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C2D vs CD

C

cmm

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 30, 2006
842
36
NYC
Currently I have a 867mhz 768ram powerbook g4. It runs pretty well, but I do see some lag on some of my applications. (I run simultaneously finder, firefox, adium, itunes, word, textedit, calendar, macirssi, and preview) [I want to get into watching tv on my machine too)

I thought about upgrading to a 15 or 17 inch mbp. There are some *really* good deals on the CD mbp's and I was wondering if this would suit me.

Thanks.
 
Either will suffice, they are both extremely fast, but C2D is faster...

Either of them will blow you away compared to that G$. :)
 
memory has more influence on multi-tasking. so for u, cpu doesn't sounds a big thing need to consider.
 
Any Intel Mac should suit your needs. If you're interested in saving some money, get the Core Duo. That's what I did.
 
Based on what you are running at any given time (especially taking into account Word uses Rosetta for now), I would recommend you get a CD, and use the price savings to buy as much RAM as possible.

That would give you the smoothest experience.

Or buy a C2D and max out RAM anyway, if money isn't an option. ;)
 
advantages other than speed?

Assuming speed bump not an issue for intended use, are there other advantages to the c2d mbp which aree important enough to be considered (such as cooler, pre-n)? How much should those weigh in? Who will really benefit from/need faster wireless and how soon?
 
I had the same options and opted for the CD 15 MBP 1Gig ram 256 VRAM 100 HD refurb on the 18th and used the difference in price to buy a 1Gig ram stick from OWC for $125.

I cant wait to play WoW on this :D.
 
C2D vs CD

The only thing I've seen about differences between the two processors is that the CD has 2 mb level 2 cache and the C2D has 4mb level 2 cache, that C2D performance is bumped by @ 20%, that it is also supposedly a little cooler, and potentially uses a little less battery life.

C-net has some of this info and a simple google search with 'core duo vs. core 2 duo' reveals a lot of places with information and a few test results.

I agree that maxing out the memory is a must, regardless of processor type. As agreed upon by almost all, it's the best and cheapest way to increase performance.

I doubt the average non-power user would notice any difference between the two, so personally I'd like to see confirmation of prolonged battery life in the C2D.

Chime in if anyone has corrections or confirmation of the above aspects.

Good luck!
 
To me, not the speed, but the longer battery life, the cooling temps, plus the long-term benefits that go w/ having the latest chip - as it interacts with the latest [and more demanding] s/w - are most important factors in my decision to wait until the C2D iMac and MB were available.
 
C2D has some what 64bit advantage, but when look back and check the development of 64 bit software, i don't think that will be important before the time when u plan to buy next computer, i.e. 4~5 years
 
I would obviously go for core 2 duo. Why would you want a CD?? Just buy DVDs or external hard drives :D
 
If you can't afford or don't want to spend the extra money to get a Core 2 Duo then by all means get one of the Core Duo deals. You can always upgrade again later anyhow.
 
clevin said:
C2D has some what 64bit advantage, but when look back and check the development of 64 bit software, i don't think that will be important before the time when u plan to buy next computer, i.e. 4~5 years
Click to expand...

Even though Apple have said that Leopard will be fully optimized for 64 bit?
 
risc said:
Even though Apple have said that Leopard will be fully optimized for 64 bit?
Click to expand...

I think that 64 bit computing is hype at this point. For home applications, I doubt that you will notice any difference at all. At this point, I'd suggest saving your money and getting the CD.

If you ever want a pro system, such as a MacPro in the future, you'll have a little extra money saved towards it.
 
For the apps you are running i'd say get the CD as that's all you need. Conversely, if you have plenty of money to burn...... :)
 
Just to add my 2 cents, I have to say that I have a 15" MBP with the 1.83Ghz Core Duo processor in it. Upgrading from a revision A 12" PowerBook G4, I saw a HUGE increase in performance.

In my MBP, I have the maximum 2GB of RAM installed, as well as a upgraded 160GB hard drive. If I were you, I would go for the fastest CD MBP you can find, and simply max out the RAM- you'll save a lot of money than going for the C2D, and you'll still have blazing fast performance. After you get your CD MBP, wait a few years for the next big thing to come out, and upgrade then.

:apple:
 
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