I7 or i5

jhones99

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Dec 29, 2009
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will future application developers add multi - processor support to applications

should a buy a slow quad core or fast dual core


i used laptop mostly for running virtual machines like vmware, and some processor intensive applications
 
Solution



As another person said, a quad core cpu will be much better, as it gives both the primary os and the virtual os a lot of breathing room.

Now are those processor intensive applications multi threaded for 4 cores or even 8 threads? if so the core i7 720 will be really good choice.

If not, it can only use 2 cores then the core i5's/ dual core i7 would be a better choice as there higher GHz.



My last question will be, are you wanting long battery life? If so then you'll want to chose a dual...


When you say slow Quad Core there is no such. fast Dual Core??
Even thou the new Intel i5 500 and 600 have Hyper Threading doesn't mean that Quad Cores are slower.

In time did you know that Quad Core would be use in applications and games in the future.
Workstation's alone use Quad Core processors. But you're not giving me a idea on what you want in a CPU and what Type.
Now as I know the i7 would be more for applications and Film editing choice, but it can be use for gaming.
Now for i5 Quad Core also but but more for the gamer friendly eye. (same as i7)
i5 600 and 500 series with Dual Core with Hyper Threading is more for the everyday home use, gaming, and applications (Some)

Now if you are looking at the i5 540M for a notebook then I would say I am not sure
But if a i7 for notebook would be more ideal
 


Um. VMWare will work much, much better with a quad core.

If considering a mobile, pay more attention to the turbo than the base frequencies. They are a lot quicker than the vague specs listed on a store site will lead you to believe.
 

Well Quad Core Mobile isn't release,
I think an i7 mobile CPU would work best but if you looking for something that has good price range look for a Intel i5 540M
 



As another person said, a quad core cpu will be much better, as it gives both the primary os and the virtual os a lot of breathing room.

Now are those processor intensive applications multi threaded for 4 cores or even 8 threads? if so the core i7 720 will be really good choice.

If not, it can only use 2 cores then the core i5's/ dual core i7 would be a better choice as there higher GHz.



My last question will be, are you wanting long battery life? If so then you'll want to chose a dual core. If you dont care for battery life, then get a quad core.
 
Solution
Considering this is for a laptop, I think different things have to be taken into consideration. In a desktop configuration the quad core is no brainer... desktops allow for larger cooling solutions and that allows for higher clock speeds for quad cores. Most any Intel quad core you buy can reach 3.6 GHz with ease... with many going right up to 4.0. That said... if you buy a laptop, you're pretty much locked in at stock speeds... and in the case of quad cores... that's going to be a good bit lower than dual core parts... and with the newer dual cores supporting hyperthreading, it makes the dual vs. quad debate a pretty good one in the mobile realm.

However, since you specifically mentioned running virtual machines (plural) I'd say you're probably better off with the quad core. For most users, I think the dual core would be ideal... but I think a developer is a special case that calls for a special laptop.
 



Well for a laptop the $1k and under, my dad just got this laptop from bestbuy for $899.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~cabcat0500000%23%230%23%23205~~cabcat0502000%23%230%23%233f~~cpcmcat196200050015%23%230%23%231~~f551||496e74656c26233137343b~~nf546||496e74656c26233137343b20436f726526233135333b206937&list=y&nrp=15&sc=abComputerSP&ks=960&usc=abcat0500000&sp=%2Bcurrentprice+skuid&list=y&iht=n&st=processingtime:%3E1900-01-01

do vmware have support for multiple processors?

I think it does although im not positive on that.