Intel Core i3, i5, i7 processors: how are they different and which is better? What is the difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors.

Let's compare two processors from intel. Now they have become more affordable, but is there any point in overpaying by buying a more expensive processor.

The processor, as you know, is the brain center of the computer, the more powerful it is, the more it can perform operations per second. According to statistics, 70 percent of users buy powerful processors for computer games, and only the other 30 use them for work.

We will not burden you with a huge number of tests, there are already enough of them on the Internet, we will conduct three tests

the first is the performance evaluation by windows itself
on the second test, we will launch the game Far Cry 3 and will play the game and watch the number of frames per second, it should be at least 25 and on the last test we will compress the video clip, the compression of the video loads the processor quite heavily.

Let's start with the i5 processor and see what it can do in the Windows 7 performance test

i7 cpu performance test

As you can see, the i7 processor got 7.7

A common index for the two systems was assigned 7.3

Now let's move on to testing in the game.

We watch a video with an i5 processor and after it a video with an i7 processor

The results show that in the game there is no difference between the processors, on the first online video and on the second, the number of frames is the same.

Now the video compression test is 2 minutes 17 seconds long.

We have combined two videos into one video. Left i7 processor right i5

This time, the difference in work between the i7 and i5 processor became very noticeable.

i7 processor based computer compressed video in 6 minutes and 6 seconds
i5 processor-based computer compressed video in 7 minutes and 11 seconds

What conclusions can be drawn from our video tests. If you are buying a computer on which you will work with text editors, chat on the Internet, watch movies and play games, then the i5 processor is quite suitable for you. On modern computers, the video card plays a significant role in games.

If you need a computer for complex tasks, such as processing video files, compressing video, working with 3D editors, the i7 processor is more suitable for you for comfortable work.

The test used:

motherboard GAZ77D3H from gigabyte
i7 processor (3770 LGA1155)
i5 processor (3350 LGA1155)
hard drive octane 128 gigabyte
memory 2 strips of 4 gigabytes ddr3 1600
GTX550Ti graphics card
operating system windows 7 x64

i7 price - 301 $
i5 price - $ 183

The Core series has several main features. The socket (the socket in which the processor is installed) is used the same for all processors of a particular generation. Therefore, buying, for example, a Core i3 instead of the old one, you do not have to worry that it may not fit the existing motherboard.

Core i3

The Core i3 series processors have the least powerful characteristics, however, they are the best option for solving various daily tasks. This line is budgetary, which explains its wide demand among users. Processors in this series are dual-core - unlike the others, which are designed on the basis of four cores. Accordingly, the Core i3 has more limited capabilities.

Main technical characteristics:

• overclocking function Turbo Boost (available on almost all processors from Intel);
• dual-core architecture;
• visualization of Intel Vpro technology and AES encryption acceleration functions;
• Hyper-Threading technology (the ability to duplicate a logical core, through which each physical core functions as two logical ones).

This series includes processors with a maximum speed of 1100 MHz. With this in mind, there is a slight decrease in performance compared to PGI, but this difference remains invisible for simple everyday tasks.

According to the model, the L3 cache size ranges from 3 to 4 MB, and the frequency ranges from 3.4 to 4.2 GHz. Core i3 processors cost around $ 110-140. The capabilities of the processors of this series allow you to receive quick system feedback when solving standard problems. However, if you are constantly faced with the need to edit or render video, it is better to give preference to the more powerful models. The Core i3 is great for entry-level gaming systems with a mid-range graphics card.

Core i5

Only a subset of Sandy Bridge processors have Hyper-Threading enhancement. So, Core i5 (except for the K series) works with the PGI 2000 system. But among the three series under consideration, it is Core i5 that is now in the greatest demand.

The main significant difference between the various Core i5 models is the core clock speed, which ranges from 2.8 GHz to 3.3 GHz. The cost of the processor is formed depending on this indicator. This line allows you to support many advanced functions, while delivering good energy efficiency.

Technical features:

• the presence of four physical nuclei;
• lack of Hyper-Threading technology;
• Turbo Boost function (some processor models have an unlocked overclocking multiplier);
• up to 6 MB L3 cache (for desktop models).

Turbo Boost temporarily increases the frequency of one or more cores. This is due to an increase in power consumption and a decrease in the processing power of the remaining cores. This technology can be considered as overclocking the physical core.

7th Generation Core i5 processors are clocked at 2.4-3.8 GHz. Their cost varies from $ 180 to $ 220 depending on technical parameters.

Core i7

Core i7 processors are the pinnacle of technological advancements by Intel engineers. As in the previous line, there are 4 logical cores. Support for Hyper-Threading technology allows you to create 8 threads on 4 physical cores. The processors are distinguished by the highest clock speeds: by default - 3.6 GHz, in Turbo Boost mode - 4.2 GHz. The L3 cache is 8 MB.

The introduction of Hyper-Threading technology allowed the processor to be used as an 8-core processor. All other parameters are almost the same with the Core i5 series. Installing Core i7 processors can significantly increase PC performance when using the 8-thread operating mode. Keep in mind, however, that most programs are not designed to use 8 threads. Therefore, this option will be advisable only when using resource-intensive applications for:

• video editing;
• rendering video;
• work with advanced scientific and 3D software.

For users who only need to tackle basic tasks, Core i7 processors are unlikely to be a smart buy. Under normal circumstances, the performance gains will not be noticeable to the user, so it is often better to opt for the cheaper Core i5 or i3. But Core i7 processors are a great choice for running programs that can take full advantage of 8 threads.

Most modern games still only use 4 cores. The popular Photoshop program works with two cores and requires four only in the case of using special filters and performing other complex operations. The same goes for Autodesk and Maya. If you work with these and similar applications on an ongoing basis, then you will not notice a performance increase with a Core i7 processor, because the i3 and i5 series products do just as well.

Selection of the optimal processor

The main problem when building systems with Intel Core products was the selection of connectors and chipsets, because different devices of the same series could have different connector configurations. These difficulties were eliminated thanks to Sandy Bridge. Now socket LGA1151 and chipsets H110, B250, Z270

All processors, regardless of manufacturer, have indices. They appear in the product name after the manufacturer and serial number. Depending on this, the power of the processors is distinguished. A detailed description of the indexes can be found on the Intel website. Examples of indexes:

• T, U and Y - low power consumption;
• K - the presence of overclocking potential;
• P - processors with less powerful graphics core.

The main difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors lies in the parameters of their processing power and the characteristics of the graphics core (in the i3 it is weaker, in the i5 and i7 it is almost the same). Most users approach the choice of a processor rashly, so they subsequently do not use the available capabilities, or, conversely, suffer from a lack of performance. The presence of special markings and designations makes it quite easy to determine the model of a suitable processor, depending on your needs and the characteristics of the rest of the system.

At the moment, the most popular is the Core i5 line. These are 4-core processors that provide access to all important functions, in particular Turbo Boost. They also have a reasonable price, so they will not hit the budget when assembling or upgrading a computer system. The Core i3 is an inexpensive and reliable option if you don't need high performance for your day-to-day tasks. This is the best option for any budget build. If the processor is required to perform heavy tasks such as modeling, editing and rendering large video files, then the Core i7 series processors should be chosen. The capabilities of these products will fully satisfy all your needs and ensure maximum system performance.

In the process of assembling or buying a new computer, a question always arises before users. 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 # 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 calculations for each actually existing 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 a certain performance advantage.

Core count and Hyper-threading support for most Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors can be summarized in the following table.

But, there are exceptions from this table.... First, there are Intel Core i7 processors from 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 the number of threads is twice the number of cores. Second, certain mobile processors (laptop processors) are exempt. So some mobile Intel Core i5 processors have only 2 physical cores, but at the same time they have support for Hyper-threading.

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 table below. 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 # 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 receives. Intel Core i7 processors get the most cache memory, Intel Core i5 processors get slightly less, and Intel Core i3 processors even less. Specific values ​​should be found in the characteristics of the processors. But for example, you can compare several processors from the 6th generation.

It should be understood that a decrease in the size of the cache memory is associated with a decrease in the number of cores and threads. But, nevertheless, there is such a difference.

Difference # 3. Clock frequencies.

Typically, higher-end processors come with higher clock speeds. But, everything is not so simple here. It is not uncommon for Intel Core i3 to be clocked higher than Intel Core i7. For example, let's take 3 processors from the 6th generation line.

In this way, Intel tries to keep the performance of Intel Core i3 processors at the desired level.

Difference No. 4. Heat dissipation.

Another important difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the level of heat dissipation. A characteristic known as TDP or thermal design power is responsible for this. This characteristic tells how much heat should be removed by the processor cooling system. Let's take the TDP of three 6th generation Intel processors as an example. As you can see from the table, the higher the processor class, the more heat it produces and the more powerful cooling system is needed.

It should be noted that TDP has a downward trend. With each generation of processors, the TDP is getting lower. For example, the TDP of the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor was 95 W. Now, as we can see, only 65 watts.

Which is better than Intel Core i3, i5 or i7?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of performance you want. The difference in 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, you can 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 video card without any problems, so you can play any games on a computer with such a processor, even at maximum settings.
• The Intel Core i7 processor is an option for those who know exactly why they need such performance. A computer with such a processor is suitable, for example, for editing video or conducting game streams.

The third generation Intel Core processors, also known as Ivy Bridge, hit the market in spring 2012. For Intel corporation, this generation has become a breakthrough in production technology, allowing to create transistors of 22 nanometers, instead of the already familiar 32 Nm.

Thanks to this, it became possible to place almost twice as many transistors in the same area than in previous generations, which increased the functional blocks inside the processor. In addition, energy efficiency has increased and voltage has decreased.

Intel sees Ivy Bridge as its achievement, not only because of the improvement in the manufacturing process, but also because of changes in certain parts of the processor itself, especially in the integrated graphics card.

What is the advantage of Hyperthread.

The fundamental difference between the i7 and i5 processors is the Hyperthread feature. What is its advantage:

Fewer locks. Although a processor with 4 cores is quite difficult to saturate, it does happen sometimes.

Speed. Increased speed when working with some 3D rendering applications, such as 3D Studio, when applying filters in programs such as Photoshop, video editing, and so on. But all these benefits can never be compared to 8 cores.

What to buy an i5 or i7.

If you have a modest budget and for games you add a powerful graphics card to the i5 processor, then it is better to stay on it. The i7 processor is designed for those who are not limited in costs and put performance at the heart of the corner.

The I7 is a great processor, but justifying the high price tag is difficult, especially when the difference in price can be spent on RAM, SSD hard drive, or other useful components.