A small chip fitted with millions of transistors placed on the motherboard of a computer system or other electronic devices is known as a processor. Processors are the primary component of a computer. Since its invention, it has been said that it is the brain of the computer.
The processors work by accepting the instructions given as input, reading and processing them and obtaining output accordingly. The processors read the given instructions in the binary form that is (0) or (1). Here (0) means off and (1) means on. The speed of a processor defines its quality, that is, more the number of instructions accepted per second by it, the better the processor is.
In the series of powerful microprocessors, Intel has given a major breakthrough by launching its Pentium processors and Core processors. Pentium is a 7th generation processor and Core i3 is a 9th generation processor.
Pentium vs Core i3
The main difference between Pentium and Core i3 is in their cache memory and working. Pentium processors were designed for casual use such as browsing, light image processing, etc that is to be used as a home desktop and therefore Pentiums were equipped with lesser cache memory whereas core i3 processors come with more cache memory and with hyper-threading.
Comparison Table Between Pentium and Core i3 (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | Pentium | Core i3 |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | It is the 7th generation processor. | It is the 9th generation processor. |
| Cache memory | Has less cache memory. | Has more cache memory. |
| Features | Features like hyperthreading, turbo boost, etc are lacking. | Has features like hyperthreading, turbo boost, virtual support, HD video support. |
| Functions | Designed for general functions like browsing, basic image editing, doing school projects, etc. | Designed to perform high-end functions like computer programming, web development, game and application development, etc |
| Cost | Pentium is available in a low range. | Core i3 is available in mid and high ranges. |
What is Pentium?
Intel launched its Pentium processor in 1993. It was a combination of two processors on a single chip with 3.1 million transistors. Based on CISC (complex instruction set computer) structure, it has features like 32-bit address bus, 64-bit data bus, built-in floating-point and memory management units.
They were the first dual-core processors and gained popularity in a short time. They became the most widely used processors for personal computers.
But Pentium has only 3MB cache memory. The Graphics controller in Pentium runs at 533Mhz. Memory controllers and graphic controllers were slow. Hyperthreading, turbo boost, virtual support is lacking in the Pentium processor.
Pentium does not support HD video technology and gaming technologies. It also lacks multitasking support. Pentium processor is a low-end version of core processors.
Pentium due to lack of major features was mostly used in personal computers.
What is Core i3?
Intel developed and manufactured dual-core i3 processors. It is the first processor in the i series of Intel.
It is manufactured in the various speed ranges starting from 1.30GHz to 3.50GHz depending on the requirement. It is available both in 3MB and 4MB cache memory. Core i3 is generally a dual-core processor but it is also available in the quad-core variant.
The graphic controller of Core i3 runs at 733 Mhz. The memory controller of Core i3 runs faster. Core i3 supports hyperthreading, turbo boost, virtual support, efficient multitasking. Core i3 has more memory channels.
Core i3 was specially designed to support HD video and gaming technologies. It also supports integrated graphics and advanced gaming.
Core i3 was designed for web development, game development, application development that is to perform high-end tasks. These are mostly used in offices to develop and serve specific purposes.
Main Differences Between Pentium and Core i3
- Pentium is a 7th generation processor whereas Core i3 is a 9th generation processor.
- Pentium processors have less cache memory as compared to that of the Core i3 processor.
- Core processor has more memory channels while Pentium has a low number of memory channels.
- Core i3 is equipped with hyper threading, turbo boost and virtual support while these features are lacking in Pentium.
- When compared on the basis of memory controller Pentium performs slower than Core i3.
- The Graphics controller of Pentium is slower than that of Core i3. The core i3 graphic controller runs at 733Mhz and that of Pentium runs at 533Mhz.
- Integrated graphic support is present in Core i3 while lacking in Pentium.
- The Pentium processor was designed to perform basic functions while Core i3 was designed for high-end purposes.
- Pentium processors cost less than Core i3 processors.
Conclusion
Processors were launched by Intel. Till date they offer a wide range of processors. Pentium and Core are their products designed for specific purposes.
Pentium and Core processors both do the work according to their capacity. Both are designed for modern computer systems. Pentium is a low-end version of Core i3. Pentium and Core i3, both are dual-core processors but Core i3 has some features that give it a lead over the Pentium processor. The usage of computers determines whether to go for Pentium or Core i3.
It is important to gain accurate information about the technology to check its efficient performance. Without proper information, one cannot get the advantage of technology.
References
- http://search.proquest.com/openview/19bbd22cc66c58398405907b8cefca68/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y