Getting a new CPU for Emulation...

[Legendkiller236]

im looking to upgrade my cpu, im using an Alienware Alpha i3 base model and though it runs Dolphin just fine, i want to see if upgrading the cpu would help in the long run.

this is my specs.

Processor: 2.9GHz Intel Core i3-4130T (dual-core, 3MB cache)
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 860M (custom, 2GB GDDR5) (Equal to Nvidia GTX 750 TI)
Memory: 8GB DDR3 (1600Mhz)

now since the alpha can only efficiently use the T series of intel cpu i wanted to upgrade to a i5-4570T, which doesnt seem like a big upgrade however it can go up to 3.6GHz turbo speed which i hear can help alot with emulation. but is it a significant boost to worth buying?

also i do use the alpha on other emulators as well, just mostly dolphin.

[DJBarry004]

Difference in performance will be close to nothing (if not just nothing) if you do that upgrade.

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/Intel-i3-4130T-vs-Intel-i5-4570T/2035vs2041

Yes, the i5´s TurboBoost will help a bit. But the margin is so small that I personally wouldn´t bother, not really worth it.

EDIT:

More insight here: http://santini.io/blog/how-to-upgrade-and-improve-the-alienware-alpha

[zelazon]

You might look into upgrading into the Kaby Lake series of the I5-I7 (if it's within budget) because from what I observed, the upgrade value from an I3 to I5 was significant enough to warrant a purchase (I bought the I5-7600K maybe two years ago?).
But this is only valid if you're trying to play Metroid Prime at full speed or some other graphically intensive game. If only melee, I'd say anything that allows for full speed of emulations for two players is fine.

[Zonafer]

Alternatively, you could buy a new B360 mobo for 60 bucks, and an i5-8400 for about $180-200. It should be a huge boost from an i3 Haswell.

UserBenchmark results can be found here.