Questions from a notebook n00b

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I'm looking to pick up an NP8662, but have some questions due to all of the options that they have and would appreciate the expert advice of you guys.

1. Which is the fastest processor to use? The T9900 has more gHz and is more expensive, but the Q9000 has four cores. Isn't four twice as good as two?
2. Are there diminishing returns from upgrading ram? Will 4 GB result in double the performance of 2 GB? Can the computer fully recognize all of the RAM or does it trail off after 6 GB?
3. Does the TurboMemory really do anything?
4. What's the benefit of Vista Ultimate over Premium as far as performance and gaming is concerned?

Thanks for all of your help!

 

1. Depends on your uses. For games and programs using 4 cores, the Q9000 will be better. For single threaded apps, the T9900 will be better. Games that uses 4 cores are GTA IV, Left 4 Dead, Supreme Commander, Unreal engine games, etc. Don't know all of em. Q9000 will run hotter and give lower battery life too, but not that much tho I think.

2. 4Gbs is pretty cheap so I say go for this. Vista 32-bit only recognizes up to about 3 GB ram. The laptop itself can go up to 6.8 I think due to chipset limitations. But 4Gb is plenty enough for almost everyone.

3. I hear it doesn't help much, especially with 4 GB ram.

4. As far as gaming goes, I don't think there is any. Just pick 64-bit.

 

You summed everything up pretty neatly, good post, L4D_Gr00pie.