Which is better Intel Core i3 or Core i5? Why is Core i7 so expensive? And where did the Pentium go? Comparison of i5 and i7 processors

The processor is the brain of the computer, but it takes a lot of your own brain to understand the differences between processors! Intel hasn't made it easy for consumers with its weird naming schemes, and the question most often asked is: what's the difference between an i3, i5, or i7 processor? Which one should I buy?

It's time to demystify it. In this article I will not touch on other Intel processors such as the Pentium series or new laptop Core M Series: They're good in their own right, but the Core series is the most popular and confusing, so let's just focus on that.

Understanding Model Numbers

Honestly, it's very simple. Intel Core i7 is better than Core i5, which in turn is better than Core i3. The problem is knowing what to expect from each processor.

First of all, i7 does not mean seven-core processor! These are just names to indicate relative performance.

Typically, the Core i3 series uses only dual-core processors, while the Core i5 and Core i7 series use dual-core and quad-core processors. Quad-core processors are usually better than dual-core processors, but don't worry about that for now.

Intel releases families of chipsets such as the new generation of Skylake processors for the 6th generation Skylake family. Each family, in turn, has its own line Core processors i3, Core i5 and Core i7.

You can determine which generation the processor belongs to the first digit in the four-digit model name. For example, Intel Core i3- 5 200 refers to 5 -th generation. Remember that new Intel generation will not support Windows 7, but since Windows 10 - free update anyway, use the newest generation.

Advice. Here's a useful rule of thumb. The remaining three numbers are the estimate by Intel how the processor compares to others in its own line. For example, the Intel Core i3-5350 is superior to the Core i3-5200 because 350 is more than 200.

Last letters: U, Q, H, K

Things have changed since we last looked at Intel's processor list. Decoding a list of processors. The model number is usually followed by one or a combination of the following letters: U, Y, T, Q, H, and K. Here's what they mean:

• U: Ultra low power. U rating is for laptop processors only. They use less power and are better for battery life.
• Y: Low power. Typically used for laptops and older generation mobile processors.
• T:Power Optimized for desktop processors.
• Q: Quad-core processor. The Q rating is only for processors with four physical cores.
• H: High-performance graphics. The chipset has one of the best graphics units from Intel.
• K: Unlocked. This means that you can overclock the processor yourself.

Understanding these letters and the numbering system above will help you know what the processor offers just by looking at the model number, without having to read the actual specifications.

You can find the meaning of other letters in the Intel manuals for processor numbers.

Hyper-Threading: i7 > i3 > i5

As you can see above, Intel specifically writes U and Q for the number of physical cores. Well, what other kernels are there, you ask? The answer is virtual cores activated using Hyper-Threading technology.

In layman's terms, hyperthreading allows one physical core to act as two virtual cores, thereby performing many tasks simultaneously without activating the second physical core (which will require more power from the system).

If both processors are active and using hyperthreading, these four virtual cores will compute faster. However, note that physical cores are faster than virtual cores. A quad-core processor will perform much better than a dual-core CPU with hyperthreading!

The Intel Core i3 series has hyper-threading. The Intel Core i7 series also supports hyperthreading. Intel Core i5 series does not support it.

Turbo Boost: i7 > i5 > i3

On the other hand, Intel Core i3 series does not support Turbo Boost. The Core i5 series uses Turbo Boost to speed up your tasks, just like the Core i7.

Turbo Boost is a patented technology to intelligently increase the processor clock speed if the application requires it. For example, if you're playing a game and your system requires some extra power, Turbo Boost will kick in to compensate.

Turbo Boost is useful for those who use resource-intensive software such as video editors or video games, but this does not have of great importance if you are just going to browse the web and use Microsoft Office.

Besides Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, one of the main differences in Core line is the cache size. The cache is the processor's own memory and acts as its personal RAM - and it is one of little-known functions, which can slow down your PC.

Exactly the same as with RAM than larger size cache, the better. So if the processor performs one task over and over again, it will store that task in its cache. If the processor can store more tasks in its private memory, it can make them faster if they appear again.

The Core i3 series typically contains up to 3 MB of cache. The Core i5 series has between 3MB and 6MB cache. The Core i7 series has 4MB to 8MB cache.

Since graphics were integrated into the processor chip, this has become important point when purchasing processors. But as with everything else, Intel made the system a little confusing.

Now, as a rule, there are three levels graphics devices: Intel HD, Intel Iris and Intel Iris Pro. You'll see a model name like Intel HD 520 or Intel Iris Pro 580... and that's where the confusion begins.

Here's a quick example of how overwhelming it can be. Intel HD 520 is the main graphics chipset. The Intel Iris 550 is better than the Intel HD 520, but also basic. But Intel HD 530 is a high performance graphics unit and is better than Intel Iris 550. However, Intel Iris Pro 580 is also a high performance graphics unit and is better than Intel HD 530.

Best advice on how to interpret them? Just don't. Instead, rely on the Intel naming system. If the processor model ends with H, you know it is a high-end module.

Comparison of i3, i5, i7 cores

Simply put, here's who each processor type is best for:

• Core i3: main users. Economic choice. Convenient for viewing on the Internet, using Microsoft Office, video calls and social networks. Not for gamers or professionals.
• Core i5: Intermediate users. Those who want a balance between performance and price. Good for gaming if you buy an HQ processor or a Q processor with a dedicated GPU.
• Core i7: Professionals. This is the best Intel can do right now.

How did you choose?

This article is a basic guide for those who want to buy new processor Intel, but gets confused between Core i3, i5 and i7. But even after understanding all this, when it's time to make a decision, you may need to choose between two processors from different generations.

What other advice do you have for others who are similarly stuck buying a PCU and need to make a choice?

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

Core i3

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

Main technical characteristics:

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

This series includes processors maximum speed which is 1100 MHz. Taking this into account, there is a slight decrease in performance compared to PGI, but this difference remains unnoticeable when solving simple everyday tasks.

According to the model, the L3 cache size varies from 3 to 4 MB, and the frequency ranges from 3.4 to 4.2 GHz. The cost of Core i3 processors is about 110-140 US dollars. The capabilities of this series of processors allow you to get quick system feedback when solving standard tasks. However, if you are constantly faced with the need to edit or render videos, it is better to give preference to more powerful models. Core i3 is great for gaming systems entry level equipped with an average video card.

Core i5

Only part of the processors on the architecture Sandy Bridge has a Hyper-Threading enhancement function. 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 greatest demand.

The main significant difference between different models Core i5 has a core clock speed that varies from 2.8 to 3.3 GHz. Depending on this indicator, the cost of the processor is determined. This line allows you to support many advanced functions, while delivering good energy efficiency.

Technical features:

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

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

Seventh generation Core i5 processors have a frequency of 2.4-3.8 GHz. Their cost varies from 180 to 220 US dollars depending on technical parameters.

Core i7

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

The introduction of Hyper-Threading technology made it possible to use the processor as an 8-core one. All its other parameters are almost the same as the Core i5 series. Installing Core i7 processors can significantly increase PC performance when using the 8-thread operating mode. However, remember that most programs are not designed to use 8 threads. That's why this option It will be advisable only when using resource-intensive applications for:

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

For users who only need solutions to standard tasks, Core i7 processors are unlikely to be a rational purchase. Under normal conditions, the increase in performance will be invisible to the user, so it is often better to give preference to the cheaper Core i5 or i3. But Core i7 processors are an excellent choice for running programs that can take full advantage of 8 threads.

Most modern games still only use 4 cores. Popular program Photoshop runs on two cores and requires four only when using special filters and performing other complex operations. The same goes for Autodesk and Maya. If you work with these and similar applications on on an ongoing basis, you won’t notice a performance gain when using a Core i7 processor, because i3 and i5 series products cope with such tasks no worse.

Selecting 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 differ in connector configurations. These difficulties were eliminated thanks to Sandy Bridge. Now the socket is LGA1151 and the chipsets are H110, B250, Z270

All processors, regardless of manufacturer, have indexes. They are indicated in the product name after the manufacturer and serial number. Depending on this, the power of processors is determined. Detailed description indexes can be found on the Intel website. Examples of indexes:

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

The main difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is their parameters computing power and characteristics graphics core(in i3 it is weaker, in i5 and i7 it is almost the same). Most users choose a processor thoughtlessly, 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 suitable processor depending on your needs and the characteristics of the rest of the system.

On at the moment The Core i5 line remains the most popular. These are 4-core processors that provide access to all important functions, in particular Turbo Boost. They also have an affordable price, so they won’t break 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 everyday tasks. This best option for any budget build. If the processor is required to perform heavy tasks, such as modeling, editing and rendering large video files, you should choose Core i7 series processors. The capabilities of these products will fully satisfy all your needs and provide maximum performance systems.

In 2010, Intel introduced new trademarks processors - Core i3, i5, i7. This event confused many users. And all because the company’s goal was completely different - it wanted to offer more quick way identifying models of low, medium and high levels. Intel also wanted to convince users that the Intel Core i7 is much better than the same i5, and this one, in turn, is better than the i3. But this does not give an exact answer to the question, which processor is better or what is the difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors?

But there are still other differences that we will talk about.

Key Points

Some users believe that the names i3, i5 and i7 are related to the number of cores in the processor, but in fact this is not the case. These brands were chosen randomly by Intel. Therefore, the chips of all these processors can have either two or four cores. There are more powerful models, for desktop computers that have more cores and are superior to other processors in many ways.

So, what are the differences between these three models?

Hyper-Threading

When processors were just being born, they all had one core that executed just one set of instructions, namely thread. The company was able to increase the number of computing operations by increasing the number of cores. Thus, the processor could perform more work per unit of time.

The company's next goal is to increase the optimization of this process. They created technology for this Hyper-Threading, allowing one core to execute multiple threads simultaneously. For example, we have a processor with a 2-core chip that supports Hyper-Threading technology, then we can consider this processor as a quad-core one.

Turbo Boost

Previously, processors worked at one clock frequency, which was set by the manufacturer; to change this frequency to a higher one, people worked overclocking (overclocking) processor. This type of activity requires special knowledge, without which you can cause colossal damage to the processor or other computer components in a couple of moments.

Today, everything is completely different. Modern processors equipped with technology Turbo Boost, which allows the processor to work with a variable clock frequency. This increases the energy efficiency and operating time of, for example, a laptop and other mobile devices.

Cache size

Processors typically work with a large number data. The operations performed may vary in size and complexity, but it often happens that the processor needs to process the same information several times. To speed up this process, and especially the processor itself, such data is stored in a special buffer (cache memory). Therefore, the processor can retrieve such data almost instantly, without unnecessary load.

Cache memory capacity in different processors is calculated differently. For example, in a low-end processor - 3-4 MB, and in higher-end models - 6-12 MB.

Of course, the more cache memory, the better and faster the processor will work, but this instruction is not suitable for all applications. For example, photo and video processing applications will use a large amount of cache memory. Therefore, the larger the cache size, the more efficient applications will run.

To perform simple tasks such as surfing the Internet or working in office software, the cache is not that significant.

Intel processor types

Now let's look at the types of processors, namely the description of each of them.

Intel Core i3

What is it suitable for?: Regular, daily work With office applications, watching the Internet and movies in high quality. For such processes, Core i3 is the best option.

Characteristic: This processor Offers up to 2 cores and supports Hyper-Treading technology. True, it does not support Turbo Boost. Also, the processor has fairly low power consumption, so this processor is undoubtedly suitable for laptops.

Intel Core i5

What is it suitable for?: More intensive work, such as using video and photo editing software, can be played in many modern games, on low, medium and sometimes high settings.

Characteristic: This processor is used as in conventional desktop computers, and in laptops. It has from 2 to 4 cores, but does not support Hyper-Treading, but does support Turbo Boost.

Intel Core i7

Characteristic: At the moment, this chip is the most high class. It has both 2 and 4 cores and support for Hyper-Treading and Turbo Boost.

We have reviewed brief characteristics 3 types of processors, and now you can choose the best one for you.

We compare two processors from Intel. Now they have become more affordable, but does it make sense to overpay 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 operations it can perform per second. According to statistics, 70 percent of users buy powerful processors For computer games, and only the remaining 30 use them for work.

We won’t burden you with a huge number of tests, there are already enough of them on the Internet, we’ll conduct three tests

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

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

i7 processor performance test

As you can see, the i7 processor turned out to be 7.7

The overall index for the two systems was assigned to 7.3

Now let's move on to testing in the game

We watch a video with an i5 processor and then 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 compression test for a video lasting 2 minutes 17 seconds.

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

This time the difference in performance between the i7 and i5 processor has become very noticeable

a computer based on an i7 processor compressed a video in 6 minutes and 6 seconds
a computer based on an i5 processor compressed a 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, communicate on the Internet, watch movies and play games, then an i5 processor is quite suitable for you. On modern computers In games, the video card plays a significant role.

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

The test used:

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

i7 price - $301
i5 price - $183

Updated: 02/13/2018 12:18:37

The Intel Core i5 series includes mid-range processors that are suitable for most users (even light 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 (determines socket and performance);

Base clock speed 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 fairly average peak performance and is intended for use in ultrabooks. This is clear from the model code. The first digit in the entry is in 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" - indicates the type of processor.

Intel updates its processors annually. Therefore, as of the fourth quarter of 2017, the eighth generation of chips is relevant - Coffee Lake.

The generation of chips determines not only performance and other operational characteristics, but also the compatibility of the processor with motherboard. The fact is that the socket (connector) is updated approximately 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) are designed for LGA1151.

Since cross compatibility between Intel sockets no, you need to choose a processor 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 only available within the Haswell and Broadwell generations.

If you want to purchase a more recent processor, you will need to replace the motherboard with one equipped with the most current version 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 various configurations. So, today on the market you can find next versions chips:

Y – for laptops and subnotebooks. Have the lowest energy consumption;

U – for ultrabooks. They have low power consumption, but optimal performance, especially in multi-threaded mode;

Q – quad-core versions;

K – versions with an unlocked multiplier. Provide highest performance, suitable for gamers. They can be overclocked directly through the computer's BIOS.

It is worth considering that many Intel models Core i5, which are sold in BOX and OEM configurations on 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 their capabilities and characteristics correspond to Q-configurations.

Base clock speed and heat dissipation

The base clock frequency is a parameter that indirectly determines the performance of the processor. In fact, chasing him maximum value within Intel lines Core i5 is not worth it. If you replace a 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 generation and energy consumption will increase. And these parameters will also have to be taken into account. You may need a new cooler and power supply.

Thus, the appropriate method for choosing a processor when upgrading is:

First try to find a more recent model (next generation);

If this is not possible, 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).

Processor performance is determined by 2-4 digits in the model number. The higher the three-digit number they form, the faster the chip works.

Equipment

On the retail market Intel processors Core i5 is 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, and a three-year warranty.

In the second option – OEM – the buyer gets only the processor. And its warranty is 1 year.

However, purchasing the BOX package is not advisable. It is more expensive than OEM, and the cooler included in it is usually not very productive and is quite noisy. Therefore, many professional assemblers immediately change it to some other one. The only advantage of the BOX package is the three-year warranty on the processor. But if the chip works for the first year without any complaints, it will function normally for the rest.

Resume

Thus, when choosing a processor, you should start from the characteristics of an existing one, and the selection method for upgrading 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 your computer already has Ivy Bridge or Broadwell generation processors installed, you can choose a more powerful chip configuration (with a higher clock frequency) or purchase a model from the i7 family;

If your computer already has a top-end Ivy Bridge or Broadwell processor installed, then the only option is replacement motherboard to a more “fresh” one.

If we are talking about buying a processor for the first computer build, then it is advisable to look at models of the Lake families.