Which laptop should I buy? Which is more important, a larger cache, or more RAM? (which is easier to upgrade)

Question

HP Pavilion DV6265US
1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5500
667 MHz FSB
2 MB L2 Cache
2 GB RAM
DLDVD w/ lightscribe
HD 160 GB 5400 RPM SATA
15.4in WXGA HD
1280 x 800
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 256 MB shared
802.11a/b/g
ExpressCard 54/34 card slot
14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 in 6.1 lbs
Price $1150
Rebates $0
Final $1150

HP Pavilion DV6426US
2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo T2450 w/ Mobile Intel 945PM Express
533 MHz FSB
2 MB L2 Cache
1 GB (2x512) RAM
DLDVD w/ lightscribe
HD: 160 GB 5400 RPM SATA
15.4in WXGA HD
1280 x 800
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 224 MB shared
802.11a/b/g
ExpressCard 54/34 card slot
14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56in 6.14 lbs
Price $850
Rebates $100
Final $750

HP Pavilion DV6445US
AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56
1.8 GHz
1600 MHz (system)
1 MB (2x512)
2 GB (2x1GB)
DLDVD w/ lightscribe
160 GB
5400 RPM SATA
15.4in WXGA HD
1280 x 800
Nvidia GeForce 6150 559 MB
802.11a/b/g
ExpressCard 54/34 card slot
Bluetooth
14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56in 6.1 lbs
Price $950
Rebates $125
Final $825

Answer 1

You can't change the Cache... it's built in to the processor (which in a laptop is soldered in to the mobo)... so its only RAM you can change.

Other than that, can't advise which is best without knowing what you want to run... they are all good and fast so shoul dcope with most 'ordinary' stuff perfectly well. On that basis the cheapest is the best... but if you want bluetooth go with the mid-price one... if you don;t mind spending the extra cash.

But really... you should probably go try all 3 and see which feels best to you. Keyboard and so on is all subjective, so try 'em out!

Answer 2

HP Pavilion DV6265US
1.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5500
667 MHz FSB
2 MB L2 Cache
2 GB RAM
DLDVD w/ lightscribe
HD 160 GB 5400 RPM SATA
15.4in WXGA HD
1280 x 800
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 256 MB shared
802.11a/b/g
ExpressCard 54/34 card slot
14.05 x 10.12 x 1.56 in 6.1 lbs
Price$1150
Rebates$0
Final $1150

is the best machine - The Level 2 Cache does mean quite alot in termas of machine performance.

However it all depends on what you are going to be using the machine for.

All the models you have liste ar egood enough for almost every home user.

The more powerful machine i have picked out above will allow you to run many applications at the same time without any problem.

Again it really depends on what you want to use it for - any of them will play DVD's without any problems and all PC games

Answer 3

HP is having a sale. Go with the top CPU. RAM is easy to upgrade cheaply.

30% Off Code for HP Notebooks
HP Pavilion dv6500t HP Home has 30% off $999 coupon NB3009 on all customizable notebooks (excludes Pavillion HDX Entertainment Notebook). Expires 9/22.

[added 9/10/2007 | expires 9/21/2007 11:59:59 PM

Answer 4

Can't change the cache but that doesn't make a huge difference.

Memory is easy to upgrade, but might as well get the 2GB to start as that is a sweet spot for Vista.

Any of those three would be fine although I would probably go with the 2GB models (Core2Duo of Athlon X2) myself.

One thing you didn't mention is the graphics processor. The GMA 950 is pretty terrible. The Nvidia 6150 is bad but not as bad as the GMA. The processor on all three of those models is more than fast enough for any work application but the graphics processor on all of them will not allow any sort of gaming. Well, the Nvidia one could allow some casual gaming but the GMA I would really not want to game with.

Answer 5

Don't worry about cache so much as RAM. You will not be able to upgrade the L2 Cache unless you upgrade the CPU.

So, I would suggest going with the laptop that has the most to offer for the price.

From what I can see - go with the HP Pavilion DV6426US, you can always go out and upgrade the memory to 2GB for about 150.00.

I have a Pavilion DV5000 series with 1gb memory - no problems to this point except I have a small Hard Drive that I will need to upgrade soon as I'm running out of space.

Answer 6

Yeah, like everyone else stated, you will could purchase DDR2 memory if its a extra moderen workstation, and DDR memory if its older. regrettably the older stuff is extra high priced than the hot. in case your nevertheless under guarantee, then commencing the workstation to replace the ram is a foul theory, it voids each little thing out. manufacturers will use something as an excuse to not assist you. If firedog does it (ccitys tech team) it is going to cost one extra 40 money, FD improve, is the kit. in case your not under guarantee, then switching out the ram is rather straightforward.

Answer 7

I would go with the HP Pavilion DV6265US. Remember, you get what you pay for. RAM is more important that cache.

Answer 8

I would get the larger cache--its easier and less expensive to upgrade ram--I do my own ram, because even I am smart enough to add ram.

Answer 9

the first one is best it has core 2 duo this is the best processor at the moment, i'd go with this one it woul dpreform the best

i agree with the previous statement i own a toshiba laptop core 2 duo and it's brill

Answer 10

i will say don't go with hp lap tops they r not as good as toshiba .