Do I really need 4 cores for programing as a student?
I need to make a decision on my old laptop, and I'm interested in a longer battery life and something lighter then 6 pounds. I'm willing to give up some power for it, but I'm finding most laptops use two core processors.
Do compilers really take advantage of 4 cores I have now or is it just using 1-2 cores? I'm not really finding information on what a compiler uses.
Are two cores a impediment to daily use? I've never had a dual core processor and I'm still in a bit of a shock that most laptops still use two.
>>54296644
As a student no.
As a programmer yes. Being able to compile parts of a program in parallel cuts down on compile time significantly.
>>54296644
Remember the golden rule OP, if you don't understand it then you don't need it.
>>54296644
If you need an old laptop just get a Ivy Bridge i3 machine, put in a cheap SSD to boost battery life and you're set.
>>54296879
I've got a core i7 right now. How much does an SSD improve battery life?
>>54296903
Somewhat, not hugely.
I'd expect up to 10% gain in battery life vs what you currently get with a HDD.
>>54296964
Alright, thanks for the advice.
I'll probably stick with what I have just to save money, throw a new ssd and battery in and it sounds like I should be golden for 3-4 more years.
>>54296879
Would I be fine with an i7 2720qm?
>>54297017
Exactly. As a student you don't actually NEED very much.
Get something worthy AFTER you're earning cash at your first job.
>>54296861
I dont understand how my brain works, guess I dont need it
