NZFF

by **ScottyB** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:26 pm

$1332 all up isn't too bad still eh? What do you think Hoki?

by **Ian Warren** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:43 pm

Scott , ptiy much the cost i payed and runs FSX ok and gives you change$ for VLC

by **SgtPepper** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 2:59 pm

Check this one out...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops...n-391914624.htm

by **ScottyB** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:55 am

Thanks SqtPepper, but I have gone of Acer after reading review after review about the poor quality of parts/build etc.

Looking at the Lenovo Y570 08622KU

Features:

Intel Core i7-2630QM, 2.0 GHz, 2.9 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows 7
15.6" HD (1366 x 768 pixels) LED Backlit
NVIDIA Geforce GT555M Discrete Graphics, 1GB Dedicated DDR5 VRAM
4GB DDR3 memory, 750GB HDD storage
Integrated Bluetooth and high-speed 802.11n WiFi
Integrated 2.0MP web camera

by **ScottyB** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:41 am

Grrr this is so frustrating - now after reading reviews of the Lenovo Y570, I have found out that their screen doesn't offer 1080p HD. Just standard 1098 x 768 HD. Apparently the display is poor. So looking for something else now.

Can someone give me some options. I need:

i7 processor
500GB minimum hard drive
6gb minimum memory
Nvidia graphics card - not ATI

I am in Canada, so I can get a $2000NZD laptop for about $1000CAD - so please give me options

by **Ian Warren** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:30 pm

Scott , why don,t you contact Dragon PC supplies being CHCH based and ask them for advice to spec's you require .

by **ScottyB** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:32 pm

Just did, thanks Ian!

by **ScottyB** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:22 am

Dragon PC came back with laptops/quotes around $2000-2200, whereas I can get one over here in Canada with the same specs for $1300. I think I will get this:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/Sea...&CatId=4938

Thoughts on running FSX with this? I have read numerous reviews that have said it has to be considered as one of the best gaming laptops and "users will love that the Satellite P750 will run their most demanding games with absolutely no stuttering"

by **AndrewJamez** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 4:30 pm

WHy do you have to have a laptop? All the ones you have shown are cut back i5's or i7's in the way that they have next to none turbo Boost restricting the CPU speed to 2.9GhZ or less. Remember that FSX thrives on CPU cycles. The more the merrier and 2.9ghz is barley a starting point if you want to run modern scenerys and complex aircraft. That money could get you a pretty powerfull desktop if you were prepared to buy as parts and build yourself. Ultimately this crazy obsession of ours saves a lot of money if you dont restrict your self to prebuilt systems or have to pay a techi to build or upgrade your PC. i.e DIY
The death of most laptops is heat. ie they cant get rid of it fast enough and fsx will make any laptop run hot and drain any battery in no time so you will be slaved to a wall socket anyway.

It will be obvious to any that read this post that I am completely and utterly biased aginst laptops for flightsim. I know some of you use them and may be happy with them. Just my opinion. Nothing more.

by **Timmo** » Wed Jul 27, 2011 6:01 pm

www.pricespy.co.nz is a great place to start- About ten months ago I got a ASUS N61J for around $1700 NZD- i7 720QM , 1GB ATI HD5730 graphics card, 4GB RAM (could've upgraded to more if I wished), 640GB HDD and with Win7 Premium.

There are good deals at the store retailers but only on sale I found....and even then, just keeping an eye out on Pricespy yielded better results and made comparing/choosing a laptop easier (most stores don't post full specs and/or get them incorrect). The only issue is either online retailers or Pricespy posting good deals and then, after you enquire, come back with the 'I'm sorry we don't have that anymore....how about this one?!' trick.

As mentioned though, if you don't need a laptop, then you can get better bang for buck with a desktop- especially if you already have periphirals from your old computer that you can re-use (Screen, key board etc)

by **ScottyB** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 1:55 am

Yeah, I know I should get a desktop really. I think it's just a mind over matter thing - I feel desktops are like concrete blocks tied to your feet. But when I simmed on my laptop wiht FS9 for the past two years, it has been plugged ito a power socket on my desk anyway.

I will probably get a desktop, and use it as a "base camp", then buy a second hand netbook for ultra portability.

Any ideas at what parts I should look at if I am building a desktop? Which i7/i5 processor? Sandy bridge? Which grpahics card?

I really have no clue... but I'm thinking...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Desktop...n-392799529.htm

CPU: Intel Core i7 2600 Sandy Bridge 3.4Ghz/3.8Ghz turbo core x 4 Quad Core LGA 1155 8MB Cache Super Processor.
Motherboard: Intel H61 Chipset mATX up to 16GB DDR3 Speeds Socket 1155, 4 rear USBs, PCI-E X16.
RAM: 8GB DDR3-1333 High performance Dual Channel Memory with low latencies and lifetime warranty
Graphics Card: Dedicated Nvidia Geforce GT430 1GB GDDR3 DX11 HDMI (Excellent for graphics design, video editing, Adobe, and gaming!)
Hard Drive: 1TB (1000GB) 7200RPM SATA3.0 HDD
Optical: FASTEST 24X Dual Layer DVD-RW
Case/Power: Cooler Master Elite 343 mATX Case, Solid construction, piano black front panel. 2 Front USBs and audio ports. Thermalmaster ultra reliable power supply.
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64Bit Full Version with Disc and Certificate.
Monitor: LATEST AOC 22" LED Full HD 2M:1 Contrast Ratio 1920*1080 Resolution Built in Speakers, USB ports, touch buttons - 3 years warranty!

or this - but it's i5

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Desktop...n-394346506.htm

by **ScottyB** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 4:31 am

Edit: Double post, sorry

by **brad63** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 10:30 am

From what Ive seen go for the sandybridge "I7 K" Series and matching MB.Reports indicate they will eat a I7 960 for breakfast (OC speeds of 4-4.5ghz on stock cooler and way less temp than the old I7).I was lookin at goin down the I7 960 route myself before I7 2600K series was out. But if you do go with the 960 match it up with a triple channel MB and maybe a SSD if you can afford one.
There are a couple of members here that have the Sandybridge set up maybe they can give us an updated opinion. I cant remember who these members are though. Thats the path Ill be goin down wich makes my current MB redundant unfortunately (unless I can get a 960 for $200) Even the I5 2500 locked is wicked.

by **ScottyB** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:28 am

Thanksfor the info Brad63!

Which is better (value and performance):

GT430 1GB DDR3 DX11 Graphics Card or a ATI Radeon 5830 for $110 more?

by **brad63** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 11:13 am

Def not the GT430 it has the old DDR3 ram and benchmarks are very average.The 5830 is DDR5 and DX11 compatable and performs OK in this mode according to benchmarks and out performs the GT430 all round. Things to consider- how many screens do you have/want,will you be playing other high demand games (ie FS is CPU rather than GPU bound thus you can get by with a lesser card),will you want to add another card in SLI or Crossfire in the future etc. Most hardcore Simmers seem to have prefered the Geforce cards in the past but the Radeons are now up there
from what Ive read.Here are some other cards to consider-,Asus GeForce ENGTS450 DX11,MSI Radeon R5830 Twin Frozr II non DX11 both around the $200 mark.There are many others though. Is DX11 a priority as it limits choice in this price range? It gets very confusing when you start lookin. I tend to choose after reading the many reviews out there. Also with our dollar the way it is it might be worth waiting a few days. Prices might drop or not.

by **AndrewJamez** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:32 pm

Get the i5 2500K on a P67 or the newer Z68 Mobo. You will waste $150 on the i7 2600K for nothing because the hyperthreading you get for the extra cash does nothing for FSX. Get at least a GTX 460 or 560 video card and 8Gb of DDR3 ram. Try and get at least 1600mhz ram.
Make sure your power supply is at least 550watts and has 2 PCI express connectors. Also a decent cooler for your CPU. Then a nice fast drive and your good to go. Seperate drives for FSX are better. A nice case and your all done for around $1500.

My main advise is to use pricespy and shop around. Many places do free postage. You will get best bang for buck buy buying parts from multiple outlets for the lowest price. Dont hurry and take your time and in the end you will look back and marvel at your acomplishmant

NZFF

New Laptop

Who is online