Laptop for Great Battles, CoD and maybe next generation

[Stratplayer57]

Hello,

I’ve been a long-time enthusiast of IL-2 (Pacific Fighters, 1946, etc.), but a few years ago I bought CoD and never had a computer that could run it.

I now want to invest in a new computer, but I’m facing two major issues:

• I would prefer a laptop because it suits my needs better.
• I’m a complete novice and know nothing about configurations. I’ve read some forums, but I get lost between the different GPU and CPU models.

I’m looking for a computer that can run CoD and the great battles (Stalingrad, Normandy, etc.), and if it could handle future games like Korea as well, that would be great.

If someone could help by reviewing the following choice and providing advice, I would be very grateful.

I’m considering this configuration: https://www.dell.com/fr-fr/shop/ordinateurs-portables-dell/sr/laptops/32-go?appliedRefinements=37700,41413,41504

Dell G16:

• CPU: Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX (36MB, 24 Cores, 5.4GHz)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 8GB GDDR6
• RAM: 32GB (2x16GB DDR5, 4800MT/s)
• Storage: 1TB M.2 SSD, PCIe NVMe

I would appreciate any feedback and suggestions to find the best possible option. I plan to play on-screen but want to use high graphics settings for the game.

If the computer configuration is also sufficient for VR in the future, that would be a bonus.

Sorry for the lengthy message, but I’m really lost.

Thank you in advance for your help

[HazMatt]

This is my opinion and others will have their opinions. You will have to decide what makes most sense for you.

 

First off I struggle with English so I was unable to see the configuration options in the website link at a quick glance.

 

TLDR.

I would save money on the CPU and spend it somewhere else.

I would get the baddest GPU with the most memory I could afford.

I would max out the RAM if the cost is within reason so you don't have to mess around with upgrading it later.

Storage always ends up running out faster then you thought it would. I would buy as much as I could afford.

 

Consideration on the CPU. (I would consider something like the 13400 for half the price and use the money elsewhere)

I think a 13900 is way overkill and might not be the best use of your money. I have a 12700 with a 4070 Super and I don't think I've ever seen it hit 50% utilization playing in VR or any of the other things I've thrown at it. I would get something like a 13400 (which is comparable to a 12700 in performance for what appears to be half the price of the 13900)

 

Consideration on the GPU. (I would get the best you can afford with the most VRAM that you can get)

The performance of a 4070 in a laptop will be comparable to a 4060 in a desktop. Also, 8GB was great in early 2016 when cards like the 1070 came out. I don't know what options you have but I would push for more video memory if possible.

 

Consideration on RAM.(I would consider maxing out the memory if it's not overly expensive)

I don't know the configuration of the laptop but lets look at some examples. Lets say the computer had 2 memory slots and the max memory it could take was 64gb of RAM for example. If you buy the laptop with 2 16gb DIMMS (one in each slot) then would have to remove both of them and replace them with 2 new 32GB DIMMS to bring the laptop to the max of 64GB. If however the laptop came with one 32GB DIMM in one slot, then you would only have to add 32GB to bring it to the max.

The 2 smaller DIMMS in each slot is most common as it is usually cheaper. One more consideration is I've done some memory upgrades in laptops required dang near a complete disassemble to get to the DIMM slots.

 

I think you're storage option is good but it runs out faster then you think. I try to buy the best price of GB/money. Usually you can double the storage without doubling the price.

 

That said, I have an old gaming laptop that can run VR that I paid less then 1K USD a few years ago:

Mytrix GF65 by_MSI Thin 3060 Gaming Laptop, 15.6" FHD 144Hz Display, Intel Core i5-10500H, GeForce RTX 3060 6GB, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD

 

Hope this helps.

[Aapje]

Not only is the laptop 4070 roughly comparable to a desktop 4060, they actually deceive you by selling the desktop 4060 chip as a laptop 4070. That's why it only has 8 GB of VRAM, rather than 12 GB. Only if you get a laptop 4080, will you something more similar to the desktop 4070. A laptop 4070 is not going to be great for VR, but on the other hand, people have been happy with worse. 

 

And the issue with high-end laptop CPUs is that they mainly provide a lot more cores, which is not really that helpful for gaming. Even on the desktop, the most expensive CPU's are mostly very expensive due to all those cores that don't help in gaming. That's why us gamers tend to be so happy with the 7800X3D on the desktop, as it has a design that is optimal for most games.

 

Unfortunately, there are no laptops with the 7800X3D-equivalent. There seems to be just one X3D-laptop, but it is based on the supoptimal 7950X3D, has a 4090 and is quite expensive (the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 X3D). I hope that AMD will release the mobile variant of the 7800X3D for gaming laptop CPU's in the future. Anyway, right now I would personally still suggest looking at laptops with AMD CPU's, primarily because they don't have the degradation issues that the Intel CPU's have (although they also use less power). For example, the Acer Nitro 16 AN16-42-R6MN or the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 16APH8, or Acer Nitro 17 AN17-42-R66K.

 

You don't just have to buy Dell.

 

PS. In general, you simply get a lot less oomph for your money with laptops, when it comes to gaming (and you also can't upgrade it like a desktop). That's just how it is. Of course, some people have gaming use cases that require a laptop, but I would suggest trying to find alternatives if possible, even if it means dragging around a small form factor PC and having screens at two locations, or getting both a laptop and a desktop.

[cardboard_killer]

19 minutes ago, Aapje said:

getting both a laptop and a desktop.

 

Much depends on what @Stratplayer57 will use the computer for aside from gaming. If just using it for general productivity (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoint, script writing, accessing web based programs), then two computers is the way to go as you can get a very cheap laptop that will do those things, and a very good desktop that will do those things and game, and both probably for the same price as one very good laptop.

 

On the other hand, if he is going to be doing content creation (e.g. video editing, mixing music, Photoshop, illustration, etc.) then a single high end laptop is probably your best choice if you are set on a laptop. I say that because I hate laptops and work with them only under duress. And when I do work with one, I have separate keyboard, mouse, and, if possible, monitor I hook it up to.

 

In either case, you don't have to break the bank. If you can live with less than "ultimate" graphics, and don't intend to use a VR headset, then IL-2 can run on relatively cheap systems. As for Korea . . ., well, right now that is vaporware and no one knows what kind of specs it will require. It might be three years before it is released and by then you may be ready for a new computer anyway. I usually get a new computer every 3-5 years depending on technology advances. However, my last rig which is six years old or so, could still run IL-2 today if I needed it to.

[Aapje]

@cardboard_killer

 

He didn't specify his reasons, but my post was intended to be useful to others as well. I think that many people assume that they need a laptop, when a combo of laptop and desktop, or a small form factor luggable machine, do the job better and more cheaply for many people.

Edited August 13, 2024 by Aapje

[Stratplayer57]

13 hours ago, cardboard_killer said:

Much depends on what @Stratplayer57 will use the computer for aside from gaming. If just using it for general productivity (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoint, script writing, accessing web based programs), then two computers is the way to go as you can get a very cheap laptop that will do those things, and a very good desktop that will do those things and game, and both probably for the same price as one very good laptop.

 

On the other hand, if he is going to be doing content creation (e.g. video editing, mixing music, Photoshop, illustration, etc.) then a single high end laptop is probably your best choice if you are set on a laptop. I say that because I hate laptops and work with them only under duress. And when I do work with one, I have separate keyboard, mouse, and, if possible, monitor I hook it up to.

Hello everyone,

Tanks for all your replies, I rely appreciates them.

 

Considering the use case, I was considering a laptop because I travel a lot during week-ends for my hobbies or during the week for my work, usually with public transports and actually having to carry my professional laptop with me as well, so the laptop solution is easier.. On the otherside it is true that I my controller will stay at one place so in this regard a desktop would be sufficient for IL2.

 

However, I will also use this computer for lighting design (for concerts) where It needs to handle some 3D (MA Lighting GrandMA3) and multiple screens, as well as for music editing.

So in the end I would necessarily need some descent laptop for lighting so it may be more costly to have both a desktop and a laptop.

 

Thanks for all your replies, I will take some time to check different configurations based on your feedback, so that I can have an idea of prices.