XPS 16 Choices, i7 or not?

Hi,

I am facing a dillema in choosing my xps 16 configuration. I can get a I7 + ati5730 plus 2 year warranty, with a 4G memory for 300 USD more than another configuration of P8700+ati 4670 one year warranty, but with 6G memory.

Do you think it will worth the update? I have been reading here and not sure if ati 5730 can help on the heat and throttling of the laptop.

Or will I7 cause more heat than P8700.

I am not a gamer but like to watch videos, including blu-ray on this laptop. Maybe some photo and video editing too.

Thanks!

 

If your not a gamer, and you just watch videos/some editing thats not too extreme, then go for a i5. Thats what I have and its perfect! Definitely better over a Core 2 Duo due to the HT and Turbo Boost, which will suit all your needs more than adequately. Also just settle for 4 GB memory, because its more than enough. I have 8 GB and I don't notice much difference. You can always upgrade later and it will be cheaper too. Regarding the videocard, it uses less voltage and the performance difference between the 4670 to the 5730 is barely noticeable, so don't let that be the deciding factor. Hope I was able to help, and your choosing a great laptop (my favorite laptop so far).

 

The i7 will indeed generate more heat. 45w vs. 25w... unless you're not getting the i7-720qm. If you plan to game you can always get an i5 if you're concerned about the heat.

 

Since only P8700 and XPS 16 in on sale, I am deciding between the 2.

Heat is a concern, from you an experienced user, will the i7 version be a lot "hotter", is there more complaints on 1645 than 1640(P8700) version in terms of heat?

 

why buy a 2 old year tech? the p8700 is 2 generations old now..Sure save a couple bucks now..but you definitely won't be happy with the performance of it for longer than maybe a year..tops..

especially with the new mobiles coming out this fall..

 

Tenknics, you have I7 on your laptop right? Does it gets hot ?

All I plan to do is to streaming some video, and watch blu-ray tv on this box. No gaming since I am not a fan.

 

As was said above, if you don't game go for the i5 or i7 620 if you can. Heat isn't an issue.

 

Thanks guys. Went forward with i7-720m, hopefully it does not get too hot.The 2 year warranty is also nice to have, and give a little of assurance in the future.

 

You can never go wrong with an i7 720QM it can overclock itself equal to a i5 2.4ghz

 

I have a conundrum of my own in regards to this one.

Can get an i7 quad core configuration for AU$2200. Have up'specc'd considerably.

I can get an i7 dual core configuration to match the one above for AU$2600.

I know the quad core will overheat; has less battery life and I will need to carry around a 130W power brick. But perhaps the $400 saving is worth this hassle; perhaps not?

I have been stuck on this for a month now and still cant make up my mind. Why can't the 1645 be the cheaper option???

 

Get the i7 dual core, better for gaming Get a pc once and never look back, personally I would get an i7 dual core, but I could not find one on dell outlet ....

 

The limit in this computer for gaming is the graphics card. This holds true no matter which processor you get.

Provided you get a system that works as it should, you won't notice a difference while gaming.

 

Same video card on both; the ATI Radeon HD5730.

I even had someone advise me the other day to the get the 500GB 7200RPM HDD (whereas I had picked the larger 640GB, 5400RPM HDD). My main concern being battery life at this stage.

Does anyone know which manufacturer dell uses for the HDD? If Western Digital; perhaps there will be no harm in going for the 7200 option. Though that said; not even sure if this is a configurable option on the Base 1647.

May need to buy it later and reinstall all software. Doing that anyway ...

 

I love it how the 720 is more expensive, but Dell charges more for the 620 anyway. Go with the 720. It beats the 620 in most processor benchmarks (excepted single treaded only ones). Besides, if you want to avoid throttling you'll have to upgrade and lug around a 130W adapter anyway.

I don't have any heat problems with my 720, idle 48-53, gaming or heavy use in the upper 70's, probably not much warmer than the 620.