need help deciding

I need an inexpensive computer to replace my Lenovo G555 which decided to just dive on me after i put it to sleep once (seriously though... putting it in sleep killed it...)'

i've got it narrowed to Lenovo Ideapad 100-15 and Dell Inspiron 15 5000. i'm knowledgable to know how to upgrade the RAM, though i feel like i have heard somewhere that if you make the ram too large it actually slowed the machine down, so it harms not helps.

my main concern is processing and speed. i don't care about a solid state HD, or high def display. they will not travel, so they don't have to be able to withstand dropping on concrete or being dropped into a pool of water or whatever gimmicks they say tough computers (like the thinkpad x series). i know it's crazy old school, but i wouldn't mind tossing Unreal Tourny 2004 on it. I plan on getting 2 machines (one for me one for my fiance)