T9600 X9000 X9100 microprocessors

First time poster -

I am interested in what the differences are between the Core 2 Extremes and the regular Core 2 Duo's. I know the extremes can be overclocked, but if you didn't overclock them, how does (for example) the old 2.8MHz X9000 stack up with the new 2.8MHz T9600. I know the new T9600 and X9100 operate on the montevina platform. Is that the major difference?

I ask because I am reading how the X9100 is best of the best, but at only .2MHz difference from the T9600.... Additionally, they apparently have the same FSB and L2 cache.

I'm going to assume I'm missing a basic architecture difference between the two microprocessors.

Thanks for any help.

 

Keep in mind that the only requirement for being "The Best" is being slightly better than the second best . In all seriousness, if you can't overclock, an Extreme Edition processor really isn't worth the money (and even if you CAN overclock, I recommend stopping and thinking long and hard about whether or not it's worth it, since it's generally several hundred dollars more than the "second-best" processor, which is itself usually $100+ more than Intel's "sweet spot" processors - in this case, the T9400 and P9500).

The advantage held by the Extreme Edition processors is the unlocked core multiplier (and a higher wattage, which is a disadvantage for some, since it can reduce battery life). That's it. If your motherboard won't let you actually use that unlocked core multiplier, you're just paying for bragging rights.

 

According to Justin's 3dmark test, the x9100 at 3.0 ghz was a little more than a hundred points behind my x9000 at 3.2 ghz. When he overclocked it to 3.5 ghz he beat me by 100 points. >.> so if you look at it that way, I really don't think anyone will really be able to tell any gaming difference between the old santa rosa equivalent cpu. I wouldn't recommend you get the x9100 unless you do a lot of multitasking. The t9600 should be more than enough.

 

Go with the p9500. Great clock speed and LESS power (25W TDP). Remember, T9600 is from previous gen (1st gen penryn).

 

Both processors are actually current generation processors (and brand new), but the "P" series is Intel's Power-optimized performance line, while the "T" series is just plain performance.

 

Thanks for the correction. The T is a continuation of the TDP of what first gen penryns were, as I understand. There are just updated for the new platform (and FSB) as I understand.

We're still waiting to see what performance difference this amounts to, though.

 

The "T" series is certainly a continuation of the nomenclature, but the processors themselves are built around the new Centrino 2 chipset (and actually won't work with older chipsets).

Basically, continuing the T series at the first-gen Penryn's TDP gives Intel a chance to snag more consumers with "cheaper" processors, while also luring power-conscious consumers with the "Power-optimized" processors of the P series.