I've been contemplating getting a mobile workstation. For better or worse I'm looking at Dell; good performance from them in the past. I'm after solid performance over a three year payback. And looking at getting a better graphics card or additional ram with money 'saved'.
What processor to select? Is there a bottleneck that lays hidden in the choice between cache ram speed/size, graphics card size or a disc speed that needs to be addressed to solid performance for the money spent?
The lower priced/spec'ed processors have a lower cache. Is that all there is in the decision? The easiest additional spend is the $130; the $380 not so bad; the $690 seems a bit steep.
intel processor summmary specs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L...ore_2_microprocessors
Dell reference:
http://configure.us.dell.com/d...c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04
Dell's options in processors are (Coretm 2 Duo ) in $USD:
P8400 (2.26GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1067MHZ) Dual Core [Included in Price]
P8600 (2.40GHz, 3M L2 Cache, 1067MHZ) Dual Core [add $60]
P8700 (2.53GHz 3M L2 Cache, 1066MHz) Dual Core [add $60]
T9400 (2.53GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1067MHZ) Dual Core [add $130]
T9550(2.66GHz 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz) Dual Core [add $130]
T9600 (2.80GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1067MHZ) Dual Core [add $380]
T9800 (2.93GHz 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz) Dual Core [add $380]
X9100 (3.06GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1067MHZ) Dual Core [add $690]
Quad QX9300 (2.53GHz, 12M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) [add $890]
Realise this is a bit detailed, but if i'm going to commit to a high end mobile workstation I dont want to throw the money away and live with the consequences for three years.
Thanks in advance
If cost is an issue, check out the M6300s on the Dell Outlet. The M6300 is a real workhorse and there are some terrific deals on refurbished units. They still come with a 3 year warranty.