The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Which hardware combo is better?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Chananel, Nov 13, 2008.

  1. Chananel

    Chananel Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    140
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'm looking at cheap options for a laptop that can handle adobe cs4 and movies? ?(mostly ripped). Which hardware combo is better: intel t5800+intel 4500mhd or amd zm-70/zm-80 + ati hd3200? ?)?Both with 4gb ram and 5400rpm drives)
     
    Chananel, Nov 13, 2008
    #1
  2. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

    Reputations:
    674
    Messages:
    1,961
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    The ATI 3200 scores in the neighborhood of double the intel. Both will work for what you want, the ATI will be a bit better for the video/video optimized apps of CS4. Take a look at this thread for more information. I am an Intel guy so I would end up overclocking the CPU and I do not have any current knowledge of the new AMD's results and usage characteristics. Check up on the CPU, but overall, it looks good.
     
    gengerald, Nov 13, 2008
    #2
  3. Chananel

    Chananel Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    140
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I know the ati graphics are better than intel, and that the intel processor is better than amd's. (intel+ati? can it happen?). I cannot decide what combo is better for my needs. I use mostly indesign and photoshop.
     
    Chananel, Nov 13, 2008
    #3
  4. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,133
    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Go for the AMD, or look for something like Intel + Geforce 9M Series.
     
    Andy, Nov 13, 2008
    #4
  5. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

    Reputations:
    674
    Messages:
    1,961
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I would say for for the beefier processor as you will be using that with PS and InD.
     
    gengerald, Nov 13, 2008
    #5
  6. Phil

    Phil Retired

    Reputations:
    4,415
    Messages:
    17,036
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    455
    It depends on what the bottleneck is in your use of those applications.

    I'm guessing it will be the GPU...
     
    Phil, Nov 14, 2008
    #6
  7. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

    Reputations:
    4,018
    Messages:
    6,046
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Given that Photoshop CS4 will make use of GPU acceleration, I would recommend getting a balanced CPU/GPU combination; in your case it is clearly the AMD/ATI computer that comes out on top. A more powerful GPU would also help when watching HD movies.
     
    Bog, Nov 14, 2008
    #7
  8. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    377
    Messages:
    1,423
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I would go with the amd system.
     
    Tippey764, Nov 14, 2008
    #8