Which processor would you pick?

[dreant]

Am getting a new laptop, primary use would require having to run a VM or two quite often. Secondary purpose would be gaming. Graphics card is a GeForce GT 730M.

Intel Core i3-4000M Processor (3MB Cache, 2.40GHz)
Intel Core i5-4200M Processor (3MB Cache, up to 3.10GHz) [+$65]
Intel Core i5-4300M Processor (3MB Cache, up to 3.30GHz) [+$135]
Intel Core i5-4330M Processor (3MB Cache, up to 3.50GHz) [+$200]
Intel Core i7-4700MQ Processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.40GHz) [+$265]
Intel Core i7-4600M Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.60GHz) [+$385]
Intel Core i7-4800MQ Processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.70GHz) [+$450]
Intel Core i7-4900MQ Processor (8MB Cache, up to 3.80GHz) [+$760]

Which processor above would give me the best value for money? (prices in SGD)

 

[Lippyt]

Intel Core i7-4700MQ Processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.40GHz) [+$265]

This is the best performance/dollar chip.

Bear in mind though:

1. The i7 4700MQ does not have VT-D. If you need this feature, move up to the 4800MQ or 4900MQ.

2. The 730m is severely crippled with a 64bit bus. Move up to the 740m (128 bit) or the 750m (128 bit/ chance of DDR5). Still, this decision is up to the games you choose to play.

 

[dreant]

2. The 730m is severely crippled with a 64bit bus. Move up to the 740m (128 bit) or the 750m (128 bit/ chance of DDR5). Still, this decision is up to the games you choose to play.

Unfortunately, the only graphic card options available are
# Intel® HD Graphics (integrated)
# GeForce GT 730M

 

[Lippyt]

Unfortunately, the only graphic card options available are
# Intel® HD Graphics (integrated)
# GeForce GT 730M

Hmmm, take a look at the benchmarks to see if the performance is up to par:

NVIDIA GeForce GT 730M - NotebookCheck.net Tech

As a rough gauge, the GT 730M performs similarly to the HD 5670. Older games like those running on the source engine (TF2, Dota 2, CS Go) should run maxed out at 720p/900p.

Nothing too bad as long if you like the rest of the laptop