M2400: P8600 vs. T9400

Okay. So in most cases the 3 MB extra L2-cache won't improve the system perfomance significantly. On the other side the difference of the P8400, P8600 and T9400 isn't that much as if you compare it to other cpu generations. So - let's say Intel brings out a new generation - the difference between the current and next generation will be greater than the difference in a generation.

For saving battery time and some money (100 $) it would be more efficient to choose the P8600. Do you agree?

(Besides that, why isn't there an option for bluetooth for the M2400. Do they have delivery problems so they removed it? edit: It seems to be an EU problem)

 

Lets put it like this. A negligible gain in performance, and fairly less battery time compared to the P8600....
Worth the $100 to choose the T9400 ?

 

OK, so it's better to invest the 100$ in other things like a better hard drive or even just a good weekend

 

Right on !!

 

I was wondering this same thing because I am currently deciding between these two CPUs (P8400/P8600 vs. T9400) and from reading this thread most seem to agree that it's better to save the money and go for the P series because it will produce less heat, and give a slightly better battery life.

However, the T9400 is from the new Centrino 2 line seems to advirtise as being the best yet for mobile computer.

This is a quote about the Centrino® 2 from the Sony site where I want to order my laptop:

Is this all BS marketing?

 

The P8600 will give a better battery life when the CPU runs at full-load continuously (on battery). TDP is the max power consumption, which is normally achieved when the cores are stressed or under load (100%).

The difference in heat produced and battery life won't be great when the CPU is at idle. And all CPUs can be undervolted to reduce the max power consumption, and some CPUs undervolt well, while others give a hard time when UVing.

It all depends upon what sort of tasks you'll be running, and if you need the extra CPU power. All applications cannot take full advantage of the L2 Cache.

 

I did a little more research ... I was under the impression that the "T" line was Centrino 2 and the "P" line wasn't. Turns out they both are, now it makes more sense.

I'm def going with the P8400 or P8600 now. I know I won't see any gains from the P8600 over the P8400, but 2.4GHz looks so much better when configuring the machine than 2.26GHz, heh.

 

Just to be clear - yes, all the P-series processors (P7350, P8400, P8600, P9500) came out with Centrino 2, but the only additions to the T-series were the T9400 and T9600. The T-series carrying an odd second digit (T9300, etc.) were released before Centrino 2.

Does having more cache help in games? From the discussion here, it seems that other tasks don't really benefit from it.

EDIT: That Tom's Hardware comparison shows very little difference. So I guess games don't benefit from it either, which begs the question - when does the extra cache come in handy?

 

Running tasks which process data in small chunks.

In short, tasks that heavily rely on CPU-performance. I know WinRAR and Photoshop take advantage of the extra CPU cache, there will be other apps as well. Cache won't make a difference when running Word or Firefox etc.

 

I use myself Solidworks and I was thinking to buy a 14" laptop, either a M2400 or a T400 but after testing these models with a USB key and eDrawings at the shops, both HD3450 (IBM) and FX370M (dell) video cards are totally not suitable for this usage. 3D performances are just pathetic, especially the FX370M. If you activate transparency, you have a slide show !

So my advice is stay away from this M2400 and chose something with better video card. I found the best performance/power ratio gfx is actually geforce 9600M GT with DDR3. Below this model, forget it.

my 2cts


edit: regarding the CPU debate, it's not important at all. You will see no difference in real usage between P8600 and T9400 compared to night & day difference between 2 gfx like like FX370M and FX570M for example. But P series cpu has better autonomy and runs cooler. Trust me, for your application focus on the video card, not the cpu.