The difference between core i3, i5 and i7
As the age of computing is developing, computers are becoming smaller yet considerably faster. One of the most important components in all our devices is the processor. The brain of the computer as some would call it is where the input is processed and output is given. Everything that happens in a computer is processed in there.
Intel is one of the major processor companies and by far the most popular. Their latest processors have been the Intel Core i3, i5 and i7. These processors have been around for a while but they still give machine buyers a headache. Which is the cheapest processor? Which one do you really need and what is the difference anyway?
Generally, a core i7 is better than a core i5 which in turn is better than a core i3.
Cores
What is a core? A core is an individual processor. Processors can be of many cores e.g. a dual core has two internal processors, a quad core has four and an octa-core has eight. Multi-cores are used in multitasking scenarios where you can run parallel applications.
The difference between Core i3, i5 and i7
Intel Core i3
Currently, all core i3 processors have two cores. This is the processor found on the most budget friendly laptops. It has Intel Hyperthreading technology which enables it to be more power efficient and also allows multitasking.
This processor is meant for normal users who don’t run demanding/resource intensive programs.
Intel Core i5
Most core i5 processors are quad cores even though there are some that are dual core. The four cores enable them to handle more jobs/programs at the same time.
These processors can be used to run programs that are more resource intensive than those handled by a core i3. The core i5 also has Intel’s Turbo Boost technology which allows a temporary boost to the processing speed when you’re running intensive programs.
Core i5 machines are more expensive than Core i3 machines.
Intel Core i7
Core i7 processors also have four cores and allow you to create 4 more virtual cores. The i7 processor supports both Hyperthreading and Turbo boost so you get to enjoy everything. these processors can run the super resource intensive programs than the previous processors can’t handle.
These processors are used by professionals who require a lot of processing power like gamers, 3D designers etc.
Processor architecture
Even though Intel processor are divided into cores, Intel releases new processor models every year. The new models are better than the old ones though they still share a name. This year’s i7 model is better than last year’s. This means that apart from checking for the cores, one should also check the latest processor models.
The Intel processors are usually divided into generations and you can tell from their model number e.g. an Intel 6200U is a 6th gen processor chip.
NB: The performance of your machine will depend on a bunch of other factors such as the RAM, GPU (graphics card), memory etc.
Originally published at Decode.
