Centrino 2, Core 2 Duo Extreme, or stick with my T7600??

[Crunch]

Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz T7600 vs. any of the new Centrino 2/Core 2 Duo Extreme is what I'm trying to figure out.

I'm not a gamer at all, but I am big into streaming video! I run my SlingBox all the time, and I multitask a lot while streaming CNN in the background, for example, so which of the two processors would I benefit from more, given that scenario? I'd like to get as many as opinions as possible, so as to make an educated decision when the T500's come out.

Also, how does the CPU improve wireless-N? Doesn't it mostly depend on the quality of the router, and the N card I use??

Thanks everybody!


mod edit: moved to T6x forum where it belongs.

[erik]

the T7600 is the highest-spec processor you can install in the T60/T60p.

besides, a faster processor won't improve streaming video since that's largely dependent on hard drive speed and network speed.   moving to a gigabit ethernet connection would make more of a difference than a processor.

this test shows the throughput differences on an apple time capsule using 10/100, 1000, and wireless network connections.   if you want speed then gigabit ethernet wins every time.

[Wiz]

I don't think there is a huge difference regarding the performance of the CPUs, but i would recommend the new CPU's since they run a bit cooler and use less power. I find it hard to believe that any of the new CPUs should have any problems with the streaming.

[aaa]

Also, how does the CPU improve wireless-N? Doesn't it mostly depend on the quality of the router, and the N card I use??

It doesn't, but "Centrino 2" refers to a new wireless card as well (the 5000). Don't know how beneficial it would be though, and of course the card is only half of the card-router combination.

[dickeywang]

Also, how does the CPU improve wireless-N? Doesn't it mostly depend on the quality of the router, and the N card I use??

It doesn't, but "Centrino 2" refers to a new wireless card as well (the 5000). Don't know how beneficial it would be though, and of course the card is only half of the card-router combination.

I believe the 5300 would perform better than the 4965AGN while the 5100 is actually worse than the 4965. Anandtech has a preview article regarding the wireless card on the Montevina platform:http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/in ... i=3356&p=6

[Crunch]

I do believe this belongs in the new T400/T500 subforum, as I wanted to know that given my personal use of my beloved T60p, but whatever. I might actually get some better answers here.

I agree with the wired Ethernet connection (so long as it's 1Gbps Ethernet), over wireless-N. However, back to my main concern. The Screens!

I've read multiple threads on the quality (or lack thereof) screens, which seem to be all TN-only.

IPS is too much to ask, I get it. So what about something close to it. I bought an LG LCD, which was very impressive recently, which is far better than the Samsung LCD which was right next to it in the store. The LG I was able to view at 150-degree angles...sorta, whereas the Samsung was useless at that viewing angle.

Thanks all!