What to buy AMD X2 or Core 2 Duo – read before you buy a Notebook / Laptop
Many, many new computer users are asking me one basic question about their computing need, a very basic question, that, What to buy ?? will it be core 2 duo or will it be an AMD X2 based computer !!
Which is Better between Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Athlon X2 ??
To be honest, this is a subjective question, there are 2 answer for the question, depending on your budget and need (use of the PC / Notebook / Laptop)…
You must understand, its not just the processor which you buy, its a full PC which contains many other parts, some of them contributes more than a processor to the overall performance of the PC / Notebook / Laptop…
If you just compare just those 2 processor, then, yeah, its the Core 2 Duo always comes as clear winner over AMD X2 range but as I said its the full system which ensures the performance for your PC… So a Core 2 Duo highest end processor based PC which contains other improper hardware may stay behind an AMD X2 based system with proper hardware support…
There are 2 major aspect of making or chosing a system configuration… The 1st one is to judge is that would the real use for the system ?? Do you really need a higher end processor and such when you plan to do basic office job with some entertainment ??
For example, I receive many emails asking to suggest a notebook for Rs. 45,000 (USD 900 more or less) with main need for Basic office job and some entertainment, music, movie !!! Most of them prefer to spend the total amount of a higher end config, which them self may never use…
Few quick facts…
Compaq C702TUwith 1 GB RAM (it comes with default 512 MB, so ask the your vendor to update it to 1 GB) is fully vista premium compatible… Comes with Intel GL960 chipset with GMA x3100, which means it will run all vista animation and Aero effects with full acceleration, its Rs. 25,200/- (INR) with 1 GB RAM and incl all TAX… Though it comes with Celeron processor but can run any software, even Adobe Premiere Pro… However just the processing time would be lot longer for such resource demanding softwares… !!!
So what I want to point is that even you can buy a Notebook with as low budget of Rs. 25000/- to satisfy all your needs, but only when, you understand the meaning of the work which you intend to Carry out…
Therefore with Budget of Rs. 45,000/- to Rs. 50000/- for a notebook which you plan to use for mainly some office job, some imaging, little home video editing and entertainment, AMD X2 range would provide a better solution !!!
There is no real benifit for a core 2 duo processor if it comes with a Intel 946 chipset of GMA 950 as one AMD X2 with Nvidia 7150 or such chipset will out performe the Core 2 Duo based notebook then…
So ever woundered how about this bellow setup if you have a budget of Rs. 45000/- to 50000/- to spend on your notebook ??
Compaq V6608AU with 2 GB RAM upgrade Rs. 35,400/- (INR) and Invest the rest of the ammount (10 to 12k) for a 19″ TFT display such as View Sonic vg1930wm which is Rs. 9800/- and a good 2.1 speaker system…
Use most powerful confuguration at budget of Rs. 35,000/- at move and enjouy full screen movies and bigger screen at Home !!
Seriously though, i think the savings made on the laptop outweigh the risk that it might turn out to be a bad piece…and can I apply for warranty from HP India when I receive it?
Quiz_Master on January 5th, 2008
I always thought C2D is better… and in no condition can outperform AMD..
Thanks for clearing my mind and doubts…