M11x R2 - Which proc?

[wtmjake]

So I'm thinking of getting an Alienware M11x but I don't know which processor to get for it. These are my choices:

Core 2 Duo SU7300
Core i5 520UM
Core i7 640UM

I'm thinking of going for the SU7300 just because I don't think I'm going to experience enough performance increase if I went with Core i5/i7 that justifies the extra cost. Also I imagine the battery life would be a little bit better when I'm on the road? But I really don't know, it's just a hunch. What do you guys think?

 

[CurseTheSky]

On Dell's site, they mention that the i5-520UM is overclockable. What that actually means in terms of how much they allow you to overclock it and what the conditions are, I don't know, but that's something to keep in mind.

The SU7300 is no slouch for average home / office tasks. It'll do everything you need. For gaming, though, several reviews have shown the GT 335M to be held back by the SU7300. If you're gaming, I'd personally spring the extra $150 for the i5 version.

 

[Massive Overkill]

All previous recommendations of SU7300/vs i-series should be disregarded:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/524257-how-supercharge-m11x-core-i5-i7-um-cpus.html

I've never made a donation to freeware until now. The only question remains: i5 or i7?

 

[jihe]

SU7300 is not powerful enough. I have SL9400 and it barely meets all my needs.

So I'm thinking of getting an Alienware M11x but I don't know which processor to get for it. These are my choices:

Core 2 Duo SU7300
Core i5 520UM
Core i7 640UM

I'm thinking of going for the SU7300 just because I don't think I'm going to experience enough performance increase if I went with Core i5/i7 that justifies the extra cost. Also I imagine the battery life would be a little bit better when I'm on the road? But I really don't know, it's just a hunch. What do you guys think?

 

[richough3]

The i7 is definitely the best on performance. The hinges are the biggest concern with the M11x. Read up more on it before deciding. I liked the M11x, but the hinge issue is why I sent mine back. I've read a compariosn of all 3 and the OC'd SU7300 usually beat the i5, but not the i7. The 7300 battery life was the best of the bunch, however.

The Optimus technology for the R2 allows independent driver download and installation for both Nvidia and Intel graphics, while the switchable graphics found in the R1, SU7300 model relies on a combined, vendor aka Dell supplied drivers. There are various driver hacks that attempt to get it to work with newer drivers, but you lose some abilities.

 

[Massive Overkill]

I've read a compariosn of all 3 and the OC'd SU7300 usually beat the i5, but not the i7. The 7300 battery life was the best of the bunch, however.

This is no longer true as I already stated. i5 throttling is now cured using Throttle Stop. An OC'd i5 will beat the piss out of an OC'd SU7300.