Core i3 all user publications. Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors: what is the difference and which is better? Comparison of i3, i5, i7 cores
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 Intel Core The 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 also more powerful models for desktop computers, which have more cores and are superior to other processors in many respects.
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 are equipped with technology Turbo Boost, which allows the processor to operate at 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 large amounts of 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.
The amount of cache memory 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, than larger size cache, the more efficiently applications will run.
To perform simple tasks, such as surfing the Internet or working in office programs, the cache is not so 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?: Normal, everyday 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 in both conventional desktop computers and laptops. It has from 2 to 4 cores, but does not support Hyper-Treading, but does support Turbo Boost.
Intel Core i7
Characteristic: On at the moment, this chip is the highest grade. 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.
Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors have been on the market for over a year now, but some buyers are still stumped when choosing between these three processors. Now new processors with Sandy Bridge architecture have appeared in stores, and buyers again have the question of which processor is best for them? Let's do a comparison of i3 vs i5 vs i7.
If you want to answer this question simply and clearly, then Core i7 is better than i5, which in turn is better than i3. The Core i7 does not have seven cores, and the Core i3 does not have three cores. These numbers simply indicate their relative processing power.
Their relative level of processing power is calculated from their stars in the Intel Processor Rating, which is based on a combination of criteria: number of cores, clock speed (in GHz), cache size, and some of Intel's new Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading technologies.
The i3 has three stars, the i5 has four stars and the i7 has five stars. If you are wondering why the rating starts with three stars, then the entry-level ones are Intel Celeron and Pentium processors - they received one and two stars, respectively.
Note: Core processors can be grouped in terms of their target device, i.e. for laptops and desktop computers. Each of them has its own specific features/characteristics. Note also that we will focus on 2nd generation processors (Sandy Bridge). Now in more detail how i5 differs from i7 and i3.
Number of cores
The more cores, the more tasks (threads) can be submitted at the same time. The Core i3 processor has the smallest number of cores; it has only two cores. Currently all i3s are dual core processors.
Now all Core i5 processors, with the exception of the i5-661, are quad-core. Core i5-661 dual core processor with a clock frequency of 3.33 GHz. Remember that all major i3s are also dual core. Tip: the i3-560 also has a clock speed of 3.33 GHz, but it is much cheaper than the i5-661.
But even if the i5-661 normally operates at the same clock speed as the Core i3-560 and they have the same number of cores, the i5-661 has a huge plus - Turbo Boost technology.
Intel Core i7 processors have 4 or 6 cores.
Intel Turbo Boost
Intel Turbo Boost technology allows the processor to dynamically increase its clock speed whenever the need arises. The maximum amount that Turbo Boost can raise the clock speed at any given time depends on the number of active cores, current power consumption and processor temperature.
For Core i5-661, the maximum permissible processor frequency is 3.6 GHz. Since none of the Core i3 processors have Turbo Boost, the i5-661 can outperform them when needed. Because all Core i5 processors are equipped latest version This technology - Turbo Boost 2.0 - all of them can outperform any of the Core i3 family.
Cache size
Whenever the processor detects that it is using the same data over and over again, it stores that data in its cache. Cache is the same as RAM, only faster - because it is built into the processor itself. RAM and cache are used in waiting areas for frequently accessed data. Without them, the processor will have to read data from hard drive, and this will take much longer.
Basically, RAM minimizes interaction with the hard drive, while cache minimizes interaction with RAM. Obviously, the larger the cache, the more data can be retrieved quickly. All Core i3 processors have 3 MB cache, all i5 except 661 (4 MB) have 6 MB cache. Finally, all Core i7 processors have 8MB of cache. This is one of the reasons why the i7 is superior to the i5 - and why the i5 is superior to the i3.
Hyper-Threading
Strictly speaking, only one thread can be fed to one core at a time. So if the processor is dual core, then only two threads can be fed at a time. However, Intel has Hyper-Threading technology. It allows one core to serve multiple threads.
For example, a Core i3 is a dual-core processor, but each core can actually handle two threads, meaning four threads can run simultaneously. Core i5 processors have four cores, but unfortunately they do not support Hyper-Threading technology (again, with the exception of the i5-661), so it turns out that the number of threads they can serve simultaneously is equal to the number of threads on the Core i3.
This is one of the many reasons why i7 processors are the best. This is because not only do they have four cores, but they also support Hyper-Threading. Thus, a total of eight threads can be processed simultaneously. Combine that with the 8MB of cache and Intel Turbo Boost technology they have, and you can see what sets the Core i7 apart from its peers.
Another factor in this comparison is that more and more programs support multithreading. That is, they can use more than one thread to execute a single command to speed up execution. Some photo editors and video editing programs are multi-threaded. However, Internet browsers do not use multithreading and are unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future.
Who needs a Core i3 processor?
People who use their computer for word processing, email, web surfing, etc., a Core i3 processor is more than enough to handle it all with ease. The Core i3 processor is 100% affordable for the vast majority of users.
Who needs a Core i5 processor?
If you love editing videos and gaming, as well as word processing, surfing the Internet and reading email, Core i5 processor is for you. It has enough performance to do this sort of thing for a mid-range price.
Who needs a Core i7 processor?
As mentioned earlier, an i7 processor is not necessary for the vast majority. But if you need crazy speed, then the i7 is your choice. If you are an avid overclocker, then the Core i7 is just for you.
Conclusion
Having compared the processors, we have come to the conclusion that, regardless of your choice of Core i3 or Core i5 or Core i7 processor, rest assured that you will get the best performance and high quality from processors of this series. All three Intel Core I-series models are valued all over the world and the main differences are the number of cores, multitasking and of course, price. I advise you to buy a computer that suits your needs within your budget.
In the process of assembling or purchasing a new computer, users are always faced with a question. In this article we will look at Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, and also tell you the difference between these chips and what is better to choose for your computer.
Difference No. 1. 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 actually existing physical core. Creating two computation threads per core allows for more efficient use of the processing power of the processor core. Therefore, processors with Hyper-threading support have some performance benefits.
The number of cores and support for Hyper-threading technology for most Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors can be summarized in the following table.
| Number of physical cores | Hyper-threading technology support | 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 Intel Core i7 processors from their “Extreme” line. These processors can have 6 or 8 physical computing cores. At the same time, they, like all Core i7 processors, have support for Hyper-threading technology, which means the number of threads is doubled more quantity cores. Secondly, some mobile processors (laptop processors) are exempt. So, some Intel Core i5 mobile processors have only 2 physical cores, but at the same time 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 latest news, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with Coffee Lake architecture, scheduled for release in 2018, will each have 6 physical cores and 12 threads.
Therefore, you should not completely trust the table provided. 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 No. 2. Cache memory size.
Also, Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors differ in cache memory size. The higher the processor class, the larger the cache memory it receives. Intel Core i7 processors get the most cache, Intel Core i5 slightly less, and Intel Core i3 processors even less. Specific values should be looked at in the characteristics of the processors. But as an 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 |
You need to understand that a decrease in cache memory is associated with a decrease in the number of cores and threads. But, nevertheless, there is such a difference.
Difference number 3. Clock frequencies.
Typically, higher-end processors come with higher clock speeds. But, not everything is so simple here. It is not uncommon for Intel Core i3 to 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 | 3.4 GHz |
| Intel Core i5-6500 | 3.2 GHz |
| Intel Core i3-6100 | 3.7 GHz |
In this way, Intel is trying to maintain the performance of Intel Core i3 processors at the desired level.
Difference No. 4. Heat dissipation.
One more thing important difference between Intel processors Core i3, i5 and i7 is the heat dissipation level. The characteristic known as TDP or thermal design power is responsible for this. This characteristic tells you how much heat the processor cooling system should dissipate. As an example, let's take the TDP of three 6th generation Intel processors. As can be seen from the table, the higher the processor class, 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, the TDP becomes lower. For example, the TDP of the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor was 95 W. Now, as we see, only 65 W.
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 and clock speeds creates a noticeable difference in performance between the Core i3, i5 and i7.
- Intel Core i3 Processor – great option for 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 on a computer with such a processor you can play any games 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 videos or conducting game streams.
Dear overclockers, do not be alarmed by the headline: may the time never come when no more than 200 MHz will be issued to one person for the month of March. There is nothing stopping you from overclocking your processors to stratospheric heights under extreme voltages (at your own peril and risk!).
In fact, today’s topic is devoted to a pilot program for absolutely legal overclocking, or rather, software upgrade of processors using the Intel Upgrade Service and Intel Upgrade Card (in my easy way - an “overclocking coupon”), which was carried out by Intel in 2011 in the USA and Canada.
The Core i3-2312M, Core i3-2102 and Pentium G622 processors were subject to the upgrade procedure.
The procedure itself is very simple: you just need to purchase a card to upgrade your processor and gently scrape off the protective layer that hides the code with a coin.
Codes could also be purchased online. Then download from the Intel Upgrade Service website special application, run it and enter the code.
After the reboot, the user saw in the device manager that the processor's model number had changed and enjoyed an increase in the performance of their system.
The table shows the names of the models and parameters before and after the upgrade:
Implementation
Technically, the Intel Upgrade Service software did not modify the processor itself, it only made changes to the BIOS motherboard With Intel chipset 6 series, as a result of which the initially locked processor multiplier increased, and in the case of the Core i3-2312M, the L3 cache was also unlocked.Public opinion and history of the issue
Users perceived this initiative from Intel extremely negatively. Foreign forums were full of messages that Intel wanted to “rip off” customers twice, and cited a wide variety of negative analogies. For some reason, no one remembered that throughout the history of the PC it was standard practice to release different models of processors that differed in functionality on physically identical chips. Not only Intel, but also other processor manufacturers produced models in which part of the cache, core was disabled, or frequencies were reduced.The situation is that developing a special design for younger models and baking it in silicon is often more expensive than hobbling an older model. Manufacturers of graphics accelerators have used the same practice since time immemorial.
Of course, the user may be upset that his processor is not working at full capacity, but he also paid significantly less for it. Not everyone can afford top-end processor models.
It happened that there were loopholes to unlock these disabled functions, and many remember the “pencil mods”: the contact pads on the packaging were connected using a simple pencil or conductive varnish. Sometimes it was even necessary to bite off one or more legs on the processor or short them with a wire loop. The thirst for free productivity forced the user to turn a blind eye to the risk of equipment failure and the unconditional loss of warranty.
Intel Upgrade Service was based on the same principles: processors with artificially limited characteristics were sold cheaper, allowing undemanding users to save money, and those who needed the maximum had the opportunity to purchase an upgrade code for a relatively small amount ($50) and easily increase system performance.
