The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Envy 15: i5-540 vs i7-820QM

    Discussion in 'HP' started by jcomey, Feb 23, 2010.

  1. jcomey

    jcomey Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    422
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    So, I know the general pros/cons of each. However, when we get to specifics, I'm a little foggy.

    Here's what I seem to know about these chips:

    i5-540: Runs cooler, dual-core, only allows two slots for RAM

    i7-820: Hotter, quad core, allows for 16GB RAM

    My situation is that, should I get an Envy, I'm getting the dual SSDs (I have one on my SXPS16 and could never go back to a regular HD). Based on the storage, will the i7-820QM run cooler? I'm wondering just how hot it gets...my SXPS 1640 was supposed to be ridiculously hot, but with the SSD, it's generally cool.

    What could I expect with the i7/SSD setup?

    I'm leaning towards the 820 anyway, because I'd just rather futureproof the system. I don't like that the i5 only allows for two slots of RAM. But one last question I have is...just how much of a difference does the i5 make on battery life over the i7? I usually stay plugged in, but do use my laptop in the car upon occasion.

    I'm looking forward to your thoughts, as I'm beginning to get antsy and want to order. ; )
     
    jcomey, Feb 23, 2010
    #1
  2. L3vi

    L3vi Merry Christmas!

    Reputations:
    354
    Messages:
    1,680
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    The i5 last a little over 3 hours maximum on battery. The i7's barely make 2.5 hours. Despite SSD's the i7 will still run quite hotter than the i5 Envy.
     
    L3vi, Feb 23, 2010
    #2
  3. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    What are you using your notebook for?
     
    sgogeta4, Feb 23, 2010
    #3
  4. jcomey

    jcomey Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    422
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    All around...gaming, podcasting (audio/video), some video editing.

    It will be used often.

    I am not looking, however, at what will work for the current tasks at hand. I want to futureproof. I am curious, though, if the i7 is a good match...or if I should wait for a little bit.
     
    jcomey, Feb 23, 2010
    #4
  5. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

    Reputations:
    3,300
    Messages:
    7,115
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    206
    What kind of video editing? HD? If so, I'd say you should consider the i7. It'll be warm, but I don't think unreasonably so. All versions of the Envy are awesome for gaming. Some people have problems with the webcam, but I haven't myself.
     
    Pitabred, Feb 23, 2010
    #5
  6. jcomey

    jcomey Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    22
    Messages:
    422
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    There will be some. I do some taping at concerts (namely DMB), and while I do not have anything very high end on this front, I may be getting one soon.

    The i7 is definitely more appealing.
     
    jcomey, Feb 23, 2010
    #6