Comparing Intel Core i3, i5 and i7

CPU

The CPU is the heart of any computer, and is responsible for running the operating system and every application you use. The CPU interprets data and writes the data for storage or for display on your screen. The CPU consists of millions of transistors wrapped in silicon. Upgrading your computer is a relatively simple task.

A speedier CPU means faster-running programs, nearly every desktop, Laptops and Servers has a CPU from AMD or Intel.

Comparing Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7

Intel Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 CPUs have been around for over a year now. With all of these commercials coming in front of our faces about Intel’s newest line of processors, we can’t help but wonder what in the world the difference is. We have i3, i5, and i7 to choose from, but which one would suit our needs the best? In a simple answer Core i7s are better than Core i5s, which are in turn better than Core i3s.

You can follow a few general rules: More cache is preferable, and higher clock speeds are better but will drain the battery a little faster. AMD's CPUs are a bit slower than Intel's.

You may want to understand more about your new PC’s CPU before you choose i3, i5 and i7. The main details you need to compare CPUs are the clock speed, the number of cores they have and whether they have Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies.

More CPU Details

Socket Type and Platform

The CPU you buy must have a socket that matches the motherboard, for example, LGA775 Processors for LGA775 board. In addition, check to see if your motherboard supports the CPU model, you intend to buy.

 

Architecture

The majority of software runs fine with a 32-bit processor. Architecture refers to which processor type --32-bit or 64-bit core-- that would properly run your software. Depending on your project, you may opt for a single core, dual or quad core processor. A Quad Core processor is the number one CPU right now but it also the most expensive in general.

Clock Speed or Operating Frequency

The clock speed, or frequency, refers to the speed of the CPU, and this determines how quickly a task can be performed (for example loading a program). It is measured in gigahertz (GHz). The clock speed determines the performance of the CPU. As you know, a 3.5Hz is faster than a 3.4 HZ.

Number of cores

The number of cores relates to how many ‘engines’ are inside the CPU. A CPU with four cores (quad-core) will outperform a CPU with two cores (dual-core) in instances where you run multiple programs at the same time (also known as multitasking), or when you run high-end software such as Adobe Photoshop for photo editing or Adobe Premiere for video editing.

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is Intel’s proprietary technology also known as multi-threading makes one chip to act as multiple processors. With hyper threading, the different parts of the CPU perform different tasks simultaneously that it uses to make a dual-core CPU perform as if it has four cores and a quad-core CPU perform like it has eight cores. Essentially, it allows each core to work on two tasks at the same time, thereby allowing you to multitask without noticing a drop in your PC's performance.

Turbo Boost

Turbo Boost is another Intel technology that it uses to make the CPU to run faster than its default speed when necessary. For example, a CPU with a clock speed of 2.4GHz can run as high as 2.93GHz if the CPU auto-monitoring tools determine the workload requires the faster speed and that the CPU environment is cool enough to handle the increase.

Front-Side Bus

FSB is the front-side bus. The FSB states the fastest type of memory for your system. FSB determines the speed transmitted between the memory and the processor. A faster FSB does speed up RAM operations and overall system performance.

L2 Cache

You can increase performance and responsiveness by opting for higher Cache capacity. Large capacity like 2MB allows recently accessed data to be instantly available to the processor.

Intel Core i3 Processor

• Uses 4 threads. Yes, it uses hyper threading technology which is the latest craze due to its improved efficiency over earlier processors that were put on the market.
• This processor consists of 2-4 cores, depending on which one you get your hands on.
• Contains A 3-4 MB Cache
• Uses less heat and energy than earlier processors, which is always a good thing in this day and age.

Best For

·         Basic tasks and Internet browsing

·         Watching news and entertainment clips

·         Watching movies

·         Instant messaging

·         Basic online games

Intel Core i5 Processor

• This is the mid-size processor of this bunch, recommended for those who demand a little speed, but not quite enough where the user will be running resource-intensive applications.
• As with the Core i3 processor, this comes with 2-4 cores, the main difference is that it has a higher clock speed than the Core i3.
• This is also a heat and energy efficient processor, but it does seem to be better at this particular job than the Core i3 processor.
• The number of threads used in this is no different than the Core i3 with 2-4 threads and it also uses hyper threading technology for a boost in performance.
• The cache of the Core i5 is bigger than the Core i3; it’s at 3-8 MB.
• The Core i5 is where the turbo mode is made available; this provides users with the opportunity to turn off a core if it’s not being utilized.

Best For

·         Watching Movies

·         Creating and editing videos

·         Sharing photos and videos online with friends

·         Moving between multiple programs

Intel Core i7 Processor

• This is for the users that demand power, yes it does provide more power and if Tim Allen gets one of these, this would be the beast that he gets his hands on. Great for gamers and other resource intensive users.
• The cache on this one is 4-8 MB.
• This processor comes with 8 threads, definitely enough to get the job done quickly, maybe even at the speed of light if you’re lucky. And yes it also utilizes hyper threading technology.
• You will have four cores to take advantage of with this particular series.
• And just like the other ones in this Intel series of processors, it is more energy efficient and produces less heat.

Best For

·         Watching Movies, Editing photos and HD videos while multitasking

·         Running increasingly demanding applications

·         HD video and in-game chat

·         Immersive 3D games.