Which CPU should i choose?

Hi guys

I am about to buy a Dell E1705. Because im on a budget of $1000, there are only 2 options for CPU: Core Duo T2350 and Core 2 Duo T5300. They both have 2MB L2 and 533mhz FSB. Althought C2D T5300 cost $50 more, it has a lower speed than Core Duo T2350.(1.73G vs. 1.83G). People always assume that C2D is better than core duo. But im doubtful on that. so... Can anyone tell the difference between the two? and is it worth to spend the extra $50?

Thanks in advance.

 

I've heard people say that Core 2 duo isn't much more powerful than Core duo, and that you should only get it if you REALLY need that extra juice. Depends on what you want to use it for also. Serious multi tasking would need a 2 duo, but otherwise i say go for the core duo.

 

The major difference between the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo is that the Core 2 Duo supports 64-bit processing, so a 64-bit operating system, such as Windows XP Professional 64-bit edition, or Windows Vista x64.

If you aren't going to run a 64-bit operating system (you can tell because Dell doesn't offer 64-bit OS', only 32-bit), then the Core Duo would be the better choice if you're on a budget.

Can you upgrade to the T5600? How much does that upgrade cost?

 

isn't the c2d supposed to be cooler as well.

 

There is only 4 cpu options. Core DuoT2350, C2D T5300 T7200,T7400. The T7200 cost $200 more. So my only choice is between T2350 and T5300. I have no need for 64bit system, 32bit is fine. It is there a huge difference in performace between the two. I am confused because the core duo T2350 has a high clock speed than T5300.

My main use for the computer is slightly multitasking(web browser,words, basic programming for the first 2-years of college) and mainly gaming(oblivion and BF2142). So please help me decide。

 

The advance in tech and hence speed of the Core 2 Duo means it will perform about the same as the Core Duo as the Core Duo has higher clock speed. As such and taking into account the limitations of 64 bit OSs at the moment I would say get the Core Duo and save the money unless you are specifically planning on using 64 bit OS.

 

Yeah i agree with moon angel. Unless you would run very heavy games then i would suggest the higher processor, otherwise just get the duo. Cheap/fast effective.

 

Thank you guys! Its really helpful. I think I am going to get Core duo T2350 then ,since there is no significant difference between the two. Its always good to save money.

 

Yeah, you shouldn't worry too much about the processor. On a laptop, it's usually the graphics card that will be your performance bottleneck.

What graphics card did you get, btw? I assume your $1000 budget is too low for something like the Geforce 7900GS; did you get the Radeon X1400?

 

One advantage of T2350 that may not be noticed, it max at 14x@133FSB(Quad Pump, thus 533) stocked. I have used clockgen to up it to 166 and turn my T2350 into effectively a T2700 or about the same as T7100(2MB cache instead of 4 as in T7200) in terms of performance(according to superpi I ran). This hasn't been taking account of using 667 DDR2 yet, I am still using 533 DDR2.

Note that this setting is within spec as T2700 is spec at 667 FSB and almost all modern chipset allows that too.

Not sure if Dell allows you to change the PLL clock though, some said no. Mine is a samsung which allows it.

 

From my limited investigation into overclocking I think it is the chipset, not the computer brand, which is important. ClockGen can probably work with the ATI chipsets but probably not the Intel ones.

CPUs which overclock well will also undervolt well. I prefer the latter route, which reduces heat and fan activity.

John

 

hi how do u overclock yr processor? mine's a samsung x60 t2300 thks

 

We've already responded to this in the Samsung forum.

Unless someone has figured out how to make ClockGen work with the Intel chipset.

John