Pentium / Core?

Simon · Jul 31, 2011, 19:16:09

Can someone please explain the difference between an Intel® Core™ i3-2100 (3.10 GHz), and a Dual-core Intel® Pentium® E5800 (3.20 GHz)? I have been asked for advice from someone wanting a new basic PC, and I'm not really up to date on latest specs. The two being compared are:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/acer-aspire-m3910-2-black-08647605-pdt.html

and

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/hp-pavilion-g5410uk-desktop-pc-10452256-pdt.html

What would be the best one to go for?

Steve · Jul 31, 2011, 19:25:01

Off the top of my head the i3 is capable of running 4 threads slightly larger cache so should out perform the E5800.

Simon · Jul 31, 2011, 19:29:25

But would it be a noticeable difference to basic users? I was thinking the HP looked better 'bang for buck', as it has a larger hard drive, more RAM, and Win7 64bit. $:-\$

Steve · Jul 31, 2011, 19:54:57

I think your right it depends what else you get for your money as the CPU difference is probably not going to matter.

Technical Ben · Aug 01, 2011, 06:00:46

The i3 is cheaper so I'd suggest going for that. It's got a newer architecture, so probably works faster.

http://ark.intel.com/products/42802/Intel-Pentium-Processor-E5800-%282M-Cache-3_20-GHz-800-MHz-FSB%29

compare to

http://ark.intel.com/products/53422/Intel-Core-i3-2100-Processor-%283M-Cache-3_10-GHz%29

From the looks of it the i3 has got Hyper threading (doubles the possible threads, but with half the cores and cost) and uses a smaller cpu die (less power drain). So while it's a miniscule amount slower on the GHZ it should perform faster in everything else (every day use).

Simon · Aug 01, 2011, 11:45:27

OK, but we're also talking about the overall package. I don't think, having had an XP machine since 2002, they would quibble about the performance on either of the above machines, and looking at both packages, the HP does offer a bigger hard drive, more RAM, and 64 bit Windows 7, which the Acer doesn't. Unless Pentium is about to become obsolete, and non-upgradable overnight, is there anything the Acer has to offer, other than a newer chip?

Rik · Aug 01, 2011, 11:49:58

Possibly better performance? The i3 on my Sony lappy does seem nippier than a dual core.

Technical Ben · Aug 01, 2011, 17:02:23

Sorry, both links are now obsolete. :/
I did not check the speck of the rest, so have no idea. The question was over the CPU alone, so that's the answer I gave.
Do you not know the warning: "rubbish in, rubbish out"? It applies to me too.

Simon · Aug 01, 2011, 17:51:32

Hmm... I wonder why the links have gone?

Anyway, I wasn't complaining about your answer, for which I'm grateful, but I was trying to balance the priorities of the chip over the overall package.

Glenn · Aug 01, 2011, 17:53:28

They can get some cashback, buy using Quidco or Topcashback.

Technical Ben · Aug 01, 2011, 18:56:12

Quote from: Simon on Aug 01, 2011, 17:51:32
Hmm... I wonder why the links have gone?

Anyway, I wasn't complaining about your answer, for which I'm grateful, but I was trying to balance the priorities of the chip over the overall package.

Oh, I know you were not. Just pointing out I take in a lot of rubbish, and return a lot too.

Gary · Aug 02, 2011, 09:34:57

With new apps demanding more from the CPU (browsers included) the newer architecture is better, I would not touch a Pentium or Celeron, even the Last years i7 Nethalem do feel slower compared with sandy bridge i7's even in daily tasks, so I would go for the CPU. Ram you can increased cheaply.

Technical Ben · Aug 02, 2011, 15:43:41

Not if your ram keeps crashing like mine does. I'm considering a RMA.