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i5 with dedicated graphics vs i7 with integrated graphics

post #1 of 5
8/20/11 at 11:27pm
Thread Starter 

 

My search for a new laptop is coming down to one model with 2 major configurations:
i5-2410M(2.3Ghz) with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB GPU
Or
i7-2630QM (2.0Ghz) but using the onboard Intel HD Graphics 300 chipset
 
Both are running 6gb so the integrated graphics doesn't concern me so much.
 
My concern...  Moderate power CPU that I won't easily overload but futureproof, with graphical engine that doesn't have to be multimedia or gaming level but won't cry if I throw a video at it... All coupled into a configuration that won't add extra strain to and shorten battery life.  Portability...  
 
 
Use: Grad school work. No game playing.    Some minor video and audio editing, statistical analysis, presentations, multi-applications and browsers open.  Huge multitasker.  
 
Battery life is my issue.  Any recommendations between the two?  Am I losing much in battery life upgrading to the i7 with integrated graphics?
 
BTW. The cost difference is $30.  But I know the base speed drops to 2.0Ghz for the i7....   I'm thinking the extra horsepower of the i7 will go to waste.
 
 
Feedback?
 
 
 
One option is to get a larger 9 cell battery which I intend to do anyways.  

Edited by Sierraguy - 8/21/11 at 3:39am
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post #2 of 5
8/21/11 at 2:58am
i5 and a dedicated GPU is a good configuration of the 2 above

cheers ...
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post #3 of 5
8/21/11 at 4:01am
Thread Starter 

Decent futureproof cpu with horsepower to spare with decent GPU that will handle an occasional DVD or HD quality video or mabe run at Adobe Premiere essentials....  Without overburdening the battery.

 

An i5 with the NVidia  GT 525M 1G...  The NVidia wouldn't tax the battery more than the integrated HD 3000 graphics?  I mean the CPUs shouldn't differ much in power draw (10w diff)...  

I'm concerned about the GPU sucking battery.  I would love to go with an OPtimus chip but can't spend $1000.

 

I'm asking because my desktop replacement has an i7-820qm with a 1gb NVidia and battery life sucks, down to 2+ hours...  

 

The i5 setup should be the more efficient setup even with the dedicated GPU? 

 

If you had to buy one of the above looking for 4+ hour battery life, you go with the i5 setup?

 

The ratings show the i% with integrated HD 3000 graphics will go 4+ hours....  But I'm not shopping at bestbuy.

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post #4 of 5
8/21/11 at 5:38am
Depending on many factors, the fast CPU can suck up battery life just as much as a dedicated GPU, even with an integrated one. Expectancy of a 4+ hours battery performance means that you would be limited in one process at a time on a notebook, from my experience laugh4.gif I must say that Lenovo in general offers good battery performance though, staying pretty much close to the specs that they advertise

cheers ...
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post #5 of 5
9/13/11 at 8:06pm
Thread Starter 

 

I bought the Asus U46E and couldn't be happier.  The configuration is awesome for the price.  Fast, light (by my measures), LONG battery life (I've gotten 8 hours), and the GPU is more than enough for the "advanced-average" user.  I got the 8gb model so I have memory to spare for the integrated HD 3000 graphics.  I believe it's set to run up to 1.7gb so with 8gb it doesn't begin to tap into RAM allocated for general processing.  

 

I would recommend this machine to ANYONE.  Well, except the serious gamer.  

 

HOWEVER, note that in comparison to Dell, Toshiba and Samsung,  the ASUS support SUCKS.  I wouldn't suggest anyone without above average technical skills buy anything ASUS.  And I did say Dell as my other laptop is an XPS 16 and I've had nothing but superior support. Granted I purchased the 3 year accidental coverage and with that, Dell jumps through for XPS owners.  Needed a replacement Windows 7 disk (that doesn't normally come with the machine) and Dell had it to me in 2 days.  ASUS told me to suck eggs.

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