Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7: Which One is Best for You?

Most of the people confuse the next-gen Intel Core with a better or a faster PC.  Yes, the processor does affect your machine’s performance, but just a faster processor won’t make your PC better than your friend’s who has an overall better configuration.

Two of the CPUs most often in contention are the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7. Discounting Core i3 (mainly found in budget systems) and AMD processors, the difference between Intel Core i5 and Core i7 can seem daunting, especially when the prices seem so close together once they’re in completed systems. Let’s see some features of the mobile Intel core processors.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel core i7:

Intel has launched a number of processors of both sets, so we will compare those chips’ specification to find out which one is better for you.

All of the Intel Core i5 processors are hyper threading dual-core processors. However, the latest 5th generation i5 processors have low Thermal Design Power (TDP) than its predecessors.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Cores:

Most of the Intel i7 core processors are hyper threading quad-core chips. 5th generation Intel i5 mobile core processors- however, are all dual core chips. The number of core processors affect the speed of the CPU. So, if you plan on buying any of the two Intel Cores, just choose the higher model number of the preferred generation for better performance.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Clock Speed:

Intel i7 has higher clock speeds than i5 core processors even when the TDP for both these CPUs is same.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Cache Difference:

The Intel i7 have the larger cache as compared to i5s. And well, more cache means easy multitasking. Mobile Core i7 have 6MB or 4MB cache, whereas the core i5 has 3MB on board memory. Only Intel Core i5-5350H has a 4MB cache memory.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Turbo Boost:

It is an overclocking feature built into its processors by Intel. In Turbo Boost feature, the processor runs faster than its base clock speed when only one or two cores are required. Both i5 and i7 processors use Turbo Boost where i7 achieve higher speeds comparatively.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Addressable Memory:

All the i5s and most of the i7 core processors are limited to 16 GB addressable memory. But, few Intel i7 chips like i7-5850HQ, 5950HQ, 5750HQ, and 5700HQ can address up to 32GB RAM, ultimately giving better performance.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Integrated Graphics:

These are the graphics integrated into the CPU rather than the motherboard. Both the i5 core and i7 core come with integrated Intel HD graphics in the Core processors. With time, Intel has advanced its integrated graphics. Intel core i7 has the latest Intel Iris Pro while i5 core comes with a variety of Intel HD integrated graphics.

Intel Core i5 vs Intel Core i7 | Pricing:

Now, one of the main factors that influence your choice of CPU is the cost. Of course, the i7 Core being the successor with better specs is costlier than Intel Core i5 processor.

So, to sum up, we can say Intel Core i5 is made for mainstream users who care about performance, and Intel Core i7 is made for enthusiasts and high-end users. If you are a normal mainstream user who cares about your Laptop’s overall performance, then i5 is the one- and if you are planning to have a blast with high-end gaming, video editing and lots of multitasking while running heavy software, then i7 would be worth the cost.

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