i3 vs Core 2 Quad?

[office politics]

in theory, which machine would be faster?


HP Compaq Elite 8000

Processor
64-bit Computing: Yes
Clock Speed: 2.66 GHz
Installed Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Intel
Max Supported Qty: 1
Multi-Core Technology: Quad-Core
Processor Number: Q8400
Type: Core 2 Quad

Mainboard
Chipset Type: Intel Q45 Express

**********************************

HP Workstation z200

Processor

64-bit Computing: Yes
Clock Speed: 3.06 GHz
Installed Qty: 1
Manufacturer: Intel
Max Supported Qty: 1
Multi-Core Technology: Dual-Core
Processor Number: I3-540
Type: Core i3

Mainboard

Chipset Type: Intel 3450

 

[-Tenk-]

I couldn't find those two exact processors on tom's hardware...

Toms Hardware Comparison

But i found two similar ones.

Long storey short, not much to separate them. It would depend on what you are doing and if what I have found is actually close to those you've posted.

What is the system surrounding them? Anything else that might separate the two systems?

 

[Abstract Hero]

It depends greatly on what you are doing.

 

[office politics]

business workstation for network admin. tyipcal home user stuff, office, pics, email. then techie stuff, recording machine activity, processing large files (trim / analyze data), network scanning.

edit - thx trenk for linking the comparison. it's very helpful. rep'd


edit2 - These are the two pcs. click tech specs for for details

Quad
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/HP-Compaq-Elite-8000-Core-2-Quad-Q8400-2.66-GHz/2179567.aspx

i3
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/HP-Workstation-z200-Core-i3-540-3.06-GHz/2186579.aspx

 

[-Tenk-]

no worries... like i said, no guarentee on how close they are to the processors in those two machines. Need someone better than I to tell you that... Another idea is to check the older charts... those processors might be outdated.

recording machine activity, processing large files (trim / analyze data), network scanning

This might be a problem. Anything will do the first things you listed. Depending on the processing requirements of each of these items.

A quad core would be better. However, I think thats an older chipset. Whilst it competes with the i3, it still heading towards the "antiquitated" pile. If this is a worth machine, it might be worth while considering something a little stronger. It'll cost more, but it might give you an advantage. Also, you can always write it off on tax.