1640, 1645, or 1647?

I've decided to get an xps 16 for college, and I am curious as to which to get. I plan on using it for college, but also plan on playing quite a few games on it as well when I have the time. Which would be better overall to avoid throttling issues, and just have the best performance for this overall?

On a side note, on the dell site, how do I tell which is a 1640, 1645, and 1647?

 

The processor is the main difference, although the screen also may make a difference in the naming (15.6 vs 16 inches).

1640: Core 2 Duo
1645: i7 series (quad core)
1647: i5 series (dual core) and i7 620 (dual core)

Throttling issues have pretty much been fixed with the BIOS updates and the 130 watt adapter. Some people still have problems, but mostly people with the i7 Quad with RGBLED screen.

I have the XPS 1645 (with quad-core i7 720QM), because it was cheaper than most other configurations (at the time) and the processor is technically more valuable than any of the dual core i series processors.

That being said, if you plan on doing a lot of gaming, your best choice is the i7 620 processor (check the Dell EPP, should be available). If you want to spend a little less, go with the fastest i5 available. In reality though, the CPU will only have a little impact on overall game performance, since the graphics card is usually the bottleneck. The i7 620 or i5 also uses less power than the quad-core i7 (should run cooler, and have more battery life).

The i7 620 processor will also be faster than the quad-core i7's in pretty much all old and new applications, with a few exceptions like Photoshop and other "artsy" type of programs.

 

So a 1647 is the way to go?

 

Hey gpig,

Do we really think the RGBLED is that big of a player in the throttling... I think we were assuming that in the past but I know for a fact that WLED throttles.... not GPU wise but CPU....?

 

I would..... I think a lot of folks are happy with the 620...

 

Someone here said they spoke with a Dell service Rep who said i7 quad with RGBLED can require more than 130 watts. I agree that there is some assuming involved, but what else can we do until Dell or someone else figures it all out?

And yes, my recommendation is to go with the 1647.

 

I am loving my 1645, but perhaps I'm just one of the lucky few. In any case, you should in theory have less problems with a 1647, so it's probably the way to go.

 

The quad-core XPS 1645 (if they are still calling it that) just got a graphics card update (update to 5730), so now I don't know which is actually the better system to purchase.

 

Excuse my retardedness , but I can't seem to find the xps 16 with the i7 620 on Dell's site. Where do I find it?

Also, would the 1645 now be that much better with the graphics card update? Or would it be a small to almost noticeable difference?

 

Try upgrading the i5 configured model. That's the 1647 model

 

I checked there just now. Its showing only a i5 540m as a possible upgrade.

 

As a previous posted noted, with the release of the 5730 for the 1645's, you'd probably want to go with the 1645 now anyways... or wait a few days and see if it comes out for the 1647

 

woot woot, Id give it another 10 days before I order just to make sure it's not some stupid error again.

 

Best thing to do then would be to ring them up and see if they've got it. Sometimes they don't show all the options online like blu ray for example.

And I agree with above, best waiting until the new graphics card arrives on the model that's best for you.

 

I see. I won't be ordering it til at least mid-june, so that isn't a problem. I'm still a bit unsure on which to get though. As I previously stated, I'll be using it for college, as well as gaming.

At most I'd be running a browser, a game, music, vent, and a few other programs all at once. Could anyone recommend which one would be best, or at least go into further detail as to the pros / cons of each, or what each would be best for? Assuming the 1645 isn't the only one that is updated that is.

 

They are actually pretty much identical except for the CPU (i5 vs i7)... and the main difference there is either 2 cores or 4 cores (stupid i7-620 messing up the naming scheme). Anyways, based on how to say you will be using it... the i5 (1647) is probably more than sufficient for you

 

Thanks for the help ^_^ Any idea on how long this would last in terms of performance in games? I know it won't last for too long, but any chance you'd be able to give an estimate?

 

Go with the 1647, I have it..have been thrilled with it. I have had no problems with it. There were a few BT connectivity prob's other than that ~ it's been awesome! : )

If you can get the RGBLED, I strongly recommend it! One word = amazing.

Cin...