e1505 processor

i'm about to purchase the e1505 but i'm having a difficult time choosing which processor i want. this machine (for what reason i don't know) only offers 533 MHz RAM. the 2400T processor that i want features a 667 MHz front side bus, but the computer won't be able to use its processor to the fullest potential given the discrepancy btwn the RAM and the processor.

should i save $75 and just get the T2050 processor at 533 MHz? i'm thinking i might be throwing $75 out the window with this upgrade. thanks for input!

 

The 533Mhz ram runs about as well as the 667Mhz ram because the 667Mhz has a higher latency, so you really won't notice any performace difference from that standpoint. Memory differences being moot, might as well go for the T2400. Besides, lower latency, better-performing 667 Mhz ram may come out in more quantities later in case you eventually want to upgrade to it, an option you won't have with the T2050.

 

What will you be doing with the notebook? The T2050 and T2250 offer very similar performance to the T2300E at reduced cost.

Correct, the RAM can only run as fast as the FSB on the processor. The T2050 and T2250 have a 533MHz bus, which means maximum memory is PC4200 (533MHz). The T2300E has a 667MHz bus and can therefore take PC5300 (667MHz).

However, the difference between 533MHz RAM and 667MHz RAM is minimal at best - although the latter has more bandwidth, it also has higher latency (CAS @ 5) and thus the performance advantage is very small.

 

i'll primarily be using it for school and the frequent multitabling poker session. (i plan on hooking up a 1600x1200 LCD monitor to it). apart from that, i might be watching some tv and dvd's on it but no hardcore gaming or anything like that. that's partly the reason i think the T2050 will be adequate.

 

I would stick to the T2050 1.60GHz as well. It will have plenty of processing power. Definitely invest in RAM, it always helps for multitasking. 1GB would be good.