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    Deciding Options

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by xxsprint, Aug 16, 2008.

  1. xxsprint

    xxsprint Notebook Geek

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    First of all, what's the difference between a P8400 (2.24 GHz) to a P8600 (2.4 GHz)?

    Also, will getting 4 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx2) be a lot better than getting 2 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR2-800, 2GBx1)? I'm not very well versed in this, so if it is better, how would it be?

    Would these upgrades sacrifice or add to battery life?

    (disregard the money)
     
    xxsprint, Aug 16, 2008
    #1
  2. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    The only difference between CPU's is clock speed. The difference in clock speed will not matter for most people and most applications. For those it does a stopwatch will be needed to determine the difference. P8600 is a 7% increase in clocks.

    4GB vs 2GB? To make use of all 4GB you will need a 64bit OS. 32bit OS can only make use of about 3GB. Which is better depends on what you do. Of the people who have Vista and discuss this on NBR. More than 2GB seems to be preferred, as you mention money not issue 3GB or 4GB would be a safe choice.

    All options and combinations make no difference on battery worth making note of.
     
    powerpack, Aug 16, 2008
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  3. xxsprint

    xxsprint Notebook Geek

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    OK, so if i use a 32bit OS, does that mean there will be absolutely zero difference between getting 3 GB or 4 GB?

    And how is a 32 bit OS better(or worse) than a 64 bit OS? Is the 64 bit OS entirely supported?

    Also, is there a certain size of hard disk drive that I need for 3 GB or 4 GB to work? (like at least 200 GB, 250GB, etc)
     
    xxsprint, Aug 16, 2008
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  4. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Using a 32-bit OS will give you about 2.5-3.5GB ram available. (So get 3GB)
    32-bit OS has more compatibility, 64-bit gives slightly better performance, and compatibility is growing....

    HDD has nothing to do with RAM. ( Using 2.5GB ram with a 4GB flash card)
     
    Andy, Aug 16, 2008
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  5. xxsprint

    xxsprint Notebook Geek

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    What exactly are the benefits of getting (3 or 4)GB instead of 2GB? What would be the difference?
     
    xxsprint, Aug 18, 2008
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  6. naton

    naton Notebook Virtuoso

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    ALl depends on the applications you run in your computer and how many applications you're planning to use at the same time. For instance if your OS is Vista and you're making a photo montage with lot of pictures open at the same time and all high res, your laptop will be faster with 3-4gb instead of 2gb.
    Now if all you're planning is office application and surfing the net 2gb would be fine.
     
    naton, Aug 18, 2008
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