Intel core i3 processor parameters. Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors: what's the difference and what's better

A processor is the brain of a computer, but it takes a lot of your own brains to understand the difference between processors! Intel hasn't made it easy for consumers to use its weird naming schemes, and the most common question that arises is: What's the difference between an i3, i5, or i7 processor? Which one should I buy?

It's time to demystify this. In this article, I will not touch on others. Intel processors, such as Pentium series or new laptop The M-series Cores are great on their own, but the Core series is the most popular and confusing one, so let's just focus on that.

Understanding model numbers

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

First, i7 doesn't mean a seven-core processor! These are only names that indicate relative performance.

Typically in Core series i3 uses only dual-core processors, while the Core i5 and Core i7 processors 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 Launches Chipset Families Like Next Generation Skylake processors for the 6th generation Skylake family. Each family, in turn, has its own line Core processors i3, Core i5 and Core i7.

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

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

Last letters: U, Q, H, K

That has changed since the last time we looked at the list of Intel processors. Decoding the 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 suited for the battery.
• Y: Low power. Typically used for older laptops and mobile processors.
• T: Power Optimized for desktop processors.
• Q: Quad-core processor. The Q rating is for processors with four physical cores only.
• H: High performance graphics. The chipset has one of the best Intel graphics units.
• K: Unlocked. This means that you can overclock the processor yourself.

Understanding these letters and the numbering system above will help you know what a processor has to offer 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 processor number guides.

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, hyper-threading allows one physical core to act as two virtual cores, thereby performing many tasks at the same time, without activating the second physical core (which will require more energy from the system).

If both processors are active and using hyper-threading, these four vCores will compute faster. Note, however, that physical cores are faster than virtual cores. A quad-core CPU 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 hyper-threading. Intel Core i5 series does not support it.

Turbo Boost: i7> i5> i3

On the other hand, 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 CPU clock speed if the application requires it. For example, if you are playing a game and your system requires some additional power Turbo Boost will start working to compensate for it.

Turbo Boost is useful for those who use resource intensive software such as video editors or video games, but it doesn't really matter if you're only going to surf the web and use Microsoft Office.

Apart from Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, one of the main differences in the Core lineup is cache size. Cash is own memory processor and acts as its personal RAM - and this is one of little-known features that can slow down your PC.

Just like with RAM than bigger size the cache the better. Therefore, if the processor performs the same task over and over again, it will keep that task in its cache. If the processor can store more tasks in its private memory, it can make them faster if they come up again.

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

Since the graphics were integrated into the processor chip, this has become important point when buying processors. But like everything else, Intel has made the system a little confusing.

There are usually three levels now graphics devices: Intel HD, Intel Iris and Intel Iris Pro. You see the model name like Intel HD 520 or Intel Iris Pro 580 ... and this is where the confusion begins.

Here short example of how this can be overwhelming. Intel HD 520 is the mainstream graphics chipset. Intel Iris 550 is better than Intel HD 520, but also basic. But Intel HD 530 is a high-performance graphics unit and better than Intel Iris 550. However, Intel Iris Pro 580 is also a high-performance graphics unit and better than Intel HD 530.

Best advice on how to interpret them? Just don’t. Rely on the Intel naming system instead. If your processor model ends with H, you know it is a high performance module.

Comparison of cores i3, i5, i7

To put it simply, here's who each processor type works best for:

• Core i3: main users. Economic choice... Convenient for browsing the Internet, using Microsoft Office, video calling 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 are buying an HQ or 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 anyone looking to buy new processor Intel, but confused between Core i3, i5 and i7. But even after realizing all this, when it's time to make a decision, you may need to choose one of two processors from different generations.

What else can you advise for those who are also stuck buying a PCU and need to make a choice?

Part two: "The most important characteristics of each family of Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processors. Which of these chips are of particular interest"

Introduction

First we will give essential characteristics each family of Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 processors, and then talk about which of these chips are of particular interest. For the convenience of the readers, we considered it expedient to present the information in the form of a kind of reference book, and all data on current models bring the models into small tables. The prices we quoted are Russian retail prices, fixed at the time of publication of this material, for boxed processors (that is, with a proprietary cooler).

Core i3

Core i3 (Clarkdale) - dual core processor last generation designed for desktops entry level... First introduced on January 7, 2010. Fits into the LGA1156 socket. Manufactured using 32nm technology.

Equipped with a built-in controller PCI Express 2.0 x16, thanks to which graphics accelerator can connect directly to the processor. The DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus is used to connect to a set of system logic. throughput 2 GB / s.

Core i3 processors have an integrated GMA HD graphics core with twelve pipelines and clock frequency 733 MHz.

Basic clock speed for everyone Core models i3 - 133 MHz, nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers.

Compatible chipsets: Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express

Main technical parameters of Core i3

• Microarchitecture Nehalem
• Two cores
• L3 Cache - 4MB shared across all cores
• Built in PCI controller Express 2.0 x16
• Built in graphics adapter with a clock frequency of 733 MHz
• Kit SSE instructions 4.2
• AES-NIS Instruction Set

Core i5

Core i5 (Clarkdale or Lynnfield) - two or quad-core processor the latest generation for mid-range desktops. First presented on September 8, 2009. Fits into the LGA1156 socket. Dual-core Clarkdale is produced using 32nm technology, quad-core Lynnfield - using 45nm technology.

Equipped with a built-in dual channel controller random access memory DDR3-1066 / 1333 with voltages up to 1.6 V. Modules rated for more than high voltage will not work with this chip and may even damage it.

Equipped with a built-in PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. In models with built-in graphics core GMA HD can be connected to one video card in x16 mode, in models without integrated graphics - two video cards in x8 mode each.

To connect to a set of system logic, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB / s is used.

The dual-core models (6xx series) have built-in GMA HD graphics and Hyper-Threading technology, while the quad-core (7xx series) do not have graphics and Hyper-Threading. Models ending in 1 have a graphics clock speed of 900 MHz, while models ending in 0 have a graphics core running at 733 MHz.

All Core i5s feature Turbo Boost, an automatic overclocking technology for demanding tasks.

The base clock frequency for all Core i5 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers.

Compatible chipsets: Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express.

Main technical parameters of Core i5

• Microarchitecture Nehalem
• Two or four cores
• 64K L1 cache (32K for data and 32K for instructions) per core
• L2 Cache - 256KB per core
• L3 cache - 4 or 8 MB shared across all cores
• Integrated dual channel DDR3-1066 / 1333 MHz memory controller
• Integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller (one x16 lane or two x8 lane in models without integrated graphics)
• Integrated graphics 733 or 900 MHz
• VT virtualization technology support
• 64-bit support Intel instructions EM64T
• Supports Hyper-Threading Technology on Dual Core Models
• SSE 4.2 Instruction Set
• AES-NIS Instruction Set
• Antivirus technology Execute Disable Bit
• Technology dynamic change frequency Enhanced SpeedStep

Core i7

The Core i7 (Bloomfield, Lynnfield or Gulftown) is the latest generation of four or six-core processor designed for high-end desktop computers. First introduced in November 2008. Quad-core Bloomfield and Lynnfield are manufactured using 45nm technology, six-core Lynnfield - using 32nm technology.

They are produced in two modifications: 9xx series (for LGA1366 connector) with an integrated three-channel memory controller and QPI bus and 8xx series (for LGA1156 connector) with a dual-channel memory controller, integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller and DMI bus) DDR3-1066 / 1333 RAM is supported with voltages up to 1.6 V. Modules rated for higher voltages will not work with this chip and may even damage it.

Processors for the LGA1366 socket are equipped with a high-speed QPI bus operating at 2.4 GHz (up to 4.8 GB / s) in regular i7 and at 3.2 GHz (6.4 GB / s) in Extreme versions (these include i7-965, i7-975 and i7-980X.

Chips for the LGA1156 socket are equipped with an integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. To connect to a set of system logic, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB / s is used.

All Core i7s feature Turbo Boost for demanding tasks, as well as Hyper-Threading.

The base clock speed for all Core i7 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers. In versions Core i7 Extreme, the multiplier is unlocked, which allows you to freely increase the clock speed of the processor.

Compatible chipsets: 8xx series - Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express, 9xx series - Intel X58 Express.

Main technical parameters of Core i7

• Microarchitecture Nehalem
• Four or six cores
• 64K L1 cache (32K for data and 32K for instructions) per core
• L2 Cache - 256KB per core
• L3 cache - 8 or 12 MB shared across all cores
• Integrated dual-channel (LGA1156) or three-channel (LGA1366) DDR3-1066 / 1333 MHz memory controller
• QPI bus operating at 2.4 GHz (4.8 GB / s) or 3.2 GHz (6.4 GB / s) on LGA1366 models
• DMI bus (2 GB / s) on models for LGA1156
• Integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller (one x16 lane or two x8 lane for non-integrated graphics models) on LGA1156 models
• VT virtualization technology support
• Supports 64-bit Intel EM64T instructions
• Hyper-Threading Technology Support
• Turbo Boost Technology Support
• SSE 4.2 Instruction Set
• I7-980X AES-NIS Instruction Set
• Antivirus technology Execute Disable Bit
• Enhanced SpeedStep Dynamic Frequency Change Technology

What to choose?

Core i3-530 and 540 processors are quite powerful and inexpensive chips, while the difference in price between them is negligible, so there is no point in purchasing the 530, unless you are strictly limited in the budget.

Chips of the Core i3 series are direct competitors of the previous processors Generation Core 2 Duo Exxx: They cost roughly the same and offer comparable performance levels, albeit somewhat faster. However, though motherboards with socket LGA1156 more expensive than analogues With the LGA775, buying an i3 chip is a smarter long-term investment than a Core 2 Duo, as these processors are not only fast enough today, but could be swapped out for any LGA1156 chip in the future - even the super-powerful Core i7. If the i3-530 is too expensive for you, you can pay attention to the Pentium G6950 (the "boxed" version with a standard cooler will cost about 3200 rubles), which is slower than both "three rubles", but practically not inferior to most Core 2 Duos.

As for the quad-core Core 2 Quad, which is slightly more expensive dual core i3 (for example, a "boxed" Core 2 Quad Q8300 costs about 5000 rubles), then buying them today makes sense only for an upgrade the existing system for LGA775 socket - in this case it is a very reasonable choice.

All Core i5 600-series processors differ high performance however, if you do not need a chip with integrated graphics, it makes little sense to buy a model of this family. These models are focused rather on the corporate market - office computer no need for powerful graphics, and the simpler it is in design, the easier it is to maintain.

For the same money that they ask for chips of the 600th family, it is better to purchase a quad-core i5-750 - this is perfect choice to build a powerful home PC for a reasonable price. If you make a choice within the 600 series, you should know that the 661 differs from the 660 only in a slightly faster integrated graphics, but at the same time in increased power consumption and the lack of hardware support for I / O virtualization VT-d, which is only relevant for corporate users... In other words, if you buy a CPU for home computer, it makes sense to prefer the Core i5-661.

To build a powerful gaming PC, the best choice according to the criterion price / performance - Core i7-860, all other options will cost much more, since a more expensive one will be required motherboard on the X58 Express chipset for the LGA1366 socket.

The six-core "extreme" Core i7-980X is an unsurpassed leader in performance not only for the entire modern line Intel desktop processors, but also competing AMD models. Therefore, one should not be surprised that a system based on it will cost quite an impressive amount. Lovers of all-very-very can cook wallets - this chip is about to hit the shelves Russian stores replacing the previous flagship Core i7-975

Since 2010 Intel platform Sandy Bridge excites the minds of advanced computer geeks who are ready to invest in increasing the performance of their PCs. Since its announcement, the "sandy bridge" has already managed to survive not only a decrease in the cost of components, but also a hardware error in system logic Intel of the sixtieth series, which was eliminated in the spring of 2011. Since then, Intel Core processors 2000 series have become the most coveted purchase for building home computers. The architecture of these chips is built on the latest 32 nm process technology and is a proven technology - this makes the Sandy Bridge series processors economical, high-performance and "cold". Introduction of new architectural solutions and new data processing instructions has brought the new Intel processors into the undisputed leaders in performance.

The Intel Core i3-2xxx line appeared a little later - as usual, the most expensive processors with the highest performance took the start, then processors with simplified functionality began to appear Core line i3, Pentium G and Celeron G. While the older processors have four processing cores, a powerful HD Graphics 3000 graphics core and a large amount of L3 cache, the Core i3 series processors are content with only two cores, the basic HD Graphics 2000 graphics core and a reduced size L3 cache.

For office use, this performance is more than enough, but in the case of a home computer, which performs both the functions of an inexpensive gaming machine and the functions of a home multimedia station, this may not be enough. And the main claims in in this case are presented specifically to the graphics subsystem, which is thoroughly cut down. Two processor cores are enough for a home computer that is not burdened with 3D modeling tasks or mathematical calculations, but the graphic component is much more important.

In the process of assembling or buying a new computer, a question always arises before users. In this article, we will look at Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, and also tell you what is the difference between these chips and what is better to choose for your computer.

Difference # 1. The 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 calculations for each actually existing physical core. Creation of two threads of computation for each core allows more efficient use of computing power processor core... Therefore, processors with Hyper-threading support have a certain performance advantage.

Core count and Hyper-threading support for most Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors can be summarized in the following table.

But, there are exceptions from this table.... First, there are Intel Core i7 processors from their Extreme line. These processors can have 6 or 8 physical processing 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. Second, there are some exceptions. mobile processors(laptop processors). So some mobile Intel Core i5 processors have only 2 physical cores, but at the same time they 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 below. If you are interested in the number of cores in a particular Intel processor, then it is better to check with official information on the site .

Difference # 2. The amount of cache memory.

Also, Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors differ in the amount of cache memory. The higher the processor class, the more cache memory it receives. Intel Core i7 processors get the most cache memory, Intel Core i5 processors get slightly less, and Intel Core i3 processors even less. Specific values ​​should be found in the characteristics of the processors. But for example, you can compare several processors from the 6th generation.

It should be understood that a decrease in the size of the cache memory is associated with a decrease in the number of cores and threads. But, nevertheless, there is such a difference.

Difference # 3. Clock frequencies.

Typically, higher-end processors come with higher clock speeds. But, everything is not so simple here. It is not uncommon for Intel Core i3 to have more high frequencies than Intel Core i7. For example, let's take 3 processors from the 6th generation line.

In this way, Intel tries to keep the performance of Intel Core i3 processors at the desired level.

Difference No. 4. Heat dissipation.

One more important difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, this is the heat dissipation rate. A characteristic known as TDP or thermal design power is responsible for this. This characteristic tells you how much heat should be removed by the processor cooling system. Let's take the TDP of three 6th generation Intel processors as an example. As you can see from the table, the higher the processor class, the more heat it produces and, the more powerful system cooling is needed.

It should be noted that TDP has a downward trend. With each generation of processors, the TDP is getting lower. For example, the TDP of the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor was 95 W. Now, as we can see, only 65 watts.

Which is better than Intel Core i3, i5 or i7?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of performance you want. The difference in the number of cores, threads, cache memory and clock speeds creates noticeable difference in performance between Core i3, i5 and i7.

• The Intel Core i3 processor is a great 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 worker or gaming computer. Modern Intel Core i5 can easily cope with any video card, so on a computer with such a processor you can play any games, even on 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 video or conducting game streams.

In 2010, Intel introduced new trade marks processors - Core i3, i5, i7... This event was confusing for many users. And all because the goal of the company was completely different - it wanted to offer more quick way identification of models of low, medium and high levels... Intel also wanted to convince users that the Intel Core i7 is much better than the same i5, and this, in turn, is better than the i3. But this does not give an exact answer to the question, which processor is better, or what is the difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors?

But there are still other differences that we will talk about.

Key points

Some users believe that the names i3, i5 and i7 are related to the number of cores in the processor, in fact, this is not the case. These brands are randomly selected by Intel. Therefore, the chips of all these processors can have either two or four cores. There are more powerful models, for desktop computers that have more cores and surpass other processors in many respects.

So what are the differences between these three models?

Hyper-Threading

When processors were still in their infancy, they all had a single core executing just one set of instructions, namely a thread. The company was able to increase the number of computational operations by increasing the number of cores. Thus, the processor could execute more work per unit of time.

The next goal of the company is to increase the optimization of such a process. To do this, they created the technology Hyper-Threading allowing a single core to execute multiple threads at the same time. For example, we have a processor with a 2-core chip that supports Hyper-Threading technology, then we can consider this processor as a four-core.

Turbo Boost

Previously, processors worked at one clock frequency, which was set by the manufacturer, in order to change this frequency to a higher one, people were engaged in overclocking (overclocking) processor. This type of activity requires special knowledge, without which, you can cause colossal damage to the processor or other computer components in a couple of moments.

Today, everything is completely different. Modern processors equipped with technology Turbo Boost, which allows the processor to operate at a variable clock speed. Thus, the energy efficiency and operating time of, for example, laptop and other mobile devices are improved.

Cache size

Processors usually work with big amount data. The operations performed can be different in volume and complexity, but it often happens that the processor needs to process the same information several times. To speed up this process, and especially the processor itself, such data is stored in a special buffer (cache memory). Therefore, the processor can retrieve such data almost instantly, without unnecessary load.

The amount of cache memory in different processors is calculated differently. For example, in a low-end processor - 3-4 MB, and in higher-end models - 6-12 MB.

Of course, the more cache memory, the better and faster the processor will perform, but this instruction is not suitable for all applications. For example, photo and video processing applications will use large volume cache memory. Therefore, the larger the cache size, the more efficient the applications will be.

For basic tasks such as surfing the Internet or working in office software, the cache is not that significant.

Intel processor types

Now let's consider the types of processors, namely the description of each of them.

Intel Core i3

What is it suitable for: Normal, daily work with office applications watching the Internet and movies in high quality... For such processes, Core i3 is the best option.

Characteristic: This processor offers up to 2 cores and supports Hyper-Treading technology. True, it does not support Turbo Boost. Also, the processor has a fairly low power consumption, so such a processor is undoubtedly suitable for laptops.

Intel Core i5

What is it suitable for: More intense work, such as using video and photo editing programs, many modern games, at low, medium and sometimes high settings.

Characteristic: This processor is used as in conventional desktop computers and in laptops. Has 2 to 4 cores, but does not support Hyper-Treading, but supports Turbo Boost.

Intel Core i7

Characteristic: On this moment, this chip is the highest grade. Has both 2 and 4 cores and support for Hyper-Treading and Turbo Boost.

We have considered brief characteristics 3 types of processors, and now you can choose the optimal one for you.