Which is necessary, an i3 or an i5?

Question

Were looking at an MSI X460 slim notebook (14" 1366x768 display, and very competent Nvidia GT 540M graphics), but there are really 2 models we're deciding between: one with an i3-2310M and another with an i5-2410M. Both have GT 540M graphics, and are otherwise the same. 

For relatively casual gaming (I'm not talking Crysis, more like Portal 2) at 30+ FPS, is the i3-2310M fast enough to get by? Will it be a significant bottleneck that only the i5's turbo core can resolve, or will we not even notice the difference between the i3 and i5? The i5 costs a hefty $100 more ($750 vs $850), which is already pushing our budget, so unless the i5 is really necessary, we want the i3.

stewiegriffin1988 · Accepted Answer

There is almost no difference between i3 and i5. I would recommend the i3

? · Answer

You should probably get the i5 now, as it can handle more programs. You'll need it anyway for the future, because programs are all getting more power consuming and you'll need to stay updated as much as you can. 
If you get the i3 it will save you a hundred bucks but a few years later when you need a faster computer you'll have to dish out another 700 or 800 dollars.

Anonymous · Answer

for casual gaming, the i3 would do. it's quite enough and would run those games on standard settings.

but, if you really are particular about maxing out or probably just higher settings, you should go for the i5.

5h3lD0n.C00p3r · Answer

i3-2310M is good processor for many games, if you ask for Portal 2, i3-2310M is more than good for running it with great performance.

Anonymous · Answer

i5 is better than 13.

durulz2000 · Answer

i4

Trending News

Which is necessary, an i3 or an i5?

6 Answers