FZ4000CTO CPU and HDD option question

Hi, I'm planing to order a FZ4000CTO and need some advice on CPU and HDD options. In particular I was curious:

1) Would the 2.4Ghz T8300 generate more heat and thus - noise, than a T8100 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor?

2) Is there a speed difference between the so-called 160GB* (Hybrid with 256MB Flash memory) HDD and a standard sata 160 gb 5400rpm drive sony offers? By the way - what kind of brand Sony uses? Is it WD/Hitachi or something else?

3)Depending on the the answer to the 2nd question - would you advice getting a 250GB drive over a 160 gb one?

Thanks in advance ! Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

I think you would notice virtually no difference in the heat between the 8100 and 8300. That .3 GHz is not going to make much difference.

The 160 with the Hybrid flash memory is not any faster from what I gathered. It is a gimmick at best - and if you search you will see that the technology went no where since its introduction about a year ago. My FZ has a Seagate in it (the part number in Device Manager is an exact match to the Seagate 160 drive on Newegg - that's how I found out). The 250gb drive is going to be faster than the 160 and I would go with that if I had to do it all over again (denser drives have faster access times). I am probably going to get a 7200rpm drive later this year (unless 64gb SSD's drop more in price).

 

Thanks for the reply bubbatex, I really appreciate it!

8300 is 45nm and uses 35W of power, so is 8100. Hence I guess there should be not difference between the two power/noise-wise (same technology, same power consumption and one is just .300 faster ~ 10% faster than the other).


But why is 250 is faster than 160? As I understand 160 uses one plate and 250 presumably 2?

Thanks!

 

There are quite a few threads in the hardware forum on HDD speeds based on density. The platters are the same size - whether it is a 320gb drive or an 80gb drive - so the HDD actuator arm has less space to travel on a denser drive than it does on a less dense drive - the, say, 30gb "spot" on the platter is closer to the read/write head on the 250gb drive than it is on the 160gb drive.

Does this completely non-technical explanation make sense?

 

Hi folks,

@ bubbatex ... how long have u had your Sony Vaio? Any problems with it? Anything at all!?!?

Thanks,

G!

 

Hey man - I'll answer both of your posts here. I have had my FZ for about 5 weeks now. No problems at all - runs like a champ, everything I hoped for and expected. IMO, a clean install of Vista was the best thing I did for it. I have very little Sony software on it now.

In comparing it to an HP, I just felt like the Sony was built better and I liked the screen better (which was the primary reason I bought the FZ). Not to say the HP is bad, but I just liked the Sony better overall - the keyboard, touchpad, mouse buttons, etc. I also looked at the Fujitsu (which also has a great display) but it was just too "bulky" looking for my tastes. Aesthetics is still important when you spend 8-12 hours a day on a computer. The only thing negative I can say about the FZ - and Sony in general (other than the bloatware) - is the keyboard might wear a bit too fast. My common keys are already getting a bit "shinny" after 5 weeks (and I notice it more b/c of the position of my desk lamp causes a reflection!). I have a 3 year old FS-550 with the light gray keyboard and most of the common letters are worn off the keys. However, this keyboard seems a little more sturdy.

Frankly, all mfg'ers offer the same thing inside - it just comes down to the one that you like the most on the outside and your price tolerance! I don't regret this purchase at all - and I typically second guess myself all the time!

Good luck!

 

I literally asked almost the same exact questions to Sony technical support. I asked about the 2.1 GHz Core 2 Duo compared to the 2.4 GHz compared to the 2.5 GHz. They told me that you will not see a huge difference between the 2.1 and the 2.4 because they both have a 3 MB L2 cache, while you will see a significant increase in performance between the 2.4 and the 2.5, as the 2.5 GHz has a 6 MB L2 cache. I have had excellent experience with Sony's tech support in the last few years. Dell is always going on about how their tech support is the best, but every single time I call them (yes, I prank call Dell quite often) I get some Indian dude who can barely speak English. With Sony, in the last few years, every single time I have called, I get someone with an American accent who clearly (1) knows how to speak English and (2) knows what they are talking about thoroughly. The first time I used Sony's tech support was to set up my network connection for SOCOM II! The guy I got was American, he was very friendly and helped me get online quickly. He even took the time to mix in some casual conversation about the game. That's something you will never get with some guy in India, AKA Dell's tech support. Anyways, I just thought I'd share that long bit.

This time, I was talking to Sony via live chat (something Dell provides, as well) about the processors for the FZ series. The guy asked for my phone number and within 10 minutes an American woman from Sony called me and answered any additional questions I had, in detail. Sony's tech support is the best, definitely not Dell's.

 

The only thing I would add is that unless you are doing CPU intensive applications (CAD, Photoshop, etc), the "regular" user is still not going to see a significant enough difference between the T8xxx and the T9xxx to justify what is typically $100's more in cost.

Please go to the Hardware Forum and search - there are more than a few threads on the differences of these processors.

 

Hi folks,

@ bubbatex - Thanks for your extensive answer. BTW, what is your favorite Hardware Forum!?!

@ pnoozi - enjoyed your write-up also.

G!

 

The one here, of course!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

 

With the CPU, as stated there will be little heat difference if at all between the two T8xxx CPUs. As far as bumping to a T9xxx, to me it wasn't worth the price jump. Mine runs substantially cooler than my SZ with T7200 did and I feel like there are gallons of speed available. With the HDD, I have the 160 5400rpm drive and I use mine for a ton of photos and music and a couple games. I currently have 47GB spare and back everything up externally when I think about it. I'm happy I stuck with the 160gb and for the normal user I wouldn't think the 256 flash memory will noticable.

If you're interested in a review discussion you can see my impressions here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222555
I've added a few updates to that thread too. This is the best PC or notebook I have ever owned. The hardware and the build are excellent.

 

The price difference between 160gig and 250gig is 80$, which IMO is bit steep. If you want, you can order with minimal HDD, get Hitach 200gb 7200rpm HDD somewhere else and swap it. I bought this particular drive and put it on my FZ. It costs less than 140$, which is cheaper than upgrade on Sonystyle, and I can now use my old HDD for external storage.

So, if you aren't sure, you can always upgrade your HDD later - its pretty easy on FZ. However, CPU upgrade is more difficult and will break warranty, so I recommend going for 2.4ghz.

Overall, I am happy with my FZ. My LCD inverter started to make buzzing noise, so I had to have it repaired. Otherwise, I am happy with it (unlike Dell which I promptly returned). Oh, and it has great headphone jack for a laptop.

 

Hi folks,

@ WoodGypsy ... How long did you have your FZ before your LCD Inverter started buzzing!?!? You mentioned changing the HD is easy ... is it from the back panel!?!?

G!

 

I agree - but some folks just don't want to tackle upgrades and prefer to get it right the first time (I know this because I used to be one of those ).

BTW - how is that 200gb Hitachi working out - I am looking at that drive or a 250 or 320 5400rpm drive. The Seagate in my FZ has that annoying click-click all day and the Hitachi has software that at least allow for a little tweaking in that area.

gonwk - yep, you access the HDD from the bottom of the FZ - one screw. Same with the RAM. It really is simple - just make sure you are not full of static electricity!

 

Hi BubbaTex,

Thanks for your reply.

BTW guys Hitachi has a 250GB and 320GB in "Travelstar 7K320" ... if you need that much of space!

G!

 

Actually you have to unscrew 8 screws to get to HDD. One to open the back panel, 3 to remove the casing from PC, and 4 to remove HDD itself from casing. However, I find it intuitive (don't forget to remove battery and unplug laptop before doing this, though).

I believe "buzzing" was somewhat common problem on earlier FZ. It happened from time to time, and was annoying in quiet room. Because I needed my PC for classes, I waited repair till the school is over.

200gb Hitach is working well - it is noticeably faster than 160gb Seagate, and not any warmer. I like it.

 

Thanks (and yes, I really forgot about all of the screws internally - duh on me!)

 

Hi folks,

@ WoodGypsy ... THANKS for the Reminder to take out the "Battery".

G!