The i7 2720 for ~$1300k or the i7 2820 for ~$1800k

Hello guys, I can get the m14x w/ i7 2720 + 3gb nvidia gt555m + 6gb ddr3 1600mhz, and bluetooth and soundblaster and 900p 1600x900 for about 1300$.

BUT

Should I just get the same specs w/ i7 2820qm via dell for 1800$ -ish?

I want the system to play new games on high (no fancy 16Antialiasing, just high graphics) on it's native resolution, in this case 1600x900.

So, it will be about 500$ more then, should I? I want the system to have longevity and a high resale value.

 

For the CPU, most people here would just get the 2630QM, but for me I'd say you better stick with the 2720QM, because think in this way, the 2630QM run at 2.0Ghz and it is $200 (or lower) less, while the 2720QM give you 0.20Ghz more over the 2630QM, while the 2820QM give you only 0.10Ghz more over the 2720QM and cost you over $500 extra from the 2720QM price.

So I think the 2720QM is the best choice since it is a reasonable upgrade from the stock price, IMO.

 

How does your m14x run games like call of duty or battlefield on its native resolution?

 

Uh, don't get the 3GB video card, it's pointless. If you need 3GB of VRAM you also need a better card than a GT555m

 

On CoD4/MW2/BO it run at 900p Max setting, 50-60fps.

On BFBC2, If you run without OC it'll lag abit if you run at Max 900p setting, but if you run at 720p Max setting, you'll get somewhere between 50-60fps. For my setting I overclock the GPU to 701/1402/1000 (Core/Shader/Mem, Default is 590/1180/900) I can run it at 900p Max Setting except for shadow, I get around 50-60fps. But overall if like you said, just high setting and no fancy 16x AA or whatsoever, you'll run it at native 900p smoothly on BFBC2 without the need of OC your GPU.

For GPU, like/Drakk said, dont need to go for the 3GB the reason I got the 3GB is that in NZ they dont have the 1.5GB available, save your $80 and go for the 1.5GB instead. For the Soundblaster, I dont think you need it, because it is just a software to improve the sound. And one last thing if you can, upgrade the Wireless from the stock to either Intel Centrino 6205 N 2x2 MIMO or WiMAX, because it will improve the preformance A LOT over the stock Wireless card.

 

I agree, the 2820 will not get you a performance boost that is worth any extra money. Save the dollars for better upgrades.

Hope this helps a little:

Intel Core i7-2720QM Vs Core i7-2820QM

 

Thanks for your help so much guys.

Ya know, I hear what you guys are saying. For once in my life though, I have saved up a bit of money (Just won a research grant etc..) and I want to treat myself.


So I AM going to order a somewhat spec'd out m14x. The m17x r3, my next option, I have come to realize is awesome, but if I can't carry with it with me daily then it's pointless since I'm in school.

So yeah, I think I am going to go with with a i7 2820, 6gb ddr3 1600mhz, 3gb nvidia, 900p, soundblaster + killer N wireless setup.

Do any of you guys know how long that "save 244$ on m14x" deal is going on for on dells website? I really don't want that to expire...

thanks

 

Are you one of the guys who can only get the 3gb GPU?

 

They're offering good advice! You may have won a research grant, which is awesome, congrats on that , but don't give your money away to dell, there really isn't any noticeable gain from the 2720QM to the 2820QM. Maybe in a benchmark, or some CPU intensive rendering, but it's not worth the extra price. Same goes with the 3GB Nvidia card. If I had thought about it more when I bought my M14x, I would have gotten the 1.5GB card.

Personally, use that money for a good SSD instead

Everything else is awesome, the 900p screen is a must, and more and more people are liking the Killer-N card.

 

Yeah everyone is offering really good advice, I agree and I really appreciate it.

Haha, I'm going to treat myself this time lol, Life is too short ya know?

the SSD is a great option but since I can do that some other time, while the CPU and GPU are impossible/harder to upgrade later on, so I would rather max those out.

Since the SSD is just boot times, I could suffice with a 7200rpm for now, and add the SSD since that should be easy later on.

It looks like about 1850$ or so in the shopping cart via Dell, but that's with the 200$ knocked off for their "limited offer"

I will have only like 1750$ or 1800$ even in my account EXACT by this end of week - DO ANY OF YOU GUYS THINK I COULD CALL DELL AND ORDER VIA TELEPHONE AND POSSIBLY GET THE PRICE KNOCKED DOWN TO ABOUT THAT? I don't want to sound like a begger or poor, but If I can get a few more $$ knocked off I could purchase it with the funds I have now.

 

Or Ivy Bridge, if it will fit the same socket, which it probably will. I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference between a 2630qm to the 2820 on real day to day use/gaming. But possibly Ivy Bridge may be a difference.......maybe. Still though, if a computer does everything you need, why replace it or upgrade it. I use to upgrade all the time on my desktop and completely build new computers constantly. I have desktops sitting in my closet and can put together multiple desktops from older parts that can still do everything I actually want it to do. It is a waste of money that would have served me better staying in my bank. I am just recently growing up and realizing this. Unless you have a specific need for the 2820qm...like getting the mostest highest benchmark score on an M14x, the 2630qm will do everything you need and be virtually the same as the 2820 in nearly all cases of real world use. And then you can upgrade to Ivy Bridge later and make the people that got 2820's jealous, assuming they don't go Ivy Bridge too. But then you can point out their 2820 is an expensive spare part now that is not needed.

 

Damn, Ivy bridge is coming out noow.... pleaseeee....

Clearly, computer companies have the technology to release highly advanced products in longer increments, but they make more money updating in smaller, more frequent increments.... such a pity how they take control on mainstream society.

 

How is that different from any other corporation?

 

This is true. I guess all reality is F***ed in the end.

And we live and die with no memories left, they all wash away, like a sand castle on a beach prior to the tide returning.

Well, atleast I have alienware to cheer me up through my existence on earth

 

Ultimately, whatever decision you make, just make sure you are happy with your computer! Enjoy!

PS And if you should ever need help with it, we'll be here,

 

Awwwwwwwww