P4 vs P4-M

[jzdenton]

Generally in the notebook market there seems to be comming out a lot of P4-M machines lately. But how do they match up with their P4 HT counterparts? Which would give you a better gaming experience when you match up a 1.5 mobile vs a 3 HT? Let me give you a more specific example. The Acer Aspire 1681WLMi or the Aspire 1662WLMi. Both can be found here:

http://www.mpsuperstore.com/Computer/discr93569.htm

http://www.mpsuperstore.com/Computer/discr94037.htm

What is the gamer?s verdict. Also and perhaps more interestingly are these notebooks representing some of the sweetest deals in the 1300$ class? All participating comments will be highly appreciated.

 

[Abhi]

You are confusing between the Pentium M and the P4 M. The link(2nd) you have posted is that of a Pentium M.

The P4 M is basically a P4 chip with low power consumption while the Pentium M is chip specifically made for notebooks.

Coming back to your query, given that both systems have the same video card, the P4 3.0 ghz will definately have a performance advantage, but will have HORRIBLE battery life. The claimed battery life is 1.5 hours, when new. If you need mobility and portability, go for the Acer Aspire 1681WLMi Pentium M 1.50GHz

 

[jzdenton]

Oh, I?m sorry. Thanks for clearing that up Abhi. Yes the 1681WLMi certainly has a more portable appeal with its lower power consumption. However it is my wish to be able to play DOOM 3 and the upcoming Half Life 2 on a laptop before I actually get around to buying one(even if its just on a relatively low resolution with details turned down). I have seen DOOM 3 play on poorer computers than the 1662WLMi so I know that should work. However I am very curious as to how a Pentium Mobile 1.5 GHZ will handle these tasks. Does anyone know of benchmarks performed on similar notebooks, or if not the even better option. Does anyone know if there exist any better deals when your budget ends right around 1300$? I will be extremely appreciative of all advice I can get before using this amount of money.

 

[eLiu]

The 1.5 will run doom3 and HL2. I have a 1.8 pentium-m with a radeon 9600 (ibm t42), and i can run doom3 just fine at low settings...medium is jerky here and there. so yours with the slower cpu but better video should be ok.

 

[Abhi]

If it helps, Pentium M 1.5 ghz = P4 2.2 ghz (performance wise)

 

[jzdenton]

No actually that does help a lot. Do you know if there exist a list with the Pentium M processors and their P4 equivalents. I might be able to stretch my budget a little if I am convinced of the possible gains from it. Still looking for that sweet 1300$ ish deal. Too bad I missed the 500$ off dell laptops deal.

 

[Justin216]

It isn't clean and cut performance ratios between the processors....those comparisons such as Abhi mentioned apply to the older core Pentium Ms with 1mb cache...the new ones with 2mb cache most definitely perform better....Clock for clock, P-Ms are better for everything outside of compiling huge amounts of code or encoding video...

 

[Justin216]

Also, you need to consider heat output and weight really...You don't want a 10lb block when you can have a cooler running 5lb one that performs just as well, if not better, in most tasks lol...

 

[ultimatebob]

I have a 2.4 Ghz P4-M, and I'm not a fan. It runs HOT, and has lousy battery life. I'd spring for the Pentium M next time.