Question:
Graphics card vs processor
Hey everyone,
I was looking at buying one of these 2 laptops. One is a dell the other is an acer.
I want to be able to play most of the recent games that will be coming out, but also want to be able to keep this laptop for awhile. Do you think its better to go for a better processor or go for the better graphics card?
Here is the acer...
and here is the dell's info
Dell recommends Windows® XP Professional
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Description
E1505 Dual Core
Date & Time: September 13,2006 3:30 PM CST
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
E1505 Dual Core Qty 1
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition with re-installation CD Unit Price $1,429.00
Fully loaded with the latest, fastest wireless options!
Limted Time Offer!
Dell Home Customers: Save 10% off Dell Inspiron E1505!
Limited Time Offer!
- $142.90
Catalog Number: 29 E1505S1
Module Description Show Details
Inspiron E1505 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7200 (4MB Cache/2.00GHz/667MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition with re-installation CD
LCD Panel 15.4 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen SXGA+ Display with TrueLife™
Memory 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
Video Card 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory™
Hard Drive 120GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0
Combo or DVD+RW Drive 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Sound Options Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Wireless Networking Cards Hi-Speed Wireless Bundle: Dell Draft N Wireless and Bluetooth
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) No productivity suite- Includes Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription
Primary Battery 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months America Online Internet Access Included
Discovery Channel's Cosmeo Discovery Cosmeo - Monthly Subscription (30 Day Free Trial)
Dell Digital Entertainment Starter pack- Basic and trial products from Corel and Yahoo
Processor Branding Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
TOTAL:$1,286.10
THIS IS BEFORE A 20% OFF DISCOUNT.
In summary the dell has the duo 2 core with 4mb cache 2.0gz speed, and the ATI x1400 graphics card.
The ACER has the duo core with 2mb cache and 1.66gz speed but comes with the x1600. Both are really the same price. Any input would be great.
Thanks!
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
Especially since it's dual-core, I'd go with the Acer. You can upgrade a CPU later if you really think you need to, graphics, not so much. I take it you're set on the $1000-$1200 range? Consider something like this with more RAM configured?
The one thing I would like in defense of the Dell is the higher resolution screen. Especially on a 15.4", I'd go for that one. It really depends on how seriously you take your games, and if you're willing to trade a little gaming performance(the Acer) for a much better all-around system (the Dell).
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
The X1600 is a good card, just be sure it's the 256 meg version. Looks like 128 according to that link. Otherwise that system would do pretty well for awile, but it would take a bit more money to get a more high end card.
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
Great question.
hmm ... Why don't you take Dell with x1600?
Otherwise x1400 is OK for the time being, and I consider Dell for better opition but this is subjective.
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
Great question.
hmm ... Why don't you take Dell with x1600?
Otherwise x1400 is OK for the time being, and I consider Dell for better opition but this is subjective.
I'd guess mostly because the E1505 is only configurable with the X1300, X1400 or Go7300. The X1600 isn't an option on the Dell.
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
Even the 128MB X1600 will easily, easily outperform the X1400 by a huge margin. No X1400s have 256MB of dedicated memory - it's 128MB dedicated and 128MB shared.
As for the processor, it really doesn't matter as long as it is a Core Duo or Core 2 Duo.
I read in the Acer forum that the 5672 gets very hot. Might want to look into that.
Consider the Asus S96J and Compal HEL80 if you are willing to spend around $1,300.
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
Ya I would easily pay the extra for the x1600 but its not available :( and ya in the 1000-1200 range. The crown you suggested doesnt have much with it when compared to the dell except for the graphics card. Everything else is less. I am just having a hell of a time deciding which one to get. If I have searched correctly cant you usually upgrade the GC on the dell's?
I work at best buy like 1 day a week and could get the x1600 for a good deal later on if that is availabe. Or is this a bad idea?
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
ok sorry
Pitabred was right about x1600 on Dell I didn't see that.
I don't what excatly is the difference between 1.66 and 2.0 but I woudn buy 1.66 and with x1400 will probably miss some details in hard 3D games but there are things like power,heat you know . Of course, If you are hard gamer go for x1600.
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
so there really is no performance gain between the 2 processors? I was told to definitely go with the core 2 duo b/c it was that much better. If its really not, I might just go with the acer or what not. I need this to be as close to 1k as possible.
Answer:
Re: Graphics card vs processor
The crown you suggested doesnt have much with it when compared to the dell except for the graphics card.
That's comparing specifications alone. Non-mainstream notebooks like the HEL80 have far better quality and much better designs (port placement, cooling, and so on), along with superior, personal service and support. A different league, essentially. Can't always compare based on specs. I don't want to make you spend any more than you wanted, just putting that out there.
so there really is no performance gain between the 2 processors? I was told to definitely go with the core 2 duo b/c it was that much better.
You're not going to see any difference between them, no.