School Notebook: Core i3 vs AMD A6

[stalker7d7]

Looking for an inexpensive notebook to use at school. Will use it primarily for word processing, programming, and browsing the web. Secondary for gaming.

I'm thinking the AMD A6 has much better graphics performance, but at a cost of cpu performance. Is it really worth it, or would I be better off spending a little extra for an i3 + a dedicated gpu like a gt520?

Here's what I've been looking at:
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834246302 A6
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834246213 i3 + gt 520m

 

[amuffin]

i3.

 

[stalker7d7]

i3.

Any solid reasoning, or just pure opinion?

 

[amuffin]

http/compare-processors.com/amd-a6-3400m-vs-core-i3-2330m/854/ higher 3d markvantage score.

 

[esrever]

you'd really notice no difference between the i3 and the a6 in cpu performance when actually using it. the extra graphics is worth it.

also the a6 is faster in multitasking.

 

[stalker7d7]

http/compare-processors.com/amd-a6-3400m-vs-core-i3-2330m/854/ higher 3d markvantage score.

Seems weird, considering the a6 is the one with a gpu built in...

 

[esrever]

thats only the cpu score, which doesn't mean squat unless you have a high end gpu.

 

[stalker7d7]

thats only the cpu score, which doesn't mean squat unless you have a high end gpu.

I see, thanks for explanation. (I've obviously never used 3dmark, lol)

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been moved from the section CPU & Components to section Laptops & Notebooks by Mousemonkey

 

[ojas]

Yeah i guess if you have gaming needs then the A6 is the way to go, otherwise i3 for its higher performance and efficiency. In your case:

word processing: both are adequate

programming: If it's basic stuff (i.e. if you're only learning) then both are good, if you're into simulation and/or plan to write huge programs, then arguably the i3, though i think the A6 should be fine too.

browsing: both are adequate

gaming: Unless you're going to play CPU intensive games, the A6.

A desktop A6 vs my Core 2 Quad (which does all the above very well)

And vs the i3...

those benchmarks used a 5870, btw. so...
Check how the integrated gpu compares with the 520M here:
http/www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

 

[stalker7d7]

Best answer selected by stalker7d7.