They both are dual cores with hyperthreading. The big difference is the i5 has boost. The i5 laptop is $50 more and has only a 900p screen;-; and is HP. Acer has better build quality as well. I will be doing light gaming and very light 3d (i know, it's gonna lag). I also draw. If you can find anything better for $350, tell me. EDIT: also found an older gen i5 laptop (5th gen), is it any worse?
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1IO3QW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/5579395.p?skuId=5579395
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-17-3-laptop-intel-core-i5-4gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-textured-linear-gradient-grooves-in-black/5623243.p?skuId=5623243
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1IO3QW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-black/5579395.p?skuId=5579395
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-17-3-laptop-intel-core-i5-4gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-textured-linear-gradient-grooves-in-black/5623243.p?skuId=5623243