Sandy Bridge dual core vs Phenom II X4

[sugarcraft]

For general multitasking, which would be be better - i3 2100 Sandy Bridge dual core or Phenom II x4 955 quad?
I'm building a desktop for a friend and both of these seem viable for my given price range. As I've mentioned, the purpose of this build is for general multitasking, and I'd like to save money by using integrated graphics. Note that my friend might use 2 monitors. Since this is a generally low cost build I'd like to consider whatever options will save me money. Examples of what I'm comparing is TDP (to save $$$ on psu) and integrated graphics value.

tl;dr
Is sandy bridge worth the downgrade from 4 cores to 2

Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice.

-sugarcraft

 

[sugarcraft]

By the way, I've looked over the office systems that people are voting on in the systems section but my budget is really based on these two cpus. I don't want a llano.

 

[Maksym]

Voting for Phenom 2 True Quad vs Inte's 2/4.

 

[Guest]

I3's game pretty well, according to TH. In benchmarks they tend to be better for the most part. Bang for your buck, I3 (2120). In some instances though having 4 genuine cores is better.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

for general use 4 core phenom is probably better. If your using integrated graphics you wont need a powerful psu for either, but do get a good quality PSU. Antec make some good low end ones, both the earthwatts 380w and basiq 350w are good low end PSU's.

 

[hsir135]

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision
Most of these will unlock one core if not 2. Easy overclock.

$87.99

1x BIOSTAR A880G+ AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics

$59.99

Save $15.00 when purchased together
Combined Total: $147.98
Combo Discounts: -$15.00
Combo Price: $132.98

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.726708

For most apps, clock speed is more important
than 2 vs 4 core.

 

[sugarcraft]

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision
Most of these will unlock one core if not 2. Easy overclock.

$87.99

1x BIOSTAR A880G+ AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics

$59.99

Save $15.00 when purchased together
Combined Total: $147.98
Combo Discounts: -$15.00
Combo Price: $132.98

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.726708

For most apps, clock speed is more important
than 2 vs 4 core.

Well there must be something other than clock speed to measure performance... Anyway my friend's price range is what brought me to the choice between the above mentioned processors, so no need to downgrade.

 

[sugarcraft]

for general use 4 core phenom is probably better. If your using integrated graphics you wont need a powerful psu for either, but do get a good quality PSU. Antec make some good low end ones, both the earthwatts 380w and basiq 350w are good low end PSU's.

Straight and to the point , but what makes it better? That it's 4 cores/higher clock speed? Also, is it recommended to get a power source under 500W (no upgrades will likely ever be made).

 

[ghnader hsmithot]

then if you are not interested in upgrading forever then the amd phenom II quadcore.
IF you are a constant upgrader of computer parts then we would recommend the Sandy bridge i3 2100.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Four cores should indeed be better for general multitasking as you put it. Sandy Bridge is better for gaming and benchmarking. There would be no point in buying a bigger PSU than the 350W that was suggested.