02/16/2017
Everyone knows what a processor (CPU) is, as well as its significance. The phrase that this is the “brain” of any computer stuck in my teeth. Nevertheless, this is true, and the capabilities of a laptop or desktop PC are largely determined by this particular component. When planning the purchase of a new computer, you need to understand that one of the main characteristics is the processor. Each model indicates the name of the used CPU, the main characteristics. How to determine at a glance which one is faster and which is slower, which one to prefer if you often have to work offline, and which processor is better for gaming? This material is a kind of small guide in which I will tell you what the marking of Intel processors is, how to decipher it, determine the generation and series of the processor, and give the main characteristics. Go.
Main characteristics of processors
In addition to the name, each processor has its own set of characteristics that reflect the possibility of using it for a particular job. Among them are the main ones:
- Number of Cores. Shows how many physical processors are hidden inside the chip. Most laptops, especially those with "U" version processors, have 2 cores. More powerful options have 4 cores.
- Hyper Threading. A technology that allows you to divide the resources of the physical core into several threads (usually 2) executing simultaneously in order to increase performance. Thus, a 2-core processor will be seen as a 4-core processor in the system.
- Clock frequency. It is measured in gigahertz. In general, we can say that the higher the frequency, the more productive the processor. Let's make a reservation right away that this is far from the only criterion that reflects the speed of the CPU.
- turbo boost. A technology that allows you to raise the maximum frequency of the processor under high loads. Versions "i3" are deprived of automatic frequency change, and in "i5" and "i7" this technology is present.
- Cache. A small (usually 1 to 4 MB) amount of fast memory that is an integral part of the processor. Allows you to speed up the processing of frequently used data.
- TDP (Thermal Design Power). A value that indicates the maximum amount of heat that must be removed from the processor to ensure its normal temperature operation. Usually, the higher the value, the faster the processor, and the "hotter" it is. The cooling system must be able to handle this amount of power.
Intel processor markings
The first thing that catches your eye is a marking consisting of letters and numbers.
What is the name - it is clear. Under this trade name, the manufacturer releases its processors. It can be not only "Intel Core", but also "Atom", "Celeron", "Pentium", "Xeon".
The name is followed by the processor series identifier. It can be "i3", "i5", "i7", "i9" when referring to "Intel Core", or the characters "m5", "x5", "E", or "N" can be specified.
After the hyphen, the first digit indicates the processor generation. At the moment, the latest is the 7th generation of Kaby Lake. The previous generation of Skylake had serial number 6.
The next 3 digits are the serial number of the model. In general, the higher the value, the faster the processor. So, i3 has a value of 7100, I5 - 7200, i7 is marked as 7500.
The last character (or two) indicates the processor version. It can be the characters "U", "Y", "HQ", "HK" or others.
Processor Series
With the exception of budget models of laptops or stationary PCs, the rest use processors of the Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 series. The higher the number, the more powerful the CPU. For most applications in everyday work, the i5 processor will be optimal. A more productive one is needed if the computer is used as a gaming one, or it requires special computing power to work in "heavy" applications.
Processor generation
Intel updates the generations of its processors approximately every year and a half, although this interval tends to increase to 2-3 years. From the "Tick-Tock" scheme, they switched to the "Tick-Tock-Tock" release scheme. Let me remind you that this processor release strategy implies that in the “Tick” step there is a transition to a new technical process, and the changes made to the processor architecture are minimal. In the “So” step, a processor with an updated architecture is released on the existing technical process.
| № | Name | Supported Memory | Process technology | video card | Year of issue |
| 1 | Westmere | DDR3-1333 | 32nm | — | 2008-2010 |
| 2 | Sandy Bridge | DDR3-1600 | 32nm | HD Graphics 2000 (3000) | 2011 |
| 3 | Ivy Bridge | DDR3-1600 | 22nm | HD Graphics 4000 | 2012 |
| 4 | Haswell | DDR3-1600 | 22nm | HD Graphics 4000 (5200) | 2013 |
| 5 | Broadwell | DDR3L-1600 | 14nm | HD Graphics 6200 | 2014 |
| 6 | skylake | DDR3L-1600/DDR4 | 14nm | HD Graphics 520 - 580 | 2015 |
| 7 | Kaby Lake | DDR3L-1600/DDR4 | 14nm | HD Graphics 610 (620) | 2016 |
| 8 | coffee lake | DDR4 | 14nm | UHD Graphics 630 | 2017 |
The transition to a thinner process technology allows you to reduce power consumption, improve processor performance.
Processor version
This indicator may turn out to be almost more important than just comparing, say, i3 with i5. If we talk about laptops, then in most cases 4 versions of Intel Core processors are used, which have different TDP values \u200b\u200b(from 4.5 W in the Y version to 45 W for the HQ), and, accordingly, different performance and power consumption. Long battery life depends not only on the processor, but also on the own capacity of the battery used.
I will give versions of Intel Core processors, starting with the most low-power ones.
"Y" / "Core m" - low performance and passive cooling
Used in portable devices and small laptops. Passive cooling allows you to make your computer silent. However, it is not suitable for serious tasks. At the same time, even taking into account the TDP of 4.5 W, the compactness of the devices does not allow you to install a serious battery, which negates all the advantages of low power consumption.
In general, if the task is not to buy something like the Apple MacBook 12 or ASUS ZENBOOK UX305CA, then you should give preference to more efficient processors.
| Model | Clock frequency, GHz | Turbo Boost, GHz | Cash, MB | TDP, W | video card |
| Core i7-7Y75 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 615 |
| Core m7-6Y75 | 1.2 | 3.1 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 515 |
| Core i5-7Y54 | 1.2 | 3.2 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 615 |
| Core i5-7Y30 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 615 |
| Core m5-6Y57 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 515 |
| Core m3-7Y30 | 1.0 | 2.6 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 615 |
| Core m3-6Y30 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 4 | 4.5 | Intel HD 515 |
"U" - for everyday use
U-series processors are the best choice for every day laptop. This is the best combination of performance, energy consumption and cost. A TDP of 15 W allows you to achieve both the ability to cope with almost any task, and get a good battery life.
There are modifications of the 7th generation of processors with a TDP of 28 W, which use the improved graphics subsystem Intel Iris Plus 640 or 650.
It is not possible to manage with passive cooling, but this is compensated by performance. The difference from more powerful versions is the presence of only 2 cores, even for the "i7" series.
Examples of processors in the table.
| Model | Clock frequency, GHz | Turbo Boost, GHz | Cash, MB | TDP, W | video card |
| Core i7-7600U | 2.8 | 3.9 | 4 | 15 | Intel HD 620 |
| Core i7-7660U | 2.5 | 4.0 | 4 | 15 | Iris Plus 640 |
| Core i7-7567U | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4 | 28 | Iris Plus 650 |
| Core i7-7500U | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4 | 15 | Intel HD 620 |
| Core i7-6600U | 2.6 | 3.4 | 4 | 15 | Intel HD 520 |
| Core i7-6567U | 3.3 | 3.6 | 4 | 15 | Iris 550 |
| Core i7-6500U | 2.5 | 3.1 | 4 | 15 | Intel HD 520 |
| Core i5-7200U | 2.5 | 3.1 | 3 | 15 | Intel HD 620 |
| Core i5-7267U | 3.1 | 3.5 | 4 | 28 | Iris Plus 650 |
| Core i5-6287U | 3.1 | 3.5 | 4 | 15 | Iris 550 |
| Core i5-6200U | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3 | 15 | Intel HD 520 |
| Core i3-7100U | 2.4 | — | 3 | 15 | Intel HD 620 |
"HQ" / "HK" - quad-core, high performance
The best choice if you are looking for a laptop for gaming or working with resource-intensive applications. The "HQ" version has 4 cores, which, combined with Hyper-Threading technology, gives 8 threads. Power consumption (TDP) of 45 W is bad for battery life. In order for the laptop to withstand several hours on battery power, it is advisable to choose batteries with a larger capacity, for example, with 6 cells.
"HK" differs from "HQ" in an unlocked multiplier, which makes it possible to do "overclocking" by manually increasing the operating frequency of the processor. Similar versions of the 7th generation processors were announced only in January 2017, so at the moment almost all laptop models are based on the processors of the previous 6th generation "HK" and "HQ" versions. Nevertheless, it is clearly not necessary to wait for new models for a long time.
Examples of processors in the table.
| Model | Clock frequency, GHz | Turbo Boost, GHz | Cash, MB | TDP, W | cores/threads | video card |
| Core i7-7920HQ | 3.1 | 4.1 | 8 | 45 | 4/8 | Intel HD 630 |
| Core i7-7820HK | 2.9 | 3.9 | 8 | 45 | 4/8 | Intel HD 630 |
| Core i5-7700HQ | 2.8 | 3.8 | 6 | 45 | 4/8 | Intel HD 630 |
| Core i5-7440HQ | 2.8 | 3.8 | 6 | 45 | 4/4 | Intel HD 630 |
| Core i5-7300HQ | 2.5 | 3.8 | 6 | 45 | 4/4 | Intel HD 630 |
| Core i7-6970HQ | 2.8 | 3.7 | 8 | 45 | 4/8 | Iris Pro 580 |
| Core i7-6920HQ | 2.9 | 3.8 | 8 | 45 | 4/8 | Intel HD 530 |
| Core i7-6870HQ | 2.7 | 3.6 | 8 | 45 | 4/8 | Iris Pro 580 |
| Core i7-6820HQ | 2.7 | 3.6 | 8 | 45 | 4/8 | Intel HD 530 |
| Core i7-6770HQ | 2.6 | 3.5 | 6 | 45 | 4/8 | Iris Pro 580 |
| Core i7-6700HQ | 2.6 | 3.5 | 6 | 45 | 4/8 | Intel HD 530 |
| Core i5-6440HQ | 2.6 | 3.5 | 6 | 45 | 4/4 | Intel HD 530 |
| Core i5-6300HQ | 2.3 | 3.2 | 6 | 45 | 4/4 | Intel HD 530 |
Xeon E - for high performance workstations
These processors are used in powerful laptops that act as high-performance workstations. This technique is primarily aimed at those who are engaged in 3D modeling, animation, design, perform complex calculations where high power is required. The processors have 4 cores, there is Hyper-Threading technology.
Usually, the ability to work from batteries for a long time is out of the question. Autonomy is not the “horse” that laptops using such processors have.
Examples of processors in the table.
| Model | Clock frequency, GHz | Turbo Boost, GHz | Cash, MB | TDP, W | video card | Generation |
| Xeon E3-1535M v6 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 8 | 45 | Iris Pro P630 | 7 |
| Xeon E3-1505M v6 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 8 | 45 | Iris Pro P630 | 7 |
| Xeon E3-1575M v5 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 8 | 45 | Iris Pro P580 | 6 |
| Xeon E3-1535M v5 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 8 | 45 | HD Graphics P530 | 6 |
| Xeon E3-1505M v5 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 8 | 45 | HD Graphics P530 | 6 |
Now I will list the rest of the processors that can be found in laptops, but which are not included in the Intel Core family.
"Celeron" / "Pentium" - for economical and not in a hurry
| Low cost. Light tasks (web surfing, office programs). | |
| Games, not for serious work. |
You should forget about games (with the exception of very simple ones), heavy tasks. The destiny of laptops with such processors is leisurely office work, surfing the Internet. You can give preference to models with a CPU of this level only if the price is one of the main selection criteria, or if you plan to use Linux or an OS from Google. Unlike Windows, the hardware requirements are noticeably lower.
Celeron processors have a power consumption of 4 to 15 watts, with those models that begin with the letter "N" (for example, N3050, N3060, etc.) consume 4 to 6 watts. Models with the letter "U" (for example, 2957U, 3855U, etc.) at the end are more powerful and their power already reaches 15 watts. There is usually no gain in battery life when using the Celeron Nxxxx, because budget laptop models save on batteries, too.
Pentium processors are more productive than Celeron, but they still belong to the budget segment. They have the same TDP. Battery life can be several hours, which, with not as dull performance as the Celeron, makes for a very decent office laptop.
These processors exist in both dual-core and quad-core variants.
Examples of processors in the table.
| Model | Clock frequency, GHz | Turbo Boost, GHz | Cash, MB | cores/threads | TDP, W | video card |
| Pentium N3560 | 2.4 | — | 2 | 2/2 | 37 | HD Graphics |
| Pentium 4405U | 2.1 | — | 2 | 2/4 | 15 | HD 510 |
| Pentium N3700 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 2 | 4/4 | 6 | HD Graphics |
| Celeron N2970 | 2.2 | — | 2 | 2/2 | 37 | HD Graphics |
| Celeron 3765U | 1.9 | — | 2 | 2/2 | 15 | HD Graphics |
| Celeron N3060 | 1.6 | 2.48 | 2 | 2/2 | 6 | HD Graphics |
"Atom" - long battery life and disappointing performance
Examples of processors in the table.
| Model | Clock frequency, GHz | Turbo Boost, GHz | Cash, MB | video card |
| Atom x7-Z8700 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 2 | HD Graphics |
| Atom x5-Z8500 | 1.44 | 2.24 | 2 | HD Graphics |
| Atom Z3735F | 1.33 | 1.83 | 2 | HD Graphics |
Integrated graphics
All processors have an integrated graphics card, which is labeled "Intel HD Graphics". For 7th generation processors, the video core marking starts with "6" (for example, HD Graphics 610), for the 6th generation - with "5" (for example, HD Graphics 520). Some of the top-end processors have a more powerful integrated graphics card, labeled as "Iris Plus". So, the i7-7600U processor has an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card on board, and the i7-7660U has an Iris Plus 640.
We are not talking about serious competition with NVidia or AMD solutions, however, for everyday work, watching videos, simple games or at low settings, you can still have some fun. For more serious gaming requests, a discrete graphics card is required.
UPD. 2018. It's time to add to what has been said. Recently, models have appeared in the line of manufactured Intel processors that have the letter “G” at the end in the marking. For example, i5-8305G, i7-8709G and others. What is special about them? To begin with, I will say that these CPUs are designed for use in laptops and netbooks.
Their peculiarity is in the use of an "embedded" graphics video processor released by AMD. Here is such a joint work of two sworn competitors. I put the word "built-in" in quotation marks for a reason. Although it is considered one unit with the processor, physically it is a separate chip, although it is located on the same substrate as the CPU. AMD supplies ready-made graphics solutions, while Intel only installs them on its processors. Friendship is friendship, but the chips are still apart.
“In short, Sklifosovsky!”
“So which processor is best for me,” many will probably ask. Much has been written, in varieties, characteristics and other things you can get lost, but you need to choose something. Well, for the impatient, I will summarize everything in one table, which will arrange the processors according to their applicability for various purposes.
| Notebook class | Recommended CPU | Example | Autonomy, hour |
| Workstation / powerful gaming | Core i5/i7 HQ | Core i7-7820HK, Core i5-7440HQ | 3-8 |
| Core i7 U | Core i7-7500U | 5-17 | |
| Universal | Core i5 U | Core i5-7200U, Core i5-6200U, Core i5-6300U | 5-17 |
| Versatile, with advanced features | Core i7 U | Core i7 8550U | 5-17 |
| Universal | Core i5 U | Core i5 8250U, | 5-17 |
| Ultrabook, slim compact | Core m / Core i5 / i7 Y | Core m3, Core i5-7Y54 | 5-9 |
| budget | Celeron, Pentium | Celeron N3050, Pentium N4200 | 4-6 |
| Tablet, cheap compact laptop | atom | Atom Z3735F, Atom x5 | 7-12 |
Upd. 2018. Time does not stand still, and after the appearance of a new, 8th generation of processors, we have to noticeably revise the applicability of processors for certain tasks. In particular, especially noticeable changes have occurred in the segment of energy-efficient "U" processors. In the 8th generation, these are finally full-fledged 4-core "stones" with significantly better performance than their predecessors, while maintaining the same TDP value. Therefore, I don’t see the point in choosing something like i7 7500U, i5 7200U, etc.
The only argument that can influence the decision to prefer these particular CPUs is a significant discount on laptops with them on board. In other cases, against new processors, the old "U" has no chance.
I must say right away that this is an average classification that does not take into account financial costs, the need to choose one or another option. And the overall performance depends not only on the processor. Even a powerful "stone" may not reveal its potential if a small amount of memory is installed, a budget hard drive is used, and programs that are "greedy" for hardware resources are used.
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189 comments
Hi all!
I wanted to know about Intel processors. I noticed a long time ago that when buying a newly released processor, the year is indicated on its cover, but the year does not correspond to the year of purchase, for example, the processor was presented in 2018, but on an Intel ’13 processor.
Is this the year of development?Andrey, hello. Help me choose a laptop for DotA 2. The amount is up to 70 thousand. Tomorrow I’ll go for a laptop, I still haven’t decided which one I want) I read a lot which one to take, etc. But since I don’t rummage in this, it almost didn’t give me anything)) help with advice, thanks in advance.
Hello. And I have this one on a stationary PC
asustek computer inc motherboard M4A785T-M (AM3)
amd phenom iix4 965 deneb 45nm technology. Is it possible to find a replacement motherboard?Good article, informative 🙂
But there is one remark and, subsequently, a question. The article does not describe the markings T, K, S. And there are also G-series Pentiums, but it doesn’t matter)
And the next one immediately at the expense of marking k. As far as I know, k means unlocked multiplier, i.e. The processor is overclockable, right?
Does the k-factor have something to do with Hyper-Threading technology?
I can't figure out why the i7-3770k has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the similarly performing i5-3570k has 4 cores and 4 threads, although both are marked k.Hello. I am looking for a laptop to work with AutoCad 2016. Help with advice on which one to choose. There is a lot of information, but it is impossible to bring it all together. Thank you in advance.
Good afternoon. Super article. I have been interested for a long time and there is a question ... just about the letter M ... I saw that you answered about mobility ... but I would like to know if the difference with U and HQ / HK is significant. What percentage, let's say, in terms of games and work with graphic editors?
Please tell me which is better lenovo i5-7200U+mx130 8ram ddr4-2133 or acer i3-8130U+mx150 8ram ddr4-2133? Does it make sense to overpay for a more expensive acer?
Hello, I have a laptop acer aspire 7750g intel core i5 2450M 2.50GHz + turbo boost I want to install an external video card via EXP GDC
does it make sense and what is the optimal video card to take for games thanksHello!
Are there any other questions…..
I found three interesting options with i7 8750H with GTX 1070…and one with i7 7700HQ with GTX 1080.
i7 7700HQ with GTX 1070 many options and lower price.
Generally stuck with the choice of Acer, Asus or Del. All are very cool (in my opinion)…..in the same price niche.
With a cool card, this is ASUS ROG GL702VI…..does it make sense?
Plus, I found an option with an i7 7820HK processor (it seems to be very popular earlier).
And how much operational is better for this case?
I take it mainly for games ...., what do you recommend?
So far, I've been using better technology. Much oooo.
Often I can’t change it, I want it with a margin. Thank you.Good evening, thank you for giving some clarification on this topic, if it’s not difficult, you can advise several gaming laptops in a budget of up to 45 thousand, I looked after the HP 15-bs105ur 2PP24EA, but I would like to hear your options.
Thank you in advance.Good afternoon Please tell me, I need a laptop for programming. We are considering options like Aser swift 5 with 16 Gb of RAM with Intel Core i7 8550U. I know that in ultrabooks there is a limit on the frequency of the processor to reduce overheating. Do you think this will greatly affect the operation of the laptop? Or is it better to consider options for laptops that are heavier, but air-cooled?
Andrew, good evening. Thanks for the article, very informative. I would be grateful if you could clarify one point. Approximately narrowed the circle, taking into account my needs (diagonal 17, not for games, for autocad 3d? budget up to 65tr) to ACER Aspire A717. But then I got confused in the modifications. There are two similar modifications with a difference only in the series. The first one is cheaper screen: 17.3″; screen resolution: 1920×1080; Processor: Intel Core i5 7300HQ; frequency: 2.5 GHz (3.5 GHz, in Turbo mode); memory: 8192 MB, DDR4; HDD: 1000 GB, 5400 rpm; SSD: 128 GB; nVidia GeForce GTX 1050 - 2048 MB the second is 6tr (65tr) more expensive Intel Core i7 7700HQ; frequency: 2.8 GHz (3.8 GHz, in Turbo mode); memory: 8192 MB, DDR4; HDD: 1000 GB, 5400 rpm; SSD: 128 GB; nVidia GeForce GTX 1050 - 2048 MB;
Is it worth it to overpay for the series? and generally normal iron for my requirements? I am also puzzled by the fact that these prices are relevant, provided that the Linux operating system on Windows will be 7-10 thousand more expensive.Hello.
Linux is, consider, without OSes. They don't take money for it. And licensed Windows is at least a few thousand.
AutoCAD loves processors with a higher frequency. In general, i7 is better, but there is one thing - cooling. it's not a fact that the laptop will cope with the cooling of the i7 under continuous load. I mean, he can handle it, but how much faster the i7 will work in this mode compared to the i5 is the question. And more memory would be better. I would still lay the memory 16 GB. More is probably not needed. Although you can upgrade yourself later if you need to. SSD is a must. 240-256 GB would be better, 128 is still not enough. I think i5 is enough.
Why a laptop? Isn't a hospital better for such tasks? And it's easier to upgrade, and there are no problems with cooling.Thank you very much. The specifics of the work is such that it is more convenient than a laptop. with cooling, I’ll buy a stand so that I don’t steam)) can I buy cheaper without ssd, but do I need to remove the entire back cover to add ssd? which is fraught with a loss of warranty, and modifications with a higher capacity come with more expensive components. Separately, there is a window for a regular hard drive, maybe you can put a hybrid version of hhd + ssd there? It is also very interesting how much worse or better is the 8th generation processor but with the U series (2 cores) than the 7th series processor but with the HQ series?
The box shows modification NH.GTVER.006. On the website of the manufacturer, I do not see such an assembly at all. In the citylink about the matrix, nothing is said there, but the phone managers say that ips. I looked in other stores, they also write ips there. In any case, I will try to return or exchange, insisting that within 7 days I have the right under the law and the contract)
Hello, could you comment on this unit:
Dell Vostro 5568 (Intel i5-7200U 2500MHz / 8192MB / SSD 256GB / nVidia GeForce 940MX / Gold)
Good day, Andrey!
I need advice on choosing a laptop.
Budget - up to 50-55. But if you can get it cheaper, then much better.
The main goal is to connect to a 4K TV and be able to view content (video) in this format. Games are not relevant, but the ability to pull them (in 4K, well, or in FullHD) will be a good addition. Work with documents, surfing.
Nominees:
1. Acer Aspire A715-71G-51J1 NX.GP8ER.008
2. ASUS FX553VD-DM1225T 90NB0DW4-M19860
3. Dell G3-3579 G315-7152 BlueKeep in mind that we will increase the HDD and SSD on our own, we will install additional RAM in the future.
Thanks in advance!
PS From your publication and responses to comments, I found out that it is necessary to select a laptop without an OS. This significantly reduces the cost of its final cost.
Hello.
Please tell me. The choice of laptop is with Asus and MSI models.
Which model would be preferable?
The main processing power and RAM. For example, to work with giving programs.Hello. I am looking for a gaming laptop in the price range up to 70,000:
Stores advise
— Asus VivoBook 15 K570UD
— Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Series 330-15ICH
Evaluate and tell me what other models may be suitable. The company is preferable to Asus, but I will not turn my nose up from others. I would like to choose the optimal selection of processor (i5 8300H/ i7 8550U/ i7 8750H and above) and video cards (GeForce® GTX 1050/ GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti and above) + SSD. Screen 17 is preferred.
Thanks in advance.P.S. Is it true that the i5 8300H will drain and overheat the laptop faster? Should I focus on it or on the i7 line within my sum?
Good afternoon. Please recommend a laptop for: development (for IDE - no problem), photoshop, illustrator. It is desirable that ssd + hdd (but you can just hdd, with the ability to add ssd), 8GB of RAM (more possible). I'm confused about the options...
The previous one was with a 2nd generation i5, 6 GB of RAM and an integrated + discrete graphics card. I want no worse, the budget is 50k.
Thank you!Hello Andrei! I understand that the article is about processors, but I see that you are helping with the choice of a laptop. I will make the same request. I’ve already broken my head - I re-read a lot of information, watched the video ... everything was mixed up.)) The laptop is needed for use at home, mainly for my daughter to study, but sometimes we will use it with my husband - to make presentations for him, for me to work with photos, watch movies . My daughter has vision problems - we only consider a 17-inch screen with a good resolution. We are not gamers - we do not plan to play tanks. Maybe if only in light games, and even then for children. Budget up to $1500. Well +\- $200. We are considering Asus, Aser and Dell. We give preference to the latter. We do not consider HP, there are no arguments, just intuitively do not want to. And I would also like a metal laptop. Weight does not bother, we will use only at home. Please advise a few models in your opinion suitable for our family. Thank you very much in advance!
Hello.
Looking for a laptop for work. I do bookkeeping and look at the screen a lot. Budget around $850. I wanted to choose a laptop with a good 15.6-inch screen and the ability to play games sometimes (at medium and low settings, but modern games). Of all the models for this money, I liked the Acer Aspire 7 A715-72G-513X NH.GXBEU.010 Black laptop and the Lenovo IdeaPad 330—5ICH 81FK00FMRA Onyx Black laptop (https://ktc.ua/goods/noutbuk_lenovo_ideapad_330_15ich_81fk00fmra_onyx_black.html, https:/ /ktc.ua/goods/noutbuk_acer_aspire_7_a715_72g_513x_nh_gxbeu_010_black.html). The premise seems to be the same. I can not decide. Help make a choice. Maybe I missed something? Maybe there is a more interesting model? I'll install the OS myself. Can an SSD be delivered to any laptop or does it have to be a special connector?Hello! Could you recommend a reliable laptop under 40.000. Needed for watching movies, listening to music, Internet. I don’t play games. Previously, I considered the Notebook HP 15-bw065ur 2BT82EA, but it’s very embarrassing that there are not very good reviews about this company. (Cooling issue). Now I'm considering an ASUS R542UF-DM536T laptop. But now it's embarrassing that the Core i3-8130U 2.2 GHz processor. I understand that if the letter is U, then you should not take it. In general, I am confused in the characteristics and do not know which one to choose. Please advise.
Hello from Kyrgyzstan and I would like to know if I have a choice between i5 8265U with 8gb ram, mx130 4gb graphics card and i5 7300HQ with 8gb ram, GTX 1050 Ti graphics card. What to choose (the purpose of the purchase is programming and maybe play toys in the future), despite the fact that the second option is sold second-hand? The price of the first is 43.5k, and the second is given for 45k soms (at the exchange rate of soms and rubles, almost 1 to 1). I will be grateful for the answer)
Good afternoon!
Please advise on budget RAM.
Bought a laptop with 4GB RAM soldered on board. I checked for a free slot for an additional bar.
In terms of volume and frequency, I will buy DDR4 2133 8GB.
I found the following brands in my search:
1. Apacer
2. Goodram
3 FoxlineWhich manufacturer. is it better to prioritize? The price for everyone is in the region of 3300-3700 rubles. Or maybe there are other manufacturers?
Thanks in advance!Hello. Tell me which laptop to choose for work and watching movies. I need an inexpensive one, I have looked at two options so far: ASUS F540BA-GQ193T laptop (AMD A6 2.6GHz/15.6”/1366х768/4GB/500GB HDD/AMD Radeon R4/DVD no/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Win10 Home x64) and Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 330-15AST (81D600FQRU) (AMD A4-9125 2.3GHz/15.6”/1366х768/4GB/500GB HDD/AMD Radeon 530/DVD no/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Win10 Home x64). And yet, what is the difference in two almost identical laptop models, but only different letters: Lenovo IdeaPad 330-15AST (81D6002GRU) and Lenovo IdeaPad 330-15AST laptop (81D600FQRU). Designation in brackets. Info from the websites of two well-known retail chains. I will be very grateful for the answer. Thank you.
The next 3 digits are the serial number of the model. In general, the higher the value, the faster the processor. So, i3 has a value of 7100, I5 - 7200, i7 is labeled as 750; what does this mean? why are the 7th generation processors listed?
23.03.2018 17:29
In the Intel Core lineup, there are devices not only with the “K” index, but also with “T”. And, if everything is very clear with the first letter (these are CPUs with an unlocked multiplier, designed for overclocking), then some users have never heard of the second solutions.
The maximum multiplier Intel Core i5-7400T- 30, which means that all 4 physical cores can really be started at a frequency of 3000 MHz.
In fact, the key feature of T-processors one is low power consumption (and hence heat dissipation). As a rule, this is a CPU with a lower clock speed, but with exactly the same number of physical cores and threads compared to solutions without a characteristic letter in the marking.
So the guest of today's review called the Intel Core i5-7400T is essentially classic 4-core processor with a full amount of cache; The characteristics of this modification are no different from the well-known version of the Intel Core i5-7400, except for two key parameters (lower clock speed and a modest TDP not exceeding 35 W).
It's hard to believe, but Intel really managed to create a 4-core processor with a fairly high clock speed (in automatic mode, only one core runs at 3 GHz), while keeping within 35 W heat pack.
| Intel Pentium G4620 | Intel Core i3-7100 | Intel Core i5-7400T | Intel Core i5-6400 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Process technology | 14 nm | 14 nm | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Socket | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 |
| Cores/Threads | 2/4 | 2/4 | 4/4 | 4/4 |
| Rated clock frequency | 3700 MHz | 3900 MHz | 2400 MHz | 2700 MHz |
| Turbo clock speed | 3700 MHz | 3900 MHz | 3000 MHz | 3300 MHz |
| Cache | 3 MB | 3 MB | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| TDP | 51 W | 51 W | 35 W | 65 W |
| Memory support | DDR4-2133/2400 DDR3L-1333/1600 | DDR4-2133/2400 DDR3L-1333/1600 | DDR4-2133/2400 DDR3L-1333/1600 | DDR4-1866/2133 DDR3L-1333/1600 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 630 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| Intel Optane Memory | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Intel Hyper Threading | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Price | 90$ | 117$ | 185$ | 185$ |
All CPUs with the letter "T" in their name are not intended for use in extreme systems and overclocking PCs. There are certainly no hardware limitations, it's just not practical.
Why buy a slow (albeit cold) processor when you can buy a CPU with better specs for the same money? By the way, the Intel Core i5-7400 version and the same model, but with the “T” index, cost the same in retail.
Technical features
So, the 14 nm Intel Core i5-7400T has four physical cores (the same number of computational threads, Hyper-Threading technology is not used), 6 MB of L3 cache and an integrated graphics core Intel HD Graphics 630. The processor is compatible with dual-channel DDR4-2133 RAM /2400 and DDR3L-1333/1600.
We used the Cooler Master X Dream P115 cooler to cool this CPU.
The nominal clock frequency of all 4 physical cores is 2400 MHz, in Turbo Boost mode one of them accelerates to 3 GHz (if you wish, you can start all four at 3000 MHz, we will talk about this below). And, as mentioned above, the declared TDP of the device is 35 watts.
In fact, this figure in some cases (under high load) jumps to more significant values, for example, we were able to capture 75 watts in the Corona 1.3 Benchmark test. But these are short-term peaks, most of the time monitoring programs do not show readings above 30 watts.
Intel Core i5-7400T nominal 
Intel Core i5-7400T at 3050 MHz (all 4 cores)
Intel Core i5-7400T and DDR4-2933 memory
Obviously, the Intel Core i5-7400T is very cold processor, after all, the operating voltage stone- 0.912 V, and the clock frequency is 2400 MHz. We used the Cooler Master X Dream P115 cooler to cool this CPU. As a result, the maximum temperature that we recorded did not exceed 45 degrees (under the most serious load). By the way, the processor heats up to similar values under exactly the same CO (it has 2 cores and 51 W TDP).
Test stand:
Motherboard - ASUS Maximus IX Extreme
RAM -
Video card -
Storage device -
Power unit -
Performance and test results
Four active physical cores help the reviewed processor compete on equal terms with high-frequency CPUs, which have two cores and 4 computational threads. True, not in those applications where the key is the performance of a single core. For example, in Cinebench R15, the Intel Core i5-7400T performs better than , but not in WinRAR and Corona 1.3.
Therefore, before choosing an Intel Core i5-7400T for a particular system, it is worthwhile to outline the range of tasks that will be performed using such a PC. Perhaps your goals require a high clock speed in the first place, and not 4 physical cores.
For buildup powerful graphics adapter and modern games Intel Core i5-7400T fits perfectly. And here the four physical cores just play a key role, because the clock frequency of the processor in toys is not so significant (especially at high resolutions). Yes, additional megahertz allows you to achieve maximum frame / s, but your eye will still not be able to catch the difference between 60 and 80 fps, believe me.
Overclocking
In the arsenal of the Intel Core i5-7400T there is one extremely useful cunning, allowing you to increase processor performance by 5-8% if you need it. Maximum watch multiplier stone- 30, this means that all 4 physical cores can really be started at a frequency of 3000 MHz (for this, you must manually select this value in the UEFI BIOS). True, TDP in this mode will no longer correspond to 35 W, it will grow up.
Using the TPU II functional module, which is soldered on the ASUS Maximus IX Extreme, the Intel Core i5-7400T overclocked to 3050 MHz, and this is the limit for our configuration.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i5-7400T without any "buts" is a full-fledged 4-core processor that perfectly copes with multimedia tasks in a home and gaming PC. Together with that stone it is advisable to install a top-end video card in the system if you are mainly interested in gaming applications.
For " swings” powerful graphics adapter and modern games Intel Core i5-7400T fits perfectly.
Although for a PC that already has one cold element, it is reasonable to look for an accelerator with a low TDP (and even with a passive cooling system) in order to minimize the number of fans inside the computer case.
As a result, you can count on a completely silent, energy-efficient, and most importantly cold PC (no compromise on performance); such systems are becoming more and more popular nowadays.
In the process of assembling or buying a new computer, users are sure to have a question. In this article, we will look at Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, and also tell you what is the difference between these chips and what is better to choose for your computer.
Difference No. 1. The number of cores and support for Hyper-threading.
Perhaps, the main difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the number of physical cores and support for Hyper-threading technology, which creates two threads of computation for each real physical core. Creation of two computation threads for each core allows more efficient use of the processing power of the processor core. Therefore, processors with Hyper-threading support have some performance advantage.
The number of cores and Hyper-threading technology support for most Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors can be summarized in the following table.
| Number of physical cores | Support for Hyper-threading technology | Number of threads | |
| Intel Core i3 | 2 | Yes | 4 |
| Intel Core i5 | 4 | No | 4 |
| Intel Core i7 | 4 | Yes | 8 |
But there are exceptions to this table.. Firstly, these are the Intel Core i7 processors of their "Extreme" line. These processors can have 6 or 8 physical processing cores. At the same time, they, like all Core i7 processors, have support for Hyper-threading technology, which means that the number of threads is twice the number of cores. Second, some mobile processors (laptop processors) are exempt. So some Intel Core i5 mobile processors have only 2 physical cores, but at the same time they have Hyper-threading support.
It should also be noted that Intel has already planned to increase the number of cores in its processors. According to the latest news, the Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with Coffee Lake architecture, which are scheduled for release in 2018, will have 6 physical cores and 12 threads.
Therefore, you should not completely trust the above table. If you are interested in the number of cores in a particular Intel processor, then it is better to check the official information on the website.
Difference number 2. The amount of cache memory.
Also, Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors differ in the amount of cache memory. The higher the processor class, the more cache memory it gets. Intel Core i7 processors get the most cache memory, Intel Core i5 gets a little less, and Intel Core i3 gets even less. Specific values should be viewed in the characteristics of the processors. But for example, you can compare several processors from the 6th generation.
| Level 1 cache | Level 2 cache | Level 3 cache | |
| Intel Core i7-6700 | 4 x 32 KB | 4 x 256 KB | 8 MB |
| Intel Core i5-6500 | 4 x 32 KB | 4 x 256 KB | 6 MB |
| Intel Core i3-6100 | 2 x 32 KB | 2 x 256 KB | 3 MB |
It must be understood that a decrease in the amount of cache memory is associated with a decrease in the number of cores and threads. But, nevertheless, there is such a difference.
Difference No. 3. Clock speeds.
Typically, higher-end processors come with higher clock speeds. But, not everything is so clear-cut here. Not infrequently, Intel Core i3 can have higher frequencies than Intel Core i7. For example, let's take 3 processors from the 6th generation line.
| Clock frequency | |
| Intel Core i7-6700 | 3.4GHz |
| Intel Core i5-6500 | 3.2GHz |
| Intel Core i3-6100 | 3.7GHz |
Thus, Intel is trying to maintain the performance of Intel Core i3 processors at the right level.
Difference No. 4. Heat dissipation.
Another important difference between the Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the level of heat dissipation. The characteristic known as TDP or thermal design power is responsible for this. This characteristic tells how much heat the processor cooling system should remove. For example, let's take the TDP of three 6th generation Intel processors. As can be seen from the table, the higher the class of the processor, the more heat it produces and the more powerful the cooling system is needed.
| TDP | |
| Intel Core i7-6700 | 65 W |
| Intel Core i5-6500 | 65 W |
| Intel Core i3-6100 | 51 W |
It should be noted that TDP tends to decrease. With each generation of processors, TDP is getting lower. For example, the TDP of the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor was 95W. Now, as we see, only 65 watts.
Which is better Intel Core i3, i5 or i7?
The answer to this question depends on what kind of performance you need. The difference in the number of cores, threads, cache memory and clock speeds creates a noticeable difference in performance between the Core i3, i5 and i7.
- The Intel Core i3 processor is a great option for an office or budget home computer. If you have a video card of the appropriate level, it is quite possible to play computer games on a computer with an Intel Core i3 processor.
- Intel Core i5 processor - suitable for a powerful work or gaming computer. A modern Intel Core i5 can handle any graphics card without any problems, so you can play any games on a computer with such a processor, even at maximum settings.
- An Intel Core i7 processor is an option for those who know exactly why it needs such performance. A computer with such a processor is suitable, for example, for editing video or conducting game streams.
Before the advent of the Sandy Bridge architecture, it was very difficult to choose an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor. It was difficult because Intel didn't share features equally across all brands.
The processors are the same brand, sometimes they don't even use the same socket. This made it extremely difficult to explain the differences between them.
After the company introduced the Sandy Bridge architecture and resumed its products using the same i3, i5 and i7 brands, the problems disappeared.
To represent this, Intel switched to a 4 number naming scheme and numbered 2100, 2500, etc.
core i3 series
The Intel Core i3 line has always been a budget option. These are dual-core processors, unlike the rest of the line, which is quad-core. They also have more limited features.
The main characteristic is support for Core i3 Turbo Boost processors, the overclocking function is dynamically available on most Intel processors.
That, along with the dual-core feature, plus the performance difference between the i3, i5, and i7.
Core i3 processors also have Intel Vpro technology virtualization and AES encryption acceleration technologies.
A feature that i3 and i5 have is Hyper-Threading technology. This is a duplication of logical cores, which allows each physical core to appear as two logical cores.
The result of this is that the dual-core Core i3 will appear as a quad-core processor.
Ultimately, the i3 is a GPU with a limited top speed of 1100MHz.
This results in a slightly slower performance than regular PGI, but the difference is small and not noticeable in many situations.
core i5 series
Intel used two different lines to separate the i5 brand, one dual-core and one quad-core. It was a bit confusing for buyers.
Fortunately, now all Sandy Bridge i5 are quad-core, but not all have Hyper-Threading boost features.
Most i5s except the K series have the PGI 2000 series with a maximum execution speed of 1100 MHz.
In a battle between three processors, the Core i5 is now the most popular option. The only significant difference between the i5 variants is the core with clock speeds ranging from 2.8GHz to 3.3GHz.
Obviously, products with higher clock speeds are more expensive than those with lower ones.
core i7 series
The i7 series currently only offers five desktop processors of the Sandy Bridge Core i7 model, which are: i7-2600, i7-2600S, i7-2600K, i7-2700K, i7-3820.
These processors are almost identical to the i5. The real difference is the addition of Hyper-Threading technology to the i7, which means the processor will look like it's octa-core.
This improves performance and can result in significant performance gains if you are running a program that is capable of running 8 threads.
Of course, most programs cannot use 8 threads. Therefore, they are intended for those who use video editing applications, advanced 3D programs, rendering and scientific programs.
The average user is unlikely to benefit much from these features (from Hyper-Threading).
i7 can reach a maximum speed of 1350MHz. As I said before, this difference is largely unimportant when measuring performance in normal situations.
Connectors and chipsets were a hurdle for those who wanted to build their system with Core products. Different devices in the same brand used different connectors.
Not anymore. All Sandy Bridge LGA 1155 versions use the same and are compatible with the new P67, H67, B65, H61, Q67 and Z68 chipsets.
The Core i5 line remains the most popular. The I5 quad core product is very fast and has all the important features like Turbo Boost.
They are also moderately priced. However, the i3 should be considered unless you're looking for very high performance suitable for everyday tasks. Good luck.
Category: UncategorizedUpdated: 13.02.2018 12:18:37
The Intel Core i5 series includes mid-range processors that are suitable for most users (even for non-demanding 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 and heat dissipation;
Complete set (BOX or OEM).
Almost all processor parameters can be found directly from its name. More precisely, from the alphanumeric code, which is indicated immediately after the series and looks like "8350U".
For example, the Intel Core i5-8350U belongs to the eighth generation, provides a fairly 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" - indicates the generation of the model. The second is performance. The higher it is, the higher the base clock frequency of the processor. The last character - in this case "U" - indicates the type of processor.
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 performance characteristics, but also the compatibility of the processor with the motherboard. The fact is that the socket (connector for connecting) updates about once every two to three years. Thus, processors of the Haswell and Broadwell generations (fourth and fifth, respectively) are designed for installation in the LGA1150 socket, while Skylake, Kabu Lake and Coffee Lake (sixth, seventh and eighth) - in the LGA1151.
Since there is no cross-compatibility between Intel sockets, you need to choose a processor based on which socket is installed in the existing motherboard. So, if it is equipped with an 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 most current socket version (at the end of 2017 this is Intel LGA1151-v2, designed specifically for Coffee Lake).
Processor type
Intel Core i5 processors are available in various 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 - 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 correspond in their capabilities and characteristics to Q-configurations.
Base clock and heat dissipation
The base clock frequency is a parameter that indirectly determines the performance of the processor. In fact, it is 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 the heat dissipation and power consumption will increase. And these parameters also have to be taken into account. You may need a new cooler and power supply.
Thus, the appropriate methodology for choosing a processor when upgrading is:
First try to find a more "fresh" model (of the next generation);
If not possible, purchase a model with a higher clock speed.
However, this is only true when upgrading within the Intel Core i5 family. If an update is required to improve the performance of the computer, it is advisable to replace the chip with a different family (i7).
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 one 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, as well as a three-year warranty.
In the second option - OEM - the buyer gets only the processor. And it has a 1 year warranty.
However, buying a BOX package is not advisable. It is more expensive than OEM, and the cooler included in it is usually not very productive and very noisy. Therefore, many professional assemblers immediately change it to some other one. The only advantage of the BOX configuration is a three-year warranty on the processor. But if the chip works the first year without any complaints, it will function normally in the rest.
Summary
Thus, when choosing a processor, it is worth starting from the characteristics of an existing one, and the selection procedure itself for upgrading is as follows:
Try to "raise" a 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 productive chip configuration (with a higher clock speed) or purchase a model from the i7 family;
If a top-end Ivy Bridge or Broadwell generation processor 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 Lake-family models.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.
