SSDs, i5/i7 & Civ4

[bkn42]

So I'm surprised the SSD issue hasn't been discussed in depth here. (quick search returns very little.)


I'm buying a new laptop, replacing my E1505 that's over 5 years old. (And still chugging, I'm surprised it's lasted so long!)

Specifically thinking of Civ4 RoM AND, how much does a SSD help?
Options are:
- normal HDD @ 7200
- Seagate XT 7200 NCQ Hybrid
- SSD. (thinking Intel 310, 510 or Crucial M4, @120-128GB range)

And just to double check what I have gathered, a 2 core i5 would probably run better than a 4 core i7, no? Does Civ5 use 4 cores fully? (haven't even tried w/ my laptop!)

Anyways, the SSD is my main question, as I am very curious as to others' experiences w/ it.

Discuss!

 

[bkn42]

No one has any experience w/ SSDs & Civ IV???

 

[illram]

An SSD should generally run anything faster than a normal HD.

 

[Maniacal]

And cost several times as much. You don't need it for Civ4.