Intel processors are all around us, but which one really is the best? How can I compare Intel procesers? Can i3 beat the i5 or i7 processor?
If you have worked with a lot of computers, then you might have noticed that sometimes even though two computers run on same core i3 processor, one outperforms another.
When buying a new computers, most of us check out the processor series, amount of RAM, and Hard drive speed. But if you want to make a smart purchase, before buying any processor, here are some of the things that need to be considered:
Understand the NAME
Example: Intel Core i3-8300k @ 3.7GHz
First digits after iX represents generation and the remaining three digits are for series number (higher the better)
last ? stands for suffix which can be one of the following:
- H, HQ – High performance
- K – Unlocked
- M – Mobile
- T – Power-optimized lifestyle
- U – Ultra-low power
- X – Extreme edition
- Y – Extremely low power
Moving on to the next section
Basic parameters to compare Intel processors
- Intel Processor Generation
- Frequency/Clock speed
- Cache memory
- Cores
These are the basic specifications of any Intel processor and must be understood properly before going ahead and picking up a processor. Sure, there are many advanced aspects to consider like Hyper-Threading Technology, Bus Speed, Turbo Boost Technology, vPro Technology etc. but that is a topic for another post.
Intel Processor Generation:
We shall limit the discussion to the processors released in the previous decade. Intel Core processors have existed since almost 10 years now and have 9 generations.
Generation 1 was names Clarkdale and the processors were based on 32nm fabrication technology. and Generation 9 is code named Cannon lake and only i5, i7 and i9 processors are released under this 14+nm fabrication technology. Check out this link to know more about generations of Intel processors
Newer generation chips outperform older generation chips by a huge margin. Two processors can have identical series (say i3), frequency, cache memory and still the newer generation i3 can outperform it's old brother.
Frequency/Clock Speed:
Every microprocessor has a crystal oscillator present on the chip. Processors with higher clock speeds are faster. Processors supporting turbo boost have a dynamic frequency which can be increased or decreased depending on processor load. K series processors support overclocking and are preferred by gamers.
Cache memory:
It is the high speed available specially to the microprocessor to perform real time processes. Usually processors come with 2MB, 4MB, 6MB and 8MB cache memories. Higher the better.
Cores:
Desktop i3, i5, i7 processors older than 7th generation have 2, 4/6, 4/8 cores respectively and since 8th generation, are upgraded to 4, 6/8, 8/10 cores respectively. U series Mobile (Laptop) i3/i5 have just 2 cores and i7s have 4. But H and HQ series i5 and i7 processors have 4 and 6 cores respectively.
Some of the readers might wonder why I haven't mentioned about the instruction set size but that does not matter in this case because, we are in 2019 and all the processors made by Intel are 64bit processors.
Conclusion:
What I have tried to emphasize throughout this post is that processor names are not the only things that matter. Yes, an 8th generation i3 is far far far better than 6th, 5th generation locked i5 processors. In conclusion I would say, raw power is not the only thing that should matter. Battery life, Size, Price performance ratio and a lot of other factors should be considered as well. In the end, it is the requirement of the user and her applications that determine which processor is the best.
Don't stare at Xeon!
Ravi Rao, Digitrovert
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