Difference between CPUs in laptop

[skywalka]

I am planning on purchasing a Lenovo Yoga 730, but I am between two models, the only difference being the processors. One has an "8th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-8250U Processor (1.60GHz, up to 3.40GHz with Turbo Boost, 6MB Cache)" and the other has an "8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-8550U Processor (1.80GHz, up to 4.0GHz with Turbo Boost, 8MB Cache)".  

 

The both models are currently the same price on Lenovo's site, but I can purchase the i5 model for $100 less than listed($1050), so is the $100 more for the i7 version worth it?

 

https://www3.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/yoga/700-series/Yoga-730-15/p/88YG7000965

[DocSwag]

Only difference is higher frequency and more cache. If you need a little extra CPU performance, sure. Otherwise it's not needed.

[Princess Luna]

It depends on what you want to do with it

[Christophe Corazza]

33 minutes ago, skywalka said:

The both models are currently the same price on Lenovo's site, but I can purchase the i5 model for $100 less than listed($1050), so is the $100 more for the i7 version worth it?

 

Both have 4 cores, 8 threads, the same graphics, the same TDP etc. The basic difference it the core and boost clock and the cache.

So, whether or not the $ 100 premium is worth is boils down to what you are using your laptop for... If you can tell us that, we can advise you the most suitable CPU.

[skywalka]

1 minute ago, Christophe Corazza said:

 

Both have 4 cores, 8 threads, the same graphics, the same TDP etc. The basic difference it the core and boost clock and the cache.

So, whether or not the $ 100 premium is worth is boils down to what you are using your laptop for... If you can tell us that, we can advise you the most suitable CPU.

@Christophe Corazza I will be using it for college but I may do some light gaming on it(the pc does come with a gtx 1050). And if the i7 would significantly affect multitasking that would be worth it to me to upgrade it. Thanks.

[Christophe Corazza]

2 minutes ago, skywalka said:

@Christophe Corazza I will be using it for college but I may do some light gaming on it(the pc does come with a gtx 1050). And if the i7 would significantly affect multitasking that would be worth it to me to upgrade it. Thanks.

 

For multitasking it is beneficial to have more cores. Well, actually, threads, in the case of hyperthreading. That's because the applications can each run on different threads. It's still good to have fast, efficient cores, but for having many applications running at once, you will very much appreciate having a 4+ core CPU. So, both will perform about equal.

 

What software are you using for college?

 

[skywalka]

15 minutes ago, Christophe Corazza said:

 

For multitasking it is beneficial to have more cores. Well, actually, threads, in the case of hyperthreading. That's because the applications can each run on different threads. It's still good to have fast, efficient cores, but for having many applications running at once, you will very much appreciate having a 4+ core CPU. So, both will perform about equal.

 

What software are you using for college?

 

@Christophe Corazza I am not completely sure as I will be a freshman this coming fall, but I shouldn't be using anything too intensive. I will probably just go with the i5 version. Thanks for the help!

[Christophe Corazza]

1 minute ago, skywalka said:

@Christophe Corazza I am not completely sure as I will be a freshman this coming fall, but I shouldn't be using anything too intensive. I will probably just go with the i5 version. Thanks for the help!

 

The i5 verison is perfectly fine. Although expect some performance loss in some CPU intensive games as this ain't a desktop CPU. However, a mobile i5 is good enough though for 1080p 60 FPS (and maybe even 4K). With 4 cores and 8 threads it should run just about anything… as long as it is paired with a dedicated GPU like the 1050.

As for college work, since you are not using intensive (mathematical/simulation) software, the i5 will suit you very well.

But to conclude this answer I'll say this: yes it will game, yes there are faster mobile processors out there. So will you be happy with this processor? Yes. Since it has capable cooling, and has a dedicated GPU you'll be able to use it for collage and it will play games at least for the next few years to some.

 

Good luck with your studies! 

[genexis_x]

8550U isn't worth it unless you need single core performance and 2MB more cache. 8250U is enough