Best CPU

[danutHD]

Hello all,


I want to buy in the near future a new laptop that should replace my current Dell Inspiron 1501. I have decided to go for a Dell XPS L502x, but i`m having some issues with chosing the best cpu for my needs. I must say that I use Linux as an OS and I want a computer that should allow me to run 2-3 guest oses simultaneously (Windows and/or Linux).

I have to choose between 3 Intel processors : i7-2630QM, i7-2670QM and i5-2520M. The first two run at a bit over 2GHz, have 6 MB of cache and have 4 cores with 8 threads. The last one runs at 2.5GHz, has 3 MB of cache and only 2 cores with 4 threads. If I am to consider only these aspects i would certainly go for one of the 2 i7s, but ,according to Intel`s website, the i7s do not have vPro and VT-d technologyes whereas the i5 has them.

The real question is: should i go for the i5 with less cores but with VT-d or with i7 with more cores but without VT-d? Considering that this laptop will be used for coding, multimedia and virtualization (just for educational purpose) what will be better for my needs? More cores at lower speed or less cores, faster speed and VT-d?


Thank you for your help,

danutHD


PS: here is a comparison between the 3 of them.

[Technologov]

4-cores is usually better for virt.

[edvard]

what about this beast :
- 2720QM 2,2 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, VPro, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo boost 3,3GHz
- HP EliteBook 8560w Mobile Workstation (ENERGY STAR) (XU085UT)
- http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm ... 12423.html
- http://ark.intel.com/products/50067/Int ... _20-GHz%29

OTOH,

- old hp 8530w, T9600 cpu dual core, VT-x, 8GB RAM, 320 GB disk, nvidia quadro 770, docking station, 2 monitors HP LP2065, LP2465
- http://ark.intel.com/products/35563/Int ... MHz-FSB%29
- host system OpenSuse 64bit, VirtualBox
- guest 1 : Windows 32, Oracle RDBMS XE
- guest 2 : Windows 32, Oracle Application Server
- guest 3 : Windows 32, Forms-, Reports-Designer and Browser Testing

doing development, fast enough, sure faster than me

[danutHD]

The problem with your suggestion is that it costs almost double.

Anyway, i understood that i should go for one of the 4-cores variant.


Thank you!!!!!!