The cores in a multi core processor, whether it is hexa-core or octa core processor, are dedicated to do different tasks. This division of workload makes the processors work much more efficiently as compared to other processors that do not have multi-core features.
Which processor is better in performance? Well, that will depend on several other factors and not only on the number of cores available in the processors. To know this, you will need to know about the difference between a six-core and an octa core processor.
In This Article
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A hexa core processor will have six cores in it but an octa core processor will have 8 cores but they are in two sets one of which is a low power set.
- The larger cache memory of the hexa core processor allows it to increase its speed but the octa core processors need to use a higher number of transistors for that.
- The use of silicon in the hexa core processor is much less than the octa core processor, which affects their respective prices accordingly.
- The hexa core processors usually come with a better graphics processing unit and therefore offer a better graphics performance than an octa core processor in most cases.
4 Differences Between Hexa Core and Octa Core Processor
1. Design and Architecture
A hexa-core processor will come with 6 cores that may function independently or together as per the need.
However, if it is of a dual + quad-core variant, there can be two performance cores and four power efficient cores. Depending on the make and model of the processor, it may help in neural processing as well.
An octa core processor will have 8 cores. If it has a dual-hexa-core architecture there will be 2 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores.
Alternately, if it has a quad-quad architecture then it will have 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. This indicates that a quad-quad architecture will be much better in performance.
2. Increasing the Speed
The hexa-core processors can ensure a faster performance because this is a bionic chip that uses a larger cache memory.
The octa core processors can however increase the performance speed by using a large number of transistors.
3. Use of Silicon
In an octa core processor the performance can be enhanced by using a large amount of silicon. However, that will increase its cost.
On the other hand, a hexa-core processor will not be such a costly upgrade because the silicon amount used in it will be far less.
4. Superior GPU
Though both the processors are capable but a hexa-core processor is much faster than an octa core processor because of its superior GPU.
The octa core processor lacks this as of now, but specific manufacturers are now focusing on creating custom architecture to increase the performance and benchmarking results.
Which is Better – Octa Core or Hexa Core Processor?
There is nothing called a better processor. Ideally, a quad core processor may even beat a six core or octa core processor.
This is because the number of cores simply indicates how fast the task will be completed.
Obviously, larger the number of cores, faster will be the job done.
This means, usually, an octa core processor will be faster than a hexa-core processor if it belongs to the same family and generation of processors.
Based on this principle, it can be said that an octa core processor will be much better than a hexa-core processor in terms of speed only but the same may not be said sternly about its performance.
This is because you will need to take the processing power of these processors into account to determine the level of performance. This is more important factor than the number of cores.
Another important factor to consider is the clock speed of the two processors.
Typically, an octa core processor will have a lower clock speed as compared to a quad core or a hexa-core processor.
If the architecture of the two processors are the same, then the clock speed will be a vital deciding factor. Check out differences between Octa Core and Quad Core processor.
Cost can also be an important factor for a few users to decide for or against such an upgrade depending on their budget.
Ideally, a hexa-core processor will give you some peace of mind if you are looking to future proof your computer.
It will have the power and potential to meet your future needs without you needing to pay a premium for an octa core processor.
These are cheaper than the 8 core counterparts. Nevertheless, these hexa-core processors can deliver the desired performance for high-end tasks and intense gaming, whether it is a CPU intensive game or that of the MMO or Massively Multiplayer Online genre.
However, the hexa-core processors come with or without multithreading ability.
Therefore, if you want the processor to do complex tasks simultaneously then an octa core processor will be a much better choice. These tasks may include:
- 4K editing
- Rendering
- Gaming and
- Streaming HD videos
An octa core processor is the premium offering in the desktop segment that comes in both multithreaded and non-multithreaded variants.
These chips are designed to run intensive apps and provide the best to the users.
However, these chips can come with a price tag that is equivalent to a new laptop or desktop computer of entry level.
Finally, there is one more thing to consider. There are hardly any games available as of now that will need to use the 8 cores of a processor.
Therefore, there will not be any significant change in the efficiency.
In fact, there is a high possibility that playing such high-end games on an octa core processor can be an overkill.
In a Nutshell
Now that you know that there are lots of differences among hexa-core and octa core processors in terms of CPU clock speeds, manufacturing process, and CPU architecture, you should choose a processor wisely.
It is best to choose a processor that will serve your purpose and suit all your varied requirements.