Is an i-3/5/7 processor worth the $ for me?

I am looking to get a new notebook and I want it to last at least 3-4 years without becoming way outdated. I am not a serious gamer, mainly games like Sims 2 and 3, maybe try Guild Wars or Dragon Age Origins. I will mainly be using the notebook for online school, websurfing and downloading music and books. Would it be worth it to upgrade from a core 2 duo to an i-?

 

Anything your current computer can't do for you?

The new chips are great, but the Core2Duo is still a very capable chip.

Cash is king.

 

If you feel like the system you have now is adequate then do you really have a reason to upgrade?

 

You really need to determine whether a new notebook is really needed. Do you feel that the Core 2 processor isn't enough for you any more? In that case, you'd probably need a Core i7-620M or better, because the i5's and i3's aren't really all that much better than the Core 2 series, for most apps. But for highly threaded apps, you'd probably want something new...

 

Sorry I should have been more specific...the laptop I am on now is not mine, I am looking to purchase one for personal use. And what I meant by upgrade was choosing a laptop that had an i-series processor versus a core 2 duo. And I don't own the Sims 3 yet, and the notebook I am on now will not play my sims 2 games, and its a hp dv6000 with an AMD Turion processor.

So what I meant was, is it worth it to me to shell out the extra money for an i versus the cost of a core 2 duo?

 

Personally, I would. Even the lowest end i series have four threads, so it can handle more CPU heavy apps than the Core 2 line. Plus, it's nice to be future proof.

 

I dunno. Even an i7 can't get your forum searches to run any faster........

 

Dude give him a break lol.

 

Thanks for the defend, but I am a her, not a him. And to the JA that decided to get smart, I have been reading this forum for several days now, and there is so much info I get lost, esp since I am not completely computer savy, so shifting through all the modding, overclocking, extreme gaming etc threads that popped up when I did do a forum seach for i-5 processors was very tedious and time consuming. Also, my question was specific to MY situation, so I felt the need to ask MY question. If you don't want to help me, don't. Point blank end of discussion.

To those that offered HELPFUL comments, I appreciate it, thank you

 

A Core i7 is definitely overkill. The i7 quad-core 45nm processors really cannot be justified given what you'll be using your potential new notebook for. Even the i7-620M, a dual core, is overkill (and draws more heat than the i5 processors).

On the other hand, try to stay away from the i3 processors. It's not that they're terrible, but their performance gain won't be as substantial compared to mainstream Core 2 Duos.

My suggestion is to look into a Core i5. The i5-430M is probably the minimum you want to consider; the i5-520M and i5-540M are ideal choices, priced for a mainstream audience. You get the goodies of a 32nm process, relatively good power consumption, four threads, and excellent clock speeds that can be turbo boosted automatically by Intel's technology (2.40 GHz => 2.93 GHz for the 520M, 2.53 GHz => 3.06 GHz for the 540M). The 430M's 2.26 GHz => 2.53GHz is clocked lower and its Turbo Boost only gains 66% of the 520M/540M.

You may find this article useful:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Intel-Core-i3-i5-i7-Processors-Arrandale.25085.0.html

As for what notebook to buy with a new Core i5 processor, that's a different story

 

Any dual core arrandale with should be fine (i3 to i7-620m). Be sure to look out for business notebooks instead of mainstream ones, as they are built to take more punishment and last longer. A 14" Core i5 notebook with a decent video card and a switchable graphics should be perfect for your needs, though if you are ok with a 15" then you have more options available, such as the HP Envy 15 (although price might be a problem).

I would only recommend i7 quadcores to gamers or people wanting to buy a desktop replacement notebook.

 

ur certainly better off with a core i5 or core i7 than core 2 duo... It should help run ur tasks faster... also a quad core i7 isn't an overkill ... it will help in games especially like dragon age which need more CPU power... also getting a quad now would mean u don't have to upgrade ur notebook later on or buy a new one in a few years when quads become standard... IMO , ur better off with a core i7 quad now..

 

The only reason why I'd say quad core i7 is overkill is because the games that the OP would like to play (Guild Wars, Dragon Age Origins) are the same kind of games that I play, in terms of computer requirements. Eight threads is overkill, and honestly runs way too hot for what the OP will be using the notebook for. In any case, the OP would have to specifically look for a quad-core notebook to buy one, as most quad-core notebooks are gamer notebooks and as such carry a high price premium.

As well, quad core i7 is clocked lower. It's future-proof, sure, but it doesn't necessarily provide any greater performance on applications that can fully take advantage of 1/2/4 threads.

 

i7 is overkill because it runs hot, is going to blow the fans, has poor battery life, and its clock speed is not as high as the i3/i7 lineup.

i7 is for people who need to peg 8 threads for audio/video processing mostly.

If you need an i7, you would most likely know it. i3/i5 is the people's CPU, and they are great for that.

Honestly, most people would be pretty happy with some of the latter Core2Duo CPUs in the 2.5 to 2.06 GHz range, but at these prices, there is not reason not to go i3/i5.

 

If you have no need to run on battery, yes, the i7 is great. If you do need to use battery power for longer than an hour at a time, don't even think about the i7. 45W TDP is a LOT of heat to dissipate, translating to faster fans and more battery use just powering the sucker.

 

Or you could wait for Sandy Bridge, which is supposed to be out Q1 2011.

 

If you have to ask this question, then it would be a no.

 

Might I suggest an i3 Sony CW with NVIDIA G310m graphics?

 

Computers in general are so cheap nowadays, even spending only $1200 could net you a lot. I used to see Dell ads with $7k desktops when Dell were known to be good value, but it'll be a challenge to even build $7k desktops now.

If you are going to use a laptop as your main system, why not get a decent one? I'm not saying you should spend $1500+ and such. Unlike a desktop you don't have much flexibility in upgrading, and will use for few years anyway.

 

I almost decided on Asus G51JX (even with the BSOD issues) but was hesitating coz of the BSOD and the battery life. Would an i5-520 help improve the battery life for it?

Is there then a good 15" gaming Laptop with i5-520 and good GPU?

 

This is actually what I ended up getting, got a white Sony CW from BB yesterday and I love it...its fast enough to run my games and browse the internet, and even after about 6 hours of continous gaming it was barely warm. And the graphics are GREAT on Med settings for Sims 3.

 

you can try hp envy 15... dell studio xps 16 which is 15-16 inch.... but envy 15 might be ur best option.

 

I know what you mean.. check my Signature And I'm glad I was right on the dot on recommending the right system..lol

 

Mobile Core i3s have HT right?

 

Yes, but no turboboost.