The Intel i3, which debuted in 2010, and the Intel i5, which preceded it by a year, represent the mid-range and top-level divisions of semiconductor manufacturer Intel Corp.'s premier consumer-oriented processor brand named Core. As a result, there are several differences of note between the two entries.
Main Designations
The Intel Core i5 and i7 are divided into desktop PC and laptop PC (or mobile) processors. Intel adds a higher performing but high-power consuming Extreme Edition subcategory to the i7. The Core i5 is available as a dual- or quad-core chip, which means that each i5 processor has two or four cores, or processing units. Intel adds a six-core choice for the Intel Core i7. The first-generation i5/i7 chips use the 45-nanometer lithographic node of manufacture, while the members of the second generation -- debuting in 2010 -- use the smaller 32-nanometer lithographic node instead.
Speeds
Each Intel Core i5 and i7 processor has a core speed, which indicates how fast (or slow) the processor works. The Intel Core i5 offers a core speed range of 1.07 to 3.6 GHz. On the other hand, the Intel Core i7's core speed ranges from 1.6 to 3.46 GHz. Also worthy of note is the data transfer speed, which is the rate at which the computer chip conducts data transfer with the motherboard. Many of the i5 and i7 processors, using Intel's Direct Media Interface, have a data transfer rate of 2.5 or 5 gigatransfers per second (GT/s). The best performers in this regard are the i7's Extreme Edition desktop chips, which use Intel's QuickPath Interconnect technology to achieve a 6.4-GT/s data transfer speed.
Cache
Each Intel Core i5 and i7 processor has a small memory bank called the Intel Smart Cache, which is a feature that it uses for high-speed access to the computer's most frequently used data. Each Intel Core i5 mobile processor has a 3-MB Smart Cache, while Intel adds 4MB, 6MB and 8MB choices for the desktop counterpart. The i7 has 4MB, 6MB and 8MB choices, with two Extreme Edition desktop chips -- the i7-980X and i7-990X -- containing 12-MB Smart Caches.
Power Consumption
The power consumption range of the i5 is 35 to 95 watts and 17 to 35 watts for the desktop chip and mobile chip, respectively. The i7 is generally less efficient: 65 to 130W for the desktop and 17 to 55W for the laptop. The i7's Extreme Edition in particular tops them all with power consumption ratings of 130W and 55W for the desktop processor and mobile processor, respectively.
Tags: Intel Core, data transfer, Extreme Edition, core speed, Each Intel, Each Intel Core