$30 Core i5 vs $170 Core i5: Which One Should You Choose?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Specs of i5 4460
3. Specs of i5 650
4. Price Comparison
5. Performance Comparison
   • 5.1 Metro Last Light Redux
   • 5.2 Fallout 4
   • 5.3 Watchdogs 2
   • 5.4 Team Fortress 2
6. Upgrading Options
7. Conclusion
8. Pros and Cons

Introduction

In this article, we will be comparing the i5 4460 and the i5 650 processors. These CPUs are known for their affordability and performance, but there are some differences between the two. We will dive into the specifications, price comparison, and performance analysis to determine if the older i5 650 is still worth buying in today's market. So, let's get started and find out which CPU comes out on top!

Specs of i5 4460

The i5 4460 is a socket 1150 CPU that was launched in early 2014. It features four cores, four Threads, and a clock speed of 3.2 GHz. It comes with a reasonable price tag and has been a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers.

Specs of i5 650

The i5 650, on the other HAND, is an older CPU that was released in 2010. It is a socket 1156 CPU with two cores and four threads. The clock speed is also 3.2 GHz, similar to the i5 4460. Despite its age, the i5 650 was also priced competitively during its launch.

Price Comparison

When comparing the prices of these two processors, it is clear that the i5 4460 is more expensive. On average, the i5 4460 retails for around 170 pounds or approximately the same amount in dollars. However, considering the age of the i5 650, it can be found at a significantly lower price of around 30 pounds or the same amount in dollars in the used market. This makes the i5 650 an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Performance Comparison

Now, let's move on to the performance comparison between the i5 4460 and the i5 650. We will analyze their performance in popular games and see how they stack up against each other.

5.1 Metro Last Light Redux

In Metro Last Light Redux, with high settings at 1080p, the i5 4460 performed admirably, averaging at 130 FPS. As expected, the i5 650 saw a slight decrease in frames, but still managed to hit 99 FPS. Both CPUs provided a smooth gaming experience, with the i5 4460 having a slight advantage.

5.2 Fallout 4

When it comes to Fallout 4, both processors performed well. With the Game's frame rate limiter set at 60, both the i5 4460 and the i5 650 maintained a relatively constant FPS, even with ultra settings enabled. Although the i5 650 experienced a few more drops, it still provided a playable experience. Upgrading to a better graphics card would further enhance the performance of the older i5 processor.

5.3 Watchdogs 2

Watchdogs 2, being a demanding game, was put to the test with the medium preset. The i5 4460 delivered an average of 65 FPS, providing a very decent gaming experience. The i5 650, with slightly lower frames at 46 FPS, still proved to be playable. The Hyper-threading feature of the i5 650 helped bridge the gap between dual-core and quad-core performance.

5.4 Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2, a less demanding game, showcased high frame rates with both processors. With the highest settings at 1080p, the i5 4460 averaged at 150 frames, while the i5 650 maintained a solid frame rate of over 100. The playability of the game did not show a noticeable difference between the two CPUs.

Upgrading Options

If you are considering upgrading your system slowly, the i5 650 can be paired with a graphics card like the GTX 1060 for a great gaming experience. Although it may Present limitations soon due to its dual-core nature, the hyper-threading feature compensates to some extent. While acquiring an older motherboard for the i5 650 may be slightly more difficult or expensive, it is still a cheaper option compared to the i5 4460.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the i5 4460 outperforms the i5 650 in terms of raw performance, and it is the recommended choice if you can afford it. However, the i5 650 still holds up surprisingly well in today's gaming landscape. It is a decent processor, especially considering its price and the ability to pair it with a GTX 1060 or similar graphics card without major bottlenecks. If you are on a tight budget and willing to compromise on some performance, the i5 650 can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros of i5 4460:

• Better overall performance
• Widely available in the market

Pros of i5 650:

• Highly affordable
• Hyper-threading helps in multitasking and gaming

Cons of i5 4460:

• Higher price compared to i5 650
• Limited availability in the used market

Cons of i5 650:

• Dual-core nature may present limitations in the future
• Difficult to find compatible motherboards

Highlights

• A comparison between the i5 4460 and i5 650 processors.
• Analyzing the specifications, price comparison, and performance of the CPUs.
• The i5 4460 outperforms the i5 650 in most gaming scenarios.
• Despite its age, the i5 650 still offers decent performance at a significantly lower price.
• Recommended upgrading options and considerations.
• Pros and cons of both processors.

FAQ

Q: Can the i5 650 run modern games? A: Yes, the i5 650 can still run modern games, but it may struggle with more demanding titles. Consider pairing it with a capable graphics card for better performance.

Q: Is the i5 650 a good option for budget gaming? A: Yes, the i5 650 is a viable option for budget gaming. Its lower price makes it attractive, especially when paired with a mid-range graphics card.

Q: Should I buy the i5 4460 or the i5 650? A: It depends on your budget and gaming requirements. If you can afford it, the i5 4460 offers better performance. However, if you are on a tight budget, the i5 650 can still provide a decent gaming experience.