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    trying to chose a processor

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by r3dm4n89, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. r3dm4n89

    r3dm4n89 Notebook Guru

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    Hello everyone, i am getting a new laptop and have done a lot of research on different graphic cards and what not but i can not find anything comparing these two processors. (i will post the two computers involved so you can use the rest of the specs to make a decision)

    Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
    Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7550 (2.26GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
    Memory 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
    Hard drive 320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
    Graphics card 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT

    vs
    PROCESSOR: AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-85 Dual-Core Mobile Processor (2.3ghz)
    VIDEO GRAPHICS: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 (M96) with up to 2815MB total available graphics memory with 1024MB dedicated
    4gb ddr2

    from what information i have been able to come up with i found the intel core duo will most likely be better but how much better is the question. I will be using the laptop for games such as World of warcraft and diablo 3 (when it comes out). nothing to demanding but i want to be able to play them at medium-high settings. any info will be very helpful and i thank you for your time.
     
    r3dm4n89, Jul 23, 2009
    #1
  2. elijahRW

    elijahRW Notebook Deity

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    The P7550 doesn't seem to be a very common processor...
    But I would be afraid of the AMD processor overheating, I have had a bad experience with AMD Mobile processors overheating, It depends on the chasee though.
    I'm not sure how the 2 processors compare in terms of speed though-Someone else here will be able to tel you more about this.

    I would go with the Intel platform ;)
     
    elijahRW, Jul 23, 2009
    #2
  3. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The biggest factor you need to find out is the GPU memory type: GDDR3 or DDR2. If they are both GDDR3 or both DDR2 and gaming is your primary concern, the AMD would be better due to the superior GPU. You can always undervolt both processors, and while the Intel is faster, you won't notice a difference in most games due to the GPU still being the bottleneck. However, if one is GDDR3 and the other is DDR2, the notebook w/ the GDDR3 GPU will be better.
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 23, 2009
    #3
  4. nu_D

    nu_D Notebook Deity

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    Please, do yourself a favor, and get the Intel CPU as it will smash the AMD CPU all the while running cooler and giving you better battery life. Both of those GPUs will run WoW and similar games without a hitch. Unless you plan on playing Crysis, I wouldn't worry about the GPUs as both are very capable.

    Look around the forums, if you get the AMD, prepare to post asking how to lower your temperatures...
     
    nu_D, Jul 23, 2009
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  5. mark6614

    mark6614 Notebook Consultant

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    Hands down the Intel is an all around better cpu.
     
    mark6614, Jul 23, 2009
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  6. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    What are the prices of the two machines? And you can always undervolt the AMD...
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 23, 2009
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  7. mark6614

    mark6614 Notebook Consultant

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    Whatever the difference is, it's worth it. :)
     
    mark6614, Jul 23, 2009
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  8. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    You won't notice any difference in cpu processing power for regular stuff such as games, word processing, internet browsing, watching hd-videos..etc.

    If the amd machine cheaper and you don't need to be on battery power for a very long time, then I'd say go with AMD one.
     
    jackluo923, Jul 23, 2009
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  9. Serg

    Serg Nowhere - Everywhere

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    Serg, Jul 24, 2009
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  10. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    This is a very accurate answer.

    Assuming that the HD4650 comes with GDDR3, the AMD laptop will be faster in most games than that Intel laptop.

    I would still prefer the Intel though, because it runs cooler and more power efficient.
     
    Phil, Jul 24, 2009
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  11. Serg

    Serg Nowhere - Everywhere

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    I think the P7550 is a renamed P8400, they have the exact same specs...and since all Intel CPUs where higher-clocked in the last refresh, making the P8600 a basic one and even the P8700, I think they did the same with the P7350 and made the P7550 the most basic one..but I could be wrong.

    About the choice. I agree, what kind of memory does each GPU have? If both are GDDR3 then the ATI/AMD will do better. (on a side note, is it true than when AMD and ATI are paired together, they perform even better?? :confused:).

    If one of them uses DDR2, then pick the other one...lol and AMD I think is underestimated, it is quite capable.
     
    Serg, Jul 24, 2009
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  12. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    CPU Z ids my CPU as P7550 and P8400. Seems like it's confused :)

    If I would know how to make a screenshot in bootcamp without a printscreen button I'd post a screenshot.
     
    Phil, Jul 24, 2009
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  13. chris-m

    chris-m Notebook Evangelist

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    chris-m, Jul 24, 2009
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