Which CPU is better

[volerom]

I am looking at buying a new computer soon and have had no luck finding anything comparing these 2 processors. Please tell me which one is the best for gaming and for work.

Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9650 or the Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Mobile X9100 Dual-Core Processor

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Doltron]

The Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Mobile X9100 Dual-Core Processor is a laptop cpu... Note the word Mobile.

 

[volerom]

Yeah I am looking at 2 different laptops at cyberpowerpc.com. The 2 I am trying to decide between have the processors listed below. I want to be sure to pick the best one. The laptops will be around the $3000 range and I want to be sure it is the best I can get.

Thanks

 

[volerom]

Here is one of the builds. Please tell me what you think.

# *BASE_PRICE: [+2799]
# ADAPTER: Universal AC-DC Adapter
# BATTERY: 12-cell Li-Ion Battery Pack 6600mAh (D901C)
# BAGS: Free Deluxe Carrying Bag for 17 Inch Notebook
# CPU: (Quad-Core)Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q9650 @ 3.0GHz 1333FSB 12MB L2 Cache 64-bit [+360]
# CD: DVD Optical Drive (8X DVD Rewritable Drive)
# FLOPPY: NONE
# FREEBIE_OS: None
# FLASHMEDIA: Built-In 7in1 Media Reader
# HDD: 320GB 7200RPM SATA150 HARD DRIVE [+106]
# INVERTER: NONE
# IEEE_CARD: BUILT-IN 1394 IEEE FIREWIRE PORT
# KEYBOARD: BUILT-IN KEYBOARD
# MOUSE: BUILT-IN TOUCHPAD
# MODEM: BUILT-IN 56K V.92 FAX MODEM
# MOTHERBOARD: Intel P965 + ICH-8R Chipset Mainboard
# MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC5300 DDR2-667 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
# NOTEBOOK: Clevo D901C Notebook 17" WSXGA+ 1680x1050 Pixels w/ 1.3 Megapixel Built-in Webcam, Li-Ion Battery, & Universal AC Adapter
# NOTEBOOK_COVER: Clevo D901C Notebook Cover (Original Color)
# NB_LCD: 17.1 inch TFT LCD Display (Widescreen WUXGA 1920 x 1200 Pixels [+99])
# NETWORK: Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Card
# NB_TRAVELKIT: NONE
# OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (32-bit Edition)
# PRINTER: None
# PRINTER_CABLE: None
# RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
# SOFT: Free 60 Days Microsoft® Office® 2007 (Words, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook + More) - Windows Vista™ Required
# SERVICE: STANDARD 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AND 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: BUILT-IN AC 97 SOUND
# SPEAKERS: BUILT-IN STEREO SPEAKERS SYSTEM
# TVRC: None
# UPS: None
# USB: 3 x USB2.0 Port Connectors
# USBHD: NONE
# VIDEO: Built-in NVIDIA Video (Dual NVIDIA GeForce Go 9800M GT MXM GDDR3 512MB PCI-E Video - SLI Mode)
# VIDEOCAMERA: Built-in 2.0 Mega Pixel Camera
# WNC: Intel 4965AGN Wireless 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N 54Mbps MiniPCI Card [+13]
# _PRICE: (+3377)
# _view_: detail

 

[volerom]

Here is the 2nd build. Tell me what you think.

# *BASE_PRICE: [+2299]
# ADAPTER: Universal AC-DC Adapter
# BLUETOOTH: Built-in Bluetooth
# BATTERY: 12-cells Li-Ion Battery Pack (OCZ)
# BAGS: Free Deluxe Carrying Bag for 17 Inch Notebook
# CPU: Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Mobile X9100 Dual-Core Processor @ 3.06GHz 1066FSB 6MB L2 Cache [+596]
# CD: 8X DVD REWRITABLE DRIVE
# FLASHMEDIA: Built-In 7in1 Media Reader
# FREEBIE_OS: None
# HDD: 320GB 7200RPM SATA150 HARD DRIVE [+80]
# IEEE_CARD: BUILT-IN 1394 IEEE FIREWIRE PORT
# INVERTER: NONE
# KEYBOARD: BUILT-IN KEYBOARD
# MOUSE: BUILT-IN TOUCHPAD
# MODEM: BUILT-IN 56K V.92 FAX MODEM
# MOTHERBOARD: Intel PM45 + ICH-9M Chipset Mainboard
# MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC3-8500 DDR3-1066 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
# NOTEBOOK: OCZ Notebook 17" WUXGA 1920x1200 Pixels, Dual ATI Mobile MXM HD3870 512MB Video with CrossFireX Technology w/ 2.0 Megapixel Built-in Webcam, Bluetooth, Built-in Fingerprint Sensor, Li-Ion Battery, & Universal AC Adapter
# NOTEBOOK_COVER: Gamer Xtreme M1 Notebook Cover (Original Color)
# NB_LCD: 17" WUXGA TFT LCD Display 1920x1200 Pixels
# NETWORK: Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Card
# NB_TRAVELKIT: NONE
# OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (32-bit Edition)
# PRINTER: None
# PRINTER_CABLE: None
# RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
# SECURITY: Built-in Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
# SOFT: Free 60 Days Microsoft® Office® 2007 (Words, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook + More) - Windows Vista™ Required
# SERVICE: STANDARD 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AND 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: BUILT-IN AC 97 SOUND
# SPEAKERS: BUILT-IN STEREO SPEAKERS SYSTEM
# TVRC: None
# USB: 3 x USB2.0 Port Connectors
# UPS: None
# USBHD: NONE
# VIDEO: Built-in Dual ATI Mobile Radeon HD3870 512MB DDR2 Video with CrossFireX Technology
# VIDEOCAMERA: Built-in 2.0 Mega Pixel Camera
# WNC: Intel WiFi Link 5300 a/b/g/n Wireless Adapter
# _PRICE: (+2975)
# _view_: detail

 

[Guest]

hmmm i may be going nuts but the q9650 is a desktop CPU and the x9100 is a laptop CPU why would you be comeparing a laptop vs a desktop :s as for which is better q9650 is by far better it has the same clock speed or almost the same but 2 extra cores, in most games there wont be a big differnce however in some new modern games like supreme commander all 4 cores are used so theres better FPS, for multi tasking and calculations the quad is also better.

however im almost 100% sure there are no quad core CPU's in laptiops at present, i may be wrong and wish i was but i dont think so

 

[volerom]

I am now wondering if cyberpowerpc.com website is messed up and not listing the right processors for that laptop. I will do some more investigating. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Guest]

i think ive got it, i just looked and is it me or oes that laptop with the quad look rather fat.....

my thinking is, its a hybrid laptop wih desktop componets

desktop parts produce more heat and thats why the laptop is so big, if you dont mind size then the quad one looks almost 2X faster in the right situation

 

[dandy]

http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3396

 

[englandr753]

Its impressive those components are in a laptop. Personally I dont like investing that much money in a laptop that can have the lcd monitor to go bad and cost 2/3 the total cost of the laptop. If you get either of those laptops be sure to get the extended warranty to cover this.

I have a laptop that the screen went out 6 months after the 2 year warranty expired, now I have to fix it.

In some cases warrantys arent worth it but when it comes to an expensive laptop, it definitely is.

BTW, if that laptop comes with a Q9650, go for that one. If you want the best and moneys no object that would be my choice. Im impressed if they actually put that cpu in a laptop.

 

[harrycat88]

The best way to go, is just by a cheap Dell laptop along with an Xbox 360 or PS3.
Laptops are the worst computers for gaming due to heat issues. They break so easily under stress. I had to replace my CPU and then the next month I had to replace the power board and turn around again and buy an LCD inverter not counting the keyboard and DVD.

 

[bardia]

Yeah... honestly gaming on a laptop isn't a good idea. While some are decent at it, the second you start seriously considering a quad, I really start to wonder if you shouldn't just build a small desktop and buy a 2nd laptop.

It would be far cheaper, and it would roast that laptop that you currently have in gaming quality. Given the size of that beast... do you really plan on benig portable anyway? And if so, could a 2nd computer suffice?

 

[mi1ez]

Don't buy a laptop with a desktop quad in if you plan on using it on battery power for more than about 2 minutes!

 

[volerom]

I currently have a Dell Inspiron 9200 with 1gb of ram, upgrading today to 2gb and only has a 30gb hd.
I am wanting the best that I can buy, but want it to last 3 to 5 years if possible. So if you think I would be better off going with the duo and not the quad I will do so. If you think the processor will bite the dirt rather quickly with the quad I will steer clear of that. I do do a little gaming with my current one. Games like World of Warcraft and some fps like call of duty and so on. Hardly ever have it unplugged so I am not concerned about the battery at all. I just want a computer that will let me work more efficiently and also enjoy my gaming more than I do now and can also use it as my home computer. Money is not that big an issue. I just basically want the best I can get and still have it last.

By the way thanks for all of the replies. I really do appreciate you all helping me out with this decision.

 

[gamerk316]

Regardless of the CPU you get, do not get the 3870 unless you REALLY want DX 10.1 (which nothing supports...).

 

[wonderingwhatis]

This is the laptop I would go with....
http://www.msimobile.com/DetailPage.aspx?model=GX720-033US
Not the fastest processor or GPU, but man the build quality is top notch and it is still a quick machine with tons of multimedia features.
Its also not going to be insane on your budget; but will still give you good performance.

 

[volerom]

That is a sweet laptop from MSI. I looked on the website on where to purchase it and all of the places don't have it available yet. Any idea where I can go to get that laptop?

 

[volerom]

What about this setup?

Xplorer X7-8800 Notebook

# *BASE_PRICE: [+1619]
# ADAPTER: Universal AC-DC Adapter
# BATTERY: 8-cell Li-On Battery Pack (FL92)
# BAGS: Free Deluxe Carrying Bag for 17 Inch Notebook
# CPU: Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme Mobile X9000 Dual-Core Processor @ 2.80GHz 800FSB 6MB L2 Cache 64-bit [+570]
# CD: 8X DVD REWRITABLE DRIVE
# FREEBIE_CU: FREE! Cyberpower Unleash The Power T-Shirt ($19 Value)
# FLASHMEDIA: Built-In 7in1 Media Reader
# FREEBIE_OS: FREE! (Halo 2) Game
# HDD: 320GB 7200RPM SATA150 HARD DRIVE [+80]
# INVERTER: NONE
# IEEE_CARD: BUILT-IN 1394 IEEE FIREWIRE PORT
# KEYBOARD: BUILT-IN KEYBOARD
# MOUSE: BUILT-IN TOUCHPAD
# MODEM: BUILT-IN 56K V.92 FAX MODEM
# MOTHERBOARD: Mobile Intel® PM965G & ICH8M Chipset Mainboard
# MEMORY: 4GB (2x2GB) PC5300 DDR2-667 SODIMM Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
# NOTEBOOK: Clevo M570RU Notebook 17" WSXGA 1680x1050 Pixels w/ Built-in 1.3 Megapixel Webcam, & Li-Ion Battery, Universal AC Adapter
# NOTEBOOK_COVER: XPLORER X7-8800 Notebook Cover (Original Color)
# NB_LCD: 17" WSXGA TFT Display 1680x1050 Pixels Resolution LCD
# NETWORK: Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Card
# NB_TRAVELKIT: NONE
# OS: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium w/ Service Pack 1 (32-bit Edition)
# PRINTER: None
# PRINTER_CABLE: None
# RUSH: RUSH!!! READY TO SHIP IN NEXT BUSINESS DAY [+109]
# SOFT: Free 60 Days Microsoft® Office® 2007 (Words, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook + More) - Windows Vista™ Required
# SERVICE: STANDARD 1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AND 24/7 LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# SOUND: BUILT-IN AC 97 SOUND
# SPEAKERS: BUILT-IN STEREO SPEAKERS SYSTEM
# TVRC: None
# UPS: None
# USB: 4 x USB2.0 Port Connectors
# USBHD: NONE
# VIDEO: Built-in NVIDIA GeForce Go 8800 GTX 512MB Video [+415]
# VIDEOCAMERA: Built-in 1.3 Mega Pixels Webcam
# WNC: Intel 4965AGN Wireless 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N 54Mbps MiniPCI Card [+7]
# _PRICE: (+2800)
# _view_: detail
$2,800.00 x $2,800.00
If you have a promotion code, please type it in here and hit "Update Cart": 5% Discount » -$140.00


Subtotal: $2,660.00
Ship to: » Tax: $0.00
Electronic Waste Recycling Fee (click here for more info) $8.00
Method: » Charge: $39.00
Fuel surcharge: $7.00
Grand Total: $2,706.00

 

[cjl]

That looks pretty good, though I don't see why gamerk316 recommends against the 3870 - it's a great GPU, and would work quite well. Plus, Nvidia has had some quality problems lately - I would actually tend to lean towards the 3870 over an 8800M.

 

[wonderingwhatis]

That is a sweet laptop from MSI. I looked on the website on where to purchase it and all of the places don't have it available yet. Any idea where I can go to get that laptop?

I was looking a couple weeks ago to replace my macbookpro and could not find anywhere online. I decided against replacing my laptop until next year so I didn't dig deeper, but I'm sure if you call them they can give you some reseller contact info.

Really the OC feature is nice too, I like their OC interface in the BIOS above most others.

 

[uguv]

Hardly ever have it unplugged so I am not concerned about the battery at all. I just want a computer that will let me work more efficiently and also enjoy my gaming more than I do now and can also use it as my home computer.

Sounds like you'd be better off with a desktop than a laptop... If you insist on getting the laptop I'd recommend something like the Gateway P -7811 FX (reviewed at http://www.anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=3373 )

 

[volerom]

The main reason I would like a laptop is so I can use it at home as well as work and not have to buy 2 computers and still have an awesome machine. Since money is not a problem would the last build I listed on here be an ok system to have or do any of you still think that I will have some issues with heat or stability like i might with the first builds I listed?