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    T9900 vs X9100

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by knight427, Nov 20, 2009.

  1. knight427

    knight427 theenemysgateisdown

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    I've been watching the Dell outlet to get feel for refurbished M4400's and M6400's. I've noticed some M440's will have the old X9100 Extreme CPU (which is no longer an option on a new system) and some have the much newer T9900. I can compare them side-by-side here and it appears to me that there would be no reason to select an older unit with the X9100 over a newer unit with the T9900 other than maybe getting the cool black C2D Extreme sticker on the laptop as opposed to the more common blue sticker. :cool:

    I am just wondering if there is something special about the extreme CPU that is not evident on the comparison chart. In fact, it even has a higher TDP and lacks "Intel® Trusted Execution Technology"...whatever that means.
     
  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It has an unlocked multiplier. And the TDP difference is meaningless.
     
  3. knight427

    knight427 theenemysgateisdown

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    I'm guessing that has something to do with overclocking? I am interested in trying overclocking on my next computer. One I get the new laptop up and running, I plan to overclock my current P4 2.8 GHz just to test it out.
     
  4. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    The X9100 can be overclocked to 3.5GHz easily because it has unlocked multipliers and its actually not old....
     
  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Certain laptops don't let you overclock though. Notebook overclocking is a bit trickier than desktop overclocking IMO. Check out moral hazard's finding PLL and overclocking thread in this subforum.
     
  6. knight427

    knight427 theenemysgateisdown

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    Well, overclocking isn't essential for me (I'm not even settled on the M4400 yet, just trying to get questions answered along the way). Mostly I want to see if I can just for fun, and see how much of a difference I notice on my more demanding applications.

    So the Extreme branded CPU's are sort of intended to be overclocked then? But the T9900 can be overclocked though, right? Just not as far?

    Also, the X9100 is 3 quarters older than the T9900 according to their release dates. Plus I don't ever see an X9100 offered as an upgrade anymore. That's why I refer to it as an old processor.
     
  7. Darth_nVader

    Darth_nVader Notebook Consultant

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    It's a toss up, go with the System that is better.

    If you can later upgrade to a QX9xxx or Q9xxx in one and not the other?
     
  8. knight427

    knight427 theenemysgateisdown

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    Here are the CPU's currently offered on the NEW M440's.

    Code:
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [Included in Price]
    		
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9900 (3.06GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [add $290]
    		
    Intel® Core™ 2 Quad QX9300 (2.53GHz, 12M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [add $850]
    So I'd guess the refurbished systems could be upgraded though I can't be sure. Also, I'm sure that would void the 3-year warranty that comes with them. :(

    Anyway, I know with the outlet, you have to be flexible (or really fast when a QX9300 pops up...saw on a M6400 the other day and it was gone within 10mins of my sighting).
     
  9. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    Try getting a laptop with a core i7... it will beat anything and is cheaper ... and the 820qm can even beat a QX9300 sometimes...
     
  10. knight427

    knight427 theenemysgateisdown

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    I do want an i7, and I've seen just about every option on the market. In the process of looking though, I've decided that I want a business class laptop (I do consulting when I'm not teaching). Currently there aren't any business laptops with i7, though that should change in January (which is looking like the soonest I'll be able to buy one for various financial/tax reasons). But even then, I might be tempted by the dell outlet which will only have the C2D and C2Q available.
     
  11. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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