Processor/Ram vs Graphics Card?

(1/3) > >>

Cerridwen:
I'm looking to purchase a new laptop to play Sims2 and 3.  Yes I know desktops are better for games, but my situation is requiring a laptop.

I'm looking at laptops with the following :

Dell
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9550 (2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6MB cache)
6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz
250GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) with Free Fall Sensor
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650

vs

HP
Intel® Core™2 Duo processor P8600  (2.4GHz /1066MHz FSB/ 3MB L2 cache)
6GB DDR2
500GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics

vs

ASUS
Intel Core 2 Duo  P8600(2.4GHz/1066MHzFSB/  L2 Cache 3MB )
4GB DDR2
320GB  @7200rpm
NVIDIA GeForce GT 130M  1GB DDR2 VRAM

Any obvious winners? All are around the same price with the Dell being a bit more. 
What is more important?  Better Processor/RAM like the dell with a lower graphics card or Better Graphics Like the Asus. 
Or the mid range HP that has the slower hard drive. 

Need some advice please.  Thanks!


 

wes_h:
Most of the HP machine was probably built by ASUS.
I am guessing you are primarily interested in gaming, go for the 512MB or 1MB video card. I only have 512MB graphics memory here (although a newer GeForce card) and I can run on full everything.
The game loads so fast, I am not sure that the disk speed will be noticeable between the two. And the 10% processor speed increase will also not be noticeable outside of a benchmark program.
The RAM is a plus, especially if you hop between the game and the internet and chat and whatnot. If you lock the doors, unplug the internet and play the game exclusively, the extra RAM will likely not be used.

Bass Junkie:
Quote from: wes_h on 2009 June 09, 02:28:45

Most of the HP machine was probably built by ASUS.
I am guessing you are primarily interested in gaming, go for the 512MB or 1MB video card. I only have 512MB graphics memory here (although a newer GeForce card) and I can run on full everything.
The game loads so fast, I am not sure that the disk speed will be noticeable between the two. And the 10% processor speed increase will also not be noticeable outside of a benchmark program.
The RAM is a plus, especially if you hop between the game and the internet and chat and whatnot. If you lock the doors, unplug the internet and play the game exclusively, the extra RAM will likely not be used.



This, plus RAM can be upgraded a lot easier than a laptop video card.

Cerridwen:
Thanks for the replies - looks like that model of dell is out then.  I'm going to look around a bit more but I'll stick with better video card.  Keeping in mind RAM can be updated later.  :)

Simsbaby:
Quote from: Cerridwen on 2009 June 09, 05:25:07

Thanks for the replies - looks like that model of dell is out then.  I'm going to look around a bit more but I'll stick with better video card.  Keeping in mind RAM can be updated later.  :)

RAM is very easy to upgrade.  BTW, if these are custom builds, don't upgrade the memory directly from the manufacture. They charge insane amounts, and usually you can install it yourself for way less. Also, since these are laptops it would be a really good idea to get a cooling pad to put them on. Those are very powerful graphics chips and will put out a ton of heat when playing games.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page