Comparison of intel core i3 and amd. Intel Pentium and Core i3: dual-core optimality

After the announcement of the LGA1155 platform Intel company methodically updates its processor lines. Starting with top-end CPUs, the manufacturer is moving to Sandy Bridge and more affordable solutions - Core i3 and Pentium. The latter are intended for entry-level and mid-level systems. Models costing “about $100” have always been objects of close attention from users who are accustomed to looking for optimal options when completing the system. Often people who choose a processor from this price category approach this issue even more responsibly than those who are willing to pay any price for maximum performance. Let's see what the new Intel products are capable of in comparison with their predecessors and alternative solutions from their main competitor.

Core i3

From a technical point of view, the most important Honors Core i3 from Core i5/i7 chips is that they are based on an initially dual-core crystal, and not a quad-core one with deactivated computing units. That is, no tricky tricks with unlocking will work here, however, Intel chips have not provided such an opportunity before. The area has decreased from 216 to 131 mm2, therefore, significantly more workpieces are obtained from one silicon wafer, and the cost of their production is lower. Accordingly, Intel has a chance to offer interesting retail prices, continuing to make money even on budget processors.

What changes have occurred in terms of functional equipment? The amount of L1 and L2 cache memory is identical for all models on Sandy Bridge (64 KB and 256 KB per core), but the third level buffer in the Core i3 has decreased in proportion to the number of cores - from 6 to 3 MB. The compact crystal, made using 32-nanometer technology, allows you to count on good power consumption indicators. The TDP for the second generation Core i3 is 65 W, while for predecessors from the Clarkdale family this parameter was within 73 W.

3DMark 06, CPU test, scores

System energy consumption, W

PCMark 7, Computation scenario, scores

Fritz chess Benchmark 4.2, thousand nodes/c

x264 HD Benchmark 4.0, fps

WinRAR 4.0, KB/s

CineBench 11.5, points

Resident Evil 5, 1920×1080, DX9, average quality, fps

Colin McRae: DiRT 3, 1920×1080, medium quality, fps

Far Cry 2, 1920×1080, medium quality, fps

On-chip integrated Intel graphics HD Graphics 2000 with 6 computing units. The standard frequency of the video core is 850 MHz, while during operation it can dynamically increase to 1.1 GHz. Support for Quick Sync, a powerful tool for video transcoding, is retained. The advantage of Core i3 is also its technology Hyper Threading, which adds a couple more virtual cores to two physical cores. In multi-threaded applications, this function sometimes plays a very important role, allowing you to use CPU resources more efficiently. We also note that the processor has the ability to execute instructions from the AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions) set, which, with the proper degree of optimization, will help speed up floating-point calculations, which are actively used in multimedia software.

Alas, Core i3 does not support technologies for dynamically increasing the frequency of processor cores Turbo Boost, which is to some extent compensated by high standard values. Given the positioning of the CPUs of this family, there are also no AES encryption instructions here.

The current line of processors consists of four models. The younger Core i3-2100 with a clock frequency of 3.1 GHz is offered for $117. The Core i3-2120 operates at 3.3 GHz and costs $20 more. Intel has also included a cost-effective version of the i3-2100T with a TDP of 35 W. As a rule, it is possible to reduce CPU power consumption by reducing the operating clock frequency and supply voltage. On motherboards that allow the user to perform downclocking themselves and reduce the voltage below the recommended values, it is often possible to achieve similar results. But in cases where this is not possible, purchasing energy-efficient models will be justified. The Core i3-2100T operates at 2.5 GHz, and the graphics unit frequency is reduced from 850 to 650 MHz, while it can dynamically increase to 1.1 GHz.

Chips with reduced power consumption will be in demand for systems with compact housings, having a small volume and, accordingly, limited opportunities to select a cooling system.

The Core i3-2105 stands out in the series. This model has identical clock speeds to the i3-2100, but differs from other devices in the family in the use of more powerful Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics. Returning to the chip topology, we note that the graphics component occupies a significant part of it - about a quarter. In turn, the lion's share of space is allocated to computing units. Therefore, taking into account the fact that in the majority budget models HD Graphics 2000 will be built in with 6 blocks, not 12, Intel developers rightly considered that simply deactivating half of the computers is not a completely rational solution. Therefore, from a technological point of view, it turned out to be more profitable to have two designs of dual-core crystals. The version with more powerful graphics The area is slightly larger (149 mm2), but in terms of energy consumption it also falls within 65 W. As we could see earlier, the performance of HD Graphics 2000 and 3000 is noticeably different: depending on the tasks, the latter is 1.5–2 times faster, while being a serious competitor to budget discrete video cards. An overpayment of $14 for a modification with faster graphics will make sense if you are determined to use integrated video, and the capabilities of HD Graphics 2000 seem insufficient for the intended tasks.

Unlike mobile solutions, where even dual-core processors can be offered under the Core i7 brand, among desktop Core models with Sandy Bridge architecture there is currently a fairly clear segmentation by the number of computing units (physical and virtual): Core i7 - 4 cores and Hyper Threading , Core i5 – 4 cores without HT, Core i3 – 2 cores and Hyper Threading.

Pentium

If we move down the conventional scale of differentiation of current Intel processors, Core i3 is followed by Pentium chips. With the advent of the Core architecture, without exaggeration, the legendary brand was used to designate fairly affordable CPUs with traditionally good value price/performance. Modernization of this line has been asking for a long time. IN Lately It was no longer easy for models for the still current LGA775 platform to hold back the onslaught of inexpensive solutions from AMD, especially to compete on equal terms with the tri-core Athlon II X3, which often offered higher performance at a similar price. Pentium based on the Clarkdale core for the LGA1156 socket have not gained significant popularity. The market situation at the time of the release of this platform was such that it was primarily positioned by Intel as a solution for mid- and high-end systems. Therefore, even after expanding the initial range of processors, the minimum cost of admission here remained quite high. The retail price of the most affordable Pentium G6950 is about $100, which is a bit expensive for an entry-level PC. It is easy to assume that Pentium for LGA1156, combining two crystals (CPU and GPU), has a higher cost. Therefore, it is quite difficult to seriously reduce the price of these processors. Moreover, in this case we're talking about about low-cost, mass-produced chips. And motherboards cheaper than $80–90 for LGA1156 actually appeared only after the announcement of Sandy Bridge.

The updated Pentium modifications were the result of a simple simplification of the dual-core chips used for the Core i3. First of all, Pentium lost Hyper Threading technology, as well as the ability to execute AVX instructions. At the same time, the cache memory volumes are identical to those for the Core i3. The new Pentium family chips also use Intel HD Graphics 2000, although with a number of restrictions regarding support for proprietary technologies. In particular, Quick Sync and the visual improvement Intel Clear Video HD video and stereoscopic image output (Intel InTru 3D).

At the initial stage, the line includes four models: Pentium G850 (2.9 GHz), G840 (2.8), G620 (2.6 GHz) and G620T (2.2 GHz). As you might guess, the latter refers to economical modifications, the energy consumption level of which does not exceed 35 W. In addition to reduced to 2.2 GHz clock frequencies, like the energy-efficient Core i3-2100T model, are also reduced nominal frequency graphics core up to 650 MHz with a limit value of 1.1 GHz.

As you can see, the new Pentium processors, compared to the Core i3, are mainly lighter in terms of functionality, while the basic characteristics should provide a decent level of performance. The Sandy Bridge microarchitecture used promises a good increase in performance, which we will try to verify during practical tests. As for the price, in wholesale quantities the cost of the CPU family lies in the range of $64–86. The retail price will be slightly higher, but it is obvious that Pentium will be cheaper not only than the Core i3, but also its predecessors with the Clarkdale core.

The updated Pentium models were presented quite recently - at the end of May. And almost immediately they appeared in retail sales in Ukraine. Intel has good practice market launch of their products, when they become available to customers either simultaneously with the global presentation or in as soon as possible after her.

Overclocking

Overclocking is a fairly popular pastime for many enthusiasts. Someone is trying to increase system performance in this way in the hope of delaying the next upgrade. For some, it is a hobby, a sport, or a way to satisfy idle curiosity by exploring the capabilities and hidden potential of the CPU.

Unfortunately, those who like to experiment with overclocking will be a little disappointed this time. Considering the specifics of the clock generator operation in new platform and the processor multiplier of the considered chips is locked, it is obvious that the room for maneuver here is seriously limited. Even despite the relatively high multiplication factors (+100–150 MHz), this is all that can be squeezed out after increasing the carrier bus to 103–106 MHz, at which current motherboards maintain stable operation. Of course, these are not the indicators that we would like to get, especially considering that older Sandy Bridge models often reach frequencies of 4500 MHz and higher even in the air. Alas, the new Pentium and Core i3 are not designed for overclocking at all. You will have to come to terms with this fact and take it into account when purchasing. At the same time, it is also important not to forget that these chips, even in normal mode noticeably more productive than its predecessors, which can even out the difference in frequencies.

In our opinion, you can’t expect modifications with unlocked multipliers among Core i3 and Pentium. Models with the K index, so beloved by overclockers, will be available only in the more expensive Core i5/i7 lines.

Results

As the test results demonstrate, the new Intel processors in the mid-price category have a noticeable performance advantage over their predecessors in terms of performance. Under conditions of good multi-threaded program optimization, AMD chips with a large number of physical computing units can sometimes provide serious resistance. For example, if you look at the performance of the Athlon II X3 455 and Pentium G620, which are now offered at approximately the same price, then a triple-core CPU in applications where calculations can take place in parallel has a definite advantage. Even though the core performance per megahertz of AMD products with K10.5 architecture is noticeably lower than that of Intel chips on Sandy Bridge, such software often “ brute force" is quite effective, although this is achieved by increasing energy consumption by one and a half times. However, we must admit that this is an ideal case when all processor cores are used as efficiently as possible. In real applications, this does not happen often, unfortunately. In games, new Intel solutions have unconditional superiority. As we have already seen, the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture copes well with such loads, and the gap between both its predecessors and competitor models is maximum.

New Pentiums are on average 20% more productive than CPUs of the same name for LGA1156 and compete almost equally with Core i3 on the Clarkdale core, which are noticeably more expensive. Simplification of the functional part of these chips did not greatly affect their speed performance. Therefore, these models can be fully recommended for creating universal systems and entry-level gaming platforms. In turn, the second generation Core i3 also noticeably accelerated. Of course, it’s difficult for them to compete with quad-core Core i5s, but high clock speeds and support for Hyper Threading technology allow them to demonstrate very decent results, including in applications with multi-threaded optimization. Well, in games they sometimes look preferable to the quad-core AMD Phenom II X4. Considering that these processors have retained the functionality of older models, they may be interesting for creating both mid-level gaming PCs and powerful multimedia systems.

This time, Intel has done everything to make the LGA1155 platform truly universal. The existing infrastructure allows you to create both a top-end system and an inexpensive entry-level PC. For powerful configurations, there are enough motherboards on the market based on Intel Z68 and P67 chipests, and for the most available solutions It is quite possible to use models based on Intel H61. Processor Intel line it looks very smooth now. There are no distortions or obvious competition between solutions from different families. So far, one brick is missing - the most available models CPU. Soon, Celeron is also planned to be transferred to the 32-nanometer process and a progressive microarchitecture. Presumably, these chips will appear in the third quarter of this year, at which time the range of other lines on Sandy Bridge will be expanded.

Computer progress does not stand still; more and more new technologies are constantly appearing. Not everyone these days can explain the difference between one processor model and another. Let's try together to figure out the difference between the two most popular processor models today, Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5.

Intel Core i3 – dual core processor latest generation. Originally designed for entry-level desktop computers. The processor is equipped with a built-in dual-channel DDR3-1066/1333 RAM controller with a voltage of up to 1.6 V. It is important to note that modules that are designed for more high voltage, will not function with this chip, and they may damage it. The processor has an integrated controller PCI Express 2.0 x16, with which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. DMI bus with throughput 2GB/s is used to connect to the set system logic. The i3 processors have a built-in GMA HD graphics core with a clock frequency of 733 MHz and twelve pipelines. However, the base clock frequency for all Core i3 models is 133 MHz; nominal frequencies are achieved by using multipliers.

Intel Core i5– latest generation dual or quad core processor. Originally designed for mid-range desktop computers. The processor is equipped with a built-in dual-channel DDR3-1066/1333 RAM controller with a voltage of up to 1.6 V. A DMI bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB/s is used to connect to the system logic set. The processor is equipped with a built-in PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, with which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. However, in models equipped with a GMA HD graphics core, you can connect one video card in x16 mode to the chip, and if the model does not have built-in graphics, then two video cards in x8 modes each. Dual-core models feature Hyper-Threading technology. It is worth noting that if the model number ends with 1, then the graphics clock speed will be 900 MHz, and if it ends with 0, then 733 MHz. All i5s feature Turbo Boost technology that automatically increases clock speeds at resource-intensive levels.

differences between Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i5:

1. i5 processors have 2- and 4-core versions, while i3 processors have only 2-core versions.
2. L3 cache memory in i5 processors is 4 or 8 MB, common to all cores, in i3 it is only 3 MB.
3. The i5 processor supports Turbo Boost technology.
4. Built-in PCI controller Express 2.0 in i5 can have one x16 or two x8 lanes; in i3 processors there is only one x16 line.
5. The i5's integrated graphics can be clocked at 900 MHz, as opposed to the i3's clock speed of 733 MHz.

So what should you choose? Which model is better?
As can be seen from the comparison, these chips are very similar. Core i3 processors are quite powerful and at the same time inexpensive, ideal if you are strictly limited on budget. Core i5 600 series processors have high performance, however, they have a chip with integrated graphics. These models are aimed at office workers who do not need powerful graphics. The quad-core i5-750 is the best choice if you want to build a powerful computer for a reasonable price.

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In this article, we will tell you the differences between the Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor families. If you have ever studied specifications computers, then you have probably seen this numbering more than once. Let's explain what it means.

Intel Core i3, i5 and i7: what do the numbers mean?

You shouldn't think that the i3 is older than the i7, as it immediately comes to mind. Intel developed this naming scheme for its processors to categorize them based on performance. i3, i5 and i7 are the processor performance levels: what larger number, the faster the CPU. However, it is not at all necessary that a computer with an i3 processor was produced earlier than one with an i7 processor.

Depending on the number, processors have different purposes and, of course, belong to different price categories. So, since 2017, there is also Core i9, which is intended only for professional users (for example, IT companies, research institutes, data centers). Below we will show you which categories of users are suitable for each processor family.

The Core i3 series from Intel are entry-level processors for office workstations. They pull great simple applications and at the same time have a reasonable price.

The Core i3 is powerful enough to handle most desktop applications. Therefore, it is primarily used in office PCs - for surfing the Internet, using Email, text editing and working with office packages. I3 does not consume much power, so it is often used in laptops, providing good performance with long battery life.

Historically, i3 processors have only come with two cores. Thanks to the architecture Coffee Lake,Intel also offers i3 processors with 4 cores.

The Intel Core i5 processor is equipped with devices with a good price-performance ratio. Therefore, such processors can often be seen in home computers.

The Core i5 provides plenty of power for gaming, video editing, or other resource-intensive applications. Fast laptops also often feature Core i5 processors. Core i5 specs are between i3 and i7. Many budget-conscious gamers often choose the processor of this series.

Technically, i5 processors can have a maximum of 6 cores and do without Hyper-Threading technology, which is “reserved” only for i7 processors.

The i7 series processors provide enough power to run high-performance applications, making them very popular among IT or multimedia professionals and gamers.

The Core i7 processor makes it possible to run applications that consume a lot of resources - for example, video editing, rendering, running virtual machines or powerful games.

The i7 is aimed primarily at professional users as well as demanding gamers. If you are using an i7 processor, all other components of the computer must be rated accordingly.

Intel i7 processors use Hyper-Threading technology - parallel computing. This speeds up intensive procedures such as rendering.

Processors from the Intel Coffee Lake family remain one of the hottest topics this season. This is clearly visible in the current assortment of retail stores. Although the announcement of Intel's new products took place more than two months ago, they are presented on the shelves in a somewhat limited manner, and the prices for the available models are far from the recommended values ​​due to the shortage. But despite significant shortfalls, the older Coffee Lake easily ranks among the bestsellers - just look at the sales level. For example, in the statistics of the largest online store Amazon.com, the Core i7-8700K confidently ranks first in popularity among processors over $300.

Given the high interest in this topic, our laboratory conducted a detailed testing four older models of the Coffee Lake family: precisely those that became the first mass processors with six computing cores in Intel’s practice. You can learn more about the test results of these six-core processors in the following reviews:

With the advent of the Coffee Lake design in older series of Intel processors, the number of computing cores immediately increased by one and a half times, which inevitably and very significantly affected performance. However, we should not forget about the existence of the younger Core i3 series, which has undergone even more serious changes. While until recently it included only processors with two computing cores, now Core i3 have become full-fledged quad-core processors, albeit without support for Hyper-Threading technology. This means that Intel has increased the power of its low-cost series even more than its older chips, and such a change clearly deserves a separate study.

At first glance, the new Core i3 looks great. By basic characteristics they are quite similar to the Core i5 era Kaby Lake, but at the same time they have a price below $170 (in theory), which is traditionally typical for representatives of the Core i3 series. True, in practice the situation is somewhat different, and Senior Core The i3-8350K is currently selling 10-15 percent more expensive than the older Core i3-7350K of the previous generation. As a result, it turns out that, contrary to the original plan, price parallels have to be drawn between Intel’s quad-core Core i3-8350K and Core i5-7400, but even with this positioning, the new Core i3 looks more interesting. Not only do they offer more high frequencies, but they also have in their lineup a modification of the Core i3-8350K with an unlocked multiplier, which, although not the cheapest Intel CPU with overclocking, is the cheapest overclocker quad-core even taking into account inflated prices.

That's why our another review we decided to dedicate the Core i3-8350K processor, which can be both an excellent basis for a relatively inexpensive system and suitable solution for thrifty enthusiasts who are not ready to shell out more than $200 for open overclocking functions.

However, it would not be very correct to draw any serious conclusions about the Core i3-8350K without a detailed study. For example, the previous processor of a similar type never became a popular model, despite its reasonable price and overclocking capabilities. The new Core i3-8350K obviously offers a more advantageous combination of performance and price, but one can also doubt its clear superiority in its price category. The fact is that processors with six processing cores cost only 10-20 dollars more, and the Core i5-8400 or Ryzen 5 1600 may be more profitable alternatives to the Core i3-8350K. We decided to figure out how it really is in this review.

Core i3-8350K in detail

The Coffee Lake generation processors do not differ in microarchitecture from the representatives of the Kaby Lake family and represent an update of the previous design, made in light of the introduction of an improved 14++ nm process technology. This means that, provided the number of computing cores, operating frequencies and other characteristics are equal, Coffee Lake and Kaby Lake will demonstrate identical performance. Thus, if we abstract from issues of positioning and pricing, then new Core It is logical to compare the i3-8350K with the Kaby Lake generation Core i5-7600K processor.

And indeed: both the Core i3-8350K and the Core i5-7600K are very similar quad-core processors without support for Hyper-Threading technology, but with an unlocked multiplier, which allows them to be overclocked on motherboards based on Z-series system logic sets. True, the Core i3-8350K is formally designed for slightly lower clock speeds, and in addition, like any other member of the Core i3 series, it does not support the technology automatic acceleration Turbo Boost. But the free multiplier easily compensates for all the frequency limitations of the Core i3-8350K laid down in the specifications, which makes it an equivalent in capabilities and a more affordable alternative to the older Core i5 generation Kaby Lake.

To confirm this, we present a table that compares the formal specifications of the Core i3-8350K and Core i5-7600K. In addition, we placed a third processor in the same table - . Although formally it belongs to the heavier artillery, since it has six computing cores, it is the Core i5-8400 that will most likely become the main competitor to the Core i3-8350K. Intel's price list suggests a very ephemeral boundary between the Core i3 and Core i5 processor families. The younger six-core costs only $14 more than the older quad-core, and this is hardly a significant amount. Therefore, when choosing between the Core i3-8350K and the Core i5-8400, the main factor will be what is more important in each particular case: the additional two cores or the possibility of overclocking.

The Core i3-8350K's lack of support for Turbo Boost technology means that it always, regardless of load, operates at the same clock speed of 4.0 GHz. Core i5-7600K, base frequency which is 200 MHz lower, in reality it operates at a frequency of 4.0 to 4.2 GHz, which varies depending on the load under the control of Turbo Boost technology. However, this does not mean that in terms of performance in real tasks, the Core i3-8350K will lag behind the older Core i5 of the previous generation.

The Core i3-8350K has an important advantage of a different kind - a more capacious third-level cache, full size which is formed in exactly the same way as in Core i7 processors: at the rate of 2 MB per core. Core i5 processors of both the previous and current generations have a L3 cache capacity of only 1.5 MB per core, as a result of which the Core i3-8350K is one third larger in cache memory size than the Core i5-7600K. Moreover, the Core i3-8350K has a cache memory almost as large as the six-core Core i5 of the Coffee Lake generation.

However, the fact that Intel was generous with cache memory for the Core i3-8350K does not mean that this processor does not have any limitations in other capabilities. For example, it only declares support for DDR4-2400, while older series processors are officially compatible with DDR4-2666. However, high-speed memory modules are supported without any problems by the new quad-core processor through overclocking - so there is no catch here. Here's what to fix simple settings what is impossible is that in graphics core Core i3 disabled one of 24 actuators, which is why the integrated graphics of the Core i3-8350K, although called UHD Graphics 630, are a little slower than their more expensive counterparts.

Comparing the Core i3-8350K with the Core i5-7600K seems quite logical, but a few words are worth saying about how the characteristics of the new quad-core Core i3 compare with what the Core i3-7350K offered, belonging to the Kaby Lake generation. Yes, the performance of the predecessor Core i3-8350K is obviously noticeably lower, because it has only two computing cores, albeit with support for Hyper-Threading technology. The performance gap provided by the additional full-fledged cores of the Core i3-8350K cannot be compensated by the 200 MHz higher frequencies of the Core i3-7350K.

But according to one characteristic, the Core i3-7350K still outperforms its quad-core successor. Dual-core overclocker Kaby Lake belonged to 60-watt thermal package, that is, it was noticeably more economical than the Core i3-8350K, the estimated heat dissipation of which reaches 91 W. Energy efficiency is not one of Coffee Lake's design strengths, and here's another proof of that. In terms of consumption and heat dissipation, the Core i3-8350K, which is based on a semiconductor crystal manufactured using the 14++ nm process technology, is placed by the manufacturer on a par with quad-core Kaby Lake processors produced using the previous version 14nm process technology.

Core i3-8350K vs Core i5-7600K: L3 cache comparison

If you carefully read the last section, you probably realized that the only architectural feature What's worth a closer look at the Core i3-8350K is its L3 cache. It’s not that the L3 cache in the quad-core Coffee Lake generation is somehow particularly different from the cache memory of similar processors with the Kaby Lake design, but there is a significant difference in capacity: the Core i3-8350K received an 8-MB L3 cache, while how the previous generation quad-core Core i5s had a 6-MB L3 cache. The difference in size also determines different associativity policies: the Core i3-8350K L3 cache has a maximum 16-channel associativity for Coffee Lake, while the cache associativity of Core processors The Kaby Lake generation i5 was 12-channel. The latency of the cache memory is the same in both cases (42 cycles), so in general we can say that the Core i3-8350K has not only more capacity, but also more effective system caching.

In most other specifications, the Core i3-8350K's L3 cache is identical to that of the Core i5-7600K. There are no differences even in its operating frequency:

All of the above can be easily illustrated by the results of practical measurements, which do not show any fundamental difference in the speed of the cache memory of both processors. Thus, the graphs below demonstrate experimentally measured values ​​using the utility SiSoftware Sandra latency of the cache memory subsystem when working with data blocks various sizes. For clarity, the frequency of the Core i3-8350K and Core i5-7600K during this test was fixed at the same value of 4.0 GHz.

The latency of the L1-, L2- and L3 cache of the Core i3-8350K and Core i5-7600K is the same. However, the lines corresponding to these processors do not completely coincide on the graphs, which is precisely due to the more capacious L3 cache of the new quad-core Core i3.

In addition, some differences can be seen in memory latency. It must be said that, as more detailed testing in SiSoftware Sandra has shown, the Core i3-8350K and Core i5-7600K memory controllers are by no means identical in performance. Coffee Lake works a little slower with memory - this is evidenced by the results of measurements that we carried out in both systems with the same DDR4-3000 modules with a delay scheme of 16-16-16-36-1T. This may be due to the increased omnivorousness of the new controller, which has become compatible with a wider range of high-speed DDR4 SDRAM modules.

However, the differences in the performance of the Core i3-8350K and Core i5-7600K memory subsystems cannot be called fundamental. Nevertheless, write off lightly worst characteristics Coffee Lake memory controller on the immaturity of the LGA1151 platform of the second version is no longer possible. Enough time has passed since the release of this platform, and optimization of performance parameters in boards based on the Z370 chipset has now been completed.

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 computing power 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 doubled more quantity cores. Secondly, some exceptions include mobile processors(laptop processors). 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 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 this is the heat dissipation level. 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. As an 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, even more so powerful system cooling 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, on a computer with Intel processor Core i3 is quite possible to play computer games.
• Intel Core i5 processor - suitable for a powerful worker 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 this processor will do, for example, for editing videos or conducting game streams.