Core i3-350 or Core i5-430 ?

[varunmehta11]

I'm customizing a Dell laptop from there website and going to buy it soon.
I'm realy confused whether i should pay the extra bucks for an upgrade of Cpu from Core i3-350 2.26 Ghz to a Core i5-430 2.26 Ghz as there no benchmark/comparison tests available for these new Core i3/i5 Cpus.

 

[taltamir]

the i5 supports virtual machines and gets a tiny speed boost (under 5&#37 from turbo boost.
it is not worth the extra money.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

You will definitely want to read this:

http://techreport.com/articles.x/18448

Relevant quote (conclusion):

Before we go, we can't ignore the fact that our overall leader in both power efficiency and performance per system cost was the Core i5-750. If you're purely rational about these things—and you can afford to spend nearly $200 on a CPU—the i5-750 is obviously the best choice among the processors we tested.

 

[Silenus]

You will definitely want to read this:

http://techreport.com/articles.x/18448

Relevant quote (conclusion):

Before we go, we can't ignore the fact that our overall leader in both power efficiency and performance per system cost was the Core i5-750. If you're purely rational about these things—and you can afford to spend nearly $200 on a CPU—the i5-750 is obviously the best choice among the processors we tested.

This CAN be true for many of us....but two things should be kept in mind:

1) The comparison is only valid where a discrete graphics card was used for all systems! It ignores the built in graphics of core i3/i5. If one were building a system NOT for gaming, such as an HTPC, the IGP may be plenty. That means no video card which alters the entire system cost. Both power efficiency and performance per system cost may in fact favor the i3/i5 chips with IGP.

2) OP is buying a laptops, which means mobile processors. The comparisons linked are for desktop setups.