<p>I want to get the Sony Vaio VGN, the one that's 16.4". I can spend up to $50/month and I was wondering which option is better</p>
<p>A: 2.4GHz, 4GB Ram, 320GB HD @7200rpm</p>
<p>B: 2.53GHz, 3GB Ram, 320GB HD @7200rpm</p>
<p>Which option would be best? I'm thinking the latter but not sure.</p>
<p>If you are willing to upgrade RAM, a better processor is the better option (because you cannot upgrade the processor; you are pretty much stuck with it). However, be aware that the windows for the 3 GB RAM computer probably isn't 64 bit. You need 64 bits to access all 4 GB of RAM (though you will have access to 3 point something without it, so this might not be such a big deal).</p>
<p>Also, are you SURE computer B has a faster processor? They have to be of the same model and type, else you could be in an error. See: Megahertz</a> myth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>Also, do you have an application in mind already to use all this power on? If not, just go with the cheapest model.</p>
<p>so, what would be good specs for a normal college student. I just plan to play the
Sims 2&3 and run a housing simulation TurboFloorPlanPro and just basic browsing, movie watching, music, oh and papers too. Nothing TOO spectacular but I just want to be safe.</p>
<p>Would a 2.0GHz, 250GB HD @ 5400rpm be a better option.
I also wanted to put the Blu-Ray player in there as well as upgrade the graphics and screen.
VGN-FW290</a> | VAIO® FW Series Configure-to-Order | Sony | SonyStyle USA</p>
<p>jaime: Vista 32bit (i'm told) will support 4GB of memory. XP won't.</p>
<p>the 2.53GHz processor gets a 3MB bump in cache size. whether you'll use it or not i don't know, i'm not familiar with simulations. memory is probably a the better buy, since Vista (from what i understand) is designed to maximize the use of whatever RAM is available, like OSX and unlike XP.</p>
<p>
[quote]
jaime: Vista 32bit (i'm told) will support 4GB of memory. XP won't.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Vista 32 bit will not use all four GB of RAM. It will not tell you you have 4 GB it used to not, but it still won't use it all.</p>
<p>also for playing games the video card is important too, and the speed difference between 2.4 GHz and 2.53 GHz will most likely be unnoticeable, though knowing the specific processor would be helpful. I'm guessing that the 2.4 GHz is the T8300 and the 2.53 GHz is the T9400, is that right?</p>
<p>If thats the case I would go with the 2.5 GHz because the T9400 is in the latest generation of processors and the T8300 is one step behind, though still a great processor.</p>
<p>I'd go with what you posted at that most recent link, upgrade to the P8400 (not just faster, but also larger L2 cache and less power usage), 4 gigs of memory, 250GB 5400 rpm harddrive (or 320 if you think you'll need that much space and don't plan on getting an external drive), Blu-Ray player, HD3650, X-Brite FullHD 16.4" display, and maybe battery upgrade (unless you think that would make it too clunky).</p>