Is Upgrading an HP Probook from i5-3340M to i7-3520M Worth It?

When considering upgrading your HP Probook from an Intel Core i5-3340M to a more powerful i7-3520M processor, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the costs and the actual performance gains you can expect. The i5-3340M and i7-3520M are both second-generation Intel processors, with the i7-3520M offering a slightly better performance in certain scenarios, but the overall improvement may not justify the upgrade.

Core Differences and Performance

The i5-3340M and i7-3520M processors share some similarities but have notable differences. Both processors come with 2 cores and 35W TDP (Thermal Design Power), but the i7-3520M includes a larger 4MB L3 cache and operates at 2.90 GHz compared to the i5-3340M's 2.70 GHz clock speed. While these specs suggest a potential performance boost, the practical impact on your daily tasks might be negligible.

Single-threaded Performance

One of the most significant improvements with the i7-3520M over the i5-3340M is in single-threaded performance. According to benchmark tests, the i7-3520M can offer about 10% better performance in single-threaded tasks. However, this difference is often barely noticeable in real-world scenarios. It's often more important to have a more powerful graphics card or additional RAM for significant performance gains.

Multi-threaded Performance

While the i7-3520M does provide a slight advantage in single-threaded tasks, the real-world benefits of a dual-core processor over a quad-core processor are often more pronounced. If you frequently run multi-threaded applications or have multiple tabs open, the i5-3340M with a modern quad-core successor might be a better investment.

Alternatives for Better Performance

If you're set on upgrading, it might be more worthwhile to look at alternative processors. Third-generation Intel Core i7 processors, such as the i7-3632QM or i7-3740QM, offer better performance and more cores. The 3632QM and 3740QM both have up to 4 cores and provide a substantial increase in performance, especially in multi-threaded workloads. These processors also generally have a thermal design power (TDP) of around 45W, offering better performance under load.

Conclusion

In summary, while the i7-3520M does offer a slight improvement over the i5-3340M, the enhancements are often minimal and may not justify the cost of the upgrade. For most users, a better option is to consider a third-generation i7 processor, such as the i7-3632QM or i7-3740QM, which provides a significant performance boost and more cores for better multitasking and multi-threaded performance. If you do decide to upgrade, ensure that your HP Probook is physically capable of supporting the new processor and that you have the necessary cooling solutions to manage the increased power consumption.

For those looking for a more substantial performance gain, focusing on the latest third-generation processors or even shifting to a completely different model with better specifications can be more beneficial.