Intel has presented the new hierarchy of its processors with three classes. The entry level processors are the core i3 series, mid level processors are core i5 series and high end ones are the core i7 processors. Let us see how these three processor lines differ in terms of technical specifications and performance.
Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7: Technical Specification
Let us begin with the core i3 line. Core i3 5xx (Clarkdale) series launched in January 2010 consists of three processors (i3-530, i3-540 and i3-550) with a clocking frequency ranging from 2933 MHz to 3200 MHz. All three processors have a 2x256 KB L2 cache, 4MB L3 smart cache with DMI (direct media interface) bus and are fitted with the new LGA 1156 socket. All three processors have two cores and an integrated GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) and are based on a 32 nm architecture which enables more transistors to be placed on a chip compared to the earlier 45 nm architecture.
The processors have two cores and four threads backed by Intel's hyperthreading and virtualization technology that enhances the multitasking ability of these chips. Hyperthreading is simultaneous multithreading ability. The Intel HD graphics technology offers great visual performance. All in all, the core i3 series is a great entry level chip that offers all that a home user needs including high quality 3D graphics and great multitasking ability. The price for all the chips is around $133. Other than these processors Intel has developed i3, i5 and i7 lines for mobile phones too.
Now let us move to the second part of our core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison and discuss the core i5 line of processors. This family of processors consists of three lines of processors which include the core i5 7xx, core i5 7xxS and core i5 6xx series. They have processor clocking frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 3.33 GHz which can be enhanced by Intel's new Turbo Boost technology. Some processors have 4 cores with 4 threads (core i5-7xx and core i5-7xxS Lynnfield series) and some with 2 cores and 4 threads (core i5- 6xx Clarkdale Series with hyperthreading disabled). Most have an 8MB L3 cache, with LGA 1156 socket, direct media interface and integrated GPU. All are enabled with Intel Turbo Boost technology, Intel HD graphics and Intel Smart Cache technology. Prices range from $176 to $256. Core i5 have the edge over the core i3 processors in terms of the Turbo Boost technology that makes them faster and powerful.
Let us now move towards the last part of the intel core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison and discuss the core i7 processor family. The core i7 family of processors are built to outperform. They consist of eight different series of processors. Dubbed by Intel to be 'The Best Processors On the Planet', these are quad core processors with 8 threads with clocking frequencies touching 3.06 GHz which can be enhanced to 3.33 GHz with Intel's Turbo Boost and Hyperthreading Technology.
With 8 MB of smart cache which reaches 12 MB in the Gulftown line, these processors are nothing short of phenomenal. With 3 channels of DDR3 1066 MHz memory that is backed by an integrated memory controller and Intel's QuickPath Interconnect technology (that enables upto 25.6 GB/Sec of data transfer speed), the core i7 processors are simply unbeatable. The prices range from $320 to $1000.
Core i3 Vs i5 Vs i7: Performance
In terms of performance, if you make a core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison, the graph rises higher as you go from the i3 line, through the i5 line towards the core i7 line. Core i3 is a great entry level processor that offers high definition graphics and 3D capabilities and ensures that multitasking wouldn't take a toll on computer speed. This is the default pick for home users with desktop computers.
The core i5 line is speedier and more powerful than the i3 line offering all that the i3 series offers and yet goes beyond in terms of performance. The Turbo Boost technology along with hyperthreading technology enables two different tasks to be handled by two different processors which increases processing speed. They are the best processors for laptops with a high level of multitasking needs.
A core i5 vs core i7 comparison reveals that the i7 lines are simply miles ahead of the two other processor lines. The i3 vs i5 vs i7 benchmark tests reveal core i7 processors to be the clear winners. The i7 line has an inherent advantage provided by the four cores. A quad core vs dual core comparison will reveal the edge that more cores give a processor. You can develop 3D games and images, go for video editing and get an unparalleled gaming experience. Core i7 line places phenomenal computing power at your fingertips.
Hope this straightforward core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison has cleared any doubts you had about these new processor lines developed by Intel. Opt for core i3 processors if you are a home user with graphic intensive application usage and mainly multimedia use. Core i5 processors are for people who want to go for intensive gaming and run heavy programs. The top of the line core i7 processors are best for people who want to go for intensive multitasking and are designed for computers that have to function as web servers or database servers, video editing workstations or developer workstations. They are designed for business use. However, all depends on how much are you willing to pay for a new laptop or desktop. If you can afford it, why not go for a top of the line processor of the core i7 line? The decision is yours of course. Choose any processor from any line but my personal recommendation would be to go for the mid level core i5 series, which is cost effective, reasonably priced and offers real value for your money!
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