processor difference

Is there a big difference between the 2.4 ghz and the 2.5 ghz processor in the dv9700t? I just ordered one with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.40GHz. 3mb internal L2 memory cache). The other option was a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50GHz, 6 mb internal L2 memory cache). The computer would be used for gaming and college work. I am on a tight budget so I didn't get the 2.5...was that a killer mistake or am I okay with the 2.4?

Also, what can be upgraded on this laptop if I were to do upgrades say a year or two from now. Ram can be yes? But what about processors and graphics cards?

Thanks!

 

the main difference is the 3mb vs 6mb but there shouldn't be a huge difference so it's okay. you can upgrade ram but for graphics card your computer must have a mxm upgradable graphics card and i'm not sure about upgrading processors

 

The T8300 should be fine. The T9300 offeres better performance but the value for performance ratio is not too good. As far as upgrades are concerned you can upgrade the RAM, HDD and the cpu. The GPU even the dedicated versions are directly soldered to the motherboard, so there is no upgrades available other than whatever HP offers stock for the dv9700 series.

The cpu upgrades are not worth it unless you can find an inexpensive one. but if anything max out on the RAm and get a fast 7200rpm HDD.

 

Are you sure? Every laptop that I've seen with dedicated video in recent years is either connected using MXM or some other proprietary connector. But I haven't seen them soldered directly to the board.

 

Yeah, all HP notebooks are except for the HDX & possibly some workstations(I havent followed those much) use this system. They are integrated into the motherboard instead of making it an external solution. Its just another chip on the motherboard like the chipset. If you havent noticed in the HP parts site they never sell the GPU as a standalone part because it isnt an seperate part but is actually part of the motherboard.

 

8510/8710 and nx9420/nw9440 have MXM's which can be replaced, but everything else (all pavilions) are integrated directly to the board

 

I agree, the processor choice is fine. The best value chip in the Intel processor lineup is almost always the third one down from the top. In the Santa Rosa series of Core 2 CPUs, you have the T8100, T8300, T9300, T9500. The T8300 is the best value from a price/performance standpoint.