New Laptop Time
New Laptop Time
Hi, I’m in my final year studying design, computer science, and software engineering. I’m looking for a new laptop and have some ideas:
i5/i7 8 - 12 cores, 4600 or 4700 RTX, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, 512 GB NVMe storage, screen size between 15 to 17 inches at 1080p or higher.
I’m having trouble judging sound quality. I need something professional-grade, suitable for audio production or audio forensics, like a high-end digital audio player. I’ll be using:
Programming tools
Large data analysis and model work
Graphics design and 3D modeling
Audio production (including gaming)
I use Adobe Creative Suite, 3DS Max, Unity/Unreal Engine
I’m not sure what makes Intel’s ultra processors special compared to AMD, and I’m wondering if they’re worth it. Should I consider a laptop in the £1000 to £1500 range?
Hey there,
Starting with the basics, laptop audio hardware tends to be a weak point. It's usually the last thing people think about when choosing gear. Still, it's not terrible—just quite simple. Definitely not aimed at audiophile standards.
If you opt for something like this:
https://www.durable-uk.com/en_GB/product...-cleaners/
And pair it with an external soundcard at:
https://en.creative.com/g6/
Would that function properly?
Yes, the refurbished model comes with a warranty and fits within a budget. Newer options mean you'll need to spend more.
That sounds like a good plan. I’d like a new laptop, probably with an external sound card for speed and a solid graphics card for 3D work and games. I’m considering the 4070 but also looking at the 5060s/5070s. Should I expect to pay under £1500 or would I need to add another £500?
I believe a £2k budget would allow for a more modern laptop, possibly with newer parts. However, that could make the external sound card less appealing.
Upgrading the GPU to a 4080 or 5080 would bring you closer to £2.5k, but it’s not within your budget.
Looking at other similar models running the 4070 is common, but one with a 4080 would suit your needs better, though it exceeds the budget.
Here’s a summary of some comparable laptops using 4070 chips, mostly with 2560x1600 resolution.
Choosing between them is tricky, since if I could afford more, I’d opt for a stronger machine to avoid needing an upgrade later.
But you should pick something that matches your needs and looks good, considering performance and style.
Edit: In recent years, high-end laptop prices have skyrocketed! From my perspective, there’s little real value. The extra performance you’d get by spending more isn’t worth the higher cost, especially from greedy OEMs.
The most helpful guidance would be to visit a retail PC chain and test these models personally, as blind buying can sometimes disappoint. These laptops are solid choices and should meet your requirements. I also appreciate this creator model—it's subtle and lacks the flashy RGB effects found in some gaming laptops.