Which is better, higher core count or faster cpu?

[lucasmun09]

Hello, I currently bought a satellite laptop that has e2-3800 apu.... Its a 1.3 ghz quad core... but it can handle everything I throw at right now such as ms word, 1080p youtube, etc.... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/satellite-15-6-laptop-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive/5485012.p?id=1219132167658&skuId=5485012&st=categoryid$pcmcat247400050000&cp=1&lp=1

Recently, I have received an email from Micro center and their deals. I reluctantly check them but then, when I scrolled down, they were offering similar priced laptops with similar specs with different cpus

The first one has the Intel Celeron N2820 , 2.4ghz~turbo to 2.98 http://www.microcenter.com/product/428324/Satellite_C55-A5190_156_Laptop_Computer_-_Satin_Black_in_Trax_Horizon

and the second one also as the Intel Celeron N2920 1.86 ~ turbo 2.0 cpu but its quad core (ya I know, I never knew that Intel made a quad for celeron also). http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.aspx?sku=108308

So I am defiantly considering to return this one and get one of those two but my decision is split between the number of cores and the speed.

Apparently, the quad core Acer laptop doesn't not have a fan for its cpu.... will this affect the laptop life in the future? Thanks!

 

[Kewlx25]

Depends. I'll take a 3ghz quad over a 3.3ghz dual

 

[FromTheDepths]

Neither really equate directly into a better CPU, and it depends on what your intended use is.
More cores allow you to hyperthread easier, and run more programs simultaneously, while a higher core speed will speed up what you're running.