What's my best option? Upgrade M15x or go custom build desktop?

Hey all,

I'm sure I've posted something similar in the past... So sorry...

Anyway, I'm nearing the end of my studies (student digital artist/animator/3D models) and I'm wanting something that will last me a few more years.

I plan to focus a lot of my time during the summer on 3D modelling and rendering in Maya, 3DS Max and Vue and am needing something with a bit more grunt as to what I currently have.

My current built is:

M15x
i7 740qm 1.93 - 2.9Ghz
16GB DDR3 1333Mhz
ATI/AMD Mobility Radeon 5850
750GB HDD @7200

I'm needing a better CPU really, I tend to get A LOT of lag in Maya with high poly count and am not sure whether I should upgrade the CPU or go for a custom desktop build that would last me a while.

I've posted a thread on desktopreview for specs of a build around $1000-1500 Max.

A 920xm would probably be best for what its specs are, however it's $400 used. Would I be better to use that money for a desktop in the long run?
How long would my current build last in terms of software/rendering demands, even with the 920xm before I start to see hardware damage?


I'm talking 3-5 years before needing to upgrade.

Again, sorry for the possible re-post...

Cheers all.

 

The question is, do you need the mobility of a laptop? If no, the desktop would be the better option. Your m15x is already 2 generations old.. in 3 years it would be 5 years old, which is pretty ancient as tech goes these days. By that time, even if the 920XM is still alive and sufficient for your needs, the 5850 would bottleneck you hard - And then comes the question to upgrade that. Building a current gen desktop would definitely last for 3-5 years, and in 3 years you can upgrade it much more easily if needed.

 

i totally agree, but if mobility is required, slap a 920xm in there and a ssd with a nice radeon 7970 and your on the go for a couple more years if you dont mind gaming with medium settings.

 

Thanks guys.

I have my M11x for mobility at the moment, the M15x was a desktop replacement because I didn't have the space fr the tower.
I'll be moving houses soon, so all in all, I'll have the space for it.

I'm thinking I'll go the desktop way. By the time I spend ~800 on upgrades for the M15x, I might as well just build a desktop.

Gaming on medium doesn't bother me all that much, I've hardly any time to do so, but even then I appreciate the quality when I do game.

Thanks guys

 

I would get the desktop, I know you must know this but there is a part within DELL where you can get amazing discounts, you may be able to get an AW desktop for a very low price instead of having to build it. Here it is...

 

I as well would get the desktop.

TBH with $800 you can get A LOT for a desktop.

Nowadays you can spend around $500 and get better than most $1500 laptops.

 

Hugh? With a 920xm and a 7970 how do you see him gaming on medium settings? He should be able to hit Max settings for a while. But like everyone else said if you want to mobility upgrade the laptop if you don't need to then build a desktop, I personally don't bring my laptop out much but I would rather the mobility option then not.

 

lol i was thinking a couple years down the line with thoses specs, he would be still able to play at medium settings