F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Notebooks Thoughts on upgrading

Thoughts on upgrading

Thoughts on upgrading

R
ReptiPlaysMC
Junior Member
40
01-17-2026, 02:35 AM
#1
Hello Everyone,
I was hoping to get some professional advice on choosing a suitable upgrade path. I currently own a GE65 Raider 9SF and am aiming for a similar heavy gaming setup. I intend to pass my current laptop on to my son so we can play games whenever I have the chance, whether at home or while traveling. This gives me two main questions that need your guidance:

1. Is there an optimal time to purchase between now and November 24th? Should I expect a price drop soon because of new technology?
2. How much difference will there be between my current GE65 and the new laptop I’m considering?

Regarding my budget:
- Around 2500, though I’m open to higher amounts if the performance is worth it.
- I’m looking at a notebook with details below.

About the notebook size:
- I’m fine with larger models; when I’m home I plan to connect it to a monitor, dock, or cooling system.

Screen resolution:
- Not a major concern for me. I prefer 1920 or 3440.

Portability:
- Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?

Battery life:
- I’ll want a laptop that lasts through continuous use.
- I plan to stay connected and not rely on frequent charging.

Gameplay needs:
- Would you recommend specific games with certain settings? I’m interested in playing BG3 and Frostpunk 2 without issues.

Other tasks:
- I also need to handle photo/video editing, emails, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Storage: 0.5 to 1TB would be ideal, mainly for keeping games without deleting them.

Specific purchase sites:
- If you have any, please share links. I’m thinking Amazon with gift cards.
- How long do you intend to keep the laptop?
- 4 to 5 years seems reasonable.

Optical drive requirements:
- DVD ROM/Writer, Bluray ROM/Writer, etc. – none needed.

Preferred brands and dislikes:
- No loyalty to any particular brand.
- Reasons for preference or not.

Location:
- USA!

Any extra details you’d like to share?
Thank you in advance.
R
ReptiPlaysMC
01-17-2026, 02:35 AM #1

Hello Everyone,
I was hoping to get some professional advice on choosing a suitable upgrade path. I currently own a GE65 Raider 9SF and am aiming for a similar heavy gaming setup. I intend to pass my current laptop on to my son so we can play games whenever I have the chance, whether at home or while traveling. This gives me two main questions that need your guidance:

1. Is there an optimal time to purchase between now and November 24th? Should I expect a price drop soon because of new technology?
2. How much difference will there be between my current GE65 and the new laptop I’m considering?

Regarding my budget:
- Around 2500, though I’m open to higher amounts if the performance is worth it.
- I’m looking at a notebook with details below.

About the notebook size:
- I’m fine with larger models; when I’m home I plan to connect it to a monitor, dock, or cooling system.

Screen resolution:
- Not a major concern for me. I prefer 1920 or 3440.

Portability:
- Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?

Battery life:
- I’ll want a laptop that lasts through continuous use.
- I plan to stay connected and not rely on frequent charging.

Gameplay needs:
- Would you recommend specific games with certain settings? I’m interested in playing BG3 and Frostpunk 2 without issues.

Other tasks:
- I also need to handle photo/video editing, emails, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Storage: 0.5 to 1TB would be ideal, mainly for keeping games without deleting them.

Specific purchase sites:
- If you have any, please share links. I’m thinking Amazon with gift cards.
- How long do you intend to keep the laptop?
- 4 to 5 years seems reasonable.

Optical drive requirements:
- DVD ROM/Writer, Bluray ROM/Writer, etc. – none needed.

Preferred brands and dislikes:
- No loyalty to any particular brand.
- Reasons for preference or not.

Location:
- USA!

Any extra details you’d like to share?
Thank you in advance.

S
soccerstar991
Junior Member
21
01-17-2026, 02:35 AM
#2
1| Laptop prices tend to drop but yes there are offers happening every now and then. I'd advise holding out until Black Friday deals show up.
2| Depends on what sort of games you tax the laptop with;
https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GE65-RAIDER-9...cification
though you do have a heavy hitter for it's time.
All of these laptops are possible candidates
.
S
soccerstar991
01-17-2026, 02:35 AM #2

1| Laptop prices tend to drop but yes there are offers happening every now and then. I'd advise holding out until Black Friday deals show up.
2| Depends on what sort of games you tax the laptop with;
https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GE65-RAIDER-9...cification
though you do have a heavy hitter for it's time.
All of these laptops are possible candidates
.