Difference between i3 i5 i7 processors

Difference between I3 I5 I7 processors

Many users may know that they are Intel Core cpu processors. Since Intel launched the Core series processors, I3, I5, and I7 processors have become household brands. The larger the value, the more expensive the corresponding product and the better the performance. Confused about the differences between i3, i5, i7 processors? This guide breaks it down for you, helping you make an informed decision.

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I3, I5, and I7 are three different grades of processors launched by Intel Corporation, which are mainly used in personal computers and notebook computers. There are many differences between these processors, including performance, power consumption, and price.

I3 CPU

The Intel Core i3 processor is a chip launched by Inter in early 2010. As a further streamlined version of the Core i5, the Core i3 is a CPU family logo for mainstream users. It has Clarkdale (2010), Arrandale (2010), Sandy Bridge (2011), and many other sub-series.

In addition to being the world’s first 32nm CPU, Core i3 is also the world’s first CPU packaged by CPU+GPU. The CPU part adopts a 32nm manufacturing process, based on Westmere architecture improved from Nehalem architecture, adopts native dual-core design, and can support four threads to work at the same time through hyper-threading technology.

Difference between i3 i5 i7 processors

GPU part adopts a 45nm manufacturing process, based on the integrated display core improved from Intel The GMA architecture supports DX10 special effects. Corresponding to the high-end Core i7/i5, the Core i3 is positioned as the mainstream popular type.

I5 CPU

The Core i5 processor is a product of Intel, which is also based on the Intel Nehalem microarchitecture. Unlike the Core i7 which supports three-channel memory, the Core i5 will only integrate a dual-channel DDR3 memory controller.

In addition, Core i5 will integrate some Northbridge functions and will integrate the PCI-Express controller. The interface is also different from the LGA 1366 of the Core i7, while the Core i5 uses the new LGA 1156.

Difference between i3 i5 i7 processors

In terms of the processor core, code-named Lynnfield, the Core i5 with a 45nm process will have four cores, does not support hyper-threading technology, and only provides 4 threads in total. In terms of L2 cache memory, each core has its own independent 256KB and shares an 8MB L3 cache memory. In terms of chipset, Intel P55 (codename: IbexPeak) will be used. In addition to supporting Lynnfield, it will also support Havendale processors. Although the latter has only two processor cores, it integrates a display core.

Most consumer devices now use I5 processors, such as industrial pc panel, advertising displays, computer monitors, and so on.

I7 CPU

Intel Core i7 is a 45nm native quad-core processor with an 8MB L3 cache and supports three-channel DDR3 memory. The processor adopts LGA 1366 pin design and supports the second-generation hyper-threading technology, that is, the processor can run with eight threads.

According to the tests circulating on the Internet, the performance of Core i7 with the same frequency is much higher than that of Core 2 Quad.

Intel released three Core i7 processors on November 18, 2008, namely Core i7 920, Core i7 940, and Core i7 Extreme Edition 965. And judging from what Intel showed at the Intel Technology Summit 2008 (IDF2008), the capability of core i7 is about three times that of core2 extreme qx9770 (3.2GHz).

Difference between i3 i5 i7 processors

On IDF, intel staff used a core i7 3.2GHz processor to demonstrate CineBench R10 multi-threaded rendering, and the results were amazing. After the rendering started, the eight threads of the four cores started working at the same time, and the complete picture was presented on the screen after only 19 seconds, with a score of more than 45800.

In contrast, the core2 extreme qx9770 3.2GHz can only get about 12,000 points, and the overclocking to 4.0GHz barely exceeds 15,000 points, which is less than one-third of the core i7. The super strength of core i7 can be seen from this.

The difference between i3 i4 i5 i7 processors

1. The number of cores and the number of threads

I3 processors usually have a design of dual cores and four threads, i5 processors usually have a design of four cores and eight threads, and i7 processors usually have a design of six cores and twelve threads.

2. The main frequency and turbo frequency

The main frequency and turbo frequency of the i7 processor are usually higher than the i5 and i3, which means that it can process tasks faster. In addition, turbo technology allows the processor to automatically adjust the main frequency to increase the main frequency of the processor when more performance is needed.

3. Cache

The i7 processor usually has a larger cache, which allows it to access data faster.

4. Cost

The cost of the i7 processor is usually higher than that of the i5 and i3 because it has higher performance and more functions.

5. Processor speed

This is also called the main frequency, which refers to the working clock speed of the processor. In general, an i7 is faster than an i5, and an i5 is faster than an i3.

Difference between i3 i5 i7 processors

6. Hyper-threading technology

I7 and i9 support hyper-threading technology, which means that each physical core can process two threads, thereby improving the efficiency of the processor. The i3 and i5 usually do not support hyper-threading technology.

7. Cache

The cache of i7 and i9 is usually larger than that of i5 and i3, which means that memory and data can be accessed faster.

8. Integrated graphics performance

I7 and i9 usually have better integrated graphics performance, which is very important for users who need to deal with graphics-intensive tasks (such as video editing, 3D modeling, etc.). The i5 and i3 may have lower integrated graphics performance.

9. The price

the price of the i3 is slightly lower, the price of the i5 is in the middle, and the price of the i7 is higher.

10. Performance

The performance of i3 is slightly weaker than that of i5. Intel officially positions the i3 as a “lite version of Core i5”, while the i7 is positioned as an enthusiast-level performance CPU.

11. Power consumption

The i3 consumes less power than the i5, and the i7 processor consumes the most power.

Unmarked pictures come from Internet, and source: … …

Typically, you will get better CPU performance from Core i5 processors over Core i3. All Core i3 processors are dual-core, while i5 processors come in dual-core and quad-core variants. Other than the cores and threads, you will also need to consider the generation of the processor.
If you’re looking for a processor for more demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D gaming, then the Core i7 is the better choice. However, if you don’t need such high-end graphics performance, then the Core i3 will be sufficient.
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