New Laptop/PC- Help Needed

[natyd]

nearley made a decision looking at these four http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/s_action/compare/10011532-21492783-22071104-10022810.html

leaning towards 17 inch hp or is there something better in the others that im missing will be purchasing one of these later tonight so any feedback would be greatley appreciated

[Smurf]

How important is or how much of a speed advantage does an SSD give you?

Faster boot times (turning your computer on).

And faster load and save times for FM.

Some speed enhancement overall in the performance of the computer overall.

[Smurf]

nearley made a decision looking at these four http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/s_action/compare/10011532-21492783-22071104-10022810.html

leaning towards 17 inch hp or is there something better in the others that im missing will be purchasing one of these later tonight so any feedback would be greatley appreciated

Personal preference I wouldn't bother with PC World.

Is your budget around the 800 mark?

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/CB-CZ7850-441GAS-Cube-Chameleon-CZ-7850_1655174.html

I can't vouch for "Cube" as I've only just heard of them... but it looks pretty decent

[Dave is here]

I assume this would be better than the one i posted? almost 100 quid more though, Just wondering if I should try and increase my budget to get this or stick with the one I posted earlier, cheers.

Processor Intel® Core™ i7-4710HQ Quad Core (2.5 GHz, Intel Haswell Architecture, Features Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz)

Screen 15.6" (1920x1080 Full HD Resolution)

Operating System Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit

RAM 12GB (DDR3 1600MHz)

Hard Drive 8GB SSD + 1000GB (Hybrid)

Optical Drive DVD Rewriter (External USB Super Multi Dual-Layer Drive)

Graphics Dedicated (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX860M with 2GB GDDR5 Dedicated)

Wireless LAN Wireless (802.11b/g/n Wireless)

Network Card 10/100/1000 Gigabit Fast Ethernet

Integrated Webcam Integrated HD Webcam with Microphone

Card Reader 3-in-1 card reader (SD™, SDHC,MMC)

USB Ports 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0

Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0

Speakers Integrated Sound System

Charge Time 2.5 Hours

HDMI Port 1 x HDMI Port

Backlit Keyboard With

Warranty 12 Months Warranty - Direct with Lenovo (View More Information)

Battery Life 3-4 Hours (up to 4 hours with power management)

Weight 2-3 Kg (This Model 2.5 Kg)

Product Type Notebook

Keyboard Type Laptop Keyboard

[Smurf]

Microsoft Windows 8.1 requires 20gb hard drive space for the 64 bit version.

This computer has a 8gb SSD - you won't have windows installed on this drive - it won't be your boot drive, so there won't be any performance enhancements.

Best case, is saving a game or two to the SSD - and it bottleneck.

The one I posted was better.

[natyd]

Personal preference I wouldn't bother with PC World.

Is your budget around the 800 mark?

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/CB-CZ7850-441GAS-Cube-Chameleon-CZ-7850_1655174.html

I can't vouch for "Cube" as I've only just heard of them... but it looks pretty decent

the main reason i was looking at pc world is due to financing the laptop the one youve posted looks very good tho i may just have to bide my time and save for a month or two and get that one as i imagine fm15 wont b here until late september early october

[Smurf]

To be honest - it would be worth it mate.

You can go ahead and buy from PC world if you want - but you're better off saving and getting the one that's better.

[natyd]

yh comparing both systems the cube is miles ahead of anything pc world has to offer at a similar price. Back to saving i go unless of course i hit a nice acca on the weekends footie lol cheers eugene

[Jambo98]

I assume this would be better than the one i posted? almost 100 quid more though, Just wondering if I should try and increase my budget to get this or stick with the one I posted earlier, cheers.

Processor Intel® Core™ i7-4710HQ Quad Core (2.5 GHz, Intel Haswell Architecture, Features Intel Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz)

Screen 15.6" (1920x1080 Full HD Resolution)

Operating System Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit

RAM 12GB (DDR3 1600MHz)

Hard Drive 8GB SSD + 1000GB (Hybrid)

Optical Drive DVD Rewriter (External USB Super Multi Dual-Layer Drive)

Graphics Dedicated (NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX860M with 2GB GDDR5 Dedicated)

Wireless LAN Wireless (802.11b/g/n Wireless)

Network Card 10/100/1000 Gigabit Fast Ethernet

Integrated Webcam Integrated HD Webcam with Microphone

Card Reader 3-in-1 card reader (SD™, SDHC,MMC)

USB Ports 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0

Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0

Speakers Integrated Sound System

Charge Time 2.5 Hours

HDMI Port 1 x HDMI Port

Backlit Keyboard With

Warranty 12 Months Warranty - Direct with Lenovo (View More Information)

Battery Life 3-4 Hours (up to 4 hours with power management)

Weight 2-3 Kg (This Model 2.5 Kg)

Product Type Notebook

Keyboard Type Laptop Keyboard

Best i can tell, you would be paying 100 quid extra and the only relevant changes are an extra 4GB RAm and the SSD. As Eugene has pointed out, an 8GB SSD is a bit of a waste really (nfi why they even offer them if you cant install your OS onto them). The extra RAM is nice but unless your running a huge amount of leagues, i dont think you would need above the 8GB mark. My current save, running 18 leagues and large player database, whilst running alongside a load of other background programmes, tops out at about 5GB RAM in use at any time.

I would be inclined to save your hundred, buy the first one and blow the difference on a nice weekend

[Smurf]

To be honest with 64 bit systems 8gb is minimum.

I'd recommend 16gb at least in all 64 bit computers. There's always a lot going on the background of the computer, steam, anti-virus, firewalls, operating system, email programs, internet, music players, video players, etc.

[Jambo98]

To be honest with 64 bit systems 8gb is minimum.

I'd recommend 16gb at least in all 64 bit computers. There's always a lot going on the background of the computer, steam, anti-virus, firewalls, operating system, email programs, internet, music players, video players, etc.

Fairly easy to monitor what you need, since Windows Task manager has a built in RAM useage monitor. I always play FM windowed with several other open applications (Anti Virus, firewall, 4 or 5 chrome tabs, Skype, IRC, Spotify, java applets) at the same time and it never uses over 6GB RAM. Thats on Windows 8.1 64Bit and includes all the system background processes.

I guess there are some specific (non FM) applications which are RAM intensive, such as video or photo editing, but unless you are doing high end background stuff, its unlikely FM plus day to day computing will take you over 8GB.

Very few 64bit laptops ship with 16GB, most are 8/12 as manufacturers generally know thats enough.

Then again each persons useage is different, hence why the resource monitor on task bar is a handy check before considering future needs

[Smurf]

Even if now you're working on 6gb on RAM - in 5 years time you may be working on a lot more.

It wasn't that long ago that 4gb RAM was the max for computers. And then 64bit came along and you were told 4gb is plenty. When in reality it wasn't and 8gb was made a "must" for a 64 bit system.

Future proof yourself and get 16gb+, get a SSD, get the best processor - all you can afford to make it last.

My laptops usually last me about 8-10 years. Not 4 or 6. I'm actually annoyed if I have to replace a laptop after 8 years.

[TF]

I'm probably asking a bit much here, but I'm looking for a laptop/desktop that will run FM 2014 and run into FM 2015 without any problems, however I only have a budget of around £300. Thought I'd ask here as most of you guys know what you're looking for and might be able to find me a half decent system for the money I have. I'm not bothered about any other games, purely just FM.

[Dench57]

I'm probably asking a bit much here, but I'm looking for a laptop/desktop that will run FM 2014 and run into FM 2015 without any problems, however I only have a budget of around £300. Thought I'd ask here as most of you guys know what you're looking for and might be able to find me a half decent system for the money I have. I'm not bothered about any other games, purely just FM.

I think this Asus laptop is about as good as you will find around the 300 mark. That comes with a decent dual-core i3 processor, dedicated 1gb graphics card and 6gb of RAM which is plenty for FM.

[MeesterCat]

I'm in the process of researching an FM laptop and it's very frustrating that most places just seem to stock the U variant Processors at the moment. Last year year my wife picked up an i5 3210M for about £360 and now you can add another £150 on top to get a similar spec.

[Eme Alberta]

How much differnce is there between the U and M variants of the i5? The U is almost in every laptop I've looked at and the few with M have poorer features and memory.

[eple]

Generally a little less than 1 GHZ or similar models. But it would depend highly on whether you are looking at dual cores or quad cores processors. I.e. the above mentioned i5 3210M is reasonably fast but it's a dual core, which means an equally fast quad core will make a CPU intensive game like FM run faster.

You can compare and get details on CPUs at cpuboss.com

Here's the Intel Core i7 4700MQ vs i5 3210M

[Smurf]

How much differnce is there between the U and M variants of the i5? The U is almost in every laptop I've looked at and the few with M have poorer features and memory.

M models are typically faster processors.

As long as you have min 16gb RAM you'll be fine.

Ok 8gb might do it - but you're hampering yourself in the long run. But then again - buy the 8gb model computer with i5 xxxx m and buy extra ram and install it yourself it's a cinch.

[lola 10]

I'm looking for some advice as I haven't a clue about laptops! Mine currently is a Hewlett Packard g62 notebook 4gm ram AMD athlon I I p320 dual-core processor 2.10 ghz 64 bit operating system it runs fm14 fine at the moment but it's 4years old,but I'd like to know if I'd be better off with a cheap £199 laptop but brand new it's a to toshiba satellite c50-b- 14d 4gb ram intel celeron processor n2830 windows 8.1 operating system,I'd appreciate any advice many thanks

[krissufc]

If I don't need the portability of a laptop would I be better off with a desktop(do they offer more bang for the buck?)

[Dench57]

I'm looking for some advice as I haven't a clue about laptops! Mine currently is a Hewlett Packard g62 notebook 4gm ram AMD athlon I I p320 dual-core processor 2.10 ghz 64 bit operating system it runs fm14 fine at the moment but it's 4years old,but I'd like to know if I'd be better off with a cheap £199 laptop but brand new it's a to toshiba satellite c50-b- 14d 4gb ram intel celeron processor n2830 windows 8.1 operating system,I'd appreciate any advice many thanks

No, that new Toshiba will not be any better. I'm running a 4 year old G62 myself at the moment, I think it was £400-450 when I bought it. You'll struggle to find anything better under £300.

[Dench57]

If I don't need the portability of a laptop would I be better off with a desktop(do they offer more bang for the buck?)

You will get MUCH more bang for your buck with a desktop. Definitely recommend a desktop if you have no need for portability.

[Mr U Rosler]

Greetings all,

After a laptop to finally get rid of the beast dominating a corner of my living room.

I'm processor focused and after something with an 'M' after it. Narrowed it down to these 2 bad boys.

MSI CX61 Haswell

Intel® Core™ i5-4210M Haswell Dual Core Processor

15.6" Full HD Screen

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64bit

8GB DDR3 RAM

750GB HDD

DVD ReWriter

Dedicated GT 820M 2GB Graphics

HDMI

Bluetooth

USB3

CX61 2PC-685UK

Brushed Mineral Grey

£549.97

OR

Lenovo G510

Intel Core i5-4200M Dual Core Processor

15.6" HD Screen

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit

8GB DDR3 RAM

1000GB HDD

DVD Rewriter

Integrated Graphics

USB3 | HDMI | Bluetooth

Exclusive Upgraded to 8GB Ram!

£429.97

I guess the question boils down to is it worth the extra £120 to get dedicated graphics (which is still pretty pants) and a 1920x1080 screen over a 1366 x 768 screen.

Any thoughts anyone?

Or is there something better for the money?

[Smurf]

Processor-wise they are identical virtually no difference at all

The graphics card is entry level - the gpu in the processor is probably better than that. You really don't need a graphics card for FM - unless you want all the detail viewing the match in 3d (well it's 2d but they call it 3d)

You could do with doubling the RAM - but it's probably cheaper to buy the RAM and install it yourself - laptops are easy - just look up how to do it online, generally it's 1 screw holding a panel at the back and remove that and access the RAM.

One thing that will really help is an SSD.

I'd recommend the 2nd one on your list - yes it doesn't have a graphics card but you probably won't need one.

Use the extra money to buy an SSD.

First thing to do with any new computer is format the harddrive and do a fresh install of the OS - that rids of all bloatware.

Get the cheaper one - buy more RAM, add an SSD and a fresh os with no bloatware and you're good to go.

[Mr U Rosler]

Processor-wise they are identical virtually no difference at all

The graphics card is entry level - the gpu in the processor is probably better than that. You really don't need a graphics card for FM - unless you want all the detail viewing the match in 3d (well it's 2d but they call it 3d)

You could do with doubling the RAM - but it's probably cheaper to buy the RAM and install it yourself - laptops are easy - just look up how to do it online, generally it's 1 screw holding a panel at the back and remove that and access the RAM.

One thing that will really help is an SSD.

I'd recommend the 2nd one on your list - yes it doesn't have a graphics card but you probably won't need one.

Use the extra money to buy an SSD.

First thing to do with any new computer is format the harddrive and do a fresh install of the OS - that rids of all bloatware.

Get the cheaper one - buy more RAM, add an SSD and a fresh os with no bloatware and you're good to go.

Thank dude

[Madefras]

Intel® Core™ i5-4200U Dual Core

Intel HD Graphics 4400

8 GB DDR3 1600MHz (can be upgraded to 16)

500GB HDD

How would this one work on FM for me? I usually play with 4-5 leagues and low graphics

[Dench57]

Greetings all,

After a laptop to finally get rid of the beast dominating a corner of my living room.

I'm processor focused and after something with an 'M' after it. Narrowed it down to these 2 bad boys.

MSI CX61 Haswell

Intel® Core™ i5-4210M Haswell Dual Core Processor

15.6" Full HD Screen

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64bit

8GB DDR3 RAM

750GB HDD

DVD ReWriter

Dedicated GT 820M 2GB Graphics

HDMI

Bluetooth

USB3

CX61 2PC-685UK

Brushed Mineral Grey

£549.97

OR

Lenovo G510

Intel Core i5-4200M Dual Core Processor

15.6" HD Screen

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit

8GB DDR3 RAM

1000GB HDD

DVD Rewriter

Integrated Graphics

USB3 | HDMI | Bluetooth

Exclusive Upgraded to 8GB Ram!

£429.97

I guess the question boils down to is it worth the extra £120 to get dedicated graphics (which is still pretty pants) and a 1920x1080 screen over a 1366 x 768 screen.

Any thoughts anyone?

Or is there something better for the money?

Depends really. What will you be using it for mainly? And what is your budget?

[Mr U Rosler]

Depends really. What will you be using it for mainly? And what is your budget?

Mainly FM.

Budget is as little as possible. Definately less than £600.

[Dench57]

Mainly FM.

Budget is as little as possible. Definately less than £600.

The two you've picked are both good value for money then. Both would run FM nicely. The main difference between the two would be running the 3D match engine - the cheaper version with Integrated Graphics would only be able to run it on low/medium settings, whereas the MSI would be able to run it on medium/high (bear in mind FM15 will be along in November, and with it an updated 3D match engine).The graphics card is always the biggest price-changer in a laptop. If you can't see yourself playing any other games apart from FM and running 3D match engine on low/mid is satisfactory for you, then I'd go with the cheaper option.

8gb RAM is more than enough for FM. The MSI also comes with much better quality screen resolution, but that's personal preference, it's not a fundamental.

However you should be looking to get a 3 year warranty, I can only see the MSI's warranty (assuming it's this) but it only has a 1 year warranty (though a 3 year warranty can be added for £50, definitely worth it).

Finally, if you don't mind waiting 7-14 days for a laptop, PC Specialist always provides the best bang for your buck for gaming laptops in the UK (and importantly come with 3 year warranty, something which other retailers may charge £50-£100 for). All laptops are fully customisable, for example check out https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/cosmosII/ and play around with those specs to get an idea.

[Smurf]

8gb RAM is plenty for FM - but don't forget the 64bit systems require more RAM to run the OS - plus you have to run steam, antivirus, plus any other background applications, along with web browsers/video players/music players/streaming content/etc.

8gb would be absolute minimum in a 64 bit system, imo.

16gb would be ideal.

[Smurf]

Intel® Core™ i5-4200U Dual Core

Intel HD Graphics 4400

8 GB DDR3 1600MHz (can be upgraded to 16)

500GB HDD

How would this one work on FM for me? I usually play with 4-5 leagues and low graphics

I'd avoid the processors with "U" go for "M".

U stands for ultra-low power and tend to be a slower processor.

i5 are dual core (mostly)

and i7 are quad core (mostly)

i5 3xxxm is 3rd generation

i5 4xxxM is 4th gen

same goes for i7

[Dench57]

Intel® Core™ i5-4200U Dual Core

Intel HD Graphics 4400

8 GB DDR3 1600MHz (can be upgraded to 16)

500GB HDD

How would this one work on FM for me? I usually play with 4-5 leagues and low graphics

Depends what your budget is. It would run FM smoothly on low graphics.

[Dzajo5]

Hello all.

Buying a desktop PC so having a bit of a dilemma myself.

Sorry for posting the question about a PC in a laptop thread, but I didn't want to open a new one.

Anyway, as said before, I want to buy a new desktop PC. It's something like this:

i5-4460 with Intel HD 4600 graphics.

8gb DDR3.

1tb HDD

Gigabyte P85-D3

or

i5-4460 with Intel HD 4600 graphics.

4gb DDR3.

1tb HDD

Gigabyte P85-D3

MSI GTX 750 1gb graphic card.

I know the one with the graphic card would be better, but I plan buying a SSD next year so if the Intel graphic is up to running FM14/15 smoothly on 3D(medium is enough) than I would buy the card together with SSD and now buy 8gb DD3 instead of the GTX 750.

Also to mention, Linux will be used on the PC.

I will be grateful for any opinion. Thanks.

[Smurf]

Both fine

Get more RAM - at least 16gb (people say 8 but I say 16)

SSD will definitely be a boost.

As it's a desktop you can upgrade the graphics card no problem anyway but it's not essential.

[Mr U Rosler]

Greetings,

I've see a refurbished laptop described as A+ condition with a 6 month warranty. very high spec for the money but it states 'SEAL IS BROKEN'..... what does this mean?

[Smurf]

It means that it's been opened and wouldn't be covered by the manufacturers guarantee.

[domulus11]

Hi guys. Really helpful thread, I have been due a new laptop myself for longer than I can even remember. With the new FM coming up, and having not played the game since FM11, I have decided to take the plunge.

After much searching, within my budget of £500-£600 I have narrowed my options down to 3.. which are as follows.

1. MSI CX61 ( http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/CX61-2PC-685UK-MSI-CX61-Haswell_1620397.html )

2. HP Envy 15-j140sa ( http://www.johnlewis.com/hp-envy-15-j140sa-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-ram-1tb-15-6-natural-silver/p1577431 )

3. or the PCSPECIALIST Cosmos II ( https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/notebooks/cosmosII/ ) with these main specs:

• Processor (CPU)
  Intel® core™i5 Dual Core Mobile Processor i5-4210M (2.60GHz) 3MB
  
• Memory (RAM)
  8GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
  
• Graphics Card
  NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 840M - 2.0GB DDR3 Video RAM - DirectX® 11
  
• Memory - Hard Disk
  500GB WD SCORPIO BLACK WD5000BPKX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 16MB CACHE (7200 rpm)
  
• Operating System
  Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence
  

Now as far as I can tell, those 3 machines should be good enough to run Football Manager to a decent level. But I want the best performance possible (who doesn't), to be able to run a good amount of leagues and have the option to watch the match in 3D (to at least medium quality, im not overly fussed by it being tip top). So my question to any of you members is what would be your preference?? OR even if you think I would be better of with another laptop entirely.

A few last things to mention, I will pretty much only be using this laptop for entertainment purposes, storing movies and music, general internet browsing and playing FM15 (and future instalments), I don't play any other PC games either.

I'm new to this forum and any advice given will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers in advance

[Dench57]

All three would run FM like a dream. Hard choice to pick between the 3, all are good specs for the price and each have their pros and cons. I don't think you'll find much better elsewhere. As far as I can see they are all very similar. 8GB RAM and either GT 820m or 840m cards, and i5 4200m or i5 4210m processors (marginal differences between these). The HP has the largest hard drive, but the Cosmos can be upgraded to a 750gb+ hard drive, and 7200rpm speed as opposed to 5400rpm, for a very small price.

The MSI however only comes with a 1 year warranty, as opposed to the 3 year you would get with the HP or the Cosmos. You can add 3 year warranty for £50 though, making it the same pprice as the HP. I can't see the price of your Cosmos but generally PCSpecialist always do the best bang for your buck, the downside being a 7-14 day building/delivery time. The MSI and the HP also come with Full HD 1920x1080 screen resolution which is much better picture quality than the Cosmos.

Sorry that's not really much help hah, they're all very similar and will all run FM almost identically. It's just up to personal preference really. Better screen quality on the HP and MSI is probably the biggest difference.

[domulus11]

All three would run FM like a dream. Hard choice to pick between the 3, all are good specs for the price and each have their pros and cons. I don't think you'll find much better elsewhere. As far as I can see they are all very similar. 8GB RAM and either GT 820m or 840m cards, and i5 4200m or i5 4210m processors (marginal differences between these). The HP has the largest hard drive, but the Cosmos can be upgraded to a 750gb+ hard drive, and 7200rpm speed as opposed to 5400rpm, for a very small price.

The MSI however only comes with a 1 year warranty, as opposed to the 3 year you would get with the HP or the Cosmos. You can add 3 year warranty for £50 though, making it the same pprice as the HP. I can't see the price of your Cosmos but generally PCSpecialist always do the best bang for your buck, the downside being a 7-14 day building/delivery time. The MSI and the HP also come with Full HD 1920x1080 screen resolution which is much better picture quality than the Cosmos.

Sorry that's not really much help hah, they're all very similar and will all run FM almost identically. It's just up to personal preference really. Better screen quality on the HP and MSI is probably the biggest difference.

Nice one Dench, that really does help. Nice to know my limited knowledge has at least picked out 3 of them that would do a sufficient job. I set up the Cosmos II and it came to £589 (that's with a 500gb, 7200rpm hard drive), so they are all very similar price wise. If I'm honest I am leaning towards the HP, possibly because my last laptop was a HP so I seem to have some kind of blind loyalty to them haha. Is there anything else that you could suggest? Just want to make sure I am making the right decision 100% before I click that buy button.

[heliu5]

Nice one Dench, that really does help. Nice to know my limited knowledge has at least picked out 3 of them that would do a sufficient job. I set up the Cosmos II and it came to £589 (that's with a 500gb, 7200rpm hard drive), so they are all very similar price wise. If I'm honest I am leaning towards the HP, possibly because my last laptop was a HP so I seem to have some kind of blind loyalty to them haha. Is there anything else that you could suggest? Just want to make sure I am making the right decision 100% before I click that buy button.

I've got a HP ProBook 450G1 with a similar processor i5-4200M and an ATi 8750 which is a bit worse than the 840M. Mine has only 1366x768 screen but FM14 works awesome I load around 45-50000 players and play on Medium graphics just because I want it smoother but even on Very High it works fine (when you set automatically, it sets itself as Very High). I'm very satisfied with HP, didn't have any issues until now. I posted it just for performance comparison so you would know what to expect.

[Dench57]

Nice one Dench, that really does help. Nice to know my limited knowledge has at least picked out 3 of them that would do a sufficient job. I set up the Cosmos II and it came to £589 (that's with a 500gb, 7200rpm hard drive), so they are all very similar price wise. If I'm honest I am leaning towards the HP, possibly because my last laptop was a HP so I seem to have some kind of blind loyalty to them haha. Is there anything else that you could suggest? Just want to make sure I am making the right decision 100% before I click that buy button.

Yeah they're all almost identical so it's just down to personal preference of brand. I couldn't speak to the quality of MSI or PCSpecialist as I've never used their laptops before. If you've used HP before and have been happy with their laptops, then go for the HP.

[FCBarca_96]

Thinking of getting this:

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Lenovo_B5400-Intel_Core_i5-4200M_2.50GHz__3MB_Cache__1600MHz_4GB_1TB_DVD-RW_MB82HUK/version.asp

Good value?

[Dench57]

Thinking of getting this:

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Lenovo_B5400-Intel_Core_i5-4200M_2.50GHz__3MB_Cache__1600MHz_4GB_1TB_DVD-RW_MB82HUK/version.asp

Good value?

Reasonably good value. What will you be using it for? And what is your max budget?

The i5-4200m is a very good processor for that price range, but you really want 8gb RAM as that will future-proof the laptop, think it would be about £40 to upgrade to 8gb at laptops direct. It also only comes with 1 year warranty, can be upgraded to 3 for another £45

[FCBarca_96]

Reasonably good value. What will you be using it for? And what is your max budget?

The i5-4200m is a very good processor for that price range, but you really want 8gb RAM as that will future-proof the laptop, think it would be about £40 to upgrade to 8gb at laptops direct. It also only comes with 1 year warranty, can be upgraded to 3 for another £45

Gaming wise just FM 15 and beyond. Also starting an OU degree in October so need it for that. Max budget is £500 but preferably less than that.

Thanks for your help.

[Dench57]

Gaming wise just FM 15 and beyond. Also starting an OU degree in October so need it for that. Max budget is £500 but preferably less than that.

Thanks for your help.

Will run FM15+ smoothly, would definitely recommend giving them a ring and upgrading to 8gb RAM though.

[FCBarca_96]

Will run FM15+ smoothly, would definitely recommend giving them a ring and upgrading to 8gb RAM though.

Not able to buy it yet anyway but might have tried to get some money together if it was a fantastic deal. Is that an average price for those specs then?

[Dench57]

Not able to buy it yet anyway but might have tried to get some money together if it was a fantastic deal. Is that an average price for those specs then?

Having had a quick look around I'd say it's a good spec for that price, assuming the RAM upgrade was within £50. The i5-4200m is the sort of processor you see in £500-700+ laptops, and since the processor is the most important part for FM, that's good for you. The integrated graphics will be fine for FM and the 3D match engine (medium settings) if you don't intend to play newer, more graphics-demanding games. The only weak point to this deal is the 4gb RAM. 4gb is fine right now, it's been the standard in £400-700 laptops in the previous 3-4 years. However as of 2014 I would strongly suggest an 8gb RAM upgrade if it's in the £40-50 range. It will speed up everything and it's well worth the money going forward (Future version of Windows 8.1, FM15 and beyond). If you can get this laptop with 8gb RAM for £450 then that's a very good deal. The 3 year warranty is up to you.

[FCBarca_96]

Having had a quick look around I'd say it's a good spec for that price, assuming the RAM upgrade was within £50. The i5-4200m is the sort of processor you see in £500-700+ laptops, and since the processor is the most important part for FM, that's good for you. The integrated graphics will be fine for FM and the 3D match engine (medium settings) if you don't intend to play newer, more graphics-demanding games. The only weak point to this deal is the 4gb RAM. 4gb is fine right now, it's been the standard in £400-700 laptops in the previous 3-4 years. However as of 2014 I would strongly suggest an 8gb RAM upgrade if it's in the £40-50 range. It will speed up everything and it's well worth the money going forward (Future version of Windows 8.1, FM15 and beyond). If you can get this laptop with 8gb RAM for £450 then that's a very good deal. The 3 year warranty is up to you.

Ok thanks. Any idea what windows 7/windows 8 means since it lists them both. Does that mean I can choose which I want? Bit confused by that.

[Clarky323]

Am now working so don't get any time to play FM during the day, want to save for a laptop so I can go on FM in the evening without worrying if someone else wants to use the computer, what price would I be looking at to get a laptop capable of playing FM14 (or indeed 15) to a decent speed when playing about 10 nations with around 20-25 playable leagues.

thanks.

[Smurf]

£500+ ........