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 computer’s brain.
The processors work by accepting the instructions given as input, reading and processing them and obtaining output accordingly. The processors read the instructions in the binary form (0) or (1).
Here (0) means off, and (1) means on. The speed of a processor defines its quality; that is, the more instructions are accepted per second by it, the better the processor is.
In the series of powerful microprocessors, Intel has given a breakthrough by launching its Pentium and Core processors. Pentium is a 7th-generation processor, and Core i3 is a 9th-generation processor.
Key Takeaways
- Pentium is an Intel processor family aimed at budget-friendly computers, offering basic performance and features for everyday tasks and light applications.
- Core i3 is another Intel processor family, positioned as entry-level in the Core series, providing better performance, energy efficiency, and additional features than Pentium processors.
- Both Pentium and Core i3 are Intel processor families. Still, the Pentium targets budget-friendly devices with basic performance, while the Core i3 offers improved performance and features as an entry-level option in the Core series.
Pentium vs Core i3
Pentium is a seventh-generation microprocessor designed by Intel, and it can be used for primary functions like image editing, internet browsing, and also for school projects. Core i3 is a ninth-generation microprocessor that is used for programming and mobile application development.
Comparison Table
| 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, and 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 combined two processors on a single chip with 3.1 million transistors.
Based on CISC (complex instruction set computer) structure, it has features like a 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, and virtual support are 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.
Due to its lack of significant features, Pentium was primarily 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 various speed ranges from 1.30GHz to 3.50GHz depending on the requirement. It is available both in 3MB and 4MB cache memory.
Core i3 is a dual-core processor but 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, and 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, game, and application development to perform high-end tasks. These are primarily 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 the Core i3 processor.
- The core processor has more memory channels, while Pentium has fewer.
- Core i3 is equipped with hyperthreading, turbo boost and virtual support, while these features are lacking in Pentium.
- Compared to the 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 essential functions, while the Core i3 was designed for high-end purposes.
- Pentium processors cost less than Core i3 processors.
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article failed to recognize the true value of Pentium processors, and it downplayed their importance in the development of personal computers. There is more to a processor than the technical specifications.
I have to disagree, the article’s focus on technical details was actually quite enlightening and allowed for a better understanding of the differences between the processors.
I understand your perspective, but I still found the technical comparison to be very informative and necessary for consumers who are looking to invest in a reliable processor.
The article presented a highly informative and detailed technical comparison of the Pentium and Core i3 processors, but it lacked an effective conclusion that would have synthesized the information for readers.
I agree, a stronger conclusion to summarize the technical differences between the processors would have been beneficial. However, the information was presented effectively.
While I appreciate the detailed analysis of both processors, I feel that the article lacked a distinct tone in favor of either processor. A more assertive stance on their strengths and weaknesses could have enhanced the article.
I actually appreciate the unbiased nature of the article. It allowed me to form my own opinion based on the technical specifications presented.
This article was very informative. It provided a clear comparison between the Pentium and Core i3 processors, and even included important details about the technical specifications of each processor.
I found this article extremely insightful and comprehensive. It will definitely help consumers make better decisions when it comes to choosing a processor for their computers.
I agree, the detailed comparison was helpful in understanding the true differences between these two processors.
Sarcasm seemed to flavor this article throughout, making the content less constructive and informative than it could have been. It’s a disappointment given the importance of the subject matter.
I didn’t pick up on much sarcasm, rather, I found the article to be highly educational with a touch of wit.
I actually enjoyed the clever use of sarcasm in the article. It added a layer of comprehension to an otherwise highly technical discussion and made it more enjoyable to read.
I found the article to be overly argumentative and unnecessarily biased in its comparison. The value of each processor could have been presented in a more balanced manner.
I didn’t interpret the article as argumentative at all. It successfully provided a clear understanding of the differences in technical capabilities between the Pentium and Core i3 processors.
I respectfully disagree. The article merely presented the technical facts around both processors, which is essential for informed decision-making.
The lack of support for gaming technology in Pentium processors should not be overlooked. Modern computers involve gaming capabilities, and this is a key distinction between the processors.
This article offered a refreshing, comical take on the technical aspects of the Pentium and Core i3 processors. The use of humor added an engaging element to an otherwise highly technical discussion.
The injection of humor was a brilliant way to present complex technical information, and it kept me engaged from start to finish.
I agree, the comical approach actually made the topic more approachable and enjoyable to read.
The article did not effectively acknowledge the broader impact of Pentium processors on the market and, as a result, missed an opportunity to portray the processor in a more favorable light.
I respectfully disagree. The purpose of the article was to provide a technical comparison of the processors, and it successfully achieved that.
The article successfully conveyed its message in an ironic and comedic tone that was both entertaining and informative. It is a refreshing approach to technical discussions.
I found the use of irony to be highly effective in delivering the technical details of the processors. It made the content much more memorable.