best laptop for mass effect andromeda
so I brought mass effect Andromeda and was all ready and excited, until it didn't launch, now I'm no expert and I just enjoy playing the past mass effect games so I though 'oh this will work' and app...
Forum Discussion
2 core i5 is way below spec. 4GB of Ram is as well. Neither does the graphics card make the grade. Part of the problem with laptops, and integrated graphics on the CPU as well, is that they share memory and bus space so the graphics potential is down from a dedicated CPU and GPU combination.
so looking at new laptops and they are expensive so would you guys recommend getting a desktop or either a ps4/xbox one
@megean23 wrote:
so looking at new laptops and they are expensive so would you guys recommend getting a desktop or either a ps4/xbox one
PS4 (Pro) is the easy way (for this game anyway), as it is what it is and can run the game for sure.
Gaming desktop will be considerably cheaper than a gaming laptop (similarly performing).
@Vellu78 wrote:@megean23 wrote:
so looking at new laptops and they are expensive so would you guys recommend getting a desktop or either a ps4/xbox one
PS4 (Pro) is the easy way (for this game anyway), as it is what it is and can run the game for sure.
Gaming desktop will be considerably cheaper than a gaming laptop (similarly performing).
True and true.
A PS4 Pro (don't go for the standard version anymore) is about 300 - 400€/$ - or whatever equivalent in your currency (I guess).
A desktop PC is surely about 600 - 700 €/$ for a decent playexperience. And a laptop ... I have no clue. whenever I look at one that I find decent I end up 2000€/$ +
--------------------------- From a similiar post a view weeks ago about a budget gaming PC:
Tough nut to crack ...
- CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1500X 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor - $174.99
- Motherboard: MSI - B350 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard - $84.99
- Memory: GeIL - EVO POTENZA 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory - $102.88
- Storage: Seagate - FireCuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive - $69.99
- Video Card: MSI - Radeon RX 580 4GB ARMOR OC Video Card - $204.99
- Case: Thermaltake - Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower Case - $33.95
- Power Supply: Corsair - CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply - $29.99
- Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit - $89.89
That is $800.00 altogether for self-assembly, without screen, keyboard, mouse etc. You may need additional parts, tools maybe.
I selected the parts via online pc builder pages that compare prices available, so please understand this just as a guideline.You can upgrade CPU (Ryzen 1800X), memory (+16Gb), GPU (Vega, 1080ti), storage in the future easily once you are willing to invest extra money.
Theoretical saving up to $200 with a end price of $600 by evaluating the following:- If you have an OS you can save this money of course (saves $90).
- You could reduce memory to 8Gb if you really have to (for saving $50).
- Maybe cheaper B350 mainboard, but maybe with lesser potential to OC or upgrade (saving $30).
- I wouldn't recommend any smaller CPU. Also an SSD is more expensive with less capacity. The selected SSHD (or hybrid) is fast. But you could use a common HDD (saves $20).
- Graphic card ... well, this is the crucial part. A 6 or 8gb card is not required. Not for Andromeda or other games currently. 1080p is fine. There are some cheaper alternatives like MSI or Sapphire RX 470 4Gb or a MSI GTX 1050 Ti 4Gb (saves $60).
Be careful. PS4 Pro has some serious build quality issues. you can google specifics but http://www.mweb.co.za/games/view/tabid/4210/Article/27482/PS4-Pro-known-issues-and-how-to-fix-them.aspx
@megean23 wrote:so looking at new laptops and they are expensive so would you guys recommend getting a desktop or either a ps4/xbox one
It depends on the settings you want to play with in Andromeda, your budget and if you want play other upcoming games as well. I ran Andromeda on a mobile workstation on 900p and low settings at 80FPS. There are so many laptops that are way cheaper than mine (2000 bucks) that are also better in terms of games because mine is not meant for that. Examples are the Clevo barebones with let's say GTX950M. The i5 variant seems to be good nowadays, the i5 6xxxHQ or the i5 7xxxHQ so you could take that into account in your choice. But if you want to play games in the future and want to be on the safe side, go for the console or the desktop. Upgrading a laptop is possible but it requires some fiddling with the BIOS (especially with the CPU and the desktop GPU's). It used to be easier, uninstall the old ones with DDU and get the new drivers. Also, both mobile GPU's and laptop-ready desktop GPU's are really expensive. A GTX1060 costs 500 bucks. Not really worth it in my book.
Edit: And do NOT go for a laptop with an Ivy Bridge. Those laptops cannot be undervolted. Also, easily removable batteries is a plus. Those lithium batteries will always be a joke.
