Laptop Time: Adventures in Computing Pt. 2

K

Kholi

Section Moderator
Back some time ago I went on an adventure into the Computing world, looking for the best price-to-performance ratio on the market. My decision to build my own system (like most things with me) cost me over 1500.00 in expenses just testing and reselling, sending back equipment. In the end, I tallied a total of over 4500.00 for my current desktop setup. 3k of that ended up being my actual system and now it's worth less than half that. Here's the thread: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=95454

The specs read:

Q6600 @ 3.6 Ghz
Asus P5k-E WiFi Board
4Gbs of DDR2-1000 @ 1200
2Tb in internal HDD Space
22 and 24" LCD's (22" is now sold)
And a few odds and ends.

I love it, it's still working. But now I'm at a point where the ol' Dell Laptop just isn't cutting it. It's GREAT for P2 offloading, but I don't spend enough time in my psuedo/office bedroom where the desktop is and I really want to have the freedom to just boot up and Final Cut around (motion, color, etc) even if I'm out and about at someone elses place.

Not to mention the obvious reasons in being able to cut on location and handle other gigs without having to go back to homestead. AND even better! I don't have to leave the GF's apartment and suffer her wrath just because I need to get work done. I mean, really, who needs to get work done?

Looking at the current crop of laptops there's some NICE stuff out there! Barry_Green has a very nice lappy, Apple's got some great Mobile Dual Core Computing Options, there's gold everywhere. And yet... I want a tad bit more than what those are offering. Something with a full 1920x1200 display. Maybe 300 - 600Gbs of Internal Mobile Storage at high speeds? How about Dual SLI 8800GTX Mobile Video Cards and and and ... hell, why not a Quad Core Cpu?

Now I know what you're thinking: Whoa buddy! Power Consumption! Heat issues! And that thing MUST weight 25 pounds at least!... Well it's more like 15 when it's built out with everything.

Then: Whoa buddy that MUST cost an arm, a leg, and a box fulla eyeballs! Well, the best Macbook Pro configuration you can get runs in excess of 3K. Your wallet is already bleeding to death, why not just finish it off?

So the new project? Here's the Specs:

17" 1920 x 1200 LCD
Q6600 Intel Quad Core CPU @ 3.0Ghz
Dual SLI 8800GTX 512MB GPU's
3 x 200GB Samsung 7200RPM 2.5" HDDS
4 GB of DDR2-1000
And a Dual Boot (mmhmmm... shhhh) Operating System Setup

I've already begun the hunt and I'm about to order the parts to custom build this sucker from an existing barebones setup.

Stay Tuned.
 
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SLI and a Quadcore on a laptop.. Giveup and build a SFF PC, save yourself 2 grand. it will be lighter, smaller, faster, cheaper...
EDIT: You know your SLI isnt going to do Dick for editing right?
 
Naturally. The SLI is for Left 4 Dead (edit here: and future gaming, etc.)

I see your preference in the option to build an SFF, I think I would rather have an actual laptop all-in-one. An SSF also will not be smaller or lighter, you still need to port a keyboard and monitor. Just as well, the Laptop will be just as fast. You are correct in it being "cheaper" to build. In effect, I'm exchanging money for mobility. There's nothing wrong with that, right?

Although, I do know that you're up on your Computing Tech and you do know that Clevo barebones support SLI. =) Strictly for my gaming habit.
 
Kholi said:
Naturally. The SLI is for Left 4 Dead (edit here: and future gaming, etc.)

I see your preference in the option to build an SFF, I think I would rather have an actual laptop all-in-one. An SSF also will not be smaller or lighter, you still need to port a keyboard and monitor. Just as well, the Laptop will be just as fast. You are correct in it being "cheaper" to build. In effect, I'm exchanging money for mobility. There's nothing wrong with that, right?

Although, I do know that you're up on your Computing Tech and you do know that Clevo barebones support SLI. =) Strictly for my gaming habit.
Click to expand...
Im a huge gamer aswell, but you dont need SLI - Left 4 Dead is going to be on the source engine, and a midrange single 8 series card can play that maxed out. Its your money so whatever i reccomend is just that, a reccomendation.

http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=293

:-/
 
Thanks for the Recommendation, Miniman. I know what you're getting at, saving money can never be a bad thing. For the time being I'm not worried about saving so much as maximizing the return on my [weak] dollar. Unfortunately iBuyPower isn't the best place to find a Quad Core Notebook. I've got a website that I'm grabbing a more barebones system for for hundreds less than what they're selling, and even maxed out on that website it's still hundreds less than iBuy Power. It's all about the hunt.

In just a moment here I'm going to put up the price differences between maxed out offerings from reputable manufacturers in comparison to what I'm building.
 
Would that be a good machine for Photoshop/Rhino/Illustrator/Lightwave/Maya/Premiere Pro/Vectorworks/Modo/Blender/Ghost Recon/Gears of War...?
 
Mmm Gears of War. You know what's really lame? I've gotten to the end of that game three times and accidentally deleted my game each time. Still gotta play it again, I'm so behind.

I would reckon it's a very good machine for those programs, especially Maya and Lightwave no doubt. Being able to take advantage of Quad Core Architecture and all for renders and previews.

I still use Cinema4D, this is another reason that I want to go Quad Core in the laptop. In my experience with an Overclocked E6600 CPU vs a stock Quad Core Q6600 CPU -- there was a time when I had both and repeatedly switched them out to benchmark so that I knew first hand what I was and was not getting-- the Quad Core CPU was clearly the better choice for the type of work I find myself doing. I'll get a job doing some VFX/3D or Cutting (like this week) and it helps to not have to be stuck in the bay for ten to twelve hours when I don't really have to.

That said, a Dual Core build can also do pretty well. I know plenty of people that do their work on Dual Core Books (mostly newer books, nix Santa Rosa Architecture) with no issue. I think as long as you max out your Memory then you're good.
 
Candidate #1 - $2894.00 - Custom Built Quad Core Laptop

Q6600 Quad Core Processor
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition + ????
Chipset Intel 965PM & ICH8-R
4GB Dual Channel DDR2-800
Camera Built In 1.3 Pixel Digital PC Camera
Display 17" 1920 x 1200 WUXGA GlassView LCD, Super-Wide Viewing Angles
Video Graphics & Memory

nVidia GeForce Go 8800GTX
280GB Sata 3.0 GBPs HDD space ( 1 x 80gb 7200.2 RPM and 1 x 200gb 7200.2 RPM)
8X DVD±R/RW Burner with 4X Double Layer Write Capability
One Express Card 54 Slot
Built-in 7 in 1 card reader support (MS/MS Pro/MS Duo/SD/Mini SD/MMC/RSMMC)
Interface

1 x IEEE1394
4 x USB 2.0 Ports
1 x DVI Port
1 x CIR for TV Remote Control Compliant
1 x TV Output Port
4 x Audio Jack for Line Out, Line In, Microphone In and SPDIF Out
1 x RJ45
1 x RJ11
1 x Integrated Intel Wireless Wifi Link 4965AGN (optional)
1 x 10/100/1000 Fast Ethernet
Input Device Full Size Key Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
Integrated Trackpad Pointing Device with 4 Scrolling Slider Function
Integrated Finger Print Reader
Audio

UAA (Universal Audio Achitechure
High Definition Audio Compliant Interface
Virtual 8 Channel Audio Output
S/PDIF Digital Output
1 Built In Microphone
4 Built in Speakers
Power System 1 Lithium Ion Battery (8 cell)
Full Range Auto-Switching 100V/240V AC Adapter
Dimension & Weight 15.48" x 11.75" x 2"/ 11.8lbs
Wireless Connectivity Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 Network Connection (optional)

-- PROS --
- Quad Core CPU @ 3.0Ghz vs Dual Core CPU @ 2.5Ghz: Great for Cuttin' and Renderin'
- Large 17" 1920x1200 LCD
- Newer GPU: 8800GTX 512MB for some great renders
- DDR2-800 with OC Capabilities to 1000 (Unlikely this will happen)
- 7-in-1 Card Reader and Express Card Slot
- Expandability Compliant for the Future
- Very Good Resale Value and Rental Value
- A full Desktop System Replacement, no doubts about it.

--CONS--
- As big as a house. Weighing in at about 12 Pounds Fully Loaded. Twice as much as the standard fully decked out Macbook Pro.
- Battery Life = Yeah right. MUST have second Battery on hand which adds to the cost.
- Price Alone -- Matches the top of the line Macbook Pro and beats it out, but, Lenovo Laptops are comparable in specs and are MUCH cheaper.



Candidate #2 - $1575.00 - Lenovo T61P Customized

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)
Operating System: Genuine Windows XP Professional
Display Panel: 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
System graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M (256MB Open GL)
Total memory: 4 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) Keyboards: Keyboard US English
Pointing Device: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Hard Drive: 250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device: DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
System expansion slots: PC Card Slot & Express Card Slot
Card Reader: 4 in 1 Media Card Reader
Wireless cards: ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe US/EMEA/LA/ANZ
Battery: 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Power cord : Country Pack North America
Language Pack: Language Pack US English

-- Pros --
- Light Weight and Compact Size
- Optional Dock for Desktop Replacement which features Express Card Slot
- Price: Roughly 1575 ( can get it a little cheaper than that, but not much)
- PC (P2) Slot, Express Slot, 4in1 Card Reader

-- Cons --
- Not a complete Desktop Replacement due to horsepower
- LCD size is 15.1" Widescreen, about 1400 x 800 resolution, maybe 1600x
- Low Resale Value and Rental Value
- Slower GPU: Quadro FX @ 256MB



So, it looks like a no brainer but it truly isn't in this case. On closer inspection, I've realized that I can shave about 200 on the Lenovo and a good 600 on the Insane Quad-Core. The latter by gutting my Desktop for it's Q6600 CPU and selling the rest of the system for extra change, and also by buying nothing but the bare minimum and seeking out better channels for memory, extra battery, etc.

Also, the Quad Core is a DEFINITE desktop replacement. I keep my 24" and 42" LCD's, using my DVI Switcher when I need it and no longer have to worry about the large box on my floor. I'm completely portable when I need to be (barring battery times, ick) but naturally at a cost.

ROI is important. I try not to invest in any hardware that I can't resell for a decent price, the Desktop isn't going to go for a lot so I'm taking a hit on that when I resell which is another reason to keep my Q6600 and go Quad Laptop. Even when Intel introduces their new Quad Core laptop CPU (less power consumption packed in a tinier shell) this Quad System will still be worth a decent amount, allowing me trade-up for less money to a better CPU.

Then again... The Lenovo remains attractive for it's P2 slot and it's LOW cost. Spend 1500 (or less) on it and I can take the other 1500 and do something worthwhile... buy something for my GF so she doesn't kill me for spending this money, shoot a short. Those sorts of things.

Small word on spending for the business: If you're freelancing or working for yourself it's not a bad idea to spend what you can afford or what you know you can pay for because, at the end of the year, that equates to some hefty tax write-offs for business. There's no reason to be afraid of investing your money into technology if you understand it's rhyme and reason.

So now to grind on which one.

Oh yeah, P.S to miniMan-- I forewent the SLI option in favor of a PS3 MGS4 package. :B Forgot that was coming out.
 
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How are you getting that Q6600 to be at 3GHZ in a laptop... (Overclocking laptops is a bad idea.)
 
The TDP spec for a G0 Stepping Q6600 CPU (which I have already) allows the processor to perform from 2.4Ghz on up to 3.0Ghz with minimal change in temperature. You barely see a rise (when properly seated) in temps when OCing from 2.4Ghz to 3.0Ghz which is great. This is due to the fact that the processor will run at higher clocks on lower power ratings. It takes about the same amount of power to run the CPU at 2.4Ghz as it does at 3.0Ghz for my particular Week And Stepping. I personally tested this with my (edit here: meant B3) B3 Q6600 and G0 Q6600 on two different motherboards and those were the conclusions-- based on successful and stable OC's ran overnight on Full Loads-- that I came too. The differences at full CPU load on all four cores ranged from 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

For this setup, 3.0Ghz is going to be fine thanks to the revised stepping I have in hands. I don't have to worry about getting a good CPU, I have one of the listed best weeks in my possession which means better OC success.

There are a lot of things that people say are bad ideas, but in the end circumstance and variables change things. The Variables in this case are:

-Large Laptop Chassis to Begin With
-More Laptop Cooling Power
-The second most Efficient Quad Core CPU to date (Penryn now being the first but with similar performance specs)
-I do things before someone tells me that it's a bad idea, so that way I know for myself.

Good thing I gots that warranty. :B
 
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I have a G0 Q6600 @ 9 x 334... You are not really looking for advice, more to brag it looks like. :-/
 
I'm doing the same thing I did with the last thread, putting up my build for others to see. The last thread got pretty large and even continued beyond me and it helped some other users build up their systems. I think I counted a good four or five people that went with my build and two more this year. There are a lot of people interested in computing power and don't have the time to search for what kind of options there are. Some people, most people, have no idea that a Quad Core Laptop is an option, and that you can build one for the same price as a maxed out macbook pro.

Sorry you feel that way. I never asked for advice for the get-go. But I do appreciate the suggestions on what I should look out for, thanks.
 
I find the thread helpful, I'll probably build a laptop at some point. Your desktop thread was partly what got me into building my current system.
 
And what's funny is that you've got a few better components than I. =\ How's that work out? LoL

MiniMan13-- If there's anything I can change in the post to make it more helpful let me know. The intent is only to help more people, like Isaac, find good computing power when it's time for them to make the switch. I think we're all looking for the best bang-for-buck in the bracket we're spending in. Mines was the Macbook Pro and similar to when I planned to go after a decked out Mac Pro I decided to see what else I could get for the money.

S'all.
 
No doubt this is useful to some folks, and to you in particular... otherwise you wouldn't be building it :)

That said, it all depends on your philosophy and your needs. To me, when I'm sitting at home with plenty of space, top of the line Mac Pro makes sense, since I can use the power when editing on FCS etc., and there's really no penalty. However, when I want portability, I guess for my needs the "portable" is the crucial aspect here, rather than power... and that means size and weight, or how easy it would be to carry around. I don't do any heavy editing on the move - it's just not convenient for me, since there are so many other things I'd need to bring along for serious editing that it just wouldn't be possible (extra hard drives, several large monitors etc.). And, for the rest (word processing, email, internet, light editing and sample storage/transport), well, f.ex. the MacBook Air is good enough - while it outstanding as far as portability goes. So my ideal set up would be: Mac Pro + MacBook Air.

12 pound laptops are hard for me to get my head around - neither fish nor fowl - too heavy for easy portability and too weak for top of the line power. Then again though I totally understand that some folks find it very useful. I just wonder if this whole exercise is not simply an excuse for building a system - which admittedly is a lot of fun :) I mean, just how carefully did you think through your needs? :) :) :) I'm just sayin'... I have a lot of friends who simply like gear, and any excuse to build/buy is good enough, and real need doesn't enter into consideration :)

In any case, interesting thread, I'd love to see a photo of your final configuration!
 
Naturally. I went through the whole building-a-system in the last thread so it's less about that and more about becoming portable. That's why I'm considering a Lenovo as well that'll cost about half of the Quad and still be pretty nice. I'm finding that I'm unable to really get to my Desktop as much as I would like and I'd rather be doing more with it. For instance, I'm on my old Dell right now at home.

So, what I am going to attempt to do if I go the Quad Core route is remove the extra space needed for a desktop and have everything in one system. You're not wrong, any serious editing will require that you be tethered to raids etc. Just as well, on more than a few occasions, a nice laptop on set for quick rough edits has been a really good thing.

So, basically, I'm trying to combine something I don't use as much as I want to (I'm either in the bay in the office or not in my apartment to use my own rig) with something that I know I'll use.

When I'm next door I'll get to hook up to the larger monitors, or when needed for Illustration and VFX and when I don't have to be there I can do plenty with this one.

The CON indeed is the massive size. Sucker's weight is pretty much unheard of. For me, the Macbook Air is just "thin". It doesn't serve any purpose beyond it's look for my needs but for you it's the perfect deal because you're able to be at your Mac Pro 24/7. I rarely see the interior of my own apartment, and that's where the current Rig is parked. It fits my "wants" pretty well, because I want to have access to my hardware at all times, and I want to not have to worry about going next door to use it. But none of us NEED anything more than what we had three years ago. There are people still cutting on Mac Mini's, right?

I'm in no sort of money position to build just because. It may seem that way... until you see what kind of vehicle I drive.

The Green Machine is infamous.
 
Oh and while Macbook Air is being mentioned:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...9144000/wo/ac55ygBSgzWC2gQTM3s1jAJvsyq/2.?p=0

Best you can get out of it is a 60gb Solid State HDD and a 1.8GhZ Core 2 Duo. $3,100+ for a machine that you really can't do more than surf the web with or run numbers. Albeit it's small, light and very stylish, the same amount of money will get you a system that can replace your desktop completely with no remorse in the end (again, outside of the weight of the unit).

That goes back to the original point of this thread and the other as well: price-to-performance ratios.
 
u_u; I just lifted an XBOX360 with one hand laying flat on the floor. It weighs 10lbs.

I think I underestimated the weight of the Quad Core a little.
 
Kholi, Its incredibly frustrating for a non-tech savy Mac FCS Editor like me to see your success in building what probably is the Macbook pro of 2010..

The current Macbook Pro is garbage. Compared to the Sony Vaio, for example, is definetly a yesterday's machine- no Blu-Ray, low HDD space, outdated design, etc.

Its a curse! If You are Mac and FCS centric, you end up being dependant of their incredibly slow updates, which means slower workflow= less $!

Small rant post, I know...
 
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