Laptops With Processor 2.5ghz Or More

[joe90]

Went to Panthip Plaza to look for a laptop and couldn't find anything more powerful than 2.56ghz.

I picked up a few catalogues from the official stores - Acer, HP etc but none of them had anything more powerful in.

Are they just not available in Bangkok, does any one know where i can find them?

[idierks]

The most powerful laptops (3 GHZ) will be from Dell or Sony (vaio). But I don't know the actual prices.

[dave_boo]

You're quickly reaching the point of diminishing returns with Core2Duo above around 2.2 GHZ, especially when you consider that most of those laptops have an 800mhz FSB. I doubt you'll be able to tell the difference between a 2.2 and a 3.2 (which I believe will be an older P4) during regular usage. If you're planning on doing heavy usage, why don't you build a desktop up for a huge savings and get a slower laptop?

[wxpwzrd]

Picked me up an HP DV7 series laptop about 3 weeks ago. It may only be 2.53GHz, but it is the new Penryn so 1066 FSB 6Meg cache. Oh and it is paired with 4 Gig of DDR2 800 RAM. The faster FSB will compensate easily for a 'slower' CPU.

[joe90]

thanks for the advice - it was very helpful.

I will be using it for music production and this new peice of software that has been released has a specification of 3ghz or more. I expect you can fly to the moon using it. My knowledge on the ins and outs of chip speed is limited so your points about the cache size are very welcome.

I need it to be portable or i would go for the desktop option.

Having looked into it a bit more i think i'm going to have to settle for something around the 2.4/5 mark. I was looking at the HP's myself think i might go for something similar to the Penryn your on about.

thanks again

[Lorin]

Sony Vaio VGN-FZ38GU

Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology

Processor Name

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9300(2.50 GHz)*1*2

Chipset

Mobile Intel® PM965 Express Chipset

Processor System Bus

800MHz

Memory Bus

667MHz

Cache Memory

6MB

Fast running monster, I played with one in Pantip recently, considering to get me one, the only bad side is the price of 89900 baht, but they add 2G more of ram for that price, and ton of small free stuff.

[dekka007]

The best performing laptop available just now in Thailand is:

Acer Aspire 5930g:

2.53ghz Core2duo (T9400 1066mhz FSB 6mb L2 Cache)

Nvida 9600GT 512mb graphics (DDR3 version not the DDR2 version in HP / Asus models - 20% faster on benchmarks)

15.4" 8ms response screen (Fastest update available)

320gb 5400rpm HD

4gb DDR2 Memory

Blu-Ray

HDMI out (true 5.1 dolby output) and built in sub-woofer.

Price is 59900

3DMark score 5700 compared to 2900 on sony and 4500 on HP. The sony looks great but as usual sony put fast processors and SH*T graphics cards which cripples the system.

If you get the above aspire and can spend 3500 more put the 320gb 7200rpm drive in it - makes it much snappier although having said that the stock 5400rpm 320gb gives better benchmarks than the 250gb 7200rpm drive.

Edited October 15, 2008 by dekka007

[joe90]

the acer sounds like the business dekka - thanks again for everyones suggestions

[dave_boo]

thanks for the advice - it was very helpful.

I will be using it for music production and this new peice of software that has been released has a specification of 3ghz or more. I expect you can fly to the moon using it. My knowledge on the ins and outs of chip speed is limited so your points about the cache size are very welcome.

I need it to be portable or i would go for the desktop option.

Having looked into it a bit more i think i'm going to have to settle for something around the 2.4/5 mark. I was looking at the HP's myself think i might go for something similar to the Penryn your on about.

thanks again

For all those promoting the T9400, I would like to point out that it is a Micro-FCBGA. So, you're stuck with whatever processor is installed in the system, where if you had a socket 478 you'd be able to upgrade it. And considering the problems that recent BGA arrays have had (yes I'm looking at your Xbox360!), I'd be leery of the platform, especially considering the amount of heat that is availabe from a laptop.

Odd that they would have the 3+ GHZ requirement joe90, there are currently NO laptop processors at that speed (other than the older P4), and not really that many desktop versions either (21 for sale on Newegg).

[dekka007]

For all those promoting the T9400, I would like to point out that it is a Micro-FCBGA. So, you're stuck with whatever processor is installed in the system, where if you had a socket 478 you'd be able to upgrade it. And considering the problems that recent BGA arrays have had (yes I'm looking at your Xbox360!), I'd be leery of the platform, especially considering the amount of heat that is availabe from a laptop.

Nonsense. The T series are all socketable and upgradable. You could replace the T9400 with a T9500 pr T9600 or any other 478 pin micro-fcbga processor. The processor is not soldered to the motherboard etc. T9600 478 pin Micro-FCBGA is around $625. I opened my Acer 5930g to install new HD and took off the cpu heatsink and it is socketable 478.

Nerver had a problem with heat on the any of the T series Micro-FCBGA laptops from Apple, Asus, Acer, Dell, IBM. In fact the T series Penryns are the coolest running CPU's I have ever seen.

Edited October 15, 2008 by dekka007

[nikster]

You guys are replacing processors in laptops? Jeez. Maximum geek points for you

The new MacBook Pro comes with a penryn up to 2.8 GHz BTO. I expect others to follow suit. It was only introduced yesterday so I guess it will take a week or so to come to the LOS.

Oh, and the graphics is also interesting - it's a new Hybrid NVidia chipset (9400?). Chipset graphics + a dedicated gfx card and you can switch between them like on the Sonys. The new thing is that if you switch to the dedicated gfx, it can use the chipset and the dedicated card, not either/or. Kinda like SLI. In a laptop! Those things will rock, I am sure Acer and others are going to build systems with these soon.

[stumonster]

Odd that they would have the 3+ GHZ requirement joe90,

I would say they are referring to the P4 and any dual core processor will be more than adequate regardless of its clock speed

[joe90]

the virtual instrument is called Omnisphere by spectrasonic. its pretty dam_n impressive and has some very serious system requirments - check the link below or google the name if that doesn't work.

http://www.timespace.com/product/OMNI-1///Omnisphere.html

[dave_boo]

For all those promoting the T9400, I would like to point out that it is a Micro-FCBGA. So, you're stuck with whatever processor is installed in the system, where if you had a socket 478 you'd be able to upgrade it. And considering the problems that recent BGA arrays have had (yes I'm looking at your Xbox360!), I'd be leery of the platform, especially considering the amount of heat that is availabe from a laptop.

Nonsense. The T series are all socketable and upgradable. You could replace the T9400 with a T9500 pr T9600 or any other 478 pin micro-fcbga processor. The processor is not soldered to the motherboard etc. T9600 478 pin Micro-FCBGA is around $625. I opened my Acer 5930g to install new HD and took off the cpu heatsink and it is socketable 478.

Nerver had a problem with heat on the any of the T series Micro-FCBGA laptops from Apple, Asus, Acer, Dell, IBM. In fact the T series Penryns are the coolest running CPU's I have ever seen.

I guess you know better than Intel. Pardon the interruption for presenting facts from the manufacturer's website.

You guys are replacing processors in laptops? Jeez. Maximum geek points for you

The new MacBook Pro comes with a penryn up to 2.8 GHz BTO. I expect others to follow suit. It was only introduced yesterday so I guess it will take a week or so to come to the LOS.

Oh, and the graphics is also interesting - it's a new Hybrid NVidia chipset (9400?). Chipset graphics + a dedicated gfx card and you can switch between them like on the Sonys. The new thing is that if you switch to the dedicated gfx, it can use the chipset and the dedicated card, not either/or. Kinda like SLI. In a laptop! Those things will rock, I am sure Acer and others are going to build systems with these soon.

Not that hard to replace them; a small Phillips head for the case screws, a larger one for the heatsink, and a small straight head for the socket and you're in business. I've upgraded my laptop from a T5250 to a T9300, performance was MUCH better and temps dropped a lot especially after applying AS5.

The new MacBook Pros would be the only thing that would make me think about upgrading from my current laptop; even considering that the price premium I'd have to pay to get a ~12% faster processor and much better graphics than my current 8600.

[dave_boo]

One more thing; Nvidia has stated that Hybrid SLI will not work in the new MacBooks.

[wxpwzrd]

For all those promoting the T9400, I would like to point out that it is a Micro-FCBGA. So, you're stuck with whatever processor is installed in the system, where if you had a socket 478 you'd be able to upgrade it. And considering the problems that recent BGA arrays have had (yes I'm looking at your Xbox360!), I'd be leery of the platform, especially considering the amount of heat that is availabe from a laptop.

Nonsense. The T series are all socketable and upgradable. You could replace the T9400 with a T9500 pr T9600 or any other 478 pin micro-fcbga processor. The processor is not soldered to the motherboard etc. T9600 478 pin Micro-FCBGA is around $625. I opened my Acer 5930g to install new HD and took off the cpu heatsink and it is socketable 478.

Nerver had a problem with heat on the any of the T series Micro-FCBGA laptops from Apple, Asus, Acer, Dell, IBM. In fact the T series Penryns are the coolest running CPU's I have ever seen.

I guess you know better than Intel. Pardon the interruption for presenting facts from the manufacturer's website.

Actually the Micro-FCBGA are socketed, ball grid packages. I believe they are replaceable, although I have never bothered replacing a CPU in a laptop.

But I can understand your impression of his response...

I was wondering about his bold statement that the 5930G is the "best performing laptop in Thailand." Too broad and unsourced. And not really bothering to even state which models it is the best performing against.

Edited October 17, 2008 by wxpwzrd

[spacemunk]

"the 5930G is the "best performing laptop in Thailand."

This part really made me fall over and laugh.

[jasreeve17]

For all those promoting the T9400, I would like to point out that it is a Micro-FCBGA. So, you're stuck with whatever processor is installed in the system, where if you had a socket 478 you'd be able to upgrade it. And considering the problems that recent BGA arrays have had (yes I'm looking at your Xbox360!), I'd be leery of the platform, especially considering the amount of heat that is availabe from a laptop.

Nonsense. The T series are all socketable and upgradable. You could replace the T9400 with a T9500 pr T9600 or any other 478 pin micro-fcbga processor. The processor is not soldered to the motherboard etc. T9600 478 pin Micro-FCBGA is around $625. I opened my Acer 5930g to install new HD and took off the cpu heatsink and it is socketable 478.

Nerver had a problem with heat on the any of the T series Micro-FCBGA laptops from Apple, Asus, Acer, Dell, IBM. In fact the T series Penryns are the coolest running CPU's I have ever seen.

I guess you know better than Intel. Pardon the interruption for presenting facts from the manufacturer's website.

You guys are replacing processors in laptops? Jeez. Maximum geek points for you

The new MacBook Pro comes with a penryn up to 2.8 GHz BTO. I expect others to follow suit. It was only introduced yesterday so I guess it will take a week or so to come to the LOS.

Oh, and the graphics is also interesting - it's a new Hybrid NVidia chipset (9400?). Chipset graphics + a dedicated gfx card and you can switch between them like on the Sonys. The new thing is that if you switch to the dedicated gfx, it can use the chipset and the dedicated card, not either/or. Kinda like SLI. In a laptop! Those things will rock, I am sure Acer and others are going to build systems with these soon.

Not that hard to replace them; a small Phillips head for the case screws, a larger one for the heatsink, and a small straight head for the socket and you're in business. I've upgraded my laptop from a T5250 to a T9300, performance was MUCH better and temps dropped a lot especially after applying AS5.

The new MacBook Pros would be the only thing that would make me think about upgrading from my current laptop; even considering that the price premium I'd have to pay to get a ~12% faster processor and much better graphics than my current 8600.

Can ask for some advice please:-

How could I best and most cheaply upgrade without 'disturbing' my system, which works very well. A faster processor, or RAM or something else? I like my systems performance, but would be happy to spend a little more to improve, in time. I don't do too much; writing, internet (youtube videos),presentations and notepad mostly. I listed some info below. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Intel Core2 duo T5850 @ 2.16GHz (level 6)

Vista Home Basic

Total physical RAM 2GB (maximum 4GB)

RAM chip 1 & 2 1024 MB DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 Mhz)

RAM chip 3 & 4 not installed.

I don't know much about computers, so please keep any replies simple (like me).

[dave_boo]

Can ask for some advice please:-

How could I best and most cheaply upgrade without 'disturbing' my system, which works very well. A faster processor, or RAM or something else? I like my systems performance, but would be happy to spend a little more to improve, in time. I don't do too much; writing, internet (youtube videos),presentations and notepad mostly. I listed some info below. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Intel Core2 duo T5850 @ 2.16GHz (level 6)

Vista Home Basic

Total physical RAM 2GB (maximum 4GB)

RAM chip 1 & 2 1024 MB DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 Mhz)

RAM chip 3 & 4 not installed.

I don't know much about computers, so please keep any replies simple (like me).

The best upgrade path for you would probably be more RAM if you're not ready to 'disturb' your system. Usually a small door on the bottom side with a single screw. Turn your system off, unplug the battery, and open the door. Access the situation, just make sure you a ground before rooting around inside your laptop. ESD can destroy electronic components. Check and make sure there is actually 4 slots because a 4 slot laptop is exceedingly rare. I used to have a desktop replacment with four slots, but that's the only one I've seen even though CPUID reports my current laptop as having 4 slots!

So, having seen the guts, decide what you're going to do. If you've only got two slots, you're left with only a couple of choices. First, you could replace both modules with 2 GB versions. However, you're left with 2x 1GB modules; what are you going to do with them. Also of concern in this scenario is the fact that 32 bit operating systems can not access more than ~3.2 GB of RAM. Yes, the latest Service Pack for Vista reports 4 GB, but open up your task manager and see how much it is accessing.

Your other option, again if there's only two slots, is to yank a single module and replace it with a 2 GB module. This takes you up to a total of 3 GB (which means you didn't purchase more RAM than a 32 bit OS can access and therefore waste your money) and you're only stuck with one surplus module.

The reason I recommend the RAM upgrade over others is that for your usage, that's going to be the weak link. It appears you'd have lots of windows open, and your processor is plenty fast enough to handle the work load you described.

In regards to your last question; yes, it's somewhat inter-related. But not entirely; consider the previous generation of processors. The AMD line stomped a muddy hole into Intel's offerings irrespective of the fact that Intel had both clock speed and cache size advantage (and often FSB). All depends on the application you're going to be using, and the efficiency of the processor.

[jasreeve17]

Can ask for some advice please:-

How could I best and most cheaply upgrade without 'disturbing' my system, which works very well. A faster processor, or RAM or something else? I like my systems performance, but would be happy to spend a little more to improve, in time. I don't do too much; writing, internet (youtube videos),presentations and notepad mostly. I listed some info below. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Intel Core2 duo T5850 @ 2.16GHz (level 6)

Vista Home Basic

Total physical RAM 2GB (maximum 4GB)

RAM chip 1 & 2 1024 MB DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 Mhz)

RAM chip 3 & 4 not installed.

I don't know much about computers, so please keep any replies simple (like me).

The best upgrade path for you would probably be more RAM if you're not ready to 'disturb' your system. Usually a small door on the bottom side with a single screw. Turn your system off, unplug the battery, and open the door. Access the situation, just make sure you a ground before rooting around inside your laptop. ESD can destroy electronic components. Check and make sure there is actually 4 slots because a 4 slot laptop is exceedingly rare. I used to have a desktop replacment with four slots, but that's the only one I've seen even though CPUID reports my current laptop as having 4 slots!

So, having seen the guts, decide what you're going to do. If you've only got two slots, you're left with only a couple of choices. First, you could replace both modules with 2 GB versions. However, you're left with 2x 1GB modules; what are you going to do with them. Also of concern in this scenario is the fact that 32 bit operating systems can not access more than ~3.2 GB of RAM. Yes, the latest Service Pack for Vista reports 4 GB, but open up your task manager and see how much it is accessing.

Your other option, again if there's only two slots, is to yank a single module and replace it with a 2 GB module. This takes you up to a total of 3 GB (which means you didn't purchase more RAM than a 32 bit OS can access and therefore waste your money) and you're only stuck with one surplus module.

The reason I recommend the RAM upgrade over others is that for your usage, that's going to be the weak link. It appears you'd have lots of windows open, and your processor is plenty fast enough to handle the work load you described.

In regards to your last question; yes, it's somewhat inter-related. But not entirely; consider the previous generation of processors. The AMD line stomped a muddy hole into Intel's offerings irrespective of the fact that Intel had both clock speed and cache size advantage (and often FSB). All depends on the application you're going to be using, and the efficiency of the processor.

Dave, thanks very much for you extensive reply - much appreciated. I'll take your advice and take it to Pantip for a 1gig RAM upgrade - really I'm just being a consumer because I'm very pleased with my laptop (I even spent an hour on the intel site looking at the 9300, 9400 and 9500. Lovely, but completely unrequired for my usage, as you suggest.)

Thanks again.

[dekka007]

"the 5930G is the "best performing laptop in Thailand."

This part really made me fall over and laugh.

Show me a laptop available in stores today in BKK with better spec processor (2.53ghz), graphics card 9600GT (DDR3 not DDR2), 8ms screen, 4gb memory and blu-ray, Vista 64 in one 15.4""package.... (Not to mention the sub 60k price!)

Can't huh...never mind eh. :rolleyes:' I am not biased towards this as I am an Macbook Pro user.

I suggest you do a bit more research may i be so kind to point you in the direction of say notebookreview.com forums as a starting point for benchmarks etc. etc.

Edited October 18, 2008 by dekka007

[nikster]

One more thing; Nvidia has stated that Hybrid SLI will not work in the new MacBooks.

Yeah, I read that after I posted. Dammit! Apparently there is some logic board magic required to make hybrid SLI work b/c even though the new MBPs have the chipset, it doesn't do hybrid SLI under either OS X or Vista.

I am still going to have to get one though

BTW most Thai Mac websites have updated to show the new machines, one of them is listing the MBP at 73,900 and 91,900. Given that this includes VAT it's more or less the same price as in the USA. Pretty good! The old MBP entry model has dropped below 60K with 4GB included...

Edited October 18, 2008 by nikster

[dekka007]

I am still going to have to get one though

Agreed. The 2.8 version seems very tempting. Although I hate to think what price the Thai dealerships will put on it...

Think I will probably pick it up at the premium dealership in T2 hong kong airport..seems to be about 15% cheaper than here

Edited October 18, 2008 by dekka007

[wxpwzrd]

"the 5930G is the "best performing laptop in Thailand."

This part really made me fall over and laugh.

Show me a laptop available in stores today in BKK with better spec processor (2.53ghz), graphics card 9600GT (DDR3 not DDR2), 8ms screen, 4gb memory and blu-ray, Vista 64 in one 15.4""package.... (Not to mention the sub 60k price!)

Can't huh...never mind eh. ' I am not biased towards this as I am an Macbook Pro user.

I suggest you do a bit more research may i be so kind to point you in the direction of say notebookreview.com forums as a starting point for benchmarks etc. etc.

Ok so now I can see better how you are qualifying "best"... 15.4" screen and less than 60K baht. Fair enough on those terms... Not that I would call it 'the best.' If I remember, the 5930g is using 667 RAM and not 800. Oh and what -- 1 drive bay?

You know, I don't really care if you are wrapped in your own opinions, but to make blanket comments like that really is pointless. What is the best performing for you may not be for everyone else.

[dekka007]

Actually it uses PM45 chipset so if you want ddr 800 u can put it in for the marginal increase in performance it will give you. Your right tho it will give a lightning fast laptop out of the box some more grunt - but not a whole lot more. Ill go get some 800mhz ram and try it and let you know the perf difference.

Please prove me wrong and give me the name of the laptop which can give the same performance in cpumark and 3dmark out of the box and available in Thailand (5700 3dmark non overclock).

I really wish to know because I think there is not one......

Dont see your point on 1 drive bay effects computer performance......

Edited October 18, 2008 by dekka007

[wxpwzrd]

Actually it uses PM45 chipset so if you want ddr 800 u can put it in for the marginal increase in performance it will give you. Your right tho it will give a lightning fast laptop out of the box some more grunt - but not a whole lot more. Ill go get some 800mhz ram and try it and let you know the perf difference.

Please prove me wrong and give me the name of the laptop which can give the same performance in cpumark and 3dmark out of the box and available in Thailand (5700 3dmark non overclock).

I really wish to know because I think there is not one......

Dont see your point on 1 drive bay effects computer performance......

See you have your idea on the definition of 'performance' and others have theirs as well... Performance is not only a 3dmark score. If you do not understand that, I do not desire to spend the time to explain it to you... Maybe you want that extra 3dmark to go play WoW, CoD or whatever the popular game is today. If you want, you can go ahead and be right.

[dekka007]

I am just stating that with the 2.53ghz and the Nvidia 9600gt DDR3 512mb and 4gb of memory and 320gb its the best it gets. Graphics performance wise on a laptop should i wish to play Wow, CoD or whatever the popular game is today. And also with the T9400 its way up there on cpu performance as good as it gets in Thailand right now.

If performance in your eyes is not provided by the 2.53ghz processor, nvidia 9600gt ddr3 graphics, combined with a 320gb HD and 4gb memory with blu ray and 8ms refresh lcd - I have no idea what you rate as computer performance excluding all those items.

But thanks for quoting a brand and model that rates better performance - I do believe i asked you 3 times and 3 times you fail to respond with an answer...I rest my case.

In conclusion for those that are confused by the previous members post. the Acer 5930g is as good as it gets and this is coming from an APPLE user. Its an awesome performing machine and takes some beating if it currently can be.

[wxpwzrd]

I am just stating that with the 2.53ghz and the Nvidia 9600gt DDR3 512mb and 4gb of memory and 320gb its the best it gets. Graphics performance wise on a laptop should i wish to play Wow, CoD or whatever the popular game is today. And also with the T9400 its way up there on cpu performance as good as it gets in Thailand right now.

If performance in your eyes is not provided by the 2.53ghz processor, nvidia 9600gt ddr3 graphics, combined with a 320gb HD and 4gb memory with blu ray and 8ms refresh lcd - I have no idea what you rate as computer performance excluding all those items.

But thanks for quoting a brand and model that rates better performance - I do believe i asked you 3 times and 3 times you fail to respond with an answer...I rest my case.

In conclusion for those that are confused by the previous members post. the Acer 5930g is as good as it gets and this is coming from an APPLE user. Its an awesome performing machine and takes some beating if it currently can be.

Quite frankly, you still have not defined performance attributes. You quote your performance based on a graphics number. Means nothing to me. I dont game on a laptop.

It is as good as it gets FOR YOU. I wanted 17" and I wanted more drive space. You wanted 15. I have your t9400, I have your 2.53, I have your 9600M GT. You want to play WoW and need GDDR3. I dont. I just happen to have 4 Gig PC-6400, BluRay, bluetooth, A/B/G/N.

Go outside and play. You have proven nothing other than you dont read and you are stuck on your own opinion. You might have seen what I already purchased - which was best for me.

Thank you for reminding me the type of people I despise the most when doing consulting work. I am finished wasting time on you - especially in a public forum.

Edited October 18, 2008 by wxpwzrd

[nikster]

I am still going to have to get one though

Agreed. The 2.8 version seems very tempting. Although I hate to think what price the Thai dealerships will put on it...

Think I will probably pick it up at the premium dealership in T2 hong kong airport..seems to be about 15% cheaper than here

The 2.8 is a BTO option so you better order it in advance. How much exactly is it in HK airport? I'd be surprised if they are cheaper than in the U.S....

[nikster]

Go outside and play. ...

I think it's way past bedtime, kids.

Don't take it sooooooo seriously guys...

BTW my wife is the best in the world. And that's a fact.