Intel i5 Vs i7: Top Full Differences [2022]

The debate between Intel i5 vs i7 has been going on for years, with no clear winner. Both processors have pros and cons, but which one is right for you? Here, we’ll break down the benefits of each processor so that you can make an informed decision.

Intel i5 vs i7: What’s The Difference?

Intel i5 vs i7 What's The Difference

Processors with the Core i5 model number are excellent all-around, capable of handling light work duties and online surfing and gaming. The more powerful Core i7 CPUs are recommended for customers who often use resource-intensive software and games.

There’s more to consider when choosing between a Core i5 and a Core i7. Everything you need to know about these two product lines has been compiled for desktop and mobile platforms. Intel’s most modern CPUs are what we’re utilizing. However, older processors from Intel’s prior generations are still readily available.

Core Concept

The term “CPU core” refers to a computer’s processor and dates back to the days when every computer had just one core. CPUs with two to sixteen cores are increasingly commonplace, and each one is capable of performing a distinct function.

Intel’s 8th and 9th generation Core i5 and i7 CPUs have at least four cores. Although six-core CPUs are already reasonably available, four cores are arguably the sweet spot for normal computer use. Apart from the multi-threaded i5s used in laptops, which normally have four cores, the most recent i5 machines have six cores. There will be up to eight cores available in the higher-end i5 and i7 machines shortly.

What’s The Cache?

Large caches are a common feature of i7 CPUs and the higher clock rates and more cores. Onboard memory, known as the cache, lets the processor perform tasks and quickly access data. The more suited you are for multitasking, the higher the cache size, although it isn’t a standout parameter that most people are concerned about.

The difference between the previous two generations of CPUs is only on size, with Core i5 boasting 9MB of L3 cache and i7 with 12MB.

Hyper-Threading

The Hyper-Threading capacity of the i7 is the primary distinction between the i5 and i7. A CPU may perform better on multithreaded activities using Intel’s hyper-threading technology.

To make it seem that an individual core has been doubled, each core may handle two threads simultaneously using hyper-threading. Work that needs many tasks at once, such as rendering, might benefit greatly from this new technological advancement.

In previous generations, only the i7 processors had Hyper-threading, whereas the i5 processors only had this feature. In general, a CPU with Hyper-threading is more powerful than one without.

Hyper-threading is necessary if you often use your computer for multitasking. It’s not always obvious how many cores and threads a CPU has, but you may compare CPU characteristics by visiting our CPU hierarchy.

Turbo Boost

Intel’s Turbo Boost is an overclocking function that automatically increases the CPU core’s clock speed. Each Intel CPU has a base and boost clock speed, regardless of the model. Consider your boost clock speed and make sure your cooling system is up to the task if you intend on overclocking your computer. The chip’s architecture and endurance at enhanced speeds determine how high your clock speed can go.

Quick Word On Integrated Graphics

The integrated graphics on Intel CPUs are the primary reason they power most laptops. A dedicated graphics card is unnecessary in a laptop that isn’t intended to be used for gaming. These workstations use Intel’s HD/UHD Graphics, sometimes known as integrated graphics.

Laptop users will appreciate the power savings from having the graphics built into the CPU. Conventional naming standards for integrated graphics function the same way Intel CPUs work, with higher numbers indicating greater performance. Though a dedicated graphics card is required if you want to play games at 1080p or higher, it’s worth mentioning.

Should You Purchase a Core i5 or a Core i7?

Should You Purchase a Core i5 or a Core i7

An ideal price/performance ratio is achieved by the i5 CPUs found in the middle ground. An i5 is more than enough for most users, and they can even compete in the gaming arena. Boost clock rates of up to 5GHz ( see more WLAN channels) are available on the latest i5 processors, with a maximum of 10 cores on desktops and 12 cores on mobile devices.

An i5 can run certain demanding apps, such as Adobe Premiere, but an i7 will give you more performance boost than a lower-end model. On top of that, the newest desktop i7s are capable of clock speeds over 5GHz. Even though an i5 may perform certain minor jobs, an i7 is recommended for video and audio editing.

To play games, surf the web, and experiment with software like Photoshop or Premiere, stay with an i5 processor (assuming you have a decent GPU backing it up). An i7 (or even an i9, if you’re working with motion graphics and conducting simulations) is recommended for those who often use professional apps.

i5 versus i7 On The Desktop

Intel’s i5 CPUs haven’t traditionally enabled hyperthreading, except in a few early models. The more costly i7s and i9s have a greater thread count, reserved for the more expensive models. With its 10th-generation Comet Lake and 11th-generation Rocket Lake desktop CPUs, Intel has reduced the amount of hyperthreading available to i5s and even i3.

For the first time in seven years, the 14nm architecture has been phased out in favor the 10nm node for the current 12th-generation Alder Lake series. There are various unusual configuration options, such as 12-core or 8P + 4E, which implies eight performance cores and four efficient cores — although only the higher-end K-series and i9 machines offer efficiency cores.

There are four primary models in terms of i5 processors: the i5-12600K, i5-12600, and 12500. Each level below is significantly worse. Thus the 12600K surpasses Intel’s existing i5 options, while the 12400 stands at the bottom.

These processors are available in a variety of configurations. When it comes to overclocking, the 12600K is unlocked, but that is not the case with the 12600. The 12400F does not have built-in graphics capabilities. You may derive the processor’s characteristics from the suffix. In our CPU purchasing guide, you can learn more about Intel’s naming convention.

Powered by a TDP of 125W, the 12600K has a maximum turbo of 150W, with ten cores and 16 threads. Compared to the P cores, the E cores have a base rate of 2.80GHz and a boost clock of 3.60GHz, whereas the P cores have a base clock of 3.37 and a boost clock of 4.9GHz These specifications make the 12600K a beast of a CPU for gaming and powerful enough to run Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

The Core i7 CPUs, like the i5s, are available in various configurations. Check out the 12700K when you’re looking for a desktop. However, the 12700F is expected to be the most widely accessible chip, and it allows overclocking, but it is also the most cost-effective.

As with the 12600K, the 12700K has more power. It features 12 cores and 20 threads, where the E-cores have a base clock speed of 2.7GHz, and a boosted rate of 3.80GHz; P-cores run on a base clock speed of 3.60GHz and a peak clock of 4.90GHz.

On top of that, Intel provides Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for this specific processor, which enables one to push it to 5GHz. A 125-watt thermal design power rating and a maximum turbo thermal design power rating of 190 watts are listed. However, the CPU can draw significantly more power when overclocked or if the BIOS power constraints are unlocked.

We think the i5-12600K is the best desktop processor currently on the market since it’s a great deal and has adequate power for gaming and light office work. Keep in mind that both of these chips are extremely hot, so you’ll need a high-quality cooler to get the most out of them.

Because of the new LGA 1700 CPU socket’s 78mm-by-78mm hole layout, new motherboards and CPU coolers will be required for the 12th-generation since Intel has modified the CPU socket’s pinout for compatibility.

i5 versus i7 On Laptops

Intel has introduced the Alder Lake-U and Alder Lake-P for thin and light laptops and Alder Lake-H for high-performance notebooks in its 12th generation Alder Lake series to cater to mobile devices.

Please be patient as we work our way through this lineup. For thin and light laptops, the Alder Lake-P series includes i5 processors, the i5-1250P, and i5-1240P. With 12 cores and 16 threads, the only change is the maximum frequency of the Iris Xe graphics.

The four versions in the Alder Lake-U series are the i5-1230U, i5-1235U, i5-1240U, and the i5-1245U, all designed for ultra-thin and light laptops with low TDP. Different P-Core and E-Core clock rates are found in all of these processors.

Alder Lake-P and Alder Lake-U variants of the Core-i7 are also available. The i7-1260P, i7-1270P, and i7-1280P are all high-performance variants. While the first two have 12 cores and 16 threads, their clock rates are different. It has a tiny advantage over the other two with two more performance cores, more threads, faster turbo boost clock rates, and a smarter cache on the 1280P.

Intel’s Alder Lake-H processors are available for devices other than ultraportable laptops. These chips are often seen in gaming laptops because of the “H” suffix, which stands for high performance. The Core i5 and Core i7 series each include three models.

With an octa-core (4E + 4P) configuration and 12 threads, the i5-12450H is last in line, clocked at a maximum turbo frequency of 4.4GHz on the performance cores.

There are two new i5-12500H processors, which feature more cores and threads (16 total), a smarter cache, and more execution units (EU) on Iris Xe graphics as you go up the ladder.

A 12-core and 16-thread configuration with 64 execution units on the Iris Xe graphics can be found in the 12650H, while more powerful 12-core and 20-thread configurations can be found in the 12700H and 12800H. There isn’t much of a difference between the three Core i7 processors regarding clock rates.

Core i7 CPUs are more costly than their desktop counterparts. A Core i7 processor may cost as much as $300 to $400 more than a Core i5 processor in an otherwise comparable XPS 13 setup.

An i7 with a higher turbo frequency is an excellent choice if you can afford it. High-performance thin and light laptops may benefit from using an Intel Core i7-1280P, which uses no more power than its i5-1250P counterpart but has a higher boost clock speed. Core i5s, on the other hand, provide good middle performance with reduced power consumption.

As a side note, don’t forget about Intel’s older Tiger Lake processors. Alder Lake processors have the same 10nm technology.

However, the Iris Xe graphics depart from the previous generation Intel UHD. If you’re looking to save money, you may choose to go with a higher-tier Tiger Lake CPU instead of an Alder Lake option since general compute performance isn’t substantially inferior.

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Conclusion

There are many benefits to upgrading from an Intel i5 to an i7 processor. The i7 is faster and more powerful, ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. It also supports faster memory speeds and can handle more data simultaneously, making it more efficient and responsive. Overall, the i7 is a significant upgrade from the i5 and is worth the investment for anyone who wants the best performance from their PC.