Hardware Please help pick best options for new game laptop!

[J-Machine]

How much of a difference is 17 over 15? Of course i know with the HDMI port i can always use a tv or monitor, but since is laptop, is primary a mobile device, wanting a bigger screen for display i thought made more sense.

it's highly subjective but if you have a tape measure you can compare the size difference with your current laptop. for a $200 drop though i'd gladly take the 2" drop but again its personal preference at this point

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

it's highly subjective but if you have a tape measure you can compare the size difference with your current laptop. for a $200 drop though i'd gladly take the 2" drop but again its personal preference at this point

I suppose with those numbers it makes a difference lol. But i'm more concerned about the cooling system, i don't want another busted fan problem.

 

[J-Machine]

I suppose with those numbers it makes a difference lol. But i'm more concerned about the cooling system, i don't want another busted fan problem.

you can get the thermal compound option I said earlier and then buy a laptop cooling pad after to protect yourself but the parts aren't exactly heat magnets. I have an amd laptop for a good 4 years and the sucker runs 100c ALL THE TIME! you should expect mid 60's

 

[the_randomizer]

you can get the thermal compound option I said earlier and then buy a laptop cooling pad after to protect yourself but the parts aren't exactly heat magnets. I have an amd laptop for a good 4 years and the sucker runs 100c ALL THE TIME! you should expect mid 60's

100 C all the time? That can't possibly be good for the hardware, most temperature junction max is 105 to 110 C depending on the laptop You can boil water on that easily.

 

[J-Machine]

100 C all the time? That can't possibly be good for the hardware, most temperature junction max is 105 to 110 C depending on the laptop You can boil water on that easily.

it does not go near my lap lol. I'm in the middle of a new pc build though to replace this so all I need is one more month and I can kiss this POS HP with it's garbage design, goodbye. it's been this hot for 2years so i figure 1 month isn't asking too much

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Well no, no one should GUY should be using a laptop on their lap if... they plan to have babies later in life.... according to many people.

Besides machines get too hot to touch often. Sometimes i have to stop using my stuff just cause it heats up a lot and make my hands sweat. i hate getting my stuff nasty.

Someone ask to use it, see how nasty it is and think you a slob. No one wanna see that!

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Okay, based on some new information i collected with a customer support representative, I am close to making a decision on the laptop i can purchase. So far it looks like this.

SAGER NP6872 (CLEVO N870HK1)

Thermal Cooling
1 x IC Diamond Thermal Compound - CPU + GPU (Cools better than all Compounds) $35.00
Promotions
1 x FREE! – FEDEX Ground SHIPPING [U.S. Lower 48 ONLY / Restrictions Apply] $0.00
1 x FREE! - Halo Wars 2, Euro Truck Simulator 2 & Dreadnought ($140 Value Free) [With purchase of Intel i7 or i5 Processor Laptop or Desktop] (Limited supply, must be requested in comment box at bottom of page) $0.00
2.5" Bay 1
1 x Remove Hard Drive When You Select Any SSD -$50.00

So far the info i accumulated for low cost. The diamond compound is good for cooling, system comes with 8GB ram, upgradeable to 32GB with 2 16GB carts, 2 Drive bays 1 for SSD and another for HDD. Has no optical drive, (Usb optional is possible if anything) and self installation of OS is possible via usb storage booting with option in bios.

Total comes out to $964.00 But With removing the options for storage device SSD and Or HDD, and pre installed OS. So just for reference i listed the options for this for packaging.

M.2 Slot 1
[ +$80.00 ]

• None
• 250GB Western Digital Blue M.2 SSD [Save $30]On Sale(SKU: SGR1103promo)
  [ +$80.00 ]
• 250GB Samsung 850 EVO M.2 SSD [Save $30!]On Sale(SKU: SGR121972promo6872)
  [ +$100.00 ]
• 256GB Western Digital Black NVMe M.2 SSD [Save $50]On Sale(SKU: SGR1104promo6872)
  [ +$100.00 ]
• 500GB Western Digital Blue M.2 SSD [Save $50]On Sale(SKU: SGR1101promo)
  [ +$160.00 ]
• 500GB Samsung 850 EVO M.2 SSD [Save $50!]On Sale(SKU: SGR121962promo)
  [ +$180.00 ]
• 250GB Samsung 960 Evo NVMe M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1200)
  [ +$180.00 ]
• 512GB Western Digital Black NVMe M.2 SSD [Save $50]On Sale(SKU: SGR1105promo)
  [ +$210.00 ]
• 500GB Samsung 960 Evo NVMe M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1201)
  [ +$325.00 ]
• 1TB Western Digital Blue M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1102)
  [ +$350.00 ]
• 512GB Samsung 960Pro NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD(SKU: SGR6905)
  [ +$410.00 ]
• 1TB Intel 600P NVMe M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1002)
  [ +$450.00 ]
• 1TB Samsung 960 Evo NVMe M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1202)
  [ +$570.00 ]
• 1TB Samsung 960 Pro NVMe M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1003)
  [ +$725.00 ]
• 2TB Samsung 960 Pro NVMe M.2 SSD(SKU: SGR1004)

2.5" Bay 1
[ -$50.00 ]

• Remove Hard Drive When You Select Any SSD(SKU: SGR12698)
  [ -$50.00 ]
• 1TB 5400RPM [SATA III - 3GB/s] - Default - Bay 1(SKU: SGR12689)
• 2TB 5400RPM [SATA II - 3GB/s] - Bay 1(SKU: SGR121792)
  [ +$60.00 ]
• 250GB Samsung 850 EVO Series SSD - Bay 1(SKU: SGR121702)
  [ +$70.00 ]
• 500GB Samsung 850 EVO Series SSD - Bay 1(SKU: SGR121752)
  [ +$170.00 ]
• 1TB Samsung 850 EVO Series SSD - Bay 1(SKU: SGR121662)
  [ +$370.00 ]
• 1TB Samsung 850 Pro Series SSD - Bay 1(SKU: SGR121672)
  [ +$500.00 ]
• 2TB Samsung 850 EVO Series SSD - Bay 1(SKU: SGR69082)
  [ +$730.00 ]
• 2TB Samsung 850 Pro Series SSD [Limited Supply] - Bay 1(SKU: SGR69092)
  [ +$970.00 ]
• 4TB Samsung 850 EVO Series SSD - Bay 1(SKU: SGR69083)
  [ +$1,545.00 ]

Knowing the SSD cost more than HDD, i was initially just gonna get a HDD with 7200RPM. But being informed, the SSD with a HDD makes a better combo. Samsung brand is better, comparing stats Samsung 960 pro > samsung 960 Evo > Samsung 850 Pro > samsung 850 Evo > western digital. I dunno what the M.2 or NVMe means so that i need info about.

Anyway some additional questions.

1. Is there a cheaper option for buying any of the above listed storage devices, including windows 10 home 64 Bit OS install by usb? windows 10 OS pre installed is $70 (I think i don't really need a usb, just a license key and a way to download it and put it on a usb correct?)
2. Based on the specs here.
   Spoiler: Specs details

   Display
   Display: 17.3" FHD IPS (16:9) Matte-Type Screen (1920x1080)
   Processor
   Processor:
   Chipset: 7th Generation Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Kabylake™ Processor
   Mobile Intel® HM175 Series Chipset
   Hard Drive & Optical Drive
   Standard Hard Drive:
   
   Standard Optical Drive:
   
   1TB 5400RPM Hard Drive (Upgradeable)
   One M.2 2280 SSD, SATA or PCIe Gen3x4 interface
   N/A
   Graphics
   Graphics Controller: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti GDDR5 (4.0GB) with Optimus™ Technology
   NVIDIA® OPTIMUS™ Technology
   Microsoft® DirectX® 12 Compatible
   Support PCIe x8
   NVIDIA® PhysX® Technology
   NVIDIA® CUDA™ Technology
   Memory
   Standard Memory:
   Number of SODIMMS: 8GB DDR4 2400MHz (Upgradeable to 32GB)
   Two 260 Pin SODIMM Sockets
   Audio Features
   Audio Features: High Definition audio interface
   S/PDIF digital output
   Two Built-in Speakers
   Sound BlasterTM Cinema 3
   Amplified headphone output
   Network
   Network / Communication: Built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN
   Intel® Dual Band Wireless - AC 3165 802.11 A/AC/B/G/N + Bluetooth™ 4.0 [M.2 Chip]
   Slots / Interface
   Input / Output Ports:
   
   
   
   
   Input / Output Ports: 6-in-1 Card Reader
   (MMC/RSMMC/SD/Mini-SD/SDHC/SDXC)
   
   
   
   1 x HDMI™ output Port (with HDCP)
   2 mDP 1.2
   1 USB 2.0 Port
   1 USB 3.0 Type C
   2 USB 3.0 Ports
   1 Headphone Jack
   1 Microphone Jack
   1 RJ-45 LAN
   Power System
   Battery: 6 Cells Lithium Ion Battery Pack (62Wh)
   Full Range 120W AC Adapter AC-in 100~240V, 50~60Hz, DC output 19.5V, 6.15A
   Cooling
   Standard Cooling:
   Optional Cooling: Copper CPU Heatsink
   IC Diamond Thermal Compound
   Size & Weight
   Size:
   Weight: 16.48" (w) x 11.18" (d) x 1.08" (h)
   6.83 lbs including Battery Pack
   Keyboard / Point Device
   Keyboard:
   Point Device: Keyboard Multi languages full size isolated keyboard with numeric pad
   Programmable macro capability - customize individual key as hot key, multiple keystrokes in one key
   W/A/S/D gaming key
   Integrated Touchpad with Scrolling Function & Multi-gesture
   Additional Features
   Extra Features: Rubber Painting
   Built-in 2.0M FHD Video Camera
   Intel® Rapid Start Technology
   Intel® Smart Response Technology
   Kensington® Lock Capability
   RGB Color Backlit Keyboard
   Operating System
   Standard OS: No Operating System Standard (Windows® 10 Available)
   (if OS is purchased some custom drivers may be downloaded and not supplied with the system)
   Is there anything noticable that should be dealt with? Mainly ram, would i actually need to consider a upgrade even with the i7 processor with up to 3.8GHZ and GTX 1050TI 4GB?
3. The current price as of now is again $964, so if anything needed can avoid going over $1100, is that possible? (Ignoring the 17.3 Inch display)

 

[Luckkill4u]

The only thing I can see you upgrading is the RAM to 16GB making it more future proof. I rarely go above 12GB of RAM usage myself. I'm sure you can fill those empty drive bays in the future if you actually need the storage space. I think at under $1000usd it's a great deal your getting.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

The only thing I can see you upgrading is the RAM to 16GB making it more future proof. I rarely go above 12GB of RAM usage myself. I'm sure you can fill those empty drive bays in the future if you actually need the storage space. I think at under $1000usd it's a great deal your getting.

Yeah, the reason why is under $1000, is cause it has no storage devices.

For the reason why i listed their options, is to show people, and hope someone has a better solution to a better option. The plan was to buy the parts myself for a cheaper price than what they offer. So as long as i can perhaps get SSD, HDD, and OS for less than $140 or something.

Ram update to 16GB is $75 (two 16GB Ram cart)

 

[Luckkill4u]

Yeah, the reason why is under $1000, is cause it has no storage devices. [emoji14]

For the reason why i listed their options, is to show people, and hope someone has a better solution to a better option. The plan was to buy the parts myself for a cheaper price than what they offer. So as long as i can perhaps get SSD, HDD, and OS for less than $140 or something.

Ram update to 16GB is $75 (two 16GB Ram cart)

I'd recommend going for the extra RAM if you feel like you need it. If you throw another 8GB RAM card into it in the future you might lose that dual channel performance and possible drop in clock speeds. Stay with just the SSD too and you may be able to find a good deal on some laptop Hard Drives on Amazon or something when you actually need the space.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

I'd recommend going for the extra RAM if you feel like you need it. If you throw another 8GB RAM card into it in the future you might lose that dual channel performance and possible drop in clock speeds. Stay with just the SSD too and you may be able to find a good deal on some laptop Hard Drives on Amazon or something when you actually need the space.

I don't quite understand this "Dual channel performance" Thing. Also the question is which SSD i should be getting western digital, samsung evo, since if i do get one, it would still mean i can't use it without a OS installed.

 

[RandomUser]

I don't quite understand this "Dual channel performance" Thing. Also the question is which SSD i should be getting western digital, samsung evo, since if i do get one, it would still mean i can't use it without a OS installed.

If my memory is correct, I think that means that the laptop will perform better with same memory pairs with similar CAS Latency and timing. If the laptop has more then two socket, adding a third RAM module would hinder the performance.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

If my memory is correct, I think that means that the laptop will perform better with same memory pairs with similar CAS Latency and timing. If the laptop has more then two socket, adding a third RAM module would hinder the performance.

It only has 2, and the 16GB option cost $75. Do i really need more with the 7Gen I7 Processor at 3.8GHZ, and GTX 1050TI 4GB?

 

[RandomUser]

It only has 2, and the 16GB option cost $75. Do i really need more with the 7Gen I7 Processor at 3.8GHZ, and GTX 1050TI 4GB?

I haven't dabbled in consumer grade hardware in a very long time and if it was me, I would buy the latest and greatest processor money can buy, however that's me. After looking at Intel's website, that processor is the forth one down the product list and that does not seem like a bad processor. However not the best, but not bad either. That processor should be good for emulation and Dolphin does not really put much use on the GPU. A lot of people say 8GB of RAM is sufficient, but I think that is way too small. So based on people opinion, just double that to 16GB just to err on a safe side. Again if it was me I would max that laptop out on memory that it can support, according to the website, is 32GB. Even 32GB of RAM is too small for me, however no one else is me and their needs differ from mine. You might get away with 16GB for a while, and could max it out in the future if the need arises.
Actually $75 for the 16GB does not seem like a bad deal.

 

[the_randomizer]

I haven't dabbled in consumer grade hardware in a very long time and if it was me, I would buy the latest and greatest processor money can buy, however that's me. After looking at Intel's website, that processor is the forth one down the product list and that does not seem like a bad processor. However not the best, but not bad either. That processor should be good for emulation and Dolphin does not really put much use on the GPU. A lot of people say 8GB of RAM is sufficient, but I think that is way too small. So based on people opinion, just double that to 16GB just to err on a safe side. Again if it was me I would max that laptop out on memory that it can support, according to the website, is 32GB. Even 32GB of RAM is too small for me, however no one else is me and their needs differ from mine. You might get away with 16GB for a while, and could max it out in the future if the need arises.
Actually $75 for the 16GB does not seem like a bad deal.

Just get a decent laptop cool or something to give it airflow underneath, keeping this on a lap with no airflow under it will cause heating issues.

 

[Luckkill4u]

I don't quite understand this "Dual channel performance" Thing. Also the question is which SSD i should be getting western digital, samsung evo, since if i do get one, it would still mean i can't use it without a OS installed.

Dual channel is recommended because you will be getting the most performance out of your laptops mainboard. A simple way to explain it is two legs are faster than one. I'm not saying double the performance but having 2 paired RAM sticks that have dual channel is much better and less compatibility issues. If you want to upgrade in the future your better off buying 2 paired 8GB sticks to replace the 1 in there.

I wouldnt be worried about the SSD. You can definitely save more money for going the cheapest option.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

Dual channel is recommended because you will be getting the most performance out of your laptops mainboard. A simple way to explain it is two legs are faster than one. I'm not saying double the performance but having 2 paired RAM sticks that have dual channel is much better and less compatibility issues. If you want to upgrade in the future your better off buying 2 paired 8GB sticks to replace the 1 in there.

I wouldnt be worried about the SSD. You can definitely save more money for going the cheapest option.

Okay, so would it be necessary to get the 8GB ram now or 16GB ram now?

The cheapest option for SSD is 250GB western digital for $80, you saying is not worth it for a samsung drive?

 

[RandomUser]

Just get a decent laptop cool or something to give it airflow underneath, keeping this on a lap with no airflow under it will cause heating issues.

True, I generally don't use them on my lap, usually on hard surface.
I do have this cooler I bought back in the days when I bought one of these antiquated Laptop:

Spoiler

Mine is Black

This was not meant to be used on your lap. It weights over 15lbs and has two DVD burners, HDD, etc.

Okay, so would it be necessary to get the 8GB ram now or 16GB ram now?

The cheapest option for SSD is 250GB western digital for $80, you saying is not worth it for a samsung drive?

For $75 more, you should go for the 16GB option. They should use a pair of 8GB sticks.

 

[Sonic Angel Knight]

For $75 more, you should go for the 16GB option. They should use a pair of 8GB sticks.

Yeah i know is a pair of 8GB sticks, i was just making sure if that was a good suggestion.

So far that would put the system over $1000 to $1039

 

[Luckkill4u]

Okay, so would it be necessary to get the 8GB ram now or 16GB ram now?

The cheapest option for SSD is 250GB western digital for $80, you saying is not worth it for a samsung drive?

8GB was the sweet spot 5 years ago. It should suffice but real soon games will recommend more RAM for better gameplay/performance. I think spending 75$ extra now is better than spending $120 more in the future when you may want to upgrade.

As for the SSD I would go for the western Digital one. It will still get you really fast load/boot times. I'm not saying the Samsung is not worth it. It's just better to cut costs there and put it towards the RAM.