ASUS G71GX-RBBD09 vs. ASUS G71GX-RX05

Click HERE for a comparison of both.

It looks like the difference are the quad processor (2.0 GHz) vs. duo processor (2.53 GHz) and the price $1400 vs $1150.

This is going to be my first laptop, and I don't know which one to get. I'm getting a laptop for college (Computer Engineering major) and I need to get one within 1-2 months before I leave. I'm going to use this laptop mainly for my classes and for gaming occasionally. To me it looks like I'm either going to buy one of those 2 because it doesn't look like there are going to be any more laptop releases that gives such a great spec at great prices.

I've been doing a lot of research on whether to get the quad for $250 bucks more. It is a shame that it is only 2.0GHz but a lot of people say it's more future prone. I want my laptop to last for 4 years at least. It's hard to tell what's going to happen in the next 4 years, who knows, duo core may be obsolete.

So my question is: In your opinion, is it better to get the ASUS G71GX-RBBD09 (quad core) or the ASUS G71GX-RX05 (duo core). Also what are the advantages and disadvantages of both quad and duo core.

If I can edit my post, I'll keep a pro and con list of both laptops. I know that there is a current issue with ASUS G71 models with the graphics locking down at 82 degrees Fahrenheit but I think ASUS will resolve it (CNET says around July 9th link HERE), and both laptops would still be a great buy.

 

As you mentioned their is only one difference that being a 2.0 Quad vs 2.53Duo. I cannot verify how far they allow you to OC the Quad via turbogear (15%) even though you might just surpass it via SetFsB anyway but if it is equal then you are looking at a 2.3 Quad vs a 2.91 Duo.

The "gaming ocassionally" comment really doesn't give us much to go on because the frequency of how much you game really means nothing, its what games you want to play albeit ocassionally. If you only wanted to play pop cap games "ocassionally" then CPU wouldn't really matter. If you are a hard core RTS player or love GTA titles then I would strongly suggest the Quad over the Duo as they are games that typically take advantage of the additional cores of a Quad. If you want to play other modern titles or MMO's the higher Ghz of the Duo would perform better.

The Quad definately has the advantage in the daily app scene, but again this is subject to which apps you are looking at using.

College was a long time ago and if it was me, I would get the Duo save the $250 bucks and the associated taxes. Then maybe after a while look at picking up a QX9100 or QX9300 as the prices drop (probably when the i7 mobile hit the scene).

 

I don't think the ASUS chipset will support the i7 mobile when it comes out, but it will maybe support the QX9100 or QX9300 though. I'm not sure what chipset the ASUS G71GX is running on.

I love to game, but in college I know I will have to limit the amount of time I spend doing it. The type game I mainly play on the PC are MMORPGs but I am open to FPS games on a laptop. My current desktop's spec suck too much to be playing FPS games right now. I've played FPS on a PS3 and it's awesome but I dont know if the experience would be the same on a PC.

 

If you want a quad, buy the G71GX-RXO5 and get a Q9200
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-INTEL-CORE-...iewItemQQptZAU_Components?hash=item4a98a58913
for $250 + shipping off of ebay for the same price as the G71GX-RBBD09. The Q9200 has the same TDP as the Q9000 so it shouldn't be any hotter really, and it is 2.4ghz.

 

I wouldn't think the i7 would be supported by the G71 set, but the QXs shouldn't have a problem given it will support the Q9000.

Based on what you like to play I would suggest 100% the faster Duo over the slower Quad. Games like Warhammer Online are a CPU and RAM hog but do not take real advantage of the additional 2 cores of a Quad. Most MMO's are the same way now and some of the future releases like AION. Save $250, hell you could buy a G71 Duo and Xbox360 or Wii and still have $$$ in your pocket. Talk about expanding your gaming potential.

Also regarding the Quad vs Duo in daily apps, the Duo is very strong and for the most part you may not notice any difference. For me I could care less if my MP3 data transfers take 20% longer (for example), I'll just go play Halo Wars while I wait

 

So pretty much you wait until your warranty is outdated and pick up a new CPU for like 150-200ish buck (maybe even lower) 2 year from now on. And then just install that and maybe upgrade the RAM a little if you really want to. Bam this laptop should last you 2 more years.

 

Since you are a computer engineering student I would highly recommend getting the quad core version for the following reasons:

1. Doing software development work i.e. compiling etc, is definitely CPU intensive and most modern development environments are designed to maximize the use of multi-threaded, multi-core processors.
2. If you plan to run the machine for long periods of time, the lower overall clock will generate less heat.
3. the 3MB of extra cache will help tremendously
4. Although most games currently don't support multi-core CPU's, the trend for the future will definitely be to see multicpu (smp) support. Hence buying a quad now will mean you don't need to go upgrade in the near future.

I speak from experience as I am both a software engineer and an avid gamer.

 

now if only the resolutions weren't total crap, then i would have to go get one
!

 

Unless you'll have a nice tv, I'd wait a bit and see if best buy comes out with a new FX. The FX has an amazing screen for watching movies with friends. The Asus have bad viewing angles.

But, if you have the money I think in the future the quad would perform better than the dual because things will be made for it. I heard even crysis performs better with a quad.

 

thats debatable, crysis does not actually support quad core.

 

http://www.gateway.com/systems/series/529598056.php Apparently the new FX isn't as nice as the ASUS. I'm not sure about the viewing angles on the FX though. I doubt they are going to release another one within 2 months.

 

I'll go dual core, and see if you want to keep the laptop 2 years from now and upgrade to quadcore then. Buying the quadcore cpu is cheaper than $250. Not only that a lot of games and software actually don't support the quad all that much yet. So, I'll get the 1150 model with the dual and overclock it.

 

Red OC with TurboGear? Or another program? If not TurboGear can you link
a guide or something?

 

Go Core 2 Duo, unless you're doing totally heavy tasks that need 4 cores, like a lot of engineering things.

Otherwise, many of the games and apps nowadays will run slow for you because you'll only be using 2 of the cores at 2.0 GHz.

Then, once quad cores are standard, you'll still only have 2.0 when the laptop standard will be something like 2.5-3.0+, who knows.

 

go for dual core. 2.0ghz is pathetic and a waste of money. you can easily overclock that cpu to get over 2.9ghz. now thats at least 3 year future proof, ecspecially with the 260m by your side. hopefully asus fix the heat related problems soon. but before you start considering impulse buys, note that there are more models from asus coming in the next few weeks. the g71 for $1150 looks good, and ill probally pick one up too considering how cheap and how dependable it looks

 

I'll probably pick up the ASUS G71GX-RX05 once it goes on sale, but I'll definitely consider newer models that newegg will probably release.

 

Doesn't it cost $1100 at Best Buy? I honestly believe that a great deal and affordable. If you are hoping the laptop is going to drop even more in price, you'll be waiting for a couple months to a year before it does and it will be outdated by then...

If you want, the G51VX at Best Buy only costs $900 and one of the guys on the forum has showed it can play games well despite the CPU being low. You can upgrade the CPU for cheap though via ebay...

 

Yeah, like Da1writer said, it's already set at a really, really cheap price. You're going to be waiting for a long time before you can get any sort of discount or sale on it.