T42p (2373-KTM) or T43 (2668-4DM)?

[sjm]

Hi all,

I've been searching high and low and reading reviews from all over the place, but I still cannot make an informed decision on whether to buy the T42p or T43 (models in topic).

I've had my current T40 (2373 12M) for about 2 years now, and the only improvements I am looking for is:
* higher screen resolution (above 1024x768)
* faster overall specs (CPU, memory etc...)
* reasonable video card for a bit of Counter Strike: Source

The main reason for the uncertainty is the video cards differences in the T42p vs T43.

I currently play a bit of CS:S on my desktop which is a 2.4 HT with 1GB RAM and a Radeon 9600 (128mb), and I'm not a FPS junkie (currently average around 30FPS with all detail on in 1024x768 from memory), but a decent resoution/FPS/features in CS:S on the new Thinkpad would a nice kicker. Any clues/recommendations/suggestions?

[stgreek]

Take a look at the T42 2378-FVU, price is going down all the time and it has what you ask for: SXGA+, Ati 9600, Dothan 1.7.

Stavros

[sjm]

Thanks Stavros. I can't find that exact model here in Australia, but I'll have a look at some of the other T42's with the Radeon 9600.

On that note though, is the x300 really such a bad GPU? I've read that it is based on the core of the 9600, but how does performance stack up against the x300 or even the FireGL in the T42p? I can't find any benchmarks or reviews specifically on the x300.

[stgreek]

Thanks Stavros. I can't find that exact model here in Australia, but I'll have a look at some of the other T42's with the Radeon 9600.

On that note though, is the x300 really such a bad GPU? I've read that it is based on the core of the 9600, but how does performance stack up against the x300 or even the FireGL in the T42p? I can't find any benchmarks or reviews specifically on the x300.

It is not "such a bad GPU". It is the PCI-express (or whatever that bus is called) equivalent of the 9600. It should give very similar performance to the 9600, which is why I suggest getting a cheaper T42 with the 9600. The FireGL in the T42p is a 9600 with slower clock, double the memory and optimized drivers for OpenGL applications. Therefore, on games it should not give any significant advantage over the 9600, unless big textures are considered (due to its 128 MB memory). All in all, the 9600 is probably the best option for a Thinkpad right now, although there is a rumour of a refresh in the T43 line soon, which will include X600 chips as standard.

Stavros

[stgreek]

Oh, just notices this was your first post. Welcome to the forums! Please update your profile with your location, makes it easier for people to help you, and if you don't the evil overlords of location (read:some mods) will nag you until you do

Stavros

[sjm]

Thanks for your help. I'll post once I've decided which Thinkpad to go with!
Cheers.