CPU trouble

[atholon]

I've been looking into one of two processors. There is a $150 difference and I am not sure if it is worth it.

One processor doubles the L2 Cache. I am not sure if there will be that big of a performance difference.

I've attached the chart. The ones I am looking at are the T9300 and T8300.

[Scott]

No, there wont be a big difference. Not $150 worth. If you feel like you can't live without that tiny bit of performance then just overclock the cheaper one. All modern CPU's i've had can be easily overclocked for a little boost in performance, and I know jack all about overclocking. Read a tiny bit or talk to steve and you'll at LEAST be able to get an extra 200MHz without changing any hardware. I know the C2D's are crazy overclockers. Steve knows best...

[atholon]

What about the l2 cache though? Does that matter THAT much?

[Mstenger404]

I just read somewhere on the net when I was upgrading my old cpu for this computer that more l2 cache but slow cpu is better than a fast one with not that much.

I say think of it as a shovel, the fast one can dig really fast but not pick up that much dirt.

the slow shovel gets a whole lot of dirt at one time.

[Scott]

On paper yes it is... but as far as him actually noticing this with day to day tasks I doubt it.

[atholon]

It's either this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834220279

or

this




XPS M1530 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)

4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
320-6694
Full Hi Definition, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1920x1200) & 2.0 M
320-6082
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
341-5865
Size: 320GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
313-5014
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
430-2680
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card

McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 36-months

56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
2Yr In-Home Service, Parts Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
High Resolution,Black glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD(1920x1200)&2MP Ca
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
Windows Vista™ Premium
10GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Year

Subtotal: $1,299.00
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $88.35
Total Price w/Discounts: $1,387.35


The problem is the ASUS doesn`t say what the battery is.

Also I hear 32bit vista doesn`t recognize 4 gigs of ram

[atholon]

I need to check what ram the 8600M GT uses. Hopefully it is GDDR3

[Scott]

Dell XPS all the way. I have the M1350 and it's the best laptop i've had so far (have owned 3 others from Acer, Asus and MSI). That webcam on the Asus annoyed me alot, it looks so awkward because it sticks out pretty far. The XPS is thin, light and the battery lasts forever.

The battery I had on my Asus only lasted for an hour, 1 1/2 at best if everything was turned down all the way and wireless off. My Dell lasts 2.5/3 hours with wireless, helps alot in school.

Vista 32Bit only reports 3.25/3.5 Gb. Only 64bit OS's support more. I still use 4GB anyways.

Take off Mcafee and get a 1 pack of NOD32 AntiVirus (Not Smart Security). It's TONS better the mcafee, and alot less bloat. Vista already has a two way firewall and NOD32 AntiVirus includes Anti-Spyware. I HATE antivirus hogging resources, but NOD32 stays well hidden, I don't even notice it.

And get the Intel Wireless N Card. It is backwards compatible with G and will work with N if it's available.

The 8600M is GDDR3 (http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...11/en/spec.htm)

[atholon]

Ok, so it is worth it to just ditch the 2.5 Ghz for the slower one. The XPS is better.

[atholon]

The 9500M in the Asus is GDDR2

[atholon]

Bought it....but thinking of cancelling it. I am beginning to think that I don`t even need one right now.

[Scott]

Better cancel quick cause even if it says it will ship in a few days it could ship right away. Mine gave an estimate of two week but shipped next day.

[atholon]

Hehehe, mine won`t ship until August since the LCD was out of stock

[Scott]

That sucks.. you must have got the high res version.. all the excitement would be worn off by then for me

[atholon]

yeah and they probably would have better specs by then