Sager np8150/Clevo p150hm: component questions

Hey NBR, I'm on the verge of ordering a Sager np8150, as recommended by my friend. I'm a console gamer at heart but have decided to give the whole pc gaming a try, since i've heard the experience is unique...or whatever. I've saved up 2000 dollars for a sweet gaming notebook, and i was wondering if i REALLY need to make any changes on the specs I currently have for the np8150:
Display 15.6" Full HD LED-Backlit Display with Super Glossy Surface (1920 x 1080)

Video & Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 6970M GPU with 2GB GDDR5 Video Memory [$65.00]

CPU Processor 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM Processor ( 6MB L3 Cache, 2.00GHz)

Thermal Compound Stock Standard Thermal Compound

Operating System Genuine MS Windows® 7 Home Premium 32/64-Bit Edition ( 64-Bit Preloaded )

Memory 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz - 2 X 4GB
Primary Hard Disk Drive 500GB 7200rpm SATA 300 Hard Drive

Optical Drive Bay — Optical Drive or Hard Disk Drive in Optical Drive Bay with Caddy case 8X DVD±R/RW/4X +DL Super-Multi Drive & Software

Wireless Network Card Internal 802.11 B+G+N Wireless LAN + Bluetooth Combo Module


For example, would i really benefit from upgrading the cpu processor, or the thermal compound? My ultimate goal is to be able to run Skyrim when it comes out, and probably the new Deus Ex as well. Holla at me board, all help is really appreciated

 

Do you want to max out the $2,000 you have saved?

Some observations:

Display: Many have stated that the 95% gamut screens are worth the upgrade ($95.00 from most resellers).

CPU: 2630 is fine unless you want to use more than 8GB RAM in the future. 2630 does not officially support more than 8GB RAM but you might be able to get it to work. 2720 officially supports more than 8GB RAM. Personally, I really have no need for more than 8GB RAM.

GPU: 6970 is fine but stock may be hard to find these days.

Thermal Compound: Standard is fine.

OS is fine.

Memory is fine.

Hard drive is fine although you might be able to upgrade to an SSD if you want to use every cent of that $2,000.

Optical Drive: If you go with an SSD, you might want to get the caddy and use the extra bay for a hard drive. You can get a nice $35.00 external DVDRW/CDRW from NewEgg.

Wireless: stock is fine. Upgrade to the 6230 for $25.00 extra. Stock wireless is 1x1 antenna @ 150mbps. 6230 is 2x2 @ 300mbps.


Just for reference, the laptop in my signature cost $1,729. Well under your $2,000 budget. I have to wait a month or so for the 6990M but if you want your laptop now, just add $50 to my price and get the 485M instead of the 6990M and you'll have your laptop in a few days for around $1,775.00.

 

thanks man, i was thinking about upgrading to an ssd. i think i'll go ahead and pull the trigger on the ssd, but i probably won't upgrade the screen because that's an aesthetic i don't really need. thanks for the help again

 

First of all, welcome to NBR

As for your order, let me tell you something, you knew what to choose and you 2k spending will be reasoned. .
An ssd will be of great benefit in loading games and doesn't really affect the gaming benches.

My advice for you is to wait about 1-2 weeks untill the ATI 6990m vga card is out for an additional $245.00 and your laptop will be on top performance.

As for upgrading the cpu, I don't really advice on doing so since you will only see very very little difference and thus is not advised.

Finally, if you are an intensive online gamer, then I advice getting the Bigfoot Networks Killer™ Wireless-N 1103 802.11A/B/G/N LAN Card for $60.

Also, I don't advice on buying from sager website and would definitely advice on buying from one of sager resellers such as lpcdigital,malibal, xoticpc, powernotebook and so on.

That's it. As simple as this and you will be on top benches and can definitely play all games.

Good Luck.

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