e6520 Discrete graphics and Quad-Core tradeoffs?

I see the machine comes with two choices:
Intel HD Graphics 300
or
NVIDIA NVS 4200M 512MB (35W) Discrete Graphics

But that the Intel HD Graphics are only available on the dual core i3,i5 and the single i7 that isn't quad-core. I'm not sure that I really need the Nvidia graphics - I'm keen to keep the heat/fan noise down and would presume that the intel graphics run cooler.

But - I do want the machine to be fast for video encoding/editing - so a quadcore is attractive.

I also wonder how much acceleration I would get by having the Nvidia while using Adobe Premiere/After Effects/Photoshop. I don't use them every day and I don' tknow of other applications that I do use that would take advantage of the Nvidia.

I could get the i7 dual core + intel or a i7 quad + nvidia. The difference in cost isn't the issue - but I'm trying to guage whether the performance benifit outweighs the heat disadvantage of quad core + nvidia.

Any thoughts gratefully appreciated! Thanks

 

Hi!

The I7 2720QM/2740qm/2760qm all have intel HD3000 graphics. Take a look at intel ARK (ark.intel.com)

Don't worry about the Nvidia card, it's controlled with optimus technology (search it in google). 90% of my time, I only use the intel HD chip. In Windows the Nvidia card is completely configurable, at every application you can run the program using the nvidia or intel card.

Besides that, the nvidia chip supports CUDA. For some parts of video encoding it saves a lot of time ;-)

The cooling system of the quad core in the E6520 is different than then dual core. More copper ;-) In the E6520 owners thread there are some pictures. An extra pipe is added. With my E6520 the nominal heat is 45degrees and a maximum of 85degrees. Using a 2720QM.

So, buy the quad core, you won't regret!

 

Thanks - So that question seems settled! If I buy the e6520 it will be the quad core with the discrete graphics.

Are the screen universally excellent on the FHD variant? Several reviewers have said they are excellent with very wide colour coverage. The screen quality is basically the main thing making me consider the e6520 over the e6420. I'd prefer the smaller machine to be honest.

I'd love to know two things from readers here - firstly what your biggest gripe/widespread problem is about the e6520? Reading parts of the owners lounge thread there doesn't seem to be much that isn't fixed. But I see the lack of onboard USB 3 as a bit of downer.

Secondly, is the e6520 still the macine you would buy today? If not what? If so - what would be your second choice.

Is there any likely refresh of the e6520 expected in the next 3 months?

Many thanks!

 

My post disappeared so again ;-) I wrote more text but I think this is enough.

The FHD screen is perfect in my opinion. I don't have the tools to measure colours but it's great. I probably read the same reviews. And also read that the 14" screen was not that good. Can't confirm it myself because I have never seen the E6420 in real.

After the turboboost is fixed, I don't encounter any problems. maybe some mSata support in the future because there is a slot for it. About USB3, there is a esatap port. Buying 2 cables (slimsata and 2,5" sata) gives me all the flexibility I need by attaching a dvd drive (replaced it with an extra disk) and some storage on different 2.5" disks.

I would buy the E6520 again because of the discount we get with our company I would consider the HP elitebooks if the prices were the same. Also great laptops (16gb ram support) and I like the quality of them.

I can't predict the future. As far as I can see the e6520 has recently updated processors (2740qm/2760qm) which could not be configured before (in the netherlands). What I also noticed is that the prices are a bit lower since then. I think the Ivy bridge architecture will be the next refresh for the E6520. The first chipsets will be available in Q1 2012 so it is possible that apr/may 2012 will present a new device.

 

I have a E6420 with the 2720 i7, 16GB of ram, and the Touch screen display. I love it now that the Turbo Boost issue is resolved! I added a 2 port USB3 express card, and it performs great. It has the added benefit of adding 2 more additional ports total. I also have a 2nd drive in the optical drive bay, since I very rarely use optical media nowadays.

 

Do you know if there is any difference in speed with your USB3 express card vs regular on-the-motherboard usb3? May I also ask which card you are using (in fact if you have the energy I pic of it installed would be amazing)!

If I was to get a e6420 I'd get the SSD and put a regular sata hd in the optical bay like you. Real shame these manufacturers aren't putting USB3 ports on their business laptops - lots of consumer laptops seem to have them a plenty!

Lennartb: Yes the HP elitebooks look nice - but options on them are pretty limited in the UK and the price is higher than the Dell equivilants. Still - the look like nice machines.

Thanks all!