Intel Core i5 vs. i7 for Gaming: Which One is Better?
A proper CPU is pivotal for your PC’s efficiency. The most popular Intel processors are Core i5 and Core i7. If you are going to get a new CPU, you might want to know which processor is suitable for you. And you might have a question like this in your mind, which is better for gaming? Intel Core i5 or i7?.
Here, we explained and compared Core i5 and i7. So, you can easily choose which you want and which is proper for you.
Processor:
CPU (Central Processing Unit) or processor is like the brain of your PC and your computer. The processor is accountable for executing and carrying out calculation instructions. It helps to make the important duties of your PC by working with other components. This processor performs small calculations and gives data to your hardware to help it carry out the tasks.
We have different types of processors. Some of them are more powerful than others. For some activities like content creation and gaming, you need a powerful processor. Now, you might think Core i7 is more powerful than Core i5, but you need to consider more options to decide which one is better for you.
Processor’s core:
Processor cores are smaller processors that are putting onto the main CPU. The number of the core depends on the number of the existing processors in a CPU. As an example, an Intel four-core processor has four processing cores. Before, computers used to have only one CPU, but these days CPUs perform different tasks at the same time with multiple processors.
A multi-core CPU can perform many tasks in a way that a single-core CPU is unable to do.
These days, desktops usually have 2 between 18 cores. And each of them is responsible for performing different tasks.
What is the difference between Intel’s Core i7 and i5?
The easiest difference is that Core i5 PCs are less expensive than Core i7 PCs.
Intel Core i5 presents a good performance for web browsing, gaming, and basic work. Intel Core i7 has more power in processing. It is good for content production, high-performance gaming, specialized applications, and multimedia editing.
Besides the number of cores, you need to consider other features like threading which you need to consider before choosing a CPU. All the features help to manage processor resources and tasks.
When you edit a video or open many applications at the same time, an insufficient processor will slow down your PC’s speed. But if you use your PC for general computing, a powerful processor might be too expensive and unnecessary.
If your PC slows down by the time, try to delete some files to increase your speed. Or even it may mean that your components are becoming outdated. A powerful processor can meet the current needs of an application.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Core i5 processors?
Advantages:
The i5 processor can be found in many mainstream computers which is a very popular processor. It also has the Turbo Boost technology to overlock the CPU. This feature can increase the processing speed without a hardware update.
The i5 processor is less expensive than the i7 processor. If you use your PC for general works with some gaming and light applications, then the i5 processor is the only thing you need.
Disadvantages:
The i5 processor, as compared to the i7 processor, is less likely to reconcile with the processor needs, which are changing.
If you use your computer for high-level games or intensive work, the i5 processor might slow down your functionality or struggle to hold consistent efficiency.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Core i7 processors?
Advantages:
The i7 processor has a trustworthy cooling system. When you use your PC for heavy tasks, your processor might get too hot so, it is necessary to check the CPU’s temperature.
The i7 processor has more cores and powerful processing features. This helps you with heavy tasks like editing with Adobe, content production, and multitasking.
The i7 processor, as compared to the i5 processor for gaming, the i7 is better for high-end and intensive gaming efficiency. Also, the i7 processor has the Turbo Boost Max 3.0 features which is the latest line in overlocking features.
Disadvantages:
The Intel Core i7 uses more power than other processors.
PCs with i7 processors are more expensive than PCs with i5 processors. But not too much.
Should I upgrade from Core i5 to Core i7 processor or not?
It depends on what you want to do with your PC or computer. And also, depends on your PC’s performance. Most of the Core i7 technical specifications do not have much difference from the Core i5. Both i7 and i5 have similar turbo and base clock speeds. Also, they have the same integrated graphics.
The i5 processor is enough for standard duties and some gaming. You can examine your PC’s performance and battery life to evaluate how well your processor copes with tasks. If your PC lags a lot or you use it for heavy tasks, upgrading to the i7 will increase functionality and efficiency. It may be worthy to upgrade to the i7 processor if you use your computer for content production, high-level gaming, and other intensive work.
Which is better for gaming? Intel Core i5 or i7?
The i5 processor may meet the current needs of your PC, but you should consider how i5 will be in the future (especially for gaming). Upgrading to the i7 processor may save you from purchasing a new PC.
The best CPU for you:
The Intel Core i5 processor is perfect for daily use and PC’s basic requirements like working, normal browsing, and light gaming. The Intel Core i7 is perfect for intensive source apps, specialized apps, and high-end gaming. The i7 processor is better for running many of the different duties at the same time.
Think about your computing habits to choose the best CPU for yourself. If you do specialized work, you need to search for the recommended hardware specs and decide which CPU you need and whether you need to upgrade your processor or not.
Note: Always the newest and the greatest is not the best option for you. Take time to discover which processor you really need. This will help you to save your money.
CPU’s features:
CPUs have many duties to do as the brain of your PC. They have a lot of features that help them to manage their duties and run perfectly. You need to consider these features before buying a CPU.
Clock speed:
Clock speed mentions the number of the CPU’s cycle that performs per second. Actually, cycle measures the CPU’s computing abilities. The clock speed will increase when a processor can run more cycles per second.
Totally, a faster clock speed means a faster CPU. But, there are other influencing factors. A CPU can process the instructions differently. A low clock speed CPU might outspread the duties in more cycles but more efficiently.
The Intel Core i5 processor has more speed than the i7 processor, but the i7 processor is faster because of the workload efficiency.
Cache:
The cache is the built-in memory of the CPU. It helps the CPU to carry out repeated tasks or to access faster to commonly used data. For multitasking, a CPU with bigger built-in memory (cache) is better. When you decide on the best CPU for yourself, the cache size should not be the main factor. Although the cache size increase from one generation to another.
Hyper-threading:
Intel has exclusive technology for multithreading called Hyper-threading. Hyper-threading or multithreading makes your PC think it has twice the number of cores. This feature helps it to handle many instruction threads or many tasks at the same time.
Hyper-threading and multithreading can improve your PC’s efficiency, especially when you use your computer for activities that need heavy multitasking. (such as video rendering or multimedia editing)
Integrated graphics:
Integrated graphics or Intel’s HD/UHD graphics are a part of a CPU that works like a graphics card. These Integrated graphics are helpful for devices without room or used for a GPU. Although, they are not powerful enough like GPU (dedicated graphics card).
What is Bottlenecking?
The bottleneck has been used a lot in the gaming society. Now you might ask what does this term mean?
The CPU asks GPU about what and when to render. If the CPU is incapable to do that, then GPU will not be able to work with its maximum capacity, and then it will be bottlenecked.
Do you need to worry about bottlenecking?
The answer is no for most people. But honestly, you should worry about bottlenecking only when the GPU you want is much newer than your current CPU. Or when you intend to get many GPUs.
In a conclusion, Intel Core i7 processors should be used for powerful gaming devices and workstations. Except if you want to get many high-end graphics cards to use in SLI, an i7 processor is a waste of money that could spend on a more powerful GPU.
Note: even small CPU bottlenecks that might happen due to matching the i5 processor with a high-end card, are still not a big problem. But totally, it is better to have a little bottlenecked GTX 1080 than a GTX 1070 paired with the i7 processor.
Conclusion
In this article, we compared Intel’s Core i7 and i5. Then we described some advantages and disadvantages of each. After reading this article, did you decide which Intel processor is the best for you?
