New Laptop/PC Advice -Please Read the Opening Post

[kevhamster]

8 hours ago, BARNESDON said:

Thanks Kev, 

Does anyone think Curry’s PC World will have anything? 
not fussed by graphics. 
 

 

They have this one: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-c340-14-intel-core-i3-2-in-1-laptop-128-gb-ssd-blue-10198365-pdt.html

This is the only one under £400 I can see which I'd recommend in any way.  There's one under £400.00 with a slightly better spec in terms of CPU, but it runs on Windows 10 S, which means you can only install programs from the Microsoft store.  You can upgrade it to standard Windows after buying, but that's an extra cost obviously.

The one I'd previously linked is better overall.  But if you only want to buy from Currys, then this one is the one to go for if £400.00 is your maximum. 

[Townender]

Kevhamster, can you recommend anything for my post?

[kevhamster]

48 minutes ago, Townender said:

Kevhamster, can you recommend anything for my post?

https://www.box.co.uk/81V50008UK-Lenovo-V155_2560664.html

I actually can't believe this one is only £400.00.  Great CPU for the kind of setup you want.

Edited December 20, 2019 by kevhamster

[thnigelfc]

Smurf/kevhamster

was about to order the one smurf mentioned earlier,

then I saw this one in the sale..

Would this play FM20 just English leagues prem-conference?

 

 https://www.box.co.uk/NX.GNVEK.030-Acer-Aspire-3-A315-21_2606353.html

Edited December 20, 2019 by thnigelfc

[Townender]

25 minutes ago, kevhamster said:

https://www.box.co.uk/81V50008UK-Lenovo-V155_2560664.html

I actually can't believe this one is only £400.00.  Great CPU for the kind of setup you want.

Thanks a lot

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, thnigelfc said:

Smurf/kevhamster

was about to order the one smurf mentioned earlier,

then I saw this one in the sale..

Would this play FM20 just English leagues prem-conference?

 

 https://www.box.co.uk/NX.GNVEK.030-Acer-Aspire-3-A315-21_2606353.html

Maybe..... but I'd highly recommend against it at the CPU is weak and you've only got 4GB of RAM.  If it runs FM, you're going to find it very slow even running a modest amount of leagues.

[thnigelfc]

1 minute ago, kevhamster said:

Maybe..... but I'd highly recommend against it at the CPU is weak and you've only got 4GB of RAM.  If it runs FM, you're going to find it very slow even running a modest amount of leagues.

Thanks Kevhamster I will order the other one now

[Welshace]

14 hours ago, kevhamster said:

Barnesdon wasn't the guy who wanted all the leagues running at the same time. 

[BARNESDON]

On 20/12/2019 at 09:26, kevhamster said:

They have this one: https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-c340-14-intel-core-i3-2-in-1-laptop-128-gb-ssd-blue-10198365-pdt.html

This is the only one under £400 I can see which I'd recommend in any way.  There's one under £400.00 with a slightly better spec in terms of CPU, but it runs on Windows 10 S, which means you can only install programs from the Microsoft store.  You can upgrade it to standard Windows after buying, but that's an extra cost obviously.

The one I'd previously linked is better overall.  But if you only want to buy from Currys, then this one is the one to go for if £400.00 is your maximum. 

Thanks, I went with your original suggestion from box. 

[cricketdave]

Regarding RAM, is there a point at which adding RAM becomes pointless? I’ve just bought an HP Pavilion with 8GB. I’ve ordered another 8 but I thought should I not just stick in16GB x 2.

[Hovis Dexter]

11 hours ago, cricketdave said:

Regarding RAM, is there a point at which adding RAM becomes pointless? I’ve just bought an HP Pavilion with 8GB. I’ve ordered another 8 but I thought should I not just stick in16GB x 2.

I think that I read somebody say that there is a limit to the amount of RAM that will effect FM but I take the view that  this may change in the future and, in any event, I use my computer for loads of other things including ‘photo editing so I always buy as much RAM as the machine will take and I can afford.

[kevhamster]

On 21/12/2019 at 23:10, cricketdave said:

Regarding RAM, is there a point at which adding RAM becomes pointless? I’ve just bought an HP Pavilion with 8GB. I’ve ordered another 8 but I thought should I not just stick in16GB x 2.

It really depends on what you're doing with the PC.  You really don't need more than 16GB for purely FM.  Even 8 is sufficient really.

[Smurf]

23 hours ago, Hovis Dexter said:

I think that I read somebody say that there is a limit to the amount of RAM that will effect FM but I take the view that  this may change in the future and, in any event, I use my computer for loads of other things including ‘photo editing so I always buy as much RAM as the machine will take and I can afford.

 

33 minutes ago, kevhamster said:

It really depends on what you're doing with the PC.  You really don't need more than 16GB for purely FM.  Even 8 is sufficient really.

RAM does play a part in FM in terms of shortlisting - if my memory serves me right on this - been a while since I had a conversation about it. 

More RAM the better in some regards for FM.

16gb is plenty - 8gb would be minimum.

But as I always say - more RAM is always better anyway, 32gb if you want - but I don't think you'd see too many gains for FM.

[Gee_Simpson]

9 hours ago, Smurf said:

 

RAM does play a part in FM in terms of shortlisting - if my memory serves me right on this - been a while since I had a conversation about it. 

More RAM the better in some regards for FM.

16gb is plenty - 8gb would be minimum.

But as I always say - more RAM is always better anyway, 32gb if you want - but I don't think you'd see too many gains for FM.

On my old system (i7 3770, 16gb RAM) I actually had to buy 8gb more RAM for it because for some reason (possibly my anti virus?) I was often going over 8gb and FM said it had to close due to low memory. Since I upgraded to 16gb I haven't had any problems. I will be building my new PC over the coming days so this one will be retired soon

[Smurf]

12 hours ago, Gee_Simpson said:

On my old system (i7 3770, 16gb RAM) I actually had to buy 8gb more RAM for it because for some reason (possibly my anti virus?) I was often going over 8gb and FM said it had to close due to low memory. Since I upgraded to 16gb I haven't had any problems. I will be building my new PC over the coming days so this one will be retired soon

Low memory issues is rarely down to RAM - it could have been your VRAM or a display driver or something. 

[Gee_Simpson]

10 hours ago, Smurf said:

Low memory issues is rarely down to RAM - it could have been your VRAM or a display driver or something. 

The RAM was definitely being used up, as I checked on task manager and sometimes the usage was almost 8gb and I didn't even have many apps running. Not had any issues since I added an extra 8gb.

Edited December 24, 2019 by Gee_Simpson

[Welshace]

8gb ram is the minimum for fm20 i find... especially with windows 10 and the likelyhood that most people are multitasking while playing... 

 

I wouldn't look to play a long term save with less than 12gb (obviously 16gb for optimisation)

[Peter G]

I'm probably missing something but trying to play Touch on my Galaxy Tab A bit when I click play, nothing happens? Is there a different version for tablet?

[Jords100000]

Hi, Just after playing FM20. I will mainly be playing touch, due to time constraints. My girlfriend bought me the below Chromebook. Just wondered if it would run it or would it be worth exchanging for something more expensive? Thanks.

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-s340-14-intel-celeron-chromebook-64-gb-emmc-black-10194557-pdt.html

[davehibb]

@Smurf @kevhamster or anyone else!

£400 budget give or take a little.

Looking for something to run FM20. Happy to forgo graphics in return for processing. I rarely play in 3D. Hopefully something that can run multiple divisions from multiple countries for multiple years. Reconditioned is fine too.

 

Cheers!

[jimmyncfc]

Hi, would this laptop run FM20 ok?
Don't need 3D graphics as only use the commentary option anyway.
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9396461

Thanks

[Tommy_S]

Hey @Smurf and @kevhamster 

Very close to biting the bullet and going for this laptop but wanted your expert opinion before going ahead. Hoping it would deal with long saves and a large database.

Asus FX505GM

Display diagonal: 15.6 inch

Processor: i7-8750H 2.20 GHz

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060

Internal memory: 8 GB DDR4-SDRAM

Storage: 1256 GB HDD+SSD

Battery: 48 Wh  

Weight: 2.2 kg

 

Edited December 26, 2019 by Tommy_S

[kevhamster]

19 hours ago, davehibb said:

@Smurf @kevhamster or anyone else!

£400 budget give or take a little.

Looking for something to run FM20. Happy to forgo graphics in return for processing. I rarely play in 3D. Hopefully something that can run multiple divisions from multiple countries for multiple years. Reconditioned is fine too.

 

Cheers!

https://www.box.co.uk/81V50008UK-Lenovo-V155_2560664.html

Decent CPU, should run the game quickly.  Good value for the price! 

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, jimmyncfc said:

Hi, would this laptop run FM20 ok?
Don't need 3D graphics as only use the commentary option anyway.
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9396461

Thanks

Yes. 

[davehibb]

33 minutes ago, kevhamster said:

https://www.box.co.uk/81V50008UK-Lenovo-V155_2560664.html

Decent CPU, should run the game quickly.  Good value for the price! 

@kevhamster would this one be the same?

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v155-15api-amd-ryzen-5-3500u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-radeon-vega-8-w-81v50008uk/version.asp#/specs

I can collect locally and it's a bit cheaper. Only 2mb cache compared to 6mb on the one you quoted?

[Jords100000]

Hi, would this run FM20 okay?

Or would someone be able to recommend something in this price range or cheaper that would be better please? Thanks.

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15s-fq1512sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i7-256-gb-ssd-silver-10198276-pdt.html

Edited December 26, 2019 by Jords100000

[Yevnin]

On 20/12/2019 at 10:44, kevhamster said:

https://www.box.co.uk/81V50008UK-Lenovo-V155_2560664.html

I actually can't believe this one is only £400.00.  Great CPU for the kind of setup you want.

Hi - is there anything different to this compared to this which is 50 quid cheaper? Struggling to work out what is

https://www.ebuyer.com/901659-lenovo-v155-15api-amd-ryzen-5-3500u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15-6-inch-full-hd-81v50008uk

 

[kevhamster]

1 hour ago, davehibb said:

@kevhamster would this one be the same?

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v155-15api-amd-ryzen-5-3500u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-radeon-vega-8-w-81v50008uk/version.asp#/specs

I can collect locally and it's a bit cheaper. Only 2mb cache compared to 6mb on the one you quoted?

I'm getting an error message clicking on the link. Specs seem very similar based on what the link says, but do make sure it's a brand new model with a 12 month warranty as this site sells a lot of refurb machines with shorter warranties. 

[kevhamster]

26 minutes ago, Yevnin said:

Hi - is there anything different to this compared to this which is 50 quid cheaper? Struggling to work out what is

https://www.ebuyer.com/901659-lenovo-v155-15api-amd-ryzen-5-3500u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15-6-inch-full-hd-81v50008uk

 

They're the same as far as I can see so I'd say go for the one at Ebuyer. 

[davehibb]

1 minute ago, kevhamster said:

I'm getting an error message clicking on the link. Specs seem very similar based on what the link says, but do make sure it's a brand new model with a 12 month warranty as this site sells a lot of refurb machines with shorter warranties. 

Does the processor cache size make a difference mate?

That's the only difference as far as i can tell.

This is the spec:

Product Description	Lenovo V155-15API - 15.6" - Ryzen 5 3500U - 8 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - QWERTY UK
Product Type	Notebook
Operating System	Win 10 Home 64-bit - English
Processor	AMD Ryzen 5 3500U / 2.1 GHz (3.7 GHz) / 2 MB Cache
Memory	8 GB DDR4 (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Storage	256 GB SSD NVMe
Optical Drive	DVD-Writer
Display	15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 / Full HD
Graphics	AMD Radeon Vega 8
Numeric Keypad	Yes
Integrated Webcam	Yes
Networking	802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet
Battery	Up to 5 hours
Security	Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip
Colour	Iron grey
Dimensions (WxDxH)	36.3 cm x 25.4 cm x 2.29 cm
Weight	2.2 kg
Localisation	Language: English / region: United Kingdom
Environmental Standards	ENERGY STAR Qualified
Manufacturer Warranty	Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return

[Tommy_S]

On 16/07/2019 at 14:06, Casanova said:

Hey all. 

This laptop is on sale today on amazon prime day deal. 

ASUS TUF FX505GM-AL279T 15.6 Inch Full HD Slim Bezel Gaming Laptop - (Black) (Intel i7-8750H Processor, Nvidia GTX 1060 6 GB Dedicated Graphics, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MWD86YZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1PClDbFY3GSFJ

it’s 40% off. 

Is it worth it? Would it run future FMs with full graphics and large database?

Hey this is exactly the laptop I’m looking at buying. Did you buy it and does it run fm well?

[Yevnin]

2 hours ago, kevhamster said:

They're the same as far as I can see so I'd say go for the one at Ebuyer. 

Thanks. As someone says below me seems like the processor cache is the only difference. Not sure how much difference it makes though. 

[Kegsy123]

Hi guys

would you recommend any of the following:

 

https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/computers-tablets/laptops/lenovo/lenovo-ideapad-s145-14-laptop/367734/

 

https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/computers-tablets/laptops/asus/asus-vivobook-f540ba-gq666t-15-6-laptop/370997/

 

https://www.harveynorman.co.nz/computers/laptops/acer-aspire-3-a315-42-r40d-15.6-laptop.html

 

Thanks!

 

[Stephanie McMahon's Secret Lover]

It's come to that time of life when the once brand spanking new laptop that could play any games easily has to be retired.

So it's onto a new desktop this time around.

Ideally want a top of the range gaming PC at a good price.

Fast reliable Processor
32 RAM
SSD/HDD - plenty of
Graphics card for easily playing Star Citizen and future VR games etc...
Plenty of USB/other types of ports for more storage capacity etc...
Large case for future improvements

Range under £1000 or up £1,500 for a great deal!
Large 4K monitor.
Keyboard, mouse etc included

Basically a rig that can easily take on the tough games at the moment and has the capacity to deal with better games to come and their graphics.

[AceOfDiamondZz]

I'm thinking about buying a PC in order to play FM20 but I'm not sure whether it will work properly as it's not a dedicated gaming PC. The PC information is listed below:

 

Processor: Intel Core i3, 3.3GHz 

RAM size: 8 GB 

Hard Drive size: 250 GB

Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 2500 

Operating System: Windows 10 Professional 

Thanks for your help

[JordanMilly]

17 minutes ago, AceOfDiamondZz said:

I'm thinking about buying a PC in order to play FM20 but I'm not sure whether it will work properly as it's not a dedicated gaming PC. The PC information is listed below:

 

Processor: Intel Core i3, 3.3GHz 

RAM size: 8 GB 

Hard Drive size: 250 GB

Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 2500 

Operating System: Windows 10 Professional 

Thanks for your help

Do you have more accurate info on the processor? What you've posted doesn't actually say what model of i3 processor that is. Also, could you say what your budget is, in case we can suggest something better?

[AceOfDiamondZz]

1 hour ago, JordanMillward_1 said:

Do you have more accurate info on the processor? What you've posted doesn't actually say what model of i3 processor that is. Also, could you say what your budget is, in case we can suggest something better?

Probably looking at something for less than £250,maybe £300 at a push, and the processor is 7010 SFF Core i3-3220

3D graphics aren't essential but I just need something for long saves and large databases with multiple leagues

Edited December 27, 2019 by AceOfDiamondZz

[tbh]

Looking for a budget laptop that will run FM smoothly in 2D mode only. Not expecting the world but my budget is £350 max. Cheers 

[Loops14]

I'm after a new laptop that would be able to run FM20 and hopefully be future proof for a few more years. Looking for something up to £550-£600. Any help would be appreciated, found a couple on Currys but not sure whether they are any good, cheers.

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-s340-14-intel-core-i7-laptop-512-gb-ssd-blue-10199305-pdt.html

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-swift-3-14-amd-ryzen-7-laptop-512-gb-ssd-silver-10193939-pdt.html

Edited December 27, 2019 by Loops14

[LouisFellows_]

Hello All,

 

I am looking to buy a new laptop as mine is outdated and processes fm20 very slow. My budget is only around £300, I was thinking of buying the link attached but wondered if anybody would know if this would be okay or anything better for the budget?

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-s340-14-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-grey-10199297-pdt.html

[Loops14]

6 hours ago, Loops14 said:

I'm after a new laptop that would be able to run FM20 and hopefully be future proof for a few more years. Looking for something up to £550-£600. Any help would be appreciated, found a couple on Currys but not sure whether they are any good, cheers.

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-s340-14-intel-core-i7-laptop-512-gb-ssd-blue-10199305-pdt.html

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-swift-3-14-amd-ryzen-7-laptop-512-gb-ssd-silver-10193939-pdt.html

Or this one?

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-15ikb-core-i7-8550u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-home-lap-81ax012suk/version.asp

[Welshace]

2 hours ago, Loops14 said:

Or this one?

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-15ikb-core-i7-8550u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-home-lap-81ax012suk/version.asp

All of those are fairly underpowered..... the lenovo from curry's is completely unsuitable ... and the other two will play fm but not to a great degree..

 

Try this:

 

https://www.box.co.uk/Medion-Erazer-P6605_2496888.html

 

Significantly more powerful cpu, dedicated graphics card too.... great laptop.

[Loops14]

41 minutes ago, Welshace said:

All of those are fairly underpowered..... the lenovo from curry's is completely unsuitable ... and the other two will play fm but not to a great degree..

 

Try this:

 

https://www.box.co.uk/Medion-Erazer-P6605_2496888.html

 

Significantly more powerful cpu, dedicated graphics card too.... great laptop.

Thanks for the reply @Welshace. My knowledge of this stuff is extremely basic and I've never heard of box so wouldnt have found that. Would this laptop be okay for the rest of the family too and would likely play the next few instalments of FM?

Thanks again.

[Welshace]

20 minutes ago, Loops14 said:

Thanks for the reply @Welshace. My knowledge of this stuff is extremely basic and I've never heard of box so wouldnt have found that. Would this laptop be okay for the rest of the family too and would likely play the next few instalments of FM?

Thanks again.

That cpu is much better than the ones you had posted, and it should be fairly decent for this and the next fm or so based on how the min specs for the game have changed... it's not the most powerful cpu in the world but for that money, it's a great deal.. if you aren't in a rush, might be an idea to get a second opinion from one of the other lads in here too

[kevhamster]

On 26/12/2019 at 19:47, davehibb said:

Does the processor cache size make a difference mate?

That's the only difference as far as i can tell.

This is the spec:

Product Description	Lenovo V155-15API - 15.6" - Ryzen 5 3500U - 8 GB RAM - 256 GB SSD - QWERTY UK
Product Type	Notebook
Operating System	Win 10 Home 64-bit - English
Processor	AMD Ryzen 5 3500U / 2.1 GHz (3.7 GHz) / 2 MB Cache
Memory	8 GB DDR4 (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Storage	256 GB SSD NVMe
Optical Drive	DVD-Writer
Display	15.6" LED backlight 1920 x 1080 / Full HD
Graphics	AMD Radeon Vega 8
Numeric Keypad	Yes
Integrated Webcam	Yes
Networking	802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet
Battery	Up to 5 hours
Security	Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip
Colour	Iron grey
Dimensions (WxDxH)	36.3 cm x 25.4 cm x 2.29 cm
Weight	2.2 kg
Localisation	Language: English / region: United Kingdom
Environmental Standards	ENERGY STAR Qualified
Manufacturer Warranty	Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return

The processor cache size shouldn't be different, on account of them being exactly the same processor.  I can only assume one of them has the wrong cache size listed. 

[Loops14]

36 minutes ago, Welshace said:

That cpu is much better than the ones you had posted, and it should be fairly decent for this and the next fm or so based on how the min specs for the game have changed... it's not the most powerful cpu in the world but for that money, it's a great deal.. if you aren't in a rush, might be an idea to get a second opinion from one of the other lads in here too

Thanks @Welshace as long as it will do me for the next few years. I'm not in that much of a rush, if anyone would recommend any alternatives to consider I'd be grateful. Never ordered from or heard of Box.com, will look at reviews and stuff.

[Keano16]

Been looking for a new laptop so I get through processing fairly quickly with the main 5 leagues at least and came across this one:

https://www.buyitdirect.ie/p/hp-250-g7-core-i7-8565u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-full-hd-windows-10-home-laptop-6mp37es

Do you guys think that'd be up to the job? I know it has the i7 processor etc but I'm not exactly what separates all of them tbh.

Any help is appreciated!

[IrrelevantLion]

12 hours ago, Keano16 said:

Been looking for a new laptop so I get through processing fairly quickly with the main 5 leagues at least and came across this one:

https://www.buyitdirect.ie/p/hp-250-g7-core-i7-8565u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-full-hd-windows-10-home-laptop-6mp37es

Do you guys think that'd be up to the job? I know it has the i7 processor etc but I'm not exactly what separates all of them tbh.

Any help is appreciated!

Yes mate that would be more than enough for 5 leagues. 

[davehibb]

On 26/12/2019 at 18:18, davehibb said:

@kevhamster would this one be the same?

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v155-15api-amd-ryzen-5-3500u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-radeon-vega-8-w-81v50008uk/version.asp#/specs

I can collect locally and it's a bit cheaper. Only 2mb cache compared to 6mb on the one you quoted?

This is the one I went for and I can't recommend it enough for the price.

3D is a bazillion times better than anything I've ever had previously and where running 4 divisions from England would have given me half a star performance in the past, 6 countries with 16 divisions is 4 stars. Granted, I've always had a laptop with the bare minimum specs to run FM previously, but still very happy with this laptop.

[LouisFellows_]

On 27/12/2019 at 13:19, LouisFellows_ said:

Hello All,

 

I am looking to buy a new laptop as mine is outdated and processes fm20 very slow. My budget is only around £300, I was thinking of buying the link attached but wondered if anybody would know if this would be okay or anything better for the budget?

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-s340-14-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-grey-10199297-pdt.html

Hi all,

 

Anyone help me out with this. May be able to stretch budget to £350

Edited December 29, 2019 by LouisFellows_