i7 3630QM (2.40GHz) vs i5 3380M (2.90GHz) for gaming

[antobag]

I made a similar thread yesterday but realised I had another question. If you've read the other thread, sorry to bring this up again.

What would be better for gaming between a Quad Core i7 3630QM (2.40GHz) and a Dual Core i5 3380M (2.90GHz)? Obviously the i7 has four cores with hyper-threading, but there's 0.50GHz more power in the two cores of the i5. I know that gaming is mostly dependent on GPU, but was just wondering which of these CPUs would offer better performance (even if it is slight).

 

[krumme]

Its a pain to be let down by your cpu in 1-2 years and not play you favorite game even at lower res or lower quality. The quad will always be fastest, especially in the future games where cpu core matters more.

 

[antobag]

Thanks for your reply. Quad it is!

 

[LanceAvion]

One more thing to remember is that Intel's CPU overclock if the situation demands, such as when you're gaming. The i7 3630QM auto overclocks to 3.4 GHz for a single core if the application demands. Likewise the i5 3230M auto overclocks to 3.6GHz for a single core if the application demands. Both can overclock all their cores (4 and 2 respectively) at the same time, but slightly lower lower than the max for a single core.

In short I have to second the quad core i7 3630QM.

 

[Infamuz]

OP,

Have you considered the i7 3632QM? It is 35W version of the quad core.

 

[antobag]

One more thing to remember is that Intel's CPU overclock if the situation demands, such as when you're gaming. The i7 3630QM auto overclocks to 3.4 GHz for a single core if the application demands. Likewise the i5 3230M auto overclocks to 3.6GHz for a single core if the application demands. Both can overclock all their cores (4 and 2 respectively) at the same time, but slightly lower lower than the max for a single core.

In short I have to second the quad core i7 3630QM.

Somehow I'd completely forgotten about the overclocking feature. I'll definitely get the quad core then!

OP,

Have you considered the i7 3632QM? It is 35W version of the quad core.

I assume this would mean better battery life? I'd really like to get it but unfortunately the website I'm using (PC Specialist) only gives the 45W option. I'll be connected to mains power most of the time though so it's okay. Thanks anyway!