2 Mobile workstation options: SAGER vs. ThinkPad... help!!

[not registered yet]

Ok guys, I have finally gotten it down to two options for my new mobile workstation that I want to order possibly tomorrow... I do a lot of SketchUP/CAD/3DS/Abode and SOME gaming. I make some rather large and detailed SketchUp and 3DS models but I'm not exactly rendering Pixar-quality scenes or anything...

SAGER

- 15.4" WSXGA+ LCD with Matte Finish Surface (1680X1050)
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7700 / 4MB L2 Cache, 2.40GHz, 800MHz FSB
- Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT Graphics with 512MB DDR2 Video Memory
- Windows XP Professional
- 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 2 X 1024MB
- 100GB 7200rpm SATA 150 Hard Drive
- 8X DVD±R/RW/4X +DL Super-Multi Drive & Software
- Intel PRO/Wireless 4965AGN - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module
- Smart Li-ION Battery Pack (9 Cells)
- Sager Three Year Limited Warranty
$1,768


ThinkPad T61p

- 15.4 WSXGA+ TFT (1280x800??? Not sure...)
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)
- NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M (256MB Open GL)
- Windows XP Professional
- 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
- 100 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
- DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
- Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
- 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
- 3 year ThinkPad protection service
$1,884

I know the Quadros are better for 3D modeling but would that even out by getting the faster processor SAGER with the 512MB GeForce card vs. the slower processor THINKPAD with a 256 Quadro, for essentially the same price? ($100 cheaper, actually).

The only other thing is Lenovo offers the 3 year extended warranty on its LCD/etc...

I can't decide!!
[cwaters617]

[Masta Squidge]

a 200 MHZ drop on a dual core isnt exactly noticeable. I would suggest the machine with the Quadro as most of the strain will be on the GFX card and an 8600m GT is made for video games, not rendering work.

The slight loss in speed on the processor shouldnt even come close to the gains you will see with the Quadro. (Thats assuming you dont play video games)

Another member of these forums (in a similar thread) stated that most of the time only the textures are stored in the gfx card memory, which i would assume means that the model itself is primarily stored in the computers RAM. If you do any sort of final rendering the Quadro is where its at.

[solo]

The Quadro is a rendering first and pretty much only GPU, so if your rig is only for rendering then maybe.... however, I would suggest the faster CPU with the 800 series GPU. Remember a laptop is pretty much losing value and falling behind in tech the moment it is released, with the faster CPU and the 800 series direct X 10 based GPU you will be able to use the current open GL standard and the soon to be available 3dfx shader technology. Currently the Quadro does not support DX 10 shaders and an upgrade (new rig) will be required to do so.

Oh and while rendering you can use the balance of resources to play 'Crysis' the soon to rock the game world game.


Not such a tough choice IMO.

[Masta Squidge]

The Quadro is a rendering first and pretty much only GPU, so if your rig is only for rendering then maybe.... however, I would suggest the faster CPU with the 800 series GPU. Remember a laptop is pretty much losing value and falling behind in tech the moment it is released, with the faster CPU and the 800 series direct X 10 based GPU you will be able to use the current open GL standard and the soon to be available 3dfx shader technology. Currently the Quadro does not support DX 10 shaders and an upgrade (new rig) will be required to do so.

Oh and while rendering you can use the balance of resources to play 'Crysis' the soon to rock the game world game.


Not such a tough choice IMO.

I hadnt thought about that. I do believe i will be waiting for quadros that can use these new technologies.

[Gjenio]

Take a look to the new mobile workstation from dell, the PRECISION M6300, it looks very powerfull machine.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/precn_m6300?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04

[not registered yet]

Those Dells don't seem to be a great deal. The Quadro 1600M doesn't seem to be a huge enough upgrade over the 570M...

Hmm. according to here >> http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_11761.html the Quadro 570M does support DX10 and even shader model 4.0. Does anyone have a link regarding this 3dfx shader technology??

I can't decide on a system!!

[cwaters617]

[not registered yet]

So, Solo... you are saying the sager is the better value, not just in terms of price but pure power? The Geforce 8600 GT is better overall than the Quadro card? Are Sager's solid laptops? I am tempted by the durability of a ThinkPad...
[cwaters617]

[not registered yet]

Ok I did some research... both the Quadro FX 570M and the GeForce 8600M GT support DX 10 and shader model v. 4.0... That makes me believe they have the same DX AND Open GL abilities. Did Nvidia update the 570M recently or something? I don't understand you saying that the Quadro won't support the shading...

[cwaters617]

[solo]

I guess I was wrong about the shader thing, you seem to have done some homework, I realised i was two upgrades behind when investigating it myself...

I guess then the Quadro is the best choice then...thanks for info.

[not registered yet]

I guess so. Considering the two have support for the same DX and Open GL versions, the Quadro has to win, especially considering it is the equivalent to the 8600M GT. I would be willing to bet it runs games almost or just as well as the 8600 even, but 3d modeling programs better

[cwaters617]

[Masta Squidge]

Chances are that it wont run games as well. If you go on Newegg and read reviews of some of the workstation boards you find that alot of stupid kids with alot of money buy these 1200 dollar GFX cards then freak out and complain and give the card a bad review because it doesnt run games very well.