New Laptop/PC Advice -Please Read the Opening Post

[davie1987]

my laptop decided to give up the ghost and was looking for a new 1 and was wondering if this 1 would run football manager 

[Sevkak]

On 22/09/2020 at 11:50, timtim11 said:

Would this be good to play FM on please

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/acer-aspire-5-a515-55g-core-i5-1035g1-8gb-512gb-ssd-15.6-inch-geforce-mx350-nx.hzgek.003/version.asp

If you haven't bought it yet, I'd spend £50 more to get this model instead, it has a better graphics card and display: https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/acer-nitro-5-ryzen-5-4600h-8gb-512gb-ssd-geforce-gtx-1650-15.6-inch-windows-nh.q9gek.002/version.asp

[Kback]

I have found a acer aspire 3 with spec  

• AMD Ryzen 7 3700U-processor
• Radeon RX Vega 10 onboard-grafik
• 8 GB RAM, 512 GB M.2 SSD

could this Work for fm and some film? Price is 469.70 euro in Sweden. 

[kevhamster]

On 24/09/2020 at 07:52, davie1987 said:

my laptop decided to give up the ghost and was looking for a new 1 and was wondering if this 1 would run football manager 

It will, but in all honesty I wouldn't recommend it as you ideally want to go with something with at least 8GB of RAM.  Depending on what your intentions are, you may also find the small amount of storage (128GB) limiting.

[kevhamster]

29 minutes ago, Kback said:

I have found a acer aspire 3 with spec  

• AMD Ryzen 7 3700U-processor
• Radeon RX Vega 10 onboard-grafik
• 8 GB RAM, 512 GB M.2 SSD

could this Work for fm and some film? Price is 469.70 euro in Sweden. 

If you mean watching films, then yes this laptop will be fine.  That's a very decent CPU in that machine and the integrated graphics on these Ryzen chips are decent.

[kevhamster]

On 24/09/2020 at 09:03, Sevkak said:

If you haven't bought it yet, I'd spend £50 more to get this model instead, it has a better graphics card and display: https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/acer-nitro-5-ryzen-5-4600h-8gb-512gb-ssd-geforce-gtx-1650-15.6-inch-windows-nh.q9gek.002/version.asp

If FM is the only game he plays, then the one he picked out would be fine, as you don't need an amazing graphics card for FM (as most modern integrated graphics will be able to play 3D in at least medium settings) and you don't need a high refresh rate either.

However, if he going to play other games too, then the one you've picked out is definitely worth the extra £50 for the stronger graphics card.

[aldo1987]

Basically looking for the most budget laptop out there to purely for FM, hoping there will be a few models out there that are cheap and cheerful!

[davie1987]

2 hours ago, kevhamster said:

It will, but in all honesty I wouldn't recommend it as you ideally want to go with something with at least 8GB of RAM.  Depending on what your intentions are, you may also find the small amount of storage (128GB) limiting.

I can always add more ram in at a later date . I only use my laptop for football manager tbf 

[kevhamster]

4 hours ago, aldo1987 said:

Basically looking for the most budget laptop out there to purely for FM, hoping there will be a few models out there that are cheap and cheerful!

What is your budget?

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, davie1987 said:

I can always add more ram in at a later date . I only use my laptop for football manager tbf 

How much is that laptop listed at?  I'll have a look and see if I can find you something better at a similar price.

[davie1987]

25 minutes ago, kevhamster said:

How much is that laptop listed at?  I'll have a look and see if I can find you something better at a similar price.

400 mate 

[kevhamster]

24 minutes ago, davie1987 said:

400 mate 

For the same money, this one looks a better bet to me: https://www.box.co.uk/NS14A6UKU441-RG-Venturer-Pura-14_2989705.html

Or, if you can afford £450, then this one has a stronger CPU, 8GB of RAM and twice the storage: https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8483935

[aldo1987]

1 hour ago, kevhamster said:

What is your budget?

To be honest as cheap as possible, I'd be happy with pre-owned.

I have a laptop i use for work, but for obvious reasons can't have FM installed on the machine - so literally just want a laptop to play FM, nothing more.

Ideally something £300 or under

[kevhamster]

47 minutes ago, aldo1987 said:

To be honest as cheap as possible, I'd be happy with pre-owned.

I have a laptop i use for work, but for obvious reasons can't have FM installed on the machine - so literally just want a laptop to play FM, nothing more.

Ideally something £300 or under

OK, I'll take a look and see what I can find. Even looking at preowned or refurb, you won't find anything great at that price, but if you don't mind some compromises you'll be able to get something that plays FM20. 

[kevhamster]

2 hours ago, aldo1987 said:

To be honest as cheap as possible, I'd be happy with pre-owned.

I have a laptop i use for work, but for obvious reasons can't have FM installed on the machine - so literally just want a laptop to play FM, nothing more.

Ideally something £300 or under

It's hard to find something to wholeheartedly recommend, but here's two which will be OK.  Both are pre-owned:

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/refurbished-acer-swift-3-amd-athlon-300u-4gb-128gb-14-inch-windows-10-lapto-a2-nx.hfdek.009/version.asp - £299.97

https://www.box.co.uk/81FB004XUK(C)-(Grade-B)-Lenovo-ideaPad-330S_3200473.html - £253.99 

Out of the two, the laptopsdirect one is stronger - slightly better CPU based on the benchmarking sites and full HD display (the one from Box is only a 1368x768 display), but does have a shorter warranty (3 months compared to 6 months with the one from Box) and is obviously a bit more expensive.

Also, if it makes any difference, the Laptops Direct one has a 14" display, and the one from Box is 15.6".

Both only have 4GB RAM as well, which is likely to impact performance a bit as you ideally want 8GB or more.

But, both should run FM20 to an acceptable standard, just not blazingly fast in terms of the processing.

Edited September 25, 2020 by kevhamster

[timtim11]

Decided to go with this one.

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p15603-core-i7-9750h-8gb-1tb-hdd-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-geforc-30027149/version.asp

[Pinky]

Hi all, 

Just wondering how would this run fm20 and future releases. 

https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8114448/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7COffice%2C+PCs+and+phones%7C14418968/c_2/3%7Ccat_50000560%7CLaptops%7C50000564.htm

i have limited knowledge on laptops. I only know what i have read on this thread. Looking to run roughly 5 leagues with a large database. Graphics not really important as i watch games 2d. Budget of €500 - €700. Laptop will only be used for FM. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks

[JordanMilly]

1 hour ago, Pinky said:

Hi all, 

Just wondering how would this run fm20 and future releases. 

https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8114448/c_1/1|category_root|Office%2C+PCs+and+phones|14418968/c_2/3|cat_50000560|Laptops|50000564.htm

i have limited knowledge on laptops. I only know what i have read on this thread. Looking to run roughly 5 leagues with a large database. Graphics not really important as i watch games 2d. Budget of €500 - €700. Laptop will only be used for FM. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks

It wouldn't work due to having the 10 S version of Windows 10, which you can't install Steam or Epic onto to my knowledge. 

[Pinky]

10 minutes ago, JordanMillward_1 said:

It wouldn't work due to having the 10 S version of Windows 10, which you can't install Steam or Epic onto to my knowledge. 

Thanks, i never even spotted that. 

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, Pinky said:

Thanks, i never even spotted that. 

You can upgrade from the S version but I believe there's a fee involved. 

However, if you can find another laptop with the same spec that's not the S version of Windows 10, it'll run FM20 nicely. Can't say for sure with future versions as the recommended specs aren't out yet, but the requirements don't change much from one year to the next usually. 

[Dylan12345]

Anyone able to tell me if FM21 supports that Intel processor? Or if I’ll have to buy a new Laptop and if I need a new Laptop is the AMD ryzen 3 3250u processor any good for this years FM? Not very good when it comes to computer specs.

 

Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU G2030 @3.00GHz is the intel processor

Edited September 26, 2020 by Dylan12345

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, Dylan12345 said:

Anyone able to tell me if FM21 supports that Intel processor? Or if I’ll have to buy a new Laptop and if I need a new Laptop is the AMD ryzen 3 3250u processor any good for this years FM? Not very good when it comes to computer specs.

 

Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU G2030 @3.00GHz is the intel processor

Yes, that CPU will run FM21. Not sure how quick it'll be, but it meets the stated requirements. 

[Dylan12345]

Thanks, didnt have a clue

[Stu1892]

Decided to treat myself to a new laptop for fm21. My Macbook Air sounds like its taking off when I play a match. Processing speed of it isn't bad it all for the way I play. 

So my budget is £1k or less. I only play FM. All I'm after is a laptop which fans don't drown out the TV. Faster the game runs the better, but it's the cooling and fan noise that is my problem. Ideally 15" or smaller. 

I've been recommended these MSI GF Thins by a friend. But he plays all sorts of games.

https://www.ebuyer.com/974580-msi-gf75-thin-core-i7-8gb-512gb-ssd-gtx-1650ti-17-3-win10-9s7-17f412-004

https://www.ebuyer.com/974579-msi-gf65-thin-core-i7-8gb-512gb-ssd-gtx-1660ti-15-6-win10-9s7-16w112-289

Any help appreciated. 

[callamity]

4 hours ago, Stu1892 said:

Decided to treat myself to a new laptop for fm21. My Macbook Air sounds like its taking off when I play a match. Processing speed of it isn't bad it all for the way I play. 

So my budget is £1k or less. I only play FM. All I'm after is a laptop which fans don't drown out the TV. Faster the game runs the better, but it's the cooling and fan noise that is my problem. Ideally 15" or smaller. 

I've been recommended these MSI GF Thins by a friend. But he plays all sorts of games.

https://www.ebuyer.com/974580-msi-gf75-thin-core-i7-8gb-512gb-ssd-gtx-1650ti-17-3-win10-9s7-17f412-004

https://www.ebuyer.com/974579-msi-gf65-thin-core-i7-8gb-512gb-ssd-gtx-1660ti-15-6-win10-9s7-16w112-289

Any help appreciated. 

You will probably find the fans just need cleaned out and any gaming laptop will be loud as the gpu fans are normally louder than the cpu in laptops. 

 

Do you play other games or do other things on it that require a gfx card?

[Stu1892]

4 minutes ago, callamity said:

You will probably find the fans just need cleaned out and any gaming laptop will be loud as the gpu fans are normally louder than the cpu in laptops. 

 

Do you play other games or do other things on it that require a gfx card?

Thanks for the reply.

Had it open recently and it was surprisingly clean.  Obviously it's not cut out for 3d.  Or any gaming at all to be honest.
No other games.  Just FM

[kevhamster]

17 hours ago, Stu1892 said:

Thanks for the reply.

Had it open recently and it was surprisingly clean.  Obviously it's not cut out for 3d.  Or any gaming at all to be honest.
No other games.  Just FM

If you don't play any other games, then to be honest those laptops are overkill.

This will play FM quickly, the integrated graphics should be strong enough to render 3D matches in high settings:

https://www.box.co.uk/M509DA-BQ321T-ASUS-M509DA-BQ321T_2886177.html - 15.6"

https://www.box.co.uk/M413DA-EB211T-ASUS-VivoBook-14-M413DA-EB211T_2954892.html - 14"

Edited September 27, 2020 by kevhamster

[Stu1892]

Cheers @kevhamster

I'll take a look.

[Beret83]

Would FM run on / be able to use the functions of the 2 in 1 laptops that are a laptop tablet hybrid?

 

Sorry if it seems a silly question 

[kevhamster]

6 hours ago, Beret83 said:

Would FM run on / be able to use the functions of the 2 in 1 laptops that are a laptop tablet hybrid?

 

Sorry if it seems a silly question 

In terms of the "will it run?" question - depends on the specs of the machine.

In terms of the using the functions like touchscreen, I can't answer that.  My assumption would be yes, but I don't know.

[197Jack]

Hi Chaps, 

I've been along time laptop user and I'm looking to switch to Desktop PC, I've mainly looked at all in one PCs because I don't have much space but am aware that they are less powerful?  I'm not very knowledgeable on specifications etc. Games wise I would only be using it for FM and I'd use it for Netflix, YouTube and general browsing. I have a budget of around £600-£700. Just wondering if you have any recommendations of PC's that will run the game at a good speed? Couple of examples below that I've looked at so far but as I say I'm pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff!

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/lenovo-ideacentre-aio-3i-27-all-in-one-pc-intel-core-i5-512-gb-ssd-black-10208089-pdt.html

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/acer-aspire-c24-963-23-8-all-in-one-pc-intel-core-i5-1-tb-hdd-128-gb-ssd-silver-10208047-pdt.html

 

[kevhamster]

 

31 minutes ago, 197Jack said:

Hi Chaps, 

I've been along time laptop user and I'm looking to switch to Desktop PC, I've mainly looked at all in one PCs because I don't have much space but am aware that they are less powerful?  I'm not very knowledgeable on specifications etc. Games wise I would only be using it for FM and I'd use it for Netflix, YouTube and general browsing. I have a budget of around £600-£700. Just wondering if you have any recommendations of PC's that will run the game at a good speed? Couple of examples below that I've looked at so far but as I say I'm pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff!

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/lenovo-ideacentre-aio-3i-27-all-in-one-pc-intel-core-i5-512-gb-ssd-black-10208089-pdt.html

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/acer-aspire-c24-963-23-8-all-in-one-pc-intel-core-i5-1-tb-hdd-128-gb-ssd-silver-10208047-pdt.html

 

The Lenovo of the two has the stronger CPU, so will offer a better experience.

The Acer has a very low base clock speed, so even though the benchmarks on it seem OK, I wouldn't go for that one at all.

That said, I would check you definitely don't have space for a full fledged desktop before committing to one of these.  You will get much better value for money if you can fit an actual desktop in.  You can get some smaller form factor PC's, get a monitor on top, get better performance and still have some change compared to the cost of these all-in-ones.

For example: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/hp-m01-f1002na-desktop-pc-intel-core-i5-1-tb-hdd-black-10208085-pdt.html

This one appears quite reasonable in terms of size, has a stronger CPU than either of the all-in-ones and is over £200 cheaper.  You could probably get a monitor the same size as the all-in-one screen for less than £100 as well, so you'd save a fair wad of money.  Check the measurements of the space of where you'd be planning to put your computer, then check the dimensions of that PC and see how it would fit.

Edited September 28, 2020 by kevhamster

[197Jack]

9 hours ago, kevhamster said:

 

The Lenovo of the two has the stronger CPU, so will offer a better experience.

The Acer has a very low base clock speed, so even though the benchmarks on it seem OK, I wouldn't go for that one at all.

That said, I would check you definitely don't have space for a full fledged desktop before committing to one of these.  You will get much better value for money if you can fit an actual desktop in.  You can get some smaller form factor PC's, get a monitor on top, get better performance and still have some change compared to the cost of these all-in-ones.

For example: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/hp-m01-f1002na-desktop-pc-intel-core-i5-1-tb-hdd-black-10208085-pdt.html

This one appears quite reasonable in terms of size, has a stronger CPU than either of the all-in-ones and is over £200 cheaper.  You could probably get a monitor the same size as the all-in-one screen for less than £100 as well, so you'd save a fair wad of money.  Check the measurements of the space of where you'd be planning to put your computer, then check the dimensions of that PC and see how it would fit.

Thanks a lot @kevhamster! I should be able to fit something like that in. Will go ahead and get one of those 

[Keyzer Soze]

Hi,

Can FM run in this sort of devices? And if yes, with what quality (graphics and number os leagues).

https://www.pdevice.com/product/teclast-x4-price-specs

Edited September 29, 2020 by Keyzer Soze

[EdL]

18 minutes ago, Keyzer Soze said:

Hi,

Can FM run in this sort of devices? And if yes, with what quality (graphics and number os leagues).

https://www.pdevice.com/product/teclast-x4-price-specs

The CPU is very weak I wouldn't recommend it, I think it would struggle massively

[kevhamster]

19 minutes ago, Keyzer Soze said:

Hi,

Can FM run in this sort of devices? And if yes, with what quality (graphics and number os leagues).

https://www.pdevice.com/product/teclast-x4-price-specs

Unless I'm mistaken, tablet style devices will only run FM Touch, and I believe you're limited to 3 countries?

[Keyzer Soze]

1 minute ago, kevhamster said:

Unless I'm mistaken, tablet style devices will only run FM Touch, and I believe you're limited to 3 countries?

This is a hybrid tablet that runs windows OS.

[Keyzer Soze]

3 minutes ago, EdL said:

The CPU is very weak I wouldn't recommend it, I think it would struggle massively

ok.

But is there any hybrid tablet that can run FM?

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, Keyzer Soze said:

ok.

But is there any hybrid tablet that can run FM?

https://www.box.co.uk/ASUS-ZenBook-Flip-14-UM462DA-AI037T_2579387.html

Based on specs, this would, although not sure if this is what you're looking for as the keyboard isn't detachable. but kinda flips to the back of the device. 

You are getting into serious money before you have a machine of this type really viable for FM.

You would honestly be better off looking at a pure laptop, unless there is a specific reason you need the touchscreen function.  You could get an equivalent specced pure laptop at £200 or more less than the cost of this.

[corinthiano]

1 hour ago, kevhamster said:

https://www.box.co.uk/ASUS-ZenBook-Flip-14-UM462DA-AI037T_2579387.html

Based on specs, this would, although not sure if this is what you're looking for as the keyboard isn't detachable. but kinda flips to the back of the device. 

You are getting into serious money before you have a machine of this type really viable for FM.

You would honestly be better off looking at a pure laptop, unless there is a specific reason you need the touchscreen function.  You could get an equivalent specced pure laptop at £200 or more less than the cost of this.

Does that apply to FMT too? Want to have the practicality of being able to play on the sofa but don't like the idea of the 3 countries / 30 seasons limitations. Does FMT run OK on something like a Surface Pro?

[kevhamster]

34 minutes ago, corinthiano said:

Does that apply to FMT too? Want to have the practicality of being able to play on the sofa but don't like the idea of the 3 countries / 30 seasons limitations. Does FMT run OK on something like a Surface Pro?

In all honesty, that is a question for SI.  Specs-wise, that could handle a whole lot more than the 3 country limit and it appears to be full Windows, so my assumption would be yes.  But, to be sure it is a question I'd fire at SI's technical support.  I've not used devices like these, so I have no direct experience with them.

 

[Sweetleftfoot]

Hi All,

I am waiting for the new Macbook with Arm processors to launch, does anyone know if the new FM21 will work properly on the new Macbooks?

 

Thank you for your help in advance.

[Smurf]

17 hours ago, Sweetleftfoot said:

Hi All,

I am waiting for the new Macbook with Arm processors to launch, does anyone know if the new FM21 will work properly on the new Macbooks?

Thank you for your help in advance.

Firstly, the ARM processors will come in different specs, so it's impossible to know what the new Macbook will offer in terms of types of Arm processors.
It's rumoured that the first will be the A14x - but typical Apple, I can't find any information on it's speed, although the only info I found was that it was on par with the i7-8750H - which would make it good for FM.

Secondly, FM21 is not yet released, so we do not know the minimum specs required for FM21, although it will likely be similar to FM20. 

As long as it meets the minimum specs for the game - then it will run.
If it's below or close to the minimum specs, expect below and up to minimum performance.
The higher it is above minimum spec, expect a higher performance.

 

[Keyzer Soze]

21 hours ago, kevhamster said:

https://www.box.co.uk/ASUS-ZenBook-Flip-14-UM462DA-AI037T_2579387.html

Based on specs, this would, although not sure if this is what you're looking for as the keyboard isn't detachable. but kinda flips to the back of the device. 

You are getting into serious money before you have a machine of this type really viable for FM.

You would honestly be better off looking at a pure laptop, unless there is a specific reason you need the touchscreen function.  You could get an equivalent specced pure laptop at £200 or more less than the cost of this.

Thing is, i play only FMT and usually i play it on my way to work, so a tablet is more pratical than a laptop. The problem is, with android tablets, you are limited to 3 nations.

So i was looking for a tablet that could run windows 10, and run FMT with 5 or 6 nations a ok 3d graphics.

[kevhamster]

4 minutes ago, Keyzer Soze said:

Thing is, i play only FMT and usually i play it on my way to work, so a tablet is more pratical than a laptop. The problem is, with android tablets, you are limited to 3 nations.

So i was looking for a tablet that could run windows 10, and run FMT with 5 or 6 nations a ok 3d graphics.

I suppose the things to ask would be your budget, and where you are based?  I've seen very little under £1,000.00 which I'd consider able to run FM to any kind of acceptable standard.  Tablets tend to include less powerful hardware because of the requirements of keeping power draw to a minimum, so as to maximise the battery life as much as possible.  So you find that anything with half-decent specs will cost a fortune.

[Smurf]

32 minutes ago, Keyzer Soze said:

Thing is, i play only FMT and usually i play it on my way to work, so a tablet is more pratical than a laptop. The problem is, with android tablets, you are limited to 3 nations.

So i was looking for a tablet that could run windows 10, and run FMT with 5 or 6 nations a ok 3d graphics.

You'd be looking at something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Surface-12-3-Tablet-Platinum/dp/B07Y5LKZ4Y/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Windows+10+Tablet&qid=1601469443&refinements=p_36%3A-100000%2Cp_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A909014031%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A909020031|909021031&rnid=909015031&s=computers&sr=1-5

 

You'd be looking for something from this list for a 2-1.

https://www.box.co.uk/laptops/sort/2/refine/46562~144409$46562~144410$46562~191219$46562~191220$47295~203150

 

[Smurf]

I'm not familiar with FMT - isn't it a restriction of FMT to 3 nations, regardless of type of computer? You'd still probably need to buy the full FM and run it on the full version of Windows (obv)

[kevhamster]

37 minutes ago, Smurf said:

I'm not familiar with FMT - isn't it a restriction of FMT to 3 nations, regardless of type of computer? You'd still probably need to buy the full FM and run it on the full version of Windows (obv)

By default, yes.  However, if you're playing on a Windows PC you have the option to remove that restriction.  It just means that the save game cannot then be played on another platform (as the save games are cross-platform compatible if the restrictions are kept in place).

[Smurf]

14 minutes ago, kevhamster said:

By default, yes.  However, if you're playing on a Windows PC you have the option to remove that restriction.  It just means that the save game cannot then be played on another platform (as the save games are cross-platform compatible if the restrictions are kept in place).

Gotcha

[corinthiano]

2 hours ago, Smurf said:

You'd be looking at something like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Surface-12-3-Tablet-Platinum/dp/B07Y5LKZ4Y/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Windows+10+Tablet&qid=1601469443&refinements=p_36%3A-100000%2Cp_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A909014031%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A909020031|909021031&rnid=909015031&s=computers&sr=1-5

 

You'd be looking for something from this list for a 2-1.

https://www.box.co.uk/laptops/sort/2/refine/46562~144409$46562~144410$46562~191219$46562~191220$47295~203150

 

Thanks Smurf, any concerns in getting the 128 GB version of the Surface Pro? That one is actually the one I was thinking of getting.