade the GPU and Battery if you like. My only concern with HP laptops though are the batteries. The default batteries are horrible and typically fail within a year. I would absolutely pay the extra $30 to upgrade to the HQ 9 cell battery. You may also want to consider upgraing the $20 to the 7200 RPM hard drive because it will have lower latency (better in gaming) than the 5400RPM base model.
 
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Natedog13 said:
Is that even possible with the hardware I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

It's possible if you can find a solid sale/deal going on, buy used, or are willing to buy extremely low quality (Cyberpower + Ibuypower)
 
Natedog13 said:
Alright, cool. I'll check out the Sager. $1200 is the absolute max. so anything that will run well and is under $1000 would be ideal. Is that even possible with the hardware I'm looking for.
Click to expand...
The previously suggested 5165 is another option if you are willing to sacrifice performance on gaming, it comes with GT555, but personally when im looking for a gaming laptop i try to get as good as i can gpu as it will be the bottleneck most of the times at high res, so if you can swing it, i would go with 8131, else the 5165 should be a good option.
 
What about an Alienware M11x or X51 (I know you said laptop, didn't know if you had seen this computer though)

With a good dell discount code or student discount you could get a Alienware 14x for around $900
 
bigdogchris said:
Since you're moving to Windows, I want to make sure you understand that gaming on a laptop is going to be significantly less optimal that gaming on a $900 desktop.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I have a friend who builds desktops on the cheap, but can't help me with a laptop. I need a laptop cause I'm always somewhere but my house, and who could go without gaming for that long? :D Anyone agree with the Sager 8131 idea? And the main problem with the alienwares is that the 11 inch screen seems pretty small and I heard someone say that they were overpriced for the hardware.
 
Oh, and what, in AMD Radeon terms, would equal an nvidia gtx? Just wondering so I can compare specs. And can you guys dispell some of the YouTube myths out there? I see people post videos off of laptops at highest settings, but people down in the comments either say that theirs can or can't run like the video, mostly can't. Any thoughts?
 
Another triple post, it I configured that HP deal just to see what it looked like. Will this get me through skyrim well: (sorry for the mess of it)

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edit
Processor: 2nd generation Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2670QM (2.2 GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz
Graphics card 1GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5 Discrete Graphics(TM) [HDMI, VGA
Memory FREE UPGRADE to 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard drive 750GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Office software Microsoft(R) Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word/Excel(R) only, No PowerPoint(R)/Outlook(R) edit
Security software No additional security software edit
Primary battery 30% OFF 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Display 17.3-inch diagonal Full HD Anti-glare LED-backlit Display (1920 x 1080) edit
Primary optical drive FREE UPGRADE to Blu-ray player & SuperMulti DVD burner edit
Personalization HP TrueVision HD Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone and HP SimplePass Fingerprint Reader edit
Networking 802.11b/g/n WLAN
 
And on that Sager 8131, is the i5 processor enough? Or how should I build it? And is there anywhere specifically to buy from? Somewhere cheap?
 
Natedog13 said:
Another triple post, it I configured that HP deal just to see what it looked like. Will this get me through skyrim well
Click to expand...
As long as you're not looking for high or max settings, you should be fine with Skyrim with that HP laptop
Natedog13 said:
And on that Sager 8131, is the i5 processor enough? Or how should I build it? And is there anywhere specifically to buy from? Somewhere cheap?
Click to expand...
i5 will be enough. Thought you could only get Sager laptops from Sager directly but I could be wrong about that.
 
Should I go for the i7 for future games, since I can't upgrade it? And what do you guys think, the Sager 8131 or the configured HP? (see 3rd post up from here)
 
Natedog13 said:
Should I go for the i7 for future games, since I can't upgrade it? And what do you guys think, the Sager 8131 or the configured HP? (see 3rd post up from here)
Click to expand...

Only get the i7 if you have leftover room in your budget after maxing out the GPU. As others have said, you want to max out the GPU first before the CPU as the CPU, while still a bit hard to upgrade, still has a chance of being upgraded whereas the GPU can't be upgraded.
 
Natedog13 said:
So the GPU is like the graphics card?
Click to expand...

GPU = Graphics Processing Unit. So yes.

As for the two laptops you've mentioned: The Sager 8131 definitely has the faster GPU and therefore will last you longer. However it has a weaker CPU than the HP. But if you're willing to go over your budget, the Sager can be upgraded to the same i7-2670QM as the HP.
 
The sager has this: nVidia GeForce GTX 560M 1,536MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11
The HP has this: 1GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5 Discrete Graphics(TM) [HDMI, VGA
Which one is better?
 
Natedog13 said:
The sager has this: nVidia GeForce GTX 560M 1,536MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11
The HP has this: 1GB AMD Radeon(TM) HD 7690M GDDR5 Discrete Graphics(TM) [HDMI, VGA
Which one is better?
Click to expand...

Read my ninja edit above.
 
Wow, that was some super ninja editing! Yeah it's $70 to upgrade to the i7-2670QM, 2.2-3.1GHz. And in terms of HDD's, go for the standard 500gb 7200rpm?
 
Natedog13 said:
Wow, that was some super ninja editing! Yeah it's $70 to upgrade to the i7-2670QM, 2.2-3.1GHz. And in terms of HDD's, go for the standard 500gb 7200rpm?
Click to expand...

Should be fine unless you need more storage.
 
Ok, and these computers are better than getting a Mac and partitioning my drive to run Win. 7 and subsequently skyrim?
 
Natedog13 said:
Ok, and these computers are better than getting a Mac and partitioning my drive to run Win. 7 and subsequently skyrim?
Click to expand...
The HD 7690 found in the HP is essentially a renamed HD 6770M, the highest-end GPU found in the higher-end Macbook Pros. So basically, the HP is roughly the same as the $2,199.00 and $2,499.00 Macbook Pros and faster than the rest in terms of GPU performance. So on price to performance, yes, those laptops are better than a MacBook Pro.
 
Danny Bui said:
The HD 7690 found in the HP is essentially a renamed HD 6770M, the highest-end GPU found in the higher-end Macbook Pros. So basically, the HP is roughly the same as the $2,199.00 and $2,499.00 Macbook Pros and faster than the rest in terms of GPU performance. So on price to performance, yes, those laptops are better than a MacBook Pro.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's pretty amazing. I really appreciate your help in all of this. I think I'll settle for the sager 8131, at least when I have the money. As a last request, I was wondering if you would be able to, if you have time and based on what we've discussed here, to go to this site and configure the best computer in a decent price range and paste the specs here? (http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8130-clevo-p151hm1-p-2973.html?wconfigure=yes)
 
If you want to keep under your $1200 budget, just up the CPU to the i7-2670QM, add Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit, up the wifi to the Intel® Ultimate-N 6300, and you're set in terms of performance.

Though for laptops in general, I'd recommend spending the extra cash for a 3 year extended warranty. One of the few items I'd ever recommend getting an extended warranty on.
 
It is also rumored that the GPU can be upgraded, but I have no idea of how difficult that would be.
 
Natedog13 said:
Why the wifi upgrade and the warranty?
Click to expand...
Wifi upgrade because if you plan on connecting this wirelessly, you're gonna want one of the fastest and more reliable Wifi NICs out there. And thats' the Intel 6300N.

As for the warranty, from personal experience, laptops are not as reliable as desktops. Simply put, they break down more often. When they do break, it costs quite a bit of money to repair them, both in terms of labor and hardware costs. As such, the $150 to $250 spent on a three year warranty is totally worth it IMO. The laptop only has to break once in order for that warranty to pay off.
Natedog13 said:
It is also rumored that the GPU can be upgraded, but I have no idea of how difficult that would be.
Click to expand...
Probably fairly difficult and very costly.
 
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