Solid state cache drive or extra RAM

[pjrcss1984]

I'm ordering an Lenovo edge E530 and wondering what would improve overall performance the most , adding 2GB of RAM or adding a 16GB Solid State Cache drive. I'm trying to keep it under $600 so I can't get both.

Current Specifications

Intel Core i3-3120M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50 GHz)
Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
15.6" W HD (1366x768) AntiGlare, Midnight Black
Intel HD Graphics (WWAN or mSATA capable)
4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard with Number Pad - US English
720p HD Camera
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery 48WH - 75+
65W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n

starting price $519

upgrades and price

320GB+ 16GB SSD cache + $50
6 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (2 DIMM) +$40

 

[weaselman]

The old conundrum, I guess it depends on in your case what you intend to use the laptop for. I would suspect for work, and running apps or programs, not so much games.

As rule if you intend to run a lot of programs all at once, switching between them while you work I would say memory, saying that 4Gb is sort of ok anyway.

The only good thing about for example fitting a M- Sata SSD would be faster loading and saving times/ and boot up times of the OS.

 

[pjrcss1984]

The old conundrum, I guess it depends on in your case what you intend to use the laptop for. I would suspect for work, and running apps or programs, not so much games.

As rule if you intend to run a lot of programs all at once, switching between them while you work I would say memory, saying that 4Gb is sort of ok anyway.

The only good thing about for example fitting a M- Sata SSD would be faster loading and saving times/ and boot up times of the OS.

I will use it for college for the most part , using programs like VMWare, Microsoft office, and Packet tracer. Lastly moderate gaming during downtime.

 

[DarkSable]

It won't come close to moderate gaming, unless you're talking about games that are 8 years old (and likely won't play nicely with windows 7.) Just trying to give you a bit of a heads up as to not expect too much.

I'd personally go for the cashe drive, though it'd probably be of better value, albeit more expensive, to buy a larger drive. 4GB is acceptable for your needs.

 

[pjrcss1984]

Best answer selected by pjrcss1984.

 

[k1114]

Don't underestimate the hd 4000, it'll play most modern games on low. http/www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000.69168.0.html