Help me pick from these 4 setups -i5/i7 and a GT550M/GT555M

[Syrup]

Im purchsing a new notebook, going with an XPS from Dell. My question is, which videocard and proc should I get?

First, regarding the videocard. I've read reviews and looked at charts and havent gotten a clear answer so im here asking. The basic logic behind my question is that my desktop card(560ti) has only 1gb and its stellar so a mobile card with 3gb seems like it could potentially be more marketing than anything and just plain overkill. I could be wrong.

Second, regarding the proc. I would consider upgrading to a i7 2630QM, if its recommended strongly enough. Im thinking its possible the GT555 might "need" the bigger proc to be worth while?

So to help get a better answer,, it will be a 1920x1080 display, I will be doing "light" gaming such as WoW, EVE, maybe a little Civ 5 and TF2. I will be playing HD video through it as well. Just a general purpose media machine. It will by no means be my main computer or ever expected to be my power house. Ive got a nice fat desktop for that. edit: I usually replace my ntoebook about every 2 years so this doesnt need to be an uber machine that'll be effective in 5 years.

Im not rich but money isnt much an issue in this decision. So if the upgrades are worth while im cool with that. If not I'll scale it back and save myself a few bucks.

Option 1: @$900
i5 2410
GT550M 1gb

Option 2: @$1,050
i5 2410
GT555M 3gb

Option 3: @1,075
i7 2630QM
GT550M 1gb

Option 4: @$1,250
i72630QM
GT555M 3gb

Thanks for any input you provide.

Scott

 

[mnewsham]

If you are doing actual gaming and like the eye candy the gt550m and 555m are both underpowered for 1080p, if you can do low or mid graphics then you can play well. I would go with option 2. And yes the 3gb vRAM is a gimmick. No you don't need a more powerful cpu you will be GPU bottlenecked in this system.

 

[Syrup]

Thank you for the info sir. I've considering the XPS option #2 as my "cheap" option versus a Sager NP8170. Its a $400 premium bumping me up to a i7 2630QM and GT460 but seems to be the little extra umph id be looking for.

I wont bother asking as I know everyone would recommend the Sager if money isnt much an issue. I'll think about it overnight and make my purchase tomorrow.

Thanks again.

 

[mnewsham]

No problem, my last sager worked wonderfully for years. (sorry little bias on my part)
Good luck and let us know what you decide.