Differences between Intel Processors

I'm looking into buying a new Dell Inspiron laptop with 3GB RAM and one of two processors. However, when looking at the processors section I noticed that they were offering the Intel T4200 and T6400. Both seemed to be exactly the same apart from the L2 cache size (1mb larger on the latter) and the name (T4200 is 'Pentium Dual Core' and T6400 is 'Core 2 Duo'). I have tried looking for additional specs and benchmarks but cannot seem to find any.

The laptop will be used mainly for surfing the net, word documents etc. However, I will also be installing Adobe's Creative Suite 4 as I will be doing some minor graphic design and web design.

Any light you could shed on the situation would be very helpful. Will spending an extra £50 (roughly $80 I think) give me a noticable improvement in performance and battery life?

Tags: cache, dell, difference, intel, l2, laptop, or, processor, t4200, t6400

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Brodt on May 28, 2009 at 8:00pm: It isn't just about the processors anymore. I agree that the Core2Duo is the way to go. But you also need to look at L2 caches sizes, system bus speeds, RAM speed and the like. Not to mention the software needs to be able to take advantage of these things.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Alex on May 29, 2009 at 11:22am: Well I like the way the Core 2 Duo's handle but it sounds like it wont be that big of difference. I have a computer from 3 years ago still and it could run the Adobe Products fine. But when it comes to that kind of software I can see why you'd want to have the extra room to say the least. Though I'd go with the cheeper one for now and if there is a upgrade plan take it and do it as you need it.
Good luck and feel free to ask me anything and I'll try and give the best answer ok.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt DeFazio on June 1, 2009 at 12:02pm: C2D's usually have 1066 MHz Front Side Bus speeds, while PDC's usually have 800 MHz FSB's.

Check out the FSB speed on both.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt Gibson on June 3, 2009 at 11:33am: Just thought I would update you guys, I bought the laptop with the Core2Duo and so far I am very impressed. Runs alot smoother and faster than two other Pentium Dual Core laptops I have lying around. Additionaly, the battery life is excellent compared to those two laptops. So thanks for the help guys!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michael Brodt on June 19, 2009 at 8:13pm: Intel actually just put out a memo of sorts that breaks down their Cor2Duo tech and simplifies their chip portfolio. You may want to check out their website for details.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Greg De Santis on June 20, 2009 at 4:41pm: On my latest compiled fastest to slowest processor benchmark chart here are how the both compare to each other.

Single Processor Fastest To Slowest / Basic Benchmark / CPU Rank
Intel Core2 Duo T6400 @ 2.00GHz / 1312 / 160
Pentium Dual-Core T4200 @ 2.00GHz / 1227 / 174

And here is the portion of the chart with all of the other processors listed in between to give you an idea of what they are compared to.

Single Processor Fastest To Slowest / Basic Benchmark / CPU Rank
Intel Core2 Duo T6400 @ 2.00GHz / 1312 / 160
AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Dual Core / 1306 / 161
Intel Core2 Duo T8100 @ 2.10GHz / 1305 / 162
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+ / 1288 / 163
Intel Core2 6420 @ 2.13GHz / 1278 / 164
AMD Athlon X2 Dual Core BE-2400 / 1267 / 165
Intel Pentium D 3.73GHz / 1263 / 166
AMD Athlon Dual Core 4850e / 1262 / 167
Dual Core AMD Opteron 185 / 1256 / 168
Intel Core2 6400 @ 2.13GHz / 1249 / 169
Intel Core2 Duo T7500 @ 2.20GHz / 1241 / 170
Intel Pentium Dual E2200 @ 2.20GHz / 1235 / 171
Intel Core2 Duo E4500 @ 2.20GHz / 1234 / 172
Intel Core2 T7600 @ 2.33GHz / 1233 / 173
Pentium Dual-Core T4200 @ 2.00GH / 1227 / 174; ▶ Reply to This