High Spec Laptops

[Skinner]

I'm looking for some suggestions on a new laptop.

I'm looking specifically for a laptop, a desktop isn't much use as I need to be mobile.

I'm pretty much down to

http://www.scan.co.uk/3xs/configurator/17in-gaming-laptop-nvidia-geforce-970m-980m-clevo-p771zm

Scan is local to me, and offers a slightly better warranty including accidental damage, but only have TN screens.

http://mysn.co.uk/xmg-u705-gaminglaptop

This is the same chassis but they offer an IPS screen, they also offer Xeon Processors, Quadro Graphics cards (on the w705 model). The mysn model is also 100% socket based CPU and GPU for future upgrades.

I want the 8gb 980 graphics card, need to be capable of 32gb (already gave 32gb Corsair Vengeance 1833hz ram), I'd like a socket based CPU+GPU trying to avoid BGA and soldered crap, they don't tend to hold up well under heavy load (dry joints etc).

The main usage of this laptop is for Video and Photo editing on the go.

Anyone I've missed thats worth looking ?

Budget is approx £2,000.

 

[ian]

Hearing amazing things about the Razer Blade laptop if you are requiring that sort of spec for gaming etc.

If gaming isn't important, I do quite like the Dell XPS13.

 

[Skinner]

An XPS won't cut it, not even close.

I didn't think Razer were selling in the UK, I'll look in to that.

The last machine had an i7 Extreme Processor and SLI 780M Graphics, but Alienware Don't do the 18 any more.

 

[Edwin]

I don't know anything about the company, but you can get a laptop with 2x 8GB graphic cards here...
http://www.utopiacomputers.co.uk/hellfire-17.asp

 

[Edwin]

BTW, since it looks like Scan are using Clevo laptops as the basis of their machines (check out the full URL you posted you'll even see "clevo" embedded in it!) and Clevo are Sager in the USA, you may find this mega-thread useful...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/official-clevo-p770zm-sager-np9772-owners-lounge.768770/

More about Clevo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clevo

 

[Edwin]

Here's one more option. SLI 970M graphics cards, but a less beefy processor.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=LT-004-AU

Or if you can find one in the UK, this laptop comes with SLI 980M graphics cards and is well reviewed.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/msi-gt80-titan-review

 

[monaghan]

BTW, since it looks like Scan are using Clevo laptops

I used to buy bespoke laptops from a local provider (now defunct) who built on Clevo bare bones, the 2 17" ones I have here are still going good several years later and to my knowledge the others I provided are still also going strong.

 

[tk-hassan]

as your main focus is Video & Photo Editing, you have only one choice that is MacBook, along with superior performance it also offers much more reliability than Windows.

 

[Edwin]

as your main focus is Video & Photo Editing, you have only one choice that is MacBook, along with superior performance it also offers much more reliability than Windows.

Even the top MacBook Pro kitted out with every option is a much, much lower spec (apart from the screen) than any of the laptops linked to in the previous posts in this thread.

If you want to go for the tip-top supercharged high end, then PC goes much much higher than Mac.

 

[Skinner]

I'm not sure if your joking or not ? Apple are laughably underpowered compared to what PC's are offering, aside from all the solder problems because of their substandard cooling, the limited potential renders them a bad joke.

Only apple can take a PC and make it worse

as your main focus is Video & Photo Editing, you have only one choice that is MacBook, along with superior performance it also offers much more reliability than Windows.

 

[Skinner]

Almost all the custom chassis aside from MSI, Aorus and Gigabit are Clevo near enough, which includes scan, cyberstorm, mysn, eurocom etc. The particular model I'm interesting is the P771ZM, which is the model I linked both at mysn and scan.

The current clevo SLI chassis isn't due a refresh this year, I think they are holding out to see what nvidia do in about 8 months then the 9xx is replaced, since the odds are good at the current MXM spec will be updated as well.

I was going to get the SLI Chassis but the lack of M.2 and IPS support put me off somewhat. I'm thinking I'll get single card now and then in 18 months, I'll upgrade again.

BTW, since it looks like Scan are using Clevo laptops as the basis of their machines (check out the full URL you posted you'll even see "clevo" embedded in it!) and Clevo are Sager in the USA, you may find this mega-thread useful...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/official-clevo-p770zm-sager-np9772-owners-lounge.768770/

More about Clevo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clevo

 

[ian]

I didn't think Razer were selling in the UK, I'll look in to that.

It isn't, but you can import with a global warranty. My mates arrived yesterday, do you want me to let you know his first thoughts once setup? He knows more about PC hardware than most!

 

[Skinner]

What does he use it for ?

I've noticed render/transcode speeds don't translate to gaming performance or vice versa. For example a 580 SLI (approx 4 yrs old) system is currently on parr gaming wise with a gtx 970m which is like 6 months old when it comes to gaming, yet the 580 system is 30% faster at video encoding/rendering etc. I'm told that the 780 SLI is actually faster than the 980M (I've not tried a 980 system) at gaming but the 980 system destroys the 780 SLI at video editing. Its kinda complex when comparing video to games, almsot apples and oranges.

I did consider importing, I have a major geek crush on Malibal, If i import I'd have to go there

http://www.malibal.com/boutique/pc/configurePrd.asp?idProduct=716

Be interesting to see what his thoughts are on Razer.

It isn't, but you can import with a global warranty. My mates arrived yesterday, do you want me to let you know his first thoughts once setup? He knows more about PC hardware than most!