Comparing i3 6th Gen with 8GB DDR4 to i3 7th Gen with 4GB DDR4: Which is Better?

When deciding between an Intel Core i3 6th generation processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM and an i3 7th generation processor with 4GB DDR4 RAM, several factors come into play. This article will explore the differences in performance, RAM capacity, and use cases to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The processor generation is a crucial factor to consider, as the 7th generation Kaby Lake processors typically offer slight improvements in performance and efficiency over the 6th generation Skylake processors. However, the difference in performance is not substantial for basic tasks.

RAM Capacity

The amount of RAM capacity is equally important. Having 8GB of RAM is generally more advantageous than just 4GB, especially for multitasking, running more demanding applications, and overall system responsiveness.

For basic tasks, both setups can perform adequately, but the 8GB configuration will provide a surprisingly smoother experience. This is because the 8GB RAM can handle more processes simultaneously and ensures that the system remains responsive even when running multiple applications.

Use Cases

Basic Tasks

For activities such as web browsing, word processing, and running light applications, both the 6th and 7th generation i3 processors can handle the workload effectively. However, having 8GB of RAM will ensure a smoother and more responsive experience.

Multitasking

When it comes to multitasking, the 8GB configuration will provide better capabilities. Tasks such as running multiple applications simultaneously, switching between programs, and maintaining smooth performance across all open applications are much easier with 8GB of RAM. In contrast, with just 4GB, you might experience lag and slower performance as the system tries to manage more processes than it can comfortably handle.

Gaming and Heavy Applications

If you plan to run more demanding software or games, the 8GB of RAM will be advantageous regardless of the slight performance edge offered by the newer CPU. Having more RAM allows the system to run more applications and processes simultaneously without compromising performance.

Conclusion

In summary, if your primary concern is multitasking and overall system performance, the i3 6th gen with 8GB DDR4 would likely provide a better experience. However, if you are primarily focused on single-threaded performance and efficiency, the i3 7th gen might be better; however, the RAM limitation could hinder performance in practical scenarios.

Given these considerations: Opt for the i3 6th gen with 8GB DDR4. The performance gain from the newer CPU is not as significant as the benefits offered by the additional RAM. Consider the potential for RAM upgrades. Some newer laptops may have an empty RAM slot that can be upgraded later to 12GB or even 16GB, which could significantly improve performance.

Key Takeaways

RAM capacity is more impactful than CPU generation for basic tasks and multitasking. For more demanding applications and games, 8GB of RAM is more beneficial despite the slightly better performance of the 7th generation CPU. Goldilocks Principle: More RAM is better, but sometimes just the right amount can be the sweet spot.

Remember, 4GB of RAM can be a bottleneck for any use, even multitasking. By investing in 8GB of RAM, you ensure a more fluent and versatile computing experience. While the 6100U processor might be a bit slower than the 7100U, an entry-level 8GB RAM configuration will still offer better performance overall.

So, if you have to choose between these two, I would take the 6th gen i3 with 8GB DDR4 every time. The performance gain between the 6th and 7th generation is not as relevant as having 4GB more RAM.

Additional Recommendations: Consider checking if the second laptop has a spare RAM slot for a potential upgrade. If the system can be upgraded, you can extend its lifecycle and improve performance without incurring a significant cost.