Buying one of these tomorrow, need help! Dell i5-6300HQ (960m 4gb) vs Asus RoG i7 4720HQ (960m 2gb)

[odinaden]

http/www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i7559-763BLK-Full-HD-GeForce/dp/B015PYYDMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1453684159&sr=1-1&keywords=960m+laptop&refinements=p_36%3A-80000


http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834232848


Now generally I'll be streaming Netflix, Youtube, basic surfing and mild gaming. However I do have a Steam account with some larger titles (GTA 5, Killing Floor 2, The Division). I understand getting a gaming laptop under 800 USD is a tiresome chore. I've personally spent the last week reading every thread I can and checking for deals.

The issue I have is that I would like to become an indie dev and am learning (slowly) but steadily and want to make sure my new laptop will be able to perform when I need it too. Turning the settings down on GTA 5 isn't a concern, but not being able to test things in FlashDevelop, Unity, Unreal, etc, would be a deal breaker.

I do have a main PC with an i7-3770 and it has no problem running most everything I need it to. I still need my laptop from time to time, even if it's just for comfort. For the laptop; do I need the larger processor? Is an i7 going to help out, or should I stick with the newer i5 and SSD? I'm heavily leaning towards the i5.

The graphics for the games I'll be doing will likely be made by a friend, but I'd like to be able to do some on my own if needed. I don't need to have ten things running at once, if I have the ability to do anything I need to for the next 4 or 5 years that would be perfect.


Not that it matters but my current laptop is a Lenovo v570 (i5-2430M , 6GB RAM, Intel HD 3000). I've done just fine and love this laptop but it's time is over.

 

[odinaden]

Go with the Asus...Both laptops lock head to head with graphics card, memory etc.... However, the Asus has a better processor that will be beneficial... Go for the Asus..

The only issue I have with the Asus is that it has that 1tb HDD @ 5400 RPM. I'd like to have an SSD, even down the road. Trying to find out now if I can add an SSD.

The other one (Dell i5) comes with an SSD and I can add another. I'm actually looking more into the Asus one about adding an SSD.

 

[odinaden]

You could easily replace the 1tb 5400 RPM HDDwith an ssd and use the 1tb as an external while the ssd hosts the laptops OS and program files

So, even though the i5 is a newer generation the i7 seems to be the more safe avenue? I know future proofing is a farce but I've still got to ask.

As for actual SSD which would be a decent option? Does it matter, will any 2.5" work? If you've got a recommendation that would be great. Sorry if this isn't the place for that.

 

[odinaden]

Also, it appears as the i5 has the GPU with 4gb and the i7 has 2gb.

 

[Matias_4]

Dell has released a new laptop with an i7-6700hq and its better than that Asus Rog for probably a better price.
Heres the laptop if you want to check it out:
https/www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015PYZ0J6/ref=psdcmw_565108_t3_B015PYYDMQ