17.3" Gaming Laptops

LAngelfireSnake89 on 27/03/2020 - 19:21

Hello Everyone,

I just joined OzBargain forums.

I would like some suggestions as to which high-end 17.3" gaming laptop to buy.

I have been quite behind when it comes to computer-related hardware since the last 5 years or so. These days I see these 1080ti vs RTX 2080 Super discussions. I want something that can play games like Witcher 3 etc smoothly at the highest settings. I do not really care much about 4k gaming or VR (or should I be, I am not sure?).

Your genuine and helpful suggestions would be much appreciated.

I live in Canberra and I have realized that here there are not many great options available at places like JB HIFI when it comes to good gaming systems.

Thank you.

Computing

Comments

  • Azrael169 on 27/03/2020 - 20:51
    +1

    Useless post till you advise your budget

    • AngelfireSnake89 on 28/03/2020 - 17:28

      Sorry for not mentioning that. Yes my budget is between AUD 3000-4000.

  • The Value on 27/03/2020 - 21:05

    MSI GT76 9SG Titan 17.3inch Core i9 Black Gaming Laptop - $7,097.14
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MSI-GT76-9SG-Titan-17-3inch-Core…

    Razer Blade Pro 17 - $5,609.00
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Razer-Blade-Pro-17-17-3-Core-i7-…

    Pretty good depending on your budget.

    • AngelfireSnake89 on 25/04/2020 - 20:16

      I am getting an ASUS G703GXR for AU$4000 (used for 6 months by seller). It's a 17inch @ 144hz laptop, has an i9-9980HK and RTX 2080. The current price for a brand new one is approximately AU$6000. What do you think?

      • thedonald2 on 26/04/2020 - 14:25

        I personally wouldn't pay that much for a used item, but if it still appears brand new, go ahead. Those specs are pretty incredible by laptop standards.

        • AngelfireSnake89 on 26/04/2020 - 14:38

          He says he hasn't been able to use it much, and is selling due to the need for money during this pandemic (sad situation isn't it).

          I think at the moment I couldn't get a better deal for a gaming laptop with such specs.

          The Dell G5 Desktop deal on eBay disappointed me with countless delays, so I asked them to cancel it. I prefer a laptop anyway.

  • ahoihoi on 28/03/2020 - 05:33
    +2

    Been researching this myself.

    Since you are mentioning 1080/2080 I am assuming you are after top of the line equipment.

    Option 1 (Portable All Rounder): Razer Blade Pro 17

    Thin and high quality feel, vapor chamber cooling. Laptop CPU/GPU is (iirc 20-30% slower than desktop part) though will play any current games at full HD at highest settings no problem.

    Option 2 (Desktop Replacement): Alienware Area 51m

    Desktop CPU and GPU, similar performance to desktop as a result. Get the black (Dark Side of the Moon colour) as there has been widespread (and expected result) of white (Lunar) version stains at the palmrest (and exhaust port). There is also report of GPU throttling with the latest firmware/BIOS update.

    Wait for Revision 2 which should be out anytime now, as the parts for its successor has been leaked for a few months now. The new version has vapor chamber cooling which should run significantly cooler and should be able to take care of that GPU throttling issue.

    Both can be bought directly through their respective website or at brick and mortar store like JB HiFi (which apparently automatically get you extra 1 year warranty, they also price match website price, and an extra protection should things go wrong) - You need to ask for both this system at JB HiFi as its a custom order.

    The graphic card to get.
    Nvidia RTX is the current generation GPU
    2060 upwards seems to be adequate for 1080p (full HD) gaming at high settings
    2070
    2080 if you want to max things out. and well into the future. Furthermore, the 2080 heat sink is also much beefier compared to the 2060/2070 version
    Also to note, 3080 parts should be coming out sometime towards the end of the year… Though unsure when that will filter to market given the current turbulent time.

    If this is your only notebook and you are thinking of travelling with it. The Razer Blade Pro is probably the best pick.
    If you are mainly using it as a desktop replacement, plugged-in to monitor, the Area51m. Though I'd wait for the R2 version due to the widely reported throttling issue. (though you could get the 2060/2070 version, which apparently do not have the aforementioned issue)

    • AngelfireSnake89 on 28/03/2020 - 17:40

      Thank you for your detailed comment, I really appreciate it. My budget is AUD 3000-4000.

      I am somewhat stuck in deciding between getting a desktop gaming system or a laptop. I personally prefer a laptop due to it's portability, but desktops are more cheaper and flexible in the sense that you can upgrade it unlike a laptop.

      Yes the RTX series are future proof since they support 4k with ray tracing. I'm not very knowledgeable about cooling systems but it would be nice to have hardware that has adequate cooling in place.

      Would look into the Alienware and Razer systems you have mentioned. Thank you.

      • The Value on 28/03/2020 - 22:17

        Does it HAVE to be a laptop?
        $3000-$4000 on a desktop will be insanely powerful.

        • AngelfireSnake89 on 29/03/2020 - 00:03

          I am thinking desktop too. But I find it quite complicated to understand when it comes to cooling systems. I know how to upgrade a desktop, but I have never familiarized myself with cooling components.

    • Mingles on 06/04/2020 - 13:51

      Just saw an Alienware M51 with Intel i9 9900K, 64GB RAM, RTX2080, 17.3" GSync Screen, 3 1TB Hard drives (2xSSD, 1xHHD) for $4500 - as new condition on the Dell Outlet site. I assume this is Revision 1 version…

      Is the throttling a show stopper? Surely Dell would've tested this before releasing their flagship laptop?!

    • AngelfireSnake89 on 25/04/2020 - 20:19

      I am getting an ASUS G703GXR for AU$4000 (used for 6 months by seller). It's a 17inch @ 144hz laptop, has an i9-9980HK and RTX 2080. The current price for a brand new one is approximately AU$6000. What do you think?

  • ahoihoi on 28/03/2020 - 22:57
    +2

    Desktop vs Laptop is a difficult choice to make.

    Desktop:

    • Not really much cheaper. If you are getting quality component.
    • Usually more powerful if comparing to traditional laptop (notebook gpu/cpu)
    • Can have really personalised system. (custom spec)… Which is particularly compelling in the storage department, since most notebook comes with limited amount of space.

    Laptop:

    • Comes with backup power supply. (the battery, so if the power goes down, the computer is unaffected), backup UPS for desktop, especially one that is rated for gaming desktop is expensive.
    • Usually significantly more energy efficient compared to desktop. Even laptop models that is equiped with desktop parts (the whole system can idle around 30-40 watts, desktop not accounting the screen; you're looking at 100 watts+).
    • More convenient to move around. Or for cleaning purposes. Or even after in several years when it is obsolete, you can put it aside and store it as a memorabilia. With desktop it consumed too much space, so you will end up throwing the whole thing away.
    • Handy port placement. Rather than fumbling with a desktop tower's backside usb port placement.
  • Digitalco on 29/03/2020 - 12:28

    anyone have a good gaming laptop around 1000 - 1600 ??

  • AngelfireSnake89 on 29/03/2020 - 17:49

    I am thinking of building a custom-built gaming desktop as follows:

    Thermaltake Versa H18 Case - $55
    Ryzen 7 3700X - $579
    RTX 2070 Super 8GB - $849
    ASUS TUF Z370 Motherboard - $299
    Kingston 16GB @ 3200Mhz - $145
    Corsair HX750 platinum power supply - $248
    NZXT Kraken 120mm water cooler - $145
    2 x Corsair magnetic levitation case fans -$45
    Samsung 960 pro NVMe M.2 SSD 512GB - $245
    Seagate BarraCuda HDD 2TB - $115

    TOTAL = $2725

    I took most of the prices from Scorptec.com.au…Any suggestions to improve this build? Like is it too costly to use those components? Can something better be used for the same price? Please let me know, thanks.

    • rookie317 on 29/03/2020 - 20:43
      +1

      Take this 3700X/2080S for $1888 and be done with it, up the specs where you see fit.
      If you don't mind doing it yourself then:
      - 3700X can be had for $430 before
      - Why do you list an Intel mobo? I'd recommend a B450 Mobo
      - I think I've seen the 2070S for under $800
      - That's a pretty premium PSU but I don't mind it, it's a great PSU
      - If you like a clean build + RGB CPU block then go ahead but I'd highly recommend a Noctua fan though.
      - Again a premium NVMe SSD, do you have any particular need for it? This ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro will give you almost everything from the 970 Pro for $90 less. Itself is already quite a premium NVMe SSD, if you don't require such performance, NVMe SSD can get cheaper and/or with more storage.
      - Avoid HDD unless you absolutely need the capacity for the price, why get maglev fans then? Get a second 1TB SATA SSD for the money saved above.
      - Case/Case fans: this is obviously up to personal preferences but imo you should go for a better case and see the temp before getting extra case fans. I'd recommend the NZXT H510, iirc it can be had for about $120.
      NOTE: 3700X/2070S were on sale with eBay coupons, given the current situation maybe those prices won't come back again though. SSD and price RAMs have been shooting up too.

      • AngelfireSnake89 on 29/03/2020 - 23:00

        Thanks for the detailed feedback!

        The link you shared seems like a good deal, but which cooling system should I go with then? They haven't exactly mentioned which brands they're using, especially with the PSU. The casing you mentioned is not in the list of the link you shared.

        • rookie317 on 30/03/2020 - 01:53
          +1

          $1888 is the base spec, head to their product page here for details including what components they are using. Coincidentally, their base case is the Thermaltake Versa H18 Case you wanted. You can shoot a message to luke who is their store rep, he's been around here for a while and he's very helpful to us if you got any inquiry. The PC comes pre-assembled for you and is with 1 year RTB warranty (can be extended with a fee).
          The NZXT H510 is not in any TechFast build, if you want it, you gonna have to go the build it yourself route. Here's one retailer for $135 with free shipping, It was in a recent build I helped my colleague. Some other cases I like and have done are Corsair Carbide 275R, Fractal Design Define 7 (bit pricey). But like I said, cases are very personal so look around, me personally I just like simple, clean and modern cases without the bling factor.

          • AngelfireSnake89 on 30/03/2020 - 02:20

            @rookie317: Thanks for the advice!

            Yeah I'm not really looking for a bling factor or decoration, that's least of my concern.

            I think what they're offering is pretty good I suppose, and cheaper. So how do I contact Luke? I checked their forum post for the deal, but seems they're not responding.

          • AngelfireSnake89 on 30/03/2020 - 02:23

            @rookie317: Thanks for the advice!

            Yeah I'm not really looking for a bling factor or decoration, that's least of my concern.

            I think what they're offering is pretty good I suppose, and cheaper. So how do I contact Luke? I checked their forum post for the deal, but seems they're not responding.

          • AngelfireSnake89 on 31/03/2020 - 18:53

            @rookie317: Hi what do you think about the NZXT H510 Tempered Glass ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case and ASUS B450M-PLUS TUF Gaming AMD AM4 mATX Motherboard? Is it good/compatible with RTX 2070/2080? Let me know your thoughts, thanks.

      • AngelfireSnake89 on 30/03/2020 - 19:29

        By the way, none of these motherboards have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. Would prefer one that has those.

        I was looking at the Gigabyte Z390 Auros motherboards…there are many variations of this brand…the Z390 Aurus Pro costs like $362.

        • DickTaylor on 30/03/2020 - 21:30

          The Z390 chipset is an Intel chipset and Z390 motherboards will only work with Intel CPUs. If you want to use an AMD Ryzen processor you have to use a motherboard with an AMD chipset - B450, X470 or X570 are the ones you'd be looking for.

          Built-in motherboard wifi usually sucks and you can get an add-in PCI express card for $50 or so. Bluetooth can be added with a tiny USB dongle if you really need it.

          • AngelfireSnake89 on 30/03/2020 - 21:55

            @DickTaylor: Thanks for clarifying that!

            I guess you make a good point there. I have contacted Luke from techfast, but haven't gotten a response from him yet.

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