Gaming Laptop Setup (which one)

[verdin77]

I'm getting ready to put together a new rig and need to decide what the optimal graphics configuration is (and tradeoffs?). For a variety of reasons I'm needing to go with a "laptop" but given that I'm expecting it to be a 17 or 18 inch model.

So the question is which graphics configuration would be able to reliably drive 3 monitors at the higher resolutions i.e. 3840 x 1024 = (3 x 1280 x 1024) or 5040 x 1050 = (3 x 1680 x 1050).

The configurations I've seen are nVidia GeForce GTX 470M 1,536MB or CrossFire Dual 1024MB ATi HD 5870's (2048MB Total) w/GDDR5. What are peoples experinece with these cards and would you think they could handle the demands of gaming at these resolutions.

[Yui]

Even the most expensive laptop with the best GPU will not be able to handle a triple display with maximum graphics.

[tepescovir]

I have a msi 740 with an ati 5870 and i can play most games maxxed out on a single monitor, but there is no way to hook up 3 monitors. you get a hdmi and vga connector, no display port so you can only run 2 at a time anyway.
and the 5870 mobile wont have the power to run 3 even if you could hook them up

[verdin77]

I have a msi 740 with an ati 5870 and i can play most games maxxed out on a single monitor, but there is no way to hook up 3 monitors. you get a hdmi and vga connector, no display port so you can only run 2 at a time anyway.
and the 5870 mobile wont have the power to run 3 even if you could hook them up

Power is exactly the biggest concern I have. However as to hooking the monitors up isn't that what the MatroxtripleHead is for. Making use of a single port to hook up multiple monitors. Am I missing something here?

[verdin77]

Even the most expensive laptop with the best GPU will not be able to handle a triple display with maximum graphics.

I know the whole idea is a bit of a stretch that's what I'm concerned about. Based on the info I have the dual crossfire mobility 5870 should land somewhere between a Radeon HD 5750 and 5770.

Maybe 3 montitors maxed out at would be a bit much :wink: but I'm curious what people think about running a the games a bit stepped down on three monitors at a resolution of 3840. How far can you go with a laptop. FOV is what I'm going for not perfection in graphics for first person games with a primary purpose of flight sims and strategy games being what I do mostly. How far down would I need to tweek the games to play at the 3840 resolutions.

[tepescovir]

besides, the laptop is going to cost a lot more then a desktop which will be more powerful

[Paradigm Shifter]

How far down would I need to tweek the games to play at the 3840 resolutions.

Depends strongly on the game, and your individual sensitivity to low framerates. If you can't abide to game at below 60fps, it'll take a lot of tweaking, and avoiding newer games.

If you don't mind playing in the 25-35 region, you won't have to sacrifice as much. :)

[qiten]

I have a ASUS G73JH with the ATI 5870 and I am running 3840x1024 (TH2GO Digital). It's the max I am able to get atm. Only have a VGA and HDMI out. Wished I had done a bit more research prior to investing but good news is that I can replace the ATI with nVidia card...when i have the cash... :D (edit:looks like I can't replace the video card so stuck with ATI and 3840x1024 which ain't the best but not bad :))