need some quick help configuring an e1705

how big of a difference is there between a 2ghz (intel core duo t2500) and a 2.16 ghz (intel core duo t2600) in a laptop?

it costs 175 more for the t2600...

and how much better is the 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS compared to the 256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON X1400 HyperMemory? the nvidea is 200 more

i am a casual gamer, and i would like to be able to run any game that is out right now. how long would the ati last before id have trouble running the newest games, and how much longer would the nvidea last?

thanks fellas

 

I'm also a gamer and I just ordered my e1705 and here's how I configured it.

Intel Core Duo T2500 2.0GHz
2GB DDR2 667MHz
100gb 7200rpm
8x DVD Writer
256mb GeForce Go 7900 GS
17" WXGA
Intel 3495 w/ bluetooth module
9-cell battery
Windows XP MCE 2005

That system will be able to handle all current games at high settings.

The difference between the t2500 and t2600 is just in clock speed and doesn't warrant paying the extra money.

The Radeon x1400 has Hypermemory technology so it can/will use system memory for VRam when the onboard 64mb or 128mb buffer is overwhelmed. However, the x1400 chipset is MUCH weaker for gaming compared to the Go 7900GS. If you want to play all current games w/o issue go with the 7900 GS.

Hope this helps

 

Great system. Im in love with my E1705. The Go 7900gs is definitly a much better choice. Runs BF2 max no lag AT ALL.

How long should it last? Until you need 512MB cards for gaming which shouldnt be for a while ( atleast a year and a half I"d say or until DX 10 goes mainstream)

 

Great system. Im in love with my E1705. The Go 7900gs is definitly a much better choice. Runs BF2 max no lag AT ALL.

How long should it last? Until you need 512MB cards for gaming which shouldnt be for a while ( atleast a year and a half I"d say or until DX 10 goes mainstream)

 

oh and also, im configuring with only 1gb of ram under the assumption that it's easy to upgrade the ram myself on an e1705. is this true? im about computer savvy enough to install a video card on a desktop.

and should the fact that vista is around the corner affect this decision to go for the nvidea over the ati?

 

how is the battery life on your E1705? and did you get a 6-cell or 9-cell?

i got the E1505 because for my first laptop i bought an Asus L5GX, which was great for gaming but a lousy laptop with 1.5 hours maximum battery life; so with my E1505 and 9-cell battery i get 5.5 hours on battery out of the box which i am pleased with, but i was stuck with a X1400 for gaming which is OK but that 7900 sounds like so much fun!

 

Upgrade from 2500 to 2600:
Not worth it. The performance difference is negligable and certainly not worth $175.

Upgrade from ATI Radeon x1600 to nVidia Go7900 GS:
Totally worth it. The difference is like light and day in terms of what games you can play and the future capabilities of the system. I think it's worth the $200.

To answer the batter question, I get just under 3 hours with the 9-cell battery when not gaming. When playing The Sims 2 (only game worth mentioning I've played on this yet), I get about 2.25 hours.

 

I will second everything CvcDrk said, considering I am also a proud E1705 owner. Um, If I have the wireless on, brightness all the way up, playing FEAR, I will get like an hour or less on battery life -9 cell- (which isnt really bad considering the curcumstances). Yeah, I ordered mine with a gig of RAM as welll and will be upgrading it soon to two gigs, I haven't cracked it open to look but from what I hear its really easy to swap out. As far as the X1400 lasting...well, you would actually have a bit of trouble running new games on it currently. 7900gs and 2500 for sure.

 

If you're only upgrading one of those, you should definitle go with the 7900, it will make an AWESOME difference on games, especilally on the new ones. Bit if you alredy got the 7900 and you're really thinking of upgrading to a 2.16 i don't really think it's necesary, for gaming a 2.0 and a 7900 will be more than enougth for common task to.

 

The T2600 2.16GHz processor is too much to justify - you would not notice a difference between it and the T2500 2.0GHz as posted.

If there are three upgrades I would get with the E1705:
-2GHz Duo
-17" WUXGA glossy
-256MB Go7900GS

You can upgrade the RAM cheaper aftermarket, check Newegg.com's memory selection. A 1GB DDR2-667 module costs around $70-$80. I would probably get the hard drive you want from Dell.

And don't waste money on the 'integrated Sound Blaster'. It is a waste of money, considering it is a simple software package.

 

the soundblaster thing is just software? what does it do, and can i get something better for cheaper if i didnt get it through dell?

and lastly, what is the difference between 533mhz and 667 mhz ram? is the latter a lot faster?

 

Take a look:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=67099

 

anyone have info on the soundblaster? im also wondering if its worth the upgrade or not.

 

word. i kinda figured it's only 25 bucks, so what the hell. but i also thought it was a sound card

 

Take a look through the Dell forum and do a thread search and you should find a bunch of info.

 

The 7900GS is way faster than the ATI X1400. In 3dMark05 you'd expect a score of around 2000 w/ the X1400 and 6000 w/ the 7900GS I think.

My desktop w/ Athlon 64 3000+ and ATI Radeon 9800 Pro, a 3 year old card, scores a 2750 on 3dMark05 and I have to play Battlefield 2 with all the settings down and it still isnt very smooth.

I wish there was an option inbetween the two. Also remember that 7900GS will cut the battery life to 2 hours, from about 3.5 hours with X1400, even when not playing games.