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nattynatm's avatar
nattynatm
Rising Traveler
7 years ago
Solved

Searching for laptop options (need input)

Hello! So, my current gaming laptop is about 6 years old, though still doing a wonderful job, I'm noticing some increase in lagging I think it's about time to purchase a new laptop (desktop is not a...
pc
  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    7 years ago

    @nattynatm  Those are all good computers that would handle TS4 and Photoshop just fine, and you clearly know what to look for.  Personally, I'd cross off the second option for its small SSD.  It's true that TS4 will run just as well off an HDD, but 128 GB might not be enough for you to properly use Photoshop, at least not without constantly moving files around.  In fact, 256 GB might not quite be enough, but I don't know how often you like to reorganize your files.

    If you only need 512 GB total storage, or you're good about using external drives, the first option would be great, if a bit expensive.  If I were picking, I'd go for the fourth option, especially with that discount.  The one consideration is that, while not listed, its screen's refresh rate is likely 60 Hz.  Many people can't tell the difference between 60 and 144, but it matters to some people very much.  Of course, you'd need a much stronger GPU to maintain 144 Hz in 4k.

    What kind of hardware are you looking for?  TS4 will never need more than a 1060 6 GB, even with all the cc you can download, and Photoshop runs only a few percentage points slower on a 1060 than a 1080 ti.  But if you're looking to play other games, you may want to futureproof.  A large SSD, while not necessary, is the kind of upgrade that makes using a computer much more enjoyable.

    If the fourth option you listed isn't what you want for whatever reason, you may want to look into customizing a laptop.  CyberpowerPC has lots of good options right now, including letting you pick the exact make of your hard drives.  (So no getting stuck with a Crucial for you.)  For example, you could get an 8750H, 16 GB RAM, a 2060, a 1 TB NVMe SSD (Intel 660P, on sale), and a 17" 144 Hz IPS screen (1920x1080) for $1477.  Or, if you wanted a better GPU, swapping in a 2070 and a 9750H would total $1715 ($30 more for 2666 Mhz RAM, if you want it.)

    Anyway, given your budget, you can probably find exactly what you want.  Let me know if I can help find you anything.

puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
7 years ago

@nattynatm  Those are all good computers that would handle TS4 and Photoshop just fine, and you clearly know what to look for.  Personally, I'd cross off the second option for its small SSD.  It's true that TS4 will run just as well off an HDD, but 128 GB might not be enough for you to properly use Photoshop, at least not without constantly moving files around.  In fact, 256 GB might not quite be enough, but I don't know how often you like to reorganize your files.

If you only need 512 GB total storage, or you're good about using external drives, the first option would be great, if a bit expensive.  If I were picking, I'd go for the fourth option, especially with that discount.  The one consideration is that, while not listed, its screen's refresh rate is likely 60 Hz.  Many people can't tell the difference between 60 and 144, but it matters to some people very much.  Of course, you'd need a much stronger GPU to maintain 144 Hz in 4k.

What kind of hardware are you looking for?  TS4 will never need more than a 1060 6 GB, even with all the cc you can download, and Photoshop runs only a few percentage points slower on a 1060 than a 1080 ti.  But if you're looking to play other games, you may want to futureproof.  A large SSD, while not necessary, is the kind of upgrade that makes using a computer much more enjoyable.

If the fourth option you listed isn't what you want for whatever reason, you may want to look into customizing a laptop.  CyberpowerPC has lots of good options right now, including letting you pick the exact make of your hard drives.  (So no getting stuck with a Crucial for you.)  For example, you could get an 8750H, 16 GB RAM, a 2060, a 1 TB NVMe SSD (Intel 660P, on sale), and a 17" 144 Hz IPS screen (1920x1080) for $1477.  Or, if you wanted a better GPU, swapping in a 2070 and a 9750H would total $1715 ($30 more for 2666 Mhz RAM, if you want it.)

Anyway, given your budget, you can probably find exactly what you want.  Let me know if I can help find you anything.

    • puzzlezaddict's avatar
      puzzlezaddict
      Hero+
      7 years ago

      @nattynatm  Don't worry about the late reply; it's always fine to come around whenever you have time.

      The computer you linked is great, for sure, but I don't know if all that power is necessary, or even a good idea.  An Nvidia 2080 will run hot and need a strong cooling system.  While I would trust CyberpowerPC to build its computers very well, there's a limit on how much a laptop can really cool itself.  The Max-Q model 2080 won't heat up as much as the desktop version, as it's designed to be more energy efficient (and will therefore produce relatively less heat), but I'd still worry about the cooling when the GPU has to work hard.

      Planet Zoo is too far out to have recommended specs, but it looks like a 2070 could run the game on ultra at 1920x1080 resolution without any issues.  I understand the desire to futureproof, especially when you know you probably can't upgrade a laptop beyond RAM and maybe a new hard drive if you need it.  But laptops are also not designed to last a long time; 3-5 years is a typical lifespan, depending on how careful you are.

      This is why so many players save their hardcore gaming for desktops.  They have much better cooling (and more options for the setup), plus you can switch out a graphics card when you want to instead of getting a completely new computer.  But that doesn't help you if you really do need a laptop.

      Anyway, if you're getting a laptop, there aren't any better options for either a 2070 or a 2080 than Cyberpower.  They do build great computers, and the cooling issues won't be any better with MSI or Asus, at least not until you're spending several hundred dollars more for the same hardware.  (I stopped checking for cooling reviews when I hit the $2500 mark and hadn't found anything better.)

      Bottom line:  Yes, you can get that model, or one with a 2070 (for the 2070, don't get the Max-Q version, which is more efficient but also less powerful).  Just be careful, install some monitoring software to keep an eye on temperatures, and definitely get a cooling pad.

      • nattynatm's avatar
        nattynatm
        Rising Traveler
        7 years ago

        @puzzlezaddictappreciate the help! My current laptop gets heated quickly so I do have a cooling fan underneath it and the system actually has a button i press that fans to help with cooling. Don't know if that's a feature on some newer laptops (granted mine is about 6-7 years old). I do hope to eventually build my own desktop when spacing permits.

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