identifying processor firepower based off model number

[xraiderv1]

so..how do I identify the firepower a processor, for example, the I5-4210U Dual Core Processor? I'm looking to buy a new computer in the fall and I REALLY dont want to settle for processing power less than my current 2.40ghz intel I3 in my current system.

 

[CountMike]

Just write designation of "your processor" vs "another processor" in Google search, you'll get many hits with graphs and everything.

 

[KYHI]

ARK | Your Source for Intel® Product Information

 

[xraiderv1]

alright. thank you.

 

[gator2013]

so..how do I identify the firepower a processor, for example, the I5-4210U Dual Core Processor? I'm looking to buy a new computer in the fall and I REALLY dont want to settle for processing power less than my current 2.40ghz intel I3 in my current system.

I generally use the PassMark Benchmark Score

Type into your browser search bar the processor you are looking for, in this example I5-4210U, hit search and select the CPU Benchmark and this is what you will get.

 

[xraiderv1]

I just dont want a slower processor than what I've got, to be honest.

 

[CountMike]

I just dont want a slower processor than what I've got, to be honest.

Of course you don't but there are more considerations than just raw power. Some are better for single threaded applications so a i5 can be better than some i7 for some programs/games and for some others, more cores (multithread) is better. If in doubt (and enough money) just get the best (and expensive ) one. If nothing, at least it will be actual longer.

 

[xraiderv1]

let me put it this way..look up the system requirements for starwars the old republic, and star trek online. I need a system that can comfortably run those on decent settings (aka looks like something I WANT to stare at for hours)without breaking the bank, aka exceeding $600...taxes included. it must have 6gb of ram or better, decent graphics, onboard or dedicated card, harddrive could stay at 500gb as I honestly havent even come close to filling the 500gb of my current rig.

 

[CountMike]

So it's a laptop ? That would make choices to upgrade somewhere next to nil.

 

[theveterans]

Buy a laptop with a CPU that says i7 "MQ" or "HQ" on the description. It should be at least 3x faster or than your 2.40 GHz i3 when running multi-thread tasks.

Examples of such CPUs are i7-4720HQ or i7-4860HQ.

 

[xraiderv1]

HP ENVY - 15t Laptop | HP® Official Store

I dont even need to do anything to this....its perfect.

 

[theveterans]

If you can splurge for the 256 GB SSD upgrade I would highly recommend it since it maximizes the CPU's potential in daily tasks and won't cause the system to bottleneck too much

 

[gator2013]

HP ENVY - 15t Laptop | HP® Official Store

I dont even need to do anything to this....its perfect.

That looks like a heck of a deal. I agree that the SSD upgrade is nice but @ $195 it's a little pricey.

 

[xraiderv1]

that thing should be able to handle the two games mentioned in an earlier post rather easily.

 

[Itaregid]

While processor speed is important, I will take a slower quad-core over a faster dual-core any day of the week. And I will take more RAM and a slower quad over less RAM and a faster quad. And better graphics with a slower quad over lessor graphics and a faster quad.

And I will take more slower RAM over less faster RAM any day of the week too.

The "sweetspot" for RAM is generally considered 8Gb. When it comes to "the most bang for your money", less RAM and performance is noticeably degraded, more than 8Gb and any performance gains are marginal, if noticeable at all. Of course, with more than 4Gb, you need a 64-bit OS.

And finally, hard drives are for backups, songs and videos. I see no reason to bottleneck a new computer with a HD these days. Get a 250-256Gb SSD as your boot drive for the OS (and page file) and all your applications. You won't regret it.

And finally finally, don't try to shave costs by trimming the budget on your power supply. You don't buy a fancy new Porsche then fill it up at the corner Tobacco & Bait Shop. And you don't need gobs of power either. Most users, even with power hungry graphics cards, big quad-core CPUs and gobs of RAM, can do well with a quality 500W 80 PLUS "Gold" supply.