Choosing the Right Processor for Medium Gaming on Acer Aspire 5: Intel Core i3-1115G4 vs. Intel Core i5-1035G1

When purchasing a laptop, especially one with the esteemed Acer Aspire 5 in mind, it can be challenging to decide on the right processor. Among the options, the Intel Core i3-1115G4 and the Intel Core i5-1035G1 present themselves as strong contenders for medium gaming. This article will help you understand the key differences between these two processors and make an informed decision based on your gaming needs.

The Key Differences

When comparing the Intel Core i3-1115G4 and the Intel Core i5-1035G1, the i5 generally offers better performance, specifically for tasks like gaming. Here are the key differences that can impact your gaming experience:

Core and Thread Count

One of the significant differences between the two processors is their core and thread counts:

Intel Core i3-1115G4: 2 cores, 4 threads Intel Core i5-1035G1: 4 cores, 8 threads

This is a substantial difference, as the i5-1035G1 has double the number of cores and threads, which can significantly affect multitasking and the performance of games that benefit from parallel processing.

Base and Turbo Boost Clock Speeds

The clock speeds of these processors also play a critical role in performance:

Intel Core i3-1115G4: Base clock of 3.0 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz Intel Core i5-1035G1: Base clock of 1.0 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz

While the i3-1115G4 has a higher base clock and a more significant gap between its base and turbo boost speeds, the i5-1035G1’s turbo boost of up to 3.6 GHz is still more than sufficient for most tasks, especially considering its overall core count.

Processor Architecture

The processors belong to different generations, one more advanced than the other:

Intel Core i3-1115G4: Part of the 11th generation, Tiger Lake architecture Intel Core i5-1035G1: Part of the 10th generation, Ice Lake architecture

The 11th generation processors often bring improvements in integrated graphics and efficiency, which can be beneficial for gaming performance.

Integrated Graphics Comparison

When it comes to integrated graphics, both processors offer different performance levels:

Intel Core i3-1115G4: Intel UHD Graphics 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1: Intel UHD Graphics 10th Gen with slightly lower performance compared to the i3’s graphics

While the i3-1115G4’s graphics are more powerful, the i5-1035G1 still offers a respectable performance level, especially considering the number of threads and cores it has.

Performance for Gaming: The i5-1035G1 Edges Out

For medium gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-1035G1 is the better choice. Its higher core and thread count allow for better multitasking and improved performance in games that can utilize multiple cores. This setup is particularly beneficial if you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously while gaming, such as video streaming or background task management.

On the other hand, while the Intel Core i3-1115G4 is capable, it may struggle with more demanding games due to its lower core count. This can lead to a choppy gaming experience, where the game's frame rate dips significantly, especially during intense scenes or when multiple threads are required.

Recommendation

Based on the performance for medium gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G1 is the recommended choice. However, if you absolutely need a cheaper option, consider a processor with integrated graphics that is slightly better, such as the Ryzen 3 5300U. This option has 4 cores and a better integrated GPU than the i3-1115G4, and while it is still not ideal for modern AAA games, it will provide a better gaming experience compared to the i3-1115G4.

If you can afford it, investing in a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, even a low-end one like an MX350 or a GTX 1050, would be a significant upgrade. Such cards can drastically increase gaming performance, even though they might not match the performance of higher-end GPUs.

Ultimately, if you are looking for an ultra-cheap laptop for newer games, the options available with dedicated graphics like the MX450 or GTX 1650 would provide a more satisfactory gaming experience. These upgrades can significantly enhance your gameplay performance, making the medium gaming experience much more enjoyable.

When planning to buy a laptop, keep in mind that the right processor can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. The Intel Core i5-1035G1 is often the better choice for medium gaming, but always consider the graphics and the overall system configuration to make the best decision.