What's the difference between Core i3, i5 and i7 processors? Complete Guide

Introducing Intel Core

Intel Core processors are the most powerful. They have multiple cores for more power and smoother multi-tasking.

There are 3 main categories in Intel processors : the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7. Each has numerous spec options, but strictly speaking a Core i5 will be superior to a Core i3, and a Core i7 superior to a Core i5.

Understanding the Model Numbers and Cores

First, i7 does not mean a seven-core processor! These are just names to indicate relative performance.

Typically,All the Core i3 series has only dual-core processors, while the Core i5 and Core i7 series have both dual-core and quad-core processors. A core can be thought of as in individual processor. A dual-core processor, therefore has two internal processors, a quad-core model has four.

What is the difference between Intel Generations?

Each year the i3, i5 and i7 are updated. The 2017 updates are known as 7th generation; while last year’s was the 6th generation and so on. They tend to be more energy and heat efficient ,thus they improve battery timing by bit and also their temperature is more stable and cooler.

You can work out the generation of any processor by its serial number. Processor's generation is easily determined by number after hyphen. For example, we know the Intel Core i7-7820HQ is 7th gen because of the 7 that appears after the hyphen.

End Letters: U vs. Q. vs. H vs. K

U: Ultra Low Power. The U rating is only for laptop processors. These draw less power and are better for the battery.
Y: Low Power. Typically found on older generation laptop and mobile processors.
T: Power Optimized for desktop processors.
Q: Quad-Core. The Q rating is only for processors with four physical cores.
H: High-Performance Graphics. The chipset has one of Intel’s better graphics units in it.
K: Unlocked. This means you can overclock the processor above its rating.

Comparing Cores i3, i5, i7

Processor	Physical Cores	Cache Size	Hyper threading	Turbo Boost	K model
Core i3	2	3 MB	Yes	No	No
Core i5	2-4	3MB -6MB	No	Yes	Yes
Core i7	2-8	4MB -8MB	Yes	Yes	Yes

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is Intel's technology for creating two logical cores in each physical core. In other words, to your operating system it appears as though your CPU has double the number of cores than it really does.

In terms of performance, Hyper-Threading speeds up multi-tasking and multi-threaded applications. It's not as fast or as efficient as extra 'real' cores, but it's an improvement over a single Core. Core i3 and i7 processors have this technology, Core i5 processors do not.

If you want to know your proccessor specs and hyperthreading download cpu-z.

Turbo Boost

Turbo Boost is Intel's technology for automatically overclocking a processor, boosting its clock speed higher than the default setting. The CPU monitors its temperature and, when it's running cool enough, will apply the overclock. Core i5 and i7 CPUs have this technology, Core i3 models do not.

K Models

Any CPU that has a model ending with a K means that it the CPU is unlocked. This means that you can use BIOS settings to up the clock speed of the chip, overclocking it yourself. It is not recommended to over clock your CPU if not done correctly then can lead to many big issues.

Which one should I buy?

• Core i3: Basic users. Economic choice. Good for browsing the web, using Microsoft office, making video calls, and social networking. Not for gamers or professionals.
• Core i5: Intermediate users. Those who want balance between performance and price. Good for gaming if you buy an HQ processor or a Q processor with a dedicated graphics processor.
• Core i7: Professionals.If you do a lot of video editing, particularly 4K, or other processor-intensive tasks and high intense gaming.This is the best Intel can do right now.

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