Laptop advice

[Golden]

Hi All,

A friend of mine has a laptop that he uses for share trading. Today he started using a different trading platform that used many multiple windows (up to 20 of them) to display live data and charts in real time.

He reported that his GPU has started behaving strangely, and the laptop getting very hot and eventually shutting down by itself. Since this corresponds to his use of the new platform, I suspect the GPU can't quite cope - unfortunately I dont have the system specs to hand.

I'm off to do some troubleshooting for him tommorow, just to be sure it isn't a build-up of dust etc. but it looks at this stage like a new laptop is required since he wants to expand his graphics capability to expand across 3 monitors (1 x laptop monitor and 2 x external monitors).

If he chooses to buy a new laptop, can anyone offer advice of what we should be looking for?

The budget is flexible as this is his tool for his primary source of income. Robustness, good CPU, decent RAM, and high GPU capability as described above for the 3 monitors, are a MUST.

Thanks for your input,
Golden

 

[Bill2]

Since this work is critical to your friend, I suggest he switch to a desktop as the main workhorse. That way he can control the gpu specs and ensure good ventilation. Laptops are always susceptible to overheating for different reasons, the more powerful the laptop the worst the problem.

 

[geezafrombrum]

Since he will require a good GPU, I can recommend the ATI Mobility 5870, which is the best mobile GPU around. I have had no issues with it except the ATI mouse bug.

 

[Golden]

Thanks Bill. We have talked about a desktop, but he prefers if possible, the mobility of the laptop since he trades everywhere he goes. If thyere is no other option, a desktop is certainly on the cards.....

 

[Golden]

Thanks Geeza - we will take note of that one and look into it further.

 

[thefabe]

The only other suggestions are to make sure he keeps the vents blown out with canned air, doesn't use it on his lap as they have a tendency to pickup all the lint on your pants. Try raising it up off of any hard surface if only a few inches to allow for maximum air flow.
Fabe

 

[geezafrombrum]

The budget is flexible as this is his tool for his primary source of income. Robustness, good CPU, decent RAM, and high GPU capability as described above for the 3 monitors, are a MUST.

Though expensive the Asus G73JH is a powerful laptop and can be used as a desktop computer.
Price you will be looking at approx £1500.

If you have heat problems with this laptop you can request a GPU repaste from ASUS. This should solve any heat issues (temp drops can be upto 15degrees celcius). That is according to many G73 users on another forum. I myself have not had any heat issues playing games such as BC2 and COD5.

Seee link below:
Asus G73Jh Review | Laptops | CNET UK

 

[Bill2]

Check out this site. It has a great listing of grafix cards- high end, medium and low end. I think something in the medium would suit your friend's requirement because it would fit into a medium sized laptop (portability) with medium battery life.

Comparison of Laptop Graphics Cards - Notebookcheck.net Tech