From my co-workers/boss:
We’re looking at getting a Vostro 3700 with an i5-520M 2.4GHz/3MB processor and GT 330M 1GB graphics card. Will this type of set up be expected to work for SolidWorks 2011? As a point of reference, we currently run (reasonably well) the 2010 version on a Vostro 1710 with a T5670 Duo 1.8GHz/3GB RAM processor and 8600M GS graphics card. We don’t intend to use PhotoWorks on this computer.
Absolutely agree with Ken!!!
That is a mediocre CPU. My inlaws just purchased a computer with those specs to check email. How much RAM does it have? I agree, you probably want one with the Corei7 based processors.
And as you probably already know, that is an unsupported graphics card.
i5-520M is about 2 times faster than your current t5670. If you need to save few bucks it is fast enough for most work in my experience (I have two similar i5 Asus notebooks). Some i7's have 4 cores, but you won't notice the extra cores on SolidWorks - it runs on single core most of the time so I find it a waste.
I'd rather upgrade the system HDD to an SSD drive. I think you can have 2nd HDD where the DVD is.
On top of everything once SolidWorks moves to the cloud who cares. You'll be able run SW on your iPhone. I think they have an app for it already.
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This forum is so slow and annoying. Why can't I type in my browser. Don't need stupid Java controls that can't spellcheck as I type.
came across this link comparing i3/5/i7 notebook processors
the perfromance difference between same speed i5 & i7 is 5-10%
Go on the outlet and get an M6500. There are several options available that average $1300. These will blow the Vostro away