Choosing Between Lenovo L340 and Dell New Inspiron 5490 for Programming and Machine Learning
When deciding between the Lenovo L340 and Dell New Inspiron 5490 for programming and machine learning (ML) tasks, it is essential to evaluate both the processors, memory, and especially the graphics performance. This detailed comparison aims to provide insights that can help you make an informed decision.
Specs Overview
The Lenovo L340 and Dell New Inspiron 5490 both feature Intel Core i7 processors. However, there are subtle differences in their hardware specifications, particularly when it comes to graphics performance, which is crucial for tasks like programming and machine learning.
Lenovo L340
Processor: Intel Core i7 9th Gen RAM: 8 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4 GB VRAMDell New Inspiron 5490
Processor: Intel Core i7 10th Gen RAM: 8 GB Storage: 512 GB SSD Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 (internal GPU) and NVIDIA MX250 with 2 GB VRAM (a third-party discrete GPU option can be added)Performance and Use Cases
For programming and general day-to-day usage, both laptops will handle the tasks adequately. However, the choice between the two can be more significant for specialized tasks, specifically in machine learning.
GFX Performance
When it comes to GPU performance, the Lenovo L340, with its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, has a noticeable advantage. The PassMark score for the GTX 1650 is approximately three times higher compared to the MX250. This difference in GPU power translates to better performance for machine learning tasks, especially when running resource-intensive applications like deep learning frameworks or specific ML applications that require a dedicated GPU.
Requirements for Machine Learning
Several studies suggest that for machine learning and deep learning tasks, having a dedicated GPU with at least 4 GB of VRAM is preferable. Additionally, systems with 16 GB or more of RAM are recommended for handling larger datasets and more complex models. To meet these requirements, you should consider doubling the system RAM in both options.
Recommendation
Given the considerations above, the Lenovo L340 stands out as the better choice, primarily due to its superior GPU performance. The GTX 1650 offers a substantial boost in graphics capability, which is particularly beneficial for programming and machine learning tasks. While the Dell New Inspiron 5490 has a more recent processor (10th Gen i7), the lack of a dedicated powerful GPU may limit its effectiveness in machine learning scenarios.
However, if your specific application or software requires support for the Dell New Inspiron 5490, and you find no other certified or supported machine with the ideal configuration, you may choose the Dell over the Lenovo. In such a case, pairing the existing MX250 with a third-party discrete GPU or enhancing it with a dedicated VRAM solution could be a viable workaround.
Conclusion
The Lenovo L340 is the more suitable choice for programming and machine learning due to its superior graphics performance. However, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and compatibility with the software or applications you plan to use.