New T43's or T43/p's

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earthkuei · #1 Post by **earthkuei** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 11:15 pm

Hi, I'm in the process of deciding whether to get the T42p (2373p1u) or the T43p(2668g7u). I saw some posts suggesting that newer T43's have resolved some issues with the heat and fan, but wasn't sure if that was really true or not. I'm pretty sure the noise issue if it's as bad as some say (and if it still existed) would probably bug me.
Secondly, I was wondering if there is going to be a major difference the DVD writers in terms of speed? Any suggestions/advice/comments on any of these questions or even suggestions on which system you would get, would be absolutely and greatly appreciated. Thanks!

dc81 · #2 Post by **dc81** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 2:29 pm

Is price an issue? From what I have read, the noise of the T43p is all relative to what you are used to. But back to price, you can get a T42p for under $2000, or a T43p for over $2000. Also what is the computer going to be used for?

earthkuei · #3 Post by **earthkuei** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 2:44 pm

Price really isn't an issue. Actually, using the educational discount at myuniversity, the T42p (2373p1u) comes out about 50 dollars more expensive than a comparably equipped T43p (2668g2u). i'm actually a graduate student working on functional molecular imaging modalities so i'll be doing a lot of graphics intensive work that's why i opted for getting a "p" rather than a regular T42/43. After reading comments about the sonoma platform on tomshardware.com, I felt that functionally, there won't be much of an improvement in performance with the T43. But with the T42p costing a little bit more, I figured it's mainly a choice of whether it's worth it for a cooler and quieter machine. Also, I do understand that even though the T43 may be marginally faster, it is a newer technology and in no way is it inferior to the T42 other than "superficial" issues. Going back to the original post, I was wondering if it was true that they resolved some of the issues with the T43. If that's true, it would make the purchase a no-brainer since the T43/p is actually cheaper than the T42/p albeit being slight. Thanks dc81 for paying attention to this post, I know people are tired of the T42 versus T43 squabble and I really appreciate any comments you may have. Thanks again!

HamTard · #4 Post by **HamTard** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 6:27 pm

If you need a good graphics solution, the T43p has the better one. The T42p has a FireGL T2, which I believe is based on the Radeon 9600. The T43p has the FireGL V3200, which is based on newer technology, the X700 I believe (faster, more support for modern features).

Considering that the T42p/T43p are identical except the T43p is a bit faster with newer technology, but possibly a bit warmer/louder, I'd still go for the T43p.

If a slightly louder fan is really going to ruin your computing experience, then get the T42p.

Also, look into programs to control the fans in the T43, I know a lot of other laptops have fan control programs.

nrj45 · #5 Post by **nrj45** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 12:32 am

x600

#6 Post by **BillMorrow** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 12:59 am

HamTard wrote:If a slightly louder fan is really going to ruin your computing experience, then get the T42p.

Also, look into programs to control the fans in the T43, I know a lot of other laptops have fan control programs.

lets be clear here..
its not the FAN, per se but the fact it needs to move more air, thus any increased noise is AIR moving through the thinkpad to cool it not the FAN being noisy..

fan control utilities might be a solution but i must say that the 60oE i once had was much more annoying with the constant HDD clicking..

#7 Post by **daeojkim** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 1:06 am

earthkuei,

If your main purpose of this computer is to work for your graduate studies that involves functional molecular imaging then I would opt for something that has greater edge for molecular imaging. For functional molecular imaging, I would go for the T43p. There is a lot of 3D imaging and graphic processing that needs to be done and lagged graphic performance will be a pain. I am sure V3200 performance gotta be better than FireGL T2 (My T41p has T2, which means that it has been out for a while).

The fan noise issue is only noticeable if the systems are in almost idle state. If the systems are well used with scientific calculations, graphic intense applications, then I am sure T42p will make as much noise as T43p.

JK

ddutta · #8 Post by **ddutta** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 1:40 am

Get a T34p for openGL and lots of number crunching. iI guess you need openGL for your modeling progs. Even a T42 will whine when crunching floating points, you cannot have a cool and quiet CPU in such cases. You are probably one of the few who *need* the power of the PMs and the GPUs

So get the faster model i.e. T43.

earthkuei · #9 Post by **earthkuei** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 10:22 am

Thanks all for the great info and input. I think based on all your comments, the T43p is the best way to go. So I'll go ahead and go in that direction. I'll definitely post on how the system turns out for me. Thanks again!

keku · #10 Post by **keku** » Wed Oct 12, 2005 10:55 am

BillMorrow wrote:
lets be clear here..
its not the FAN, per se but the fact it needs to move more air, thus any increased noise is AIR moving through the thinkpad to cool it not the FAN being noisy..

fan control utilities might be a solution but i must say that the 60oE i once had was much more annoying with the constant HDD clicking..

Bill my new 2668 Q2U has noisy fan and it's not air ... it makes machanical humming and I'm getting sick of it. good thing is I'm getting a replacement unit. but believe me some of those T43P's got really annoying fan issue. my old 2687 EJUs were way quieter than those, [censored] I sold them on ebay just because I though 2668 Q2U will be quieter becasue if unproper reviews here.

New T43's or T43/p's

New T43's or T43/p's

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