Comparing Intel Processors in Dell Computers
I'm in the market to buy a new computer, so I wanted to research how much Dell was charging to upgrade processors in their current line of computers. Dell offers both AMD and Intel processors. I decided to compare the Intel Pentimum Dual Core, Intel Core 2 Duo, and Intel Core 2 Quad processors.
Currently 1, 2 (Core 2 Duo) and 4 (Quad) core CPUs are available from Intel. Each core acts as a separate processor. With a single core, all software processes must share the execution time. Multiple core processors can work independently or together on tasks. For most of us, the dual-core processor makes the most sense.
A single core processor is fine for a computer that is mainly used for word processing, email and basic Internet usage. Newer software will become more complicated and graphics intensive, and will be using multi-core technology, so buying a multi-core processor will help 'future-proof' your investment compared to purchasing a single core processor.
Intel claims a CPU with 2 cores is up to 40 percent more efficient, enhancing the performance of CPU intensive programs. If you perform multiple tasks (virus scans, multimedia downloads, graphic design, and gaming) at the same time, a dual core processor is a better choice than a single core processor.
The four core Quad processor is the latest technology, so it is the most expensive. Specialized mathematical, media, and extreme gaming applications have been written to use all four cores. Most applications used by most users will not use all 4 cores, so at this time, it would be wasteful for most users to buy a quad CPU.
L2 Cache
Keeps a copy of the most frequently accessed data for faster retrieval. Larger L2 Caches help speed memory performance and reduces bottlenecks.
FSB Speed (Front Side Bus)
Maximum speed data is transferred between CPU and computer RAM
Clock Speed
How fast a processor performs an activity
Cost Calculations
Dell uses 13 different processors in their Inspiron 537s, Studio Mini-Tower, and Studio 19 computer lines. I found the prices on August 31, 2009 for these Intel processors at 3 of the largest respected on-line distributors of electonic parts www.newegg.com, www.tigerdirect.com, and www.freys.com. I rounded each price (without shipping and taxes) to the nearest dollar. The average processor price was computed from the three individual web sites. I also located the processor prices at www.cdw.com but found their prices so far out of line, that I believe they should not be included in any calculations to have valid comparisons. I also believe Dell is able to purchase much larger quantities of processors than the electronic stores, and more than likely has an even lower cost than any of the electronic stores. The Dell Charge is calculated by taking the average price of the Base processor which was included in the price $64, and adding the amount Dell charges for the upgrade. The Dell Excess is determined by subtracting the Average Cost from the Dell Charge.
Price Comparison
| 08-31-2009 | |||||||
| Name | GHz Speed | L2 Cache | FSB Speed | New Egg | Tiger Direct | Freys Comp. | CDW |
| Q9650 | 3.00 | 12MB | 1333 | $320 | $320 | $415 | |
| Q9550 | 2.83 | 12MB | 1333 | $220 | $220 | $268 | $287 |
| Q9400 | 2.66 | 6MB | 1333 | $180 | $190 | $185 | $244 |
| Q8300 | 2.50 | 4MB | 1333 | $180 | $190 | $220 | |
| Q8200 | 2.33 | 4MB | 1333 | $150 | $150 | $142 | $197 |
| E8400 | 3.00 | 6MB | 1333 | $168 | $180 | $160 | $220 |
| E7500 | 2.93 | 3MB | 1066 | $120 | $120 | $120 | $155 |
| E7400 | 2.86 | 3MB | 1066 | $110 | $110 | $147 | |
| E5400 | 2.70 | 2MB | 800 | $90 | $95 | $80 | $106 |
| E5300 | 2.60 | 2MB | 800 | $70 | $75 | $70 | |
| E5200 | 2.50 | 2MB | 800 | $63 | $65 | $65 | $82 |
Dell Upgrade Price
| Name | Average | Inspiron | Studio | Studio 19 | Dell Charge | Average Cost | Dell Excess |
| Q9650 | $320 | +$350 | $414 | $320 | $94 | ||
| Q9550 | $259 | +$290 | $354 | $259 | $95 | ||
| Q9400 | $185 | +$130 | +$200 | $194-$264 | $185 | $9-$79 | |
| Q8300 | $185 | +$130 | $194 | $185 | $9 | ||
| Q8200 | $147 | +$110 | +$140 | $174-$204 | $147 | $27-$57 | |
| E8400 | $169 | +$130 | +$140 | $194-$204 | $169 | $25-$35 | |
| E7500 | $120 | +$70 | +$70 | +$80 | $134-$144 | $120 | $14-$24 |
| E7400 | $110 | +$80 | $144 | $110 | $34 | ||
| E5400 | $88 | +$50 | $114 | $88 | $26 | ||
| E5300 | $72 | +$40 | +$30 | $104-$94 | $72 | $32-$22 | |
| E5200 | $64 | Base | Base | Base | $64 | $64 | Base |
Summary
In all cases, Dell charged a higher price than needed to recover the increased cost of the processor. In three examples, they charged more than the average cost of the processor, while also making no allowance for the processor cost that was already included in their base price. In other words, I could buy the computer with the base processor, replace that processor with one purchased from one of the other quality stores, keep at least $79 to $95 in my pocket, and have an extra spare processor. Dell can decide how they want to make their profits, but I will decide how much I want to contribute to those profits.