Updated: 13.02.2018 12:18:37
The Intel Core i5 series includes mid-range processors that suit most users (even undemanding gamers).
Which i5 processor to choose: what to look for?
When choosing an Intel Core i5 series processor, you should pay attention to the following device parameters:
Generation (defines socket and performance);
Base clock speed and heat dissipation;
Complete set (BOX or OEM).
Almost all parameters of the processor can be found directly from its name. More precisely, from the alphanumeric code, which is indicated immediately after the series and has the form "8350U".
For example, the Intel Core i5-8350U is an eighth generation Intel Core i5-8350U that provides a reasonably average peak performance and is designed for use in Ultrabooks. This is clear from the model code. The first digit in the entry - in this case "8" - means the generation of the model. The second is productivity. The higher it is, the higher the base clock speed of the processor. The last character - in this case "U" - denotes the processor type.
Intel updates its processors annually. Therefore, for the fourth quarter of 2017, the eighth generation of chips - Coffee Lake - is relevant.
The generation of chips determines not only the performance and other operational characteristics, but also the compatibility of the processor with the motherboard. The fact is that the socket (connector for connection) is updated approximately every two to three years. So, processors of the Haswell and Broadwell generations (fourth and fifth, respectively) are designed to be installed in the LGA1150 socket, while Skylake, Kabu Lake and Coffee Lake (sixth, seventh and eighth) are in LGA1151.
Since there is no cross-compatibility between Intel sockets, the choice of processor must be based on which socket is installed in the existing motherboard. So, if it is equipped with LGA1150, then an upgrade or replacement of the processor is available only within the Haswell and Broadwell generations.
If you want to buy a more recent processor, you will need to replace the motherboard with the one equipped with the most current version of the socket (at the end of 2017, this is Intel LGA1151-v2, designed specifically for Coffee Lake).
Processor type
Intel Core i5 processors are available in a variety of configurations. So, today on the market you can find the following versions of chips:
Y - for laptops and subnotebooks. Have the lowest power consumption;
U is for ultrabooks. Have low power consumption, but optimal performance, especially in multi-threaded mode;
Q - quad-core versions;
K - versions with an unlocked multiplier. Provide the highest performance, suitable for gamers. They can be overclocked directly through the BIOS of the computer.
It is worth considering that many Intel Core i5 models that are sold in BOX and OEM configurations in the retail market simply do not have a letter addition in their name. This means that these processors are designed for use in desktop systems and in terms of their capabilities and characteristics correspond to the Q-configurations.
Base clock speed and heat dissipation
Base clock speed is a parameter that indirectly determines the performance of the processor. In fact, it's not worth chasing its maximum value within the Intel Core i5 line. If you replace the seventh generation processor with a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz with a processor of the same generation, only with 3.0 GHz, there will be no noticeable increase in performance.
But heat dissipation and power consumption will increase. And these parameters will also have to be taken into account. You may need a new cooler and power supply.
Thus, a reasonable technique for choosing a processor when upgrading:
First try to find a more "fresh" model (next generation);
If it is impossible, purchase a model with a higher clock frequency.
However, this is only true when upgrading within the Intel Core i5 family. If an upgrade is required to improve the performance of the computer, it is advisable to replace the chip with one belonging to a different family (i7).
The processor performance is determined by 2-4 digits in the model number. The higher the three-digit number formed by them, the faster the chip works.
Equipment
In the retail market, Intel Core i5 processors are available in two configurations - BOX and OEM.
The first is really focused on the retail market. The BOX package, in addition to the processor itself, includes numerous instructions for it, a cooler with a mount, and a three-year warranty.
In the second option - OEM - the buyer gets only the processor. And the warranty for it is 1 year.
However, buying a BOX package is not practical. It is more expensive than OEM, and the included cooler is usually not very productive and very noisy. Therefore, many professional assemblers immediately change it to something else. The only plus of the BOX package is a three-year processor warranty. But if the chip works for the first year without any complaints, it will function normally the rest of it.
Summary
Thus, when choosing a processor, it is worth starting from the characteristics of an existing one, and the procedure for selecting a processor during an upgrade is as follows:
Try to "raise" the generation. Sandy Bridge can be upgraded to Ivy Bridge, Haswell to Broadwell, Skylake to Kabu Lake or Coffee Lake, Kabu Lake to Coffee Lake.
If the computer already has Ivy Bridge or Broadwell generation processors installed, then you can choose a more efficient chip configuration (with a higher clock frequency) or purchase a model from the i7 family;
If a top-end processor of the Ivy Bridge or Broadwell generations is already installed in the computer, then the only way out is to replace the motherboard with a more "fresh" one.
If we are talking about buying a processor for the first assembly of a computer, then it is advisable to look at the models of the Lake families.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.
Part two: "The most important characteristics of each family of Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processors. Which of these chips are of particular interest"
Introduction
First, we present the essential characteristics of each Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processor family, and then we'll talk about which of these chips are of particular interest. For the convenience of the readers, we considered it expedient to present the information in the form of a kind of reference book, and to bring all the data on the current models of the model into small tables. The prices we quoted are Russian retail prices, fixed at the time of publication of this material, for boxed processors (that is, with a proprietary cooler).
Core i3
Core i3 (Clarkdale) is the latest generation of dual-core processor for entry-level desktops. First introduced on January 7, 2010. Fits into the LGA1156 socket. Manufactured using 32nm technology.
Equipped with a built-in PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. To connect to a set of system logic, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB / s is used.
Core i3 processors have an integrated GMA HD graphics core with twelve pipelines and a clock speed of 733 MHz.
The base clock speed for all Core i3 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers.
Compatible chipsets: Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express
Main technical parameters of Core i3
- Microarchitecture Nehalem
- Two cores
- L3 Cache - 4MB shared across all cores
- Integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller
- Integrated graphics 733 MHz
- SSE 4.2 Instruction Set
- AES-NIS Instruction Set
Core i5
Core i5 (Clarkdale or Lynnfield) is the latest generation of dual or quad-core processor for mid-range desktop computers. First presented on September 8, 2009. Fits into the LGA1156 socket. Dual-core Clarkdale is produced using 32nm technology, quad-core Lynnfield - using 45nm technology.
Equipped with a built-in dual-channel DDR3-1066 / 1333 memory controller with a voltage of up to 1.6 V. Modules rated for a higher voltage will not work with this chip and may even damage it.
Equipped with a built-in PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. In models with integrated graphics core GMA HD, one video card can be connected to the chip in x16 mode, in models without integrated graphics - two video cards in x8 mode each.
To connect to a set of system logic, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB / s is used.
The dual-core models (6xx series) have built-in GMA HD graphics and Hyper-Threading technology, while the quad-core (7xx series) do not have graphics and Hyper-Threading. Models ending in 1 have a graphics clock speed of 900 MHz, while models ending in 0 have a graphics core running at 733 MHz.
All Core i5s feature Turbo Boost, an automatic overclocking technology for demanding tasks.
The base clock frequency for all Core i5 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers.
Compatible chipsets: Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express.
Main technical parameters of Core i5
- Microarchitecture Nehalem
- Two or four cores
- 64K L1 cache (32K for data and 32K for instructions) per core
- L2 Cache - 256KB per core
- L3 cache - 4 or 8 MB shared across all cores
- Integrated dual channel DDR3-1066 / 1333 MHz memory controller
- Integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller (one x16 lane or two x8 lane in models without integrated graphics)
- Integrated graphics 733 or 900 MHz
- VT virtualization technology support
- Supports 64-bit Intel EM64T instructions
- Supports Hyper-Threading Technology on Dual Core Models
- SSE 4.2 Instruction Set
- AES-NIS Instruction Set
- Antivirus technology Execute Disable Bit
- Enhanced SpeedStep Dynamic Frequency Change Technology
Core i7
The Core i7 (Bloomfield, Lynnfield or Gulftown) is the latest generation of four or six-core processor designed for high-end desktop computers. First introduced in November 2008. Quad-core Bloomfield and Lynnfield are manufactured using 45nm technology, six-core Lynnfield - using 32nm technology.
They are produced in two modifications: 9xx series (for LGA1366 connector) with an integrated three-channel memory controller and QPI bus and 8xx series (for LGA1156 connector) with a dual-channel memory controller, integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller and DMI bus) DDR3-1066 / 1333 RAM is supported with voltages up to 1.6 V. Modules rated for higher voltages will not work with this chip and may even damage it.
Processors for the LGA1366 socket are equipped with a high-speed QPI bus operating at 2.4 GHz (up to 4.8 GB / s) in regular i7 and at 3.2 GHz (6.4 GB / s) in Extreme versions (these include i7-965, i7-975 and i7-980X.
Chips for the LGA1156 socket are equipped with an integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. To connect to a set of system logic, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB / s is used.
All Core i7s feature Turbo Boost for demanding tasks, as well as Hyper-Threading.
The base clock speed for all Core i7 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers. In versions Core i7 Extreme, the multiplier is unlocked, which allows you to freely increase the clock speed of the processor.
Compatible chipsets: 8xx series - Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express, 9xx series - Intel X58 Express.
Main technical parameters of Core i7
- Microarchitecture Nehalem
- Four or six cores
- 64K L1 cache (32K for data and 32K for instructions) per core
- L2 Cache - 256KB per core
- L3 cache - 8 or 12 MB shared across all cores
- Integrated dual-channel (LGA1156) or three-channel (LGA1366) DDR3-1066 / 1333 MHz memory controller
- QPI bus operating at 2.4 GHz (4.8 GB / s) or 3.2 GHz (6.4 GB / s) on LGA1366 models
- DMI bus (2 GB / s) on models for LGA1156
- Integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller (one x16 lane or two x8 lane for non-integrated graphics models) on LGA1156 models
- VT virtualization technology support
- Supports 64-bit Intel EM64T instructions
- Hyper-Threading Technology Support
- Turbo Boost Technology Support
- SSE 4.2 Instruction Set
- I7-980X AES-NIS Instruction Set
- Antivirus technology Execute Disable Bit
- Enhanced SpeedStep Dynamic Frequency Change Technology
What to choose?
The Core i3-530 and 540 processors are quite powerful and inexpensive chips, while the price difference between them is negligible, so there is no point in purchasing the 530, unless you are strictly limited in budget.
The Core i3 series chips are direct competitors to the previous generation Core 2 Duo Exxx processors: they cost about the same and provide a comparable level of performance, albeit somewhat faster. However, although motherboards with LGA1156 socket are more expensive than LGA775 counterparts, buying an i3 chip is a more reasonable long-term investment than Core 2 Duo, since these processors are not only fast enough today, but can also be replaced with any LGA1156 chip in the future. - even on the super-powerful Core i7. If the i3-530 is too expensive for you, you can pay attention to the Pentium G6950 (the "boxed" version with a standard cooler will cost about 3200 rubles), which is slower than both "three rubles", but practically not inferior to most Core 2 Duos.
As for the quad-core Core 2 Quad, which are slightly more expensive than the dual-core Core i3 (for example, the boxed Core 2 Quad Q8300 costs about 5,000 rubles), their purchase today makes sense only to upgrade the existing system for the LGA775 socket - in this case it is very reasonable choice.
All Core i5 600-series processors are very powerful, but if you don't need a chip with integrated graphics, it doesn't make much sense to buy a model of this family. These models are aimed, rather, at the corporate market - an office computer does not need powerful graphics, and the simpler it is in design, the more convenient it is to maintain.
For the same price as the 600 family, a quad-core i5-750 is the perfect choice for building a powerful home PC at a reasonable price. If you make a choice within the 600 series, you should know that the 661 differs from the 660 only in a slightly faster integrated graphics, but at the same time in increased power consumption and the lack of hardware support for I / O virtualization VT-d, which is only relevant for corporate users. In other words, if you are buying a CPU for your home computer, it makes sense to go for the Core i5-661.
To build a powerful gaming PC, the best choice in terms of price / performance is the Core i7-860, all other options will cost significantly more, since you will need a more expensive motherboard based on the X58 Express chipset for the LGA1366 socket.
The six-core "extreme" Core i7-980X is the unsurpassed leader in performance not only for the entire modern line of Intel desktop processors, but also for competing AMD models. Therefore, one should not be surprised that a system based on it will cost quite an impressive amount. Fans of all the very best can prepare wallets - this chip is about to appear on the shelves of Russian stores, replacing the previous flagship Core i7-975
For the first time desktop 6-core processors appeared eight years ago at a price of $ 600. But the Socket LGA1366 platform itself was quite expensive, and only wealthy enthusiasts could afford it. Although, perhaps, the main reason why such solutions could not become popular can be considered the lack of widespread distribution of software capable of taking full advantage of the new opportunities at that time. Of course, there was specialized software, but only in certain narrow niches. For multi-core processors to go mainstream, it was necessary to set the stage, which Intel did.
For this, starting with the mainstream platform Socket LGA1156 and subsequent ones, a hierarchy was introduced, which remained practically unchanged until the seventh generation Intel Core. So, at the very bottom there are 2-core chips Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium (the 4-thread "hyperpen" and the like are knocked out of the general row). The Intel Core i3 series models go a step higher, which also have 2 cores, but thanks to the support of Intel Hyper-Threading logical multithreading technology, they are able to process 4 threads. At the very top are the Intel Core i5 / i7 processors: they have 4 full cores (the exception is the 2-core 4-thread models of the Intel Core i5-6xx family), and in the latter case, the number of threads is doubled. This approach allowed the microprocessor giant to cover all the needs for building a wide range of home, school or office computers. And all subsequent years, engineers from Santa Clara were engaged in quality improvement of their products and expansion of their functionality.
At the same time, HEDT platforms were also taking shape, which, in their composition, offer multi-core "stones" for creating uncompromising gaming or workstations. It is noteworthy that with the release of Socket LGA2011-v3, the recommended price tag for 6-core processors dropped below $ 400, and for the first time 8-core 16-thread models, and then 10-core 20-thread models, leaked into the desktop segment.
What about AMD? I must say that after the appearance on the scene of Intel Core 2 Duo, the "red" were in the role of catching up. The company tried to take on quantity, offering more cores than the competitor. We are talking about 6-core AMD Phenom II X6 and newer 8-core AMD FX. But at the dawn of their appearance, game engines used only 1-2 threads, and due to faster cores, Intel solutions looked preferable. However, this does not mean that these processors turned out to be unsuccessful, it was just that their time had not come yet. As a proof, we can recall a lot of modern tests of "fufiks", which even now look very good, especially after correct overclocking. Separately, it should be mentioned that AMD managed to firmly establish itself in consoles thanks to its 8-core Jaguar CPU, which pushed game developers to parallelize the code.
It would seem that nothing can break this hegemony, and everyone has already come to terms with the insignificant (5-10%) increase in computing power during the transition of the CPU from generation to generation, which was confirmed by the release of the line , which in fact is just a slightly modified version . But with the debut of the long-awaited processors, the Sunnyvale-based company managed to impose an active struggle on Intel in price segments of $ 100 and above. Moreover, AMD remained true to its principles - "more features for less money." As a result, in every price range, the Reisens outnumber the competitor in the number of cores or threads. In fairness, it should be noted that this does not always translate into an unconditional performance advantage, but from a purely psychological and marketing point of view, the blow was tangible. Naturally, the “blues” had to quickly respond to such a daring attack from their eternal rival. First of all, the plans for the release of the platform were adjusted and the line of Intel Core X chips was significantly expanded, including a real monster - the 18-core 36-thread Intel Core i9-7980XE.
But the debut of the 8th Gen Intel Core processors was much more hype. This is due to the fact that the new Intel Coffee Lake family for the first time in many years received a proportional increase in the number of cores / threads and the amount of cache memory. That is, now in the series of Intel Core i5 / i7 CPUs, solutions are offered with six processing cores, which are characterized by the presence / absence of support for Intel Hyper-Threading technology and L3 cache 9/12 MB, and Intel Core i3 acquired four full cores, without HT, but with the L3 cache increased to 6 MB. In practice, this resulted in a significant increase in productivity, which was confirmed by our practical acquaintances with and. By the way, a couple of our experiments showed that it bypasses not only its 2-core predecessor, the Core i3-7100, but also the younger 4-core Core i5s of previous generations. Curiously, it can also compete on an equal footing with a more expensive one. And this suggests that the new Core i5 look very attractive options for building a modern gaming computer.
Now Intel has the most affordable 6-core in the lineup. For a minute, according to the official price list price Intel Core i5-8400 is $ 187 in lots of 1000 pieces, which makes it a very tasty purchase. But the real picture is slightly different. At the time of this writing, its average cost reached $ 250 in the domestic market, while a direct competitor in the face can be found for $ 220. Taking into account the temporary lack of available motherboards for Kofi Lake, when assembling real systems on Socket AM4, you can additionally save about $ 60 or even more. But what should you choose in this case? And you will find out by reading this material.
Specification
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CPU socket |
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Base / dynamic clock frequency, GHz |
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Base multiplier |
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The base frequency of the system bus, MHz |
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Number of cores / threads |
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L1 cache size, KB |
6 x 32 (data memory) |
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L2 cache, KB |
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L3 cache size, MB |
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Microarchitecture |
Intel Coffee Lake |
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Codename |
Intel Coffee Lake-S |
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Maximum design power (TDP), W |
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Process technology, nm |
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Critical temperature (T junction), ° C |
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Support for instructions and technologies |
Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, Intel Optane Memory, Intel vPro, Intel VT-x, Intel VT-d, Intel VT-x EPT, Intel TSX-NI, Intel 64, Execute Disable Bit, Intel AEX-NI, MMX, SSE, SSE2 , SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EM64T, AES, AVX, AVX 2.0, FMA3, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep, Thermal Monitoring, Intel Identity Protection, Intel Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP) |
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Built-in memory controller |
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Memory type |
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Supported frequency, MHz |
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Number of channels |
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Maximum memory size, GB |
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Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
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Number of executive units (EU) |
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Base / dynamic frequency, MHz |
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Maximum video memory (allocated from RAM), GB |
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Maximum screen resolution at 60 Hz |
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Maximum number of displays supported |
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Supported technologies and APIs |
DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, Intel Quick Sync Video, Intel InTru 3D, Intel Clear Video HD, Intel Clear Video |
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Products webpage |
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Processor page |
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Buy page |
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Packaging, delivery set and appearance
The processor was kindly provided for testing by the company BRAIN Computers... In the company store it is available in the BOX version (BX80684I58400) with a simple cooler. He came to us in the OEM version (CM8068403358811) without a cooling system. The difference in price is about $ 15-20, which will allow the user to choose a more efficient cooler, but instead of a three-year warranty, he will have to limit himself to only one.
The markings on the Intel Core i5-8400 heat spreader cover indicate that our sample was manufactured in Malaysia during week 37 of 2017, that is, between September 11 and 17. Considering the use of the same Socket LGA1151, there are practically no visual differences from their predecessors.
But it's worth remembering that any Intel Coffee Lake processor will need a motherboard based on Intel 300 series chipsets to work. Although at your own peril and risk, you can use and either endow a model based on Intel 100- / 200-series chipsets with the ability to work with new CPUs, or, at best, waste time (and at worst, turn it into a museum exhibit).
At the moment, only models based on the overclocking chipset are available for the updated platform. Naturally, if you are the owner of a chip with an unlocked multiplier, then this is a completely justified choice, but the owners of models without the “K” index will have to overpay for the functionality they do not need. The cheapest motherboards based on it will cost around $ 120-130, which is approximately 2.5 times more expensive than budget solutions based on Intel H110 for Intel Skylake / Kaby Lake. The debut of available options on low-end chipsets (Intel H310, H370 and B360) is expected in January, but so far they have not appeared on the public sale.
Analysis of technical characteristics
As mentioned, the Intel Core i5-8400 is a 6-core processor that is manufactured using a 14nm process technology. At the microarchitectural level, Intel Coffee Lake has a minimum of differences from, that is, with a single-threaded load and at the same frequency, they are equal. But the new chips use a modified manufacturing process, which the manufacturer himself refers to as 14 ++ nm (recall that Intel began to use 14 nm back in 2015 in Intel Broadwell processors). This technology makes it possible to produce multicore solutions with relatively low heat emission, increases the yield of suitable crystals and reduces their cost. As an example, our test subject has a TDP of 65 W. Of course, its base frequency is quite modest and is only 2.8 GHz, but thanks to Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, this value can rise to 4 GHz.
We carried out practical tests on a motherboard with an inexpensive cooler. Vinga CL-2001B which is suitable for 65 watt processors from AMD and Intel. Its design consists of an aluminum radiator and a 120mm FDB fan with blue LED lighting.
In the AIDA64 stress test, the maximum core temperature did not exceed 72 ° C with a critical indicator of 100 ° C, and their clock frequency was at 3.8 GHz. The chip can operate at a frequency of 3.9 GHz in case of a load on 2-4 cores, or accelerate up to 4 GHz in a single-threaded mode. The cooler speed did not exceed 1400 rpm, although the specification states 1600 rpm. The background noise was absolutely comfortable.
For comparison, recall that the predecessor in the face with a smaller number of cores and the same thermal package can operate at maximum load only at 3.3 GHz, and when it decreases, you can see a value of 3.5 GHz. with a load on all cores, it operates at a frequency of 4.1 GHz, when using 2-4 cores, this figure increases to 4.2 GHz, and in a single-stream it should be 4.3 GHz.
We express our gratitude to the companyBRAIN Computers for the processor provided for testing.
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Stop your choice: Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7, do not worry, in this article we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of these processors and help you make the right choice.
Architecture
First, it is important to explain what the architecture and markings of a processor are. Intel annually releases new processors that surpass the previous ones in terms of performance level. Currently, we are all looking forward to the new Devil's Canyon chips, which will replace last year's Haswells, which, in turn, replaced Sandy Bridge. You can determine the processor architecture by the first digit of the marking: 4 - Devil's Canyon and Haswell, 3 - Ivy Bridge, 2 - Sandy Bridge.Once you figure out the name of the architecture of the processor core, you need to consider another important detail, namely, whether this architecture is supported by your motherboard. Processors, regardless of which labeling they refer to Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7, are built on the same architecture and have differences in performance, clock speed, number of cores and additional characteristics.
Kernels
The processor core performs operations as a separate processor. A dual-core processor, respectively, has two cores, and a quad-core processor has four. Multi-core is important for multiple user tasks, for example, you can run two applications at the same time, and each of them will be processed by a separate processor core independently of the other cores.The large number of cores is also useful for multi-threaded applications such as video editors. These types of applications can be handled much faster by these processors. Single-threaded applications use only one core, while the rest of the cores will be idle. The Core i3 has two cores, the Core i5 has four cores, and the Core i7 also has four cores. Some Core i7 Extreme processors have six or even eight cores. But it must be said that most applications do not require six or eight cores, and the advantage of these processors is not so significant.
Hyper-Threading
Hyper-Threading technology creates two logical cores in one physical core. In other words, your operating system will think that the processor has two physical cores and will treat them like two.When performing operations in applications requiring multithreading, processors with Hyper-Threading Technology take precedence over single-core processors. Of course, this advantage is not so huge over "real cores", but it still exists. The Core i3 and Core i7 processors support this technology, but the Core i5 does not.
Clock frequency
The higher the core clock speed in megahertz, the faster each core processes information. For example, the Core i3-4370 (we can easily determine that it is Haswell by the first digit) operates at a core frequency of 3.8 GHz. and will perform faster in single-threaded applications than the Core i5-4590, which has a core frequency of 3.2GHz. However, we must admit that in applications focused on multitasking, the advantage of the Core i5 will be higher than that of the Core i3 with Hyper-Threading technology.Turbo mode
Turbo mode is also a technology from Intel that allows the processor to overclock automatically, increasing the clock speed from the nominal one. The central processor monitors the temperature of the cores, and when the temperature allows it, turns on the "overclocking" mode. The Core i5 and i7 have this feature, but the Core i3 does not.Models with the letter "K"
The letter "K" at the end of the processor marking indicates an unlocked core. This means that you can easily overclock the processor using the BIOS settings. We consider this a great advantage, and we managed to overclock the Intel Core i7-4790K up to 4.7GHz!Integrated graphics
All of these Intel processors have an integrated graphics core. Haswell's predecessors did not perform well in games, but great in watching videos. With the arrival of Haswell came a new graphics line, Intel HD Graphics 4600 has proven itself well in not particularly demanding games; the less expensive models have an HD Graphics 4400 graphics core, which handles undemanding legacy games just fine. More expensive models have an integrated Intel Iris Pro core. It is even more productive, moreover, it allows you to work with video of the new 4K quality standard, showing excellent performance in video editors.In any case, if you are seriously into computer games, the integrated graphics core will not give you high resolution and maximum detail in games. However, we recommend that you install a discrete video adapter in your computer.
