i3-370M vs i5-430M

Hi,

I`m looking into buying a Acer 3820TG. Since I prefer buying in person (in Canada), I have an option between getting the:

• i3-370M with HD 5470
• i5-430M with HD 5650

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What kind of performance difference will I find between the two Processors? Will there be a significant difference in battery life?

Thanks

 

What are you going to be doing with your computer?

 

The first one is less powerful than the second one, that's for certain, but as sgogeta4 said, it depends what uses you'll be doing.

 

If you regularly push your systems with highend apps, the i5 will give you less battery life (but you'll also get your work done a little faster).

The maximum difference (clock speeds) is only about 5% and with my experience with i3 and i5 based systems I would choose the i3 simply because they run cooler - even though they're both rated at 35W TDP.

Also, I think that the newer cpu (i3) has all the optimizations and microcode updates that Intel has learned over the last three quarters.

But if that 5% extra maximum performance is important - I wouldn't hesitate to buy the i5 either.

Again, as sgogeta4 said - what you do with it will make a difference on what recommendations you'll get.

Good luck.

 

You can see here (#s 43 and 44) that the 430 is only 133mhz faster than the 370 but they are otherwise the same. The Super Pi and 3dmark06 scores are very similar and both CPUs you can swap out for a higher i5 or i7.

Most important, Staples Canada has the i5 w/5470 model on sale for $680 until 10.26. At $100 less than the PC Canada model with the i3 (but slightly lesser GPU), that should end the argument right there.

I'm soooo trying not to run and get the credit card right now!

 

Yes it depends.

The first system is a fine general machine but wont play games at all well.

The second system is a bit more beefy and will actually play games well.

5650 = 400 shaders, 128bit GDDR3
5470 = 80 shaders, 64bit GDDR3

So yeah a massive difference.

 

Meaker, thanks for the info on the gpu's (I learn something each day!).

Just that the OP was asking about the cpu's and battery life.

Overall, (with the information you provided) I would now be more tempted with the i5 and the much better gpu!

If using any software that will use gpu acceleration (and almost all that can will be doing so going forward) the limiting factor (to these particular systems longetivity) is now the GPU.

Hmmm... I'll have to be more inquiring of the gpu differences too now (along with the cpu/platform/etc.....).

 

It entirely depends on what you'll be using the laptop for.
From the CPU point of view, there won't be any significant difference (in real time use or battery life).
However, the gpu's ARE significantly different.
The 5470 is an entry level mid-range gpu and won't really handle games too well.
The 5650 on the other hand will be able to do it with relative ease.

It really comes down if you will be using the laptop for games.
If so, then go with the i5 and 5650.