Dual Core Difference (and a few other things)

Hey all,

Sorry for so many posts but I really need some information. I may be making a rather complex decision and if you all could help me with some questions to start with, it will help me.

First off basically how good are the Dual Core processors? I know they are the "Next big thing" but hell they said that about HT at one point. How much performance (In reality) is say a 1.86 Dual core compared to a 2 Ghz Pentium M (single core.)

Someone told me to find the Pentium 4 "equivlent of a P-M you x1.5 it so that means a 2.0Ghz P-M is like a 3.0 P4. But I have no idea how you find the comparison for a Dual Core Processor.

My laptop I am about to get will be used for general use, limited gaming, and for school, which means I will be using the 3D application Maya. What I do isn't too complex yet, but the program still needs a good computer. How much better would the Dual Core be for Maya?

Also, I know alot of you recommend to get a system with limited RAM and then buy it elsewhere. I see going that way is CLEARLY cheaper. Is that the main reason you recommend it? Or is it also because Dell memory is "lower quality?"

Thanks for the information. Basically I have a Laptop on order already and am strongly thinking about cancelling it and reconfiguring another one. I'm torn between just wanting to get the one I ordered as afast as I can (even though it was just barely ordered Wed) or being "smart" and waiting for a slightly... or significantly... better system.

If you want, I can post the two systems.

 

I've heard comparable remarks about PM-P4 conversions.

Most people will not be able to see the advantages of a first-generation dual-corse processor in most things they do. It will only be when carrying out multiple processor-intensive activities at any given time. They are also supposed to get better battery life, but I don't thinkthat has panned out just yet (though I'm not sure).

There isn't a quality problem with the RAM most manufacturers use, though there are differences. The biggest question is compatibility.

It would be a good idea to post the relevant specs of the two systems. In the meantime, I'll say this. I received a Lenovo Z60M and was considering returning it and getting one of the currently available dual-core models. The main contender was the Gateway NX560XL. When I factored in build quality, performance, customer service reputations, and features, I decided to keep the Z60M.

Now, in my case, the two models in question are entirely different in a few relevant ways. If the two you're considering are more comparable, such as the HP DV1000 and DV1000T, you might find it worth the extra price. I was actually willing to pay more for the one I have.

Howie

 

Thanks for the reply HM. I have still been thinking about what I want to do. I will post the systems I am talking about so you or anyone could better advise me.

First off below is the system I have ordered and paid for, though it has not gotten out of preproduction. The price of this was with a discount from my friend from Dell, and includes shipping, 3 year warranty and all that.

The total for this system was $1588. It SAYS the shipping is not till the 14th of March but that can't be right... at least I sure hope it isn't.

Base Unit:
Inspiron 9300,Pentium M 760 (2GHz/533MHz FSB) (464-7912)

Processor:
17 inch Wide Screen XGA+ Display for Inspiron 9300 (320-4539)

Memory:
2GB, DDR2, 533MHz 2 Dimm, for Inspiron 9300 (311-3733)

Video Card:
128MB ATI and Mobility Radeon X300,for Inspiron 9300 (320-4184)

Hard Drive:
80GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive for Inspiron 9300 (341-1808)

Operating System:
Image Restore (412-0689)


Operating System:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Service Pack 2, English, for Inspiron (420-4766)


NIC:
Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron (430)

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive:
8X DVD+/-RW Drive for Inspiron9300 (313-3082)

CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive:
CyberLink PowerDVD v5.5 Decoding Software for DVD Drives (420-5111)

Processor Cable:
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11b/g,54Mbps) for Inspiron 9300 (430-1401)

Processor Cable:
Internal Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth (464-1576)

Feature
80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery for Inspiron 9200/9300 (312-0283)

Service:
Warranty Support,1 Year Extended (900-8221)

Service:
Type 3 Contract - Next Business Day Parts and Labor On-Site Response, 1YR Extended (902-0631)

So that is the one I am getting as of now. To be honest about the only thing I don't like about it is the video card. I had planned to get a Geforce 6800 of Ebay and do all that. I really dont mind... it's just the prospect of having to swap my video card back if/when I sent it into dell is really a pain. The Dual core processor I am really not that concerned with the more I read about it.... but I am sure it would be nice...

So I started thinking about all this and configured a new 9400 but I remembered what I had read here about RAM so I configured it with 512. The rest if very comparable to my 9300 with the big difference being the video card. Now this one I have not sent to my friend for a quote yet, I can't till tomorrow. But if he can get it to me for no more than $1700 shipped, I am gonna see if I can switch my order.

Inspiron 9400 Intel? Core? Duo Processor T2400 (1.83GHz/667MHz FSB)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows? XP Home Edition
LCD Panel 17 inch Wide Screen XGA+ Display
Memory 512MB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz
Graphics Card 256MB NVIDA? GeForce? Go 7800
Hard Drive 80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Spare Power Adapter 90 Watt Spare AC Adaptor
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe? Acrobat? Reader 6.0
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card (54Mbps)
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) No productivity suite- Corel WordPerfect word processor only
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription
Primary Battery 80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Dell Service & Support Plans 1 Year Mail-in Economy Plan
Onsite System Setup No Onsite System Setup
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Wireless Personal Networking Card Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Internal(2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
Miscellaneous Inspiron 9400
Financial Software No QuickBooks package selected - includes limited use trial
Operating System Backup & Recovery PC Restore recovery system by Symantec
Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.

TOTAL:$1,670.00

That total is the current offer price. So more than likely my friend can get it do almost the exact same price as my existing order. I am losing 2 gigs of ram but of course gaining the video card. (Biig gain). And of course I can order a good brand of 2 Gigs of ram to show up right when my Laptop does.

That's the situation. Basically I am leaning towards switching if it's feasable. And wont impact my shipping too much. I'm quite impatient.

Sorry for the long post.

 

I would go for dual core. The 7800go would easily beat the x300 chip any day. And if you are a gamer, games in the future are going to use dual core for more performance. Dual core is the way to go.

 

Going to see what is gonna happen tomorrow when I can talk to Dell and my friend and see how much trouble the order cancel is going to cause. I admit I want to be smart and get the better system. In the end it wont be much more. I was going to get the Geforce 6800 seperately anyway. Now I will just be getting RAM seperately.

 

Regarding the RAM, you can use 667 Mhz modules but Dell does not seem to offer them anymore right now, probably because of a shortage of supply. You probably need both modules to be of the same speed.

You will have to consider the cost of additional RAM too to make a good comparison.

Dell uses standard always two RAM modules, so if you order 512 Mb this will be 2 x 256. Depending on your needs you can also select your Dell with just a single memory module for a few dollars more, which will require just one more module to buy separately for upgrading.

If you order the standard setup you will have at least one and probably both original modules left over, so some calculations can help here.

As a last tip, Dell has frequently double memory for the same price actions, so this might be helpful also.

 

I changed my order. Check my post called "New Laptop just ordered." I'm very happy with the change and the better system I am getting. From what I read, the Dual Core is going to be particularly useful in the 3D applications I use, like Maya for school.