New Laptop/PC Advice -Please Read the Opening Post

[JordanMilly]

1 hour ago, Gee_Simpson said:

More than enough for FM mate. You could run every league with that setup. For the first time I'm going to build a PC and it has similar specs to yours. How much is this costing you? As building it yourself can save you some money. Apparently it's very easy to build a PC nowadays, just like Lego.

If you want to pay a little to have it built for you by specialists, there's one similar to what he is getting, but with the new Geforce Nvidea 2070 GTX graphics card in it. It's about £1600.

https://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/VR-Ready-Deal-RTX-2070/

Edited December 26, 2018 by JordanMillward_1

[Gee_Simpson]

1 hour ago, JordanMillward_1 said:

If you want to pay a little to have it built for you by specialists, there's one similar to what he is getting, but with the new Geforce Nvidea 2070 GTX graphics card in it. It's about £1600.

https://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/VR-Ready-Deal-RTX-2070/

My build is coming to around £1200-£1300, maybe slightly over that. Didn't go wild with the GPU though, just the RX 570 but everything else is high end.

[iopzzzza]

10 hours ago, Gee_Simpson said:

More than enough for FM mate. You could run every league with that setup. For the first time I'm going to build a PC and it has similar specs to yours. How much is this costing you? As building it yourself can save you some money. Apparently it's very easy to build a PC nowadays, just like Lego.

That will cost me 3000 leva bugarian , which is around 1600 euro. Its not cheap but i think for this spec i think its worth it.

Edited December 26, 2018 by iopzzzza

[FM-Lee]

Hello,

Just got the Dell XPS 15 2 in 1 i7 4K Panel primarily to play FM19 in Tablet Mode. However, I’m getting noticeable colour trailing from the moving players and ball during matches.

Could this be down to the refresh rate of the 4K panel? Or does anyone have any suggestions as I paid a large amount of money for the XPS and I’m not enjoying FM so far because of this.

Look forward to any help.

Thanks. 

Edited December 27, 2018 by FM-Lee

[Smurf]

1 hour ago, FM-Lee said:

Hello,

Just got the Dell XPS 15 2 in 1 i7 4K Panel primarily to play FM19 in Tablet Mode. However, I’m getting noticeable colour trailing from the moving players and ball during matches.

Could this be down to the refresh rate of the 4K panel? Or does anyone have any suggestions as I paid a large amount of money for the XPS and I’m not enjoying FM so far because of this.

Look forward to any help.

Thanks. 

What are the specs of the computer? 

[Smurf]

Just now, Smurf said:

What are the specs of the computer? 

A lot of times by the time a computer is shipped the drivers are out of date. I'd start by updating your drivers. Always do a system restore point before attempting any updates. 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/4027538/windows-create-a-system-restore-point

Start by indentifying what graphics card you have - then go their website and download their tools for updating the drivers. 

[Smurf]

7 minutes ago, CAGSEN said:

Which one is the best platform for playing Football Manager 2019?

HP COMPAQ 610 vc267 or TOSHIBA SATELLITE C660-198

Depends on the spec of the computers. 

[KUBI]

@CAGSEN

Please do not start a new thread for every post, just reply here, thank you. 

[FM-Lee]

1 hour ago, Smurf said:

A lot of times by the time a computer is shipped the drivers are out of date. I'd start by updating your drivers. Always do a system restore point before attempting any updates. 

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/4027538/windows-create-a-system-restore-point

Start by indentifying what graphics card you have - then go their website and download their tools for updating the drivers. 

It’s an i7 16GB RAM 512GB HDD.

All I know is the GPU and CPU are built together by Intel and AMD, how would I go about finding that drivers? 

[CAGSEN]

Sorry for that

[Lucentio]

Hi All

I’m looking to pick up a new laptop for the first time in 9 years (the game runs horrifically as you can imagine!).

I’ve got £600 to play with so not expecting anything magical but I have been recommended this by a friend.

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/30022718-Medion-Erazer-P7643-Gaming-Laptop_2140747.html

Is this likely to be any good or would you recommend anything better in my price range?

cheers

 

[Digsy1978]

On 16/12/2018 at 17:34, JordanMillward_1 said:

Not a chance will it play full FM, sorry, the processor is very poor and well below minimum requirements, and as the PC version of Touch has the same requirements, it won't play that either.

Hi mate. 

Just to let you know, it works a treat on the 4gb surface go. Plays fm19 on low graphics settings perfectly, with no jittering whatsoever, and fm touch on high graphic settings.  Away from match engine it works a dream.  Surprised me tbf, but it's actually more enjoyable playing it on the surface go than on my laptop. 

Edited December 27, 2018 by Digsy1978

[JordanMilly]

35 minutes ago, Digsy1978 said:

Hi mate. 

Just to let you know, it works a treat on the 4gb surface go. Plays fm19 on low graphics settings perfectly, with no jittering whatsoever, and fm touch on high graphic settings.  Away from match engine it works a dream.  Surprised me tbf, but it's actually more enjoyable playing it on the surface go than on my laptop. 

I'm surprised then, because the processor is below minimum specs, so if it ran, I would have expected it to run badly. Not surprised that it's at low graphics though.

[CAGSEN]

Toshiba's specs:
PROCESSOR: Celeron (R) Dual Core CPU T3500 @2.10GHz                           2.09GHz
MEMORY: 2GB
GRAPHICS: GMA 4500M

HP's specs:
PROCESSOR: Intel Core 2 Duo @2 GHz
MEMORY: 3GB
GRAPHICS: GMA X3100

Which one is better for playing Football Manager 2019?

[EdL]

Both machines are very old and will not run the game that well.

The HP is below minimum spec on the graphics card, so chances are the game won't run properly at all.

The toshiba I think is right on the minimum spec - although I'm not completely sure as Intel graphics card naming scheme is so confusing - so it should just about run it

[Transk53]

Both those graphics chip sets will be pushing it. Then again (Smurf says it doesn't) the game runs fine on U chip set lappys. It runs well enough on U rated CPU's, BTW, Intel don't make Graphics cards, but have their stuff on die (although they are making an attempt). In other words forget the graphics, just the CPU grunt.

[Transk53]

9 hours ago, CAGSEN said:

Toshiba's specs:
PROCESSOR: Celeron (R) Dual Core CPU T3500 @2.10GHz                           2.09GHz
MEMORY: 2GB
GRAPHICS: GMA 4500M

HP's specs:
PROCESSOR: Intel Core 2 Duo @2 GHz
MEMORY: 3GB
GRAPHICS: GMA X3100

Which one is better for playing Football Manager 2019?

Maybe not both, but depends on whether have integrated GPU memory. Celerons are the budget range, but the C2D is pre first gen i5 and i7, may struggle a bit system wise, but not graphically, well it may, but graphics and FM is a laugh.

[Lucentio]

Hey Guys

I’m looking to pick up a new laptop for the first time in 9 years (the game runs horrifically as you can imagine!).

I’ve got £600 to play with so not expecting anything magical but I have been recommended this by a friend.

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/30022718-Medion-Erazer-P7643-Gaming-Laptop_2140747.html

Is this likely to be any good or would you recommend anything better in my price range?

 

Many thanks for any advice.

[CAGSEN]

Thanks for answers guys. I hope one of them will work and I can play

[Braumiller]

Almost made the jump at lunch today to buy my new laptop and finally start my FM19 career.......
Almost.....

Looking for advice on which direction to go in.

A - https://www.microcenter.com/product/507694/pavilion-15-cs0059nr-156-laptop-computer---silver# 

Pro's - I can get this for $810.    I like the combo of i7, 16Gb RAM and a 512Gb SSD.   
Con's - Is the i7 great though @ 1.8GHz?  Graphics card seems poor relative to other options below?

B - https://www.microcenter.com/product/507473/g5-15-5587-156-gaming-laptop-computer---black 

Pro's - 16Gb RAM.  256Gb SSD + 1Tb HDD combo.  The GeForce GTX 1060 6Gb graphics card
Con's - Pricier at $960.  Only an i5 processor, but 2.3GHz.

C - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834155022&ignorebbr=1 - After the rebate, $899.

Pro's - i7.  GeForce GTX 1060 6Gb graphics.  16Gb RAM.  Has some nice freebies.
Con's - SSD is small at 128Gb? (but again the 1Tb HDD as well)  I have to wait 3 days for delivery instead of driving to a physical store 

 

To get within my budget (B is really pushing it) I have to compromise somewhere on my 'ideals'.  What compromise hurts less?

• i7 to i5?
• Graphics card from a GTX 1060 6Gb to A's (or the GTX 1050 4Gb)?
• SSD size

Thank you in advance to anyone with knowledgeable advice! 

[KUBI]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb CAGSEN:

Thanks for answers guys. I hope one of them will work and I can play

The GMA X3100 graphic did not meet the minimum specs for FM 2018, so I guess the 2019 game will not run on the HP.

 

[KUBI]

vor 19 Stunden schrieb Transk53:

Maybe not both, but depends on whether have integrated GPU memory. Celerons are the budget range, but the C2D is pre first gen i5 and i7, may struggle a bit system wise, but not graphically, well it may, but graphics and FM is a laugh.

That's not true, since FM introduced a new 3-D graphic engine with FM 2018 a lot of older integrated graphic cards will not run FM anymore. 

[Smurf]

20 hours ago, Transk53 said:

Both those graphics chip sets will be pushing it. Then again (Smurf says it doesn't) the game runs fine on U chip set lappys. It runs well enough on U rated CPU's, BTW, Intel don't make Graphics cards, but have their stuff on die (although they are making an attempt). In other words forget the graphics, just the CPU grunt.

I never said a U processor won't run the game well. And if that's the impression I am giving then I am sorry for giving that impression.

The U processors will throttle back the speed when under heavy processing, which has an impact on game play. Seen as FM is a heavy processing game they are not ideal - and my advice has always been to find something that works better under heavy load for the same price range they were already looking for. 

That's all - finding something best in the same price range. 

7 hours ago, Lucentio said:

Hey Guys

I’m looking to pick up a new laptop for the first time in 9 years (the game runs horrifically as you can imagine!).

I’ve got £600 to play with so not expecting anything magical but I have been recommended this by a friend.

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/30022718-Medion-Erazer-P7643-Gaming-Laptop_2140747.html

Is this likely to be any good or would you recommend anything better in my price range?

 

Many thanks for any advice.

This would be better https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/NX.GSWEK.004-Acer-Aspire-5-A517-51-52FU_2348163.html

 

58 minutes ago, Braumiller said:

Almost made the jump at lunch today to buy my new laptop and finally start my FM19 career.......
Almost.....

Looking for advice on which direction to go in.

A - https://www.microcenter.com/product/507694/pavilion-15-cs0059nr-156-laptop-computer---silver# 

Pro's - I can get this for $810.    I like the combo of i7, 16Gb RAM and a 512Gb SSD.   
Con's - Is the i7 great though @ 1.8GHz?  Graphics card seems poor relative to other options below?

B - https://www.microcenter.com/product/507473/g5-15-5587-156-gaming-laptop-computer---black 

Pro's - 16Gb RAM.  256Gb SSD + 1Tb HDD combo.  The GeForce GTX 1060 6Gb graphics card
Con's - Pricier at $960.  Only an i5 processor, but 2.3GHz.

C - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834155022&ignorebbr=1 - After the rebate, $899.

Pro's - i7.  GeForce GTX 1060 6Gb graphics.  16Gb RAM.  Has some nice freebies.
Con's - SSD is small at 128Gb? (but again the 1Tb HDD as well)  I have to wait 3 days for delivery instead of driving to a physical store 

 

To get within my budget (B is really pushing it) I have to compromise somewhere on my 'ideals'.  What compromise hurts less?

• i7 to i5?
• Graphics card from a GTX 1060 6Gb to A's (or the GTX 1050 4Gb)?
• SSD size

Thank you in advance to anyone with knowledgeable advice! 

The i5 and i7 single core performance not a notable difference - however, the i7 is the better processor overall and it would be my choice. 

The 1060 6gb is far better than the 1050 4gb. 

SSD size- 128gb would be fine install the os on this and then set the 1tb for installing other apps/game etc. 

For FM the SSD has little impact on game play speed. 

Edited December 28, 2018 by Smurf

[Lucentio]

4 hours ago, Smurf said:

This would be better https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/NX.GSWEK.004-Acer-Aspire-5-A517-51-52FU_2348163.html

Thanks for the assist Smurf. Out of interest what makes it better?

I've checked the processor and the graphics card from the opening post and the processor is obviously better but the graphics card is integrated and not dedicated and not as good. Will it not make a difference?

Edited December 29, 2018 by Lucentio

[Transk53]

5 hours ago, KUBI said:

That's not true, since FM introduced a new 3-D graphic engine with FM 2018 a lot of older integrated graphic cards will not run FM anymore. 

Yes of course I correct myself on that, That was my mistake on mis reading. However, this new graphics engine is very much incorrect. Broadly speaking, the term new in computing terms is a misnomer. This new graphics engine you say, is the SI speak, and as a MOD for SI, I understand your position, there is no new ME, just an update in simplistic speak here, but an update all the same. Yes, SI have made the ball curve well, and yes the inexplicable player action where they stand still doing naff all has been improved, but there is no tangible new ME Kubi, just a improved version that SI want to push on us that has actually regressed. I understand though that being an SI Mod that you have to follow the corporate line, but this ME inst new and never was.

 

4 hours ago, Smurf said:

I never said a U processor won't run the game well. And if that's the impression I am giving then I am sorry for giving that impression.

The U processors will throttle back the speed when under heavy processing, which has an impact on game play. Seen as FM is a heavy processing game they are not ideal - and my advice has always been to find something that works better under heavy load for the same price range they were already looking for. 

That's all - finding something best in the same price range. 

Yes I understand, but some will actually step up with two CPU ratings. However, I should have made it clear, on the commentary only, any U rated CPU will handle it fine. In fact this game, will also handle it on fine on a U rated CPU with graphics as well. U rated CPU's have a step up grade, so they will handle intensive tasks. However, you do dispense great advice, and yiou are a greta credit to this site, more over tahn some of the mods   Just try to remember what you said in previous posts. You said U rated processors would not run FM

[Smurf]

7 hours ago, Lucentio said:

Thanks for the assist Smurf. Out of interest what makes it better?

I've checked the processor and the graphics card from the opening post and the processor is obviously better but the graphics card is integrated and not dedicated and not as good. Will it not make a difference?

Yes, sorry, I normally spot those things. The one you found is the only one I can find as well with a dedicated graphics card. 

The processor is better in the one I found, but if you're only playing a few leagues and a few divisions then it's fine.

[Smurf]

5 hours ago, Transk53 said:

Yes of course I correct myself on that, That was my mistake on mis reading. However, this new graphics engine is very much incorrect. Broadly speaking, the term new in computing terms is a misnomer. This new graphics engine you say, is the SI speak, and as a MOD for SI, I understand your position, there is no new ME, just an update in simplistic speak here, but an update all the same. Yes, SI have made the ball curve well, and yes the inexplicable player action where they stand still doing naff all has been improved, but there is no tangible new ME Kubi, just a improved version that SI want to push on us that has actually regressed. I understand though that being an SI Mod that you have to follow the corporate line, but this ME inst new and never was.

 

Yes I understand, but some will actually step up with two CPU ratings. However, I should have made it clear, on the commentary only, any U rated CPU will handle it fine. In fact this game, will also handle it on fine on a U rated CPU with graphics as well. U rated CPU's have a step up grade, so they will handle intensive tasks. However, you do dispense great advice, and yiou are a greta credit to this site, more over tahn some of the mods   Just try to remember what you said in previous posts. You said U rated processors would not run FM

If you're only going to troll this thread then please jog on. I never said that a U rated processor would not run FM in this thread at all. 

I may have said it many years ago in the older thread, back when U processors were pretty bad, but times have moved on and the U processors later gen are much better. 

I have even recommended U processors in this very thread to people. I'm sure you can appreciate that my opinion on things can change - and it's only my opinion. 

Again - if I can find a processor that is better than a U processor for the same price range as what the OP wants then I will find it and post it as an alternate choice. 

 

Please do not troll this thread.

[FM-Lee]

Could someone be kind enough to give me a comparison between a Intel® UHD Graphics 620 (i7) GPU and a Radeon™ RX Vega M GL Graphics with 4GB HBM2 Graphics Memory  please? 

Many thanks.

[bryanswan]

Hi, not really that great with computers so any advice would be appreciated. 

Am looking at getting a laptop for FM. Hopefully to last a few years.

Have seen this https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/9S7-16J962-2073-MSI-GL62M-7RDX-2073UK_2418012.html

If you could let me know what you think, or if theres something better for that price that would be great.

Cheers.

[aaronwhitehead1995]

Sorry if this is silly or in the wrong place, I’ve just bought a new laptop and can get 5* speed and performance. 

Mad the laptop gets older it will obviously drop but is there any procedures to keep the speeds up for as long as possible. 

I know to keep everything up to date but is there some optomisation procedures I could undertake 

 

lif you could point me in the right direction that would be brill

[Smurf]

53 minutes ago, FM-Lee said:

Could someone be kind enough to give me a comparison between a Intel® UHD Graphics 620 (i7) GPU and a Radeon™ RX Vega M GL Graphics with 4GB HBM2 Graphics Memory  please? 

Many thanks.

No comparison really, the RX vega is better. 

20 minutes ago, bryanswan said:

Hi, not really that great with computers so any advice would be appreciated. 

Am looking at getting a laptop for FM. Hopefully to last a few years.

Have seen this https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/9S7-16J962-2073-MSI-GL62M-7RDX-2073UK_2418012.html

If you could let me know what you think, or if theres something better for that price that would be great.

Cheers.

This looks better https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/FX504GE-E4031T-ASUS-FX504GE-E4031T-Gaming-Laptop_2318164.html

 

4 minutes ago, aaronwhitehead1995 said:

Sorry if this is silly or in the wrong place, I’ve just bought a new laptop and can get 5* speed and performance. 

Mad the laptop gets older it will obviously drop but is there any procedures to keep the speeds up for as long as possible. 

I know to keep everything up to date but is there some optomisation procedures I could undertake 

 

lif you could point me in the right direction that would be brill

In the game star rating isn't great indicator at all, known to be problematic. 

What are your system specs? 

[bryanswan]

56 minutes ago, Smurf said:

No comparison really, the RX vega is better. 

This looks better https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/FX504GE-E4031T-ASUS-FX504GE-E4031T-Gaming-Laptop_2318164.html

 

In the game star rating isn't great indicator at all, known to be problematic. 

What are your system specs? 

Thank you 

[scholesisking22]

Hi all,

I am looking to get a laptop with a budget of circa £800. I would push to £1,000 if there was a relatively large level of added performance. I want to play FM as well as being able to browse/do some work, none of which will be very high intensity.

These are the three I have been looking at - MI GF63 for £800, HP Omen for £700 and Acer Predator for £700 (the Predator can be bought for £700 rather than the £1K in the screenshot.)

With an i7 I’m thinking the MSI is likely the best option? However when scrolling up I also noticed some comments about how an i7 doesn’t provide much better performance than an i5 for FM? I thought it may help for multi tasking and future proofing though...

Any advice very welcome and also whether building a laptop would be more cost-efficient/whether a warranty is generally provided with a custom build... thank you!

[scholesisking22]

Hi all,

I am looking to get a laptop with a budget of circa £800. I would push to £1,000 if there was a relatively large level of added performance. I want to play FM as well as being able to browse/do some work, none of which will be very high intensity.

These are the three I have been looking at - MI GF63 for £800, HP Omen for £700 and Acer Predator for £700 (the Predator can be bought for £700 rather than the £1K in the screenshot.)

With an i7 I’m thinking the MSI is likely the best option? However when scrolling up I also noticed some comments about how an i7 doesn’t provide much better performance than an i5 for FM? I thought it may help for multi tasking and future proofing though...

Any advice very welcome and also whether building a laptop would be more cost-efficient/whether a warranty is generally provided with a custom build... thank you!

[Rebs]

Evening all... I posted this in OTF but it's a bit slow down there so not much response.  I'm after some advice on the laptops below, here's the original message and links I posted.

Reeto...am now in a position to buy a new laptop so been searching on Save on laptops and Laptops Direct to see what I could get.  I think I'm after an i5, something fast needed really where I've got several programs and files running simultaneously, so probably one of the quad core models (that's what I've seemingly read up on when checking) and at least 8gb of RAM, harddrive space isn't a biggy so probs a 256gb SSD would be enough seeing as I use cloud storage so much.  Only real game I'd play on the laptop is FM (and I'm still only on FM17 so FM isn't a huge demand for the needs of the laptop), but I barely play it much nowadays so am not too bothered about dedicated graphics.  I've found the following models which seem to fit what I'm after.  Can any OTFers advise me on whether these are good deals or not and which one you would go for?  These seem to be the cheapest ones I can find and I'd hate to be spending more than £600 really.  Any advice is massively appreciated.  If anyone also knows of any better deals on better machines please also advise.  (The last one is a gaming laptop which doesn't have an SSD, but it is within budget so thought I'd link it).

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/X540UA-DM564R-Asus-VivoBook-15-X540UA-DM564R_2366605.html

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-laptop-81ax00cbuk/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-vivobook-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-hd-windows-10-laptop-s510ua-br686t/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/acer-travelmate-p2510-g2-m-84tk-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-15.6-inch-windows-1-nx.vguek.006/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6689-15.6-inch-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-1tb-gtx-1050-4gb-wind-30023993/version.asp

Edited December 29, 2018 by The Rebel MC

[JordanMilly]

7 hours ago, The Rebel MC said:

Evening all... I posted this in OTF but it's a bit slow down there so not much response.  I'm after some advice on the laptops below, here's the original message and links I posted.

Reeto...am now in a position to buy a new laptop so been searching on Save on laptops and Laptops Direct to see what I could get.  I think I'm after an i5, something fast needed really where I've got several programs and files running simultaneously, so probably one of the quad core models (that's what I've seemingly read up on when checking) and at least 8gb of RAM, harddrive space isn't a biggy so probs a 256gb SSD would be enough seeing as I use cloud storage so much.  Only real game I'd play on the laptop is FM (and I'm still only on FM17 so FM isn't a huge demand for the needs of the laptop), but I barely play it much nowadays so am not too bothered about dedicated graphics.  I've found the following models which seem to fit what I'm after.  Can any OTFers advise me on whether these are good deals or not and which one you would go for?  These seem to be the cheapest ones I can find and I'd hate to be spending more than £600 really.  Any advice is massively appreciated.  If anyone also knows of any better deals on better machines please also advise.  (The last one is a gaming laptop which doesn't have an SSD, but it is within budget so thought I'd link it).

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/X540UA-DM564R-Asus-VivoBook-15-X540UA-DM564R_2366605.html

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-laptop-81ax00cbuk/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-vivobook-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-hd-windows-10-laptop-s510ua-br686t/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/acer-travelmate-p2510-g2-m-84tk-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-15.6-inch-windows-1-nx.vguek.006/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6689-15.6-inch-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-1tb-gtx-1050-4gb-wind-30023993/version.asp

Assuming the initial boot-up of the system isn't incredibly important for you, I'd go with the last one, https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6689-15.6-inch-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-1tb-gtx-1050-4gb-wind-30023993/version.asp

That's because it'll have a better chance of running the match engine smoothly, and given you pretty much can't install a new graphics card into a laptop, having a dedicated graphics card is very useful. You should probably be able to install an SSD if you wanted one in the future, though it may involve removing the DVD drive to do so.

[CAGSEN]

HP Compaq's specs like that. What you think guys?

[jordi cruyff]

Just got this MSI GF62 costing 829.  

I wanted a 15'6 screen so quite happy. They're getting some more within next 12 days I was told 

Intel® Core™ i5-8300H ProcessorR

RAM: 8 GB / Storage: 1 TB HDD & 128 GB SSD

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB

Full HD display

https://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/msi-gf62-15-6-intel-core-i5-gtx-1050-ti-gaming-laptop-1-tb-hdd-128-gb-ssd-10179898-pdt.html

Edited December 30, 2018 by jordi cruyff

[Rebs]

10 hours ago, JordanMillward_1 said:

Assuming the initial boot-up of the system isn't incredibly important for you, I'd go with the last one, https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6689-15.6-inch-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-1tb-gtx-1050-4gb-wind-30023993/version.asp

That's because it'll have a better chance of running the match engine smoothly, and given you pretty much can't install a new graphics card into a laptop, having a dedicated graphics card is very useful. You should probably be able to install an SSD if you wanted one in the future, though it may involve removing the DVD drive to do so.

Thanks for the advice. I don't actually play FM much now really, so that aspect isn't as much a priority as years before. I need a good, fast laptop that can handle several programmes running at once with the best performance (mainly for work purposes), that's why I thought an SSD laptop would be better for my needs...plus my current laptop has only used roughly 110gb of storage so a 256gb SSD should be more than enough. 

Or should I just splash out on the gaming laptop and not worry about the SSD as the gaming one will also be as fast as I need?

[JordanMilly]

After the initial system boot up, @The Rebel MC, the SSD won't matter all that much if you aren't moving files around a lot, and especially with FM it doesn't make much difference, it's just something nice to have. Other than the SSD, the gaming laptop is easily the best spec of those you posted, and if you start playing more FM, or take up gaming other than FM, better to have the better machine now, at a decent price, than end up having to get a second laptop.

[bestie_96]

Hi all,

Firstly, this thread (and its predecessor) are incredible seams of knowledge. I've learned so much about computers! Thanks to all who contribute.

Secondly, before getting a proper PC in a few years, I am looking at getting a replacement for my four and a half year old budget laptop I got when starting Uni - so expecting a significant upgrade even getting a mid-level laptop! I'll only really use it for FM, office and web browsing - maybe occasional working from home too. 

I've got three options which have been recommended on here at various points (I'm hoping I can disable the red backlight because I think it looks horrible):

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/9S7-16J962-2073-MSI-GL62M-7RDX-2073UK_2245212.html

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/FX504GE-E4031T-ASUS-FX504GE-E4031T-Gaming-Laptop_2318164.html

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/9S7-16R112-255-MSI-GF63-8RC-255UK_2410406.html

My understanding is that they're all broadly similar but the more expensive ones have a better graphics card and each processor is better as the price goes up. All tick the boxes of wanting  8GB RAM, a SSD to run windows on and bluetooth (little thing but nice for me and my speaker!). I'd rather not spend £800 so that's the absolute top - would the extra £150/50 make that much difference for my uses or would be a better value-for-money investment to go for one of the cheaper ones (or an alternative)? The ASUS is reduced from a higher price but I don't know if that's just the brand because to my eye the specs on the MSI GF63 look better but I am far from an expert.

Cheers.

[Smurf]

23 hours ago, scholesisking22 said:

Hi all,

I am looking to get a laptop with a budget of circa £800. I would push to £1,000 if there was a relatively large level of added performance. I want to play FM as well as being able to browse/do some work, none of which will be very high intensity.

These are the three I have been looking at - MI GF63 for £800, HP Omen for £700 and Acer Predator for £700 (the Predator can be bought for £700 rather than the £1K in the screenshot.)

With an i7 I’m thinking the MSI is likely the best option? However when scrolling up I also noticed some comments about how an i7 doesn’t provide much better performance than an i5 for FM? I thought it may help for multi tasking and future proofing though...

Any advice very welcome and also whether building a laptop would be more cost-efficient/whether a warranty is generally provided with a custom build... thank you!

Top one

23 hours ago, scholesisking22 said:

Hi all,

I am looking to get a laptop with a budget of circa £800. I would push to £1,000 if there was a relatively large level of added performance. I want to play FM as well as being able to browse/do some work, none of which will be very high intensity.

These are the three I have been looking at - MI GF63 for £800, HP Omen for £700 and Acer Predator for £700 (the Predator can be bought for £700 rather than the £1K in the screenshot.)

With an i7 I’m thinking the MSI is likely the best option? However when scrolling up I also noticed some comments about how an i7 doesn’t provide much better performance than an i5 for FM? I thought it may help for multi tasking and future proofing though...

Any advice very welcome and also whether building a laptop would be more cost-efficient/whether a warranty is generally provided with a custom build... thank you!

When we're talking about the performance of i5  vs i7 we're talking about the performance of specific models and their single core performance in comparison. 

There would be instances when an i5 is much better than an i7 and vice versa. But typically we are looking at base clock speeds and also the single core performance. 

 

23 hours ago, The Rebel MC said:

Evening all... I posted this in OTF but it's a bit slow down there so not much response.  I'm after some advice on the laptops below, here's the original message and links I posted.

Reeto...am now in a position to buy a new laptop so been searching on Save on laptops and Laptops Direct to see what I could get.  I think I'm after an i5, something fast needed really where I've got several programs and files running simultaneously, so probably one of the quad core models (that's what I've seemingly read up on when checking) and at least 8gb of RAM, harddrive space isn't a biggy so probs a 256gb SSD would be enough seeing as I use cloud storage so much.  Only real game I'd play on the laptop is FM (and I'm still only on FM17 so FM isn't a huge demand for the needs of the laptop), but I barely play it much nowadays so am not too bothered about dedicated graphics.  I've found the following models which seem to fit what I'm after.  Can any OTFers advise me on whether these are good deals or not and which one you would go for?  These seem to be the cheapest ones I can find and I'd hate to be spending more than £600 really.  Any advice is massively appreciated.  If anyone also knows of any better deals on better machines please also advise.  (The last one is a gaming laptop which doesn't have an SSD, but it is within budget so thought I'd link it).

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/X540UA-DM564R-Asus-VivoBook-15-X540UA-DM564R_2366605.html

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-laptop-81ax00cbuk/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-vivobook-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-hd-windows-10-laptop-s510ua-br686t/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/acer-travelmate-p2510-g2-m-84tk-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-15.6-inch-windows-1-nx.vguek.006/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6689-15.6-inch-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-1tb-gtx-1050-4gb-wind-30023993/version.asp

They all have the same processor...

 

7 hours ago, CAGSEN said:

HP Compaq's specs like that. What you think guys?

Not great 

 

5 hours ago, jordi cruyff said:

Just got this MSI GF62 costing 829.  

I wanted a 15'6 screen so quite happy. They're getting some more within next 12 days I was told 

Intel® Core™ i5-8300H ProcessorR

RAM: 8 GB / Storage: 1 TB HDD & 128 GB SSD

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB

Full HD display

https://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/msi-gf62-15-6-intel-core-i5-gtx-1050-ti-gaming-laptop-1-tb-hdd-128-gb-ssd-10179898-pdt.html

Looks good

1 hour ago, bestie_96 said:

Hi all,

Firstly, this thread (and its predecessor) are incredible seams of knowledge. I've learned so much about computers! Thanks to all who contribute.

Secondly, before getting a proper PC in a few years, I am looking at getting a replacement for my four and a half year old budget laptop I got when starting Uni - so expecting a significant upgrade even getting a mid-level laptop! I'll only really use it for FM, office and web browsing - maybe occasional working from home too. 

I've got three options which have been recommended on here at various points (I'm hoping I can disable the red backlight because I think it looks horrible):

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/9S7-16J962-2073-MSI-GL62M-7RDX-2073UK_2245212.html

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/FX504GE-E4031T-ASUS-FX504GE-E4031T-Gaming-Laptop_2318164.html

https://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/9S7-16R112-255-MSI-GF63-8RC-255UK_2410406.html

My understanding is that they're all broadly similar but the more expensive ones have a better graphics card and each processor is better as the price goes up. All tick the boxes of wanting  8GB RAM, a SSD to run windows on and bluetooth (little thing but nice for me and my speaker!). I'd rather not spend £800 so that's the absolute top - would the extra £150/50 make that much difference for my uses or would be a better value-for-money investment to go for one of the cheaper ones (or an alternative)? The ASUS is reduced from a higher price but I don't know if that's just the brand because to my eye the specs on the MSI GF63 look better but I am far from an expert.

Cheers.

The last one is better but nothingwrong with middle one.

 

[Rebs]

Okay, I'm starting to think a gaming laptop is probably the best bet...even though I don't play FM as much as I used to.  The one in my link on the post up above is one I could go for, but there's also a couple of others just in budget which I could consider.  Could anyone advise which I should maybe go for?  I'm after a fast machine that will handle loads of programmes running at the same time.

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6689-15.6-inch-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-1tb-gtx-1050-4gb-wind-30023993/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-fx504gd-e41275t-core-i5-8300h-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-nvidia-geforce-g-fx504gd-e41275t/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-tuf-fx504gd-core-i5-8300h-8gb-1tb-15.6-inch-geforce-gtx-1050-2gb-windo-fx504gd-e4603t/version.asp

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/medion-erazer-p6681-core-i5-7200u-8gb-1tb-geforce-gtx-1050-4gb-15.6-inch-wi-30023991/version.asp

Definitely going to go with one of these, I'd just like to get the best machine really, so if there's not much difference I'd rather go for the cheapest, yet if the higher priced ones are much better overall then I'd be happy to go to the top end of my budget.

[Smurf]

Either of the middle 2

[JordanMilly]

As Smurf said, I'd go for either of the middle two, because they're not only great machines, but they're also relatively easy to install additional M2 type SSD hard drives into if you want additional space: 

 

Edited December 30, 2018 by JordanMillward_1

[ryanlion28]

20 hours ago, Smurf said:

Either of the middle 2

Hi, looking at the top one and the 3rd the specs all seem the same except one.

the 1st laptop (£599) has a processor number 8250U, where as the 3rd laptop (£639) has a processor number 8300H.

 

would you say this difference in processor is significant in upping my budget 40 quid or is there anything else about the 3rd laptop that makes it better than the 1st? Thanks.

[Glyna]

Alright guys, after a bit of help. Need a new laptop, I only use it for football manager and general internet browsing.

I have a budget of around £600 and I was hoping for some advice.. I've found an inspiron 15 for around £560 with 8gb ram, 1tb hdd, i5-7300hq and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 and I'm just wondering if it is a good deal or if there is better out there for my budget. Thanks!

[kstoyle]

Hi @Smurf

In October you recommended this laptop which I bought and it has been excellent for FM, so thank you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-FX504GM-EN150T-Wide-View-Gaming-Laptop/dp/B07F3RK9W7/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1546345182&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+fx504gm-en150t

Over Xmas I downloaded Tom Clancy The Division free trial from Steam and it works fine but the fans are really loud and the keyboard gets really warm after about 10 minutes of playing.  I am am wary about buying the full game in case it does damage to the laptop

Is this normal or is it just an intense game compared to FM? Should I worry about it or just crack on?

Thanks

[Smurf]

1 hour ago, kstoyle said:

Hi @Smurf

In October you recommended this laptop which I bought and it has been excellent for FM, so thank you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-FX504GM-EN150T-Wide-View-Gaming-Laptop/dp/B07F3RK9W7/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1546345182&sr=1-1&keywords=asus+fx504gm-en150t

Over Xmas I downloaded Tom Clancy The Division free trial from Steam and it works fine but the fans are really loud and the keyboard gets really warm after about 10 minutes of playing.  I am am wary about buying the full game in case it does damage to the laptop

Is this normal or is it just an intense game compared to FM? Should I worry about it or just crack on?

Thanks

I don't really play any other games. Only thing I can think of is the fans are blocked with dust, you can buy a can of compressed air and blow the vents with it. 

Try to get a laptop cooler too if you can - it would be highly recommended as not only does it help keep the laptop cool but keeps it elevated so not to suck in dust from couches/carpets/beds/even coffee tables or anything else that may be sitting on.

Other things to do is to update your drivers for your graphcis card follow directions here https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

You can also check to see if your bios needs updating - https://www.asus.com/us/support/warranty-status-inquiry/

You will find your serial number ona  label under the computer as a sticker on the base. 

There's a few ways to find it https://www.asus.com/us/support/Article/566

 

[Rebs]

Ordered the 2nd one (Asus 8300 with the 256 SSD) after all the advice I received...thanks guys...delivery isn't until the start of Feb though which is a pain.