Build my laptop help - fast $1200-$1500

[haskenazi]

I am looking to build a laptop that is windows based and will be used for work. Most important software needing to run fast and not crash frequently are Excel w macros and up to 1,000 rows, and Adobe Creative Cloud used mostly for video and audio editing/rendering.

I am returning my HP Omen and was looking at Dell XPS 15. I considered macbook pro but am really hesitant to switch from whole life of using Windows and have read that XPS 15 series is pretty comparable to macbook at comparable price.

Considerations:
1) Is 8gb ram sufficient or should I get 16gb
2) Do I need SSD? If so, prefer a combo SSD and HDD
3) Good dedicated graphics card (GTX 1060?)
4) Is later generation I5 better than older generation I7?
5) Budget up to 2k preferably closer to $1,200-$1,500 USD range

If I am willing to upgrade ram & memory myself, does it matter if I buy the xps13 vs xps15?

I am overwhelmed by the many options available so think building is best way to go. Please also advise best site to use to build and order.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[hang-the-9]

If you will be using Excel, you want a real quad core CPU or even an i7 with 4 cores and hyper threading. Those low wattage CPUs are not very good at large spreadsheets.

Something like this would be a good configuration for you https/www3.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-p/ThinkPad-P71/p/20HKCTO1WWENUS0/customize?