Mikhalkov

They are nearly the same processor multiplied by different factors. If you divide the speed by the clock multiplier, both of them come out to be the same, or at least really really close. The only difference between the two is the clock multiplier and the L2 cache. The Pentium is faster, but has a smaller cache. Because a CPU runs much faster than the rest of the system, the cache stores instructions so the CPU can work on its own while it waits for the rest of the system. So the Pentium is faster, but can't store as many instructions in it's cache than the Centrino. I would say go for the Pentium, but I don't know if those numbers in particular will bottleneck the Pentium, making the Centrino faster. Also, something else to consider is the Pentium is going to run hotter than the Centrino, so if you get it, make sure it is properly cooled.