Lines and markings of modern Intel processors. What is the difference between i3 i5 i7 processors

Intel Core i5 processors are among the most popular in the IT market in Russia and around the world. Within this family, chips are produced that are adapted to the widest range of tasks solved by users. What are the specifics of individual Which ones are best adapted for overclocking?

General information about Core i5 processors

Processors, reviews of which are different, are represented by microcircuits in several generations. Despite the similarity of the name, technologically the chips can be very different.

Thus, the first generation i5 processors appeared in 2009. They were adapted for "desktops", they used the Lynnfield kernel, corresponding to the Nehalem architecture. The next modification of i5 chips appeared in 2010. These processors used the Clarkdale core and had a built-in computer graphics processing module. Note that these chips, according to the classification common among IT experts, are of the same generation.

In 2011, Core i5 chips with Sandy Bridge architecture appeared. The main characteristic of this generation, released as part of the Intel Core i5 series, is the complete integration of the graphics module with the chip crystal. In 2012, a new line of processors appeared - with the Ivy Bridge core. In 2013, the American corporation released Haswell-type processors, one of which - the Intel Core i5 4070K - soon became especially popular among gamers, since it could be overclocked in the most efficient way thanks to the unlocked multiplier.

Let's take a closer look at the specifics of the latest generations - 3rd and 4th, Intel Core i5 processors, characteristics of chips based on Ivy Bridge and Haswell architecture - how well can they correspond to the leading position of the American corporation in the global microchip market?

General information about Ivy Bridge processors

Features of the processors of the family under consideration are the presence of several cores, the lack of support for Hyper-Threading technology, which provides multi-threading, and the presence of a third-level cache of 6 MB. As some experts note, processors within the family under consideration are characterized by a high degree of mutual similarity in terms of key technological characteristics. For example, all Ivy Bridge chips are implemented within the 22 nm process technology, they contain an E1 type crystal, which contains 1.4 billion transistors.

The main strength of the new processor line is the upgraded graphics accelerator. Thus, the series of chips under consideration uses modules of the HD Graphics 2500/4000 type. They provide support, in particular, for interfaces such as DirectX in version 11, OpenGL 4.0, and OpenCL 1.1. It is characterized by excellent performance in terms of working with 3D games and demanding applications.

Ivy Bridge processors have high-tech memory controllers and PCI Express buses. Thus, if a motherboard for Intel Core i5 assumes support for video cards using the PCI Express standard in version 3, then the microchips of this family help achieve very high PC performance. The same can be said for DDR3 memory modules - the interaction between them and Ivy Bridge processors also ensures the highest computer performance.

Let us now consider the features of popular processors within the 3rd generation of the Intel Core i5 family. The characteristics of these chips, according to reviews from many users and IT experts, allow us to speak of microcircuits as very effective hardware components that help solve a wide range of user tasks.

Specifications Core i5-3570K

This processor is considered the flagship processor of the 3rd generation. It leads the line in terms of clock speed, and is also characterized by an option that is useful in many respects - an unlocked multiplier. It allows, in particular, to easily overclock the microchip. We noted above that this feature also characterizes the Intel Core i5 4570K processor in the latest line - Haswell. However, it is fully functional. Many gamers in their reviews speak extremely positively about the possibility of effectively overclocking the processor. The chip in question is equipped with the same high-performance graphics module - HD Graphics 4000.

At the same time, there is a slightly more simplified modification of the processor - Intel Core i5-3570, that is, without an index. It is characterized, in turn, by the inability to use the unlocked multiplier. In addition, as the description of its characteristics indicates, this processor does not have the most powerful version of the graphics module. It has an HD Graphics 2500 accelerator installed, which is inferior to the Graphics 4000 modification noted above.

Features Intel Core 3550

Another notable Intel Core i5 model, which also has quite a lot of reviews, is the i5-3550. This processor is characterized by a lower clock frequency, and therefore runs a little slower than the flagship model. But the difference is small - 100 MHz. Therefore, by the way, the cost of these processors is almost the same. However, so are the key characteristics.

Advantages of Intel Core i5-3470

It belongs to the category of junior models of the line under consideration, and accordingly, it has a lower price. However, in general, the performance of the chip is comparable to the flagship modification - for example, it has 4 cores, a third-level cache of 6 MB, and a processor clock speed exceeding 3 GHz. True, the type of processor in question has a less powerful graphics module installed - Graphics 2500, which operates at a frequency slightly lower than the same one, but in higher modifications of the processor.

Specifications Intel Core i5-3450

It is considered the youngest model in the line under consideration. Between it and the modification described above there is a minimum of differences, which, in fact, are expressed in clock frequency. In modification 3470 it is slightly higher. Otherwise, the technical characteristics of the chips are the same.

Reviews of the third generation Core i5

So, what are users saying about the third generation Intel Core i5? The comparison, as noted by microprocessor technology enthusiasts, essentially comes down to finding differences between three indicators - the version of the graphics accelerator, the presence of an unlocked multiplier, and the clock frequency. According to PC owners on which this or that chip is installed, even if the processor has the lowest frequency, does not support an unlocked multiplier, and also does not process graphics as efficiently as its analogues - this is due to the presence of the Graphics 2500 module. But in any case An exceptionally high-performance tool is placed in the hands of the user.

The question that concerns many owners of PCs with an Intel Core i5 processor - “how to overclock the processor” - has a very simple answer: all you need to do is set the required values ​​for the multiplier, which is unlocked in the corresponding modifications of the chip.

No other experiments are required, and it is not recommended, so as not to violate the calculation algorithms laid down by the manufacturer. You should also understand that when overclocking an Intel Core i5, the processor temperature can increase significantly. Thus, you should equip the processor with a more powerful cooler in advance.

Features Intel Core i5-4430

Let's move on to studying the specifics of the latest generation of chips - those with a Haswell core installed. The i5-4430 processor can be considered the youngest in the line under consideration. It is characterized by a relatively low clock frequency, and also has a property that is not the most desirable for gamers - the lack of overclocking capabilities. At the same time, processors of this type have a floating multiplier, that is, they are selected automatically by the computer depending on the actual load. The chip has support for TurboBoost technology in version 2.0.

Advantages of Intel Core i5-4440

Among the main differences between this processor and the one discussed above is the difference in clock frequency. The corresponding figure for the i5-4440 microchip is 100 MHz higher. At the same time, the set of key instructions is generally the same. In other respects, the processors are identical.

Specifications Intel Core i5-4460

Thanks to the frequency increased by 100 MHz, it works faster than the previous modification of the processor. Also, the set of instructions is somewhat wider than that of the younger models in the line. Otherwise, the characteristics of the chips are the same. Many IT experts, as well as enthusiasts, consider the three youngest chips in the Haswell line in a single context - as identical devices. In fact, the main difference between them is the clock speed, and in some cases, the instruction set.

Specifications Core i5-4570

A model that is characterized as occupying a middle position in the family. It combines almost all the advantages of the latest line of Core i5 chips - such as, for example, full TurboBoost operation, vPro compatibility, as well as TXT. The chips under consideration support all instructions provided by the technological line.

The power of computers with an installed i5-4570 chip is enough to perform basic user tasks and run games - but provided that the motherboard for Intel Core i5, as well as the video card installed on it, has the necessary characteristics in terms of performance. A significant aspect is the quality of system programs. So, to fully utilize the capabilities of Intel Core i5, the drivers for all devices must be up to date.

Advantages of Core i5-4670K

This is the very processor that gamers love so much. The purpose for which many of them buy the Intel Core i5 chip in question is overclocking. You can carry it out, and even achieve the most outstanding results thanks to the unlocked microcircuit multiplier.

True, in some aspects the chip in question is inferior to the previous modification; in particular, it does not support the vPro and TXT standards, which are necessary to provide increased computer protection against malware. The key characteristics of the i5-4570K chip are identical to the previous modification. It copes well with games - but again, provided that the motherboard for Intel Core i5, and also, very importantly, the video card, are characterized by high performance. The main methodology for overclocking microchips is to increase the multiplier.

Features Core i5-4690

This model is among the newest. It can be noted that there are no obvious changes in characteristics in comparison with previous modifications of processors. Perhaps only the clock frequency has increased by 100 MHz compared to the Core i5-4570. The processor also now supports a number of modern instructions. But in general, Intel has not taken revolutionary steps in terms of upgrading chips, since, apparently, they already meet the criteria that characterize the manufacturer as a market leader.

Which of the processors we reviewed is the best? Intel Core i5, as we noted at the very beginning of the article, is a family of chips that are very different from each other. And not only in terms of comparing generations, but also sometimes within the same line. Each microchip we examined is optimal for solving its problems in terms of price and performance. It is important that the PC on which Intel Core i5 is installed has the latest and highest quality device drivers. The software component is no less important from the point of view of achieving high results than hardware components.

Optimal motherboard

What characteristics should an Intel Core i5 motherboard ideally have? So that all the processor capabilities provided by the manufacturer can be fully used? Experts recommend the appropriate hardware component that supports the Z87 chipset - it will be especially useful for users planning to overclock chips.

For example, Gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 is an optimal motherboard for such purposes. Intel Core i5 in those modifications that are adapted for overclocking will be an excellent tool for an overclocking enthusiast - if there is an appropriate hardware component in the PC structure. It can be noted that this motherboard is suitable for all processors that support the LGA 1150 standard - that is, this significantly expands its functionality. Regarding other useful characteristics of the hardware component under consideration, we can highlight support for USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, compatibility with SATA 3. Another remarkable feature of the motherboard from Gigabyte is that it allows for the simultaneous operation of two video cards at once.

An excellent option for third-generation Core i5 processors is the MSI H61M-P31 (G3) motherboard, which is based on the H61 chipset. It supports two G.Skill DDR3-1600 RAM modules with a capacity of 4 GB. There is support for high-performance video cards such as The motherboard in question is often used by IT experts when testing the performance of Intel Core i5 processors.

Another high-performance motherboard on which you can install processors of this family is Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5. It is characterized by a fairly high price - about 20 thousand rubles, but cheaper models are not always able to solve problems corresponding to the performance of Intel Core i5 chips. The motherboard in question supports the LGA1150 standard; it can install 4 DDR3 RAM slots operating at frequencies in the range from 1333 to 3000 MHz. There is support for the SLI/CrossFireX standard. The motherboard also allows you to install components compatible with a high-speed SATA slot, allowing data transfer at a speed of 6 Gbit/s. There is support for wireless technologies.

It should be noted right away that the numbers in the names of Intel core i3, i5, i7 processors do not indicate the number of cores, but are an identifier (trademark) and indicate their computing power. The rating for this criterion is expressed in stars; in its compilation, parameters such as the number of physical cores, clock speed, cache size and the presence of some new technologies that speed up and optimize the operation of the processor are used. And in this situation, the numbers 3, 5 and 7 indicate the number of stars that the new released model had. Thus, i7 processors have the highest rating.

By the way, we have already written an article about processors, in which we explained how 32-bit and 64-bit architectures differ, I advise you to read it.

There is also such a thing as architecture, which also affects differences between i3, i5, i7 processors and which should also be paid attention to. Almost every year, Intel introduces new processors, each of which surpasses previous versions in terms of performance. So, in the summer of 2013, a new fourth version was introduced, codenamed Haswell, which preceded Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge (third and second, respectively).

Basic parameters of processors that determine their performance

When choosing a computer, the user first of all tries to evaluate the processor power, it is determined by the following main indicators:

• Clock frequency.
• Number of physical cores.
• Cache size.
• Possibility of multi-stream data transfer.
• Overclocking capabilities to higher clock speeds.

If the core operates at a higher clock speed, then information processing occurs faster. So, Core i3-4370 processors have a base frequency of 3.8 GHz, then there are models from the same line with a lower clock frequency, for example, Core i3-530 - 2.93 GHz. i7 processors, which, it would seem, having a higher performance rating should have a frequency no lower than any of the i3 line. However, this is not the case; its processors operate in almost the same frequency range. Thus, clock speed is not the most important parameter determining performance.

It is no coincidence that developers have recently relied on an increasing number of cores placed on a processor chip. How many cores, how many information flows a processor can simultaneously process. But it does not follow from this, as some users think, that the clock frequency increases as a multiple of the number of cores. But if we compare two Intel processors with the same frequencies, then the one with two cores will be more productive due to the fact that it can process two streams of information per unit of time, that is, perform twice as many tasks. Thus, the more cores on a chip, the better, at least for multitasking applications.

All processors intel core i3 i5 i7 are multi-core. Most of the i3 lineup are dual-core; i5 models are mostly quad-core (the exception is the dual-core i5-661 with a decent clock speed of 3.33 GHz). By the way, the i3-560 has exactly the same frequency, but it costs much less. Intel Core i7 processors typically have four or six cores.

So, the processor is more productive the higher the clock speed and the greater the number of cores. But, comparing two processors i5-661 and i3-560, which have the same number of cores and clock speed, the first still has an important advantage - Turbo Boost technology.

Dynamic increase in clock speed

Some users independently overclock processors to higher frequencies. This is easy to do if the model marking contains the letter “K”, then you can increase the clock frequency using the settings in the BIOS. Overclocking can lead to increased temperatures and equipment failure. Why shouldn't the processor itself increase its clock speed, but only if necessary?

Intel's Turbo Boost technology is designed to do just that, allowing the processor to dynamically increase its clock speed when needed. Such controlled acceleration no longer threatens trouble. The increase in clock frequency depends on the number of active cores, current power consumption and processor temperature. The same i5-661 (3.33 GHz) can, thanks to this technology, increase the data transmission frequency to 3.6 GHz. Only i5 and i7 processors are equipped with Turbo Boost, given the similar intel core i5 specifications, These processors will outperform i3 models with the same number of cores and frequency.

Hyper-Threading technology

At a certain period of time, only one stream of information can be supplied to the core. If the processor is dual-core, then two threads can be supplied, etc. Hyper-Threading technology allows one core to serve multiple threads at once. On i3, each core can safely work with two threads. In contrast, i5 processors do not support Hyper-Threading technology, with rare exceptions, and in this parameter, having four cores, they are not superior to i3, since they are ultimately capable of receiving 4 threads on two cores. Therefore, the i7 line that supports super-streaming technology will be the best. And if the processor of these models has 6 cores, they are capable of processing 12 threads simultaneously. If we take into account that more and more programs are appearing that support multithreading, the speed of such a computer will be noticeably higher. In this case, the application uses multiple threads to implement the command, which speeds up the appearance of the final result. This is a noticeable advantage when working with photo and video editing programs.

Cache memory

The ability to save data that is used constantly in a temporary cache significantly speeds up work. Cache is essentially the same as RAM, but is faster because it is built directly into the processor. Without these temporary stores, the processor would have to access the hard drive each time, which takes significantly more time.

More precisely, RAM speeds up interaction with the hard drive, and the processor cache minimizes access to RAM. The larger the cached amount of information, the more temporary data can be saved, and the faster the work will be done. Considering intel core i3 specifications, You can find out that these processors have a cache size of 3 MB, almost all i5 have six megabytes, and Core i7 have 8 MB. This is another indicator indicating the superior performance of i7 processors over the rest of the described trio.

Selecting i-Series Processors

For clarity, all these characteristics can be summarized in one table.

The choice of processor should always be based on the tasks that will be performed on the computer. Processing texts and tables, surfing the web, using social networks - all this will not require much processor power; in any case, the advantages of more productive models will not be noticeable in these programs anyway. Therefore, it is more logical to focus on cheaper Core i3.

For processing images and photos, working with office programs and the Internet, as well as watching videos, it makes sense to purchase processors with at least four cores. More powerful i5 processors will satisfy the average user. These models do not use Hyper-threading technology, but for these tasks it would not play a significant role: Internet browsers do not support multithreading.

Compared to the others, intel core i7 specifications most attractive to those involved in video editing and gamers. In this regard, we should also mention integrated graphics. A good graphics core allows you to easily view high-resolution videos and show powerful performance in video editors

The processor is the brain of the computer, but it takes a lot of your own brain to understand the differences between processors! Intel hasn't made it easy for consumers with its weird naming schemes, and the question most often asked is: what's the difference between an i3, i5, or i7 processor? Which one should I buy?

It's time to demystify it. In this article, I won't touch on other Intel processors, such as the Pentium series or the new Core M series laptop. They are good in their own right, but the Core series is the most popular and confusing, so let's just focus on that.

Understanding Model Numbers

Honestly, it's very simple. Intel Core i7 is better than Core i5, which in turn is better than Core i3. The problem is knowing what to expect from each processor.

First of all, i7 does not mean seven-core processor! These are just names to indicate relative performance.

Typically, the Core i3 series uses only dual-core processors, while the Core i5 and Core i7 series use dual-core and quad-core processors. Quad-core processors are usually better than dual-core processors, but don't worry about that for now.

Intel releases families of chipsets such as the new generation of Skylake processors for the 6th generation Skylake family. Each family, in turn, has its own line of Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors.

You can determine which generation the processor belongs to the first digit in the four-digit model name. For example, Intel Core i3- 5 200 refers to 5 -th generation. Remember that the new generations of Intel will not support Windows 7, but since Windows 10 is a free upgrade anyway, use the newest generation.

Advice. Here's a useful rule of thumb. The other three numbers are Intel's assessment of how the processor compares to others in its own line. For example, the Intel Core i3-5350 is superior to the Core i3-5200 because 350 is more than 200.

Last letters: U, Q, H, K

Things have changed since we last looked at Intel's processor list. Decoding a list of processors. The model number is usually followed by one or a combination of the following letters: U, Y, T, Q, H, and K. Here's what they mean:

• U: Ultra low power. U rating is for laptop processors only. They use less power and are better for battery life.
• Y: Low power. Typically used for laptops and older generation mobile processors.
• T:Power Optimized for desktop processors.
• Q: Quad-core processor. The Q rating is only for processors with four physical cores.
• H: High-performance graphics. The chipset has one of the best graphics units from Intel.
• K: Unlocked. This means that you can overclock the processor yourself.

Understanding these letters and the numbering system above will help you know what the processor offers just by looking at the model number, without having to read the actual specifications.

You can find the meaning of other letters in the Intel manuals for processor numbers.

Hyper-Threading: i7 > i3 > i5

As you can see above, Intel specifically writes U and Q for the number of physical cores. Well, what other kernels are there, you ask? The answer is virtual cores activated using Hyper-Threading technology.

In layman's terms, hyperthreading allows one physical core to act as two virtual cores, thereby performing many tasks simultaneously without activating the second physical core (which will require more power from the system).

If both processors are active and using hyperthreading, these four virtual cores will compute faster. However, note that physical cores are faster than virtual cores. A quad-core processor will perform much better than a dual-core CPU with hyperthreading!

The Intel Core i3 series has hyper-threading. The Intel Core i7 series also supports hyperthreading. Intel Core i5 series does not support it.

Turbo Boost: i7 > i5 > i3

On the other hand, the Intel Core i3 series does not support Turbo Boost. The Core i5 series uses Turbo Boost to speed up your tasks, just like the Core i7.

Turbo Boost is a patented technology to intelligently increase the processor clock speed if the application requires it. For example, if you're playing a game and your system requires some extra power, Turbo Boost will kick in to compensate.

Turbo Boost is useful for those who use resource-intensive software such as video editors or video games, but it's not a big deal if you're only going to surf the web and use Microsoft Office.

Besides Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, one of the main differences in the Core line is the cache size. The cache is the processor's own memory and acts as its personal RAM - and it's one of the little-known features that can slow down your PC.

Just like with RAM, the larger the cache size, the better. So if the processor performs one task over and over again, it will store that task in its cache. If the processor can store more tasks in its private memory, it can make them faster if they appear again.

The Core i3 series typically contains up to 3 MB of cache. The Core i5 series has between 3MB and 6MB cache. The Core i7 series has 4MB to 8MB cache.

Since graphics have been integrated into the processor chip, this has become an important consideration when purchasing processors. But as with everything else, Intel made the system a little confusing.

There are now typically three tiers of graphics devices: Intel HD, Intel Iris, and Intel Iris Pro. You'll see a model name like Intel HD 520 or Intel Iris Pro 580... and that's where the confusion begins.

Here's a quick example of how overwhelming it can be. Intel HD 520 is the main graphics chipset. The Intel Iris 550 is better than the Intel HD 520, but also basic. But Intel HD 530 is a high performance graphics unit and is better than Intel Iris 550. However, Intel Iris Pro 580 is also a high performance graphics unit and is better than Intel HD 530.

Best advice on how to interpret them? Just don't. Instead, rely on the Intel naming system. If the processor model ends with H, you know it is a high-end module.

Comparison of i3, i5, i7 cores

Simply put, here's who each processor type is best for:

• Core i3: main users. Economic choice. Convenient for browsing the Internet, using Microsoft Office, video calls and social networks. Not for gamers or professionals.
• Core i5: Intermediate users. Those who want a balance between performance and price. Good for gaming if you buy an HQ processor or a Q processor with a dedicated GPU.
• Core i7: Professionals. This is the best Intel can do right now.

How did you choose?

This article is a basic guide for those who want to buy a new Intel processor but are confused between Core i3, i5 and i7. But even after understanding all this, when it's time to make a decision, you may need to choose between two processors from different generations.

What other advice do you have for others who are similarly stuck buying a PCU and need to make a choice?

Modern central processors are not easy to understand even for a specialist: many different models are produced, and their names seem to be specifically designed to confuse the buyer.

And if a lot has been written about the Core and Core 2 series in almost five years since their appearance, then there is practically no systematic information about the chips of the three newest families of Core i3, i5 and i7, addressed to the consumer, and not to the expert.

What are the architectural features of the new processors, the differences from their predecessors?
Finally, how are they better than the still quite current Core 2 Duo and Quad?

All processors of the “i” family are built on the latest Nehalem microarchitecture, which replaced Core at the end of 2008.
The architecture, named after one of the Indian tribes, is an evolutionary development of the Core and differs from it in several fundamental innovations: the placement of all cores on one chip, a built-in two- or three-channel DDR3 RAM controller, QPI or DMI system buses that replaced the FSB, cache -third-level memory, common to all cores, as well as the ability to integrate a graphics core into the chip.

Nehalem is the first to implement the SSE 4.2 instruction set; their power consumption is 30% less than their Core counterparts with comparable performance.
In addition, Hyper-Threading technology has returned to the new chips, allowing one physical core to be represented as two virtual ones.
The first Nehalem were produced using 45-nanometer technology, and in 2010 a gradual transition to a 32-nanometer process began.
To install processors, a motherboard with LGA1156 or LGA1366 sockets is required.

Based on the Nehalem architecture, four types of desktop processors are currently produced, known under the code names Bloomfield, Clarkdale, Gulftown and Lynnfield.
Of these, Clarkdale are dual-core and produced using 32 nm technology, Bloomfield and Lynnfield are quad-core and produced using 45 nm technology, and Gulftown are 32 nm six-core chips.

The bulk of dual-core i3 and i5 are Clarkdale, quad-core i5 are Lynnfield, quad-core i7 are Bloomfield and Lynnfield, and the six-core i7 (there is only one so far, this is the 980X) is Gulftown.

Lynnfield processor block diagram

What is the difference between Bloomfield and Lynnfield quad core?
First of all, Bloomfield has a built-in three-channel memory controller, while Lynnfield has a two-channel one, which significantly affects the price.
Bloomfield implements a high-speed QPI system bus (25.6 Gbit/s), which is used to communicate with the northbridge, which provides the PCI Express 2.0 interface to which graphics accelerators are connected.

Lynnfield uses a DMI bus (2 Gbit/s), and the PCI Express 2.0 graphics bus controller is built into the processor itself, which eliminates the fundamental need for a north bridge and allows the use of a single-chip system logic set - this was done in the Intel P55 Express chipset.
Finally, Lynnfield chips are designed to be installed in the “mainstream” LGA1156 socket, and Bloomfield chips are designed for installation in the LGA1366 socket, reserved for high-end systems.

By the way, about the Intel P55 Express chipset: this set of system logic was designed specifically for Lynnfield, and the LGA1156 processor socket also appeared at the same time.
P55 motherboards work without problems with dual-core Core i3/i5 (Clarkdale), but there is one caveat: this chipset does not support the graphics core built into the processor (more on that below), meaning in any case you will have to use a discrete video accelerator.

The H57, H55 and Q57 chipsets, introduced simultaneously with Clarksdale processors, work with the integrated graphics core.
The main characteristics of all four sets of logic can be found in the table.

Nehalem processors have a rather confusing labeling system and even the name of the family doesn’t say much about a specific chip, since they can have different architectures and capabilities.
Therefore, let's take a closer look at their capabilities and functionality.

Dual-core Core i3 and i5, quad-core and six-core Core i5 and i7 processors differ from their predecessors primarily in that, like AMD chips, they have built-in DDR3 RAM controllers and an external bus operating at a speed of 133 MHz.
For comparison, Core 2 Duo (socket LGA775) is compatible with both DDR3 and DDR2 memory, since the memory controller is implemented at the system logic level.

In addition, dual-core Core i3 and i5 have GMA HD graphics accelerators built into the chip.
Their capabilities can be briefly described as follows: if you just want to watch HD video and are not interested in the latest 3D computer games, then the performance of the graphics core built into the processor will be quite enough.

According to experts, GMA HD is somewhat faster than previous generations of Intel GMA graphics cores built into chipsets.

The GMA HD core allows simultaneous decoding of two HD video streams (for example, for picture-in-picture or picture-and-picture modes) and simultaneous transmission to different digital outputs.
Supports 36-bit color depth and xvYCC extended color space, and provides the ability to transmit Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio audio streams.

Declared support for DirectX 10 (Shader Model 3.0) and Open GL 2.1 software interfaces.
Up to 1.7 GB (!) of system memory can be allocated for the frame buffer.
The graphics are fully compatible with the Universal Digital Interface HDMI 1.3.

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.

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 twice the number of 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 the 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.

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.

In this way, Intel is trying to maintain the performance of Intel Core i3 processors at the desired level.

Difference No. 4. Heat dissipation.

Another important difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the level of heat dissipation. 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 remove. For 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.

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.

• The Intel Core i3 processor is an excellent option for an 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.