Need advice - getting new laptop

[jamsy]

So I'm about to get a new laptop and need some input. I'm leaning towards the new MSI GT70, which has the following -

CPU - i7-3610QM, 2.3-3.3GHz
GPU - 680M

Now, I know the GPU won't be an issue, but I'm worried about the CPU. For an extra $300 I can get the i7-3720QM, 2.6-3.6GHz or for an extra $500 the 2.7-3.7GHz. I'm not made of money, but I'd consider these if it made that much of a difference.

The main games I want to play are Xenoblade, Pandora's Tower and Last Story (and maybe the Zelda games).

Unfortunately, a desktop is not an option for me, as I travel internationally not infrequently.

So should I upgrade? Or stick with the base i7? Thanks in advance

[ExtremeDude2]

Last story is one of the most demanding games ever, I feel bad telling you to spend $500 extra, but that is what you are going to need , and even then you wouldn't get full speed.

On the other hand, if you can I'd go for a desktop if I were you.

[Starscream]

You could build a really nice desktop for much cheaper than what you'll end up spending on that laptop. Having said that, get the best/fastest processor you can afford. The better your processor is, the better your chances are of running more games as playable speeds.

[DefenderX]

If you really need a laptop, get the one with the BEST CPU, like SS said. The GTX 680M is the fastest mobile GPU and is able to handle 4x IR and some AA (little bit overkill for Dolphin )

[rpglord]

Well certanly dont spend $500 because there is only like 100mhz difference and its not worth additional $200.
But spending $300 for 300 mhz more is also wasting money,but if you really need a laptop and want to play last story then that's what you have to do.
Last story is one of the most demanding games,and its not meant to be played on laptop unless you are made of money
Also be sure to check that you laptop has proper cooling so it wont throtle back cpu speed.
Make sure it will go to 3.6 ghz under any circustamances ( heat,having 680m enabled etc )
Also,use a older build for last story since its slower in newer ones,but no additional benefits - it can be played fine in older builds ( thats how I finished it )

[jamsy]

Thanks for the input guys.

Quick question - what exactly is meant by "full speed" when referring to playing games on Dolphin? Like constant 60fps? Or the way it actually plays on a Wii?

[DefenderX]

60FPS = PAL; 50 FPS = NTSC.

Note: Some games are supposed to run @ 30 FPS, e.g. Xenoblade.

[ExtremeDude2]

(08-31-2012, 05:11 AM)DefenderX Wrote: 60FPS = PAL; 50 FPS = NTSC.

Note: Some games are supposed to run @ 30 FPS, e.g. Xenoblade.

lol wut

it is PAL=50FPS and NTSC=60FPS

[AlphaMagnum]

Is Dolphin like most PC games though?

With PC games, most shoot for 60fps but for myself and many others 30fps appears fluid and I am unable to perceive any "lag" or slowdowns.

Would Dolphin seem fluid at <60fps (NTSC) or <50fps (PAL)?

[LordVador]

Quote:what exactly is meant by "full speed" when referring to playing games on Dolphin?

Getting speed max (25/50 or 30/60fps) most of the time. Some speed drops are possible though