Which is better i3 with 4GB RAM or i5 with 2GB RAM?

Question

Can someone explain which will be better, laptop with core i3 processor, 4GB RAM OR core i5 processor, 2GB RAM ?

Solution 1

It depends really on which generation processors, and what you use it for - do you need a specific extension that's in one and not the other (for example VT). I generally tend to find that, except in exceptional circumstances, i'm not actually using all my processor power, so the processor i use is less critical.

On the other hand, many modern OSes, including windows 7 uses spare ram for caching, so you might see a advantage there.

One would need a little more information for a definitive answer.

Solution 2

Memory is a cheaper (and easier) upgrade than processor.

While I agree with the theory most of the other answers get into, I would purchase the i5 system and plan on upgrading the memory down the road if I find it is necessary.

It is highly unlikely that you are purchasing the computer for a static set of tasks. Rather you're looking for something that will do what you think it needs to do today, as well as for what you may come up with for it to do tomorrow, and the next day.

2GB memory is a good minimum. It's kinda like what 128MB of memory was 15 or so years ago. Unless you're running memory-intensive applications right away, you're probably going to get more immediate benefit from the i5 system with 2GB memory. And going forward, as mentioned above, this system will remain capable of more for a longer period of time for less money in upgrades than the i3 system.