Sager np7370 or np 8230? (W370ST or 151SM1)

[bthizle1]

I suppose my choice in laptops has more or less come down to these two.

I can get the 17inch 7 pound 7370 for around $1,000 that means I could put in an SSD and buy an OS and it´d be in total around $1,200, whereas the np8230 costs around $1,200, so it´d be around $1,400 if I wanted to put in an SSD and buy an OS. Only difference really is price, size and GPU (the 8230 has the GTX 770m and the 7370 has the GTX 765m). So is it REALLY worth another $200 + to go for the np8230?

The games I most want to play are the Total War series, that includes the new Rome Total War II. If I´m going to spend $1,000 plus on a laptop I truly hope that it´s reliable and very durable (doesn´t overheat etc...) so what do you think in regards to these two laptops? Should the both of them last a solid 5 plus years for everyday use? Perhaps 2 years or so of gaming on more or less high settings?

Also, they are pretty much the same weight, however the 7370 is a 17inch. Would the extra length really make that much of a difference in portability?

On a side note, I´d much prefer a desktop, but I simple need the portablity. I am still somewhat considering a mini itx build....

 

[Prostar Computer]

Depending on how much you need the portability, the P151SM1 might be better in this regard (yes, it is more portable despite the mild difference in dimensions). Some people really don't find the 17.3" units too cumbersome though.

Also, at least on our end, some upgrade options are omitted from the W370ST, such as no screen upgrade options, and the W370ST caps at 24 GB of RAM (P151SM1 supports up to 32 GB of RAM).

If you are leaning towards the W370ST but don't mind a 15.6" screen, then consider the W350STQ as well; it's the exact same thing, only with a 15.6" screen (and therefore, a few bucks cheaper).

 

[bthizle1]

Right, but do you think hardware wise (ie the GPU difference) the np8230 is worth the extra $200 over the np7370?

 

[Prostar Computer]

You'll have to decide that for yourself: http/gpuboss.com/gpus/GeForce-GTX-770M-vs-GeForce-GTX-765M

These may be more important to you though (scroll to the bottom, to "game benchmarks", and then next to the games you're interested in, click on "compare" next to the graphics settings and FPS. A list of cards tested will come up, which will show you how the 765M compared in benchmarks): http/www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-770M.88995.0.html

 

[bthizle1]

Then there´s the difference in screen size, I´d love a 17inch, but I´m using the lesser portability of it and the lesser GPU on the 7370 as a means to go with the np8230...any thoughts?

 

[Prostar Computer]

If you have never owned a 17.3" screen, you probably won't feel as though you're greatly missing out, but they are definitely nice. There is not a world of difference in the portability based of the screen size. The weight and thickness will more so be based on the overall chassis design and "guts" of the laptop.

 

[bthizle1]

Yeah, the only thing is I really want the GTX 770m instead of the GTX 765m due to it being some 30% better overall, which I´ll need when playing games such as Rome Total War II.

 

[Prostar Computer]

Your call! Screen size might be worth sacrificing for that extra FPS. 😉

Whichever you go with, I hope you end up liking it though.

 

[bthizle1]

I´m still very conflicted between the two. I´ve even still been considering building a microATX build with the new Bitfenix Prodigy and lugging it around as a carry on in planes then later on paying some $300-400 on a cheap laptop with that money I´d have left over.

Still, anybody else have any opinions regarding the np7370 vs the np8230?

 

[flowmego]

right,The weight and thickness will more so be based on the overall chassis design.thanks

 

[bthizle1]

Indeed, I already realize that. I`m just not sure if that extra $200 is really worth an extra say %20 in GPU performance. The only new game I REALLY want to play is the new Rome II Total War, and that will be pretty GPU heavy (CPU as well) , but perhaps being as if I go the laptop route I should buy the np7370 17¨ although it`s got the weaker GPU, it`s nearly $200 less, plus it`s got a 17¨ screen, however is almost the same wieght of the np8230. Also, I`m wondering if it being larger (the laptop) would mean it`d be better at cooling, ie. more air flow etc...Anybody?

 

[Prostar Computer]

The cooling system is comparable but the extra room in the chassis allows for slightly better airflow. We're not talking 8 - 10 C difference, but it should help a bit.

 

[bthizle1]

But either way, in your honest opinion (having been around the np8230) that it´s a very well ventilated-cooled set up? Also does it seem very durable and long lasting?

 

[Prostar Computer]

Yes to both. It's still ABS plastic, but few OEMs use anything other than that. It's generally only on ultrabooks you see magnesium used, or very high end, business class notebooks where you might see carbon fiber used.