Question:
Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
Noob question really: I'm torn between getting 1.80 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 800MHz OR 2.00 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 800MHz.
How do I find out what the equivalent processing power of a dual core is compared to a single processor?! Would the 1.80 GHz Duo be the equivalent of a 3 GHz processor or something?
The reason I'm asking is because it is hard to judge minimum/ recommended system requirements of programs etc I need as they always refer to single processors.
Second, since I'm opting for Vista, I've heard it really benefits from the new Hybrid hard-drives: does anybody know if these hard drives are optimal when running rather graphics-intense games etc?
Surely heavy applications would require the HD to spin continuously and the Hybrid is only beneficial when running "normal" and not too resource-heavy applications? Yes or no? My basic concern here is that if I'm getting a Hybrid and running lotsa heavy games & applications it will wear itself out prematurely from continuously having to spin-up, compared to a normal drive which once up and spinning suffers little wear and tear.
Any input will be most appreciated!
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
Processor: Any dual core is going to fit todays requirements...they're just too darned fast. GHz isn't a big deal anymore, and different processor speeds never were really comparable.
Hard drive: SSD drives will barely impact performance. They'll decrease loading times, but you are not going to get extra FPS. Hybrid drives also cost a TON of money right now, and only offer lower capacities, higher prices, and decreased seek times. Not worth it.
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
Dual core processors are not always faster than single cored processors. It all depends on the application. For example, a non-multithreaded game, cannot use the two cores so, the processors effective speed will be whatever the clockspeed is. However, quite a few games are now multithreaded, and Windows can use its resouces better if it was a dual core processor at its disposal. Like night_2004 said, any dual core processor will do the job these days, and I agree.
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
How do I find out what the equivalent processing power of a dual core is compared to a single processor?! Would the 1.80 GHz Duo be the equivalent of a 3 GHz processor or something?
It doesn't work like that. A 1.80GHz dual-core processor is, well, essentially two 1.80GHz processors. If you run a single-threaded application, it will run as fast as it would on one of the 1.8GHz processors.
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
Processor: Any dual core is going to fit todays requirements...they're just too darned fast. GHz isn't a big deal anymore, and different processor speeds never were really comparable.
Quoted for truth
See my post for proof. I had already tested my laptop but decided to see what the DT could do... I multi-task all the time on my laptop and never get slow down. This crap desktop I'm using now on the other hand... on my laptop I run Foobar, firefox and Pro Evo (its a soccer game yanks) at the same time no probs
sinnasmurfen, look at your potential purchase, then look at mine. Have no more worries :p
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
Thanks guys. Anybody know anything about the Hybrid hard-drive (see first post) because I'm getting contradictory info here, some say its faster and better others the exact opposite! Only thing people agree is that it will decrease loading times, but this is not my primary concern, which is longevity.
I did find this:
Robson 1GB + 160GB HD 5400RPM
Seektime: 20ms random access
Seektime: 15ms full stroke access
Transfer Rate: 32MB/s
Power consumption: Theoretical values max: 3.2W
Power consumption: Theoretical values min: 1.2W
160GB HDD 5400 RPM
Seektime: 30ms random access
Seektime: 25ms full stroke access
Transfer Rate: 34MB/s
Power consumption: Theoretical values max: 2.2W
Power consumption: Theoretical values min: 0.6W
Samsung 160GB Hybrid HD 256MB
Seektime: 18ms random access
Seektime: 16ms full stroke access
Transfer Rate: 35MB/s
Power consumption: Theoretical values max: 2.1W
Power consumption: Theoretical values min: 0.6W
@ night_2004: thanks mate, but I don't think the price differential is that bad: my Hybrid is only £20 or so more expensive than the standard drive, same rpm and size.
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
LFC we must have posted at the same time! Cheers mate, looks good, real good.
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
between the t7100 and t7300 - definitely pick the t7300, its the best cost/performance chip
it doubles cache from the 7100-7300 and its only about a $50 upgrade - which will improve your performance
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
double the cache? i'm game, thankee
any kind soul wanna have a go at the hybrid question? it is really hard to find info on.
Answer:
Re: Dual core combined Ghz? Hybrid hard drive or not?
If it is only 20, then you are not talking about hybrid drives. You're talking about the Intel Turbo Memory chip, which is supposed to act as a larger buffer for magnetic drives. Hybrid drives currently run around $500-$1000USD more for the same amount of space (estimated cost here).
Anyway, Intel Turbo Memory has already been rejected by several companies that state there is no real benefit for the consumer. HP was , and they have the research labs and credentials to back that claim up. Save the 20 and put it somewhere else...like a larger hard drive :).