A WoW CAD xmas computer, so lost...

[waitwaitwhat]

It has fallen on me to figure out which computer to "recommend" as an xmas present for my brother. I know computers do things and stuff, so i could use some help. He's in an engineering program and he plays wow, I think thats about all the computer neeeds to be able to do. I'm a very cheap person so money is an issue. I've looked on newegg and have found 2 that I like, then again my computer skills fall somewhere between lacking and my TI-86.

Numero Uno
ASUS K52 Series K52DR-A1 NoteBook AMD Phenom II Triple-Core N830(2.1GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470
and it can be his for $700

The second
ASUS N52DA-X1 NoteBook AMD Phenom II Quad-Core P920(1.6GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 500GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730
for $780

This is for xmas, i guess that means i have to order it today?

 

[WR2]

Hello waitwaitwhat;
I know that quad core CPU on the ASUS N52DA-X1 looks impressive but it's overall performance doesnt live up to expectations.
If you look at CPU benchmark scores you see it falls behind even some of the better dual core CPUs.

Passmark CPU Scores:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php

AMD Phenom II N830 Triple-Core = 1943
AMD Phenom II P920 Quad-Core = 1982
Intel Core i3 350M @ 2.27GHz = 2055
Intel Core i3 370M @ 2.40GHz = 2195
Intel Core i5 450M @ 2.40GHz = 2483

Also available @ NewEgg
$730 DELL Inspiron 15R Core i3 370M(2.40GHz) 15.6" ATI Mobility Radeon HD 550v 4GB RAM 500GB HDD ATI Mobility Radeon HD 550v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834200061
$680 Acer Aspire Core i3 350M(2.26GHz) 15.6" & ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 4GB RAM 320GB HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115805
$700 Acer Aspire Core i3 370M(2.40GHz) 15.6" & GeForce GT 420M 4GB RAM 500GB HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115860

I think that last $700 is looking very good for both CAD, WoW and all the usual office suite and laptop usages.
That GT 420 graphics chip should handle WoW on high settings - the other two on medium settings.
(based on gaming performance benchmarks here http://www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphic-Cards.13849.0.html )

 

[WR2]

We can check and see what BestBuy is carrying these days.
Also..... any chance you can shop the 'After Christmas' sales?
Some bargains to be had usually.

Also @ NewEgg
$700 MSI FX400-063US Notebook Intel Core i3 380M(2.53GHz) 14" & GeForce GT 325M 4GB RAM 500GB HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152215

 

[WR2]

Nothing @ BestBuy or Walmart that would also run WoW on high settings.
If running WoW on medium settings is an option a whole 'nother range of options opens up.

The Intel HD Graphics that is standard with Core i3/i5 CPUs will do a credible job on WoW and let you move into more powerful i5 CPUs or slightly less expensive i3 laptops @ NewEgg, BestBuy or Walmart.