Which cpu/ram combo gives better performance?

drake123

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Which one gives better performance?


OPTIONS:

A) quad core SB cpu with 4 gb ram
((Intel® Core™ i5-2410M processor 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz))

vs.

B) dual core SB cpu with 6 gb ram
((Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM, 2.0-2.8GHz))

THANKS!
 

drake123

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I think you misread my words..

and thanks for the suggestion.. hmm.. I'm still thinking.
 


No he didn't. Option A says Quad Core, but the CPU you have listed is a dual. Option B says Dual Core but the CPU is a Quad. Unless you are using some really intensive applications, the Quad with 4gb of RAM is going to do just as well as the dual especially since the clock speeds aren't all that different.
 
I'm agreeing with lostandwandering;

(1) You did list the wrong dual/quad nomenclature with the CPU models you listed.
(2) Overall performance is too close to call without detailed knowledge how you'll use the laptop. For 90% of what most people do the dual core (2@2.4Ghz) will outperform quad core (4@2.0Ghz). It's that 10% and now knowing if you will do enough of that kind of work to make the quad core CPU stand out in the crowd.
 
I see this is related to your other topic:
Dell XPS 15 SB OR Sager NP5160
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/66719-35-dell-sager-np5160

You did mention there what you would do with the notebook:
Usage: Computer Science, Computer Programming, or Computer Engineering

I think you got good advice in that topic. Especially the part about getting a higher resolution screen. Upgrading from 1366x768 to 1600x900 or 1920x1080 will help you be more productive that splitting hairs over with CPU is 'faster'.
 

drake123

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I don't plan on upgrading anything that involves the screen resolution.
^^
I also don't plan on overclocking my cpu at all.
 


I believe what he means is that both the Dell and Sager come with a rather low standard resolutions of 1366x768 compared to the 1920x1080 option that you can choose. My 10 cents says go for the Quad Core with 4gbs of RAM and use the money you are saving over the Dell and choose the Full HD screen.
 
No one has said anything about overclocking.
You asked about better performance. And a large part of that is how your interact with the notebook.
If you can see more on the screen you spend less time scrolling around to go the parts you want to work on. Getting work done faster which is increasing performance by making your more efficient.

 

drake123

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I have no use for a 1080p screen.
;)

I'm already use to low end stuff... being stuck with this sloww Dell Dimension 3000 desktop for 6 years straight already... so yea.. no need for 1080p... even if it's default (which is not) , i wouldn't even use it..

but thanks for suggestion! :D
 

randomstar

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You will in fact user the higher resolution screen - it is not a matter of performance or anything, even browsing the internet with the higher resolution is much better.


 

drake123

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so quad core + 4 gb ram BEATS a dual core + 6 gb ram? in terms of performance overall...
 

drake123

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ok.

which one is overall MOST fastest
1. quad core + 4 gb ram + 1 gb graphics
2. dual core + 6 gb ram + 2 gb graphics

Most of the time fastest overall :bounce:
 

randomstar

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In most of the usage scenario that users encounter, the quad and the dual will be almost identical. the quad will outperform much more often when you have a fully configured system. (antivirus, browsers, CAD or other heavy apps open.
to me the quad with 4 gig is the better buy. you can always add memory later if you need to.