Getting an m14x

But a little undecided on a few things.

First off, RAM. 4, 6, or 8. If it weren't for the dual channel issue, I would probably get 6. How significant is the difference? Isn't it half the bandwidth? If so, I would want 4 or 8, the difference being $200. Is $200 worth it for 4 more gigs? Tbh, I don't have any problems on my desktop with 3 GB's. Would I actually use 8? I game, light photoshop, light audio editing, light video editing, and I will be an engineering major this fall.

Next up, the sound option. Internal High-Definition 5.1 Surround Sound Audio [Included in Price] or Soundblaster® X-Fi™ Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled. $20 for the X-Fi. Is it worth it? What's the difference?

Also, what is 1600x900 like on a 14" screen? Tiny? I'm definitely leaning towards the 900p but there is still a little bit of doubt.

And finally, what is the deal with Wi-Max? Is it subscription based? Where's coverage? etc.

Thanks.

 

I think 4g ram is enough actually. Furthermore you can buy an other 4g module that costs about 40€ and install it yourself. It is said to be easy. Dont waste 200$ in that 8g ram.

Then, i think you must get the 900p. Why? Because gt555M is enough powerful to play games with high details and good average framerate. Moreover, if you use photoshop, and other types of video editing, it is mandatory for you paying those 50$ extra.

No idea about the other questions.


Excuse my english level, im spanish.

 

Just FYI, they ship with 2 x 2gb modules, so you will have to buy either a single 4g (for 6gb) or a dual 4gb kit for 8gb

 

I was also wondering about the Soundblaster HD Audio upgrade. It's only $20 extra though so why not? I'm trying to get more info on the Wi-Max upgrade too, but it still is quite confusing to me 0.o

 

Get the 900p screen, if anything it still supports 1366x768. 1600x900 is still there if you need it, so why not? its like screen insurance. Soundblaster is merely your opinion. Imo, its only 20$ so why not, better sound in the future.

 

If I was getting the m14x, the Sound Blaster option is a worthwhile one since there is no ExpressCard slot for an external sound card and USB options are not always the best in sound fidelity output.

For the GPU, stick with the 1.5GB. Doubling the VRAM capacity is a waste since the 555M does not even have the memory bandwidth to even fully utilize 1.5 GB. An addition $100 for 3 GB is a total waste and it is just a marketing gimmick to fool the inexperienced.

900p screen is a good choice since 1366x768 seems too low of a resolution on a 14" form factor. 1600x900 is much better for your screen real estate and the 555M can still handle such resolution for gaming decently.

Also, upgrade your RAM aftermarket. OEM overcharge for a 8 GB upgrade. You can go on Newegg and buy 8 GB of RAM (2x4 GB) for like under $80 USD. 4 GB is enough for most tasks, but some programs like Mathematica can take advantage of 8 GB.

Wi-Max is just glorified Wi-Fi with better range. Unfortunately, I have never experienced a Wi-Max card first hand so I really don't know that option.

 

^^ What I was going to say with the RAM. Totally agree.

With the WiMax, if you read the fine print in the blue box when you highlight the WiMax option, it says that you need a subscription to a WiMax broadband service. So if you you want internet coverage wherever mobile phones get it, and you are willing to pay for the subscription then go for it. Otherwise it's just the same previous advanced-N card.

 

Just so you know, you won't notice any difference with the X-Fi over speakers; they're just not good enough. You need headphones to really hear it. If you're the type of person that games with headphones a lot, you'll like the sound. It's great for positional audio as well.