Need High Quality Laptop

[CameronT900]

My current computer has nvidia optimus technology, it is a really nice computer but optimus essentially hijack's my computers gpu power when it feels like it and even overrided my gpu settings on its own.(kind of like skynet now that I think about it)

Please recommend to me a computer where I can easily control the GPU settings unlike mine which keeps going back and fourth between integrated gpu and my nvidia card. I hear lenovo's have a nice built in switch for that for example.

1) What is your budget?

FREE - $2000

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.

USA

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?

b. Dislike: hp, sony, neutral to toshiba

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?

NO

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?

Intense Gaming and Multimedia

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places?

Portability does not matter

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?

GPU and CPU intensive MMORPGS

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?

Doesn't matter

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?

Don't care

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.

Anything but vista

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information.

900p and over

13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?

don't know don't care (you tell me why)


14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?

No

15) When are you buying this laptop?

Doesn't matter

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?

Till the next general of intel cpu's


17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?

Atleast 750gb and a SSD drive for OS I would like but don't care

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner
Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner?

Don't care

*RAM doesn't matter I can upgrade it myself but would like to be expandable to atleast 16

[frodoz737]

You should be able to turn off Optimus in the Bios. Then your using GPU full time, settings remain and you do not have to buy a new laptop. Just saying...

[CameronT900]

You should be able to turn off Optimus in the Bios. Then your using GPU full time, settings remain and you do not have to buy a new laptop. Just saying...

Not Possible with my computer.

The hardware is designed for everything to run through the Intel Integrated Graphics Chip and then Optimus decides to ReRoute it to the Nvidia when it wants too.

I have my global settings and specific program sittings to High Performance Nvidia Processor but for some games it can go on and off or if the computer is in battery mode it will turn on regardless.

Bios GPU settings are locked, I know some manufacturers and computer models have hard switches or bios settings where optimus can be turned off

I do not want to risk bricking my computer installing a unlocked third party bios

I don't want to come off as condescending as your post came off to me but if you know all about computers with a bios I can adjust optimus on it would be alot more helpful to recommend some to me then stating the obvious.

[homank76]

I don't want to come off as condescending as your post came off to me but if you know all about computers with a bios I can adjust optimus on it would be alot more helpful to recommend some to me then stating the obvious.

Sir,

You have two posts and we don't know your knowledge level. A lot of people come in here and don't know the difference between a SSD or a HDD. Glad to know you have some knowledge...hope you stay and pass it on to others.

As for what to get, I would either look into the Alienware M17x or a Clevo.

[frodoz737]

Not Possible with my computer.

The hardware is designed for everything to run through the Intel Integrated Graphics Chip and then Optimus decides to ReRoute it to the Nvidia when it wants too.

I have my global settings and specific program sittings to High Performance Nvidia Processor but for some games it can go on and off or if the computer is in battery mode it will turn on regardless.

Bios GPU settings are locked, I know some manufacturers and computer models have hard switches or bios settings where optimus can be turned off

I do not want to risk bricking my computer installing a unlocked third party bios

I don't want to come off as condescending as your post came off to me but if you know all about computers with a bios I can adjust optimus on it would be alot more helpful to recommend some to me then stating the obvious.

Apologies. My intent was not to come off as condescending or insult you in anyway. Was only trying to help. As previously mentioned, "we don't know your knowledge level". We don't even know what machine you have right now.

I only buy Business Class Laptops now (make my own Desktops) for quality, Warranty and issues such as this (and others). Because of this, I just have not experienced a machine where NVidia's "relatively new" Optimus Technology was locked.

The only 17" machine I will advise is the Precision M6600 or M6700. This is a Workstation however, and your stated primary need towards games leads me to doubt you would be interested. Whether these meets your criteria is for you to decide.

Unlike most forums out there, this site is populated with friendly knowledgeable people. Check your ego when you log in and you will have much better results here.

[Nico6875]

the sony vaio s series have optimus and a physical switch to activate it or not. but the gpu is only a 640m le, which could be a limit if you play very demanding games and want play them at high level of details.

[sunster168]

As for what to get, I would either look into the Alienware M17x or a Clevo.

I second this. Get a Clevo P170EM if you prefer a better bang for your buck or an Alienware M17x R4. Personally, I'd go for the Alienware. I really like the build. Plus, these can be more future proof as the video cards can be upgraded in the future.

the sony vaio s series have optimus and a physical switch to activate it or not. but the gpu is only a 640m le, which could be a limit if you play very demanding games and want play them at high level of details.

Does Sony still downclock the GPUs like they used to?

Good luck on your getting your new gamer and have fun!

[Bronsky]

(kind of like skynet now that I think about it)

Maybe it is since skynet went active April 19, 2011.