Sacrifices for 4k

[Carl Patrick]

I'm looking into buying an alienware 17 r3 laptop for playing all types of games and I are been given the option of two models. These two models have the exact same specs for the exact same price accept one has a gtx 980m 4gb and a 4k screen however the other have a gtx 980m 8gb but a 1080p screen. I personally think a slightly worse gpu for 4k is better but I wonder what you think and if this would make any significant changes. Thanks in advance!

 

[elbert]

The 1080p must be for high end shooter games while the 4k for low end games like WOW. IE the 4K system is going to have a hard time at the graphics.

 

[Carl Patrick]

The 1080p must be for high end shooter games while the 4k for low end games like WOW. IE the 4K system is going to have a hard time at the graphics.

Under what circumstances would you say the 4k will start to struggle as in what game and what settings?

 

[elbert]

Just about any shooter game will run bad as no single GPU can handle 4k at a decent fps. Games like WOW with low graphics and everyone limited to 60 fps can work on 4k. Here is a link to check out how it performs in games.
http/www.notebookcheck.net/Gaming-in-4K.141718.0.html

 

[Carl Patrick]

Just about any shooter game will run bad as no single GPU can handle 4k at a decent fps. Games like WOW with low graphics and everyone limited to 60 fps can work on 4k. Here is a link to check out how it performs in games.
http/www.notebookcheck.net/Gaming-in-4K.141718.0.html

Alright, thanks!

 

[elbert]

No problem and good luck on your purchase.

 

[Dblkk]

Just about any shooter game will run bad as no single GPU can handle 4k at a decent fps. Games like WOW with low graphics and everyone limited to 60 fps can work on 4k. Here is a link to check out how it performs in games.
http/www.notebookcheck.net/Gaming-in-4K.141718.0.html

Totally agree. I have the same laptop but with a 970m (4k screen). And even my desktop has had a 4k monitor. Games I play are all new Tripple A titles, and no way short of a GTX 1070 at medium settings or my now GTX 1080 play at high settings.

Another note, I got 4k for video and photo editing for the laptop. Which is still awesome and great. Best panel ive ever had. But gaming really sucks. You can change to render 1080p or this or that, but it never works great, always glitches back to native, its a mess. For a gaming purpose laptop, unless your getting a desktop GTX 1080 in it, only go 1080p screens.

Otherwise great laptop.

Side note, funny that the 1080p screen has the 8GB 970m, and the 4k screen has the 4GB j970m. Higher resulutions are only need for more vram, yet its backwards. lol

 

[velo3100]

It depends on what games you play. The 980m can handle for 4k but not the current gen games I think. Also I think 4k is overkill on a laptop that is 17 inches. 2k would be better in my opinion. If you plan on putting monitors then get the one with the more vram.

 

[Dblkk]

It depends on what games you play. The 980m can handle for 4k but not the current gen games I think. Also I think 4k is overkill on a laptop t1hat is 17 inches. 2k would be better in my opinion. If you plan on putting monitors then get the one with the more vram.

For 'gaming' agree 4k on anything smaller than a 27" isn't worth it. To small to actually see the benefits. And 4k below 24" you run into scaling issues A LOT.

But for editing photo and video, 4k is great, it can show so much more tracks and tools on screen vs 1080p.

I will say the 4k panel in the alienware is by far best I've seen on a laptop. But, I think top choice for gaming would be like a 1440p or 1080p and like 120hz with gync.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

My personal choicr would be based on the primary use. For gaming, the 1080p monitor. GAmes will suck on the 4k screen. For desktop use with lught gaming 4k.