The processor is the heart of the computer. The performance of the device, its ability to "pull" "heavy" programs and games, depends on this small, but very important component. The most common in our time are Intel processors. However, they are presented in a wide variety, which is not so easy to understand for the average consumer. The main groups are i3, i5, i7. Agree, these combinations of characters do not mean anything. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand the difference between i5 and i7, so that you can determine exactly which Intel Core product is most suitable specifically for your needs.
I3 line
What is the main difference between the i3, i5, i7 processors? Of course, performance. The seventh variation here will be the most perfect, the third - the slowest.
Intel Core i3 is, accordingly, the simplest and most inexpensive product. Only dual-core processors are presented here, since more advanced variations are mainly quad-core. From here directly follow the limited features of the third version.
The main characteristic of the line: support for Turbo Boost, overclocking functions of the system. By the way, it is available for almost all Intel processors.
Key Features i3
To visualize the differences between Core i3, i5, i7, let's dwell on a few more features of the third version:
- Virtualization of Intel Vpro proprietary technology.
- Support for AES encryption acceleration technology.
- A feature that brings the third and seventh versions closer together is Hyper-Threading Technology. Underneath is the duplication of logical cores. What does it mean? Each of the physical nuclei, thanks to it, can manifest itself as two logical nuclei. Accordingly, such a 2-core processor can function as a 4-core.
- A graphics processor with a speed that is quite limited for modern conditions - 1100 MHz. Accordingly, its performance is slightly reduced.
I5 line
Intel’s i5 brand was a bit confusing: initially, both dual-core and quad-core devices were presented here. Sandy Bridge i5 is currently quad. However, with one “but”: not all models support Hyper-Threading bifurcation technology.
We continue to analyze the differences between the i3, i5, i7 processors for laptop and PC. I must say that among all three varieties, it is precisely the fifth that is considered the most popular. Although most of these processors (excluding the K series) have the highest execution speed of 1100 MHz.
The fifth version itself is also divided into many variations within itself. Of course, each of them has individual characteristics, but in most cases there is one difference: the core clock frequency (from 2.8 to 3.3 GHz). The price of the processor will directly depend on this indicator.
I7 line
To date, the series is represented so far by five desktop processors of the Sandy Bridge Core i7 version:
- 2600.
- 2600S.
- 2600K.
- 2700K.
- 3820.
What is the difference between Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7? You will be surprised, but these processors are almost identical! Both those and those are presented by quad. But is there a difference? Yes, the key difference is the addition of Hyper-Threading technology. As you remember, it actually “bifurcates” the physical core into two logical ones. As a result, the 4-core processor of the seventh line is able (in fact) to function as an 8-core.
Key benefits of i7
Why is this good? The main plus is the excellent system performance. You can significantly increase the speed of the device if you work on a PC with a program that can support 8 streams. By the way, today there are not so many so functional applications. Basically, the characteristic can be estimated by users involved in editing "heavy" video files, scientific programs, and three-dimensional modeling. The average PC owner has almost no place to apply such an expansion of capabilities.
The maximum speed of the seventh version is 1350 MHz. But, as experienced users note, such a difference between the 5th and 7th versions under normal conditions is not noticeable in PC performance.
Common to i5 and i7
Next, we will definitely consider the difference between i5 and i7 for several main points. But it is no less interesting and useful to find out what these Intel processors have in common:
- Kernels As we mentioned earlier, both versions have 4 physical cores. This amount is enough for the excellent work of many existing PC applications. Only some specialized programs can run on computers with only an 8-core processor.
- Working frequency. There is no actual difference between i5 and i7 here. The main operating frequency of the devices will be 3.4 GHz. But in fairness, we note that the processors of the seventh version of the technology Turbo Boost can "overclock" to higher rates.
- A set of instructions. Both the fifth and seventh versions support the same instructions. Among their many distinguish AVX (used to speed up the processing of a number of multimedia programs), AES (used in cryptography).
- Power consumption. Theoretical maximum flow rate, that of the fifth, that of the seventh line is the same - 77 watts. As the Intel Corporation itself notes, this is one of the main achievements of their production.
- Integrated graphics cards. The basis of integrated video cards of the 5th and 7th version is common. However, models and functions used may vary. For example, adding Quicksync to support three monitors.
The difference between i5 and i7
Now another important point. The difference between Core i5 and Core i7 is as follows:
- Streams. We have already identified this difference - the seventh line supports Hyper-Threading, and the fifth - no. Accordingly, in the first case, the system sees 8 cores, and in the second - half as much. Although in reality their number will be the same. The whole point is that the Hyper-Threading system features for each of the really existing cores to simulate a pair - another virtual one.
- Cache memory. Another important difference between the i5 processor and i7. The fifth version will have 6 megabytes of cache in the third level, and the seventh - already 8 megabytes. Recall that the memory of a personal computer operates in a hierarchical order. There are several levels: RAM, processor, virtual memory, presented on the hard drive. The processor of the 7th Intel line, respectively, will support these three levels at once. It has a distinctive ability to place the data most often used by the user and the system closer to the kernel. And this significantly increases the performance of the device. I must say that according to this scheme, the seventh line works with almost all applications. Hence the need for the use of Hyper-Threading technology does not arise so often.
- Graphic card. What is the difference between Intel Core i5 and i7? The seventh line comes with an HD 4000 card, and the fifth with the HD2500. The difference is felt right away - the latest version will be almost twice as likely as the previous one.
- Turbo accelerator. For many users, this difference will be significant. The fifth version can operate at 3.8 GHz, while the seventh - at 3.9 GHz.
About Hyper-Threading Technology
In fact, the main difference between Core i3, i5, i7 is the presence or absence of support for Hyper-Threading technology. What does the creation of logical, virtual kernels turn into physical, real? The following stand out:
- The minimum number of locks. Although in normal practice, a quad-core processor is almost impossible to “saturate,” sometimes it does happen.
- Speed. Of course, this is not the case with all applications (since few programs are adapted to work with eight threads). But without 8 cores it’s quite difficult to work productively with Photoshop, video editors, applications that simulate three-dimensional structures.
What to choose?
And in conclusion, an important urgent question: which of the Intel processors is the best choice for your own needs? To answer it, we turn to the reviews of direct users:
- Version i3. Who should use this processor? Ideal if you are buying a first computer for a child or are interested in acquiring a budget version of a component. Do not dwell on this option if you plan to play "heavy" games, work with powerful graphic editors. Internet surfing, watching movies, typing, working with standard office applications - the third line will do just fine with this. Great for schoolchildren, students, the elderly, who decided to master the information world.
- Version i5. Judging by the reviews, then this 4-core processor is the most popular. Assumes good performance. In addition, you can significantly expand its capabilities by purchasing a hard drive, RAM and so on. Who is it good for? If you want to find a wider application for your computer than a typewriter, work with serious programs, play high-quality games. Very often, it is the 5th line processors that equip computers in the workplace. Young programmers, retouchers, designers begin their activities on them.
- Version i7. The option is not popular because of the relatively high cost. As a rule, those who are not limited in expenses, who value computer performance and its speed most of all, stop at it. The main buyers are enthusiastic gamers, designers, photographers, videographers, who are obliged to work with "heavy" programs on duty. After all, today only an 8-core processor is able to really help them in quality work.
We have sorted with you the three main line of Intel processors. You now know their key features and benefits that are important to represent before purchasing a component.