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I bought the wrong laptop....now what?

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  • Laptops
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 24, 2013 9:15:31 AM

Hello.

I am a first year university student in software engineering. Before my classes started, my father bought the Asus Vivobook s400ca for me without asking me which laptop I would like (fair enough, he has a lot of computer knowledge).

However after using the laptop for a while I realize that it really lacks in performance. My father kept in mind the portablility and touchscreen of the laptop (the SSD was a bonus) when he bought the laptop for me, but the lack of GPU is completely ruining my gaming experience (I want to specialize in graphics so I tend to play a lot of graphically demanding games). I have also been using Cry Engine 3 for experimenting with environments but it gives me less than 20 fps during usage.

Specifications:

-Intel core i5-3317U @ 1.7 GHz (can be overclocked to 2.4 GHz)
-4 GB DDR3 RAM @ 799 MHz
-Intel HD 4000 graphics with a max of 1664 MB usage.
-1366x768 generic PnP monitor

I know that Intel HD 4000 is part of the processor and cannot be replaced. I also know that I can't add an eGPU to my laptop because I need to carry it around and cannot take the box everywhere. I most definitely cannot buy another laptop because I just got this barely a month ago.

What can I do to improve my graphics experience on this laptop OR is there a way to sell this laptop at a reasonable price (it's pretty much unused) and get another one which has a dedicated GPU?

IMPORTANT: My laptop has an extra slot for RAM. Would adding some RAM improve the graphics performance? After all, it increases the memory pool for both the CPU and GPU.

Thank you.

More about : bought wrong laptop

a b D Laptop
September 24, 2013 9:20:11 AM

on upgrading GPU
I double it, it a ultrathin, they don't build that for upgrade-ability.

on RAM,
nope. not for more fps, but might make the computer run smoother
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September 24, 2013 9:26:17 AM

rgd1101 said:
on upgrading GPU
I double it, it a ultrathin, they don't build that for upgrade-ability.

on RAM,
nope. not for more fps, but might make the computer run smoother


So I'm screwed now. Thanks for the confirmation.
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a c 311 D Laptop
September 24, 2013 9:27:01 AM

1. Sell it, and take a 30% minimum loss.
2. Live with it
3. Increasing RAM won't really impact gameplay.

Your dad bought that one, because he is interested in your schoolwork, not your gaming experience.
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a b D Laptop
September 24, 2013 10:35:01 AM

You say your dad has computer skills. I think that's an understatement. The term "gaming laptop" is definitely an oxymoron. I advise you to use the laptop for it's intended purpose and save up for a gaming desktop probably in the $500-$1000 range. You'll be much happier.
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September 24, 2013 3:42:34 PM

ram1009 said:
You say your dad has computer skills. I think that's an understatement. The term "gaming laptop" is definitely an oxymoron. I advise you to use the laptop for it's intended purpose and save up for a gaming desktop probably in the $500-$1000 range. You'll be much happier.


You are right. How many months would it take me to save up for one, considering the fact that I will work part time and save 50% of my earnings? The job will most probably be a normal job like helping a prof out with research or doing spreadsheet work.

Thank you. And yes, I know calling something a "gaming laptop" doesn't make it better.
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a b D Laptop
September 24, 2013 5:01:38 PM

Yash Chauhan said:
ram1009 said:
You say your dad has computer skills. I think that's an understatement. The term "gaming laptop" is definitely an oxymoron. I advise you to use the laptop for it's intended purpose and save up for a gaming desktop probably in the $500-$1000 range. You'll be much happier.


You are right. How many months would it take me to save up for one, considering the fact that I will work part time and save 50% of my earnings? The job will most probably be a normal job like helping a prof out with research or doing spreadsheet work.

Thank you. And yes, I know calling something a "gaming laptop" doesn't make it better.


You are wise beyond your years. Most people in your situation blow off such advice and learn their lesson the hard way. If I can help you in the future look me up including building a computer.
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September 24, 2013 10:12:04 PM

ram1009 said:
Yash Chauhan said:
ram1009 said:
You say your dad has computer skills. I think that's an understatement. The term "gaming laptop" is definitely an oxymoron. I advise you to use the laptop for it's intended purpose and save up for a gaming desktop probably in the $500-$1000 range. You'll be much happier.


You are right. How many months would it take me to save up for one, considering the fact that I will work part time and save 50% of my earnings? The job will most probably be a normal job like helping a prof out with research or doing spreadsheet work.

Thank you. And yes, I know calling something a "gaming laptop" doesn't make it better.


You are wise beyond your years. Most people in your situation blow off such advice and learn their lesson the hard way. If I can help you in the future look me up including building a computer.


With gratitude. I'll ask you soon enough.
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November 20, 2013 2:41:06 PM

ram1009

I finally got the funds to buy a gaming PC, it's about $1000. Based on this, how much should I contribute to the graphics card? I'm leaning towards Nvidia a bit more but I don't have a problem with AMD.

I was thinking of gtx 770...or 670 SLI?
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November 20, 2013 2:41:16 PM

ram1009

I finally got the funds to buy a gaming PC, it's about $1000. Based on this, how much should I contribute to the graphics card? I'm leaning towards Nvidia a bit more but I don't have a problem with AMD.

I was thinking of gtx 770...or 670 SLI?
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a b D Laptop
November 20, 2013 4:43:08 PM

Yash Chauhan said:
ram1009

I finally got the funds to buy a gaming PC, it's about $1000. Based on this, how much should I contribute to the graphics card? I'm leaning towards Nvidia a bit more but I don't have a problem with AMD.

I was thinking of gtx 770...or 670 SLI?


Good to hear from you again. For $1K you should be able to build a good mid range gaming desktop. I will tell you the names of manufacturers I prefer. ASUS for mother boards and Intel for CPU. An i5 should be sufficient. You can save a few dollars by getting a CPU with a locked multiplier but only if you don't plan to overclock which I don't recommend. Use the supplied heatsink/fan to see if your CPU over heats and buy a Cooler Master Hyper 212 if it does. I've always had good luck with Crucial RAM. 2x2GB should be sufficient to start. You can add another 2x2GB later if you like. I too prefer Nvidia GPUs. I've always found ATI/AMD drivers to be buggy. You should be able to find a capable GPU for under $300. Don't use multiuple GPU unless you have money to burn. Try a single first, you can always add later. PSUs are more important than most people realize. Most get one that is "just big enough". I recommend a Seasonic as much wattage as you can afford. Get a good SSD if possible. 128GB minimum 256GB preferred, Samsung or Crucial. If not, I've had the best service out of WD black. The box & OS are up to you. Let me know if I missed something.

http://pcpartpicker.com/

Here's a site that might help.
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December 7, 2013 1:01:17 PM

Thank you a lot ram1009, but I just managed to slip in some extra money I earned and I now have $1700...I posted a thread with a proposed build here http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/edit/12123299

I want to know whether getting a 1440p monitor now is worth it or not?
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a b D Laptop
December 7, 2013 1:31:32 PM

Yash Chauhan said:
Thank you a lot ram1009, but I just managed to slip in some extra money I earned and I now have $1700...I posted a thread with a proposed build here http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/edit/12123299

I want to know whether getting a 1440p monitor now is worth it or not?


I don't know why but my browser refused to display the page you linked so I cannot comment on your parts list. I don't know how much the hi res monitor costs but, personally, I probably wouldn't buy it. If you can afford it and you just want bragging rights then go for it but I doubt it will add anything to your enjoyment of your machine. People spend a lot of money to get just a few extra FPS from their games. I put a hi res monitor in that same category. It's just not much bang for your buck. Keep in touch.
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a c 311 D Laptop
December 7, 2013 1:36:18 PM

ram1009 said:
Yash Chauhan said:
Thank you a lot ram1009, but I just managed to slip in some extra money I earned and I now have $1700...I posted a thread with a proposed build here http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/edit/12123299

I want to know whether getting a 1440p monitor now is worth it or not?


I don't know why but my browser refused to display the page you linked so I cannot comment on your parts list.


I got weirdness trying to go to that link as well.
But here is the text:
Spoiler
Building a $1.7 K gaming PC, need advice on my proposed build


Hello all,

I've put together a PC system that I plan to assemble, and would like some advice on the build. I want to ask three things:

1. Is my GPU setup good? Should I get something more cost efficient?
2. Should I get the rm - 750 PSU or the ax - 760?
3. Can I get a full tower which has a window for around $100? Do I even need a full tower?

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/xpoizone/saved/34Ki

Thanks for the assistance.

EDIT: Okay, here are a few things I want to mention:

1. I really wanted a 1440p monitor but they seem to be really expensive.
2. If I get a gtx 770 it will save me enough for a 1440p monitor, but then I won't be able to run that nicely.
3. I'm looking around but the fractal design R4 with window is over $100 everywhere.
4. I know dual channel is better but later on when I need 16 gigs of RAM I will save the price of an 8 gig stick..or should I just go 4x4 gigs?

I live in Canada
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a b D Laptop
December 7, 2013 1:53:14 PM

USAFRet said:
ram1009 said:
Yash Chauhan said:
Thank you a lot ram1009, but I just managed to slip in some extra money I earned and I now have $1700...I posted a thread with a proposed build here http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/edit/12123299

I want to know whether getting a 1440p monitor now is worth it or not?


I don't know why but my browser refused to display the page you linked so I cannot comment on your parts list.


I got weirdness trying to go to that link as well.
But here is the text:
Spoiler
Building a $1.7 K gaming PC, need advice on my proposed build


Hello all,

I've put together a PC system that I plan to assemble, and would like some advice on the build. I want to ask three things:

1. Is my GPU setup good? Should I get something more cost efficient?
2. Should I get the rm - 750 PSU or the ax - 760?
3. Can I get a full tower which has a window for around $100? Do I even need a full tower?

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/xpoizone/saved/34Ki

Thanks for the assistance.

EDIT: Okay, here are a few things I want to mention:

1. I really wanted a 1440p monitor but they seem to be really expensive.
2. If I get a gtx 770 it will save me enough for a 1440p monitor, but then I won't be able to run that nicely.
3. I'm looking around but the fractal design R4 with window is over $100 everywhere.
4. I know dual channel is better but later on when I need 16 gigs of RAM I will save the price of an 8 gig stick..or should I just go 4x4 gigs?

I live in Canada


Thanks very much.
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