Joined Oct 2011
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Forum Thread
New computer specs: Can dedicated GPU RAM make up for less system RAM?
January 8, 2021 at
06:35 AM
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Computers
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I know just enough tech to not know what I'm doing. I currently have a laptop with an i7-7700HQ, 12GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce 1050 graphics (and an SSD). Performance is very good for my needs, but I broke the case and need to buy something new.
I'm looking at a laptop with an i-7 9750H 6-core with 8GB of system RAM and an NVIDIA 1650 with 4GB of dedicated RAM. It's got a 4K OLED screen and an SSD with 32GB Intel Optane.
I am the type of person who literally has 4 different browsers open (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera as I type this) with around 200 tabs open at a time (bad habit, but #thisisme). My current machine handles all that with PowerDirector open at the same time to edit a video (just light video editing, but I do hope to be able to render an hour-long video a bit faster than it currently happens).
Am I taking a step down with the new computer? Essentially, will I be OK stepping down from 12GB to 8GB given the step up to a 6-core processor and the 4GB of dedicated graphics RAM?
I don't game if that makes a difference. 200 tabs and the ability to do light video editing in 1080p are my main concerns.
Thoughts?
I'm looking at a laptop with an i-7 9750H 6-core with 8GB of system RAM and an NVIDIA 1650 with 4GB of dedicated RAM. It's got a 4K OLED screen and an SSD with 32GB Intel Optane.
I am the type of person who literally has 4 different browsers open (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera as I type this) with around 200 tabs open at a time (bad habit, but #thisisme). My current machine handles all that with PowerDirector open at the same time to edit a video (just light video editing, but I do hope to be able to render an hour-long video a bit faster than it currently happens).
Am I taking a step down with the new computer? Essentially, will I be OK stepping down from 12GB to 8GB given the step up to a 6-core processor and the 4GB of dedicated graphics RAM?
I don't game if that makes a difference. 200 tabs and the ability to do light video editing in 1080p are my main concerns.
Thoughts?
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On a side note, personally, 4k on a laptop screen is a waste (I also think it's a waste on flagship phones). I don't want to be 4-6" from the screen to read all the native sized icons/text. I know there is scaling but that defeats the purpose (to me).
I'm sure the OLED of your original will be lots better than the new one. Based on the YouTube link for the 'df' series in my previous comment, it looks like that one's RAM is upgradeable. That was my only gripe on your first purchase. I would probabaly stick with that one if you can verify with customer support that the RAM is upgradeable if you take it apart - probabaly need to talk to someone at the technical side though.
Either way, both laptops should be good. Obviously the 16gb of the new one is much better than the 8gb of the first one.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-s...Id=6406695
I picked that up open box today in "satisfactory" condition. Came in the original box with everything, pen and leather sleeve never opened, plastic still on the charger, 11 months of warranty left.
I haven't had the chance to play with it much yet and I'll have to see how it does in sunlight tomorrow, but if I could upgrade the RAM in the one I originally bought, would you like it to the tune of $425 more (plus cost of upgrading RAM)?
since I haven't been in a store in a very long time, today was the first time I saw any of the laptops that I was considering in person. I also saw a 15.6 inch Lenovo 9i that looked terrific. No HDMI out, but I could get that outfitted with a 6-core i7, 512GB SSD with 32GB optane, and an NVIDIA 1650 ti Max-Q for $1300 out the door as an alternative.
I'm thinking that the Sceptre for $876.99 is still probably the best bang for my buck though, right?
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-s...Id=6406695
I picked that up open box today in "satisfactory" condition. Came in the original box with everything, pen and leather sleeve never opened, plastic still on the charger, 11 months of warranty left.
I haven't had the chance to play with it much yet and I'll have to see how it does in sunlight tomorrow, but if I could upgrade the RAM in the one I originally bought, would you like it to the tune of $425 more (plus cost of upgrading RAM)?
since I haven't been in a store in a very long time, today was the first time I saw any of the laptops that I was considering in person. I also saw a 15.6 inch Lenovo 9i that looked terrific. No HDMI out, but I could get that outfitted with a 6-core i7, 512GB SSD with 32GB optane, and an NVIDIA 1650 ti Max-Q for $1300 out the door as an alternative.
I'm thinking that the Sceptre for $876.99 is still probably the best bang for my buck though, right?
I think you'd be paying $450+ for the OLED screen... That's a decision only you can make.
OLED is great, but I wouldn't personally pay that much.
Based on your requirements you should definitely be looking for something with 16+GB RAM and not worrying about the GPU at all.