Thinkpads Forum

Looking forward to buying X230 to replace my workhorse X61s.

However, the only question that I have is the dif between the Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, 2.50GHz) and Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, 2.60GHz). The 2nd one is 55 bucks more, do you think it is worth it? Especially for GFX (I know they have the same GFX cards, but still). I found on the Internet that the latter has the technology called Intel AEX/TXT/V Pro technology, while the former, apparently does not. To me this is all Greek, but any ideas would be appreciated.

Also, as a side note, do you think the new processors will be hotter than what I have in X61s?

I hope someone smart and experienced will answer this too. I'm planning on an X230 or X230t with the i7 since I want the best speed inc possibly better graphics for the only game I care about, Microsoft Flight.

I'd like to see someone explain the tradeoffs other than price for all the available X230/X230t processors.

Barry

this link compares the i7-3520M, i5-3360M, i5-3320M, and i5-3210M:

http://ark.intel.com/compare/64893,64895,64896,67355

if graphics are your focus then any of the top three will be fine.   the i7 offers a 4% faster GPU clock speed (1250MHz vs 1200MHz) and isn't likely to translate into a noticeable gain.

the best overall value will be the i5-3320M.   it's the least expensive CPU that offers every feature available at a fraction of the i7's cost and 92~96% of its performance.

Eric, Thanks a lot! Your help is really appreciated!

if virtual machines and virtualization are part of your required work, then the 3210 will not cut the mustard, as it won't support those features.

the manufacturer's price differential between the 3320 and the 3360 is about $30. lenovo wants $55 for that. just as an FYI.

put that $55 towards an SSD, if virtualization is not a requirement. the perceived performance boost between the 3210 and the 3360 will be minimal compared to the greatly improved responsiveness that you will see with a 3210+SSD.

Erik, thanks VERY much for the help.

Is there any difference that would affect battery life to a significant amount?

Barry

Thanks dxps26!
That's what I am thinking - sometimes a bump in price of 50 bucks gives you such a minute performance boost, that you will never notice and it is best to save up this cash and use it on some other upgrade (like SSD) indeed. However, I hope this "virtualization" doesn't have to do with games. I am not a big gamer, but would like my Thinkpad to have this opportunity. Integrated GFX card of Thinkpad X230 is better than that of X220, but still weak when it comes to real graphics. Compromising a system even more by choosing a cheaper processor will not make me a happy camper, if it affects gaming...

tothealex wrote:Thanks dxps26!
That's what I am thinking - sometimes a bump in price of 50 bucks gives you such a minute performance boost, that you will never notice and it is best to save up this cash and use it on some other upgrade (like SSD) indeed. However, I hope this "virtualization" doesn't have to do with games. I am not a big gamer, but would like my Thinkpad to have this opportunity. Integrated GFX card of Thinkpad X230 is better than that of X220, but still weak when it comes to real graphics. Compromising a system even more by choosing a cheaper processor will not make me a happy camper, if it affects gaming...

Virtualization has nothing to do with gaming, so you're in the clear.

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barrywohl wrote:Erik, thanks VERY much for the help.

Is there any difference that would affect battery life to a significant amount?

not in my experience.   runtime on the current X220 w/ i7 is slightly less due to the discreet USB 3.0 chipset pulling a bit more wattage.   since that is now integrated in ivy bridge, runtime should be similar between the 35W CPUs but obviously lessens as you move up the power scale.   of course, everything depends on what you're doing.

in my opinion, the best overall balance is still going to be the i5-3320M.

Thank you guys for all your help and advice! Really appreciated!