Updated June 22, 2023
Introduction to the Difference Between Core i5 vs Core i7
It is difficult for many customers to choose the processors from the distinct families of core i5 and core i7. Within each family, enormous processors are inbuilt with variable CPU clock rates at varied costs. The user chose the processor based on previous architectures, such as Broadwell or Haswell, to make it more complex. The customers are confused about selecting between core i5 and core i7. But the most similarities and variations among core i5 and core i7 are listed in this article, making it easy for the customers to choose their processors. In this topic, we will learn about Core i5 vs Core i7.
Head to Head Comparison Between Core i5 vs Core i7 (Infographics)
Below are the top 13 differences between the Core i5 vs Core i7.
Key Differences Between Core i5 vs Core i7
The differences between Intel’s key processors, core i5 and core i7, are more refined, and their budget level also falls on the same line. The processor can be reliable if the user places the right one in the right place.
1. The budget of the processor
The Core i5 system will be less costly than the Core i7 personal computer. But in all cases, compared to Apple, laptop to laptop, or current generation to the current generation, the Core i5 will have the same abilities and features. The Core i7 will be best for multitasking, high-end gaming, video editing, task creation, and similar works. The cost difference between the two will be slightly minimum, but it is worth it when purchasing the Core i7 since it is a bit more costly than the Core i5 but offers many features for advanced task execution.
2. Number of Cores
The software can narrow down as many cores as required for the CPU to perform its efficacy. Every core’s ability to manage more than one threat simultaneously is a bonus. The core i5 and core i7 CPU in laptops and desktops of the 9th and 8th generation have a minimum of four cores which mainstream users ponder. The late-model laptops with core i5 and core i7 have six-core chips that support ultra-high-end gaming when compared to eight-core chips of core i7. While the ultra-low-power laptops with core i5 and core i7 have only two chips, as in Acer Swift 5 model.
3. The model number for processors
The core i5 and core i7 of the 7th generation are older in some closeout system, and some budget-friendly personal computers are found, whereas, in the 8th and 9th generation, some new model PC is found. If it is not mandatory to get in deep with an advanced model and only wants to check on its performance with each generation, choose a processor with a model number that ends with U in both core i5 and core i7 as it supports hyper-threading.
4. Rapid word on cache
Core i7 processors have fast clock speeds and a large amount of cache to support the processor’s managing repetitive tasks or often accessed information more rapidly. If the user is computing spreadsheets, the CPU should not hold to reload the framework where the number is located. The information is stored in a cache, so the calculations are most prompt when any number is altered. The maximum size of the cache supports multitasking and background task verification when switched to another window. The size of the cache is not made or break speculation but iterates the benefits from generation to generation. In desktop processors, the CPU of Core i5 has 9MB of level 3 cache, whereas the Core i7 processor has 12MB.
5. Turbo Boost and Hyper-threading
Turbo boost is an overclocking attribute that Intel has built into its processor for many generations. It enables some cores to execute faster than the clock speed when only one or two core is needed. Both the processors use turbo boost, but core i7 achieves maximum clock speeds. Every chip possesses a rate base and boosts clock speed depending on the PC’s unique design and cooling to check its sustainability on the number of cores. Hyperthreading uses multithreading that makes the OS and applications think about the performance of the task. Hyper-threading can be incorporated in a few conditions like media creating, rendering, web surfing, and editing multimedia content.
So deliberating the requirements and selecting the appropriate processor makes a smarter decision. So the user should be aware of the number of cores, cost, cache process, understanding of the incorporated graphics, turbo boost, and hyper-threading.
Comparison Table
Now let’s draft the comparison between Core i5 and Core i7 in the table below.
| Key Attributes | Core i5 | Core i7 |
| Range of processor | It is a mid-range processor. | It is a high-end processor. |
| Number of cores | Core i5 has around two to four cores. | Core i7 has four cores. |
| Number of threads | It has four threads. | It has eight threads. |
| Hyperthreading | Core i5 supports hyperthreading and makes efficient use of it from the resources. | Core i7 supports hyperthreading for multitasking and high-end video games.
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| Working of Cache | Core i5 has allotted around 3 to 8MB of the cache. | Core i7 has allocated around 4 to 8MB of cache memory. |
| Turbo boosting | Core i5 has the feature of turbo-boosting. | Core i7 has the feature of turbo-boosting. |
| Clock frequencies | It supports 2.8 to 2.93 GHz. | It supports 2.66 GHz. |
| Maximum memory frequency | Core i5 has DDR3-1600. | Core i7 has DDR3-1333. |
| Codenames | The available code names are Lynnfield and Clarkdale. | Core i7 is available in code names such as Lynnfield. |
| Gaming | The Core i5 is a brilliant processor for mainstream users considering graphics, speed, and performance. It is good in tough gaming, also. | The Core i7 is a great processor designed mainly for higher-end users and enthusiasts. |
| Price | The price of a Core i5 is $196. | The price of core i7 varies from $284 to $562. |
| Process | The process of core i5 is available in 32nm. | The process of core i7 is available from 14nm to 45nm in various generations implemented by different codenames. |
| Graphics | Core i5 supports High definition quality. | Core i7 supports HD 650 to HD 3000 quality offered by different companies at varied generations. |
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This is a guide to Core i5 vs Core i7. Here we discuss the Core i5 and Core i7 key differences with infographics and a comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
