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    Which processor to order for XPS 17 ??

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Chris Murphy, Jun 9, 2011.

  1. Chris Murphy

    Chris Murphy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lads,I am just about to order another XPS 17,returned my first one because of 900 screen,can now at long last order a non 3D 1080p screen.
    Back to my question.
    Is there a big difference between the i7-2630QM processor and the i7-2720QM processor.
    I am not a gamer and use it mainly for downloading/surfing/and watching movies,but would gladly pay the extra bucks for the i7-2720QM if I thought it would future proof my unit for the next few years.
     
  2. rausa

    rausa Notebook Enthusiast

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    Go to this site...

    PassMark Software - CPU Benchmark Charts

    It will give you some statitics that may help you in your decision making process.
    There is an interesting chart called Value that puts performance and dollar signs together.

    HTH
     
  3. adi9

    adi9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    See the comparision:

    Compare Intel® Products,

    The differences are:
    Speed,
    Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency
    Memory type
    Memory size
    Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)
    Intel® Trusted Execution Technology

    Memory type is not enabled on BIOS on XPS so you still get 1333 MHz even if you use faster memory.


    VTD may be useful if you use virtual machines and only for some very specific cases.

    For last feature see here the explanation:

    Malware Reduction - Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (Intel® TXT)
     
  4. Homeboy

    Homeboy Notebook Consultant

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    Given the tasks you've listed a more powerful CPU wouldn't reward you with any benefits. You are better of putting that money towards an SSD.
     
  5. Chris Murphy

    Chris Murphy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lads,thanks a lot for all your very informative feedback. :cool:

    Will order the i7-2630QM processor.

    Thanks again.

    PS..Can anyone of you tell me does Widi/Optimus software come preinstalled as Std in all
    3GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M Graphics Cards,or would it have to state separately these features are installed in a particular card :confused:
    Hope that make sense to you all.
    Thanks again
     
  6. adi9

    adi9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It comes preinstalled, but probably is an older version.Better go on Intel's site and download the newest version. I'm using Netgear PTV2000 and it works, except for protected content (can not stream a Blu-Ray) even if Intel says that it should work with the newest drivers. Anyway, I don't really care about this...Intel driver contains also updated firmware for PTV2000 which will be automatically updated when you connect.

    PS All WiDi stuff is using Intel's video and WiFi chip, nVidia is disabled when you use WiDi so it does not care what driver for nVidia you have installed.
     
  7. Chris Murphy

    Chris Murphy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks mate.