Haswell, Richland, or Kaveri

[kirilmatthew]

The 8750 does have a huge lead on the Intel graphics, I am not surprised but it does make the thing look all the more tempting.

However I think I am starting to lean a little more towards waiting for Steamroller and Kaveri in honest. I like the AMD based laptop I linked before a lot, but I realized it lacks any USB 3.0 slots and there are no doors on the bottom for easy access. I have taken laptops apart more than a few times now but I prefer to have easy access to basic parts still. SO unless I find a similar one at similar price with a little better exterior I think I will wait for Kaveri.

I know it seems a little picky, but I probably will keep whatever I get for the next 5 years at least so I wan't to make sure these small details are right.

Thanks for all of your help though from everyone, especially you kirilmatthew. I will add to this once again if I find a suitable laptop trade off, or decide to settle for the Haswell system. The graphics aren't as good, but it is $80 cheaper on Amazon.

To be honest that laptop is a wicked deal. Not saying you should get it, but I've been looking and not much comes close to it. I say wait for kaveri. It ships to OEMs in Q4 and to consumers in Q1 2014. If you can't wait for that I highly recommend the laptop you found. Are you sure it doesn't have those things? I would take it any day over the i5. I'm glad I've been able to help you!

 

[guggi4]

one question: why do you guys all think a richland based apu matches with an i3, but get destroyed by a i5?
Its true for destops, but keep in mind, a mobile i5 also just has 2 physical cores like the i3, the only difference is turbo boost.

 

[kirilmatthew]

one question: why do you guys all think a richland based apu matches with an i3, but get destroyed by a i5?
Its true for destops, but keep in mind, a mobile i5 also just has 2 physical cores like the i3, the only difference is turbo boost.

That's just how benchmarks generally compare them. In reality the i3 iprobably has a small advantage, but not very significant. There is a bigger difference between desktop i3 and desktop i5, but there is just as big a difference between desktop a10 and desktop FX-8350.

 

[IInuyasha74]

Yea see I had that thought too as to why they are still significantly better and it was a big part for starting this thread. If some how without killing it you overclocked the a10 a good bit I could see it winning against the i5 on a mobile platform. It makes sense to me at least, because the a10 just seems to be pretty much the same processor but with a few tweaks and the clock speed cut nearly in half. The i5 seems to be the same but with it dropped to 2 cores, like the desktop i3's, and with a clock speed cut but not as sever as the a10s. So in thinking about it its understandable the difference is still there and the i5 is still better, but the difference I don't think is anything as compared to the desktop versions.

I went through Toshiba, Bestbuy, Tiger Direct, Newegg like 5 times, and Amazon and I really couldn't find any better deals than these ones. I looked through the Intel laptops, but I am not willing to accept anything but Haswell on an Intel laptop. So I couldn't find any with better graphics for a long time. I think I got to the $700 range first with i7 Haswell CPU's and I really don't think i need a boost to the CPU, and they still didn't have better graphics really.

On the AMD side I looked and considered several Richland and Trinity based systems. The closest I found had the same price, a worse looking case, a weaker CPU, and a good bit weaker GPU all for the gain of a few USB 3.0 ports. Buying that one would kill me to think I got so much worse hardware at the same price for such a little benefit.

I think I would honestly be happy with the AMD based laptop I listed above but the case doesn't have any easy way to open it. That is the biggest issue to me because I want to upgrade the RAM if I get it, 4GB is just a little short for my liking. Since it lacks an easy access door to the RAM, to change it I would have to void the warranty. So I can't do that either.

I do like the AMD one better but this one flaw really makes it a big issue to me. Maybe if I contact Newegg they will agree to install the RAM for me before hand. If not then I guess I will go with the Intel PC. I prefer AMD and Kaveri is tempting but I could really use the system this upcoming semester. If only they made a few more AMD laptops with slightly better case.

 

[kirilmatthew]

Yea see I had that thought too as to why they are still significantly better and it was a big part for starting this thread. If some how without killing it you overclocked the a10 a good bit I could see it winning against the i5 on a mobile platform. It makes sense to me at least, because the a10 just seems to be pretty much the same processor but with a few tweaks and the clock speed cut nearly in half. The i5 seems to be the same but with it dropped to 2 cores, like the desktop i3's, and with a clock speed cut but not as sever as the a10s. So in thinking about it its understandable the difference is still there and the i5 is still better, but the difference I don't think is anything as compared to the desktop versions.

I went through Toshiba, Bestbuy, Tiger Direct, Newegg like 5 times, and Amazon and I really couldn't find any better deals than these ones. I looked through the Intel laptops, but I am not willing to accept anything but Haswell on an Intel laptop. So I couldn't find any with better graphics for a long time. I think I got to the $700 range first with i7 Haswell CPU's and I really don't think i need a boost to the CPU, and they still didn't have better graphics really.

On the AMD side I looked and considered several Richland and Trinity based systems. The closest I found had the same price, a worse looking case, a weaker CPU, and a good bit weaker GPU all for the gain of a few USB 3.0 ports. Buying that one would kill me to think I got so much worse hardware at the same price for such a little benefit.

I think I would honestly be happy with the AMD based laptop I listed above but the case doesn't have any easy way to open it. That is the biggest issue to me because I want to upgrade the RAM if I get it, 4GB is just a little short for my liking. Since it lacks an easy access door to the RAM, to change it I would have to void the warranty. So I can't do that either.

I do like the AMD one better but this one flaw really makes it a big issue to me. Maybe if I contact Newegg they will agree to install the RAM for me before hand. If not then I guess I will go with the Intel PC. I prefer AMD and Kaveri is tempting but I could really use the system this upcoming semester. If only they made a few more AMD laptops with slightly better case.

Haswell offers no performance benefit whatsoever though. If you could find IB+discreet GPU that would be fine. One again, how are you sure there's no access? The laptop you found is such a good deal, I'd hate to waste it, Even with 4Gb of ram. I understand you need it soon though. I don't recommend a iGPU for baking at all, but if the case is simply too much of a drawback for you I understand. Its a tough choice.

 

[IInuyasha74]

Well I am on chat assisstance with Newegg right now and I am hoping they will tell me if I do it that it will not void my warranty or something. That would be great, but on the product page I looked through the pictures and the bottom of the case is all one solid piece of plastic. So the only way to get to the parts is to dismantle it.

 

[kirilmatthew]

Well I am on chat assisstance with Newegg right now and I am hoping they will tell me if I do it that it will not void my warranty or something. That would be great, but on the product page I looked through the pictures and the bottom of the case is all one solid piece of plastic. So the only way to get to the parts is to dismantle it.

Well once you find out let me know!

 

[IInuyasha74]

I know Haswell doesn't have much of a benefit. The CPU is a little better and it uses less power, but the battery stores considerably less power, it weighs more, and it has the worse graphics. Overall I see it is clearly a step down, but again this is why I really wish that some how I can increase the RAM without voiding the warranty.

 

[guggi4]

Feedback from a customer at new egg:
This laptop is amazing for the price. Plays all of my games at max settings without hiccups, performs on par with my desktop which also has an A8 APU in it. Ram was easy to install as the entire bottom plastic panel pops off after removing screws allowing access to all components. Cost of Laptop + 8 GB stick of ram was less than 600 cannot beat that price.

So don't worry about the ram!

 

[kirilmatthew]

I know Haswell doesn't have much of a benefit. The CPU is a little better and it uses less power, but the battery stores considerably less power, it weighs more, and it has the worse graphics. Overall I see it is clearly a step down, but again this is why I really wish that some how I can increase the RAM without voiding the warranty.

Feedback from a customer at new egg:
This laptop is amazing for the price. Plays all of my games at max settings without hiccups, performs on par with my desktop which also has an A8 APU in it. Ram was easy to install as the entire bottom plastic panel pops off after removing screws allowing access to all components. Cost of Laptop + 8 GB stick of ram was less than 600 cannot beat that price.

So don't worry about the ram!

There you go! Looks like your mind is probably made up 😀

 

[IInuyasha74]

Feedback from a customer at new egg:
This laptop is amazing for the price. Plays all of my games at max settings without hiccups, performs on par with my desktop which also has an A8 APU in it. Ram was easy to install as the entire bottom plastic panel pops off after removing screws allowing access to all components. Cost of Laptop + 8 GB stick of ram was less than 600 cannot beat that price.

So don't worry about the ram!

😀 Dude you just saved me so much trouble! I completely didn't think about checking the reviews again, and I overlooked his comment. I hadn't seen laptops come apart like that before but hey it works! I am so glad to, because Newegg and Acer were no help. Acer doesn't acknowledge the laptop's existence and Newegg just simply didn't know anything, but owell this thing plus the RAM will top out at $600 and make a wonderful mid-range gaming laptop. So thank you so much!

Thanks again to you too kirilmatthew, lol you've been advising me on this all day. If you hadn't shined the light on the AMD laptops finer features I might of ended up getting the Haswell one not realizing how big of a difference the GPU really is. Can't wait to get it now!

 

[luckiest charm]

Just FYI -

That APU does not have HD 8750D but HD 8550D.
Which is basically HD 7550 whereas HD 8750D is HD 7750.

That thing is either mistype or lie. In either case, that GPU is good for nothing and you won't run a game properly on it. You are better off with Intel here considering its awesome CPU performance. If that APU really had HD 8750D then it would be winner here but .. sadly it hasn't.

And no it won't run Bioshock Infinite for sure. Think about a second before buying, HD 7550 (Or HD 6550 to say better) with a weak CPU.

HD 4400 is equal to that or well, better than that I suppose. What really is better is the CPU. Its damn powerful.

Why are you comparing laptop and desktop GPUs.... The 4400 is nowhere near the dual graphics, not by a long shot! This is the GPU: http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8750M.87147.0.html
As you can see, BioShock infinite in low-medium. Your information is confusing and misleading.

YOUR information is misleading.

Google the APU and see which GPU it has got.

http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-A-Series-A8-5557M-Notebook-Processor.92901.0.html
http/www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Bulldozer/AMD-A8-Series%20A8-5557M.html
http/cpuboss.com/cpu/AMD-A8-5557M

As a side note - HD 8750 is just rebranded HD 7750. Even top of the line A10 - 6800K has HD 8670G, how can A8 have that?

@IInuyasha74 - You may buy AMD laptop, and then find out which APU it has got. Just don't be sad if Bioshock Infinite and other modern games do not run properly on it. In my opinion HD 8550G is no gaming card. Combine it with weaker CPU, and ... well ...

Good Luck to you with AMD.

 

[kirilmatthew]

Just FYI -

That APU does not have HD 8750D but HD 8550D.
Which is basically HD 7550 whereas HD 8750D is HD 7750.

That thing is either mistype or lie. In either case, that GPU is good for nothing and you won't run a game properly on it. You are better off with Intel here considering its awesome CPU performance. If that APU really had HD 8750D then it would be winner here but .. sadly it hasn't.

And no it won't run Bioshock Infinite for sure. Think about a second before buying, HD 7550 (Or HD 6550 to say better) with a weak CPU.

HD 4400 is equal to that or well, better than that I suppose. What really is better is the CPU. Its damn powerful.

Why are you comparing laptop and desktop GPUs.... The 4400 is nowhere near the dual graphics, not by a long shot! This is the GPU: http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8750M.87147.0.html
As you can see, BioShock infinite in low-medium. Your information is confusing and misleading.

YOUR information is misleading.

Google the APU and see which GPU it has got.

http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-A-Series-A8-5557M-Notebook-Processor.92901.0.html
http/www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Bulldozer/AMD-A8-Series%20A8-5557M.html
http/cpuboss.com/cpu/AMD-A8-5557M

As a side note - HD 8750 is just rebranded HD 7750. Even top of the line A10 - 6800K has HD 8670G, how can A8 have that?

@IInuyasha74 - You may buy AMD laptop, and then find out which APU it has got. Just don't be sad if Bioshock Infinite and other modern games do not run properly on it. In my opinion HD 8550G is no gaming card. Combine it with weaker CPU, and ... well ...

Good Luck to you with AMD.

The APU is paired witht eh 8750m. It does not use in iGPU. Your comment is completely irrelevant. The 8750 is a discreet, dedicated GPU. It is not on the same chip set as the A8.

 

[jkeefer]

Just FYI -

That APU does not have HD 8750D but HD 8550D.
Which is basically HD 7550 whereas HD 8750D is HD 7750.

That thing is either mistype or lie. In either case, that GPU is good for nothing and you won't run a game properly on it. You are better off with Intel here considering its awesome CPU performance. If that APU really had HD 8750D then it would be winner here but .. sadly it hasn't.

And no it won't run Bioshock Infinite for sure. Think about a second before buying, HD 7550 (Or HD 6550 to say better) with a weak CPU.

HD 4400 is equal to that or well, better than that I suppose. What really is better is the CPU. Its damn powerful.

Get the AMD A8 - that dual graphics config will get the job done for gaming at the resolution of the screen. You won't be running higher end settings, but will pump decent framerates - and the machine will remain fairly cool.

 

[jkeefer]

Just FYI -

That APU does not have HD 8750D but HD 8550D.
Which is basically HD 7550 whereas HD 8750D is HD 7750.

That thing is either mistype or lie. In either case, that GPU is good for nothing and you won't run a game properly on it. You are better off with Intel here considering its awesome CPU performance. If that APU really had HD 8750D then it would be winner here but .. sadly it hasn't.

And no it won't run Bioshock Infinite for sure. Think about a second before buying, HD 7550 (Or HD 6550 to say better) with a weak CPU.

HD 4400 is equal to that or well, better than that I suppose. What really is better is the CPU. Its damn powerful.

Why are you comparing laptop and desktop GPUs.... The 4400 is nowhere near the dual graphics, not by a long shot! This is the GPU: http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8750M.87147.0.html
As you can see, BioShock infinite in low-medium. Your information is confusing and misleading.

YOUR information is misleading.

Google the APU and see which GPU it has got.

http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-A-Series-A8-5557M-Notebook-Processor.92901.0.html
http/www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Bulldozer/AMD-A8-Series%20A8-5557M.html
http/cpuboss.com/cpu/AMD-A8-5557M

As a side note - HD 8750 is just rebranded HD 7750. Even top of the line A10 - 6800K has HD 8670G, how can A8 have that?

@IInuyasha74 - You may buy AMD laptop, and then find out which APU it has got. Just don't be sad if Bioshock Infinite and other modern games do not run properly on it. In my opinion HD 8550G is no gaming card. Combine it with weaker CPU, and ... well ...

Good Luck to you with AMD.

How can you say you are an authority when you don't even get that the graphics card is discrete and runs in Dual Mode - like crossfire with the APU and Discrete working together.

 

[IInuyasha74]

Just FYI -

That APU does not have HD 8750D but HD 8550D.
Which is basically HD 7550 whereas HD 8750D is HD 7750.

That thing is either mistype or lie. In either case, that GPU is good for nothing and you won't run a game properly on it. You are better off with Intel here considering its awesome CPU performance. If that APU really had HD 8750D then it would be winner here but .. sadly it hasn't.

And no it won't run Bioshock Infinite for sure. Think about a second before buying, HD 7550 (Or HD 6550 to say better) with a weak CPU.

HD 4400 is equal to that or well, better than that I suppose. What really is better is the CPU. Its damn powerful.

Why are you comparing laptop and desktop GPUs.... The 4400 is nowhere near the dual graphics, not by a long shot! This is the GPU: http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8750M.87147.0.html
As you can see, BioShock infinite in low-medium. Your information is confusing and misleading.

YOUR information is misleading.

Google the APU and see which GPU it has got.

http/www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-A-Series-A8-5557M-Notebook-Processor.92901.0.html
http/www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Bulldozer/AMD-A8-Series%20A8-5557M.html
http/cpuboss.com/cpu/AMD-A8-5557M

As a side note - HD 8750 is just rebranded HD 7750. Even top of the line A10 - 6800K has HD 8670G, how can A8 have that?

@IInuyasha74 - You may buy AMD laptop, and then find out which APU it has got. Just don't be sad if Bioshock Infinite and other modern games do not run properly on it. In my opinion HD 8550G is no gaming card. Combine it with weaker CPU, and ... well ...

Good Luck to you with AMD.

How can you say you are an authority when you don't even get that the graphics card is discrete and runs in Dual Mode - like crossfire with the APU and Discrete working together.

Yea they were a little off back then.
Thanks for the input but I've got a laptop now so its settled. I don't have the gaming performance I would have enjoyed with the system using the 8750M graphics, but the CPU power is way up.

Samsung:
Intel i5-3210M 2.5Ghz, max turbo 3.1, 2.9
Nvidia 620M, 28nm energy effecient version, but with only 64-bit interface. Still does pretty good.
6GB 1600mhz with 11-11-11-28-2T
1TB HDD

Cost me only $350 instead of at the time $550, or the now cut down price of $500 for the AMD system. I do miss the graphics boost the other would have had and the simplicity of the AMD software suite, but it still performs excellent so good deal.