summermistx3 wrote:
Laptop Checklist: What Things to Look for in a Laptop
Processor
• Intel® Core™ i5 or Intel® Core™ i7
- That goes up to at least 3.0GHz
or
• AMD A10-Series
- That goes up to at least 3.2GHz
*Goes up to references to turbo boost. Ex: a processor for Intel can start at 2.4GHz and go up to 3.3GHz. A processor for AMD can start at 1.9GHz and go up to 3.5GHz. If the turbo boost is not stated, simply Google the processor name, ex: "i7-2630QM" and read the detail under the first link.
Memory
• 6GB DDR3 RAM or up
- You're wasting your money if it's over 10GB DDR3 RAM
Hard Drive
• 500GB 5400RPM or up
- If you have extra money to spend, go for 7200RPM
- If you have even more extra money to spend, upgrade to an SSD
Screen Resolution
• 1366 x 768
- Large texts
- In-game example
• 1600 x 900
- Medium texts
- In-game example
• 1920 x 1080
- Small texts
- In-game example
*As the resolution goes up, price does also, the difference between a 1366 x 768 and a 1920 x 1080 with same other specs can be up to $150. If you have vision trouble with small texts, 1920 x 1080 is not recommended, however you can change the font size. As screen resolution is increased, more FPS is used.
Graphics Card
• High Settings with All Expansion Packs
- NVIDIA: 740M, 560M, 650M, 830M, 745M, 480M, 470M, 745M, 660M, 750M, 755M, 570M, 670M, 760M, 850M, 670MX, 765M, 485M, 580M, 675M, 675MX, 770M, 860M, 775M, 870M, 680M, 680MX, 780M, 880M
- ATI/AMD Radeon: 8730M, 5470, 5650, 8830M, 6870M, 7750M, 5870, 8770M, 7770M, 8790M, 7850M, 8850M, 6950M, 7870M, 8870M, 6970M, 6990M, 7970M, 8970M
• Medium to High Settings with All Expansion Packs
- NVIDIA: 525M, 620M, 625M, 350M, 710M, 435M, 630M, 540M, 550M, 360M, 445M, 555M, 635M, 640M LE, 735M, 640M, 645M, 730M, 460M
- ATI/AMD Radeon: 7610M, 7640G + 7610M Dual Graphics, 6550D, 8550G, 6530M, 5650, 7630M, 6620G + 7670M Dual Graphics, 7570M, 8570M, 7650M, 6630M, 8670M, 7590M, 6550M, 5570, 6680G2, 8650G, 5730, 6650M, 6690G2, 7560D, 6720G2, 5750, 7670M, 7520G + 7670M Dual Graphics, 7640G + 7670M Dual Graphics, 7660G + 7670M Dual Graphics, 6570M, 5770, 4830, 6730M, 8590M, 5830, 6830M, 6750M, 7660D, 7690M, 6850M, 5850, 5670, 6770M, 7690M XT, 4850, 4860, 8690M, 8750M, 7730M, 4870
*If you do not see a certain graphics card here, please post.
Recommended Sites to Purchase From
• USA
- Newegg
- PowerNotebooks
- XoticPC
- iBuyPower
- CyberPowerPC
• UK
- eBuyer
- Laptops Direct
- Novatech
- Saveonlaptops
- Amazon UK
• Canada
- TigerDirect
- Newegg CA
- NCIX
- Canada Computers
• Others
- B&H Photo Video - USA & International
- Shark Gaming - Denmark
Tips & Advice
• Always, always remember: you are able to upgrade hard drive speed, memory (RAM), and processor (not recommended, very expensive for very little change) but you will never be able to upgrade the graphics card (unless you have certain higher-end model laptops but this change is very costly as well). With that being said, you should be on the look out for the BEST graphics card you can possibly find within your budget. Don't underestimate the requirements for Sims 3, looking for a decent laptop to play Sims 3 smoothly is harder for laptop users than desktop users.
• Graphics card ending with a "G" stand for integrated vs. "M" which is dedicated. Beaware of the term "Discrete" which does not mean the graphics card is dedicated, it's similar to being integrated (which you should try your best to avoid).
• Laptop versions of desktop specifications are less powerful.
• STAY AWAY FROM INTEL HD GRAPHICS 3000, 4000, even 5200 when it comes out.
• Considering an Alienware or Macbook? Be prepared to pay double the price for similar specs.
