Processors.. Core vs Pentium clock speeds?

Quicktime_GT · 11-19-2008, 09:20 AM

I bought a dell laptop around 4 years ago, and at the time Pentium 4 processors were available. I orderd a a Dell 5160 with a 3.2Ghz Pentium 4 mobile. After receiving the computer, I later upgraded it to 2 GB of RAM.

The computer worked great, but recently the mother board went out.

I've been looking at new laptops, and I suppose I just don't understand processing speed.

Even newer Intel Core 2 processors are only available with up to 2.4Ghz.. unless you opt for the Extreme processors..

I've been checking out new dell mini laptops, as I like the price and I think i'd like to build a more powerful desktop after graduation. Basically i'm looking for a cheaper computer to get me through for a while.

How does the new Core processors with clock speeds of 1.6 -2.0 compare to my older Pentium 4 3.2? I just hate to buy a new computer that runs slower than a 5 year old Dell.

Any advice? This whole processor speed thing is getting to my head.

**ssj4Gogeta** · 11-19-2008, 10:30 AM

Hi
Even 2.0 Core 2 Duo will be MUCH faster than 3.2 Pentium 4.

P4 has only one core. Core 2 Duo's have 2 cores, so actually there are 2 processors, each working at 2.0 GHz. And Core 2 Quads have 4 cores, or 4 processing units. Besides, Core uses less power and runs much cooler. Besides, Core 2's have more L2 cache.

So any Core 2 is much better than any P4.

Quote:

I just hate to buy a new computer that runs slower than a 5 year old Dell.

You'll be amazed how much faster Core 2 Duos are.

Quicktime_GT · 11-19-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssj4Gogeta

Hi
Even 2.0 Core 2 Duo will be MUCH faster than 3.2 Pentium 4.

P4 has only one core. Core 2 Duo's have 2 cores, so actually there are 2 processors, each working at 2.0 GHz. And Core 2 Quads have 4 cores, or 4 processing units. Besides, Core uses less power and runs much cooler. Besides, Core 2's have more L2 cache.

So any Core 2 is much better than any P4.

You'll be amazed how much faster Core 2 Duos are.

Thanks!...

Thats exactly the kind of info I was looking for!

**linderman** · 11-19-2008, 02:02 PM

the newer c2d process more data per clock cycle too ..... so you cant compare them anymore just by GHZ speed

**ssj4Gogeta** · 11-19-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

the newer c2d process more data per clock cycle too ..... so you cant compare them anymore just by GHZ speed

Yup! It's not just clock speed that decides the overall performance of a processor. IPC (Instructions per Cycle) also counts.

Quicktime_GT · 11-20-2008, 12:37 PM

SO i've been chekcing out Dell's XPS computers..

I need a laptop for school, and want to buy a good computer and they seem to come with pretty good specs, but are they worth the money?

They have this new deal, where you can get an XPS and add a mini 9 for $99, that would be beneficial for my situtation as it will be my christmas present, and my dad has been wanting a new cheaper laptop.

http://http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dydwhf1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=productdetails~xpsnb_m1530

How does this look:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
Tuxedo Black
No Microsoft Office
2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD(1440x900) & 2MP Camera
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530

Would a 6mb cache core 2 2.5 be worth $150 more? I've read that basically the size of the cache is the amount of instructions the processor has to work with? ?

I've got access to microsoft office, and other software so thats not an issue.

I want a laptop, but feel like this is a lot of money for a so-so computer...

**wrench97** · 11-20-2008, 01:15 PM

I got my wife a XPS1530 in June with a T7200 2gig cpu, 3 Gig Ram and the m8600gt 1 year warranty on special for $978 there are issues with the m8600gt running hot so there is a bios update to run the fans faster there by cutting battery life hour and a half tops before it needs charging the Bios update cut almost an hour off it. Bluetooth adapter is a pita it's been replaced 3 times she still can't get the mouse to work most of the time so she finally got used to the touch pad and doesn't use the bluetooth for anything else Screen is good sharp and clear it's vista which doesn't thrill me but she likes the eye candy. I was looking for it to be a hand me down next year but I think I'll pick myself out something different maybe with ATI video in an HP.

**ssj4Gogeta** · 11-20-2008, 08:37 PM

nvidia laptop parts have a manufacturing defect and have been failing recently. I'd go for an ATI one.

Quote:

Would a 6mb cache core 2 2.5 be worth $150 more? I've read that basically the size of the cache is the amount of instructions the processor has to work with? ?

If you game, yes it'll be worth it I think. Cache isn't the amount of instructions the processor has to work with. It's a storage area in the processor itself which is much faster than RAM. It stores frequently used data so that the processor doesn't need access it over the slower RAM. It can speed up some apps like games.

Quicktime_GT · 11-21-2008, 08:04 PM

Anyone ever dealt with Xremenotebooks.com?

http://http://www.xtremenotebooks.com/index.php?section=specs&model_id=1492#top

I am not really focusing on the brand of computer as much as whats in it at this point, anyone have any other recommendations on fast laptops.

11-19-2008, 09:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Quicktime_GT Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 30 OS: winXP	Processors.. Core vs Pentium clock speeds? I bought a dell laptop around 4 years ago, and at the time Pentium 4 processors were available. I orderd a a Dell 5160 with a 3.2Ghz Pentium 4 mobile. After receiving the computer, I later upgraded it to 2 GB of RAM. The computer worked great, but recently the mother board went out. I've been looking at new laptops, and I suppose I just don't understand processing speed. Even newer Intel Core 2 processors are only available with up to 2.4Ghz.. unless you opt for the Extreme processors.. I've been checking out new dell mini laptops, as I like the price and I think i'd like to build a more powerful desktop after graduation. Basically i'm looking for a cheaper computer to get me through for a while. How does the new Core processors with clock speeds of 1.6 -2.0 compare to my older Pentium 4 3.2? I just hate to buy a new computer that runs slower than a 5 year old Dell. Any advice? This whole processor speed thing is getting to my head.

11-19-2008, 02:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Processors.. Core vs Pentium clock speeds? the newer c2d process more data per clock cycle too ..... so you cant compare them anymore just by GHZ speed __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

11-20-2008, 12:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Quicktime_GT Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 30 OS: winXP	Re: Processors.. Core vs Pentium clock speeds? SO i've been chekcing out Dell's XPS computers.. I need a laptop for school, and want to buy a good computer and they seem to come with pretty good specs, but are they worth the money? They have this new deal, where you can get an XPS and add a mini 9 for $99, that would be beneficial for my situtation as it will be my christmas present, and my dad has been wanting a new cheaper laptop. http://http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dydwhf1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=productdetails~xpsnb_m1530 How does this look: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache) Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 Tuxedo Black No Microsoft Office 2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD(1440x900) & 2MP Camera 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms) 500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write) 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate) 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition Finger Print Reader XPS M1530 Would a 6mb cache core 2 2.5 be worth $150 more? I've read that basically the size of the cache is the amount of instructions the processor has to work with? ? I've got access to microsoft office, and other software so thats not an issue. I want a laptop, but feel like this is a lot of money for a so-so computer...

11-20-2008, 01:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,469 OS: Win7	Re: Processors.. Core vs Pentium clock speeds? I got my wife a XPS1530 in June with a T7200 2gig cpu, 3 Gig Ram and the m8600gt 1 year warranty on special for $978 there are issues with the m8600gt running hot so there is a bios update to run the fans faster there by cutting battery life hour and a half tops before it needs charging the Bios update cut almost an hour off it. Bluetooth adapter is a pita it's been replaced 3 times she still can't get the mouse to work most of the time so she finally got used to the touch pad and doesn't use the bluetooth for anything else Screen is good sharp and clear it's vista which doesn't thrill me but she likes the eye candy. I was looking for it to be a hand me down next year but I think I'll pick myself out something different maybe with ATI video in an HP. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

11-21-2008, 08:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
Quicktime_GT Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 30 OS: winXP	Re: Processors.. Core vs Pentium clock speeds? Anyone ever dealt with Xremenotebooks.com? http://http://www.xtremenotebooks.com/index.php?section=specs&model_id=1492#top I am not really focusing on the brand of computer as much as whats in it at this point, anyone have any other recommendations on fast laptops.