I am buying a PC for my brother. I have to build 2 computers and not in the mood to build a 3rd, so I am buying one. I am stuck in between two CPUs. One has an Intel Core i3-4130 with 8GB of RAM for $499.99. The i5-4440 with 8GB of RAM costs $599.99. He will use the computer for internet, my nephew plays minecraft and he plays the Sims and Hoyle Games. I told him that he should upgrade to the GTX 750. Which CPU is better?
Intel Core i3-4130 or Intel Core i5-4440
- Thread starter NewYorksFinest
- Start date
lehtv
Elite Member
- Dec 8, 2010
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Obviously, the i5 is better.
But the i3 will handle the tasks you described with the exact same performance.
I'd say take the i3, if the most-demanding game is The Sims. The i5 isn't worth the extra $100. Is the CPU the only difference between the systems? $100 for a non-K seems rather crazy.
I'd get in the mood and build a decent box for $600. Which will have a better quality PSU and mobo. Do any of those pre-builts even come with an SSD?
A 128GB SSD is around $100 for a half decent model. $1500 is obscene. You could a nice box for half that with an SSD.
Arkaign
Lifer
- Oct 27, 2006
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Wait wait wait! 
Those are terrible prices.
HP Pavilion 500-210qe Intel Core i5-4430 Quad Desktop (6GB/1TB) $484.99
HP has the HP Pavilion 500-210qe Intel Core i5-4430 Quad-Core HASWELL Desktop Computer for a low $484.99 after $100 instant discount and $15 off Coupon Code: "TECHBARG15HP" (Exp 4/5). $9.99 Shipping. Tax in most states.
Those are terrible prices.
HP Pavilion 500-210qe Intel Core i5-4430 Quad Desktop (6GB/1TB) $484.99
HP has the HP Pavilion 500-210qe Intel Core i5-4430 Quad-Core HASWELL Desktop Computer for a low $484.99 after $100 instant discount and $15 off Coupon Code: "TECHBARG15HP" (Exp 4/5). $9.99 Shipping. Tax in most states.
For those games, there's very little difference in performance between the chips. The i3 actually has higher 1-2T performance (3.4GHz vs 3.3GHz of i5-4440 Turbo Boost). 8GB RAM on both is good. You might as well go for the cheaper i3 then possibly add a GTX 750 card with most of the $100 difference. Or definitely spend the $100 you've saved on a 256GB SSD. HDD -> SSD is probably the biggest real-world noticeable general usage upgrade over the past few years. Minimum 128GB ideally 256GB.
Last edited:
Arkaign
Lifer
- Oct 27, 2006
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Why buy an i3 system for $499 when you can get an i5 for less? :\
Once someone has a capable PC, they also tend to pick up more advanced games down the line. Who's to say that in a year or two the dude might want to play a new Total War series game or Civ 6 or whatever. An i5 is going to be a fair bit less prone to sudden obsolescence. Makes me think of the E8400 vs. C2Q debates, and we all know how that one turned out.
Once someone has a capable PC, they also tend to pick up more advanced games down the line. Who's to say that in a year or two the dude might want to play a new Total War series game or Civ 6 or whatever. An i5 is going to be a fair bit less prone to sudden obsolescence. Makes me think of the E8400 vs. C2Q debates, and we all know how that one turned out.
If it helps, I did read a couple of messages in this forum saying the i5 feels faster overall just doing regular tasks compared to an i3.
SlickR12345
Senior member
I bought a quad core over dual core and I must say its the best choice I've ever made.
program operations are so fast, compressing, uncompressing, video encoding, image manipulation, antivirus operation and just overall daily tasks are so much faster and responsive.
Getting a quad core over a dual core is worth it. Even games these days are taking advantage of the more cores, you virtually can't find a newer game that doesn't take advantage of more than 2 cores.
program operations are so fast, compressing, uncompressing, video encoding, image manipulation, antivirus operation and just overall daily tasks are so much faster and responsive.
Getting a quad core over a dual core is worth it. Even games these days are taking advantage of the more cores, you virtually can't find a newer game that doesn't take advantage of more than 2 cores.
frozentundra123456
Lifer
- Aug 11, 2008
- 10,451
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I agree that for the same price I would go for the quad. However, except for gaming or heavy multi threaded tasks, the E8400 is still a very adequate chip. I have one in my work desktop and it feels as fast as my i5 home computer in MS Office uses. I never notice any lag at all. Granted I am sure it would bog down more easily under heavy use, but it is still a great chip.
tweakboy
Diamond Member
You can get a i7 most parts with that money..just no mon or accessories
If you want to be future proof. You must go quad.. I agree with frozen..
If you want to be future proof. You must go quad.. I agree with frozen..
Get the i3. The performance difference won't be noticeable compared to the $100 difference.
Depends. For only $100 I'd choose the i5 anyday. I'd prefer to have way more than I need over the minimum I need.
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