Currently looking at a DIY AMD 7640U, 1x16GB RAM, 250GB storage, 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 1 HDMI.
My use case will mostly entail note taking in class. I’ve got a built PC at home.
But I’m not a hardware guy, would I be better served w/ different CPU or RAM set up in your opinions? I’ve mostly picked bottom tier specs but is there anything in your opinions that is worth splurging on, all things considered?
The RAM and storage choices are poor. Unless you’re planning to upgrade to 32GB in the nearest future, do not get a 1x16GB RAM configuration - the performance drop for single-channel is negligible for normal use. Honesty, you won’t need that, given the use-case. Stick to 2x8GB. If you’re just taking notes, do you even need 2x8GB? I highly doubt it, maybe 2x4GB could be enough?
About the storage, get at least the 512GB, or the 1TB variant. I have a 128GB SSD, and it is just not enough - I have to delete files at the end of every week.
Too bad they don’t sell a 7440U CPU, if that’s what you’re looking for. In fact, no device out there has a 7440U, excluding gaming handheld with the rebranded X1 alias.
2x4GB was a path I hadn’t considered, I may have a look at that avenue if not 2x8GB.
It looks like you’re planning on using windows, in which case I would strongly caution against only 8 GB ram. I have a 4 year old windows laptop with 8 GB RAM, and unless you do a lot to optimize things/kill processes it quickly becomes slow to a very frustrating point. The last thing you want is to open a new tab to look up something the professor said while running a note taking app and have the whole thing freeze for a few minutes and not be able to take notes. RAM is relatively cheap, so I would bit the bullet and either get 16 GB or run Linux.
Linux or Windows?
As for your questions:
- this CPU will be fine for years for absolutely everything except AAA gaming.
- On Linux, 16Gbs of RAM is fine. As other said, prefer 2x8Gb instead of a single 16Gb.
- 250Gb of storage is very cramped by modern standards. I would go at least 512Gb. Buy your SSD from elsewhere, it’s much cheaper.
- maybe grab an extra USB-C in case you need to plug an external drive while charging your PC.
Thanks, probably Windows just for the sake of not worrying about being the one guy trying to figure out how to make a specific software work mid-class on Linux.
I’ll definitely make sure to shop around for that SSD. I’m a brief look I’ve found at least a 500GB model for the same FW is billing for 250 GB.
