Guild Wars 2

I’m interested in hearing what laptop you are running GW2 on, especially if you can run it at full settings?

Currently I have a Macbook Pro which runs well on Medium but is unplayable with everything set to High.

So I’m about to get the following but I’m not even sure it’ll run with EVERYTHING set to High.

Clevo Horize P170HM-SE Notebook PC
Intel I7-2630QM 2.0Ghz Processor Quad Core,
nVidia Geforce GTX560M 1.5GB GDDR5 Dedicated Graphics
16GB 1333Mhz RAM,
Crucial M4 128GB SSD 550/175 Mbs Read/Write,
500GB Hybrid Momentus XT

I stopped gaming with laptops after burning one out and almost destroying another some years ago. Laptops, regardless of the manufacture, or what they might say, just cannot deal with the levels of internal heat generated when playing demanding games. The internal fans cannot move the volumes of air required for proper cooling.

Also, for the money you will need to spend on a decent gaming laptop, you could build yourself a high-end desktop that will breeze through GW2 on high graphics, or any other game with all the high-res textures you want.

Likewise, I would never game on a laptop as they jsut cannot handle the internal heat the video card is going to produce. Laptops are good for portability, useful for business people that travel or students to and from class. I would not use one for gaming, nor for day-to-day business.

I’ve had gaming desktops in the past, but right now it’s not an option as I travel a lot and want to be able to play when I’m away.

I never play for more than 1-2 hours at a time so it should be OK. The Macbook has handled it well so far.

Sager. You can go high end and get an i7 with – possibly dual – 7970s or 680ms. Or mid range with a top tier card and a standard HDD. Lots of options, excellent build quality. I find Nvidia cards trump AMD this generation. The 7970 has just too many issues with heat (80-90 degrees) and Enduro utilization. I paid the extra $200 to have it swapped out and my temps never go over 70 with a full 60 FPS at all times save WvW (45 FPS) and everything cranked to max. 7970s currently don’t have any driver support either, four months in which is ridiculous.

i7 extreme
420 GB SSD
32 GB RAM
680m, 4 GB

(Paid just over 2 grand. You can get good power for less if you’re on a budget, you make the machines yourself)

As long as you take precaution, laptop gaming is definitely a possibility. I have owned this particular model laptop ($400 HP) for around a year and it can handle GW2, WoW, and D3 on at least medium settings and still get 30 fps. I have a decent laptop cooler with dual fans and also keep an external 10" fan blowing on it. With this setup I have gamed all day and never had to worry about heat. I hope this helps.

I am running an Asus G55VW laptop:

Intel i7 3610QM 2.3Ghz quad
8GB 1600 RAM
Geforce GTX 660M 2GB

It runs at max settings just fine, except in highly crowded areas like a massive wvw zerg. However turning down certain settings does help alot and the game still looks great.

Heat is also a non-issue. I think Asus got something right with their design, I ran this G55 for 24 hours straight while playing GW2 and the heat coming out of the vents were minimal.

Oh, and turn off that horrid overbloom too. It doesn’t do anything resource or performance wise on my rig other than irritate the eyes, but on a friend of mine’s computer – who is using a 5000 series AMD GPU – he gets an extra 5-10 FPS (less in crowded areas). They really should break all of those effects down as separate options, not lump them together.

Oh and to the OP, upgrade the processor and GPU as much as you can (an i7 extreme can be prohibitive in the cost>performance ratio though). You can always self install an SSD later – so I might skip that initially in your configuration. Chip installation/ repasting is trickier too unless you’re a hobbyist.

ChrisLew.5492:

Sager. You can go high end and get an i7 with – possibly dual – 7970s or 680ms. Or mid range with a top tier card and a standard HDD. Lots of options, excellent build quality. I find Nvidia cards trump AMD this generation. The 7970 has just too many issues with heat (80-90 degrees) and Enduro utilization. I paid the extra $200 to have it swapped out and my temps never go over 70 with a full 60 FPS at all times save WvW (45 FPS) and everything cranked to max. 7970s currently don’t have any driver support either, four months in which is ridiculous.

i7 extreme
420 GB SSD
32 GB RAM
680m, 4 GB

(Paid just over 2 grand. You can get good power for less if you’re on a budget, you make the machines yourself)

The one I’ve ordered is a Sager (a lower spec one than yours though). I guess the video card will be a bottleneck if anything is, but I can upgrade it.

ChrisLew.5492:

Oh and to the OP, upgrade the processor and GPU as much as you can (an i7 extreme can be prohibitive in the cost>performance ratio though). You can always self install an SSD later – so I might skip that initially in your configuration. Chip installation/ repasting is trickier too unless you’re a hobbyist.

No problem there, I’ve built a few desktops in my time. But alas it’s too late to make any changes as I’ve placed my order. In hindsight I probably should have dropped the SSD in favor of a better GPU or CPU, ah well! At least the Sagers are easy to upgrade unlike most laptops.

Run Amok.9205:

ChrisLew.5492:

Oh and to the OP, upgrade the processor and GPU as much as you can (an i7 extreme can be prohibitive in the cost>performance ratio though). You can always self install an SSD later – so I might skip that initially in your configuration. Chip installation/ repasting is trickier too unless you’re a hobbyist.

No problem there, I’ve built a few desktops in my time. But alas it’s too late to make any changes as I’ve placed my order. In hindsight I probably should have dropped the SSD in favor of a better GPU or CPU, ah well! At least the Sagers are easy to upgrade unlike most laptops.

No, no man. Sager have AWESOME customer service (even if the English can be spotty :P)! Just call their sales dept if you want to make any changes and the item hasn’t shipped. They’ll upgrade, swap whatever over the phone and send you a modified bill or service request. As long as it hasn’t shipped, you’re fine. Even if it has and you paid the two way warranty, you can send it right back and have them modify it for you. They had the 7970m out and a 680m in, in less than a week – meaning shipped back to me. Quite impressive.

Good luck with whatever you settle on too, this game is too pretty not to be played on a competent computer

I have an MSI GT 660R that’s almost 2 years old and it’s still running the game just fine. I’m a student in a TINY dorm so I don’t have a desktop. I play all games on this.

I turned some settings to medium because I don’t want to stress the laptop too much but I haven’t had any issues with overheating. I just bought the game and played for 10h straight this weekend and the laptop remained cool. Don’t have any cooling pads or anything of the sort.

1.73-GHz Intel Core i7-740QM
RAM 4GB
ATI Mobility Radeon HD5800 1GB

Run Amok.9205:

ChrisLew.5492:

Oh and to the OP, upgrade the processor and GPU as much as you can (an i7 extreme can be prohibitive in the cost>performance ratio though). You can always self install an SSD later – so I might skip that initially in your configuration. Chip installation/ repasting is trickier too unless you’re a hobbyist.

No problem there, I’ve built a few desktops in my time. But alas it’s too late to make any changes as I’ve placed my order. In hindsight I probably should have dropped the SSD in favor of a better GPU or CPU, ah well! At least the Sagers are easy to upgrade unlike most laptops.

Did you receive your laptop from Sager(? Thats what I’ve gathered from your statements)? I’m also looking to buy a good gaming laptop for taking with me places. So far I’ve heard Sager, MSI, and ASUS are ones to get. Would you suggest a Saber one? Or is it not as expected? Thanks.

Edit: Also, those with an ASUS, the higher the model number the “better” the laptop is, correct? (i.e. G75 > G74 > G60)

I’m using a G73JH-A2 and it works like a charm.

It has a i7 – 720QM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB
Two 500gb hard drives
8GB of RAM
and a 17.3" display

I don’t know if I have everything on max, but I have the important stuff on it (like character detail). Resolution is 1920 × 1080.

Regarding the guy who says laptops can’t handle the heat, you’re an idiot <3 You haven’t met the G73’s cooling system. As long as you blow out the dust bunnies every year the heat stays down.

bri.2359:

I stopped gaming with laptops after burning one out and almost destroying another some years ago. Laptops, regardless of the manufacture, or what they might say, just cannot deal with the levels of internal heat generated when playing demanding games. The internal fans cannot move the volumes of air required for proper cooling.

Tell that to my 2+ year old laptop that I use to run graphically intense games on a daily basis.

Bravix.3497:

I’m using a G73JH-A2 and it works like a charm.

It has a i7 – 720QM
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870 1GB
Two 500gb hard drives
8GB of RAM
and a 17.3" display

I don’t know if I have everything on max, but I have the important stuff on it (like character detail). Resolution is 1920 × 1080.

Regarding the guy who says laptops can’t handle the heat, you’re an idiot <3 You haven’t met the G73’s cooling system. As long as you blow out the dust bunnies every year the heat stays down.

bri.2359:

I stopped gaming with laptops after burning one out and almost destroying another some years ago. Laptops, regardless of the manufacture, or what they might say, just cannot deal with the levels of internal heat generated when playing demanding games. The internal fans cannot move the volumes of air required for proper cooling.

Tell that to my 2+ year old laptop that I use to run graphically intense games on a daily basis.

Out of curiosity, where did you buy yours from?

I bought it from http://www.xoticpc.com/

Not out of any preference really. They simply had the lowest price. The order didn’t have any problems getting to my house. I’ve never really had to deal with their support.

I would advise you to NOT buy ASUS laptops from Best Buy (or any laptop really). Best buy often sells ‘toned down’ versions of the same computer. They sell them for almost the same price but there’s a fair drop in hardware.

Buying from Best Buy is fine, but make sure the model is the same as what you research online. For example, mine is an Asus G73JH-A2. A G73JH-X3 might look similar, but it could be a total piece of kitten.

Bravix.3497:

I bought it from http://www.xoticpc.com/

Not out of any preference really. They simply had the lowest price. The order didn’t have any problems getting to my house. I’ve never really had to deal with their support.

I would advise you to NOT buy ASUS laptops from Best Buy (or any laptop really). Best buy often sells ‘toned down’ versions of the same computer. They sell them for almost the same price but there’s a fair drop in hardware.

Buying from Best Buy is fine, but make sure the model is the same as what you research online. For example, mine is an Asus G73JH-A2. A G73JH-X3 might look similar, but it could be a total piece of kitten.

Thanks. I noticed that when I was looking for them. It seems its either going to be an G55VW or G75VW. I’m probably going to get http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008R9MMO8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2TC87EJKQMY9O . It costs a little more than what I wanted to pay, but I kinda want the 670m card and the slightly faster CPU.

Looks nice, ungodly amount of RAM. I don’t know the reviews for that mobile card, so if you haven’t already be sure to check benchmark reviews and what not.

You could always buy me that one and I’ll give you my old one

Bravix.3497:

Looks nice, ungodly amount of RAM. I don’t know the reviews for that mobile card, so if you haven’t already be sure to check benchmark reviews and what not.

You could always buy me that one and I’ll give you my old one

Only problem is its from a third party, not Amazon directly. Did you customize the one from xotics? Is the thermal paste or copper cooling upgrade needed/useful?

skullmount.1758:

Bravix.3497:

Looks nice, ungodly amount of RAM. I don’t know the reviews for that mobile card, so if you haven’t already be sure to check benchmark reviews and what not.

You could always buy me that one and I’ll give you my old one

Only problem is its from a third party, not Amazon directly. Did you customize the one from xotics? Is the thermal paste or copper cooling upgrade needed/useful?

I didn’t do anything special with mine. Just bought it from them because they sold it cheaper than everyone else.

Asus using crummy thermal paste was an issue on my version, I’d hope they would have upgraded by now. Hard to say if its still an issue. I wouldn’t worry about it though.

Bravix.3497:

skullmount.1758:

Bravix.3497:

Looks nice, ungodly amount of RAM. I don’t know the reviews for that mobile card, so if you haven’t already be sure to check benchmark reviews and what not.

You could always buy me that one and I’ll give you my old one

Only problem is its from a third party, not Amazon directly. Did you customize the one from xotics? Is the thermal paste or copper cooling upgrade needed/useful?

I didn’t do anything special with mine. Just bought it from them because they sold it cheaper than everyone else.

Asus using crummy thermal paste was an issue on my version, I’d hope they would have upgraded by now. Hard to say if its still an issue. I wouldn’t worry about it though.

K thanks. Still haven’t decided on one yet. Sagers can have a better graphics card, but the Asus ones are supposed to be cooler and quieter. Can’t decide

Lenovo y570
Intel Core 2nd Gen i7 Processor
6GB RAM
NVIDIA 555m graphics, 1GB Dedicated Memory

I can run GW2 on max settings in low populated areas with no problem. In WvW or cities, I have to turn Shadows and some other settings down to "Medium" (I just keep it that way now). It gets kinda hot and runs kinda loud, but even after 12 straight hours of use it doesn’t overheat. I’ll probably buy one of those cooling pad things soon anyway.

Dejavu.3264:

I am running an Asus G55VW laptop:

Intel i7 3610QM 2.3Ghz quad
8GB 1600 RAM
Geforce GTX 660M 2GB

It runs at max settings just fine, except in highly crowded areas like a massive wvw zerg. However turning down certain settings does help alot and the game still looks great.

Heat is also a non-issue. I think Asus got something right with their design, I ran this G55 for 24 hours straight while playing GW2 and the heat coming out of the vents were minimal.

Asus all the way. I have been gaming on an Asus for over a year now and it manages heat very well. I’ve been running GW2 on it for a week on med-high settings and the internal temps stay reasonable. It runs on Ultra with 30FPS but it does get warm (temps around 185F on the mobo). Normally it will run between 140F-150F depending on where I am in game.

Check out the program Speccy to monitor internal temps on the fly.

I liked my Asus so much I got a new one for my wife to play GW2 on too! Both of ours feature an i7 2.2GHZ processor. I have 4GB of RAM and she has 6. I have the nVidia 540m 1GB gpu and hers runs a nVidia 610M 2GB. Mine’s the A53 series, hers is a K53. Price falls in the $700-900 USD range from sites like TigerDirect.com.

Cheers!

I can vouch for xoticpc. I bought a sager from them and absolutely love it.

Katai.6240:

I can vouch for xoticpc. I bought a sager from them and absolutely love it.

How loud is it though? From what I’ve read in places, they aren’t as quiet as the Asus(es?).

Asus G73JH here, 2+ years old laptop (same as the one someone mentioned above), and it’s performing quite well, with no problems at all. Temperatures are normal, and i have 30-40 FPS regularly…

I would recommend you G7x series from Asus…it’s really great, with good dual fan system…

choban.9027:

Asus G73JH here, 2+ years old laptop (same as the one someone mentioned above), and it’s performing quite well, with no problems at all. Temperatures are normal, and i have 30-40 FPS regularly…

I would recommend you G7x series from Asus…it’s really great, with good dual fan system…

Thats what I’m tempted to go with, but it can only have a NVidia GTX 670m max, where as I can get a 675m (7970/680 are a bit out of the price range) with a Sager. Apparently the 675 is supposed to be quite a bit better than the 670, but if the 670m can run it on high (don’t really need ultra, thats for the desktop), it sounds like I should go with the Asus. Its gonna be used in a room with other people, who are either going to be watching tv or playing their own games, so quieter is better.

Don’t take me for granted, but I’m pretty sure that 670m can run GW2 on high settings with no glitches. I don’t have any experience with Sager laptops, but what I can say is that Asus G7x series are amazing IMO. I’ll buy it again in year or so, really happy with it.

choban.9027:

Don’t take me for granted, but I’m pretty sure that 670m can run GW2 on high settings with no glitches. I don’t have any experience with Sager laptops, but what I can say is that Asus G7x series are amazing IMO. I’ll buy it again in year or so, really happy with it.

Is it really true that the Asus ones are quiet (when fans are running, under load)?

I bought my Alienware M17X R4 in July. I simply could not be happier with this computer. These laptops are designed for gaming. They can and do take the heat. They’re also every bit as upgradeable as a desktop rig. Haters will come out of the woodwork about this, so your best bet is to do the research. I highly recommend the site, notebookreview.com, a fantastic resource if you’re shopping around for a laptop for gaming or any other purpose.

I think I’m just gonna go with the Asus one I linked above. Its a bit more costly than I was looking for, but either way I’m looking at above $1500 for a good gaming laptop. I’m just probably going to keep going in circles if I keep trying to do research. From one site I looked at the 670m should be able to play GW2 with 60ish (on medium) FPS, and it should be able to play Borderlands 2 and Torchlight 2 with pretty good FPS on high settings. Thanks for the help.

I can assure you, you’ll probably be more then content…

My friend is playing on a GX6 series, with 4 gigs of ram and does well

I can play medium/low settings on my wifes laptop which was a $450 laptop with a Core i3, 32 bit os with 4 gigs of ram, and a low end intel video card.

I have an Origin Eon 17s all decked out and run GW2 on High with about 45-55 fps… it was expensive, but should last me quite a while

http://www.originpc.com/Laptops/Gaming/EON17-S/?TAB=FEATURES&ACTIVE=TRUE&SYSTEMID=3

skullmount.1758:

Is it really true that the Asus ones are quiet (when fans are running, under load)?

Mine is, but it gets little bit louder with time. All you have to do is dust your vents, and it will be as new in no time.

I have this one:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2355975&Sku=A50-173203

I highly recommend it. I prefer nvidia to ATI for gpus but they make this laptop in both models. I have run all my games maxed with no problem.

Only issue I have had with it is if I play marathon gaming sessions (6+ hours) it will start to overheat if I leave the light up keyboard on but if I turn it off it has no problems.

Its a really good laptop for $1200. Has hdmi output at home I usually line it out to my TV.

Mine also came with a pretty cool backpack and a decent gaming mouse (I use a naga razer mouse so I dont use it though)

I also bought it from Tigerdirect I have bought a lot of products from them (i’ve bought 4 pcs and a couple of tvs/monitors over the years) and had no problems

edit: if you want it to run really fast I recommend picking up an SSD for it too. boots up windows 7 in seconds.

I have a 2011 HP Envy 17. 2Ghz i7. Radeon HD 6850

It plays the game above 30fps with nearly full settings (post process off, AA on) at 1920×1080 resolution.

Your setup should handle it just fine.

theerrantventure.9185:

Dejavu.3264:

I am running an Asus G55VW laptop:

Intel i7 3610QM 2.3Ghz quad
8GB 1600 RAM
Geforce GTX 660M 2GB

It runs at max settings just fine, except in highly crowded areas like a massive wvw zerg. However turning down certain settings does help alot and the game still looks great.

Heat is also a non-issue. I think Asus got something right with their design, I ran this G55 for 24 hours straight while playing GW2 and the heat coming out of the vents were minimal.

Asus all the way. I have been gaming on an Asus for over a year now and it manages heat very well. I’ve been running GW2 on it for a week on med-high settings and the internal temps stay reasonable. It runs on Ultra with 30FPS but it does get warm (temps around 185F on the mobo). Normally it will run between 140F-150F depending on where I am in game.

Check out the program Speccy to monitor internal temps on the fly.

I liked my Asus so much I got a new one for my wife to play GW2 on too! Both of ours feature an i7 2.2GHZ processor. I have 4GB of RAM and she has 6. I have the nVidia 540m 1GB gpu and hers runs a nVidia 610M 2GB. Mine’s the A53 series, hers is a K53. Price falls in the $700-900 USD range from sites like TigerDirect.com.

Cheers!

Yes. I am a huge ASUS fan. I would actually trust an ASUS gaming laptop even though I do things from my desktop. My desktop has a lot of ASUS parts in it.

also hearing someone say they bought a mac as a gaming laptop makes me cringe.