With the Q1 release of the new Intel Broadwell processors, you might be wondering if it’s worth the price difference compared to the 4th Gen predecessors.

In short, if you are just planning on using basic applications like Word and Excel, the 5th gen processor does very little extra in performance.

However, if you plan on running 4k resolutions and want to have better performance from the graphics chip, then the 5th gen processor definitely packs a punch. Some of the higher end laptops that include the Broadwell chip also have a 4k resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This means that users can watch 4k video without the need of adding an external graphics card. However, if you are looking to do some high end gaming, you will need much more than the Intel HD 5500 that it comes with.

In addition, there is also significant improvement to battery life. Dell has listed the XPS 13 laptops having 15 hours of battery life. Enough to last through an entire days worth of computing on a single charge.

Because if the delay of the Broadwell processors, it will likely be sort-lived compared to previous chipset releases. Intel has already been promoting Skylake which promises improved performance gains and a ‘wire free’ experience to laptops. This means wireless everything. Including, charging and external displays.

It is unlikely that tablets will get the Intel Broadwell U chip because they typically run on less than 10 watts of power. The 5th generation Broadwell chips run at 15 watts.