What CPU is most efficient at the moment?

[Janet Reno]

I see Core Duo, Core Solo, Core 2 Duo, Semprons, Turions, TurionX2, CeleronM..
The list goes on.


I don't really know anymore. Which to choose? I won't be doing any gaming, just basic stuff along with music and DVD playback.

I've heard some really loud notebooks before. I like when they're able to keep quiet and I like to extend battery life as much as possible. I've heard bad things about AMD for battery life compared to Intel.

Any ideas?

 

[corkyg]

Your question relates to efficiency. In a CPU, that to me means the most output for the least energy input. That would be Intel, and their newest, Core 2 Duo is the most efficient in that sense.

 

[Doh!]

If it's for basic tasks such as internet, music & dvd, you'll be fine w/ budget lines w/ celeron M (410 & higher based on 65nm) w/ good amount of RAM. They're under $500 at many places. If you want more power, stick w/ C2D-based models.

 

[Smartazz]

The Core Solo, but that's only a single core, I'd recommend a dual core Core 2 Duo 65nm. Soon I think that the 45nm Penryn Core 2 Duo will be the most efficient. You are right about Intel being better than AMD with laptop processors, my Pentium M gets great battery life, it's showing its age now.

 

[BladeVenom]

VIA's C7 processor is very energy efficient.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: Smartazz
The Core Duo, but that's only a single core, I'd recommend a dual core Core 2 Duo 65nm. Soon I think that the 45nm Penryn Core 2 Duo will be the most efficient. You are right about Intel being better than AMD with laptop processors, my Pentium M gets great battery life, it's showing its age now.

The Core Duo is dual cored. The Core Solo and Pentium M series are single cored. The Core Duo and Core 2 Duo are both built on the 65nm process while the Pentium M series are 90nm and 120nm (for the older processors).

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511

Originally posted by: Smartazz
The Core Duo, but that's only a single core, I'd recommend a dual core Core 2 Duo 65nm. Soon I think that the 45nm Penryn Core 2 Duo will be the most efficient. You are right about Intel being better than AMD with laptop processors, my Pentium M gets great battery life, it's showing its age now.

The Core Duo is dual cored. The Core Solo and Pentium M series are single cored. The Core Duo and Core 2 Duo are both built on the 65nm process while the Pentium M series are 90nm and 120nm (for the older processors).

Yeah, I meant Core solo, my mistake.

 

[homestarmy]

I know the Intel chips are faster, but as far as being quiet and taking less power, wouldn't the AMD chips win there?

Although, the Centrino setup will help with the Intel chips. I personally have an Intel Centrino Chipset with a Core Duo, and it lasts for a very long time.

Toshiba makes some wonderful laptops. There are often deals on the 15" widescreen models. I love my 14", but you want larger. My friend has the 17" counterpart which is GREAT, but likely out of your price range.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: homestarmy
I know the Intel chips are faster, but as far as being quiet and taking less power, wouldn't the AMD chips win there?

No, the Intel chips still have lower TDPs, therefore less power is used for them, making them slightly cooler.