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Explore the Intel Core i3, i5, i7 – An Overview
Our journey with Intel Core Inside began in 2011, marking a robust evolution from the previous Core Duo series. With yearly upgrades in technology, manufacturing processes, and design, Intel has consistently delivered different generations of this lineup. The 6th generation, codenamed Skylake, promises exceptional performance, surpassing its predecessor, Broadwell.
In general, Intel Core i7 leads in both performance and cost, making it a prevalent choice for large computer systems, specialized graphic processing devices, and professional gamers. Core i5 strikes a balance between performance and price, catering to a wider range of devices, while Core i3 finds its place in budget-friendly devices with modest configurations.
Unlike the past, where clock speed played a crucial role, the evaluation of physical cores now takes precedence. With the integration of Hyper-Threading technology, the number of physical cores varies, reaching up to 12 in the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition, excluding virtual cores. Physical cores, often preferred over virtual ones, contribute to superior speed and performance.
Currently, the 6th-generation Skylake distinguishes between Core i3 with 2 cores and laptops featuring Core i5 and i7, equipped with 4 cores. The mighty Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition is yet to make an appearance, possibly arriving in the market soon.
Intel Core i3, i5, i7 – Core Count
In the past, before the advent of Hyper-Threading multithreading technology, the number of physical cores in a processor reflected the count of computational processes the CPU could handle at the same time. This means that with a single-core CPU, the processing algorithms were limited to just one, and even with dual-core or quad-core processors, the maximum was only 4 algorithms. To address this inconvenience, Hyper-Threading technology emerged, allowing the expansion of multithreading capabilities, enabling multiple processes to run simultaneously on a single physical core through resource sharing. Hence, modern Core i3 processors, despite having only 2 physical cores, can execute up to 4 algorithms simultaneously, and Core i7 can raise this number to 8 based on its 4 physical cores. As for Intel Core i5, Hyper-Threading technology is not integrated, but with 4 available physical cores, it still provides processing power equivalent to Core i3, and even surpasses it in certain scenarios.
Intel Core i3, i5, i7 – Graphics
On the CPU, we not only witness the presence of cores and components constituting it, but also the involvement of integrated GPU graphics cards to facilitate initial communication with peripheral devices such as monitors, allowing users to interact initially. Traditionally, when talking about integrated graphics, we were not very impressed with their performance as they seemed only to ensure interaction with external devices. Using them for gaming or graphics appeared unimaginable. However, now, with technological development and shrinking component sizes, integrated graphics are more powerful than before, with processing speeds ranging from a minimum of 350MHz to as high as 950MHz or 1.15GHz, depending on the CPU model. They are comparable to discrete graphics and, in some cases, even outperform certain current models. Nevertheless, for gaming or graphics-intensive needs, equipping a discrete graphics card alongside integrated graphics is crucial. This ensures optimal performance, reducing the processing burden on your CPU and maximizing its lifespan. Intel Core i3, i5, i7 – Usage Capability
Beyond the Core i3, i5, i7 nomenclature, there are distinctions in usage capability, from K and U series to M and more. While regular Core Inside variants aim to ensure performance, Ultrabooks or Laptops tend to integrate M and U series, offering relatively stable performance with lower power consumption. This is achieved through lower operating power. Hence, careful consideration is necessary to choose a CPU that aligns with your usage needs and desired device.
Source: vforum
