Core i5 and i7 Processor: 9 Differences

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Differences Between Core i5 and i7 Processor

The difference between the i5 and the i7 processors seems crafty and overtone especially when both of their prices are somewhat close. Many these days are confused in choosing between these two processes i5 and i7.

While some want to use it for playing games, some want to perform regular tasks and some want to perform high-end tasks.

Since processors are very important, so choosing one will decide how one wants to customize their desktops or laptops for their convenience purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The Intel Core i5 processors usually come with four cores operating at a much lower clock speed of the 6 cores of the Core i7 processor.
  • Most importantly, all i7 processors typically come with hyper threading ability which increases the performance level of it even further than the i5 processors.
  • The cache size of the core i5 processor typically is up to 6 MB in comparison to 12 MB cache memory of the Intel Core i7 processors.
  • The core i7 processors are suitable to use in high-end devices and for more intensive computing tasks in comparison to the i5 processors.

9 Differences Between Core i5 and i7 Processor

Differences Between Core i5 and i7 Processor

While people are confused between the i5 and the i7 processors. A few comparisons will clear out one’s doubts one has while buying i5 and i7 processors.

1. The Number of  Cores

The more core one has in a CPU, the faster it will perform the task. The i5 processor most often has a quad-core which means it has 4 cores and sometimes a few high-end cores have 6 cores. With stock frequencies between 1.90 to 3.80 GHz.

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It caters to value-minded and mainstream users who care about the performance of the desktop or laptop and even for regular gamers.

For one’s using the i7 Processor, the number of cores in it is 6 also known as Hexacore with stock frequencies between 2.5 and 3.7 GHz.

It is used for high-end tasks like photo editing, gameplay recording, creating games, and many more.

2. Hyperthreading

The largest difference between i5 and i7 processors is hyper-threading. It is a technology that helps to increase the performance of the multi-threaded task, even makes the processor appear to have double cores to the Operating System(OS) and applications.

The i5 processors have limited threads, some i5 processors have hyperthreading but this hyperthreading is limited to four threads. In a four Core processor or two cores that are hyperthreaded to handle 4 threads.

The i7 processors all come with hyperthreading. They have 4 cores that can handle 8 threads and sometimes 6 core which can handle 12 threads resulting in working faster than i5.

3. Cache

The cache size cannot be broken or removed. It advances from generation to generation. If one is editing and calculating spreadsheets, simultaneously, it is not necessary that the CPU has to reload the framework where the numbers assemble. This info will go and assemble in the cache.

When one changes a number, the calculations become instant and prompt. One can perform multitasking smoothly. If there is a larger cache size because of the background tasks with being ready if one switches the focus to another window.

The i5 processor’s cache is less than the ones found in the i7 processor. The i5 processor features 3MB, 4MB or 6MB of cache.

In the i7 processor, the cache features more than the ones found in i5 processor. Featuring 8MB or 12MB of cache.

4. Graphics

One can opt for the i5 processor and purchase the best graphics card for a better gaming experience. Because the i5 processor doesn’t minimize the need for a particular graphics card.

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While using the i7 processor one has to limit the type of graphics card one is purchasing. It minimizes the need for a better graphics card unlike in i5 processors.

5. Utility

The i5 processor is commonly used on desktop and computers and the need for better performance laptops also features i5 for more games.

The best choice of processor is the i5 due to less hyperthreading. One can also opt for a better graphics card used for gaming. It is also used for regular and office use.

The i7 processor, on the other hand, is preferred by high-end users and enthusiasts who love exploring the world of Electronics.

Who stream gameplay, edit videos, Photoshop pictures, and many more. Therefore, i7 is the best to use for them.

6. Battery Life

The battery life of the i5 processor is low in comparison to i7 processors. Lasts up to 5 hours of usage on a single charge but at a higher speed. The battery usage is higher and may result in up to 3 hours also.

The battery life of the i7 Processor is more. It lasts up to 4 hours when under heavy use.

7. Performance

The i5 is good for gaming, doing intensive tasks, data crunching, and many more.

The performance of the i7 processor compared to the i5 processor is much better. Especially doing tasks like gaming, photoshop, video editing, streaming gameplay, and many more.

8. Price

Even though the price between the i5 and i7 processors has very little difference. The price of i5 is a little less than the i7 because of the performance.

The i5 processor price is starting from (177 USD). The price of the i7 Processor is starting from (399 USD).

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Who is Better – i5 or i7 Processor?

The answer to this question is a matter of one’s personal preference. Personal preference because it depends on the user and what the user wants to do with the computer or laptop.

If the user is interested in regular gaming then i5 is the best to use because it doesn’t limit the user to use a better graphics card for the laptop or the computer, unlike the i7 processor.

If one wants to use the laptop or computer regularly for office and regular use then i5 is the best option. Check out differences between Core i7 and i9 processors.

But if the user is into more intense work like photo editing, creating games, video editing, photoshop, streaming gameplay, film making, and many more, then i7 will be the best for those users.

Therefore, it depends on an individual’s choice and preference. What the individual wants to do with their preferred processor and can then decide which processor is better: the i5 or the  i7.

This debate continues. Both of them have somewhat the same price, and depending on preference and choice of work, one has to choose between the i5 and the i7 processors.

Conclusion

Since the comparison is right in front properly compared. Now, it is the individuals’ choice to see their purpose and purchase any of the processors (i5 or i7).

Both the processors’ works differ while handling information. Therefore, each has its benefits and drawbacks, deciding and choosing the right processor will help the computer’s or the laptop’s proper performance.

About Taylor

AvatarTaylor S. Irwin is a freelance technology writer with in-depth knowledge about computers. She has an understanding of hardware and technology gained through over 10 years of experience.

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