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Laptop for low to mid level gaming requirements

MightyUncleanMightyUnclean Member EpicPosts: 3,531
in Hardware
Hey folks.  Sorry, since the forums switched format, hitting enter does not move things down a line...so this is going to be one block of text.  I have a desktop for my MMO gameplay and more graphically intense games.  I'm interested in maybe getting a cheap laptop to take to Barnes & Noble Café, etc., for a little relaxed, mobile gaming.  I'd mostly be playing relatively low-demand Steam games like Stardew Valley, Pillars of Eternity, Divinity:  Original Sin, maybe some Civ V or VI.  I'm interested in new only, not re-furb.  Any suggestions on what some decent options may be?  Maybe in the $600-$800 range?  I would prefer a decent screen.  Thanks for any advice!




Comments

  • ConstantineMerusConstantineMerus Member EpicPosts: 3,338
    edited May 2017
    ASUS ZX53VW - $799
    15.6" - FHD - Anti-Glare Matte
    GTX 960M 4GB
    i5 - 6400HQ
    8GB DDR4
    512GB SSD


    Dell Inspiron i7559-2512BLK - $759
    15.6" - FHD
    GTX 960M
    i7 - 6700HQ
    8GB DDR3L
    1 TB HDD + 8GB SSD


    I have these two for similar situations. Both work pretty decent. I play exactly the same games you mentioned on your list. Although Civ VI is a bit more demanding so I reduce map size and number of AIs otherwise I go crazy. 

    I don't buy any other laptop besides ASUS myself. Dell was a gift, but I'm ok with it. 

    Post edited by ConstantineMerus on
    Constantine, The Console Poster

    • "One of the most difficult tasks men can perform, however much others may despise it, is the invention of good games and it cannot be done by men out of touch with their instinctive selves." - Carl Jung
  • CleffyCleffy Member RarePosts: 6,414
    If you want a decent screen in the $600~$800 range it is best to wait until September. The problem will be the mobile processor for playing Civ V.
  • OzmodanOzmodan Member EpicPosts: 9,726
    Here you go, this will pretty much play any game:

    http://www.anandtech.com/show/11480/asus-reveals-the-ultraslim-rog-zephyrus-laptop-with-gtx-1080-maxq

    Of course if this ever ends up on your lap you will probably have to hit the emergency room.

    Kyleran
  • MightyUncleanMightyUnclean Member EpicPosts: 3,531
    ConstantineMerus said:
    ASUS ZX53VW - $799
    15.6" - FHD - Anti-Glare Matte
    GTX 960M 4GB
    i5 - 6400HQ
    8GB DDR4
    512GB SSD


    Dell Inspiron i7559-2512BLK - $759
    15.6" - FHD
    GTX 960M
    i7 - 6700HQ
    8GB DDR3L
    1 TB HDD + 8GB SSD


    I have these two for similar situations. Both work pretty decent. I play exactly the same games you mentioned on your list. Although Civ VI is a bit more demanding so I reduce map size and number of AIs otherwise I go crazy. 

    I don't buy any other laptop besides ASUS myself. Dell was a gift, but I'm ok with it. 


    OK, thanks!  What is the tiny 8GB SSD in the Dell for, OS stuff?  Do you know if it is very expensive to add a decent size SSD to a laptop like these?
  • RidelynnRidelynn Member EpicPosts: 7,383
    MightyUnclean said:


    OK, thanks!  What is the tiny 8GB SSD in the Dell for, OS stuff?  Do you know if it is very expensive to add a decent size SSD to a laptop like these?
    From the factory it can be expensive to get pre-installed SSDs, but there's no good reason for it. ~Most~ laptops are just 2.5" SATA drives and you can upgrade them yourself. Chromebooks, Macbooks, and a few other of the ultrabook/hybrid form factors make it either extraordinarily difficult to swap the drive, or downright impossible because it's soldered onto the motherboard.

    The 8G SSD in the Dell is just for caching, most likely using Intel SRT.
    MightyUnclean
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