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Dream poker laptop and monitor Dream poker laptop and monitor

10-09-2015 , 02:02 PM
4barrel, I think this thread (one mine, one another's) will help
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/48...aptop-1462865/
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/48...setup-1556108/

Basically:
SSD
best CPU you can get (current one is a tiny bit faster, basically same)
16+GB RAM (32 can help if you run more than one virtual machine. Rule of thumb for me: 5gb per machine, including host.)
SERVICE (yes this is important for mission critical machines)

I settled on MacBook 15 (15.4" screen, otherwise meets all your requirements, with bootcamp)

I got an adapter to connect to an old 30" monitor and a bunch of USB hubs. I effectively convert the laptop to a desktop by plugging the adapter in.

All that said, I think you should look into getting a desktop since "90%" of your action will still be in the office.

You can also look into the category known as "Mobile Workstations"

Last edited by grizy; 10-09-2015 at 02:28 PM.
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10-10-2015 , 02:57 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Love_the_game
since youre in Europe you should check out XMG laptops.
http://www.xmg.gg/#PRODUCTS

They make good gaming laptops and everything is customizable. So you'll want a 17' (min 1920x1080) screen, the newest intel i7 -6xxx quad core CPU, 32? gb of ram, and a 500 gb ssd. If you want the most powerful laptop you can get this one which has a desktop CPU inside. just customize it to i7-6700k.

http://www.xmg.gg/u706/?LANG=EN
Nice, I'm having a look. Ton of options but I'll see what I can make of it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by grizy
4barrel, I think this thread (one mine, one another's) will help
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/48...aptop-1462865/
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/48...setup-1556108/

Basically:
SSD
best CPU you can get (current one is a tiny bit faster, basically same)
16+GB RAM (32 can help if you run more than one virtual machine. Rule of thumb for me: 5gb per machine, including host.)
SERVICE (yes this is important for mission critical machines)

I settled on MacBook 15 (15.4" screen, otherwise meets all your requirements, with bootcamp)

I got an adapter to connect to an old 30" monitor and a bunch of USB hubs. I effectively convert the laptop to a desktop by plugging the adapter in.

All that said, I think you should look into getting a desktop since "90%" of your action will still be in the office.

You can also look into the category known as "Mobile Workstations"
Thanks, having a look. When I know I only want Win10 I think buying a Mac isn't the right way to go? If I prefer a laptop and can get a laptop with the power I need then why give up on it?
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10-10-2015 , 07:40 AM
Service.

You can get a replacement at an Apple store the same day. Apple can do this because they have very few models so they have the parts and replacement machines in store.

Other brands, even if you can find a store, will most likely take days if not weeks to get your computer back up to snuff.

See laptop failure rates:
https://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/...ility_1109.pdf

There is another thing that's in MacBook's favor. The SSD (soldered onto the motherboard) is about twice as fast as anything you can buy separately. For HEM performance this will make a difference.

The CPU is only slightly faster than what you have in your machine now. But I really don't think the CPU is the limiting factor for your machine. If the VM itself is getting slow, make sure you allocated 2 cores to the VM instance (some VMs default to 1 core)

Last edited by grizy; 10-10-2015 at 07:49 AM.
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10-10-2015 , 03:19 PM
If you have money, drop around 3k on a retina macbook pro that has everything maxed out with the nvidia GPU.

You could get the machine posted above, which has better specs but i've had better experience with apple hardware and recommend them because of it.
You can run Windows 10 using bootcamp, which isn't like a virtual machine and gets the most performance out of the laptop or you could run Windows 10 on parallels and take the performance cut.

I typically prefer apple's design of the macbook pro, compared to most, if not all the laptops in todays market. Very lightweight machine that is built to not break down but applecare is essential to get.

You could setup a dedicated machine at home, that is for your databases of hand histories. Setup hem or poker tracker to just retrieve the hand history details from that machine and take the load off your laptop. So basically you play on laptop that gets all the statistics from desktop machine and you could even connect to the desktop machine with the laptop by internet, when you leave your home with the laptop.

The retina screen on the macbook pro, enables the possibility of changing the resolution to 3840x2400 (huge screen real-estate space) but I've only been able to do it with software such as, 'SwitchResX' and that is mac software. I haven't fooled around on Windows enough, to know what the Windows equivalent is but with such a high resolution, you can have around 20 tables in tile mode on a 15 inch display of the macbook pro.

See this post: 2013 model btw
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...ostcount=18903

If you hold out by waiting for the newer models to come out, they will probably support connecting to 4k+ monitors by new thunderbolt or whatever they're going to be using for the display connection. Currently the newest models could be connected to a 4k monitor but would require two thunderbolt connections based on the data/speed required by 4k monitors.

Last edited by iosys; 10-10-2015 at 03:25 PM.
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10-13-2015 , 06:38 AM
Thanks a lot for the detailed answers. Big issue is I think there is no new Mac 17''?
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10-13-2015 , 09:56 AM
Another issue with the RMP is it only has 16GB of RAM and it's non-upgradeable.
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10-13-2015 , 01:54 PM
That is very true that you would be stuck with 16gb of ram, but by the time you need 32gb of ram; you probably would benefit more with a complete upgrade to the whole system.

I mostly operate on OS X with my macbook and I don't usually run Windows, but 16gb of ram is more then enough for what I typically do.
Never do I see, it anywhere close to using up the full 16gb of ram but maybe its a different case when using Windows 10 as the OS.

Your current setup, what is the size of memory you have and what number do you typically hover around during usage. I'm curious to know.
I was one of the first people to built a desktop with 16GB of ram on windows, years ago and don't think anything has happened to make me push for the 32GB of ram yet.
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10-13-2015 , 05:11 PM
I currently have 16GB, it seems fine but I might be adding another VM and I want my laptop to be swift for years to come -

Quote:
Originally Posted by 7gohdlikepara
[*]32 GB DDR4 (I feel he should have 32GB with his use of VMs, you can certainly argue against this for his needs, but I use my system in a similar way and absolutely need 32, and this need eliminates a large number of options unfortunately)[/LIST]
Unfortunately this is proving to be a way tougher task than what I expected. Sager & xmg aren't options because they don't provide service in my country. Dell 6800 looks like an option but it's the processor is now two generations behind and the 6900 is expected this Quarter so I might wait for that..
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10-13-2015 , 05:32 PM
Honestly I think you should get a desktop. With virtual machines, you'll benefit greatly with having more cores. Dell Precision tower 7810 has a 10-core Xeon CPU. It will more than double your performance.
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10-13-2015 , 08:27 PM
One thing you should consider in your purchasing of a laptop is that the projected lifecycle is around 3 years.

Laptops are not built for upgrading like desktops, so even if this is a big purchase; it is still a laptop and will last around 3 years of running acceptable for the current era of time as history has shown. There are always exceptions but 3 years typically for laptops and 6 years for desktops with small upgrades once in awhile. The physical machine may last many years like 10+ but typically, you will not have a good experience as people with newest hardware using newest software.

Nobody knows how demanding or beneficial, future software can be and believing that double the ram is going to save the machine for the new use cases, well good luck with that.

I'm thinking you, maybe should consider the desktop like grizy suggests, it will be able to be updated and last longer if you really want to put a strain on the machine.
I can't imagine a good reason to be needing more than 2 virtual machines running in the background with doing other stuff on the main OS. That is typically what I do sometimes because i'm a programmer and 16GB handles that. Not sure why you need to do way more than that for what reason but a desktop would be best for that.
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10-15-2015 , 09:32 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by grizy
Honestly I think you should get a desktop. With virtual machines, you'll benefit greatly with having more cores. Dell Precision tower 7810 has a 10-core Xeon CPU. It will more than double your performance.
I hear you but I want a laptop and I don't need to double my performance.

Quote:
Originally Posted by iosys
One thing you should consider in your purchasing of a laptop is that the projected lifecycle is around 3 years.
Good news, I just read that Dell are releasing their successor to the Precision 6800 this month, the 7710. It's going to have the new Skylake i7 and sufficient SSD and RAM for my needs.

http://www.tomsitpro.com/articles/de...ns,1-2925.html

I think I'm gonna go for it.

As for it's configuration I'm not sure on a couple of the spots

SKU: 7710.

Processor: To keep up with my current processor I'm almost sure I should take the i7, probably 6820HQ is enough.

OS: Win10 Pro.

Memory: 32GB but IDK the differences there. I guess just go with the fastest.

GFX: Since I don't game I think I can go with the integrated one?

Display: IDK?

Storage: Not sure what's going on here, I need 512 SSD.

Thanks again
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10-15-2015 , 10:45 AM
If you really intend to do 3+ years, get a Nvidia GPU (for CUDA support because that's where the development is)

PostgreSQL will likely implement GPU optimization natively within the time frame. PGStorm is very well developed on the CUDA platform. It accelerates the type of parallel processing HM struggles with when you are running 100+ tables. The GPU will basically sit idle for the next year and half, give or take. Then it will become a built in 10% (maybe more, maybe less) upgrade.

If you intend to run a lot of VMs and use multiple screens, get the GPU.

VM's, even without running games, also chews up GPU power because you're effectively running 3 screens at once. Refreshing 100 tables, even if just 2d, can create some noticeable latency.

Last edited by grizy; 10-15-2015 at 10:54 AM.
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10-15-2015 , 12:01 PM
Thanks as always grizy. Any recommendation between the five options?
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10-15-2015 , 03:21 PM
If you're asking about GPU, the slowest nVidia will be sufficient for both PostgreSQL acceleration and graphics purposes.

CPU wise, i7 is faster than Xeon.
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10-17-2015 , 05:10 AM
Thanks Grizy. Would appreciate some thoughts on what processor (which i7)/memory/display and storage I should take between the options the 7710 offers. Latest word is the 7710 will be released on the 27th.

I'm also in a dire need for a second monitor. I currently only have a DELL U27. At first I was thinking about going with a 4k but because I don't game or even watch much HD on the computer I think that might be an overkill? What size should I go with? Any merit to just getting another 27''? My original thought was to go with a 30''/32''?
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10-17-2015 , 09:08 AM
CPU:
I'd just get the i7-6820. i7-6920 if the cost differential is less than 100. 6920 theoretically is a little faster but with turbo boost in a mobile factor, it'll be thermal limited anyway so you won't really see much of a difference. That's what I say but I probably end up just getting the 6920 just because I'm spending so much on rest of the computer already.

Memory:
32gb. Anymore is overkill.

Storage:
512GBx1 should be sufficient. If you really want to go crazy, get 2, but don't RAID them, allocate your virtual machine and postgreSQL between the drives.

Monitor: Depends on your table layout. This really is too much about personal preference to recommend. 4k monitors aren't for gaming. They are for maximum pixel density and screen real estate... which you need if you tile tons of tables.
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10-18-2015 , 04:08 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by grizy
CPU:
Memory:
32gb. Anymore is overkill.

Storage:
512GBx1 should be sufficient. If you really want to go crazy, get 2, but don't RAID them, allocate your virtual machine and postgreSQL between the drives.

Monitor: Depends on your table layout. This really is too much about personal preference to recommend. 4k monitors aren't for gaming. They are for maximum pixel density and screen real estate... which you need if you tile tons of tables.
Thanks again.

The Memory plan is to take 32GB but it seems like I have the following options:

DDR4 2133 MHz, DDR4 2667 MHz, ECC DDR4 2133 MHz

Storage I agree 512GB is enough for me but again it seems like there are different options, I'm not sure I understand the differences:

"Support for three storage devices: two M.2 PCIe SSDs & one 2.5" SATA

HDD: 2.5" 500 GB 7200 RPM up to 2 TB 2.5" 5400 RPM

SSD: 256 GB - 1 TB 2.5"

M.2 NVMe SSD: 256 GB - 1 TB"

Laptop screen - I get to choose between these two: 17.3" UltraSharp 1080p IPS and 17.3" UltraSharp 3840x2160 IGZO.

Regarding my extra desktop monitor, I'm at loss regarding what to choose. I don't have a personal preference.
Some details about my current layout. I almost never mass table, I usually play only 1-3 tables at once, I put them on the right side of my screen while I use the left side to Skype/Internet etc. I have all of the other tables I'm sitting and the different lobbies in the background. My main problem is not being able to watch lobbies comfortably and the clutter once I start getting 3+ tables especially with some being in a VM.
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10-18-2015 , 08:14 AM
If that's all you play and you run virtual machines, check with your VM software first.

VMWare behaves weirdly if you are scaling your GUI in some form. Without scaling, you will have to strain your eye to read the letters on your screen. If you must get 4k even with that limitation, you'll need a 30" at least to make the letters legible.

PokerStarts/FullTilt default table size is 800x570 pixels wide. It always annoyed me that you needed to overlap them on a 1920x1080 screen but most people didn't mind. 1920x1200 monitors (a little more expensive) eliminates that issue.

2560x1440 is a relatively new resolution I think you should consider. It gives you enough pixels to fit a lot of windows without forcing you to squint too hard to read. Even at that resolution I'd recommend you go bigger than 20".
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10-19-2015 , 05:04 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by grizy
If that's all you play and you run virtual machines, check with your VM software first.

VMWare behaves weirdly if you are scaling your GUI in some form. Without scaling, you will have to strain your eye to read the letters on your screen. If you must get 4k even with that limitation, you'll need a 30" at least to make the letters legible.

PokerStarts/FullTilt default table size is 800x570 pixels wide. It always annoyed me that you needed to overlap them on a 1920x1080 screen but most people didn't mind. 1920x1200 monitors (a little more expensive) eliminates that issue.

2560x1440 is a relatively new resolution I think you should consider. It gives you enough pixels to fit a lot of windows without forcing you to squint too hard to read. Even at that resolution I'd recommend you go bigger than 20".
I might decide to start playing a bunch more tables in the future so I want to be ready for that. I forgot mentioning that I also RDP sometimes, I don't know if that's relevant.

As for 4k or not, resolutions etc., tbh I'm clueless. If you/someone could give me a recommendation or two I would be grateful.

Also if someone would want to comment on what Memory/Storage/Screen I should take from the 7710 options that would be cool.
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10-20-2015 , 06:04 AM
Seems like I'm currently debating between the Samsung U32D970Q which is a 32'' 4k and the Dell UltraSharp UP2715K which is a 27'' 5k. I'm leaning towards the Dell because I already have a 27'' and I've been told that it's easier to multi screen between screens the same size.
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10-20-2015 , 11:07 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4barrel
and I've been told that it's easier to multi screen between screens the same size.
My setup is a 23" and a 27" and I have to agree about this. While it's a huge issue it is something that you notice when doing stuff and I plan to upgrade to another 27" in the near future.


MSI just announced some new laptops with the new Skylake chips so maybe check those out.
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10-20-2015 , 03:38 PM
I don't find "size" to be a problem by itself.

The bigger problem is pixel density. If two screens have different pixel densities, windows change size when you move them from screen to screen.

But if the densities are the same, moving windows between screens hasn't been an issue for me.
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10-21-2015 , 07:40 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by numberonedonk
My setup is a 23" and a 27" and I have to agree about this. While it's a huge issue it is something that you notice when doing stuff and I plan to upgrade to another 27" in the near future.


MSI just announced some new laptops with the new Skylake chips so maybe check those out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by grizy
I don't find "size" to be a problem by itself.

The bigger problem is pixel density. If two screens have different pixel densities, windows change size when you move them from screen to screen.

But if the densities are the same, moving windows between screens hasn't been an issue for me.
I think I'll go then with the Dell UltraSharp UP2715K which is a 27'' 5k. Only thing I'm worried about is if I'll be able to use it together with my DELL U27 on my desktop until I get the new laptop. My desktop has just an integrated graphics chip - Intel HD Graphics 3000. I know it doesn't support 4k but I couldn't understand if it would be possible at all to use them both at the same time (even at lower quality).

As for MSI AFAIK they don't have a 17'' laptop.
Two other laptops I stumbled upon are Lenovo's ThinkPad P70 that should be released in the next few weeks (Specs here, https://www.thinkworkstations.com/wp..._P70_Final.pdf, what do we think about it vs. the Precision 7710?) and the HP ZBook 17 G2 refresh (probably called G3) that is rumored to be announced very soon.
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