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    Should I downgrade processor to reduce heating

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by wecaz, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. wecaz

    wecaz Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,
    I need XPS 16 to watch HD movies. I am interested in Full HD 1080p screen and Blu Ray optical drive with 500GB 7200rpm HDD. No gaming. Now I am thinking ways to reduce heating issues.

    What minimum processor and GPU is sufficient for my usage?

    Thanks.
     
    wecaz, Feb 2, 2010
    #1
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    What processor and GPU do you currently have?
     
    Commander Wolf, Feb 2, 2010
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  3. wecaz

    wecaz Notebook Consultant

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    Hi Wolf,
    I am planning a new Dell XPS 16 laptop to buy. Following are my requirements:

    Full HD 1080p LED screen with resolution 1920x1080
    Screen size between 15'' and 16''
    Blu Ray reader optical drive
    4GB DR3 1066MHz memory
    500GB 7200rpm SATA Hard disk
    3 year complete cover

    I do not play games. I need a laptop to watch HD movies and Dell XPS has got nice screen.

    Now as per my requirements, I need help in deciding a minimum performer CPU and GPU. It will help me in reducing heating and cost.
     
    wecaz, Feb 3, 2010
    #3
  4. ronnieb

    ronnieb Representing the Canucks

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    Pxxxx would be your best bet, and then you can undervolt it.
     
    ronnieb, Feb 3, 2010
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  5. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    I'd second a C2D-based SXL16 with a Pxxxx processor.

    The GPU situation is a bit trickier. The two options you've got are the 3670 and the 4670; it's a pity you don't have the option of using integrated graphics. The 3670 is definitely going to be less graphically capable than the 4670, but whether it'll be cooler... I'm not sure.

    Both are made on the same 55nm process, but the 4670 might have more optimizations for lower power consumption, etc. I'm not too knowledgeable about this, though.

    In the grand scheme of things, I was looking into getting a lower-power machine, I'd look for a 15" or 16" notebook other than the SXL16 that offers integrated graphics. I suppose the E6500 comes to mind...
     
    Commander Wolf, Feb 3, 2010
    #5
  6. blazom

    blazom Notebook Consultant

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    and not less than 1.8 GHz
     
    blazom, Feb 3, 2010
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  7. wecaz

    wecaz Notebook Consultant

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    I found another similar combination with Dell Studio. It has i3-350M processor and ATI Radeon HD 4570.

    How good is this combination? Will there be heating issues as many guys complain about Dell Studio?

     

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    wecaz, Feb 4, 2010
    #7