Question about mobile processors

[jjanders]

I'm trying to help my girlfriend pick out a laptop. When I try to compare processors, I can't seem to tie back the model number they give to retail processors that are for sale....for example the Intel Centrino Duo T2450 vs. T5300. The 2450 is 2GHZ while the 5300 is 1.73, but I assume because of the higher number the 5300 has a newer/"better" core....or am I wrong? How do I easily compare the processor of various laptops?

Thanks.

 

[Arkaign]

They're different cores, but comparable mhz to mhz within 5-10% % in most apps. So the 2ghz C2D will be 5-10% faster than the 2ghz Centrino Duo, and you can see where that leaves a 1.73ghz CD (a 1.6Ghz C2D is about equal to it). Pentium Dual-Core mobile is different, and probably 1:1 with Centrino Duo in performance. Celeron shouldn't be considered, as they have no dynamic clock control for heat/battery life concerns, and generally 1/2 the cache of the C2D/Centrino Duo parts.

 

[JustaGeek]

besides of what's been said, I believe that the 2000 series have the FSB of 533MHz, 5000 series FSB = 667MHz, 7000 series have the FSB of 800.

Higher FSB frequency = better throughput = better overall performance.

 

[TC91]

if you plan on using 64bit stuff, then it may be more beneficial to pick up a core 2 duo since the plain core duo's are 32bit only. but generally the performnace between those 2 cpu's are pretty close. if u dont plan on using 64bit, then it might be good to get the core duo, since its usually a lower cost cpu and might come with more say ram for example, or a larger hard drive, etc.