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    HELP with CPU decision!

    Discussion in 'HP' started by sublime313, Dec 16, 2008.

  1. sublime313

    sublime313 Notebook Evangelist

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    I recently received the notebook below. The speaker was blown, so I'm sending it back hp is giving me some free upgrades. Should I get the P8400 and stick with my crappy Intel 4500 gpu or go with a P7350 and get the 256mb INDIVIA card? I don't do any gaming. Maybe watch a movie here and there. I just want to know which will give faster performance for the average pc user who doesn't game. Any opinions?
     
    sublime313, Dec 16, 2008
    #1
  2. fusionsenses

    fusionsenses The Unbannable

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    If you don't do ANY gaming, there is no need for dedicated video card.
     
    fusionsenses, Dec 16, 2008
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  3. nhbound20

    nhbound20 Notebook Consultant

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    Agreed, the P8400 is what you want
     
    nhbound20, Dec 16, 2008
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  4. Slaughterhouse

    Slaughterhouse Knock 'em out!

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    You won't really see a performance increase going from the P7350 to a P8400. And if you don't do any gaming whatsoever, then the video card is useless as well so just save your money on both hardware categories.
     
    Slaughterhouse, Dec 16, 2008
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  5. carton

    carton Notebook Guru

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    I agree with the above poster. Both upgrades would be marginal (assuming you don't game). The video card might be the slightly better (since you're running Aero and you might love to see your windows twirl) of two very marginal upgrades, but it would also increase heat and reduce battery life. So I'd go with the processor, if the credits would otherwise go unspent, or save the credits if possible.
     
    carton, Dec 17, 2008
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  6. sublime313

    sublime313 Notebook Evangelist

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    What do you guys think... P7350 and HP Bluetooth headphones? The headphones would replace the 256 Indivia... Both are selling for 100 so they'll probably do either one... Basically, is it even worth getting the 256 indivia or should I just blow it on some headphones?
     
    sublime313, Dec 17, 2008
    #6
  7. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

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    I would get the graphics card and the p7350. The graphics card only uses around 10 watts the p7350 uses 10 watts less power then your current t5800.
     
    Tippey764, Dec 17, 2008
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  8. Slaughterhouse

    Slaughterhouse Knock 'em out!

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    I'm gonna change my mind. Even if you don't play games, a dedicated GPU is much more valuable and certainly more valuable than some headphones. Since the upgrades are being done for free, then stick with the P7350 and the GPU.
     
    Slaughterhouse, Dec 17, 2008
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  9. S_P_Q_R

    S_P_Q_R Notebook Evangelist

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    If you don't take the dedicated GPU, give yourself a drop kick! Laptops with a dedicated GPU are worth on average around 20 to 25% more and resale value at least double IMO.
     
    S_P_Q_R, Dec 17, 2008
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  10. electrosoft

    electrosoft Perpetualist Matrixist

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    Nevermind Vista and Aero along with Windows 7. While not going for a full blown gaming GPU, never skimp on at least a decent GPU.
     
    electrosoft, Dec 17, 2008
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  11. Big Mike

    Big Mike Notebook Deity

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    I agree, you only get one chance to get a GPU, after its in your hands there's no upgrading that. I'm trying to sell both the notebooks I have to get one with a dedicated card (got a deal on one and traded for the other)
     
    Big Mike, Dec 17, 2008
    #11