Speed?
February 11, 2010 2:33 PM   Subscribe

Laptop processor question

I have a three year old Sony VGN SZ2 laptop with an Intel T2500 Core Duo running at 2.0 gig with 2mb of RAM.

I'm thinking of a new laptop. What processor do I need to be faster? For instance, I see laptops with CULV chips running at 1.3gig. Surely that is a step down?

Or does a better processor running slower equal or surpass an older processor running faster?

Do you see what I mean? Sorry if I haven't expressed it well.
posted by A189Nut to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)
 
You can't really compare clock speed between different processor generations - ie. Core Duo vs Core2Duo ULV. Also keep in mind the onboard cache numbers and FSB.

Best thing is to try them out yourself, or get real world benchmark numbers (which aren't that accurate anyways, but they're a start).
posted by wongcorgi at 2:39 PM on February 11, 2010


You can browse the GeekBench database and maybe, you'll luck out and find your laptop there, and then compare it to other computers.
posted by jaimev at 2:45 PM on February 11, 2010


Yes, CULV 1.3GHz is a step down in terms of processing power. "ULV" stands for "ultra low voltage" and these chips draw 10W versus 31W for the one you have now. That's the advantage.
posted by GuyZero at 2:51 PM on February 11, 2010


FWIW, The SU7300 ULV 1.3ghz benches higher than the T2500.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
posted by wongcorgi at 3:23 PM on February 11, 2010


Response by poster: Laptop is bought by work, so don't have the chance to use - will be from the catalogue.

So if you were buying a laptop, what processor would you look for. Battery duration isn't that vital.
posted by A189Nut at 4:06 PM on February 11, 2010


I'd look for a dual core processor running 2+GHz.
posted by 6550 at 5:10 PM on February 11, 2010


What are you going to use your laptop for?

If it's cpu heavy work, then go for a laptop with a decent multi-core cpu.

If you need to carry the laptop around a lot, go for a light laptop.

If you need to use the laptop for long periods away from a power socket, go for long battery life.

If you are doing anything 3D then get something with a good 3D card.

If you're a typical user, i.e. you need the laptop for the web, word processing, spreadsheets, etc. (the light stuff) then the cpu isn't really the thing you should be basing your decision on. Just make sure the keyboard and screen are comfortable.

Light long-life laptops have got a lot cheaper in the last year. Look at this when comparing your current laptop with your potential new laptop.
posted by devnull at 3:06 AM on February 12, 2010


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