i5 Vs i7: Which Intel Processor is Better for You

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated January 5, 2025

A complete tutorial on i5 vs i7 with features and comparison to help you decide which processor is better for you while choosing a computer:

The CPU type is one of the most crucial considerations when buying a new desktop or laptop computer. Two of the most frequently debated CPU families in mainstream computers are the Intel Core i5 and Core i7.

That makes it challenging to decide because there are many similarities between the two lines. If you’re considering using an Intel CPU, it’s simple to become perplexed by the distinctions between the Core i5 vs i7 models because they are so similar.

Which one, an i5 or an i7, is better for you? Obviously, the two most crucial considerations when choosing a computer are your budget and your intended usage of it.

i5 vs i7 – Understand the Key Differences

Which Processor is Better for You, i5 or i7

Given how little there can be in terms of pricing between the Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs, it’s challenging to tell the difference between the two. Making an informed decision when buying a new CPU will be easier if you have a basic understanding of Intel’s naming practices.

We’ll concentrate on the most crucial features of both processors in this article.

Intel i5 Processor

Because of the included Intel Turbo Boost Technology, an Intel Core i5 can handle demanding apps, games, and high-resolution audio and video files more swiftly.

With up to four threads per core and two to four core options, the Intel Core i5 is available in a variety of configurations. The processor can run at speeds of up to 6 MB per second between 1.50 GHz and 3.10 GHz.

Thermal design power might range from 15 watts and below. Some of the most recent Core i5 CPU models also include Intel OS Guards, Intel Platform Protection Security, and memory error correction (ECC).

These characteristics make secure booting possible, which also guards against BIOS attacks.

Secure booting

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Core i5 Features

  • The ability to work with integrated memory is a feature of i5 CPUs, which enhances application performance.
  • The i5 processors have a high-performance rate, and it boosts the memory speed up to 1333 MHz. As a result, it can operate at 3.6 GHz, the maximum CPU speed.
  • The i5 Processor’s turbo technology enables you to increase the computational systems’ operating speed.
  • The 64-bit architecture used by the I5 processor gives users solid performance.

Advantages

  • It features a quick processing rate that enables the system to operate at 3.6 GHz, which is its maximum CPU speed.
  • The device also has turbo technology, which enables you to speed up the operation.
  • Its 64-bit architecture ensures stable performance.

Disadvantages

  • Because high data visualization technology is not supported, users cannot view high-quality photos and video graphics.
  • More recent motherboards are needed.
  • The i5 processor can be harmed by higher voltages.

Intel i7 Processor

The fastest Intel CPU for consumer-level devices is the Core i7. The Intel Corei7 incorporates Intel Turbo Boost Technology, the same as the Core i5.

The Intel Core i7 has two to six cores and supports up to 12 concurrent threads. This processor has a RAM cache of 4–12 MB and operates at speeds ranging from 1.70 GHz to 3.90 GHz. Intel Core i7 CPUs have a Thermal Design P ower (TDP) that ranges from 130 watts to 15 watts.

The Intel Core i7 processor supports Error Correction Code (ECC) memory, Intel Platform Protection Security, and Intel OS Guards.

In order to provide a secure boot and stop attacks, these measures safeguard the BIOS.

i7 Processor

Core i7 Features

  • Complete support 64-bit processing.
  • Embedding 4 Cores (latest Core i7 processor incorporates 6 cores).
  • Support technology in multiple threads.
  • 8MB L3 cache, 1MB L2, and.
  • Virtualization technology with streamed SIMD instructions and improved Intel SpeedStep Technology (MMX).
  • Capacity for overclocking.

Advantages

  • Processing is completed quite quickly.
  • Four cores make it feasible to run software that demands a lot of calculations while providing a robust cooling system.
  • Offer high-definition photos and video graphics to users through high-data visualization.
  • Digital artists and gamers will adore this CPU.

Disadvantages

  • Expensive Processor.
  • Power consumption is excessive when compared to other processors.
  • Users who are upgrading from DDR2 memory will require a new motherboard because i7 CPUs can only work with DDR3 memory.
  • Since a few pieces of software require multi-threading, average users won’t notice much of a performance boost.

Differences: Intel Core i5 Vs i7 Processor

For online browsing, light productivity tasks, and gaming, Core i5 processors are excellent all-rounders. The best Core i7 CPUs for consumers running demanding programs and games at high settings are those with a higher power.

There is not much overlap between the Core i5 and Core i7. There are no architectural differences between Core i5 and i7, yet upgrading from Core i3 to i5 provides you with Turbo Boost (the ability to enhance clock speed for important activities).

In comparison to the i5, the i7 features quicker base clock speeds and faster turbo boost speeds. That makes the i5 mainstream and the i7 enthusiast.

i5 or i7

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Comparison Table: i5 vs i7 Processor

Name i5i7
Cores2 or 44
Cache Size3MB-6MB4MB-8MB
Clock Speed1.2-3.6 GHz1.3-3.5 GHz
PerformanceMid-levelHigh level
Hyper-ThreadingNot PossiblePossible
SocketLGA 1156, rPGA-9884, or BGA-988A.LGA 1156, rPGA-9884, or BGA-988A.

Suggested Reading =>> Compares top i7 Windows Laptops

i5 vs. i7 on Desktop

With the exception of a few early Intel CPUs, i5 processors have typically been unable to do hyper-threading. There were more threads on the more expensive i7s and i9s.

However, in order to compete with AMD’s Ryzen chips and maintain its market leadership, Intel decided to reduce hyper-threading to i5s and even i3s in its 10th-generation desktop CPUs.

The first desktop series of the 12th generation of Alder Lake was constructed on the 10nm node. From the 14nm architecture that has been in use for seven years, this was a welcome departure.

#1) Performance and Efficiency

Using a combination of performance and efficiency cores, the new generation of CPUs can be configured in unusual ways, such as 12-core or 8P + 4E processors, which feature eight performance cores and four efficiency cores. However, efficiency cores are only present in the more expensive K-series and i7 and i9 processors.

Currently, the i5-12600K, i5-12600, i5-12500, and i5-12400 are the four major i5 CPUs. The 12600K is at the top of Intel’s i5 series, while the 12400 is at the bottom because each step down is a little worse.

#2) Versions

There are numerous variations of each of these machines. Consider 12600K as an example; it can be overclocked. You can’t, but 12600 isn’t. Graphics are not included with the 12400F.

You can determine the capabilities of the processor using the suffix. In our CPU purchase guide, we discuss Intel’s naming convention and how to choose the appropriate one.

CPUs with the 12600K model may operate at up to 150W. 10 cores and 16 threads are present. It has a 125W TDP. This processor’s E-cores offer base clock speeds of 2.80GHz and peak speeds of 3.60GHz.

The base and boost clocks for the P-cores are 3.7GHz and 4.9GHz, respectively. 12600K is a great CPU for gaming and can run applications like Photoshop and Premiere if it meets these specifications.

Just like there are various Core i5 CPU kinds, there are various Core i7 processor types as well.

#3) Price Range

When purchasing a desktop, check for the 12700K. If you decide to purchase one, the 12700F will be the least expensive option while still offering excellent performance. It is also the most popular chip and can be overclocked.

Compared to the 12600K, the 12700K has more power. P-cores have a base clock speed of 3.60GHz and a boost frequency of 4.90GHz, while E-cores have a base clock speed of 2.7GHz.

It has 20 threads and 12 cores. Intel’s Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for this processor enables you to overclock it to 5GHz. The processor can use a lot more power if you push it or if you unlock its power constraints in the BIOS to reach higher clock rates. It is rated for a TDP of 125 watts and a Turbo TDP of up to 190 watts.

To Sum Up

The i5-12600K is the best desktop computer currently available in our opinion since it offers decent value and has sufficient power for light work and gaming. The i7-12700K is the best option if you need additional speed.

Both of these chips run extremely hot, therefore a strong cooler is required to protect them from overheating. It’s important to remember that Intel modified the CPU socket for the 12th generation.

This means that in addition to a new motherboard, a new cooler or mounting system may also be required in order to accommodate the new LGA 1700 socket, which includes holes for 78mm-by-78mm-sized holes.

i5 vs. i7 on the Laptop

Two new laptops in the 12th-generation Alder Lake range are the Alder Lake-U and Alder Lake-P. For laptops with great performance, choose Alder Lake-H.

Two distinct i5 CPUs, one for the Alder Lake-P series and the other for the Alder Lake-S series, are available for people who want their laptops to be quick and light.

They both have 12 cores and 16 threads, with the Iris Xe graphics having a better performance.

The Alder Lake-U series, which is for laptops that are slender and light and have a reduced TDP, comes in four different versions. This series includes the i5-1230U, i5-1235U, and 1240U variants. These chips are distinct from one another due to the P-Core and E-various Core’s clock rates.

Similar to the Core-i7, the Core-i7 has a wide range of models under the Alder Lake-P and Alder Lake-U series. The three powerful models are the i7-1260P, i7-1270P, and i7-1280P.

They are all very powerful people. The base and turbo boost clock rates of the first two processors’ 12 cores and 16 threads are different.

#1) Performance and Efficiency

1280P offers superior performance thanks to its additional two performance cores, increased thread count, higher turbo boost clock speed, and improved cache.

Intel has CPUs called Alder Lake-H that can run things like video games and music outside of ultra-thin and light laptops. These chips, which begin with the letter “H” and stand for high performance, are typically seen in gaming laptops.

#2) Versions

The Core i5 and Core i7 series each have three models. The i5-12450H is at the bottom of the list with 12 threads. It has an octa-core (4E + 4P) arrangement with 12 threads and performance cores with a peak turbo clock speed of 4.4GHz.

The i5-12500H and i5-12600H, our next processors, both offer a tonne of power.

The Iris Xe graphics include additional Execution Units (EU), a better cache, and a lot more threads and cores (12). On the Iris Xe graphics, the 12650H has 10 cores, 16 threads, and 64 execution units.

12700H and 12800H both have 14 cores, 20 threads, and additional graphics execution units. The three Core i7s don’t differ significantly in terms of clock speeds.

#3) Price Range

Core i7 CPUs are typically much more expensive than other types of CPUs, similar to desktop processors. In the identical configuration, a Core i7 processor can cost $300 to $400 more than a Core i5 processor.

A 12th-generation i7 is an excellent option if you have more money because a higher clock speed is better. I7-1280P: This processor has a faster boost clock speed but uses the same amount of power as the I5-2550.

As a result, it is perfect for high-performance small and light laptops that require a lot of power yet don’t want to be bulky.

To Sum Up

The Core i5s are still excellent in spite of this. They perform well in the midrange while consuming less power.

It’s also important to mention Intel’s older Tiger Lake CPUs. The newer Iris Xe graphics were a significant upgrade over the previous Intel UHD, even though they were produced using the same 10nm process as the more recent Alder Lake processors.

Alder Lake and Tiger Lake CPUs perform similarly in terms of general computing performance, though. A Tiger Lake CPU would be a more cost-effective option than an Alder Lake substitute.

i5 vs i7 – Comparison Based on Gaming

When it comes to gaming, the Core i5-3450 performs 10% worse than the Core i7-3770k.

Crysis at 1080p ran at 81.6 frames per second on the i5-3450 and 86.7 frames per second on the i5-3550. The i7-3770K ran at 89.3 frames per second.

For those who enjoy gaming or editing videos, the larger HQ series laptops with quad-core Core i5 or Core i7 CPUs are the best (for example: Core i7-7700HQ).

The Core i7 CPUs in those series can manage eight threads, as opposed to the Core i5 versions’ four. This might make them faster than the U series chips, whose performance was significantly different.

Price

Four-core Intel Core i5-3470 Quad-Core processors are available for $197. An Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop processor with six cores and 4.1 GHz Turbo speed is available for $143.50, however it lacks graphics. A desktop processor with six cores and 2.90 to 4.1 gigahertz speeds, such as the Intel Core i5-9400, costs $167.

Contrarily, the Intel Core i7 9700K Desktop processor costs around $300 and comes with eight cores that can run at a maximum clock speed of 4.9 GHz.

The Intel Core i7-9700 is offered in a desktop configuration for $268. For a Core i7 processor from an earlier generation, the Intel Core i7-3770 Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core costs roughly $150.

Intel i5 vs i7 – FAQs

Q #1) What exactly is an i5 processor?

Answer: The Intel Core i5 processor is a 64-bit and x86 processor with dual and quad cores. Although it lacks hyper-threading technology, this mid-level Intel I series chip may have Turbo Boost to ensure faster results.

Q #2) What is the i7 processor?

Answer: The faster processing speed and enhanced gaming performance that come with the new 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor are welcome additions to any PC.

As a result of the high number of cores and threads, you can keep the processor’s clock speed constant. Its Turbo boost feature allows you to increase the i7 processor’s base clock speed even further, making it the best option for gamers.

Q #3) Is Intel’s Core i5 processor old-fashioned?

Answer: It most certainly isn’t. There are many laptops and desktop computers have an i5 processor that can handle intensive gaming and video editing.

Even though the latest Core processors, such as the i7 processor, have more cores, thread counts, and hyper-threading technology, the i5 processor has a long way to go before it is declared obsolete.

Q #4) Is the i7 superior to the i5?

Answer: Yes, the i7 processor is superior to the i5 model. The i7 processor’s best feature is that it includes the most useful hyper-threading technology.

Q #5) What is the benefit of the i7 over the i5?

Answer: The most important benefit of i7 processors is that they include hyper-threading technology, which allows for faster computing.

If you want to do intensive tasks like video and graphics editing, data crunching, and gaming, it’s better than an i5. It has a much faster clock speed and a larger cache.

Also Read =>> Comparing the top External Graphics Cards

Q #6) Is it worth upgrading from i5 to i7?

Answer: The i5 CPU excels at everyday processing, while the i7 performs better under more taxing conditions. Although it’s fantastic if the i5 could handle your present processing needs, think about how it will perform in the future, especially for gaming. You might avoid having to purchase a new computer by upgrading to the i7 processor.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

It’s critical to keep in mind that the Core i5 CPU is designed with consumers on a tight budget with performance in mind. On the other side, the i7 is usually only used by serious gamers and enthusiasts.

So what makes an i5 appealing? They are a well-liked option for desktop and laptop computers alike because of their reduced cost and wide usage. The i5 is a fantastic option for online browsing and light software applications.

If you frequently use Adobe Suite or intend to play demanding games, the Core i7 would be a better choice.

Whatever processor line you decide on, there are many variations available to meet a variety of needs and price ranges. The i5 is ideal for gaming, though, because it doesn’t use Hyper-threading, while the i7 is best for multitasking, in the end.

Have you made your decision?

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