i5 vs i7 performance

[ptrkhh]

Choosing the i5 and i7 (and i3 too) is like choosing between the 2.0L or 2.5L model of a car. They both do the same things, one is just slower than the other, but no big difference.
Take note though, based on several tests, contrary to popular opinion, the i7 model is actually more power efficient than the i5.

Check the thorough comparison here http://tabtec.com/windows/surface-pro-3-intel-core-i5-vs-core-i7-performance-battery-life/

 

[tuchas]

I have the i5/256 and I am running a VMware virtual machine running Windows Server 2012 and SQL Server 2012. I allocated half the ram (4GB) to the VM and it runs great for software development. No, it's not as fast as a server, but more than adequate. I contemplated getting the i7 but I'm happy that I saved the cash and still can get decent performance.

 

[fps_dean]

The i5/4gb will meet the vast majority of users needs. There is hardly any typical usage case that requires 8gb of ram.

Well like I said I have no issues with 4gb for the most part on Win8.1 on the Surface Pro 1. But on the desktop and my work laptop, going from 4 to 8 was like night and day!

 

[fps_dean]

I have the i5/256 and I am running a VMware virtual machine running Windows Server 2012 and SQL Server 2012. I allocated half the ram (4GB) to the VM and it runs great for software development. No, it's not as fast as a server, but more than adequate. I contemplated getting the i7 but I'm happy that I saved the cash and still can get decent performance.

Have you tried running Windows Server 2012 directly? I run Windows Server 2008 R2 on my desktop, runs much better than Windows 7 (it's desktop OS counterpart). I wonder if I could make Windows Server run okay on the Surface, much like Windows 2008 R2 looks and operates just like Windows 7...

I setup my desktop to operate as a server, it's more than enough for my personal projects, none of which are too insane at the moment. So that's my pre-release testbed anyway. I would port it there before uploading it anyway, but the Surface Pro 1 actually performs adequately as well, and is actually more powerful than the desktop computer that I upgraded last year. It's just being the type of person to upgrade something every 5-8 years, I'd go with the i7 if it's worth it.