i3-7100 vs i5-7400

OddBall

New Member
I'm looking at these two CPU's in a new desktop. I plan to use it mainly for web surfing and Office, occasionally watching videos, never gaming. I usually have multiple programs open at once. Which CPU would be better?
 

beers

Moderator
Staff member
You could probably get away with the i3. The i5 would probably last a bit longer for multitasking but you'll probably be upgrading again anyway by then.

What's the cost difference?
 

OddBall

New Member
You could probably get away with the i3. The i5 would probably last a bit longer for multitasking but you'll probably be upgrading again anyway by then.

What's the cost difference?
OfficeMax actually has an HP on sale with the i5 that's cheaper than the HP with the i3 I'm looking at. The i5 has turboboost to 3.5 GHz, while the i3 is a flat 3.9.
 

beers

Moderator
Staff member
Eh I'd just get the i5. Lower boost but four actual cores. Performs significantly better in a multitasking/multithreaded environment vs 2 physical SMT cores.
 
Top