Comparing Computer Specs

[jesskit]

Hey everyone, ok to preface this i dont want a macs suck comment.

Ok so Im looking at upgrading my macbook i bought from uni and am tossing up between the base 15" (2.0 i7, 256mb HD 6490M ) and the 2nd level (2.2 i7, 1gb HD 6750M). for cost i would rather the base 15 but I am also looking at upgrading my pc (3.2 Athalon 6400+ AM2 x2, 4gb DDR2, 1gb 8800GT). Im just wondering if the base 15" would be an upgrade for my PC or if i should consider spending a little more on the 2nd level.

and to stop you now, yes ill be bootcamping for games, and there are reasons why i use a mac

 

[IrradiatedFish]

I'm actually using that exact laptop right now (the 2720QM i7, 1GB 6750M, 8GB DDR3 RAM), and running windows (I'm not an OSX guy; the macbook itself is great, but I just can't get used to the OS) via bootcamp. Works like a charm :3.

While there isn't too great of a difference between the CPUs of the base 15" and the upgrade, I think you'll find a pretty large performance increase between the 6750 and the 6490 (which also has only a quarter of the dedicated memory).

I'm not entirely sure how the base model would compare to your desktop, but despite being fairly old, I wouldn't be surprised if the 8800GT out performed the 6490M because the 6490M isn't exactly a high end card (don't quote me on this though, I admittedly didn't do my research). I can speak first hand though in regards to the upgraded model. Works beautifully.
EDIT: in fact, the 8800GT may even out perform the 6750M. It would be a close call though. But once again, don't quote me on this.

If you have any questions regarding the performance of any games, I can try them out for you (if I own said game)

Also, my personal opinion; in the case of laptops, I believe it's better to put that little bit of extra investment into it. Unlike desktops, laptops are a lot more inconvenient in the way of trying to upgrade them further down the road (especially true with a macbook). RAM is always an easy thing to take care of, but good luck with something like your CPU. I just think it's a good idea to give it that little bit of future-proofing so you don't have to replace it so soon.

Cheers.

 

[jesskit]

I found a site that listed the passmarks of the different cards and yes the 8800 was well above the 6490 but the 6750 was at like 1129 i think while the 8800 was at 966, taking this into account along with the cpu, is it likely that the 2nd lvl would outperform my desktop. and yeah i know its not a gaming laptop but like i said there are reasons for a mac