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    CPU confusion: P vs. T vs. X

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by metrosuperstar, Jul 19, 2009.

  1. metrosuperstar

    metrosuperstar Notebook Consultant

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    I'm trying to decide which processor to put in my laptop and am really confused by the options. What is better: P series, T series, etc? Or does it depend on the numbers that follow? Is a P9700 better than a T9600?
     
    metrosuperstar, Jul 19, 2009
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  2. Fragilexx

    Fragilexx Get'cha head in the game

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    "Better" is a very subjective term. Have a look at the intel spec sheets here:

    http://processorfinder.intel.com/

    Typically, the "P" processors are more efficient when it comes to heat / energy use. That's really about it.
     
    Fragilexx, Jul 19, 2009
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  3. bigredal2007

    bigredal2007 Notebook Enthusiast

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    T are mainstream, P are low power and X are extreme, apart from the obvious frequency and cache differences T's are generally 35W, P's are 25W and X's are 45W. As for comparison the only difference between a P9700 and a T9600 is 25W (or 28W) vs 35W.
     
    bigredal2007, Jul 19, 2009
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  4. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    Trottel, Jul 19, 2009
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  5. metrosuperstar

    metrosuperstar Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, so then I should invest, it would appear, in a P type processor? Why would someone want more power consumption? Would the type of processor one decides to get be determined by what one uses the laptop for? I will be doing lots of Adobe Creative stuff....and audio production.
     
    metrosuperstar, Jul 19, 2009
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  6. Fragilexx

    Fragilexx Get'cha head in the game

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    The only reason why is because it is cheaper to go for a T series processor. If for example you are going to use your laptop most of the time connected to a power source, then going for a P processor is only going to serve to reduce temperatures; something which can be achieved with undervolting anyway if it needs to be done.
     
    Fragilexx, Jul 19, 2009
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  7. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Power consumption isn't that different on idle. At full load, it makes more of a difference on battery. If those programs require CPU power, go with a quad core (Q) or faster dual core (T). If you don't then any processor will do the trick, generally P and T processors are both similar performing on the lower end. Undervolting will further decrease the disparity btw power consumption.
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 19, 2009
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  8. metrosuperstar

    metrosuperstar Notebook Consultant

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    How come quad core CPUs dont have wattage ratings on the resellers sites? Does anyone know what wattage a Q9000 would be?
     
    metrosuperstar, Jul 19, 2009
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  9. Fragilexx

    Fragilexx Get'cha head in the game

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    Fragilexx, Jul 19, 2009
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  10. Marengo

    Marengo Notebook Consultant

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    All mobile quad core CPU's (Q and QX series) have 44-45Watt max rate like the extreme dual core CPU's (X series).
     
    Marengo, Jul 19, 2009
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  11. chris-m

    chris-m Notebook Evangelist

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    What's the price diff between the two? If it's negligible, why not just get the P? If it's major, then it's probably harder to justify...
     
    chris-m, Jul 19, 2009
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  12. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    sgogeta4, Jul 19, 2009
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