How much faster are Intel Core i7 processors compared with Core i5 processors and are they worth the higher price? Core i7 processors perform better because they have more cache (great for repetitive tasks), higher clock speed (advantageous for CPU-intensive tasks like video encoding), and hyper-threading (for faster multitasking).
For most mainstream consumers, i5 performance is more than sufficient; they will not need the extra performance of the i7 series if their use is limited to web browsing, email, watching video and office/productivity apps. Core i7 processors have an advantage for processor-intensive applications such as video encoding and rendering, 3D modeling, high-end graphics work and gaming. While both i5 and i7 processors can be used for gaming, high-end gaming PCs still tend to use dedicated GPUs.
Comparison chart
i5 versus i7 comparison charti5i7- current rating is 3.77/5
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Performance
Intel Core i7 is a high-end processor and is more appropriate than the i5 processors for certain intensive tasks, such as data crunching, graphics and video editing, and PC gaming. i7 processors feature a larger cache, hyper-threading, and a higher clock speed.
Even so, computer processors are rarely the bottleneck in performance these days. Instead, memory (RAM) and storage (SSD instead of an HDD) provide greater bang for the buck for increased performance from a computer.
Gaming Performance
According to a study by APC, the difference between the Core i5-3450 and the top-end Core i7-3770k is about 10%. With 1080p, the i5-3450 delivered 81.6fps on Crysis, while the top Core i5, i5-3550 delivered 86.7. The i7-3770K delivered 89.3fps.
Video Editing
According to APC Magazine, there is some benefit to using i7 if ripping DVDs and converting them to .MKV files. However, they suggest that the i5-3750K is the best option, as it is perfectly between the i5-3450 and the i7-3770K in terms of performance, but is far closer to the i5-3450 in price.
Price
i5 systems are typically cheaper than comparable i7 systems by about $150. According to APC Magazine, only $40 separates the different i5 chips, with a $120 difference between i5 and i7.
There are several generations of Core i5 and i7 processors, the latest being Ivy Bridge, preceded by Sandy Bridge, Westmere and Nehalem. This comparison will focus on the latest (Ivy Bridge) models. Concise, useful information about older models is available on Wikipedia (for i5 and for i7)
Turbo Boost
Turbo Boost is Intel's terminology for overclocking CPUs, allowing them to run faster than their base clock speed. Both Core i7 and i5 processors support Turbo Boost.
Hyper-threading
Intel Hyper-Threading increases CPU performance for multi-threaded tasks and is helpful for multitasking when several applications are running simultaneously. As discussed above, all Core i7 processors and mobile i5 processors support hyper-threading.
Specifications for Desktop i5 and i7 CPUs
All Core i5 and Core i7 Ivy Bridge processors for desktop have 4 cores and a Direct Media Interface with Integrated GPU.
Desktop versions of both i5 and i7 Ivy Bridge processors are quad-core. i7 processors on the desktop support hyper-threading while Core i5 processors on the desktop do not.
CPU ModelFrequencyCoresL3 cacheRelease pricePower consumptioni5-33303 GHz46 MB$182standard poweri5-3330S2.7 GHz46 MB$177low poweri5-3335S2.7 GHz46 MB$194low poweri5-3350P3.1 GHz46 MB$177standard poweri5-34503.1 GHz46 MB$195standard poweri5-3450S2.8 GHz46 MB$195low poweri5-3470S2.9 GHz46 MB$184low poweri5-3470T2.9 GHz23 MB$184standard poweri5-3470T3.2 GHz46 MB$184standard poweri5-3475S2.9 GHz46 MB$201low poweri5-35503.3 GHz46 MB$213standard poweri5-3550S3 GHz46 MB$205low poweri5-35703.4 GHz46 MB$205standard poweri5-3570K3.4 GHz46 MB$235standard poweri5-3570S3.1 GHz46 MB$205low poweri5-3570T2.3 GHz46 MB$205ultra-low poweri5-4570T2.9 GHz24 MB$192ultra-low poweri5-44303 GHz46 MB$182standard poweri5-44403.1 GHz46 MB$182standard poweri5-45703.2 GHz46 MB$192standard poweri5-46703.4 GHz46 MB$213standard poweri5-4670K3.4 GHz46 MB$242standard poweri7-37703.4 GHz48 MB$278standard poweri7-3770K3.5 GHz48 MB$313standard poweri7-3770S3.1 GHz48 MB$278low poweri7-3770T2.5 GHz48 MB$278ultra-low poweri7-47703.4 GHz48 MB$303standard poweri7-4770K3.5 GHz48 MB$339standard poweri7-47713.5 GHz48 MB$320standard poweri7-4770S3.1 GHz48 MB$303low poweri7-4765T2 GHz48 MB$303ultra-low poweri7-4770T2.5 GHz48 MB$303ultra-low powerSpecifications for Mobile i5 and i7 Processors
For the mobile versions of Ivy Bridge i5 and i7 processors (used in laptops and netbooks), things are a little different. Core i5 mobile processors are dual-core and so are some i7 processors, while other i7 CPUs are quad-core. All Core i5 and i7 mobile processors support hyper-threading. So there is a smaller performance gap between i5 and dual-core i7 mobile processors. Quad-core i7 mobile processors do deliver increased performance but may sacrifice some battery life to do so.