Storage or processing power?
The addition of a new Core i7 Surface Pro 3 model will have users asking themselves which they value more, local storage or raw computing power. That may not seem obvious when comparing the base clockspeed of two identically priced models, which we'll clarify in a moment. First, a look at Microsoft's new entry.
Microsoft's newest addition to the Surface Pro 3 family features a Core i7-4650U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB solid state drive for $1,299. It's priced the same as the SKU with a Core i5-4300U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. Essentially users are left to choose between a lower end CPU with twice as much local storage, or a higher end CPU with half as much storage.
Where things get interesting is when comparing the two CPUs, as the Core i5 part sports a faster base clockspeed. This is how they compare:
- Core i7-4650U: 2/4 cores/threads, 1.7GHz to 3.3GHz, 4MB cache, Intel HD Graphics 5000 (200MHz to 1.1GHz)
- Core i7-4300U: 2/4 cores/threads, 1.9GHz to 2.9GHz, 3MB cache, Intel HD Graphics 4000 (200MHz to 1.1GHz)
For CPU intensive tasks, the higher boost clockspeed is going to benefit the Core i7 part. It also benefits from having more cache to store and read data from, and a superior graphics architecture. So in other words, don't put much stock in the base clockspeed, which favors the Core i5 part by 200MHz.
The real decision comes down to local storage. With so many cloud storage options, you might find that a 128GB SSD is sufficient. It's also worth reminding that the Surface Pro 3 has a microSD card slot, and of course a full size USB 3.0 port, both of which can add local storage to the fray.
That said, if you're the type who installs a lot of programs, the 256GB model becomes the better buy. Alternately, you can have the best of both worlds (Core i7 CPU, 256GB SSD) for $1,549, or bump to a 512GB SSD for $1,949.
In any event, you can shop the new Surface Pro 3 and existing models at the Microsoft Store.
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