Gaming Laptop advice

[AvidTechUser]

Hi all, I have been able to save up some money and want to get a gaming laptop. I don't know which one to get. I have about $1,500 saved (I live in Australia) and will probably use Centre Com as they appear to have the best deals at the moment.

The three I have narrowed my list down to are as follows:

1. MSI GL65 9SC-001AU 15.6" FHD Core i5-9300H Laptop
2. Acer Nitro 5 17.3" FHD Core i7-9750H Laptop
3. Acer Nitro 5 - 15.6" FHD GTX1660Ti i7 Laptop

Some notes about my gaming habits: I will mainly use it to play WOW at 1920x1080, but I do have a HUGE Steam library with some older AAA titles that I know were demanding when they were released. I'd also like to be able to play new AAA titles at 1920x1080 at medium-high settings at 60fps.

I predict most will say I should go for the one with the best graphics card that I can afford (number 3) but I was just wondering if it is overkill if I a happy with medium-high settings at 1080p for my games. I like number 2 because of the larger screen but fear the graphics card won't quite cut it for newer games.

Any constructive feedback is appreciated.

 

[ne6togadno]

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

if you dont you use tv or have monitor already you can have better video card

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

 

[Bill_Bright]

AvidTechUser stated he is looking for a "laptop" so no sure why the two incomplete suggestions are for PCs. I say incomplete because no operating system is listed.

That said, do you really need a mobile computer? The fact of the matter is computer makers can jam the power of a PC into those tiny notebook cases, but they cannot pack the cooling. Consider the fact that even quality tower cases are challenged to keep the innards of a gaming PC properly cooled when the system is tasked (as happens with gaming). Another problem is most users cannot open a notebook case to completely expose the interior for a proper cleaning of all the heat-trapping dust like they can with a PC case.

Then of course, there's the issue with the monitor size, cramped keyboard, pointing device, and the inability to upgrade and swap out components allowing the system to evolve over time.

If you must have a notebook, then for me, I would go for the larger screen model. But I don't travel much these days. For you, you need to decide what size monitor you want, then go from there. I note also the MSI has a 2 year warranty, the Acers only 1.

 

[AvidTechUser]

AvidTechUser stated he is looking for a "laptop" so no sure why the two incomplete suggestions are for PCs. I say incomplete because no operating system is listed.

That said, do you really need a mobile computer? The fact of the matter is computer makers can jam the power of a PC into those tiny notebook cases, but they cannot pack the cooling. Consider the fact that even quality tower cases are challenged to keep the innards of a gaming PC properly cooled when the system is tasked (as happens with gaming). Another problem is most users cannot open a notebook case to completely expose the interior for a proper cleaning of all the heat-trapping dust like they can with a PC case.

Then of course, there's the issue with the monitor size, cramped keyboard, pointing device, and the inability to upgrade and swap out components allowing the system to evolve over time.

If you must have a notebook, then for me, I would go for the larger screen model. But I don't travel much these days. For you, you need to decide what size monitor you want, then go from there. I note also the MSI has a 2 year warranty, the Acers only 1.

I will admit that I am a bit divided on whether I truly need it to be a laptop, I just get put off by having to buy multiple items if I go for a desktop (tower, monitor, kb and mouse, speakers, network adaptor etc.). The laptop is compact and has all these things in one smaller package. Also, the desktop and accessories will take up more space and are a bigger pain to transport when you move places, which might be soon for me.

You do raise some important considerations though, which made me pause a moment and reconsider what I actually want out of this purchase. Thanks for your input.

 

[Bill_Bright]

A couple points here. Yes, to get a full PC setup, there are multiple components to buy. But the advantage there is you can buy what you want. If you want a nice 24 inch monitor, you can have one. If you would rather have 27 inch, you can have that. If you want two 24 inch monitors, you can have them instead! If you buy a 24 monitor today and 2 years from now you decide to upgrade to a 32 inch, you can do that without having to buy a new computer. If you want to upgrade your CPU, you may not be able to with a notebook.

Many monitors today come with built in speakers. But like notebook speakers, they are not what you would call "high fidelity". So you can always buy external speakers some time down the road - including 5.1 surround sound speakers.

Virtually every motherboard made today includes an integrated Ethernet network adapter. Many also include wireless.

If you will be doing a lot of typing, it is a lot easier on your wrists to use a full size keyboard.

Of course, you can always use an external keyboard, mouse and monitor with a notebook too. But then there goes your space advantage.

 

[ne6togadno]

ASRock DeskMini GTX (B360)

DeskMini GTX/RX features VERY small size and maximum hardware flexibility just in 2.7 Liter. And it supports Intel® Core processors, up to NVIDIA® GeForce GTX1080 graphics card and 3x M.2 storage!

asrock.com

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

+
any 2x2 ac wifi card from the list below that suite your speed/price preferences.

Intel® Core™ Processors, FPGAs, GPUs, Networking, Software

Browse Intel product information for Intel® Core™ processors, Intel® Xeon® processors, Intel® Arc™ graphics and more.

www.intel.com

you'll need too kb&m and/or headset wired/wifi that suite your price.
you have to have a look for deskmini in au thou as i dont know any au pc stores

with power pack it should be about 5-5.5kg total