Asus F3SE or F3JP

Hi,

I would appreciate some advice on choosing one of these models.

The F3SE has a core 2 duo T7100 1.8GHZ CPU and max memory of 4GB and a ATI mobility radeon x2500 graphics card.

The F3JP has core 2 duo T5600 1.83GHz cpu with a max memory of 2GB and a ATI mobility radeon x1700 graphics card.

I'd like to use the laptop for photoediting with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop so although I don't think a 'better' graphics card would be any use to me I assume the extra RAM of the F3SE would be better but I am worried that the more powerful cpu and graphics card would make the laptop run too hot? Is this likely to be a problem?


Many thanks.

 

The x2500 isn't a high end card, in fact, it's perhaps not even considered to be "midrange". Therefore, I would doubt that it's a heat concern - in fact, it might be as fast or slower than the x1700. In terms of processor, there's not a great deal of difference between the two, and the T5600 is also blazing fast. They have the same TDP, so heat shouldn't be an issue. With the advent of the newer version of the F3, many dealers would be cutting prices on their F3JP inventory - an opportunity you might decide to seize.

 

the x2500 is a rebranded x1700. The f3SE has the new santarosa platform that is slightly faster and is supposed to have better battery life. Out of the two the F3SE is definately better, but I would get the f3SV ( A1 or B1) or f3sc for directX 10

 

It's probably not a direct rebranding. the X2500 is directx 10 capable with unified shaders, meaning it's an entirely new architecture.
As well, for photoshop editing you do not need directx.

 

no, it is rebranded
I'm pretty sure AMD's new lineup of mobile cards is not even out yet, and even if they were, they have "HD" in front of the card model. the x2500 is a rebranded x1700 as the x2300 is a rebranded x1400 (directX 9).

 

What does rebranded mean. The same thing? It has a 2 in front of the name so is it newer, like they fixed some minor issues but its essentially the same card?

 

BTW the x1700 almost doubles the 8400 in 3DMark 06. DX10 doesn't always mean better.

 

Oh I see. that's fairly disturbing as a marketing technique... almost borders on false advertising. Very misleading

 

Thanks to all who replied. Just one more question. The F3SE can be upgraded tp 4GB whereas the F3JP has a max memory of 2GB. Is this something I should consider if I need to do photoediting?

 

I think F3SE is better:
CPU: 5600<7100<7200<7300
GPU: X2500 ~ X1700
Ram: Max 4G > Max 2G
Battery life: F3SE > F3JP (because Santa Rosa)
Price: F3SE < F3JP
So if you do photoediting then go with F3SE.

 

The F3jp at newegg.com has the Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0G. And it has a $70 off sale now, for about $1228. Without the actual benchmark its too early to say about the X2500 and X1700. But X2500 is not likely to be any faster. It is possible its a rebranded X1600. Personality, F3JP is much better value. If u want to save more, newegg also has the open-box F3JP,for $1109.

 

rebranded x1700 actually. Also, why doesnt the F3S support Wireless N. It says its Santa Rosa

 

Its not that it isnt supported. its because wireless N cards cost $30 more than the older wireless. Santa Roas is backward compatible,meaning it can use the older components.

 

could I put an N card in if I wanted to?