Speccing a laptop - confused by options

[Derek Smith]

I’m speccing a laptop.

I’m firmly of the opinion you can’t have too much RAM but to start with, I’m going with 16GB. On offer is Corsair 2133MHZ SODIMM DDR4, which I’m assured will be sufficient for the software I use – the Affinity Designer/Publisher/Photo – and watching TV/movies.

What’s the difference between 2x8GB and 1x16GB, apart from the obvious? They are at different prices. I’m considering 1x16 in order to be able to expand it later but am wondering why it is cheaper.

Further, something new to me. The offer is of unlimited downloads of Win10 from an online account or the OS on a DVD. I’ve always gone for a DVD but tend to do a clean install every now and again, and I’ve not had problems with activation.

Further: there’s the option of a SATA SSD, or an M.2 PCIe SSD. Which is better? I’ve already got a 480 SSD that, I believe, I will be able to install to boost the memory. I don’t play games, but watch TV on the laptop. Is there any point in me opting for the higher priced 1000MB/sW?

I know what colour I want, but lots of the other stuff is confusing.

Thanks for reading this far.

[robbieduncan]

Yes. Generally CPUs have multiple memory channels (at least 2). 2x8Gb should run in dual channel mode. 1x16Gb would run in single channel mode. Assuming you don’t want to add another 16Gb So-DIMM very soon you should probably go for 2x8Gb as this will give higher performance (but remember if you do want to upgrade you will need to replace both 8Gb SO-DIMMs).

[Derek Smith]

robbieduncan said:

Yes. Generally CPUs have multiple memory channels (at least 2). 2x8Gb should run in dual channel mode. 1x16Gb would run in single channel mode. Assuming you don’t want to add another 16Gb So-DIMM very soon you should probably go for 2x8Gb as this will give higher performance (but remember if you do want to upgrade you will need to replace both 8Gb SO-DIMMs).

Thanks for that. It is clear now.

[shopper150]

M2 PCIe is faster

[Derek Smith]

shopper150 said:

M2 PCIe is faster

Thanks.

I'll also have a SATA SSD and use it for storage.

[deckster]

What has been said is all technically true - but realistically you not going to see any difference between single and dual channel memory, and between a standard SSD and m.2.

Fully agree that the benchmarks will show a difference, but the actual practical variance in everyday use will be unnoticeable. Personally I'd save my money and go for the cheaper options.

[Derek Smith]

I'm getting my laptop from PC Specialist tomorrow, if DPD do what they say they will.

I opted for 32 gig RAM, PCIe for the OS and an SSD for content.

I took advice to an extent from PC Specialist and the manufacturers of the software I intend to use, plus from those on here who were generous enough to explain things to me.

I've decided to use my SSD as an external portable drive as I'm likely to be transferring video files from my cameras, and edited movies. Plus images.

I'll be keeping my geriatric Dell, now 11 years old, for writing. As an aside, I run Mint on it. It seems the best set-up given my needs and use.

As an aside, I asked the supplier of my video editing software if I could install it on two computers. Their end user licence agreement didn't specify a number of computers, just 'personal use'. Their reply eschewed any legalese and more or less told me that it wouldn't be nice to do that, despite it complying with their EULA. I know a compliance lawyer, sent her the replies, and her comments were short and sweet.