Core 2 Duo questions

[jcd11235 0]

I'm trying put together a meaningful comparison of desktop computers for my parents. One of the problems I've run into is that some manufacturers, including Apple and Sony, use mobile processors instead of desktop processors.

1. Generally, what are the significant differences between desktop and mobile processors with similar CPU speed, L2 cache size and front side bus speeds? Specifically, what are the significant differences between Intel's Core 2 Duo models E6420 and T7400?

2. Is it beneficial to have a FSB that is faster than the RAM? What are the benefits? I've read that the Core 2 Duo offers optimum performance with synchronous front side bus and RAM speeds, to the extent that 667 MHz FSB/667 MHz RAM outperforms 800 MHz FSB/667 MHz RAM, but have been unable to find corroborating sources or testing.

3. If a CPU with a FSB speed of 1066 MHz is chosen, would it be beneficial to use DDR2 533 MHz RAM instead of DDR2 667MHz RAM? (For example, 2x 1 GiB DDR2 533 MHz vs. 2x 1 GiB DDR2 667 MHz vs. 4x 512 MiB DDR2 533MHz vs. 4x 512 MiB DDR2 667 MHz)

Thanks. Feel free to add relevant info that I might not know to ask about.

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[justinb138 0]

My opinion:

Go with the desktop model of the Core2 if you can.

If it's a store-bought computer, don't worry about RAM/FSB speeds too much, you're not likely going to be able to mess with the settings that much anyway.

If it's not going to be used for gaming, etc, you probably won't notice much difference between the different speeds..

[jcd11235 0]

Thanks for the response.

I am comparing store bought computers, and not intending to build anything myself, with the possible exception of doing RAM upgrades myself to save money.

Without being able to understand the differences between the desktop and mobile versions of the C2D, a meaningful comparison between even store bought computers is impossible, since some use desktop chips (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.) and some use notebook chips (Sony, Apple, etc.).

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[BIGUN 1,483]

With regard to RAM. I just got a new notebook with a Centrino Duo T2080....

http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/compare.htm

If you're going to be running Vista - at the minimum, double the RAM. If you can; quadruple it. I'm not a gamer and use it mostly for business apps. Shifting to 4 gigs.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[jcd11235 0]

> I'm not a gamer and use it mostly for business apps. Shifting to 4 gigs.

I've heard Vista likes a lot of RAM, and am considering 2 GiB to be the absolute minimum.

Are you running Vista 32 bit or Vista 64 bit?

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[BIGUN 1,483]

32

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[Mr.Bill 0]

^