Which Intel processor runs cooler?

- Core 2 Duo processor T5450 (1.66 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB)

Or the

- Core 2 Duo processor T7100 (1.80 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)


Or will they run about the same temperature?

Speed is not a top priority for me; a laptop that runs cool and quiet is!!!!


Thanks.

 

They should run at about the same temp (what voltages do they run at?). You could always undervolt it.

 

My use of any computer is equivalent to those who only want to point-and-shoot with a digital camera. I honestly don't know what undervolting means and it's probably not something I would care to mess with.

I'd like whatever computer I buy to run pretty cool and quiet right out of the box. My computing needs are simple: word processing, suring the net and photo editing using Photoshop. No gaming, no multi-tasking, no special programs, etc.

 

That's actually a little tricky, because it's not just the chip. With the 7100 you are also running the chipset faster at 800Mhz. So that might produce a little more heat from there. With that being said though, I am pretty sure any heat differences would be minimal?

 

I am pretty sure that, as CodeMonkeyX said, the 7100 will run a little bit warmer due to the increased front side bus.

If you really want the least amount of heat though, you may want to consider Intel's ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) line of processors.

Undervolting is the method in which you lower the voltage that the notebook normally provides to the processor. The thing is, how I understand it, is that the CPU can run with less voltage than what it currently runs on. For example, my T7200 runs .950 at its lowest speed and 1.250 at its highest. However, I can undervolt mine all the way down to .975 on its highest. As a result, less power is used, battery life is extended, and the CPU doesn't run as hot because there is less voltage. However, doing this requires some research and careful tweaking.

 

Runs hotter, same architecture higher clock, difference negligible. Also this only applies if in the exact same computer, If different notebook's case and cooling specs matter. This is more theory than practical but the CPU that runs cooler will be dissipating more heat somtimes likely making other parts (case) feel hotter.

 

For me, the big unknown about the T5x50 CPUs is whether they have the equivalent of the 800MHz @ 0.85V minimum running speed which is a feature of the T7x00 Santa Rosa CPUs. If they downclock to 667MHz @ 0.85V then that would be more power-efficient than the T7x00 series, but if their minimum setting is 1GHz @ 0.95V then they would use a little more power when running slowly.

So far, Intel has published zero information about the T5x50 CPUs, not even in the specification update published earlier this week. I have to be suspicious that some features are missing when the CPUs sell at a significant price discount.

If you want low power CPUs then you need to look for the Lxxxx series. However, they are hard to find. And avoid anything with a dedicated GPU. For reduced fan activity then the Macbook approach of using the whole computer as a heat sink has much to commend it.

John

 

What exactly do you mean? Max TEMP?

T7100 = 100°C & 35W
T5500 = 100°C & 34W

So the T7100 will run 1W hotter... not much at all considering performance increase.