Need help in choosing processor and RAM for a notebook computer

[okalex]

I need to get a new notebook computer and have narrowed down my options to Dell Vostro 3450. However, I am still unsure about the choice of processor and amount of RAM I need. I don't know enough about hardware and would appreciate an advice.

My most power-demanding uses are going to be photo editing (applications like Photoshop) and occasionally running virtual machines (without processor-intensive applications running in them),

1. Am I going to feel a significant speed difference between i5-2430M and i3-2330M? I have read about the difference between them, but am not sure in what circumstances it might become significant.

2. What would contribute more to a smooth operation: adding RAM beyond the standard 4GB (I am going to use a 64bit OS) or choosing the i5 processor rather than the i3?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[fffblackmage]

I would get the i5, assuming it's not an absurdly expensive upgrade, and then just upgrade the ram to 8GB on my own.

The RAM shouldn't be difficult to install on your own, and it's probably cheaper than having Dell do it for you.

 

[okalex]

Thanks. I understand that i5 processors are generally more powerful and that is it likely to perform better, but what isn't clear to me is how likely difference might be given the kinds of things I do.

 

[Ken g6]

The main difference between the i3 and the i5 is Turbo Boost. With the i3 you're stuck with a 2.2GHz processor, which the i5 can run at up to 3GHz, on one core and/or for short intervals. This will benefit Photoshop a little and your VMs a lot.

 

[mfenn]

Since you're going to be running VMs, you want to get the 8GB upgrade. Obviously it would be great if you could get that and the i5, but if you have to choose, take the RAM.

 

[okalex]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[ElFenix]

of course, ram being much cheaper if you're not buying it from dell, i'd buy the minimum i can get from dell and install the rest myself.

 

[okalex]

That's good to know. I'll take that advice.