Processor Core ?

[Policy Peddler]

I am looking for answers that I am sure are basic processor questions. I am interested in purchasing a new Notebook. I see there are i5 processors with 2 & 4 core, . Then there are i7 Core™ i7-2720QM Processor with 4 cores & 8 thread 2.2GHZ, Intel® Core™ i7-2620M Processor (4M Cache, 2.70 GHz 2 core.
I have been told that “most” programs run on only 1 core, so does that mean that those programs when running on the 2720qm 2.2 GHz would actually run slower than with the 2620m 2.70 GHz because the “one core” has a faster speed?
One of the programs I want to run is Adobe photo editing software. How do I tell if programs will run on only one core or is it thread, or more than one?
The basic question is do I want a quad core processor or not? I am not a gamer, I want to run work on VPN several windows of Fire Fox, photo editing, ms outlook & some others a the same time.


Thank you

Rick

[smack323]

A while ago that used to be true as far as programs only using one core - I think now most software is now taking advantage of multiple cores. I do not know how to check that exactly but in general a quad dore is going to perform better, especially if you will be using multiple apps/windows at the same time.

[lordvic]

From using many Adobe softwares (CS3, CS4, and CS5) on my schools' computers, yes they support multi-cores. Having a processors with multiple cores will allow you to run Adobe programs A LOT smoother.

All the i5 processors have 2 cores and 4 threads; none of them have 4 cores.
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection. ... lyId=43483

There are a few i7's that are quad-cores, but again, most are dual-cores.
The i7-2720QM has 4cores/8 threads
The i7-2620M is 2core/4 threads
http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection. ... lyId=43402

In my opinion, from the two you've selected, I would go for the i7-2720QM. It has 6MB of cache (vs 4MB on i7-2620M), and higher memory bandwidth. It also turbo Cores similar to the i7 2620M (3.3GHz vs 3.4GHz for i7-2620M). The extra 100MHz isn't going to make much difference.

I don't know how much the two ntebooks go for in your area, but if the price isn't too ridiculously different, I'd go for the quad-core.

[Policy Peddler]

Are only 2nd generation i5's being sold?
When i look at the intel site, they show i5 with 2 & 4 cores, if i look at the chart with just 2nd generation on it then that shows only 2 core being available.

I am having a hard time finding what i want, 17' note book with the configuration i want. Dell just sent out an email that they are again selling their 17 inch after recall.

the steps for the dell are
i5 2410m 2.3 ghz - 2.9 GHz
i5 2520m 2.5 GHz - 3.20 GHz +$88.20
i7-2630qm 2.0 GHz 2.90 GHz +$83
i7 2620m 2.7 GHz 3.40 GHz +$176.40
i7 2720qm 2.2 GHz 3.30 GHz +$205

how do you choose between the i7 quad core and 2 core?
Say the 2630qm and the 2620m?
There must be a reason to make the i7 in a 2 & 4 core?

[lordvic]

Are only 2nd generation i5's being sold?
When i look at the intel site, they show i5 with 2 & 4 cores, if i look at the chart with just 2nd generation on it then that shows only 2 core being available.

I am having a hard time finding what i want, 17' note book with the configuration i want. Dell just sent out an email that they are again selling their 17 inch after recall.

the steps for the dell are
i5 2410m 2.3 ghz - 2.9 GHz
i5 2520m 2.5 GHz - 3.20 GHz +$88.20
i7-2630qm 2.0 GHz 2.90 GHz +$83
i7 2620m 2.7 GHz 3.40 GHz +$176.40
i7 2720qm 2.2 GHz 3.30 GHz +$205

how do you choose between the i7 quad core and 2 core?
Say the 2630qm and the 2620m?
There must be a reason to make the i7 in a 2 & 4 core?

As far I as I know, previous generation i5 and i7's are still being sold. The local major chains here (Futureshop & BestBuy) still sell them. All the moblie i5 processors are dual-cores. The desktop i5's are 2 and 4 cores.

You can tell which i7 is a quad-core or a dual-core; the "Q" in the CPU name tells you.
Example of a quad-core: i7-2630QM
Eaxmple of a dual-core (no Q in name): i7-2520M

Dual core CPUs require less energy to run, while some of the quads require almost double the amount. If you look at Intel's site, the mobile dual-core i7's range from 17W-35W. The quad-core versions range from 45W-55W. The higher power draw CPUs are usually found in more powerful notebooks (ie gaming notebooks).

EDIT: looked at DELL's site myself, and they still have the older core i's for sale. The new generation's naming scheme have a "2" in front...like i7-2xxxM. While the previous generations do not.
Example:
Intel i7-740QM (quad core because of the "Q")
i7-640M (dual-core)