Old cpu + gpu vs new cpu only

[tomasz24503323fic2]

Hello,

Im shoping for a new laptop which I need for a class. Im limited what i can get.

Would something like i5 11th with 3050 would be better than i5/i7/i9 13th without dgpu? Would raw cpu power be enough or gpu would give significant boost in workload?

Thanks

[Bobby Henderson]

Others might feel different, but I can't live without some of the GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Illustrator, such as animated zoom. I can use animated zoom in outline mode on my Alienware notebook since it has a 120Hz UHD resolution display. I'd recommend getting at least a somewhat decent NVidia GPU. It doesn't have to be a top of the line graphics board. A good CPU and healthy amount of RAM is also important. 8GB of RAM isn't going to be enough to cut it and 16GB is about the minimum stable amount now. Most people buy new computers expecting to use them for at least several years. A minimal amount of RAM is going to cut the useful lifespan of the device a great deal; and it's really BAD if the RAM is baked onto the notebook's motherboard providing no room for future expansion. To many notebook makers pull that nonsense these days. Gotta be careful what you buy.

Buying a notebook computer (and doing so on a budget) is tough these days. It can be really difficult getting the right balance of power, portability, battery life and price all in one notebook computer. Most notebooks these days require all sorts of tradeoffs. I really like my notebook, but it's big and heavy, really expensive and the battery life sucks compared to more portable notebooks. It stays plugged into a wall outlet much of the time.

[tomasz24503323fic2]

Thanks for the response. That's a shame, I had my eye on nice i9 but with 16gb and no gpu.

Due certain factors I'm limited to my mobile provider. Their list isn't the greatest, not counting most expensive range, most is i5 11th. 

That's why I did ask as I wasn't sure whether something like I did mention previously would be enough. Majority of my work will be done at my desktop, R7/64gb, but I need something which without hiccups will let me start the projects which we get in class. 

I'm just uncertain whether is good going for 2 years old tech compared to newest chips. I would pay it in price difference, around a 1000€ more for i7 13th with 4060, compared to the one with i5 11th. That's a two generation gap. 

The laptops are Asus TUF G15 2021 and HP Omen 2023. Asus is half price of Omen, have decent spec for the price, I would need to just check which screen is used as only 240Hz model have 100% srgb coverage, but overall could be a good solution.

Omen ticks all the boxes, good cpu, gpu and 16gb with normal dimm slots but twice the price.

Now I'm torn whether I want to save money and buy the Asus to use for the next two years or Omen and have it for longer period.

Thanks

[Bobby Henderson]

I think a notebook with an 11th gen Core i5 CPU can run Adobe Illustrator effectively if it has a reasonably decent GPU and enough RAM. Again 16GB is a minimal amount. 32GB would provide more headroom if such an option is available.

Computer companies like to force customers into entirely different price tiers if one piece of hardware is upgraded. Very often if you want a notebook that has 32GB or more of RAM the option will only be available with a higher end CPU and graphics board. Or they force you into a different higher end product model. If you're looking at Apple notebooks anything over 16GB of RAM will force you into the MacBook Pro line for maximum $$$$ spent. And the RAM is baked onto the motherboard to add insult to injury. Currently the only Apple product that has removable/upgradeable memory slots is their ultra extreme priced Mac Pro tower. A growing number of Windows PC makers are copying this same anti-customer stunt.

[tomasz24503323fic2]

In the end I will probably pick the most expensive option. The ones with decent spec like i5/16gb+/3050 have horrible screens. Had my eye on Asus Tuf, 100% srgb is available only in models with 240Hz screens, the one I could get its 144Hz/65%.

The ram thing is so irritating. Almost ordered one from Huawei, 16gb soldered, no dimm slot. If I pay premium atleast give me 32gb. Mac is another story, wanted to try them as few of my friends did swap from Windows to Mac and were very happy of how Adobe suite works but just quick glance on their product offer puts me in bracket of €2500+ because of my ram requirements. Same Win machine can be obtained for half the price. Either way thanks. I going back to a drawing board and my provider product list to check is there anything I could get.

[Bobby Henderson]

A good display is important in a notebook PC, especially one that would be used for creative purposes. I love the 17" display in my Alienware notebook (RGB LED backlit, 120Hz, 3840x2160 resolution). It can be dialed up incredibly bright if needed.

Most newer notebooks can also support external monitors, but that's only useful if the notebook is sitting on a desk. Many of us buy notebooks so we can get things done without having our leg chained to a computer desk.

This trend of baked-in RAM (and other soldered-in parts) is indeed very irritating. It might not be a big deal to people who never upgrade anything in a computer after buying it. But being able to upgrade a computer is precisely the thing that will keep it functional years longer. I was able to use a Dell XPS notebook for over 10 years because I was able to easily upgrade or replace things like RAM or the hard disc. In the 2000's I was able to save an Inspiron notebook from the landfill by replacing a "dead" display (the CCFL lamps in it stopped working). A friend sent me a display from a "de-commissioned" Dell Latitute notebook. It was a complicated procedure, but kind of fun. But it was do-able because none of the stuff was soldered into place.

Too many computers they're building now will instantly turn into fodder for the landfill if something critical breaks. You can spend a fortune getting it repaired, but much of the time the company will just send you a working replacement and toss your broken computer in the trash. It's not an environmentally friendly policy. But I guess it's good for company sales. They want people buying new computers more often.