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Which is better for gaming intel core i5 or intel core i7. Comparison of i3, i5, i7 cores

Core i5 and Core i7- two series of processor models from Intel, widely represented today on the market of modern PC builds and laptop models. Having a computer device based on processors of these series is probably the dream of every user who cares about such concepts as performance, speed and stability. What is the difference between Core i5 and Core i7, and which series processor is better? This will be discussed below.

Brief overview of Intel processor series

Before getting into the comparative specifics of Core i5 and Core i7, let's take a brief look at all the popular series of processors produced by Intel. In order of increasing performance, these series will look like this:

1.1. Intel Celeron- a series of low-budget processors with x86 architecture.

1.2. Intel Pentium- a series of several generations of processors with varying performance, the name of the series has become a trademark.

1.3. Intel Core i3- a series of low-budget and mid-price processors that replaced the once popular, but over time, outdated Core 2 Duo processors.

The first three series - Celeron, Pentium and Core i3 - are processors used in simple budget PC builds. They are designed for moderate performance: thus, on the basis of these processors, good PC builds are obtained for everyday office work and media entertainment at home: Internet surfing, office applications, software databases, video, music - the processors of this series will play such content without any problems. - or problems.

1.4. Intel Core i5 is a series of high-performance processors that represents the middle niche between Core i3 - less powerful and more affordable solutions - and Core i7 - super-efficient expensive processors.

1.5. Intel Core i7 is the most advanced series of Core i7 processors, the advantages and features of which will be mentioned below.

Processors of the Core i5 and Core i7 series are ideal for games, complex programs, for example, graphics processing or video editing, as they can provide maximum performance, as well as fully unleash the capabilities of the PC video card.

1.6. Intel Xeon is a series of server processors. But sometimes they are part of the assembly of ordinary computers. For example, the Mac Pro, a professional computer manufactured by Apple, is powered by a Xeon processor.

Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7: which is better to buy?

So, the Core i5 and Core i7 series of productive processors - which is better?

If we evaluate the criterion of “better” as “more productive”, then naturally the Core i7 processors are better, because this is the most advanced series of processors from Intel today, and they don’t have many competitors on the market. If we compare the Core i5 series and Core i7, the latter’s processors incorporate the latest Intel developments; they provide support for higher clock speeds and also have a larger memory cache.

But everything would be fine if money fell from the sky, and you just had to get up early in the morning and collect it in a basket. Core i7 processors are a serious, powerful solution, but, as expected, you have to pay for it, and pay a lot of money. The other side of the question of what is better than Core i5 or Core i7 is whether the performance of Core i7 will be justified? Does the user really need that much power? Perhaps it would be much more expedient to invest part of the money in purchasing a Core i5 processor, and with the rest, buy some kind of powerful video card or afford more RAM.

Five of the best processor models from Intel for every price niche

A short review of the five best models of Intel processors, selected for different financial capabilities of users separately in descending order of price, will help you see the difference between Core i5 and Core i7 more clearly.

So, let's start with the most productive solution, but at the same time, naturally, the most costly in terms of finances.

Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition

This is the best processor produced by Intel, which since 2012 has not lost its leadership position in performance, despite the fact that today there are already more powerful solutions on the market. However, even for this “beast” you will have to pay about $1000. Therefore, we will start with this price point.

This processor works with six cores, the frequency of which is 3.3 GHz. The indicators for the volume of cache memory of the 1st and 2nd levels, respectively, are as follows: 384 KB and 1.5 MB. The level 3 cache memory size is impressive, as it is as much as 15 MB. The processor performance is enough to cope with any task, and fans of extreme processor overclocking will have a particularly pleasant experience.

If the price of the previous Intel processor model is a bit steep, but you want advanced performance, you might want to pay attention to this option, and it will cost much less - about $650. This is also a six-core processor, but with a slightly lower clock speed of 3.2 GHz. It has the same levels of 1st and 2nd level cache memory as the previous model, and this option is inferior only in terms of the 3rd level cache - 12 MB.

The choice of any computer product in the average price niche is always complicated by a large number of models, which may differ in technical characteristics, either in the direction of a profitable solution for the user, or vice versa - overpriced with unjustified performance. So if there is a price limit for purchasing a processor of $350, then it is better to take a closer look at the Intel Core i7-2700K model. This particular processor can easily be classified as “best performance at a moderate price”, because it has 4 computing cores with a frequency of 3.5 GHz. As for the volume of cache memory of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd levels, these indicators are as follows: 64 KB, 256 KB and 8 MB, respectively.

A more affordable option would be this particular processor; its cost ranges around $250. It is equipped with four cores with a frequency of 3.4 GHz and a 256 KB level 2 memory cache and a 6 MB level 3 memory cache.

This is a very good budget option, which will cost around $180. This processor is also equipped with four cores with a frequency of 2.9 GHz. The volume indicators of its cache memory of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd levels, respectively, are as follows: 64 KB, 1 MB and 6 MB.

If you want, I can help you choose components and a processor!

Gone are the days when you could buy a cheaper processor and overclock it to the limit. Due to the enthusiasm and talent of gamers, significant savings could be made. But when overclocking became widespread, manufacturers realized that it was time for new processors. They have become more cunning. Now, not every processor can be overclocked to higher-level models.

At Intel, only certain models can be overclocked, and, as a rule, they are more expensive than their non-overclockable counterparts.

It cannot be said that the entire overclocking movement has fallen into decline and the ranks of enthusiasts have thinned out significantly. For an avid gamer, the issue of saving is far from the least important. And processors with the ability to increase frequency are in good demand. And manufacturers never cease to delight consumers with more and more modifications.

Unfortunately, in the pursuit of profit, there is a loss of frequency potential. And this is not very good for overclocking. Why then pay that kind of money if you won’t be able to fully overclock it?

Intel core i5 and intel core i7 processors, according to the manufacturer, are free of all the shortcomings of previous models. But this does not mean that dealing with them could not be easier.

Which is better for gaming intel core i5 or intel core i7?

Let's try to sort this issue out. The processors have promising overclocking potential. But good speed inevitably leads to overheating. And for effective cooling of intel core i5 and intel core i7, truly high-quality and powerful coolers are required. So don't spare money on top-end coolers, otherwise you won't be able to curb the hot temper of your processor.

Core i5- dual- and quad-core processor, for mid-level computers. Designed for voltage no higher than 1.6 V. All models have a function to automatically increase processor speed.

Core i7- four- and six-core processor. It is designed to work on high-end computers. Also designed for voltages up to 1.6 V. It is possible to increase the clock frequency when working with power-intensive applications.

Today, the Intel Core i7-5960X is recognized as the most powerful processor. Of course, it has high characteristics, but there is simply no point in purchasing it. The reason is that no other program or game in the world makes such demands on the processor. For comparison. The Intel Core i7-5960X is 9 times more powerful than the weakest AMD A4-4000 processor, while the price is 43 times higher!

To choose the best processor, you can simply compare their characteristics and decide how far you are going to go with overclocking. Please also take into account the fact that the difference in price between the previous and subsequent modifications can be significant, but the changes are insignificant.

Options for choosing the best processor for gaming

Number of Cores . As you know, a quad-core processor is a single plate with four separate processors located on it. When a task arrives at the device, it is divided into these four parts. Therefore, the greater the number of cores, the faster the device will function. This also applies to games. The research was carried out using the example of “GTA 5” and “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”. The frames per second (fps) indicator made it clear that all modern games can easily run on 4 cores.

Frequency . Displays how many tasks the device can perform simultaneously. The higher the processor frequency, the better. The research was conducted on the game Metro: Last Light. Even the heaviest games were found to run at 2.5 GHz. But this processor won't last long. The computer will accumulate information that it simply will not be able to process as before. Therefore, it is better to stay at a minimum of 4 GHz.

Architecture . Haswell, Broadwell and Skylake are recognized by users and experts as the best Intel architectures.

As a result, we are looking for a quad-core processor with Broadwell or Skylake architecture and a frequency of 4 GHz. Intel Core i7 Skylake meets these parameters. It will be ideal for fans of computer games. But if you are not a fan of all the best and have limited financial resources, then you can get by with an Intel Core i5.

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Lately I have been asked the same question very often: “ What is better to take: a high-frequency Core i3 coupled with more powerful discrete graphics or an entry-level Core i5, but with a less powerful video card?“In the monthly column “Computer of the Month,” I keep pushing people to buy a “true” quad-core processor. The argument is simple, it is based on three logical conclusions. Firstly, Core i5 will last a long time, since it will become outdated much later than any video card. Secondly, the chip and platform as a whole are changed the least often. Finally, thirdly, a large number of games have been released that use more than two CPU threads. It's 2016 after all. At numerous requests from workers, I carried out a small experiment. I hope this material will completely answer the question that has set my teeth on edge.

Iron experiment: Core i3 vs Core i5 in games

About choosing a processor

Interesting situation. Users who prefer one processor or another are divided into two parts. One half believes that the dual-core Core i3 is a purely office chip. Using it in gamer builds is blasphemy and profanity. Others are sure that there is no point in overpaying for a quad-core Core i5, because the four threads of the Core i3 “drag” bless you! The proceeds, as already stated, would be better spent on a more powerful video card.

The slow Core i5 is 4-5 thousand rubles more expensive than the fast Core i3

From the point of view of economy, the Core i3 (compared to the older line) looks more attractive. Let's say I have 50,000 rubles. And I need to convert them into a gaming system unit. With a Core i3-4170, I can afford to take a video card of the GeForce GTX 970 level. The cheapest 4-core card - Core i5-4460 - costs 4-5 thousand rubles more. Having saved additionally on the motherboard, I still cannot meet the agreed budget. You'll either have to add some money or take an adapter of the GeForce GTX 960 level (Radeon R9 380/380X). The choice is not easy.

Build with Core i3

Modern Core i3 processors (Skylake and Haswell) have received very high frequencies. This experiment was carried out using a Core i3-6100 model, which runs at 3.7 GHz. A very high figure with a TDP of only 54 W. As you know, due to Hyper-threading technology, two physical cores additionally account for two virtual ones. Therefore, games that require at least a 4-core processor can run without problems on systems with Core i3. The cheapest Skylake with true four cores, the Core i5-6400, costs $65 more than the Core i3-6100. “Fifth” operates at a very low (compared to its opponent) frequency of 2.7 GHz. Turbo Boost technology increases this parameter, but only up to 3.3 GHz for one core, and for four - only up to 3.1 GHz. So which is better?

Intel Core i5-6400

Testing

Test stand:

  • Processors: Intel Core i3-6100, 3.7 GHz; Intel Core i5-6400, 2.7 GHz
  • Cooling: Noctua NH-U9S
  • Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING
  • RAM: DDR4-2133, 4x 4 GB
  • Video cards: AMD Radeon R9 380 , 4 GB; AMD Radeon R9 NANO , 4 GB
  • Storage: SSD, 480 GB
  • Peripherals: LG 31MU97 monitor
  • Operating system: Windows 10 x64

I’ll note right away that a comparison of the Core i3-6100 with the Core i5-6400 will approximately show how things will be in other pairs of processors of the corresponding lines. For example, between the Core i3-4160/4170/4330/4350/4360/4370 and Core i5-4440/4460/4590/ models, which, judging by my observations, are selling well even in 2016. I have already written in detail about the choice of a central processor for a gaming computer and processor dependence in general. This material contains a special case using the example of 15 modern games. I didn’t consider “dotka”, “contra” and “tanks”, since the Core i3 is enough for such games.

All games (with the exception of Rise of the Tomb Raider) were launched at maximum graphics quality settings in Full HD resolution, but without anti-aliasing. The adventures of polygonal Lara Croft in Mother Russia were tested with the “High” preset, since the program is very demanding on the amount of video memory. The stands used Radeon R9 380 and Radeon R9 Nano adapters. The first is an example of a fairly popular representative of the Middle-end class. In terms of performance, it is similar to the GeForce GTX 960 accelerator, which currently ranks third in the list of Steam user configurations. The second video card is a full-fledged High-end. In theory, the Radeon R9 Nano needs a really powerful processor to unlock its potential.

Let's start with the Radeon R9 380. This 3D accelerator runs most games at maximum graphics quality, but without abusing anti-aliasing modes and other features. For example, NVIDIA HairWorks and others like it. “Pulls” - that is, it produces a conditionally playable minimum of 30 frames per second. Without strong drawdowns and freezes. What do we see in the graph below? Out of 15 games, the stand with a Core i3-6100 on board failed to run only two. These are GTA V and Tom Clancy's The Division. In the second game, the video card choked on itself. The processor had nothing to do with it (with the Core i5-6400, exactly the same situation occurs).

And yet, processor dependence is observed in some games even with the Radeon R9 380. This is clearly seen in games such as GTA V, The Witcher 3, Need For Speed, Star Wars: Battlefront and Battlefield 4. The last three are based on the popular Frostbite engine . EA loves him. Mass Effect Andromeda and Mirror's Edge will soon be released on it. So the trend is already visible. Rockstar's bestseller responded by increasing both the average and minimum FPS. In other games on the stand with Core i5, the picture became smoother, as the minimum FPS increased noticeably: in the third “The Witcher” by 29.6%, in Need For Speed ​​by 30.7%, in Star Wars: Battlefront and Battlefield 4 - by 51.4% and 15.4%, respectively.

In 5 out of 15 games, the Core i5 outperformed the Core i3. In other applications - equality

There are games in which the Core i3-6100 performed better than the Core i5-6400. These are DiRT Rally and HITMAN in DirectX 12 mode (using DirectX 11 there is practically no difference between processors). Otherwise, parity between the processors is fixed.

And now some dry statistics:

  • In 5 out of 15 games, the Core i5-6400 was better;
  • In one (DiRT Rally, HITMAN in DirectX 12 mode I don’t take into account) out of 15 games the Core i3-6100 turned out to be better;
  • In 9 out of 15 games there is relative equality, since the performance is limited by the capabilities of the video card.

As you know, statistics are the third degree of lies. Yes, the Core i5 performed better in five games. But of these, only in GTA V and Star Wars: Battlefront the difference in the number of frames can really be called significant. So Core i3 feels quite comfortable together with a Middle-end video card.

Test results. Stand No. 1

Let’s complicate the task for our “stones” by installing the faster Radeon R9 Nano in the stands. I’ll say right away that DirectX 12 again showed itself in all its glory. HITMAN using a different graphics adapter kept freezing. At the same time, the benchmark worked stably in DirectX 11 mode. As a result, out of 15 applications I selected, the difference between the chips in question appeared again in five games. This time, Battlefield 4 dropped out of the pool of processor-dependent games, but its place was taken by Dragon Age: Inquisition - another child of the Frostbyte. DiRT Rally was again faster on the bench with the Core i3. Obviously, this game is affected by a noticeable difference in frequency. In other games, there is relative equality between the processors.

The question of the differences between processors of the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 families arises for most users when choosing a PC or laptop with the stated characteristics, as well as when upgrading an existing system. With completely identical technical characteristics in the catalog or on the price tag (clock frequency, number of cores, cache size), the price difference reaches several thousand rubles. Naturally, a toad immediately appears and strangles the potential buyer, and he definitely wants to know why he is overpaying for and whether he needs it at all. Consultants, as a rule, cannot clearly explain how i5 processors differ from i7 processors. Probably because there are many models in both the i5 and i7 lines, and they are all different, although they are labeled the same. However, there are features common to models within the same line, and they can be considered, albeit not the main ones, but important selection criteria.

Intel Core i7 processors- a family of Intel processors based on the Nehalem microarchitecture, designed for LGA 1156/1366/2011 sockets. Used for high-end desktop systems, they have at least four cores in any modification.

Intel Core i5 processors- a family of Intel processors designed for mid-range systems. These processors are compatible with LGA 1155/1156 sockets, have two cores in the budget version, and four in the top version.

Intel Core i7 processors are said to provide better performance in demanding applications. In practice, it is not always possible to notice a difference in performance, and often the performance increase remains the prerogative of test benches exclusively.

The most important and obvious difference between Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i5 is the former's support for Hyper-Threading technology, which allows each core to serve multiple threads. The quad-core i7 processor supports 8 threads, which is equivalent to the performance of eight cores. Intel Core i5 does not support this technology (with the exception of the i5-661 model). Intel Core i5 can be dual- or quad-core, Intel Core i7 can be four- or six-core.

The L3 cache in Intel Core i7 processors can reach 12 MB, while in Intel Core i5 it is limited to 8 MB. The RAM controller in the i7 can be triple-channel (LGA 1366) or dual-channel (LGA 1156), while the i5 only works with two channels. Intel Core i7s work with QPI buses, while i5s work exclusively with DMI.

The maximum clock speed of processors from the Intel Core i7 family is slightly higher than that of models from the Intel Core i5 family. True, in real work these numbers play practically no role - there is no noticeable increase in productivity due to an increase in frequency. But the heat dissipation of i7 processors in normal mode can be higher than that of i5 processors (up to 130 W), with the same 45 nm process technology.

Intel Core i7 processors are always more expensive than Intel Core i5. This is due to the marketing tricks of the company, positioning the i7 as top components for high-end systems.

Conclusions website

  1. Intel Core i7 are positioned as processors for high-end systems.
  2. The maximum number of cores in Intel Core i7 is six, while in Intel Core i5 it is four.
  3. Intel Core i7 support Hyper-Threading technology.
  4. The heat dissipation of some Intel Core i7 models is higher.
  5. The performance of Intel Core i7 in tests is higher than that of i5.
  6. Intel Core i7 can work on the QPI bus and with a three-channel memory controller.
  7. Intel Core i7 is more expensive.

The Core series has several main features. The socket (socket into which the processor is installed) is used the same for all processors of a particular generation. Therefore, when buying, for example, a Core i3 instead of an old one, you don’t have to worry that it may not fit your existing motherboard.

Core i3

Core i3 series processors have the least powerful characteristics, however, this is the best option for solving various everyday tasks. This line is budget-friendly, which explains its wide demand among users. The processors in this series are dual-core - unlike the others, which are designed on the basis of four cores. Accordingly, Core i3 has more limited capabilities.

Main technical characteristics:

  • Turbo Boost overclocking function (available on almost all processors from Intel);
  • dual-core architecture;
  • visualization of Intel Vpro technology and AES encryption acceleration features;
  • Hyper-Threading technology (the ability to duplicate a logical core, through which each physical core functions as two logical ones).

This series includes processors with a maximum speed of 1100 MHz. Taking this into account, there is a slight decrease in performance compared to PGI, but the difference remains unnoticeable when performing simple everyday tasks.

According to the model, the L3 cache size varies from 3 to 4 MB, and the frequency ranges from 3.4 to 4.2 GHz. The cost of Core i3 processors is about 110-140 US dollars. The capabilities of this series of processors allow you to get quick system feedback when solving standard problems. However, if you are constantly faced with the need to edit or render videos, it is better to give preference to more powerful models. Core i3 is perfect for entry-level gaming systems equipped with an average graphics card.

Core i5

Only some processors based on the Sandy Bridge architecture have the Hyper-Threading enhancement function. So, Core i5 (except for the K series) works with the PGI 2000 system. But among the three series under consideration, it is Core i5 that is now in greatest demand.

The main significant difference between the different Core i5 models is the core clock speed, which varies from 2.8 to 3.3 GHz. Depending on this indicator, the cost of the processor is determined. This line allows you to support many advanced functions, while delivering good energy efficiency.

Technical features:

  • the presence of four physical cores;
  • lack of Hyper-Threading technology;
  • Turbo Boost function (some processor models have an unlocked multiplier for overclocking);
  • L3 cache up to 6 MB (for desktop models).

Turbo Boost temporarily increases the frequency of one or more cores. This occurs due to an increase in power consumption and a decrease in the computing power of the remaining cores. This technology can be considered as overclocking a physical core.

Seventh generation Core i5 processors have a frequency of 2.4-3.8 GHz. Their cost varies from 180 to 220 US dollars depending on technical parameters.

Core i7

Core i7 processors are the pinnacle of technological achievements of Intel engineers. As in the previous line, there are 4 logical cores. Hyper-Threading technology support allows you to create 8 threads on 4 physical cores. The processors have the highest clock speeds: by default - 3.6 GHz, in Turbo Boost mode - 4.2 GHz. The L3 cache size is 8 MB.

The introduction of Hyper-Threading technology made it possible to use the processor as an 8-core one. All its other parameters are almost the same as the Core i5 series. Installing Core i7 processors can significantly increase PC performance when using the 8-thread operating mode. However, remember that most programs are not designed to use 8 threads. Therefore, this option will be appropriate only when using resource-intensive applications for:

  • video editing;
  • video rendering;
  • work with advanced scientific and 3D programs.

For users who only need solutions to standard tasks, Core i7 processors are unlikely to be a rational purchase. Under normal conditions, the increase in performance will be invisible to the user, so it is often better to give preference to the cheaper Core i5 or i3. But Core i7 processors are an excellent choice for running programs that can take full advantage of 8 threads.

Most modern games still only use 4 cores. The popular Photoshop program works with two cores and requires four only when using special filters and performing other complex operations. The same goes for Autodesk and Maya. If you work with these and similar applications on a regular basis, you won't notice any performance gains when using a Core i7 processor, since the i3 and i5 series products handle such tasks just as well.

Selecting the optimal processor

The main problem when building systems with Intel Core products was the selection of connectors and chipsets, because different devices of the same series could have different connector configurations. These difficulties were eliminated thanks to Sandy Bridge. Now the socket is LGA1151 and the chipsets are H110, B250, Z270

All processors, regardless of manufacturer, have indexes. They are indicated in the product name after the manufacturer and serial number. Depending on this, the power of processors is determined. A detailed description of the indices can be found on the Intel website. Examples of indexes:

  • T, U and Y - low power consumption;
  • K - presence of acceleration potential;
  • P - processors with a less powerful graphics core.

The main difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the parameters of their computing power and the characteristics of the graphics core (in i3 it is weaker, in i5 and i7 it is almost the same). Most users choose a processor thoughtlessly, so they subsequently do not use the available capabilities or, conversely, suffer from a lack of performance. The presence of special markings and designations makes it quite easy to determine the model of a suitable processor, depending on your needs and the characteristics of the rest of the system.

At the moment, the Core i5 line remains the most popular. These are 4-core processors that provide access to all important functions, in particular Turbo Boost. They also have an affordable price, so they won’t break the budget when assembling or upgrading a computer system. The Core i3 is an inexpensive and reliable option if you don't need high performance for everyday tasks. This is the best option for any budget build. If the processor is required to perform heavy tasks such as modeling, editing and rendering large video files, you should choose Core i7 series processors. The capabilities of these products will fully satisfy all your needs and ensure maximum system performance.