Essential Information
- The Surface Go 3 is compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard.
- If you are planning on using your Surface Go 3 for extended periods of time, you may want to consider getting a model with a larger battery.
- The Pentium Gold processor is a good choice for those on a budget, while the i3 processor is a better option for those who need more power.
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great option for those looking for a portable and affordable 2-in-1 laptop. It comes in two different processor options: Pentium Gold and i3. In this blog post, we will compare the two processors and help you decide which one is right for you.
Understanding the Processors
- Pentium Gold: The Pentium Gold is a budget-friendly processor that offers good performance for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and office productivity.
- i3: The i3 is a more powerful processor than the Pentium Gold and is better suited for multitasking, running more demanding software, and light gaming.
Key Differences
| Feature | Pentium Gold | i3 |
| — | — | — |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y | Intel Core i3-10100Y |
| Cores | 2 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Clock Speed | Up to 3.4 GHz | Up to 4.0 GHz |
| Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 | Intel UHD Graphics G4 |
| Performance | Good for basic tasks | Better for multitasking and demanding software |
Which Processor is Right for You?
The best processor for you depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that can handle basic tasks, the Pentium Gold is a good choice. If you need a more powerful processor for multitasking, demanding software, or light gaming, the i3 is a better option.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the processor, there are other factors to consider when choosing a Surface Go 3, such as:
- RAM: The Surface Go 3 comes with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM. More RAM will allow you to run more programs and tabs simultaneously.
- Storage: The Surface Go 3 comes with either 64GB or 128GB of storage. More storage will allow you to store more files and programs.
- Battery Life: The Surface Go 3 has a battery life of up to 11 hours. However, battery life may vary depending on usage.
- Accessories: The Surface Go 3 is compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard.
Performance Benchmarks
To give you a better idea of the performance difference between the Pentium Gold and i3 processors, here are some benchmark results:
- Geekbench 5 (Single-Core): Pentium Gold: 540, i3: 800
- Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core): Pentium Gold: 1600, i3: 2200
- Cinebench R23 (Single-Core): Pentium Gold: 900, i3: 1200
- Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core): Pentium Gold: 2500, i3: 3400
As you can see, the i3 processor outperforms the Pentium Gold processor in both single-core and multi-core performance.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Surface Go 3 is similar for both the Pentium Gold and i3 processors. However, battery life may vary depending on usage. If you are planning on using your Surface Go 3 for extended periods of time, you may want to consider getting a model with a larger battery.
Cost
The Surface Go 3 with a Pentium Gold processor starts at $399. The Surface Go 3 with an i3 processor starts at $549. The price difference between the two processors is $150.
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great option for those looking for a portable and affordable 2-in-1 laptop. The Pentium Gold processor is a good choice for those on a budget, while the i3 processor is a better option for those who need more power. Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your needs and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Is the Surface Go 3 with a Pentium Gold processor good for gaming?
The Surface Go 3 with a Pentium Gold processor is not ideal for gaming. It can play some light games, but it will not be able to handle demanding games.
2. Can I upgrade the processor in the Surface Go 3?
No, the processor in the Surface Go 3 is not upgradeable.
3. How do I know which processor is in my Surface Go 3?
You can check the processor in your Surface Go 3 by going to Settings > System > About.