In today’s article, we investigate the world of Intel® laptops and processors, discussing the differences between Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ i5 and Intel® Core™ i3 processors. These are components that are found in everyday devices. We take it to mean that a higher processor number also means that the processor itself is better. But is that really the case? Which type of processor is right for us as users?

First, let’s ask ourselves what is a processor? It is a kind of the driving engine of the whole computer, so it largely influences its functioning.

Of course, with each new type of processor, Intel has increased their performance and added new capabilities and technologies. The company must keep up with the competition and adapt to today’s consumer demands. With higher performance comes higher power consumption. However, we are more concerned with this when the device is idle rather than at work, especially if the device is running day and night. We need to think about what the equipment is designed to do and respect that.

We look at the processors in laptops and their characteristics to see what type of user the processor is suitable for.

Intel® Core™ i3

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Today, devices with an Intel® Core™ i3 processor are considered lower or mid-range. All Core™ i3 processors initially contained two cores.

The Hyper-Threading technology that these dual-core Core™ i3 processors support is definitely worth mentioning. This is a feature where a dual core processor can simulate 4 cores. One hardware core is divided into two logical cores by software to increase performance. However, this is not comparable to two physical cores.

If you need a device for office work, this is enough for you. It can handle tasks like writing emails, watching movies, office activities or playing low to moderate demanding games without any problem.
This type of processor is more often found in a laptop than a desktop computer, this generation has undergone several improvements. Newer generations of Intel® Core™ i3 processors can even handle moderately demanding games or less demanding graphics programs.

Intel® Core™ i5

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These processors are considered the most logical choice as they meet the needs of almost all mainstream users. They belong to the mid-range in the companys hierarchy. Hyper-Threating technology is supported by some versions of Core™ i5 and not others (each generation contains several versions, so be careful when choosing).

One of the basic parameters of processors is the so-called clock frequency. In the past, it was used as a measure of performance. There may be situations where an application needs more performance but cannot distribute it among all cores. Thats where Turbo Boost technology comes in, which is specific to both the Intel® Core™ i5 and Intel® Core™ i7 processors. It boosts the clock frequency.

Intel® Core™ i7

Core™ i7s are more powerful, containing quad-core processors and eight threads. However, they are in a higher price range. For most work, however, an Intel® Core™ i5 is sufficient for the average user.

The difference in cache capacity between the Core™ i5 and Core™ i7 processors does not appear to be significant, but the Core™ i7 has higher values. So, he can access the most important information faster without having to send a request to RAM. Thus, the difference between 6 and 8 MB is insignificant, but if we look at the matter in terms of CPU cache capacity, it is a 33% increase.

Intel® Core™ i7 supports Hyper-Threading technology. In terms of Turbo Boost technology, the i5 and i7 processors are comparable.

The Core™ i7 processor has higher performance, which is especially noticeable for computationally intensive tasks. These processors are more for professionals, most users don’t need to shoot 4K videos, so the Core™ i7 processors advantage is greatly reduced.

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It’s important to remember what we use our desktop or laptop for. If we need a device for basic office work and simple tasks, the Intel® Core™ i3 is the way to go. If our work involves multimedia tasks and we are casual users, an Intel® Core™ i5 is the right device. Before buying an Intel® Core™ i7 processor, we need to consider whether we really need all its features, especially because of its price.