Type of Laptop user would notice a difference between 3m and 6m caches?

Do to some problems with my current e6400, DELL is giving me a refund and I will likely buy another with different specs. My current laptop has a T9400.

Considering I only use basic computer software (Outlook, iTunes, some proprietary CRM software and Excel), what benefits are there for me to go for another 6m cache as opposed to saving some money and getting say a P8600 3m?

Would I notice the performance difference between a T9400 or 9500 and a P8600? (im also trying to keep the temps down as much as possible too.)

note: I use this laptop in an E-Port with TWO external displays.

 

save the money... it will be a slight difference, but its not worth the extra $$$ (unless u have unlimited budget/company buying for you, then splurge)

 

i'd say its not worth it as I own a P8600, and it runs everything I throw at it easily. When you mentioned you want to keep the temperatures down as well, having an 8600 as opposed to 9500 would give you extra heat(if opting for 9500), what that's just my opinion

 

For certain applications you may see 10-15% speedup for the same clock speed; but in genral the speedup will be minimal.

Also, AFAIK the cache consumes most of the power, hence you may get even more of power savings by going with a P processor with 3MB cache.

You will cerainly be better off saving the $$$ and using it next year to upgrade to a SSD

 

If you are concerned about heat then get a P series CPU. Not only is the maximum power about 10W less than the T series, but the low load and sleep power consumption is also less.

That extra 3MB cache may boost performance slightly (under those operating conditions where the information is already in the cache), but it is also a few million more transistors to leak power.

John

 

I would like to save some money and keep the temps low.
That said, is the P8700 worth the $50 more than the P8600?

 

did u try calling dell to bargain? the only reason i went with my T9600 is cos they offered me a huge discount on it, made it worthwhile to upgrade from the P8600.

 

I haven't seen anyone who can notice a difference between 3 and 6MB cache when the clock frequency is the same...

 

No, I havent; had no idea you could bargain with Dell.
Would however like to get the P series.