Processor upgrade on a laptop vs. Ram upgrade. Also does ram always matter?

Posted by Evan on Super User See other posts from Super User or by Evan
Published on 2014-06-12T19:53:23Z Indexed on 2014/06/12 21:28 UTC
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memory

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Performance

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cpu

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upgrade

I have a Dell Inspiron 14r (N4110) with an Intel Core i3 and 4gb of ram. It runs very smoothly, however gaming on this laptop is very limited. This is mostly because of integrated graphics but i have seen a computer with a Core i5, and very similar specs otherwise, run games that the N4110 cannot. This other computer has integrated graphics and 6gb of ram.

I am wondering whether upgrading ram or upgrading the processor make the most difference in performance. Which setup would get better performance, an i5 with 4gb of ram or an i3 with 8 gb of ram? (Both with integrated graphics)

Also, is there a certain point at which you have too much ram for the computer to ever possibly use? For instance is there really any difference in performance between 8 gb and 16 gb of ram?

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