Should I Buy the Dell XPS 15 Now or Wait for the i7 8700HQ Generation?

As a professional architect, you are concerned about whether it is worth waiting for the next generation i7 8700HQ CPU or if buying a current model now is a better choice. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Upgrade Considerations for Architects and Business Professionals

When deciding whether to purchase the Dell XPS 15 now or wait until the more advanced i7 8700HQ model, there are several factors to consider.

First, it is notable that the i7 8700HQ comes equipped with 6 cores and 12 threads, offering a significant boost over the previous 7th generation i7 model. This upgrade can provide an additional 50% in processing power, which is a substantial benefit for professionals like architects who rely on robust computing performance.

Performance Impact on Your Workflow

Architects typically use applications that heavily utilize CPU, memory, and storage resources. Therefore, if your current laptop is bogging down your workflow and causing productivity to suffer, waiting for the upgraded model could indeed be worth it. A significant upgrade in processing power can enhance your overall productivity and efficiency.

However, if your current laptop is not so poor that it is significantly impacting your revenue, then buying the current model now and waiting for an upgrade in the following months may be a more cost-effective option. If your current setup is underperforming and ready to impact your business operations, it might be wise to purchase the current model to at least mitigate immediate issues.

Factors Impacting System Performance

Additionally, it is crucial to identify the performance bottlenecks in your system. Utilizing the Task Manager performance window to monitor your CPU, memory, and storage during heavy workloads can help pinpoint these issues. Your system might be limited by insufficient memory or slow storage access speeds, in which case a faster CPU may not significantly improve performance.

For instance, if your current model's hard disk drive (HDD) is severely impacting performance, upgrading to an SSD or increasing your RAM could provide more significant performance gains. These upgrades are often more cost-effective than an immediate CPU upgrade.

Comparing Processor Generations

One may wonder about the benefits of waiting for an upgrade. The newer Ryzen offerings and Coffee Lake processors are considered better choices if you can wait. For instance, comparing the Intel Core i7-8550U (8M cache, up to 4.00 GHz) and i7-8650U (8M cache, up to 4.20 GHz) with the previous generation i7-7660U (4M cache, up to 4.00 GHz), the newer processors offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of core count and thread count.

Ancient processors like the i7-7660U, which offer only 4 real cores and 8 threads, might be insufficient for your needs, whereas the newer models provide 8 threads, making them a more powerful choice. This generational leap, combined with the latest technology trends, further supports the argument in favor of waiting for a newer model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have the patience to wait, the next generation of Intel processors, including the i7 8700HQ, will offer substantial improvements in processing power and efficiency. However, the decision ultimately depends on your current performance needs. If your current system is adequate and no immediate action is required, the cost-benefit analysis may favor a more immediate purchase, especially if it will provide the necessary support for your ongoing projects.

Remember, no matter which route you choose, regular maintenance and upgrades can ensure that your laptop continues to meet your professional demands.