When researching to buy a new laptop or desktop computer, you will notice the names of three new Intel created processor lines, named core i3, core i5, and core i7 in the specifications. While we were just coming to terms with the introduction of these new Intel processors, launched in 2010, Intel launched the sleeker second generation of the core i3, i5 and i7 series, based on 32 nm Sandy Bridge architecture. It offers a 17% CPU and graphics performance improvement, compared to the earlier line of processors.
If you are undecided on which processor to opt for, this article might help you decide. How do the i3, i5 and i7 lines differ and what more do they offer compared to the older core 2 duo lines? Secondly, how are the second generation core i3, i5 and i7 lines different from their predecessors? All these questions will be answered by the Intel core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison presented in this Buzzle article. The short table presented below, provides a summary of the differences between the three processor lines.
Intel Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7 Comparison
ntel has presented the new hierarchy of its processors with three classes. The entry level processors are the core i3 series, mid level processors are core i5 series and high end ones are the core i7 processors. Let us see how these three processor lines differ in terms of technical specifications and performance.
| Description | Intel Core i3 (1stGeneration) | Intel Core i3 (2ndGeneration) | Intel Core i5 (1stGeneration) | Intel Core i5 (2ndGeneration) | Intel Core i7 (1st Generation) | Intel Core i7 (2nd Generation) |
| Number of Cores | 2 | 2 | 2/4 | 2/4 | 6/4 | 4 |
| Number of Threads | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 12/8 | 8 |
| Clocking Frequency Range | 1.2 GHz - 3.33 GHz | 1.3 GHz - 3.3 GHz | 1.06 GHz - 3.6 GHz | 1.4 GHz - 3.3 Ghz | 1.06 GHz - 3.46 GHz | 1.5 GHz - 3.4 GHz |
| Intel Smart Cache Size | 3 MB/4MB | 3 MB | 8 MB/4 MB/3 MB | 3 MB/6 MB | 12 MB/8 MB/6 MB/4 MB | 8 MB/6 MB/4 MB |
| Intel Hyper-Threading Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intel Turbo Boost Technology | No | No | Yes | Yes (2.0) | Yes | Yes (2.0) |
| Ideal For | All basic computing tasks, multimedia applications; ideal for home users | Intensive multitasking applications; ideal for home and workstation use | All purpose workstations, 3D gaming, server machines and heavy duty computing tasks, simulations, video editing, 3D gaming | |||
| Best Processor For Desktop Computer | Intel Core i3-560 Processor (4MB Cache, 3.33 GHz) | Intel Core i3-2130 Processor (3MB Cache, 3.40 Ghz) | Intel Core i5-680 Processor (4MB Cache, 3.60 Ghz) | Intel Core i5-2400 Processor (6MB Cache, 3.10 Ghz) | Intel Core i7-990X Processor (12MB Cache, 3.46 GHz) | Intel Core i7-2600 Processor (8MB Cache, 3.40 GHz) |
| Best Processor For Notebook Computer | Intel Core i3-390M Processor (3MB Cache, 2.66 Ghz) | Intel Core i3-2330M Processor (3MB Cache 2.20 Ghz) | Intel Core i5-480M Processor (3MB Cache, 2.66 Ghz) | Intel Core i5-2540M Processor (3MB Cache, 2.60 Ghz) | Intel Core i7-940XM Processor (8MB Cache, 2.13 Ghz) | Intel Core i7-2960XM Processor (8MB Cache, 2.70 GHz) |
| Price Range | $113 - $138 | $117 - $138 | $176 - $294 | $177 - $266 | $278 - $1096 | $289 - $1096 |
Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7: Technical Specifications
Here we will compare both generations of core i3, i5 and i7 lines. The prime specifications that need to be compared are the clocking frequencies, number of cores, threads and memory cache size.
First Generation Intel Core i3
Let us begin with the first generation core i3 line. The Core i3 5xx (Clarkdale) series launched in January 2010, for desktop computers, consists of four processors (i3-530, i3-540, i3-550 and i3-560) with a clocking frequency ranging from 2.93 GHz to 3.33 GHz. All four processors have a 2x256 KB L2 cache, 4MB L3 smart cache with DMI (direct media interface) bus and are fitted with the new LGA 1156 socket. All four processors have two cores, four threads and are based on a 32 nm architecture which enables more transistors to be placed on a chip compared to the earlier 45 nm architecture.
This first generation of core i3 processors also includes mobile processors, designed for notebook computers, which include eight chips (Intel core i3-390M, 380UM, 380M, 370M, 350M, 330UM, 330M and 330E processors) with 2 cores, 4 threads, 4 MB smart cache and processing speed ranging from 1.2 GHz to 2.66 GHz.
Second Generation Intel Core i3
Launched in January 2011, the second generation core i3 line of processors was launched to replace the earlier generation. Based on the advanced 32 nm Sandy Bridge architecture, it includes two desktop lines, which include Core i3-21xx (With 3 MB L3 cache and clocking frequency ranging from 3.1 to 3.4 GHz) and Core i3-21xxT (With 3 MB L3 cache and clocking frequency ranging from 2.5 to 2.6 GHz) series of processors.
All core i3 processors have two cores and four threads backed by Intel's Hyper-Threading and Virtualization technology that enhances the multitasking ability of these chips. Hyper-Threading is simultaneous multithreading ability. The Intel HD graphics technology offers great visual performance. All in all, the core i3 series is a great entry level chip that offers all that a home user needs including high quality 3D graphics and great multitasking ability. The price for all the chips is around $133. The only important feature, that's missing in the core i3 chips, though enabled in core i5 and i7 lines, is Intel Turbo Boost technology, which can boost the clocking frequency on demand.
First Generation Intel Core i5
Now let us core i5 line of processors. This family of processors consists of three lines, which include the core i5 7xx, core i5 7xxS and core i5 6xx series. They have processor clocking frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 3.33 GHz which can be enhanced by Intel's new Turbo Boost technology. Some processors have 4 cores with 4 threads (core i5-7xx and core i5-7xxS Lynnfield series) and some with 2 cores and 4 threads (core i5- 6xx Clarkdale Series with Hyper-Threading disabled). Most have an 8MB L3 cache, with LGA 1156 socket, direct media interface and integrated GPU. Besides this, four separate lines - Intel Core i5-5xxM, Core i5-4xxM, Core i5-5xxUM and Core i5-4xxUM, with 2 cores and 3 MB L3 cache have been exclusively created for notebook computers.
Second Generation Intel Core i5
In January 2011, the Sandy Bridge based core i5 line of processors was released, as an improvement over the earlier generation. This includes quad core - Core i5-2500, 2500K, Core i5-2xxxT (with dual/quad core) and Core i5-2xxxS lines of processors with 6 MB of L3 cache, direct media interface and an integrated GPU. The mobile line of processors have also been launched in a new Sandy Bridge avatar, in the form of Core i5-2xxxM, Core i5-2xx7M, with 2 cores and 3 MB of L3 cache. Their clocking frequency ranges from 1.4 GHz to 3.3 GHz.
All the second generation and first generation processors are enabled with Intel Turbo Boost technology, Intel HD graphics and Intel Smart Cache technology. The second generation of core i5 processors are enabled with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, which is a more evolved form of the earlier one. Coupled with all these features, these quad core processors are ideally built for home PCs and workstations. They are faster than the core i3 chips and better at multitasking.
First Generation Intel Core i7
Let us now move towards the last part of this comparison and discuss the core i7 processor family. The core i7 family of processors are built to outperform. They consist of eight different series of processors. Dubbed by Intel to be 'The Best Processors On the Planet', these are quad core processors with 8 threads with clocking frequencies touching 3.06 GHz, which can be enhanced to 3.33 GHz with Intel's Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading Technology. Along with desktop processors, core i7 line also has dual core notebook processors with clocking frequencies ranging from 1.06 GHz to 2.8 GHz.
The best processors, in this line are Intel core i7 990X and 980X, with 6 built in cores and 12 threads. With 8 MB of smart cache which reaches 12 MB in this first generation Gulftown line, these processors are nothing short of phenomenal. With 3 channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory that is backed by an integrated memory controller and Intel's QuickPath Interconnect technology (that enables up to 25.6 GB/Sec of data transfer speed), the core i7 processors are simply unbeatable. They are designed for advanced computing tasks and would be overkill for a home PC, if its only going to be used for very basic functions.
Second Generation Intel Core i7
The second generation of Intel core i7 processors have a whole line of new quad core processors with 4 MB or 8MB L3 cache, with clocking frequencies ranging from 1.5 GHz to 3.4 GHz, for notebook computers. Two more processors were launched as part of the 'Extreme' edition, exclusively for notebook computers in the second generation. These include two quad core processors, with 8 MB of L3 cache - Intel Core i7-2960XM (2.7 GHz/3.7 GHz with Turbo Boost) and Intel Core i7-2920XM (2.5 GHz/3.5 GHz with Turbo Boost). Powered with Intel HD Graphics 3000 and Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, these are the best processors on the planet for notebook computers.
Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7: Performance
In terms of performance, if you make a comparison between the three lines, the graph rises higher as you go from the i3 processors, through the i5 chips, towards the core i7 line. Core i3 is a great entry level processor that offers high definition graphics and 3D capabilities and ensures that multitasking wouldn't take a toll on computer speed. This is the default pick for home users with desktop computers.
The core i5 line is speedier and more powerful than the i3 line offering all that the i3 series offers and yet goes beyond in terms of performance. The Turbo Boost technology along with Hyper-Threading technology enables two different tasks to be handled by two different processors, which in turn, increases processing speed. They are the best processors for laptops and workstations with a high level of multitasking needs.
A core i5 vs core i7 comparison reveals that the i7 lines are simply miles ahead of the two other processor lines. The i3 vs i5 vs i7 benchmark tests reveal core i7 processors to be the clear winners. The i7 line has an inherent advantage provided by the four cores. A quad core vs dual core comparison will reveal the edge that more cores give a processor. You can develop 3D games and images, go for video editing and get an unparalleled gaming experience. Core i7 line places phenomenal computing power at your fingertips. With the second generation core i7, built on Sandy Bridge architecture and Turbo Boost 2.0 enabled in them, these processors are miles ahead of their AMD counterparts and have maintained their title of being the best processors on the planet.
Hope this straightforward core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison has cleared any doubts you had about these new processor lines developed by Intel. Opt for core i3 processors if you are a home user with graphic intensive application usage and mainly multimedia use. Core i5 processors are for people who want to go for intensive gaming and run heavy programs. The top of the line core i7 processors are best for people who want to go for intensive multitasking and are designed for computers that have to function as web servers or database servers, video editing workstations or developer workstations. They are designed for business use and high end computing jobs. However, all depends on how much are you willing to pay for a new laptop or desktop. If you can afford it, why not go for a top of the line processor, from the core i7 line? The decision is yours of course. Choose any processor from any line but my personal recommendation would be to go for the mid level, core i5 series, which is cost effective, reasonably priced and offers real value for your money!
Core i5 Vs Core i7
ntel core i5 and Intel core i7 are two new processor lines recently introduced by the premier chip making company. The core i5 vs core i7 comparison presented in this article is aimed at elucidating the differences between these two line of computer processors and clearing considerable confusion that has engulfed them since their release.Core i5 Vs Core i7: Review
When choosing processors, what are the important things that one should look out for? One sure indicator is the clocking speed of the processors, then the number of cores and the processor cache size. Higher the speed or the cache size or number of cores, faster is the chip. Other than that, if one really wants to go into the details, the kind of socket into which the processor chip is fitted also matters. Another facility that you should look out for is whether multithreading or hyperthreading is enabled in a multicore chip as it provides multitasking ability. Let us see the differences between core i5 and core i7 processors, based on these points.
Core i5 Vs Core i7: Technical Specifications
Let us have a look at the technical specifications of core i5 series and the core i7 series. The core i5 series comes in three architectures which include the Lynnfield (Core i5- 7xx, Core i5- 7xxxS) quad core processors fitted with the LGA 1156 socket and an 8 MiB LS cache, Clarkdale (Core i5- 6xx) dual core processors fitted with the LGA 1156 socket and 4 MiB LS cache and lastly the Arrandale (core i5-4xxM, Core i5-5xxM, Core i5-5xxUM) dual core processors with µPGA-989 socket and 3 MiB cache. The Arrandale processors are meant for mobiles while the previous two lines are meant for desktop computers and laptop computers. The first core i5 processor to be released was the Core i5 750, a Lynnfield quad core processor with a clocking speed of 2.66 GHz and an 8MB L3 cache with the hyperthreading facility disabled, which is a large minus point of these processors compared with the core i7 line of processors.
Compared to core i5, core i7 processors come in 5 architectures which include Gulftown (Core i7-980X Extreme Edition with 12 MB L3 cache, Core i7 9xx series Extreme Edition with 8 MB cache), Bloomfield (Core i7-9xx Extreme Edition series with 8 MB L3 cache, Core i7-9xx series with 8 MB L3 cache) series, Lynnfield (Core i7 8xx, Core i7 8xxS) series with 8 MB L3 cache and Clarksfield (Core i7-9xxXM, Core i7-8xxQM, Core i7-7xxQM) as well as Arrandale with 4MB cache series for mobiles. These are Intel's top of the line processors based on the LGA 1366 socket or LGA 1156 socket and µPGA-989. The Lynnfield line has the same architecture as core i5 quad but it has hyper threading enabled, which make it a lot more powerful and fast.
The Gulftown Intel core i7 processors are the most powerful of the lot with 6 hyper threaded cores. They are enabled with the Intel 'Turbo Boost' technology which makes it possible for the CPU clock speed to increase dynamically beyond the set speed on demand. This technology is also enabled in certain processors in the intel core i5 series. The newly developed Quick path connection bus is another addition to the core i7 arsenal which makes it even more faster. The most powerful processors are the ones with the six core based Gulftown architecture which have a basic clocking frequency of 3.33 MHz, with potential to reach a maximum of 3.6 GHz with 'Turbo Boost' technology. Unlike a dual core vs core 2 duo or a quad core vs dual core comparison, it is difficult to go into specific points of comparison between core i5 and core i7 as they contain a range of processors. Still I have covered the main difference in the technical specifications.
Core i5 Vs Core i7: Performance
If you are making a comparison of core i5 vs core i7 for gaming, core i7 processors win hands down on all counts due to their phenomenal processing power. Core i5 processors are good enough or one could say adequate for most gaming applications too. However, if you want raw power, core i7 processors are ones that you should go for. If you make a cost comparison, there is a huge difference between the core i5 and core i7 processors. The most powerful i7 processors are sold at around $1000, though the starting line processors like Core i7 860 are sold at $280. The starting line processors offered by the core i5 series cost around $200. The core i7 series may be a bit more expensive but it is definitely worth the investment.
Hope this straightforward core i5 vs core i7 comparison has cleared out the confusion regarding these two new processor lines. Core i5 is the mid range of processors and though not as fast as the core i7 extreme processors, they are well suited for home users. While core i7 comes with hyper threading only a few core i5 processors have it. This feature makes a lot of difference when you are multitasking. If you are into heavy duty programming which requires multitasking or you are a power user, then the core i7 line processors are the best choice for you. In the end of course, your budget will be the ultimate deciding factor. Check out which processors are accessible in your budget and pick out the top of the lot!
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