Is it worth the 100$ more for the Alienware x51 i5 then the i3?

Question

Sooo I'm planing on getting one of these desktops but I want to know if its really worth the 100$ more for the x51 i5... I'm planing to doing somewhat hard core gaming (BF3, ARMA2, COD, Gary's mod, WoW, etc.) I know these computers aren't good enough to play on ultra but I'd be fine planing on medium/high settings and still play at a decent FPS. I would build my own computer (or have someone else build it) but I'm just a teen and don't really wanna make it to complicated :P. But I am planing to upgrade the graphics card to the GTX 660 when I get the time.

But really I just want to know what does the x51 i5 have more to offer then the x51 i3 like would It increase my FPS, and how much would it really help if I got the i5?

Here's the websites the both of the desktops
( http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-x51/fs )
^You can check the stats here 2!

Thank you guys so muchhh! ^_^

Answer 1

In my honest opinion I'd have to say to go with neither. When people buy Alienware PCs they really are just paying $500 for the pretty case, but if you must, I'd say definitely the i5, games like BF3 that utilize multiple cores will benefit greatly from this especially in the multiplayer. The x51 with the i5 and the GTX 645 playing BF3 can probably give you around 40fps on medium with a few settings on high at 1080p. Upgrading to the GTX 660 would most likely push 60fps on the same settings.



Although you probably won't be able to use the 660 to it's maximum potential as from the link you have provided the x51 comes with a standard 240w PSU or a 330w and the GTX 660 recommends a minimum of 450w PSU. Though I've never owned Alienwares but have heard from friends who own alienware desktops and laptops.

Answer 2

Alienware X51 I5

Answer 3

Yes the i5 will increase you fps