[Help needed] High-end Clevo-based laptop (i7-3XXX + GTX680M)

[jfromeo]

Hello folks.

I am planning to buy a new laptop mainly for CAD and 3dsMAX+VRay (Architectural sector), and a bit of 1080p gaming. I don't need mobility, as the laptop would be used on a desk and always plugged to replace my workstation at home. My maximum budget of around 2000-2500€.

I've been looking for some 17,3" Clevo-based laptops, and I have some minor questions about some components:

i7-3610QM or 3820QM (worth the +299€ price?)
GTX680M or HD7970M (it seems GTX680M performs slightlyy better at gaming and the HD7970M at rendering -this is my main doubt-)
8GB DDR3 1600MHz (worth 16GB DDR3 1600MHz for +55€?)

Full specs of what I have in mind would be:

17.3" non-glare LED 1920x1080
i7-3820QM
GTX680M
2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz 9-9-9-27
120GB SSD Intel 520
1TB 7200RPM HD

2167€ shipping and tax included

Thanks a lot for your help!

[fireurza]

i7-3610QM or 3820QM (worth the +299€ price?)
GTX680M or HD7970M (it seems GTX680M performs slightlyy better at gaming and the HD7970M at rendering -this is my main doubt-)
8GB DDR3 1600MHz (worth 16GB DDR3 1600MHz for +55€?)



the 3820QM is not worth the 299 imo...
take the hd7970...
i would say the upgrade in memory is worth it

also have you looked at the hybrid drives? I use one in my laptop and love it.

[punx223]

I agree with above. I have similar laptop to you the P170EM and it is very nice.
the 16GB definitely helps with encoding/renders as more can be shoved into the memory,
and the Seagate momentus XT hybrid drive is a nice compromise unless your laptop has 2nd bay for ssd cache or a msata port which can be used for cache as well. (mine has msata port which I now use for SSD caching)

also which brand are you buying and why?

[jfromeo]

Thanks for the inputs guys.

The laptop is coming home tomorrow, and I finally opted for the 3820QM, 4x4GB DDR3-1600 and the GTX680M 4GB. The final price was 1880€ + VAT (+18%).

I had been looking AVADirect, Eurocom, DevilTrigger... but I finally chose a spanish brand (Mountain), as the shipping taxes were really higher on the other ones (and hence, the final price was a bit higher), plus the 2-year warranty service covers all the shipping process (both in and out).

So probably, tomorrow I will be posting pics here