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Choosing the best processor can make all the difference in your computing experience, no matter if you’re browsing the web, gaming, or creating content.
We’ll break down the differences between the Intel Core i5 and i7 processors to help you decide which one is best for you in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- The Intel Core i5 is ideal for casual users, office work, and light gaming.
- The Intel Core i7 is good for high-end gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
- The i7 is generally considered a better choice for future-proofing.
- Consider the type of tasks you’ll be doing when choosing your processor to make an informed decision.
- Show Full Guide
Intel i5 vs. i7 Processor: A Side-by-Side CPU Comparison
The specs you can expect with Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors will vary greatly depending on which generation and product you get.
For example, an Intel Core i5-7300U processor has two cores, four threads, and a 3MB cache. The Intel Core i5-14600 processor, however, has 14 cores, 20 threads, and a 24MB cache—and these are just two i5s.
As such, the table below shows a very general look at the difference between i5 and i7 processors. For exact details, though, you’ll need to look at that product’s spec page on the official Intel website.
| Feature | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i7 |
| Clock Speed | Varies, generally a bit lower than i7 processors | Varies, generally a bit higher than i5 processors |
| Cores | 2 – 14 | 2 – 20 |
| Threads | 4 – 20 | 4 – 28 |
| Cache Size | 3MB – 24MB | 4MB – 33MB |
| Max Turbo Frequency | 2.7 GHz – 5.3 GHz | 2.8 GHz – 5.6 GHz |
| Max Memory Size | Up to 192GB (dependent on memory type) | Up to 192GB (dependent on memory type) |
i7 vs. i5 Differences & Factors to Consider
When determining which processor best fits your needs, you’ll need to consider several things before making a decision. For example, you’ll want to consider performance, graphics, power consumption, and price.
Here’s a breakdown of the major considerations.
Performance Differences
Performance is a major consideration. When thinking of performance, you should consider clock speed and turbo boost, the number of cores and threads, and cache size.
Clock speed measures how fast a processor executes instructions. Turbo boost allows the processor to run faster than its base clock speed when needed.
The Intel Core i7 typically has higher clock speeds and better turbo boost capabilities than the i5.
Cores and threads determine how many tasks a process can handle at once. The i7 generally has more cores and threads than the i5, but it depends on the make and model.
The cache size is the amount of high-speed memory available to the processor for quick data access. The i7 usually beats out the i5, but again, it depends on the model.
Capabilities of Integrated GPUs
Integrated graphics are built into the processor and handle basic graphics tasks without needing a separate graphics card.
The i7 usually comes with better-integrated graphics compared to the i5.
TDP & Thermal Management
TDP, or Thermal Design Power, indicates the maximum amount of heat a processor can generate that the cooling system should handle.
Both the i5 and i7 processors have similar TDP ranges, but higher-performance models may consume more power and generate more heat.
Future-Proofing
This involves choosing a processor that will remain capable of handling new software and updates for a longer period of time. It really depends on what you’re using your device for, but in general, the i7 is the better choice for longevity.
Price vs. Performance
When you compare price and performance, the i5 is generally more cost-effective. It provides a solid performance for most users at a lower price.
But, if you need better performance and features, the i7 is the way to go. It may cost more, but it gives you the higher processing power that you need.
Winner for Performance: Intel Core i7
Intel i5 vs. i7: Which Is Best for Desktop?
The i7 beats out the i5 because, generally speaking, it comes with more threads, higher clock speeds, and a larger cache. This means better overall performance, especially with demanding desktop applications.
While the i7 is the better overall choice, the i5 may be just right for you, depending on what you’re using your desktop for. The i5 is perfectly capable of handling simple tasks like web browsing, checking your email, and using office software.
But if you’re using your desktop for gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, or other demanding apps, the i7 is the way to go.
Intel i5 vs. i7: Which Is Best for Laptop?
Let’s be honest, the i5 is fine for most things you’ll be doing daily with your laptop. It handles streaming videos, web browsing, using certain software, and performing other everyday activities without issue. And most folks who do serious gaming use a gaming desktop.
We went with the i7 because it can be seen as a longer-term investment. Its higher performance capabilities mean it will remain relevant and able to handle new software and updates for a longer period of time. Most laptops aren’t a short-term buy that you replace every year.
The i7 is also better for multitasking. If you’re used to doing several things at once with your laptop, the i7 will keep your system from getting bogged down.
Intel Core i5 vs. i7: Which Should You Buy in 2024?
This isn’t an easy question to answer. Deciding which processor you should buy depends on the use case.
Intel i9: When Do You Need an Even More Powerful CPU?
There’s also an Intel i9 processor, which offers even better performance than the i7 and i5. But when do you really need an i9?
i5 vs. i7 vs. i9: What’s the Major Difference?
If you’re a gamer and you’re playing the most demanding games, the i9 will keep your gameplay smooth, even at higher settings and resolution. It’s for serious gamers who want the best experience possible. Just make sure your GPU can also keep up with it.
The i9 also handles more complex rendering and editing tasks, so if you’re into advanced video editing and 3D modeling, the i9 is probably your best bet.
It’s also the better processor for running multiple virtual machines, large-scale data analysis, and extensive software development projects.
The higher core and thread counts allow it to handle these tasks without slowing down.
The Bottom Line
Best for High-End Gaming and Heavy Multitasking: i7
Is i7 better than i5? Choosing between the i5 and i7 depends on what you’re using your device for. The i5 gives you a good balance of performance, cost, and power efficiency, so it’s a good choice for casual users, office work, and light gaming.
The i7 in general gives you better performance, so it’s the better choice for high-end gaming, professional content creation, and heavy multitasking. Depending on the model, it has more cores and higher clock speeds.
Both processors have their strengths. Now you know how to choose which is best for you in 2024.
FAQs
Is there a big difference between the i5 and the i7?
Is the i7 worth it over the i5?
How much faster is the i5 than the i7?
Which is better, the i5 12th gen or the i7 11th gen?
References
- Intel® Core™ i5-7300U Processor (Intel)
- Intel® Core™ i5 processor 14600 (Intel)
