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    i5-520M or i7-720QM on Sager np8690?

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by Exxo, Jul 3, 2010.

  1. Exxo

    Exxo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, just wanted to ask for some of your opinions on which processor i should get on the Sager NP8690. Its going to be either the i5-520M or the i7-720QM. I mainly will be using the computer for gaming and very light photoshop as well as very light use of music production programs (cubase).

    Battery life for this laptop is of no concern since it can barley outlast an hour. But the $150 difference is kind of asking a lot for my budget.

    I was wondering what kind of improvements as far as gaming the i7 offers. Also the improvements for Photoshop, i mean is it just going to shave off a couple of seconds in Photoshop, will i notice the difference? I've noticed that as of currently not a lot of programs utilize 4 cores but that trend is changing.

    I plan on replacing this laptop in 2-3 years time regardless. I predict that nearly all newly released software will utilize 4 cores in 2 years time so i was wondering if it was worth upgrading now since I'm going to be replacing this laptop anyways. Obviously in 2 years i will certainly purchase a quad core. Again mainly gaming (WoW, Starcraft 2, Left 4 dead 2), light Photoshop and music production. Other than that web browsing, word, etc...

    I also wanted to add something slightly off topic. This laptop will be a desktop replacement, and will probably remain on nearly 24/7. I usually like to download files while I'm sleeping so i keep my computer on overnight. I was wondering if the sager can handle this, is the cooling efficient enough?
     
    Exxo, Jul 3, 2010
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  2. ryukenden

    ryukenden Notebook Evangelist

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    In most cases, I5 is good enough for all those functions. I myself would invest a little to get the i7 for long term uses. There are current places that sells them cheaper (overall systems) if your on a budget. That can save enough for you to get the i7 without breaking the bank. Some places have sales tax on where you live, so that that into account.
     
    ryukenden, Jul 3, 2010
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  3. steadfast9661

    steadfast9661 Notebook Evangelist

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    go i7, it will last longer and for a machine this high end, dont cheat your self.
     
    steadfast9661, Jul 3, 2010
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  4. lootbag

    lootbag Notebook Geek

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    +1 for i7

    This is a high end machine, make it worthwhile! Two more cores make a difference!

    The cooling should be sufficient, but I would run a laptop cooler if you are going to leave it on 24/7. I run a NZXT Cryo LX for my Sager 9280 even though it should be perfectly fine without it.
     
    lootbag, Jul 3, 2010
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