I'll make it simple 4 u. We'll do away wif as much technicalities as possible.
A substanstial boost of b/width be it for CPU FSB, RAM or HDD interface doesn't give u a proportionate boost in sys. performance...
eg. When dual channel DDR[1] RAM was 1st introduced, it
doubles d RAM b/width, but end result of gives an onli ~
+10% overall sys. performance boost.

So,
RAM (dual channel) = RAM (single ch) b/width x2, BUT
≠RAM (single ch) throughput x2 (performance), however.

In reality,
= RAM (single ch) throughput 1.3 ~ 1.5x onli!
Same goes for:-
CPU FSB eg. 533->667 (+25%) ≠+25% CPU performance, BUT onli very slight, say, ~1-3%
So, dun bother too much of b/width vs performance issue.
Use
COST vs performance as a better yardstick & simplicity.

Re: CPU
If I were u, I'd take d T5500 AS LONG AS it cost ~5%-10% onli more.

It's usually better 2 hav more > less, regardless we need it or not simply bcoz we humans r greedy!!!

Re: RAM
As 4 d RAM, if u r getting a laptop wif integrated (on-chipset) graphics, then I'd reckon DDR2-667 instead as diz give a marginal boost 2 gfx performance.

But since d price DDR2-533 vs 667, is almost no difference, it would be better 2 take DDR2-667!

It's juz like if a 40Gb HDD cost RM150 & 160Gb cost RM190, obviously u'd take d 160Gb handsdown REGARDLESS u need it or not, simply it's a better value!

Hopes diz helps u in yr decision. Is u need more info, get back 2 diz thread.
This post has been edited by watcher: Apr 17 2007, 05:25 AM