question about cpu vs. ssd

i can either get an m17x with:
i7 840QM Quad Core Processor, 1.86GHz (3.20GHz Turbo Mode, 6M Cache) and 500GB hdd
OR
i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache) and 256gb SSD
For around the same price.

DO I TAKE THE BETTER CPU OR THE LOWER CPU WITH THE SSD?
Im leaning towards the SSD. PLease tell me what you think and why. I have heard many good things about the SSD especially all the laoding times and stuff. Thank you for your opinions.

 

Take the lower CPU for the SSD for sure as the i7 720 can be Overclocked safely to speeds equivalent of an 820 and almost to a 920.

Besides that the performance difference between 720/820 is only ~15% which is negligible.

 

+1 for the SSD.

 

Ssd Ftw! :d

 

I agree with you guys that SSD's are great but don't forget the Samsung is OKAY and that aftermarket SSD's are just going to get cheaper as the next gen is coming out soon and it's one of the easiest things to replace in the M17X.
Which of these components will age the fastest (in terms of technology) and which is the hardest to replace of the two; the CPU
The CPU is something most people, even experienced ones, don't want to get that deep inside the laptop to mess with. I'm not saying that you don't but it is a factor to consider.
I know you like the SSD option but I have to disagree. Go with the better CPU and then upgrade your stock HDD with an SSD.
But as I said once before do what you are ultimately most comfortable with. I personally think you'll get more life out of your AW with the 840.
Take a look at one of the many youtube videos out there discussing opening up the M17X and consider if you are going to keep this laptop for many years or just a few. Also consider what you are going to use it for and what do you expect it to do.
Good luck on the decision its never an easy one.
**Edit** I almost forgot, go on newegg and amazon and the like to check out the prices of aftermarket SSD's. Prices aren't bad but they will be dropping very soon.

 

While this is good advice, you will not get a better $/GB ratio and the sammy's are not that bad way better than a regular HDD, but since he is going between an 840/720, which is a little better in performance still not worth the premium as the 720 is perfectly fine. Actually CPU replacement is not that difficult takes a whole ten mintues to open her up and get to the CPU. Granted it's not as simple as the HDD, but it is still rather easy. Ultimately it's the OP's choice and I still hold by my recommendation.

 

I agree, the Samsung, while not the best SSD, offers the best price/gb. I have two of them, and both work well. They beat the pants off an HDD, so you get good performance, and space. I'd go SSD, and if you really need the CPU speed, get an ES chip on ebay, and save money. laptopmonkey has a 1 year warranty on his chips on ebay. Also you can just OC the 720.

 

Have you received the 720 yet? and if you have what OC's are you getting on stock cooling? similar to mine?


Sorry don't mean to hijack the thread, but I am curious

 

I got it, should be putting it in on Friday and benching it then, I'll keep you updated

 

lol sounds good see you in the overclock forum!

 

Definitely ssd!

 

I have nothing against the Sammy... there's one in my sig. Considering the bottleneck/problems in write speeds with the M17X R2 and the Sammy will be competitive for awhile. It too can be bought aftermarket, ebay average price is around 400US dollars.
I was just pointing out that depending on OP's skill level, to take into consideration the ease of installing an SSD. Plus there are price drops on the horizon when the next Gen SSD's come out.
I concede that the SSD is a good option but it all depends on whether the OP is ever going to need more than the 720 and are they comfortable upgrading their own CPU in the future or not. And doing the same procedure if there is ever a problem requiring warranty work. If not will the 720 be enough for the years to come? Yes it can be OC'ed, but again is the OP willing to do so? Maybe they are, maybe they are tech savy or simply want to learn to do so. Which is why I put little disclaimers all in there. And it's why everyone's opinion counts.
Ultimately it is a tough decision left to the OP. Was just trying to be helpful based on not knowing the OP's skill level. Guess i kinda jumped the gun.

 

No worries, Of course your opinion counts and was welcomed. I was just also posting my opinion in rebuttle, as this is a forum where we can discuss topics. Sometimes we agree other times we don't.
I know it is hard to tell the tone of a message on these forums as they are not spoken and we interpret the words as if they where spoken words, but I digress.

I agree it all depends on what the OP wants/needs, and all we can do is put in our recommendations.

 

I say go for the CPU now. It's much easier to upgrade to a SSD than putting in a new CPU. Like Infernio said earlier, price will just drop, and there are better drives than the Samsung...Intel and Corsair are very good.

 

If possible, get the 720 with the HDD and buy your own SSD unless you are getting a rock bottom price on the SSD. The M17x supports two drives so maybe even consider a good quality 64GB or 128GB SSD and a Seagate Momentus XT as the other drive.

 

SSD for sure, and I agree the Samsungs are a decent drive for the $$$

Very happy with mine