desktop versus laptop processors?

[clin86]

i was wondering if theres a big difference between desktop processors such as the one in the dellxps one and laptop processors such as the imac other than teh fsb?
will there be significant productivity gains between a desktop processor and a laptop processor?
thanks

[Sun Baked]

They use the laptop CPUs and the workstation class CPU in the Mac Pro.

But yes, there is a difference is some of the chipset choices that come along with the missing desktop CPUs.

Edit: Along with the obvious core number differences, caches, RAM capabilites in the chipsets and so likely the missing middle would have performance differences.

For general Office, e-mail, etc. and the typical consumer crap -- you won't likely notice much of a difference unless you play games.

[hookem12387]

I know the laptop processors tend to run cooler which is good for the relatively ventless imac

[clin86]

if they dont offer much performance gains, why dont most desktops just use laptop processors?

[Jiddick ExRex]

I know the laptop processors tend to run cooler which is good for the relatively ventless imac

Sure doesn't run cooler overall in the laptop lines :)

[nick9191]

I know the laptop processors tend to run cooler which is good for the relatively ventless imac
No they are made to cope in high levels of heat which is very important, IME they tend to run hotter. My macbook easily reaches 90c under full load, but there designed to cope with that.

[ditzy]

if they dont offer much performance gains, why dont most desktops just use laptop processors?

Because they are more expensive.

[treasurefinder]

besides labtop processors being more expensive, they use less power and have better battery life at the expensive of performance for similarly priced units.

intel's attempting a quad-core based on montevina in Q3, but they're only recommending it to be put in "desktop replacement labtops," because it'll be so power hungry.