Advice for new laptop
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Hello To the group!
I would like to hear your advice, tips and suggestions as I am starting to search for a new laptop. I plan to use it for small scale architectural projects using Sketchup + VRay. My budget is limited (800-900 Euro) and this might sound to be not enough, but I don't require very high detail photo realistic renderings. I would like your opinions about the best approach to choose the best machine without exceeding my budget.
The characteristics I should look are:- Processor type
- Processor frequency
- RAM
- Graphic card and memory
- SSD disc
Looking at the options I have in my country, the more realistic options is to go for 8GB RAM (I can add more RAM in the future) and the processors intel core i7 from 1.8 to 2.7 GHz.
For SSD discs I only can get up to 256GB and some machines have a second HHD disc for backup.
How would you approach all these characteristics and in what priorities?Thanks in advance for all your help!
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Why a laptop? If you want the best bang for the buck, I'd go for a customized desktop.
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Thanks for the advice solo. I have heard this suggestion from some friends too. However, personally I am more used to work on a laptop which takes less space and gives me always the flexibility to work from any location. I think also that desktop pc's are not so much cheaper although I understand they offer more flexibility to upgrade.
Anyway, if you had to go for a laptop, what would be the best way to approach it and compare the different machines? -
To get a decent 3D machine on that budget may be difficult, firstly you will need a machine with a dedicated GPU, a GTX 1070 or better, 16GB ram an SSD drive and possibly either a 2nd SSD or an external HDD. What about screen size? are 15 inches enough?
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yes 15" is enough. I will check your suggestions. Actually with my budget, I can only get 256GB SSD and in limited machines, an extra HDD disk with 1 or 2 TB
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Just checked prices for GTX 1070 and they cost around half of my budget, so I need to look for cheaper alternatives
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@alfani said:
Just checked prices for GTX 1070 and they cost around half of my budget, so I need to look for cheaper alternatives
What rendering software will you be using? is it GPU based?
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Someone on another forum suggested me this:
"Basically get the highest processor speed you can afford and a dedicated GPU (Geforce 1060 for example)." -
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@solo said:
Try this:
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/363278/the-best-cheap-gaming-laptops
This article is exactly what I need! Thanks for all your help
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By looking again at my options in Greek market, I found an Asus laptop with AMD R7-2700U processor, 12 GB - DDR4 RAM and AMD Radeon Vega 10 Graphics.
Do you see any problems with AMD? -
@alfani said:
By looking again at my options in Greek market, I found an Asus laptop with AMD R7-2700U processor, 12 GB - DDR4 RAM and AMD Radeon Vega 10 Graphics.
Do you see any problems with AMD?I like AMD CPU's not so much their GPU's, I would avoid the Radeon as most render apps will require Cuda which may be a problem with AMD.
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Have you considered a eGPU?
I have a laptop with egpu and its great to use for gpu rendering.
This is the one I have.
https://www.aorus.com/product-detail.php?p=265 -
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@pixero said:
Have you considered a eGPU?
I have a laptop with egpu and its great to use for gpu rendering.+1 I also use an eGpu so there is gpu power when I need it and when mobile it runs the embedded chip.
Using a gtx1080 in a Sonnet Breakaway box. Plus side is: you can upgrade the gpu so maybe buy a less powerful gpu now and upgrade later when you have won the lottery.
Make sure you get the Sonnet that has enough power to fit your needs.
https://www.sonnettech.com/product/egfx-breakaway-box.html
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