Core i3 or i5?

Hey guys, so I just ordered my T420, with the core i5 2520 processor.

This laptop is replacing my HP envy 14 which I have to send off for repair after only owning it for 2 months. Something is wrong with the video card keeps causing the display driver to crash... Even after a re-install. Ironically though it hasn't done it since I've been considering the purchase of a thinkpad...

I want this computer to last 2-3 years which is why I feel like selling this HP due to not trusting the hardware... Do you guys think this is the right decision?

Anyway! Back to my main point. Do you think it is worth it to go for the i5 2520 with turbo boost over the basic core i3 system configuration?

I don't do too much on my notebook, but it is my main computer. I have it hooked up to an LCD display. And normally have Opera, e-mail, IM, Explorer, VLC and utorrent open at the same time...

Also I won't be playing too many games on this outside of Starcraft 2 and WoW, which don't need to run at max settings just as long as I can play them.

 

If you don't get the i5 with vt-d and AES support I don't see the point. Save the cash and just get the i3.

 

The Turbo Boost is a nice feature to have, how much is the upgrade price?

 

don't spend too much on processor upgrade if it cost you around $200 to $300.

I think you should spend ~$120 on SSD (64GB or 90GB) because most of the time we do IO activity more rather CPU intensive. Also your description never mention about that either.

Also SSD is super quiet, added little more to battery life & application open/close + win start/shutdown are so snappy that you will love it.

 

The upgrade is $100 approx... I dunno lol, I got until tomorrow morning to figure it out.

 

I can tell you how I spent my money, I got the i3. Unless you frequently push the CPU, perhaps you do, the i5 will make little difference. In three years, your CPU will be old, regardless of whether it's an i3 or i5.