The Ultimate CPU Guide

The Ultimate CPU Guide
Version 2.2

Why I Wrote This: I’m seeing a lot of threads comparing processor XXX to YYY, and decided that it would be helpful to have a CPU guide parallel to Chaz’s GPU guide.

What’s the CPU?
The CPU, or processor, processes data for your computer and is one of the most critical parts in your computer that determines how fast it runs. These days, CPU’s consist of a few main parts: the cores, the front-side bus, and the cache. Currently, there are two main companies, Intel and AMD, that produce CPU’s for the consumer market, and these are the processors that this guide will focus on.

The CPU Core(s)
The core(s) make up the main component of the CPU and are what most people compare when purchasing a computer. The main measurement for the core(s) is the clock speed, however, due to trends toward multi-core computing, clock speed matters less and less.

The Front-Side Bus (FSB)
The FSB controls how fast the CPU can communicate with the rest of the computer (technically the northbridge). It can control the clock-speed of the computer and thus is used when under/overclocking (something I won’t get into). However, some of the newer processors are made so that they can lower their FSB, and thus lengthen battery life.

The Cache (L2)
The cache is used to hold data for the core(s) to process, and generally, the more the better, however, Intel’s processors typically depend more on the cache than AMD’s and thus will be outfitted with a larger cache.

A Few More Things:

The Socket
While technically not part of the CPU, the socket controls what CPU can be installed on a certain motherboard. When two processors share the same socket, there’s a good chance that they are interchangeable. However, this is not always the case, as sometimes, the BIOS will not recognize the newer processor.

64-Bit Capability
Currently, most computers run using 32-bit architecture. However, since we are bumping up against the 4 GB RAM capacity of 32-bit computing, people are quickly switching over to 64-bit computing. Most newer processors are capable of running in either 32 or 64-bit architectures, however, there are a few older ones that can only run using 32-bit. This means that future upgradeability may be limited unless the processor is swapped out.

Upgrading
While changing out processors is certainly possible, I usually recommend against it. Usually, a processor can only be swapped out for one in the same model line, and if this is the case, then it’s probably not worth the money or effort. Also remember, handling your processor will void the warranty.

Now the Fun Part: The Actual Processors
The processors are listed by increasing performance. Some of this is subjective since it’s very hard to compare processors across brands.

The Processors will be listed like this:
NAME: CLOCK SPEED, L2 CACHE, FRONTSIDE BUS, SOCKET
Intel in blue, AMD in red.

Obsolete Processors (these are not necessarily ranked by increasing performance)
Mobile Sempron Line
Athlon 64 Line
Turion 64 Line
Core Solo Line
Celeron M 410 - 450
Core Duo Line

These processors are obsolete. There’s not much of a point to list them individually since they’re no-frills, with their speed dependant on their clock. They've been replaced mostly by a new brand, or a new model line. Of these, the single core processors (all except the Core Duos) were made for basic tasks, such as word processing and internet browing. The Core Duos were a premium lineup when the came out, made for all tasks, however, they too, have been replaced by newer technology. Unless you're purchasing a used laptop, you probably won't even come upon these processors anymore. This is why, even though the Core Duos are great processors, and may perform better than even their current day "mainstream" counterparts, they're not listed with them. The Athlon 64's and Turion 64's are 64-bit capable.

Budget Processors
Celeron M 520 - 1.6 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Celeron M 530 - 1.73 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Celeron M 530 - 1.73 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Celeron M 540 - 1.87 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Celeron M 550 - 2.00 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Celeron M 560 - 2.13 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Pentium Dual Core T2060 - 1.6 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Pentium Dual Core T2080 - 1.73 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Pentium Dual Core T2130 - 1.87 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Pentium Dual Core T2130 - 1.47 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Turion 64 X2 TL-50 - 1.6 GHz, 2x256 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Turion 64 X2 TL-52 - 1.6 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Pentium Dual Core T2330 - 1.6 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T5200 - 1.6 GHz, 2 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Core 2 Duo T5250 - 1.5 GHz, 2 Mb, 667 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T5270 - 1.4 GHz, 2 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 - 1.7 GHz, 2x256 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Pentium Dual Core T2370 - 1.73 GHz, 1 Mb, 533 MHz, P
Pentium Dual Core T2390 - 1.86GHz, 1Mb, 533MHz, P

The processors in this bracket are made to perform basic tasks, however, this does not mean that they are not capable of more intensive work. They can run almost any program, but be prepared for longer waits. If you're looking for an entry level computer, then this is what you're looking for. I would recommend purchasing a dual core processor at the very least (all except Celeron Ms). A dual core processor is much faster at multitasking (running more than one program at once), and as more and more programs are being multithreaded, you'll see a large increase in speed by going up to a dual core processor. All Core 2 Duos, Turion and Athlon 64 X2s, and Socket P Pentium Dual Cores are 64-bit capable.

Note: Notice that Intel has started to recycle model numbers. Thus two different processors can have the same model number, making it very confusing for the consumer. Even though the models can be the same, the differences can be quite large. To tell them apart, look at the sockets they use. A Socket M Pentium Dual Core is using older technology than its Socket P equivalent.

Mainstream Processors
Core 2 Duo T5300 - 1.73 GHz, 2 Mb, 533 MHz, M
Core 2 Duo T5450 - 1.67 GHz, 2 Mb, 667 MHz, P
Athlon 64 X2 TK-55 - 1.8 GHz, 2x256 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Core 2 Duo T5470 - 1.6 GHz, 2 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Turion 64 X2 TL-56 - 1.8 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Core 2 Duo T5500 - 1.67 GHz, 2 Mb, 677 MHz, M
Athlon 64 X2 TK-57 - 1.9 GHz, 2x256 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Turion 64 X2 TL-58 - 1.9 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Core 2 Duo T5550 - 1.83GHz, 2Mb, 667 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T5600 - 1.83 GHz, 2 Mb, 677 MHz, M
Turion 64 X2 TL-60 - 2.0 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Turion 64 X2 TL-62 : 2.1 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Turion 64 X2 TL-64 - 2.2 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Core 2 Duo T5670 - 1.8 GHz, 2 Mb, 800MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T5750 - 2.0 GHz, 2 Mb, 667 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T5850 - 2.17 GHz, 2 Mb, 800MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T5870 - 2.0 GHz, 2 Mb, 800MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T7100 - 1.8 GHz, 2 Mb, 800 MHz, P

This is the tier of processors that can handle nearly anything you throw at it. If you’re looking to do some processor intensive tasks, such as Photoshop or video editing, I would start by looking at these processors. Now here’s the complicated part. As you can see, if you compare a Turion with a Core 2 at the same clock, the Core 2 usually edges ahead. However, by no means does this mean that a Turion is a bad processor. Through normal usage, you’d be hard-pressed to find a difference between processors within 3 spaces of each other. Do note that the Core 2 Duo’s are more battery efficient than the Turions, yet laptops outfitted with Turions tend to cost less. All these processors are 64-bit capable.

Note: The Socket P Intel processors are part of the newer "Santa Rosa" chipset. Thus even though they seem to be slower because of the clock speed, they have a faster FSB. They are also able to throttle down the FSB and save battery life.

Performance Processors
Core 2 Duo T7200 - 2.0 GHz, 4 Mb, 677 MHz, M
Turion 64 X2 TL-66 - 2.3 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Core 2 Duo T7250 - 2.0 GHz, 2 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T7300 - 2.0 GHz, 4 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Turion 64 X2 TL-68 - 2.4 GHz, 2x512 Kb, 800 MHz, S1
Core 2 Duo T7400 - 2.16 GHz, 4 Mb, 677 MHz, M
Core 2 Duo T8100 - 2.1 GHz, 3 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T7500 - 2.2 GHz, 4 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T7600 - 2.33 GHz, 4 Mb, 677 MHz, M
Core 2 Duo T7700 - 2.4 GHz, 4 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T8300 - 2.4 GHz, 3 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T7800 - 2.6 GHz, 4 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Extreme X7800 - 2.6 GHz, 4 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T9300 - 2.5 GHz, 6 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Extreme X7900 - 2.8 GHz, 4 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T9500 - 2.6 GHz, 6 Mb, 800 MHz, P
Core 2 Extreme X9000 - 2.8 GHz, 6 Mb, 800 MHz, P

These processors are the cream-of-the-crop. Some of the ones near the bottom of the list are arguably overkill for most tasks. All of these are 64-bit capable. Again, the Socket P processors have a faster FSB, and are newer and faster than their M equivalents. The Extreme processors have an unlocked clock multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts.

Note: The processors marked with "*NEW*" are from the new Penryn lineup. Because of a newer fabrication process, they are more energy efficient. The L2 cache has also been increased on these new processors.

Now the Ultimate Question: Which Processor Should I Get?
This is a tough question to answer, and really depends on what the notebook is going to be used for, how much you want to spend, and how long you want the notebook to last. If it’s for the basics: word-processing, internet, and e-mail, really, any of the processors will be fine, however, consider that in a few years, most programs will switch to 64-bit architecture, and may not run if you’re stranded with a 32-bit only processor. Also consider the benefits of a lower-end mainstream processor for the benefits to battery life. If you’re doing 2-D editing, such as photo’s and video, try at least a mainstream processor as there can be a significant difference while rendering in 2D. Gamers – surprisingly, a mainstream processor will run fine for you. Most games are much more dependent on the GPU than the CPU, however, some RTS’s or other games highly dependant on AI or physics, will benefit from a performance processor. Just remember to keep this in mind: even though I’ve listed quite a few processors, the ones within 3 or 4 slots of each other run so similarly that it would be wiser to save your $100 and get the lesser processor.

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*NEWER* Intel Montevina *NEWER*

What is it?
Intel's newest platform, codenamed "Montevina" is slated to be released this summer. Like previous platform upgrades, such as Santa Rosa, Montevina is planned to host a few new technologies. The major changes:

- The GMA X4500, the newest in the line of Intel's integrated video cards.
- An increased front side bus, up to 1066 MHz.
- Support for DDR3-800 RAM.
- Support for WiMAX, a large-area wireless broadband technology.

The Newer Processors
Core 2 Duo P8400 - 2.26 GHz, 3 Mb, 1066 MHz, B
Core 2 Duo P8600 - 2.4 GHz, 3 Mb, 1066 MHz, B
Core 2 Duo P9500 - 2.53 GHz, 6 Mb, 1066 MHz, B
Core 2 Duo T9400 - 2.53 GHz, 6 Mb, 1066 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo T9600 - 2.8 GHz, 6 Mb, 1066 MHz, P
Core 2 Duo X9100 - 3.06 GHz, 6 Mb, 1066 MHz, P

The new "P" prefix indicates a lower power processor, with a 25 instead of 35W TDP.

***

*EVEN NEWER* AMD Puma and Griffin *EVEN NEWER*

What is it?
AMD's newest platform "Puma", and Turion processors "Griffin" hit the market June of 2008. The improvements include:

- Double the L2 cache of the processors.
- Improved integrated memory controller.
- HyperTransport 3.0, allowing much larger bandwidths.
- Complete independence of the two cores, allowing separate voltages and frequencies for each core.
- Integrated ATI HD 3200 video solution which has much better performance than current Intel and nVidia IGPs.

The Even Newer Processors
Turion Ultra ZM-80 - 2.1 GHz, 2x1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Turion Ultra ZM-82 - 2.2 GHz, 2x1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Turion Ultra ZM-84 - 2.3 GHz, 2x1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Turion Ultra ZM-86 - 2.4 GHz, 2x1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Turion Ultra ZM-88 - 2.5 GHz, 2x1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Turion RM-70 - 2.0 GHz, 1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Athlon QL-60 - 1.9 GHz, 1 Mb, 3600 Mhz, S1
Sempron SI-40 - 2.0 GHz, 512 Kb, 3600 Mhz, S1

The new 3600 MHz HyperTransport speed can not be compared directly to frontside bus speeds.

Note: As you may know, these processors are currently available on the market, however, due to lack of data, I do not have sufficient means to rank them in the chart just yet. As newer computers are benchmarked, I will integrate these into the big list.

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The Inevitable Question: Should I wait?
When purchasing a laptop, you should always wait until you need a laptop. However, there's no point in constantly pushing your purchase date back because something is on the horizon. If you do that, you will never purchase a laptop. A good way to determine when to buy is to set a date in advance, and then make your purchase either that at that date, or within that week.

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Version History
1.0 - 09/08/2007 First Guide
1.1 - Penryn Addition, numerous minor processor additions/corrections
2.0 - 02/01/2008 Overhaul of Guide, added FSB speeds, removed Uber Budget, added Obsolete, listed more individual processors, rewrote tier descrpitions, added Version History, some minor additions/corrections.
2.1 - 02/26/2008 Montevina Addtion
2.2 - 06/18/2008 Puma/Griffin Addition, Minor visual tweaks.
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Final Note: Always consider this guide as “In Progress”. I would greatly appreciate suggestions/corrections, especially for the distinct order of processors, or adding another section for something I overlooked. Thanks.

 

Good stuff. Maybe you can add a link or reference to that thread of wPrime (bye bye superpi) where all the cpus are compared in the benchmark. Or add to each of those processors their score just so people have a # to compare to (jusy like 3DMark for gpus)

 

Yeah, I was thinking of that, but the scores are dependent of other things, like how many processes are running, what OS, etc... I wanted to keep the guide simple, as a general outline.

 

Nice and clear document, great effort!

This can be very helpful for people that are trying to decide on some new hardware.

 

Good 1st draft. In the 64-bit section where you say "Most newer processors are capable of running in either 32 or 64-bit architectures, however, there are a few older ones that can only run using 32-bit"
Since only Intel C2 and AMD turion and at least 1 atholan(TK-53) are 64 I think a small enough group to name what is 64.

I would put the TL-60 below the T7100, TL-64,66 below T7200.

Edit: I believe Turion 64 X2 TL-56 : 1.7 GHz, 2x512 Kb, S1 is 1.8, Wikipedia I believe is wrong (List of AMD Turion microprocessors), in other parts (Turion 64 X2 section for example) it is listed correctly as 1.8

 

Thanks for compiling this - there sure are a lot of CPU questions lately. I put a link to this in the Hardware General Index Sticky.

 

This is a good start, but it would be very useful to also include which features are present / missing in the various Intel CPUs and whether they matter to most people. For example, what benefit does 64-bit bring, who needs virtualisation technology, do all the Santa-Rosa compatible CPUs have all the new features such as dynamic acceleration and dynamic FSB switching?

And there is also now a T2450 (2GHz). Which would be better? The T2450 at GHz or a T7100 at 1.8GHz?

Tom's Hardware has a few mobile CPU benchmarks, but they seem to have neglected this area recently.

John

 

This thread can be very useful for all those who have CPU questions...

powerpack is correct the TL-56 is in fact a 1.8Ghz processor not a 1.7Ghz one.

 

Shouldn't the T7250 be added to performance processors?

 

T5500 is 1.67ghz, not 1.7

T7400 is 2.16ghz, not 2.2.

 

Yeah, I rounded to 2 significant figures.

Edit: Fine, it's changed for the sake of it. Though I'm pretty sure those aren't the only 2 I rounded, I can't remember which other ones are like that.

 

Good stuff
+Rep

 

Intel calls T5500 1.66Ghz I know why you would call it 1.7Ghz but I would go with Intel's listed speed.

And the 2.16 is the correct speed

here is an Intel Page with both listed Here

Here is Intels Page where you can check out so many of their CPU's Here

 

Updated based on yesterday's Intel announcement (Celeron M 550 & Core 2 Duo T7800).

 

Suggestion what about L1 cache, might want to add, also might want to explain a little about Hyper Transport not really a FSB and memory controller AMD is on board. Just want it to be the best damn CPU guide ever!

 

Thanks for the great article......I really benefited from it

However, Im configuring a Dell Inspiron 1420, and Im still deciding between a core 2 duo 7xxx or 5xxxx. How do the other components figure into this decision?

If I spring for the 7xxx series, would it be a waste to have integrated graphics or a 5400 rpm hard drive? Actually, I am leaning towards a 5400 hard drive, so would a core 2 duo 5xxx series be more suitable?

Lastly, Dell is offereing the 7xxx processors with 2 MB cashe....does this make the 5xxx processor an even better option (since its $150 cheaper)?

 

It really depends on what you're going to use it for. But if you're getting integrated graphics, I'm assuming you don't play games. If the difference between the T5450 and T7100 is $150, I would just get the T5450.

 

7100 & 7250 (2MBL2) so more comparable to 5xxx same L2. The FSB is likely the only difference. The fastest RAM for these is 667Mhz so if that is equal and clocks are the same the system will work almost the same and $150 less might be worth it.

 

whoa that was quick....lol

No I dont plan on playing games, but I think that I will put the 128 mb graphics card because I run some programs that require 3D visualizing, etc.

But what about the HD? Would it be wasteful to put the 7xxx with a 5400 rpm?

BTW, I previously posted that Dell offers 7xxx with 2mb cache....but I just rechecked and Dell HOME offers the 2 mb cache, but Dell EPP offers the 7xxx with 4 mb cache

 

7100 & 7150 have 2MBL2, 7200,7300,7400,7500,7600,7700 and 7800 have 4MBL2. It would not be wastefull putting in a 5400rpm & 7xxx, some tasks would use the CPU & RAM more than the HDD. With that said most CPU's out now could in the right situation benifit fromm 7200rpm. And with the options you mention both CPU's will benifit or be hampered by the HDD you put in.

 

It's acually the AMD Athlon X2 TK-53 Lithus

 

Good catch. I was probably on autopilot by the time I wrote that. However, there still are a lot of companies referring to that as a Turion X2, for example:

http://www.google.com/products?q=tu...fe=off&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=title
http://www.google.com/products?q=at...fe=off&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=title

Though the official name is an Athlon X2.

 

wierd allthough it is a crippled turion X2

 

Thanks for the excellent CPU guide. I'm basically a non-techie trying to decide between budget laptops: a Gateway NX570X and a Dell Vostro 1400. They both have Intel processors; the Gateway has a Pentium® Dual-Core T2080 (1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache) and the Dell a Core™ 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache). From your ranking it looks like the Core 2 duo is a slightly better processor (it's 64-bit capable?), but the Dual-Core has a higher clock speed.. which is more important?
I don't do gaming or video editing, but I'm trying to plan ahead and get something that will work well for at least a few years! Thanks in advance for your help.
PS - the Dell has the advantage of a $50 upgrade option to 2 MB RAM.

 

Added Penryn. Maybe it'll stall the wave of "What is/Should I wait/Can I upgrade to/I like turtles Penryn" questions that are coming.

 

In the part about FSB it might be a good idea to add something about hypertransport.

 

Nice guide, Lithus.

I have another cpu for you, the Pentium Dual-Core T2310 that is available with HP's new Compaq Presario C700T: http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...true&a1=Usage&v1=Everyday+computing&tab=specs

I'm curious where this cpu would rank within the budget line, as it is newer but with a lower frequency than the older Yonah-based T2060/T2080 it replaces.....

 

The Core 2 Duo is better. The Pentium series is the older line of chips. A 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo is much faster than a dual core 2.8GHz Pentium 4.

 

This guide is GREAT!!!

After searching for weeks, for someone to tell me the difference between a athlon tk53 and turion tl-56 AMD processor... i finally have an answer, which is completely understandable.

I'll only be using my tablet for daily use, and not for gaming or extensive photo and video editing

Thank you very much.

I will be proceeding to buy an athlon tk53 HP Tablet which costs 20% less than the TL-56 with every other spec similar

Getting the HP tx1221au with 20% cheaper instead of the
tx1214au. I'll be upgrading the Ram on the tx1221au to 4gb as my bro is a ram dealer. (cost price for me) That should off set any performance difference between the athlon and the turion

Thanks again..

 

Where do the quad-core CPUs fit into that list? My notebook plays Crysis just fine with one.

 

I bought a Samsung X65 with a T7300, the laptop on the whole is superb and was the best compromise between the models i was looking at, but i really wanted at least a 7500. If i were to change the cpu to say a 7700, would the extra 400 MHz make much difference for photoshop work?

The cost doesn't really matter to me, but i can't be doing with the hassle of taking it apart if the gains are going to be too small to notice.

 

Nice guide, but i really didnt understand whats the diference between turion tl-60 and core 2 duo t5250. which one is better for multi tasking.? pls help me.

 

The Core 2 Duo t5250 is superior in all benchmarks against the tl-60.

Yes I own and work with MANY Turion x2 & core2duo laptops.

 

At anyrate the OPs list of CPUs are wrong. Turion x2 should not even be in the list of performance processors. The T7200 1.8ghz SMOKES even the 2.3ghz Turion x2. No contest.

OP obviously does not own laptops with these chips nor has he even bothered to read some benchmarks...

Turion x2 is as fast as the budget Pentium Dual Cores and older CoreDuos.

The FASTEST Turion x2 tl-66 2.3ghz can only compete with an older CoreDuo 2.0ghz or a lowend Core2Duo 1.7ghz (2mb version)

 

If you could point me to some benchmarks, it would be highly appreciated. Until then, the current ratings stand.

 

Read'em an weep....

Turion X2 tl-60 vs First generation CoreDuo 2.0ghz

LINK

Clock for clock Turion x2 get its @ss handed to it. Under multitasking (the whole point of multicore cpus) the Turion x2 gets blown away.

Now this is with the OLD CoreDuos......The Core 2 Duo is FAR superior to CoreDuo which makes the te gap even GREATER.

All in all, It will take at a Turion x2 tl-60 2.0ghz to match a lowend Core2Duo 1.5ghz (2mb L2) and even then the Core2Duo 1.5ghz will win most benchmarks.

Dont believe me? Google it. You're in denial. I have both Turion X2 tl-58 1.9ghz and Core2Duo 1.66ghz laptops and the task manager shows the Turion X2 CPU levels MUCH higher than Core2Duo when running the same apps.

Your chart is 100% wrong and misleading. Like I said its obvious you dont own a Turion X2 or Core2Duo laptops....its not hard to tell.

 

Onion, you need to cool yourself. No one's in competition here. I appreciate your help.

Edit: All Turion X2's have been dropped one rank, however, the Core Duo's have not been moved due to two factors: 1. Since they're written in bunched form, it makes it extremely hard to decide where to split them, and 2. Their lack of 64-bit support which should be a point to consider for any prospective buyers.

As always, further help is welcome.

 

Onion is right. The fastest Turion X2 is on avarage 15% slower than a T7300, while drawing more power and being more expensive. And the T7300 isn't a while lot faster than a T7200. Here's the article.

I'd also add the FSB on the Intel CPUs in the list. And Pentium Dual Core T2310 and T2330 are merom based. Still slow though (1,46GHz and 1,6GHz respectivly, both with 533MHz bus and 1MB L2-cache). Intels homepage is a very good resource.

 

How do you explain the tl-60 stomping the c2d in wprime? (dual-core)

 

wPrime is a sucky benchmark? In realworld usage (stuff that uses the actual CPU) turions are nowhere near the C2D.

 

Would this link be of any use: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Notebook-Processors.129.0.html
You might want to add those missing processors and other information, if this really is the ultimate guide. Not sure if those Transmeta and Via ones are too relevant though, but they are still available in some rare cases. Maby they could be in green color. And those power saving intel CPU's in lighter blue or something.

 

Give me a day or so, and I'll read through all the sources. Changes will be made accordingly when I have time.

 

How much better is a Core 2 Duo T5450 1.66Ghz, 667, 2M processor to a Core 2 Duo T5270 1.40Ghz, 800, 2M processor?

I'm trying to decide between a Dell Vostro 1500 and a Dell Inspiron 1520.

The Inspiron (T5450) costs $200 more, but does have a slightly better GPU

 

The C2D T5450 is MUCH better. Get the Vostro 1500. No question about it. Unless you're getting the 8600m GT. If not dont bother with the Inspiron.

 

Not to hijack my own thread, but what's wrong with the 8600m GT in the Vostro?

 

Nothing. I thought the Vostro iony can get up to a 8400gs? Maybe I thinking of the 1400 model.

 

I'm used to working and building desktops so maybe there's new rules to notebooks.
Yesterday I placed an order to Dell for a Vostro 1500. Now I'm concerned about my reasoning as to selecting the slowest(cheapest) cpu in the option set.
Selected: Core 2 Duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Not chosen: T5470(+$75);T7100(+$130);T7250(+$160);T7500(+$300);T7700(+$575)
My reasoning is as follows(note-I just upgraded a desktop pc from 3000+Venice to a 4200+Toledo OC'd to 2.9Ghz for $75): What if I buy the cheapest cpu for this particular motherboard and then later perhaps a year or 2 later buy a retiring T7700, etc, online.

Key to discussion is usage. My girlfriend will probably be using this Vostro for email, webbing and gaming (Luxor) in 2D. I suppose this hardly justifies the T5270 but I have a mind set to enable future upgrades if usage changes and added power is needed.

Questions if you please--
Do all these options use the same micro-coded cores?
Does Dell use the same mobo for all of these cpu options for the Vostro 1500 enabling a possible swap later?
Anyone know which chipset is used on the mobo and is it good?

Thanks.

 

CPU selection by bupkus is spot on..

In this time and age where CPUs are rather advanced.. a lower end CPU will suffice for the most of us who do not engage in CPU intensive applications.

I primarily use the PC for light web editing, blogging, powerpoint presentations, GPS software, and a low end CPU will do just fine.

To make your purchase economically feasible, there is no point is getting a powerful CPU if you're not going to actually utilize it.

 

good threat to ask my question.
I have to decide between following three notebook.
xps m1330,latitude d630, inspiron 1520.
all above has same processor Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 : 2.2 GHz.
forget the build quality,portablity etc.. i just want to know , should all three lapy will give exaclty same perfomance (no gaming only work) or there are some other factors also responsible.
thanks

 

I don't see the TL-62 (2.1ghz) in here, where does that fit into the list? I just ordered an hp notebook with one, but I can just return it if its basically a C2D 5250 in performance as someone before said. I just want to do some web browsing, maybe photos and MS office, plus some gaming. Onion is making me a bit nervous about my choice, he has some strong words on the Turion X2.