SP3 vs. SP4

[Albert Metelsky]

Is a SP4 with a m3 processor a step up from a SP3 with an i5 processor? I have a chance to swap, no cost to me. Thanks

 

[Indistinguishable]

Is a SP4 with a m3 processor a step up from a SP3 with an i5 processor? I have a chance to swap, no cost to me. Thanks

Someone from our forums wrote a nice comparison review along these lines. I've found it helpful before. Although it is from 10 months ago. You can find it here: https://onedrive.live.com/view.aspx...file,pdf&app=WordPdf&authkey=!AGZhzBW1vA4DIKE

 

[henocksandy]

Is a SP4 with a m3 processor a step up from a SP3 with an i5 processor? I have a chance to swap, no cost to me. Thanks

in performance, i don't think so.

 

[demon09]

I have a relative that works at Intel, and his quick explanation to me between these processors was that the Core M values battery efficiency, where the I5 has more processing efficiency (i.e. speed and capability) at the expense of a bit more battery.

 

[henocksandy]

The extra performance with i5 is way better than the extra battery life with m3.

 

[demon09]

Agreed--the m3 is more like having a tablet for more basic use, where the I series is an ultra compact true computer.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

 

[kaktus1389]

I wouldn't get a tablet/PC with lower processor performance than Core i5 again. Made that mistake once but then figured out the performance is not as good as some claim it to be.

 

[jo-pa]

As mentioned above, it depends what you are using your machine for. If it is for simple tasks the m3 will probably work if you are looking for a bit more performance stay with the i5.,

 

[vezycash]

I've used a few i3 devices and it can't handle real computing. I'll advise you stick with the i5. Try and see if you can swap with a sp4 i5 with extra cash.

 

[henocksandy]

As mentioned above, it depends what you are using your machine for. If it is for simple tasks the m3 will probably work if you are looking for a bit more performance stay with the i5.,

Its slow even for simple tasks.

 

[ttsoldier]

Its slow even for simple tasks.

I'm pretty sure it will be more than sufficient for users who are simply checking mail and browsing the web. Maybe watching a movie here or there. These type of users do not need i5 processors.

 

[henocksandy]

I'm pretty sure it will be more than sufficient for users who are simply checking mail and browsing the web. Maybe watching a movie here or there. These type of users do not need i5 processors.

Yeah

 

[kristalsoldier]

Its slow even for simple tasks.

I agree. Aside from using my S3 as a pure tablet, I would not use it for my daily work. The Atom chip does seem to have some performance bottlenecks though as a tablet, I will swear by the S3.

My main machine though remains the SP4 i5/8GB/256GB. What do I use it for? Mainly Office - heavy use of office - some financial/ algos, and just general web use (again very heavy). My previous machine was the SP3, which worked fine but it did generate heat and the 128GB (the version I had with 4GB of RAM) was crowding me in terms of storage. I also think the SP4 is a better device all around - incrementally better for sure - but better nevertheless.

 

[henocksandy]

My previous machine was the SP3, which worked fine but it did generate heat and the 128GB (the version I had with 4GB of RAM) was crowding me in terms of storage.

Low storage makes it worse.

 

[Jose Balza]

I think that it won't be an improvement, you really should stick to the SP3, the i5 makes a difference even though the model (SP4) is newer. But that's what I think.

 

[henocksandy]

I think you better wait for Surface Pro 5. The kaby lake processors might be very powerful compared to current gen. I think even SP5 i3 will be way more powerful than SP3's i5.

 

[anon(5327127)]

Depends on throttling. The SP3 i3 isn't bad at all, neither is the m3, but of course an i5 will be quicker for burst tasks. The moment you try to do something heavy, like video production, the M3 might not be that bad.

Head over to Anandtech and read the Surface Pro 4 reviews for a solid impression of performance instead of random comments here.