Intel Processor 2nd Generation vs. 3rd Generation

[Alexis_Anne]

Does anyone know the difference between the 2nd Generation iCore Processors and the new 3rd Generation?

I did some previous research and it looks like Intel Processors are better than AMD processors; but Intel is more expensive.

I'm looking into purchasing a new laptop and I want to make sure I get a really good processor in the mid-range price. I'm usually pretty good at figuring things out on my own; but I had trouble finding information about this that made sense to me.

I was looking at the Intel Core i5 processors and I could only find a few laptops that have the 3rd Generation processor.

I'm looking for a Toshiba, HP, Samsung or Sony with about a 15 inch screen.
Up to $800 and I would like to be able to upgrade it in the future.

Any comments or suggestions?

[MaDef]

I'm running AMD, but my understanding is the following for Intel's 2nd and 3rd generation chips:
(3rd generation)
ivy-bridge uses 22nm lithography. (smaller, less power consumption)
Higher clock speed
powerfull built in gpu with hd 4000
overclocking potential is slighly weaker

(2nd generation)
sandy-bridge uses 32nm lithography (larger, more power consumption)
lower clock speed
Built in gpu with hd 3000
overclocking potential is great

[Alexis_Anne]

Thank you very much for the information MaDef. I appreciate you taking the time to respond!

[Murf]

Everyone has a different opinion. It is well known that AMD is a gamers processor and will out perform intel in games. I run a i5-2500 4 core Intel processor and am very satisfied with it. As MaDef indicates the intel 3rd generation is a little faster processor, less power consumption, which in my opinion would probably run a little cooler than the 2nd generation, which can be important for a laptop, as they generally run hotter due to their architecture.

As for brand name laptops, the three you indicated are the best. Acer and Asus have risen to the top in the last couple of years.

Check out the Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5830TG

i5 processor
15.6" screen
NVDIA GeForce GT540 Graphics

Here are the Specs on Amazon

Just more to think about.