AMD A10, 8650G vs i7, 720M (Gaming)

Zelix

Estimable
Jul 11, 2014
2
0
4,510
I'm really stuck between two laptops. I want a good gaming laptop for really cheap and I've been searching for days trying to figure it all out on my own but I really don't know what to pick. Will be mainly for gaming, I'd like to also use for school and other day to day tasks but I'd say around 75% gaming. My price range is between $400-$500.

Option 1:
AMD A10-5750M
Radeon HD 8650G

Option 2:
Intel i7-3632QM
GeForce GT 720M

Option 3:
Intel i5-3210M
GeForce GT 630M

Also if I had the choice between an HP and a Lenovo, identical specs, which would be the better option?
 
Option two but dont' expect to play any modern games on it (aka BF4, Watch Dogs, etc.). The 720M is a real low end card and won't work for 2013 forward titles. As you can see here http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-720M.90247.0.html

The APU (A10-5750M) is far worse choice, as noted here http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-A-Series-A10-5750M-Notebook-Processor.92882.0.html it is akin to the VERY old i3-2xxx processor in performance which was used for just surfing the web. But the GPU fairs far worse http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8650G.87916.0.html


Honestly, you can't PC game on such a low budget, and CERTAINLY NOT for portables. The current pricing to meet the demands for current 2014 titles (WOlfenstein, WatchDogs, AC:Unity, etc.) is no less then a i5, but BEST stick with a i7 (both HASWELL 4xxx) and a 770/780 or 870/880 or AMD R9 290 (which all start at $400 just for the GPU). Basically for desktops it is $1000 to get the normal 1080p 50FPS on High settings, for portables it costs 2x that, which puts it around $2000.

The only other option is consoles, because if you crap down to 800x600 on low quality 'just to play the game' but spending $500, that is a total waste when MANY titles the PS4 plays at 1080p 60FPS!!! (Surprisingly!) especially NEW titles. You could look into a PSP as that little beast (for portability) is amazing on what it plays! I am constantly surprised byt he titles showing up on it looking pretty damn nice.
 

outlw6669

Distinguished
Dec 4, 2006
179
0
18,660
Welcome to the forums!

For gaming, the AMD A10 should be a bit better performer and would be my choice.

As to your second question, it really depends on the exact model HP or Lenovo is offering.
If you have the opportunity to go hands on with both before purchasing, I would recommend checking the feel of the keyboard and viewing angles before making a final decision.
 

BustaRhymes

Estimable
Jun 16, 2014
9
0
4,520
Wow the benchmarks on the Nvidia 720M are pretty decent. Nvidia never ceases to amaze me lol.

I'd def say the 2nd option is better, but it still struggles with games, and can't play newer games.
 

Zelix

Estimable
Jul 11, 2014
2
0
4,510


Sorry I wasn't clear enough, I won't be playing graphic intensive games like watch dogs or anything, just lower end games like Minecraft, Starbound, and other indie games. I currently have a PS4 for those more graphic games, but some games are just better on the PC, that's mainly what it's for.

Also, Option 1 is a 15 inch HP envy 15 but I also found a Lenovo G505s price. (8GB ram)
Option 2 is a 17 inch Lenovo G700 2GB dedicated with 4GB DDR3.
Found a third laptop: 14 inch HP envy DV4T with an i5-3210M and GeForce 630M, 1GB dedicated with 4GB DDR3.
 

BustaRhymes

Estimable
Jun 16, 2014
9
0
4,520
720M is still the most powerful. If you don't like 17" laptop the 630M is almost as good.

The 720M is actually quite impressive for the money. It can play quite a lot of games on at least low settings.

EDIT: I would still suggest maybe saving a little more money though, if possible.