Performance:Gamers know well that faster CPU does not mean better game experience; it is the graphic card that carries the weight. We have entry level graphic cards and high end ones at [M] to make your buying decision easier, otherwise, good reading materials to say the least. If you are into GPU tweaking, please make sure to stop by our OC-team forum.
The following comparison is pretty simple & straight forward. It clearly shows the corresponding performance increase according to CPU speed change other than 3DMarks. For DVD encoding, I used one of my favorites, "Anna and the King" including movie trailers.
Notebook Hardware ControlI have been using Notebook Hardware control over the last several months. By turning on SpeedStep at BIOS, I am able to run this little ultility at desktop not for the purpose of longer battery life but lower CPU temp and fan noise when my workload requires less CPU power.
Using E4500, the high & low are not as obvious, only about 0.20 volt difference
Using E4400 L2, the difference is more obviousConclusion:9, 10 or 11 multiplier (Intel E4300, E4400 and E4500) is the question; a One Dollar question. That is the price difference at Geeks Computer Parts at time of this article was written. I believe all of the three processors are winners if they could run at 3.2GHz at slightly above default voltage. I'd rather take the E4500 because it runs at a mere 1.185 volt at higher default speed.
For the adventurers, this $123 processor will certainly make your day with high end cooling gears if it happens that the one you pick as the low end voltage range. But, chances are pretty good. Best of luck.
I am also very interested in finding out more about this:
A spreadsheet with built-in Macro that calculates VID locations depending on varies default vcore to the desire increase. I know most enthusiasts will use motherboards that will have at least some sort of vcore increment, but most low end boards don't and some PC users including myself are "cheap" or "challenging" enough not to have one. This table will sure come in handy. I will leave a link at our forum for those who are interested in keeping a copy; many thanks to the guy who wrote the table.
Is a link available?