i5 450 -VS- i5 520?

As said just above me, there can't be any test or review to back up what I was saying. Because even without smartcache there is no significant performance difference. That's the reason no one bothers testing smart cache vs no smart cache, another reason is because all cpus since c2d do have shared cache on the die. If you look at reviews of the whole arrandale line architecture, the cache is in a neutral position.
I said before hypotetically that it could be an improved version of shared cache, but now ark is updated you see it's just a typo, even pure marketing argument.

 

in other news. I gots no clue how to make setFSB like the cpu.


in the freeware version the first three or four can getFSB but if you set it, it either doesn't change things or crashes the computer so badly you can't turn it off with the power button. I had to pull out the battery (and also swore off getFSB. let someone else do that crap)

 

Thats because the setfsb developper guy needs you to contact him to provide the clockgen chip model that is on the envy motherboard. I don't know where is located the clockgen chip, but if you sent him HD pictures of the envy motherboard with all chips name readable he would find it, set up in the program the right clockgen, and add envy 14 support in the next version of his setfsb.
That said never try a random clockgen on set FSB, it can cause scary problems : P

 

What about between the 450 and 540?

 

540 is obviously better.

partly since it's clocked higher by default (2.53 Ghz base speed)

 

too bad it is not an option...

 

@ OP
i5-450M Actually has VT but not VT for IO. You are still good with running some VMs with the 450M just the virtual IO transfer (virtual devices) will be slower compared to 520M.

Compare Intel® Products,

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology Yes Yes
Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) Yes
Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) No
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology No
AES New Instructions No

 

sif the 450 doesn't have VT?

 

how's 450 for gaming, like sc2 and fps games ? strong enough or it will be slowin things down ?

 

Should be fine. Most users in the E14 thread say it's the GPU that's giving them problems. Mainly cuz its ATI and its usual problems. Easily solvable by capping the fps and updating drivers though. Also turning off powerplay works for folks in GX640 thread.

GOod lucky

 

If your motherboard has a clockgen with Trusted Mode Enabled, there is no way to OC that CPU with SetFSB. In the Acer 3820TG production different clockgens are used in production (I think it depends on the particular supplier on a particular day). I got one that can not be OC'd. If the SetFSB program hangs or you get a PLL error, it can't be OC'd. Has anyone successfully OC'd a CPU on the Envy 14?

Bronsky

 

You want to have a fast computer without noticing any speed difference between the CPU's? Get the 450 and change out the hard drive to an SSD. (128 gig for 250 bucks or so. )
Make sure your laptop has an esata interface , then take the sata drive that came with the laptop, put it in an extrnal enclosure for your files. Load windows and your apps on the SSD. When you surf etc you wont need to connect the extrnal. Then your apps will open and perform in 1 second. It will absolutely fly.

 

Just an observation: This thread has an awful lot of analysis and speculation about a $50 decision in most cases. Ya think?

 

Funny . Rep for that.

 

But I could buy a lot with $50! Plus, analysis is fun.