What To Know
- The Intel Pentium Silver N5030 is based on the Tremont microarchitecture and is fabricated using a 10nm process, while the Intel Core i3-1115G4 is built on the Willow Cove microarchitecture and is manufactured using a 10nm SuperFin process.
- The UHD Graphics Xe in the Core i3-1115G4 offers significantly better graphics performance, making it a more suitable choice for light gaming and video editing tasks.
- The Core i3-1115G4 has a TDP of 15 watts, but it also offers a wider range of power modes, allowing it to balance performance and power efficiency depending on the workload.
When it comes to budget-friendly laptops and desktops, two processors that often come to mind are the Intel Pentium Silver N5030 and the Intel Core i3-1115G4. Both processors offer a balance of performance and affordability, but which one is the better choice for your specific needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two processors, helping you make an informed decision.
Core Architecture and Fabrication
The Intel Pentium Silver N5030 is based on the Tremont microarchitecture and is fabricated using a 10nm process, while the Intel Core i3-1115G4 is built on the Willow Cove microarchitecture and is manufactured using a 10nm SuperFin process. The smaller fabrication process of the Core i3-1115G4 allows for more transistors to be packed into the same die size, resulting in potentially higher performance.
Number of Cores and Threads
The Pentium Silver N5030 is a quad-core processor without Hyper-Threading technology, meaning it can process up to four threads simultaneously. On the other hand, the Core i3-1115G4 is also a quad-core processor, but it supports Hyper-Threading, enabling it to handle up to eight threads concurrently. This gives the Core i3-1115G4 a significant advantage in multithreaded workloads.
Clock Speeds
The Pentium Silver N5030 has a base clock speed of 1.1 GHz and a turbo boost speed of up to 2.8 GHz. The Core i3-1115G4 has a higher base clock speed of 1.7 GHz and a turbo boost speed of up to 4.1 GHz. The higher clock speeds of the Core i3-1115G4 provide an edge in single-threaded performance and demanding applications.
Graphics Performance
Both the Pentium Silver N5030 and the Core i3-1115G4 have integrated graphics capabilities. The Pentium Silver N5030 features the Intel UHD Graphics 605, while the Core i3-1115G4 has the Intel UHD Graphics Xe. The UHD Graphics Xe in the Core i3-1115G4 offers significantly better graphics performance, making it a more suitable choice for light gaming and video editing tasks.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP)
The Pentium Silver N5030 has a TDP of 10 watts, indicating its low power consumption. This makes it ideal for ultra-portable laptops and devices that prioritize battery life. The Core i3-1115G4 has a TDP of 15 watts, but it also offers a wider range of power modes, allowing it to balance performance and power efficiency depending on the workload.
Price and Availability
The Pentium Silver N5030 is typically priced lower than the Core i3-1115G4. It is commonly found in budget-friendly laptops and desktops, while the Core i3-1115G4 is often found in mid-range devices. The availability of both processors may vary depending on the region and specific device models.
Choosing the Right Processor for Your Needs
The choice between the Pentium Silver N5030 and the Core i3-1115G4 depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you are looking for a highly portable device with long battery life and basic computing needs, the Pentium Silver N5030 is a suitable option. However, if you need a processor that can handle multithreaded workloads, demanding applications, and light gaming, the Core i3-1115G4 is the better choice.
Takeaways: Making an Informed Decision
The Pentium Silver N5030 and the Core i3-1115G4 are both capable processors that offer different strengths and weaknesses. By understanding the key differences between these processors, you can make an informed decision based on your budget, performance requirements, and device preferences. Whether you prioritize portability and battery life or performance and versatility, both processors provide viable options for budget-conscious buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which processor is better for everyday tasks like web browsing and email?
A: Both processors are suitable for everyday tasks. The Pentium Silver N5030 is more power-efficient, while the Core i3-1115G4 offers slightly better performance.
Q: Can I play games on these processors?
A: The Core i3-1115G4 with its UHD Graphics Xe is better suited for light gaming than the Pentium Silver N5030 with its UHD Graphics 605.
Q: Which processor will last longer in my laptop?
A: The Pentium Silver N5030 has a lower TDP and is more power-efficient, which can contribute to longer battery life in laptops.
