Core i7 Vs. Quad Core. How many cores does an i7 have

The Core i7-9700KF desktop processor is the fastest “Core i7” processor on the market. According to cpu.userbenchmark.com, the Core i7-9700KF is the 14th most powerful processor.

Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7: Which CPU Should You Buy?

Confused by the differences between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors? Here’s what you need to know in layman’s terms and what processor to buy.

The processor is the brain of a computer, but understanding the difference between processors takes a lot of your mind. Unfortunately, Intel has a confusing naming scheme and the most frequently asked question is: What is the difference between i3, i5, or i7 processors? Which processor should i buy?

Time to demystify that. Read on to find out about the difference between Intel Core i5 and Core i7, is Core i3 good, and whether you should buy Intel Core i9.

The Differences Between Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3

Intel Core i7 is better than Core i5 which in turn is better than Core i3. The trouble is knowing what to expect at each level. Things go a little deeper.

First of all, Core i7 is not a seven-core processor! These are just names that indicate relative performance.

The older Intel Core i3 series only had dual-core processors, but the newer generations have a mix of dual-core and quad-core processors.

A similar story applies to older Intel Core i5 processors. Older generations of Intel Core i5 processors had a mix of dual-core and quad-core processors, but later generations typically have a quad-core or even six-core (six) configuration, as well as faster overclocking than the Core i3.

The latest generations of Intel Core i7 processors include quad-core, six-core and eight-core (eight) configurations. Again, Intel Core i7 processors outperform their Core i5 counterparts and are significantly faster than Core i3 core processors.

Quad-core is usually better than dual-core, six-core better than quad-core etc, but this isn’t always accurate depending on your CPU generation – more on these differences in a moment.

Intel releases “families” of chipsets called generations. At the time of this writing, Intel has released the 11th generation series called Rocket Lake. Each family, in turn, has its own line of processors from the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 series. The latest generations of processors are at a different level than Core i7, Intel Core i9.

The Intel Core i9 series is a line of Intel products with extreme performance. Most Core i9 processors are octa-core and have very high clock speeds, so they can run at a very high level for a long time. They can also come with a larger CPU cache than their counterparts for higher overall performance.

How to Tell Which Intel CPU Generation Is Which?

You can tell which generation the processor belongs to from the first digits of the four- or five-digit model name. For example, Intel Core i7-11700K belongs to the 11th generation.

For a long time, a useful rule about Intel processor model names was that the remaining three digits were Intel’s evaluation of how the processor compares to others on its own line. For example, Intel Core i3-8145U is better than Core i3-8109U because 145 is higher than 109.

This rule still applies, but is not always as easy to follow as it used to be, as there are several other product line modifiers that can be found in the model number. However, “The higher SKU under identical processor brands and generations will generally have more features,” according to Intel’s naming conventions guide.

Moreover, this change is another reason why it is advisable to compare processors between generations using the model number alone as Intel is making fixes.

This is a great way to get extra CPU performance, so what do you need to keep in mind here, and is overclocking worth it in this scenario?

Basic Processor Elements

The computer processor is controlled by three basic units: an input / output unit, also known as an I / O; control unit; and a set of arithmetic logic units, also known as ALUs. The I / O controls the information coming in and out of the processor. The control unit takes care of the event taking place inside the processor. And ALUs do all intelligent things like calculations. An ALU can process instructions very quickly, but can only execute one instruction set at a time. It is important to understand ALUs as they are at the heart of multi-core processing.

Since ALUs can only do one thing at a time, you can improve processing efficiency by adding more ALUs. If you have two ALUs on your CPU, you can do twice as many. This is called multiprocessing. Now imagine you have more than one CPU and each CPU has two ALUs. This is multi-core computing. Dual core processors can do four things at once. So naturally, a quad-core processor means you can do four things at once. If more cores mean more processes, you may be wondering why computers just don’t have hundreds of them. For the same reason you don’t just run a hundred times faster than you normally would. You were hot and tired. Computers are getting hot and tired too. To compensate for all the extra effort,more power and cooling capacity should be added. Some computers (especially servers) have more than four cores, but they are usually bulky, expensive, and require additional technology to keep them operational. However, the advancement of technology is constant, and engineers will always find ways to improve the performance of a computer, with or without additional cores.

Intel i7 Quad-Core Processors

Intel has named its quad-core i7 series and there are actually quite a few processors to choose from. As of October 2012, the i7 Extreme models are PC top models and are designed with hardcore gaming and graphics processing in mind. The difference with the i7 Extreme versions is the clock speed. The higher the clock frequency, the better the performance. Most i7 Extreme computers have four cores. However, there are a few models that have six. These models also have larger caches. If your CPU isn’t listed as an i7 Extreme but just says i7, it’s likely quad-core with a slightly slower clock and smaller caches than Extremes. They are still capable processors for multimedia tasks.

AMD is the second widely known name for processors. It has a line of quad-core processors like AMD Phenom and Dragon. The choice is small, but AMD puts a lot of effort into all-round proficiency, not just the number of cores. If you find a PC with an AMD processor, even if it’s listed as dual-core, check the rest of the system specs as AMD has likely enhanced graphics technology or software acceleration or other enhancements to make performance comparable to Intel i7 processors.

Cheryl A. Frost holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and Linguistics from Georgia Southern University with a specialization in Technical Communication. For 10 years he has been an author of technical texts, specializing in IT infrastructure, security and networks. Her recreational interests include robotics, computer programming, and general technology.

In the ninth generation of Intel processors, the successor of the 8700K was devoid of hyper-threading technology. While the 9700K still outperforms most of the CPUs in Intel’s lineup, the line has lost one of its best features (hyper-threading) and the only reason we can think of to justify it was to help sell the flagship i9-9900K.

Intel Core i7 9th Generation

You can check all 9th ​​Gen Intel Core i7 processors here.

9 is the latest generation released in Q2 2019

8 cores / 8 threads; 3.60 GHz to 4.90 GHz max turbo frequency / 12MB cache; Compatible only with motherboards based on the Intel 300 Series chipset

8 cores / 8 threads; 3.60 GHz to 4.90 GHz / 12M Cache; Compatible only with motherboards based on the Intel 300 Series chipset

8 cores / 8 threads; Up to 4.7 GHz; Discrete graphics required; Compatible with motherboards with the Intel 300 Series chipset

8 cores / 8 threads; Up to 4.7 GHz. Scalability – only 1S; Compatible with motherboards with the Intel 300 Series chipset

Key Notes :

the 9th generation is the first i7 generation offering 8 cores in the processor. It is also the first generation processor to support Hyper Threading technology. Basically 8-core processors do not support hyper-threading. Previously, all Core i7 generations had the hyper-threading feature.

There are currently no energy-efficient mobile processors or low TDP processors. All currently offered processors are characterized by high performance.

In laptops, these processors can be found in workstation-class laptops like the Dell Latitude 5000 or gaming laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad L340.

The Core i7-9700KF desktop processor is the fastest “Core i7” processor on the market. According to cpu.userbenchmark.com, the Core i7-9700KF is the 14th most powerful processor.

However, compared to the flagship Core i7-8086K of the previous generation, it is only 2% better in overall performance.

Core i7-9700KF (left) versus Core i7-8086K (right)

The Core i7-9850H is the fastest i7 processor available for laptops. It is 9% better than the 8th generation Core i7-8550H.

Intel Core i7 8th Generation

You can check out all 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors here.

This generation was first released in the third quarter of 2017, however most of them were released in 2018 as well as in 2019.

6 cores / 12 threads; 4.00GHz to 5.00GHz Max Turbo / 12MB Cache; Compatible only with motherboards based on the Intel 300 Series chipset

6 cores / 12 threads. Intel UHD 630 graphics; 3.20GHz to 4.60GHz max turbo frequency / 12MB Cache.

Key Notes :

The eighth generation Core i7 has a maximum of 6 cores, as opposed to the 8 cores in the ninth generation Core i7 processors.

However, all eighth generation processors have hyperthreading enabled. Therefore, this generation has a maximum of 12 threads.

It is also the first generation to deviate from the usual quad-core configuration of Core i7 processors. It is the first generation to offer more than 4 cores.

The most powerful processor in this generation of desktops is the Intel Core i7-8086K processor.

The most powerful laptop processor of this generation is the Core i7-8700B.

U-marked processors are reserved for energy-efficient machines such as Ultrabooks, convertible laptops, and other compact and portable devices. These processors can also be used in many popular laptops.

“G” processors are high-performance processors that are equipped with a powerful integrated AMD Vega graphics card. In terms of performance, the Core i-8706G is better than the 7th generation Core i7-7920HQ processor.

The “Y” series processors are the weakest processors, but they are found in most compact devices such as tablets. They are passively cooled and therefore have the lowest TDP.

Intel Core i7 is better than Core i5 which in turn is better than Core i3. The trouble is knowing what to expect at each level. Things go a little deeper.

What Are the Different Types of Intel Core Processors for Desktops?

There are currently four basic types of Intel Core processors that business consumers may encounter:

• Core i3: This low-cost model, usually sold with dual or quad-core processors, is great for single-threaded tasks such as web browsing and basic office software.
• Core i5: Earlier mid-range Core i5 versions had four CPU cores, but newer models like the Rocket Lake-S line now include six cores and 12 CPU threads, making them efficient options for intense graphics and esports workloads.
• Core i7: Modern Core i7 variants have as many as eight cores and 16 threads. Core i7s are turbo boost capable, giving you access to additional CPU power when needed. Software development and video editing are two kinds of tasks that can benefit from Core i7 or better.
• Core i9: The Core i9 made a splash in the desktop market with the 2018 i9-9900K release, the first i9 processor for consumer platforms. Most Core i9 models have 8 cores, but the X-series processor line offers models with as many as 18 cores.

Quijano notes that Intel’s premium line of desktops stand out when maximum capability is paramount – and can be scaled beyond the Core series. Many entertainment and data science professionals, he says, prefer the Xeon processor line, which in its latest iteration can have as many as 56 cores and run in multiprocessor configurations. Apple’s Mac Pro is an example of how Xeon works.

“There is always a level of performance and expandability that can only be achieved with a powerful desktop or stationary workstation,” says Quijano. “And if you can’t take this system with you, we support technologies that enable you to access it remotely quickly and securely from your mobile workstation.”

Desktop buyers should determine if integrated graphics are required; Core processors can be purchased with or without graphics embedded in the chip, which can eliminate the need for an additional graphics processing unit (GPU) depending on the workload. Buyers should also consider the power consumption of each chip, which typically requires a larger cooling mechanism as the CPU line expands.

What Are the Different Types of Intel Mobile Processors?

Mobile versions of Intel Core processors also comply with the conventions i3 / i5 / i7 / i9. But there are differences between them, and the main distinguishing feature is power consumption. Intel produces three main lines of mobile processors:

• Y Series: Also known as Core M series, Y series is designed to handle very low power consumption (less than 10 watts) starting with Core m3 and ending with Core m7. A notable model that uses Y-series processors is the Google Pixelbook Go, Chromebook.
• U-series: Perhaps the most popular chip used in modern laptops, U-series processors consume an average of 15 watts of power, making them a good option for balancing power consumption and thickness. These processors are typically sold as the i3, i5, and i7 models. Microsoft Surface is a good example of a computer with a U-series processor.
• H-series: These processors draw the most power of a mobile chip, providing the highest performance available in a portable configuration. H-series chips are considered the best mobile processors, and i7, i9, and Xeon processors are typically sold in the H-series models. Lenovo ThinkPad P1 and the HP ZBook line of laptops are two notable examples of machines with H-series processors.

Most modern mobile processors from Intel have integrated graphics, and the latest line of Tiger Lake processors provides a significant improvement with the Xe line of integrated graphics processors. (Depending on their needs, some users may, however, want something dedicated that offers an NVIDIA GPU.)

In addition to laptops, Intel’s line of mobile processors is a fundamental part of many small-scale computers, such as the proprietary Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC.

Intel releases “families” of chipsets called generations. At the time of this writing, Intel has released the 11th generation series called Rocket Lake. Each family, in turn, has its own line of processors from the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 series. The latest generations of processors are at a different level than Core i7, Intel Core i9.

Integrated Graphics

Integrated graphics are another notable feature that is present on most Intel desktop processor lines, and of course their high-end offerings are no different. However, since the latest i7 and i9 processors use Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics, there is no detectable difference in graphics performance.

Of course, integrated graphics aren’t the top priority in gaming PCs anyway, but they can act as a good backup in case of GPU issues.

Bottlenecking

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: The GPU is the most important component of a gaming PC. That said, if you’re building a gaming PC, your main concern in choosing a CPU should be whether it’s fast enough to keep up with the GPU you’re targeting.

Namely, if the CPU is slower than the GPU, the GPU will not be fully utilized, and this is what we call a bottleneck. Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid significant bottlenecks by simply glancing at a bottleneck calculator like this one. Understandably, they cannot provide 100% accurate results, but they can offer a reasonable estimate.

Now, the newest i7 processors won’t have much trouble with even the most powerful GPUs available today, so the only reason you might want to go with the i9 for gaming is to want a lot of powerful GPUs.

And if the graphics card you plan to buy is a more modest option, perhaps the weaker i5 might offer better value for money.

It is also the first generation to deviate from the usual quad-core configuration of Core i7 processors. It is the first generation to offer more than 4 cores .

Intel Core i5 vs i7: What’s The Difference?

Until AMD’s recent triumphs in the marketplace, the i5 and i7 processor lines were the two most popular for gaming and general computing. These processors offer a wide range of possibilities at various levels of affordability, and are, by and large, a well-known name in the processor world.

In the ninth generation of Intel processors, the successor of the 8700K was devoid of hyper-threading technology. While the 9700K still outperforms most of the CPUs in Intel’s lineup, the line has lost one of its best features (hyper-threading) and the only reason we can think of to justify it was to help sell the flagship i9-9900K.

Since the i7 is designed for the PC enthusiast and high-end build enthusiast, it’s not surprising to see higher base clock speeds and some impressive boost options.

Core Concept

The processor core is the processor processor, referring to the times when each processor consisted of one core. Regular desktop processors now have two to sixteen cores, with each single core capable of coping with a different task.

A high percentage of 8th and 9th generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors contain at least four cores. For general computing use, four cores are probably considered the best performers – but even six-core processors are now readily available. The latest i5 models tend to have six cores – with the exception of the multi-threaded i5s used in laptops, which typically have four many later i5 and i7 models will have six cores, and the high-end models will ship with eight.

What’s The Cache?

In addition to faster clock speeds and extra cores, i7 processors typically also have large caches. Cache memory is memory built into the processor and helps the processor cope with tasks and access data faster. The larger the cache size, the better equipped you are to deal with multitasking, but it’s not the standout spec most take care of. The difference between the previous two generations of CPUs is only the size, with the Core i5 having 9MB of L3 cache and the i7 having 12MB.

Hyper-Threading

The main difference between the i5 and the i7 is the Hyper-Threading feature on the i7. Hyper-threading is a technology from Intel that increases the performance of the processor in multithreaded tasks. Hyper-threading makes it seem like a single core has been doubled, allowing each core to address two threads simultaneously. This technology is very useful when dealing with work that is highly dependent on multitasking, such as rendering.

Until the latest ninth-generation CPUs, the i7 models were equipped with Hyper-threading, while only i5 chips with fewer cores are available with this technology. Overall, a processor with Hyper-threading will be much more efficient than a processor without. If your overall computer use is all about multitasking, hyper-threading is probably a must for you. It’s not always easy to see the number of cores and threads in a processor, but you can go to our processor hierarchy to find more information and compare specs.

Turbo Boost

Turbo Boost is essentially Intel’s overclocking feature that automatically makes the CPU core run faster than its base clock speed. Regardless of the Intel processor you have, each of them will have a basic and increased clock speed. If you’re planning on overclocking, it’s important to note the speed of your boost clock and make sure you have adequate cooling for the job. How high your clock speed can be depends on the design of the chip and how long it can maintain the increased speeds.

So Which CPU is best for you?

This should be taken with a grain of salt, but overall, the Core i5 processor is geared towards a budget-driven mass that cares about performance. The i7, on the other hand, would be generally for enthusiasts or gamers with expensive platforms.

So why consider the i5? well, they’re generally cheaper and are some of the most popular CPUs on the market. For regular computer users who browse the web or use strange light applications, the i5 is almost perfect for your needs.

If you’re someone who works with demanding applications like Adobe Suite, or wants to play high-end games, the Core i7 might be a better option. Whichever line of processors you choose, you can expect a range of options to cover different needs and budgets, but the bottom line is: choose the i5 for gaming because games don’t use hyper-threading, and multi-tasking for the i7.

For a long time, a useful rule about Intel processor model names was that the remaining three digits were Intel’s evaluation of how the processor compares to others on its own line. For example, Intel Core i3-8145U is better than Core i3-8109U because 145 is higher than 109.

What’s best for your budget? The Core i5 or the Core i7?

Simply browsing Amazon’s price lists can reveal the average you need to pay for Core i5 and Core i7 processors.

Intel Core i5-3470 quad-core 3.2 GHz processor LGA 1155 quad-core costs around $ 197. The Intel Core i5-9400F desktop processor with 6 cores and 4.1 GHz Turbo without graphics costs $ 143.50. And the Intel Core i5-9400 desktop processor 6 Core 2.90GHz to 4.1GHz Turbo LGA costs $ 167.

On the other hand, an octa-core Intel Core i7 9700K processor for desktops up to 4.9 GHz Turbo costs around $ 300. An 8-core Intel Core i7-9700 processor for desktops up to 4.7 GHz costs $ 268. The older generation Core i7 processors – Intel Core i7-3770 3.4 GHz 4 quad-core processor costs around $ 150.

As you can see, everything else is equal, the Core-i7 processors gave a higher clock frequency, more threads and hence more performance for your CPU, but at a cost. The real question is, is the Core-i7 really worth it? How about buying a decent mid-range Core i5 and using the savings to buy a good GPU to go with your i5? Would this give better results when it comes to games?

Reasons for Picking the Core-i5

The most obvious reason is the amazing clock speed. With the Core-i7 9700 (KF), you can get up to 4.9 GHz thanks to the eight-core and eight-thread design. However, you’ll have to pay around $ 140 more compared to the same-gen Core-i5. Is the extra money worth it? Well, it’s up to you, the user. If you are a streamer who has to play games while being logged in to a streaming platform such as Twitch or Mixer, the extra cost may pay off for you as you play games and stream to streaming platforms at the same time.

Another main reason for choosing the Core-i7 is what gamers have been calling “the future” lately. As they say, the change is permanent. This is especially true of the gaming market. The technology will keep getting better and the games will require more and more powerful computers to run without losing FPS and at a decent level of graphics quality. This means that you have to constantly update your system to keep up with all these changes. So instead of buying new hardware all the time, it may make sense to invest the extra money and purchase a powerful CPU that should last for at least a couple of generations of gaming consoles.

Of course, the risk with this strategy is that the future is always uncertain. You don’t know what graphics cards will be released by companies such as AMD or NVidia and what their hardware requirements will be. Chances are that despite having a Core-i7, you will still have to change components in your hardware. Future security may not be as certain as it seems.