Which is more important; higher core count on a CPU or more RAM?

[Danuki]

So basically, my old PC died a couple of weeks ago, and I've been looking for a replacement. Because of limited time issues, I cannot build my own PC (and yes, I am fully aware it is cheaper to build your own), so I have been searching for a decent pre-built computer. I've narrowed it down to two options; a configuration I made on iBuyPower's Build-Your-Own PC customizer through WalMart, and an Acer desktop from Microcenter. The iBuyPower configuration I made has an AMD FX-6300 6-core and 4 gigs of RAM (alongside other stuff) for $457 US, while the Acer has a Core i5 Quad-Core and 8 gigs of RAM for around $400 US. So I am wondering, which should I get? (And just for your information, both come with Windows 10, and I was able to salvage my graphics card (which isn't high-end, but is a workhorse), so inclusion of a graphics card isn't really that important).

 

Thank you for your help!

[Davidwr80]

Take the one with the i5, it is way better

[NumLock21]

Grab the i5 from Acer.

[nsinnott]

The i5 model is the better option here.

[pwn_intended]

Nowadays, I recommend always having at least 8 gigs of ram. That being said, the i5 should stomp that AMD cpu any day.

 

more cores = better only if you are talking about CPU's of the same generation/brand. Comparing AMD with Intel based on core count is useless.

[ThinkWithPortals]

5 minutes ago, Danuki said:

So basically, my old PC died a couple of weeks ago, and I've been looking for a replacement. Because of limited time issues, I cannot build my own PC (and yes, I am fully aware it is cheaper to build your own), so I have been searching for a decent pre-built computer. I've narrowed it down to two options; a configuration I made on iBuyPower's Build-Your-Own PC customizer through WalMart, and an Acer desktop from Microcenter. The iBuyPower configuration I made has an AMD FX-6300 6-core and 4 gigs of RAM (alongside other stuff) for $457 US, while the Acer has a Core i5 Quad-Core and 8 gigs of RAM for around $400 US. So I am wondering, which should I get? (And just for your information, both come with Windows 10, and I was able to salvage my graphics card (which isn't high-end, but is a workhorse), so inclusion of a graphics card isn't really that important).

 

Thank you for your help!

The i5+8GB, not even a competition.

[Mr.Meerkat]

i5+8GB of RAM easily, I feel IBP is either overpricing their stuff or...someone needs to be fired for dem pricing  

[mistermaximal]

The current AMD CPUs are pretty bad unfortunately, i5+8GB are clearly the better choice.

Hope this changes soon ^^ #HypedForZen

[natey_g]

Yea i5 will suit you better

[vanished]

Wait, you're wondering if a better CPU, more RAM, and lower price is better or worse than the option with a worse CPU, less RAM and higher cost?  

[JoaoPRSousa]

15 minutes ago, Mr.Meerkat said:

i5+8GB of RAM easily, I feel IBP is either overpricing their stuff or...someone needs to be fired for dem pricing  

 

Or the iBP one has a discrete GPU while the Acer doesn't  

[Danuki]

10 minutes ago, JoaoPRSousa said:

 

Or the iBP one has a discrete GPU while the Acer doesn't  

Yea, it comes with an NVIDIA GT 970

[Mooshi]

4GB is not enough these days for modern loads and I'm not exactly a fan of Acer's build quality. i5 + 8GB would be far more useful overall regardless. 

[JoaoPRSousa]

1 minute ago, Danuki said:

Yea, it comes with an NVIDIA GT 970

 

Since you claimed that a GPU wasn't needed, go for the Acer. As said, it is way better than the iBP CPU wise.

[SpaceGhostC2C]

The answer to the general question in the title would be: it depends on what you will use the PC for.

The answer to the particular options you are considering is to go with the i5 option, because it wins in both fronts: more RAM and a CPU that would perform better in all tasks than the FX-6300 (I'm guessing it's a relatively current i5).