Member Avatar for essolinux

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between Intel Centrino Family Technology with Core 2 Duo Processor T5550 and the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5550

I was going to buy a laptop, same specs, same brand, but one has a sticker with Centrino Core 2 Duo and the other with Core 2 Duo

Thanks.

Esso

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Short answer: the T5550 is the same processor no matter the sticker — the “Centrino” badge is an Intel platform label, not a different CPU. was on the right track: Centrino identifies an Intel-qualified mobile platform (processor + Intel-approved chipset + Intel wireless on the same system), while the part number T5550 describes the CPU’s specs (2 cores, 1.83 GHz, 2 MB L2, 667 MHz FSB). (notebookcheck.net)

Why you might still see differences between two otherwise identical laptops: manufacturers can fit different Wi‑Fi modules, chipset revisions, BIOS/power profiles and cooling solutions. Those parts and firmware settings change driver support, battery-life behavior and sustained performance (thermal or power‑limit throttling), even when the CPU model is identical. If wireless features or long-term battery life matter, check the wireless module and chipset before buying. (intel.com)

Quick checklist to verify a reseller’s spec sheet and the actual unit: confirm the vendor model page for chipset and WLAN module; run a system tool such as CPU‑Z to list CPU and mainboard/chipset; use Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant or Device Manager to see the exact wireless adapter and driver. On Linux, lspci is the fast check: 

lspci -nn | grep -i network

These steps show the real hardware behind any marketing sticker. (cpuid.com)

In short, if both laptops list the T5550 and all other components match, CPU performance will be the same; the Centrino-branded unit only guarantees Intel’s platform components were used. For a confident purchase, compare the exact chipset and Wi‑Fi module, and look for independent reviews of the OEM model. Thanks to for the original clarification to .

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Member Avatar for The New Normal

A very good question. I was wondering this myself when I saw a C2D laptop with a Centrino sticker, so you gave me a reason to find out.

Centrino = Intel CPU + Intel chipset + Intel wifi
Doesn't refer to any specific model, just any notebook with those three.

FROM HERE

Centrino is only a platform, Its guarantees that you have a certain kind of hardware in you laptop that is approved by intel, that includes the power scaling processors by intel.

FROM HERE
So basically a T5550 is a T5550. The centrino sticker just means it's also got intel chipset and intel wifi.

Member Avatar for coolraj003

SO from what all New Normal said...i think...er...no difference after all....or is there?;-p

Raj

Member Avatar for essolinux

New Normal,

Thank you very much for your response.

That makes lot of sense.
I saw that a lot of people looked at my post, but only you were courageous enough and knew how to answer.

Thank you for the information.

Member Avatar for dirt14

courageous?

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