What is the difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors? Which intel core i5 processor is better Specification Analysis

Part two: "The most important features of each Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processor family. Which of these chips are of particular interest"

Introduction

First, we will highlight the most important features of each Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processor family, and then we will talk about which of these chips are of particular interest. For the convenience of readers, we considered it appropriate to present the information in the form of a kind of reference book, and to bring all the data on the current models of the model into small tables. The prices given by us are Russian retail prices, fixed at the time of publication of this material, for processors in a "boxed" configuration (that is, with a branded cooler).

Core i3

Core i3 (Clarkdale) is the latest generation dual-core processor designed for entry-level desktops. First introduced January 7, 2010. It is installed in the LGA1156 connector. Produced using 32nm technology.

Equipped with an integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. To connect to the system logic set, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB/s is used.

The Core i3 processors have a 12-pipeline GMA HD graphics core clocked at 733MHz.

The base clock frequency for all Core i3 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers.

Compatible chipsets: Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express

Main technical parameters of Core i3

Nehalem microarchitecture
Two cores
L3 cache - 4 MB, shared by all cores
Integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller
Integrated 733 MHz graphics adapter
SSE 4.2 instruction set
AES-NIS instruction set

Core i5

Core i5 (Clarkdale or Lynnfield) is the latest generation dual or quad-core processor designed for mid-range desktops. First introduced September 8, 2009. It is installed in the LGA1156 connector. The dual-core Clarkdale is manufactured using 32nm technology, the quad-core Lynnfield is manufactured using 45nm technology.

Equipped with a built-in dual-channel controller random access memory DDR3-1066/1333 up to 1.6V. Higher voltage modules will not work with this chip and may even damage it.

Equipped with an integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. In models with an integrated GMA HD graphics core, one video card in x16 mode can be connected to the chip, in models without integrated graphics, two video cards in x8 mode each.

To connect to the system logic set, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB/s is used.

The dual-core models (6xx series) have a built-in GMA HD graphics adapter and Hyper-Threading technology, the quad-core models (7xx series) do not have graphics and Hyper-Threading. Models ending in 1 have a graphics clock speed of 900 MHz, models ending in 0 have a graphics core clocked at 733 MHz.

All Core i5s feature Turbo Boost technology for automatic overclocking in resource-intensive tasks.

The base clock frequency for all Core i5 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers.

Compatible chipsets: Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express.

Main technical parameters of Core i5

Nehalem microarchitecture
two or four cores
L1 cache - 64 KB (32 KB data and 32 KB instructions) for each core
L2 cache - 256 KB per core
L3 cache - 4 or 8 MB, shared by all cores
Built-in dual-channel DDR3-1066/1333 MHz RAM controller
Integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller (one x16 lane or two x8 lanes on non-integrated graphics models)
Integrated 733 or 900 MHz graphics adapter
Support for VT virtualization technology
Support for 64-bit Intel EM64T instructions
Support for Hyper-Threading technology in dual-core models
SSE 4.2 instruction set
AES-NIS instruction set
Antivirus Technology Execute Disable Bit
Enhanced SpeedStep Dynamic Frequency Technology

Core i7

Core i7 (Bloomfield, Lynnfield, or Gulftown) is the latest generation of four or six-core processors designed for high-end desktops. First introduced in November 2008. Quad-core Bloomfield and Lynnfield are manufactured using 45nm technology, six-core Lynnfield - using 32nm technology.

Available in two versions: 9xx series (for LGA1366 connector) with built-in three-channel memory controller and QPI bus and 8xx series (for LGA1156 connector) with dual-channel memory controller, built-in PCI Express 2.0 controller and DMI bus) DDR3-1066/1333 RAM is supported with voltages up to 1.6 V. Modules rated for higher voltages will not work with this chip and may even damage it.

Processors for the LGA1366 socket are equipped with a high-speed QPI bus operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz (up to 4.8 GB / s) in regular i7 and at a frequency of 3.2 GHz (6.4 GB / s) in Extreme modifications (these include i7-965, i7-975 and i7-980X.

Chips for the LGA1156 connector are equipped with an integrated PCI Express 2.0 x16 controller, thanks to which the graphics accelerator can be connected directly to the processor. To connect with a set of system logic, a DMI (Digital Media Interface) bus with a bandwidth of 2 GB / s is used here.

All Core i7s feature Turbo Boost automatic overclocking technology for resource-intensive tasks, as well as Hyper-Threading technology.

The base clock frequency for all Core i7 models is 133 MHz, the nominal frequencies are achieved using multipliers. In modifications of Core i7 Extreme, the multiplier is unlocked, which allows you to freely increase the clock speed of the processor.

Compatible chipsets: 8xx series - Intel H55 Express, H57 Express, P55 Express, Q57 Express, 9xx series - Intel X58 Express.

Main technical parameters of Core i7

Nehalem microarchitecture
Four or six cores
L1 cache - 64 KB (32 KB data and 32 KB instructions) for each core
L2 cache - 256 KB per core
L3 Cache - 8 or 12 MB shared between all cores
Built-in dual-channel (LGA1156) or triple-channel (LGA1366) DDR3-1066/1333 MHz RAM controller
QPI bus running at 2.4 GHz (4.8 GB/s) or 3.2 GHz (6.4 GB/s) on LGA1366 models
DMI bus (2 GB/s) on models for LGA1156
Integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller (one x16 lane or two x8 lanes on non-integrated graphics models) on LGA1156 models
Support for VT virtualization technology
Support for 64-bit Intel EM64T instructions
Support for Hyper-Threading Technology
Support for Turbo Boost Technology
SSE 4.2 instruction set
AES-NIS instruction set for the i7-980X model
Antivirus Technology Execute Disable Bit
Enhanced SpeedStep Dynamic Frequency Technology

What to choose?

The Core i3-530 and 540 processors are quite powerful and inexpensive chips, and the price difference between them is negligible, so there is no point in getting a 530 unless you are on a tight budget.

The Core i3 series chips are direct competitors to the previous generation Core 2 Duo Exxx processors: they cost about the same and provide a comparable level of performance, although somewhat faster. However, while LGA1156 motherboards are more expensive than LGA775 motherboards, buying an i3 chip is a smarter long-term investment than a Core 2 Duo because these processors are not only fast enough today, but can be swapped out for any LGA1156 chip in the future. - even on the super powerful Core i7. If the i3-530 is too expensive for you, you can pay attention to the Pentium G6950 ("boxed" version complete with a standard cooler will cost about 3200 rubles), which is slower than both "three" cards, but practically does not concede to most Core 2 Duo.

As for the quad-core Core 2 Quad, which are slightly more expensive than the dual-core Core i3 (for example, the "boxed" Core 2 Quad Q8300 costs about 5000 rubles), then buying them today only makes sense to upgrade an existing system to an LGA775 socket - in this case it is very reasonable choice.

All 600-series Core i5 processors are high performance, but if you do not need a chip with integrated graphics, there is not much point in buying a model in this family. These models are rather focused on the corporate market - an office computer does not need powerful graphics, and the simpler it is, the more convenient it is to maintain.

For the same money that they ask for chips of the 600th family, it is better to purchase a quad-core i5-750 - this is an ideal choice for building a powerful home PC for a reasonable price. If you make a choice within the 600 series, you should know that the 661 differs from the 660 only in slightly faster integrated graphics, but at the same time with increased power consumption and the lack of hardware support for VT-d I / O virtualization, which is relevant only for corporate users. In other words, if you are buying a CPU for a home computer, it makes sense to prefer the Core i5-661.

For building a powerful gaming PC, the best choice in terms of price / performance is the Core i7-860, all other options will cost significantly more, since you will need a more expensive motherboard based on the X58 Express chipset for the LGA1366 socket.

The six-core "extreme" Core i7-980X is an unsurpassed leader in performance not only for the entire modern line of Intel desktop processors, but also for competing AMD models. Therefore, do not be surprised that a system based on it will cost a rather impressive amount. Fans of the very best can prepare their wallets - this chip is about to appear on the shelves of Russian stores, replacing the previous flagship Core i7-975

The processor is the brain of the computer, but it takes a lot of your own brains to understand the difference between processors! Intel hasn't made it easy on consumers with its weird naming schemes, and the question that often comes up is: what's the difference between i3, i5, or i7 processors? Which one should I buy?

It's time to demystify this. In this article, I will not touch on other Intel processors such as the Pentium series or the new M series Core laptop. They are good on their own, but the Core series is the most popular and confusing, so let's just focus on that.

Understanding Model Numbers

To be honest, it's very simple. The Intel Core i7 is better than the Core i5, which in turn is better than the Core i3. The problem is knowing what to expect from each processor.

First, i7 does not mean seven-core processor! These are only names indicating relative performance.

Typically, the Core i3 series uses only dual-core processors, while the Core i5 and Core i7 processors use dual-core, quad-core, and six-core processors. Quad-core processors are usually better than dual-core processors, but don't worry about that for now.

Intel releases chipset families such as the new generation of Skylake processors for the 6th generation Skylake family. Each family, in turn, has its own line of Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors.

You can determine which generation of the processor belongs to first digit in four-digit model name. For example, Intel Core i3- 5 200 refers to 5 -th generation. Keep in mind that new generations of Intel will not support Windows 7, but since Windows 10 is a free upgrade anyway, use the newest generation.

Advice. Here's a helpful rule of thumb. The other three numbers are Intel's assessment of how the processor compares to others in its own line. For example, the Intel Core i3-5350 outperforms the Core i3-5200 because 350 is more than 200.

Last letters: U, Q, H, K

Things have changed since we last looked at the list of Intel processors. Processor list decoding. The model number is usually followed by one or a combination of the following letters: U, Y, T, Q, H, and K. Here's what they mean:

U: Extra low power. U rating is for laptop processors only. They use less power and are better suited to the battery.
Y: Low power. Typically used for laptops and older mobile processors.
T:Power Optimized for desktop processors.
Q: Quad-core processor. The Q rating is only for processors with four physical cores.
H: High performance graphics. The chipset has one of the best Intel graphics units.
K: Unlocked. This means that you can overclock the processor yourself.

Understanding these letters and the above numbering system will help you know what a processor offers just by looking at the model number, without having to read the actual specifications.

You can find the meaning of other letters in Intel's processor number guides.

Hyper Threading: i7 > i3 > i5

As you can see above, Intel specifically writes U and Q for the number of physical cores. Well, what are the other cores, you ask? The answer is virtual cores activated using Hyper-Threading technology.

In layman's terms, hyper-threading allows one physical core to act as two virtual cores, thereby executing many tasks simultaneously without activating the second physical core (which will require more power from the system).

If both processors are active and using hyperthreading, these four virtual cores will compute faster. Note, however, that physical cores are faster than virtual cores. A quad-core CPU will perform much better than a dual-core hyperthreaded CPU!

The Intel Core i3 series has hyper-threading. The Intel Core i7 series also supports hyper-threading. The Intel Core i5 series does not support it.

Turbo Boost: i7 > i5 > i3

On the other hand, the Intel Core i3 series does not support Turbo Boost. The Core i5 series uses Turbo Boost to speed up your tasks, just like the Core i7.

Turbo Boost is a patented technology to intelligently increase the processor's clock speed if the application requires it. For example, if you're playing a game and your system needs some extra power, Turbo Boost will kick in to compensate.

Turbo Boost is useful for those who use resource-intensive software such as video editors or video games, but it doesn't have of great importance if you are just going to surf the web and use Microsoft Office.

Aside from Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost, one of the main differences in the Core lineup is cache size. The cache is the processor's own memory and acts like its personal RAM - and it's one of the little-known features that can slow down your PC.

Just like with RAM, the larger the cache, the better. Therefore, if the processor performs one task over and over again, it will store that task in its cache. If the processor can store more tasks in its private memory, it can make them faster if they come up again.

The Core i3 series typically contains up to 3 MB of cache. The Core i5 series has 3MB to 6MB cache. The Core i7 series has 4MB to 8MB cache.

Since graphics have been integrated into the processor chip, it has become important point when buying processors. But like everything else, Intel has made the system a bit confusing.

There are now generally three tiers of graphics devices: Intel HD, Intel Iris, and Intel Iris Pro. You will see the model name like Intel HD 520 or Intel Iris Pro 580... and that's where the confusion starts.

Here's a brief example of how overwhelming it can be. The Intel HD 520 is the main graphics chipset. The Intel Iris 550 is better than the Intel HD 520, but also basic. But Intel HD 530 is a high performance graphics unit and better than Intel Iris 550. However, Intel Iris Pro 580 is also a high performance graphics unit and better than Intel HD 530.

The best advice is how to interpret them? Just don't. Instead, rely on the Intel naming system. If the processor model ends with H, you know it is a high performance module.

Comparison of cores i3, i5, i7

CPU	Number of Cores	Cache Size	Hyper Threading	turbo boost	Graphic arts	Price
	2	3MB	There is	Not	Low	Low
	2-4	3MB-6MB	No	There is	Medium	Medium
	2-6	4MB-12MB	There is	There is	The best	Expensive

Simply put, here's who each processor type is best suited for:

Core i3: main users. economic choice. Convenient for browsing the web, using Microsoft Office, video calling and social networking. Not for gamers or professionals.
Core i5: intermediate users. Those who want a balance between performance and price. Good for gaming if you buy an HQ processor or a Q processor with a dedicated GPU.
Core i7: Professionals. This is the best thing Intel can do right now.

How did you choose?

This article is a basic guide for those who want to buy a new Intel processor but are confused between Core i3, i5 and i7. But even after understanding all this, when it's time to make a decision, you may need to choose between two processors of different generations.

What else can you advise to those who are similarly stuck buying a PCU and have to make a choice?

Intel divides its microprocessors into two main groups. On the one hand, its Celeron and Pentium family for users who do not require high performance, and on the other hand, i3, i5 and i7, for advanced users.

I5 is a processor that can be called an SUV. If , is sufficient for 80% of users, the i5 processor is suitable for almost anyone.

The differences between an i5 processor and an i7 processor are small and not worth the extra expense in most cases. It might make more sense, depending on how you intend to use your computer, to invest in SSDs, RAM, or a good graphics card.

Of course, the i7 processor is no worse than the i5, just the applications for which it is needed are rather narrowly specific.

Nuclei . In desktop PCs - 4 cores, except for i5-6xx models and 2 cores in laptops. All 2 core i5 processors support HyperThread technology.

turbo boost . The fundamental difference from i3. Turbo boost, if needed, allows the processor to run at higher speeds. The benefits of this additional technology are especially noticeable in applications that use a single thread. And such applications, by the way, the majority.

Integrated graphics . Some of the i5 processor models have an integrated graphics card. A computer with such a processor is of course cheaper, but then you should keep in mind that the processor is discrete, that is, less powerful, and will be used to start the computer.

Memory controller . As with the graphics card, the memory controller is integrated into the processor. Such a processor determines the type of RAM that can be installed. That is, with an i5 processor, only DDR3 can be used.

PCI Express . The PCI Express controller is also integrated into the i5 processor. Thus, if you are using a discrete graphics card, the connection to the processor will be direct.

Versions of the i5 processor.

The first generation of i5 processors. It has several types of processors. I5-7xx, 7xxS - on the Lynnfield core. i5-6xx - on the Clarkdale core. i5-5xxM, 4xxM, 5xxUM, 4xxUM - on the Arrandale core for portable devices. The first models of processors have 4 cores, the other 2 cores with Hyperthread technology.

The production technology allows the creation of transistors 45 nanometers in Lynnfield, against 32 nanometers in Arrandale and Clarkdale.

As a set of instructions, they support SSE 4.1/4.2 and MMX. The i5 6xx series processor and Arrandale already have a graphics card integrated.

Second generation i5 processors. Also known by his own name Sandy Bridge. Support for AVX instructions has been added to the processor, which allows you to speed up scientific, financial calculations, signal processing, etc.

In desktop versions of the computer, all i5 processors have 4 cores, except for the 2390T, which has 2 cores and Hyperthread technology. The laptop has everything as in the last version.

Another hallmark these i5 processors is the inclusion of Quicksync, which increases the speed of video processing and encoding.

Third generation i5 processors. Also known as Ivy Bridge. In these processors, Intel has improved the manufacturing technology itself. The corporation managed to create transistors of 22 nanometers. Thus, in the same area, they managed to place twice as many. What added energy efficiency and increased the speed of data processing.

Like Sandy Bridge, desktop PCs have i5 processors with four cores. Except i5 3470T series processor which has 2 cores and Hyperthread technology. Everything in the laptop is like in the i5 processor of the 3470T series.

For whom i5 processor.

As mentioned above, the i5 processor will suit almost any user. If your budget is still limited, this processor is the best choice for you. Add to this that the actual applications for which it is better to take advantage of the i7 processor are quite specific and you have an almost perfect processor.

In the process of assembling or buying a new computer, users are sure to have a question. In this article, we will look at Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, and also tell you what is the difference between these chips and what is better to choose for your computer.

Difference No. 1. The number of cores and support for Hyper-threading.

Perhaps, the main difference between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the number of physical cores and support for Hyper-threading technology, which creates two threads of computation for each real physical core. Creation of two computation threads for each core allows more efficient use of the processing power of the processor core. Therefore, processors with Hyper-threading support have some performance advantage.

The number of cores and Hyper-threading technology support for most Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors can be summarized in the following table.

	Number of physical cores	Support for Hyper-threading technology	Number of threads
Intel Core i3	2	Yes	4
Intel Core i5	4	Not	4
Intel Core i7	4	Yes	8

But there are exceptions to this table.. Firstly, these are the Intel Core i7 processors of their "Extreme" line. These processors can have 6 or 8 physical processing cores. At the same time, they, like all Core i7 processors, have support for Hyper-threading technology, which means that the number of threads is twice the number of cores. Second, some mobile processors (laptop processors) are exempt. So some Intel Core i5 mobile processors have only 2 physical cores, but at the same time they have Hyper-threading support.

It should also be noted that Intel has already planned to increase the number of cores in its processors. According to breaking news, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with Coffee Lake architecture, scheduled for release in 2018, will have 6 physical cores and 12 threads.

Therefore, you should not completely trust the above table. If you are interested in the number of cores in a particular Intel processor, then it is better to check the official information on the website.

Difference number 2. The amount of cache memory.

Also, Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors differ in the amount of cache memory. The higher the processor class, the more cache memory it gets. Intel Core i7 processors get the most cache memory, Intel Core i5 gets a little less, and Intel Core i3 gets even less. Specific values should be viewed in the characteristics of the processors. But for example, you can compare several processors from the 6th generation.

	Level 1 cache	Level 2 cache	Level 3 cache
Intel Core i7-6700	4 x 32 KB	4 x 256 KB	8 MB
Intel Core i5-6500	4 x 32 KB	4 x 256 KB	6 MB
Intel Core i3-6100	2 x 32 KB	2 x 256 KB	3 MB

It must be understood that a decrease in the amount of cache memory is associated with a decrease in the number of cores and threads. But, nevertheless, there is such a difference.

Difference No. 3. Clock speeds.

Typically, higher-end processors come with higher clock speeds. But, not everything is so clear-cut here. Not infrequently, Intel Core i3 can have higher frequencies than Intel Core i7. For example, let's take 3 processors from the 6th generation line.

	Clock frequency
Intel Core i7-6700	3.4GHz
Intel Core i5-6500	3.2GHz
Intel Core i3-6100	3.7GHz

Thus, Intel is trying to maintain the performance of Intel Core i3 processors at the right level.

Difference No. 4. Heat dissipation.

Another important difference between the Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is the level of heat dissipation. The characteristic known as TDP or thermal design power is responsible for this. This characteristic tells how much heat the processor cooling system should remove. For example, let's take the TDP of three 6th generation Intel processors. As can be seen from the table, the higher the class of the processor, the more heat it produces and the more powerful the cooling system is needed.

	TDP
Intel Core i7-6700	65 W
Intel Core i5-6500	65 W
Intel Core i3-6100	51 W

It should be noted that TDP tends to decrease. With each generation of processors, TDP is getting lower. For example, the TDP of the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor was 95W. Now, as we see, only 65 watts.

Which is better Intel Core i3, i5 or i7?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of performance you need. The difference in the number of cores, threads, cache memory and clock speeds creates a noticeable difference in performance between the Core i3, i5 and i7.

The Intel Core i3 processor is a great option for an office or budget home computer. If you have a video card of the appropriate level, it is quite possible to play computer games on a computer with an Intel Core i3 processor.
Intel Core i5 processor - suitable for a powerful work or gaming computer. A modern Intel Core i5 can handle any graphics card without any problems, so you can play any games on a computer with such a processor, even at maximum settings.
An Intel Core i7 processor is an option for those who know exactly why it needs such performance. A computer with such a processor is suitable, for example, for editing video or conducting game streams.

For the first time, desktop 6-core processors appeared eight years ago at a price of $600. But the Socket LGA1366 platform itself was quite expensive, and only wealthy enthusiasts could afford it. Although perhaps main reason, due to which such solutions could not become popular, we can consider the lack of wide distribution software able to take full advantage of the opportunities that were new at that time. Of course, there was specialized software, but only in certain narrow niches. In order for multi-core processors to become mainstream, it was necessary to prepare the ground, which Intel did.

To do this, starting with the mainstream platform Socket LGA1156 and subsequent, a hierarchy was introduced that remained almost unchanged until the seventh generation of Intel Core. So, at the very bottom there are 2-core Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium chips (a 4-thread "hyperstump" and the like stand out from the general row). The models of the Intel Core i3 line go one step higher, which also have 2 cores, but thanks to the support of Intel Hyper-Threading logical multithreading technology, they are able to process 4 threads. At the very top are Intel Core i5 / i7 processors: they have 4 full cores (the exception is 2-core 4-thread models of the Intel Core i5-6xx family), and in the latter case, twice the number of threads. This approach allowed the microprocessor giant to cover all the needs for building a wide range of home, educational or office computers. And all subsequent years, engineers from Santa Clara were engaged in improving the quality of their products and expanding their functionality.

At the same time, HEDT platforms were also developing, which in their composition offer multi-core “pebbles” for creating uncompromising gaming or workstations. It is noteworthy that with the release of Socket LGA2011-v3, the recommended price tag for 6-core processors dropped below $400, and 8-core 16-thread, and then 10-core 20-thread models leaked into the desktop segment for the first time.

What about AMD? I must say that after the appearance of the Intel Core 2 Duo on the scene, the “reds” were in the role of catching up. The company tried to take the quantity by offering more cores than the competitor. We are talking about 6-core AMD Phenom II X6 and newer 8-core AMD FX. But at the dawn of their appearance, game engines used only 1-2 threads, and due to faster cores, Intel solutions looked preferable. However, this does not mean that these processors turned out to be unsuccessful, just then their time has not yet come. As evidence, we can recall a lot of modern tests of "fufiks", which even now look very good, especially after proper overclocking. Separately, it is worth mentioning that AMD managed to firmly register in consoles thanks to its 8-core Jaguar CPUs, which prompted game developers to parallelize code.

It would seem that nothing can break this hegemony and everyone has already come to terms with a slight (5-10%) increase in computing power during the transition of the CPU from generation to generation, which was confirmed by the release of the line , which is essentially just a slightly modified version of . But with the debut of the long-awaited processors, the company from Sunnyvale managed to impose an active struggle against Intel in the price segments from $100 and above. And AMD has remained true to its principles - "more opportunities for less money." As a result, in every price range, Ryzen outperforms the competitor in the number of cores or threads. In fairness, it should be noted that this does not always result in an unconditional advantage in performance, but from a purely psychological and marketing point of view, the blow was tangible. Naturally, the Blues had to make an accelerated response to such a daring attack from their eternal opponent. First of all, plans for the release of the platform were adjusted and the line of Intel Core X chips was significantly expanded, including a real monster - the 18-core 36-thread Intel Core i9-7980XE.

But much more excitement was caused by the debut of the 8th generation Intel Core processors. This is due to the fact that the new Intel Coffee Lake family for the first time in many years received a proportional increase in the number of cores / threads and cache memory. That is, now in the Intel Core i5 / i7 CPU series, solutions with six processing cores are offered, which are characterized by the presence / absence of support for Intel Hyper-Threading technology and L3 cache 9 / 12 MB, and Intel Core i3 have acquired four full-fledged cores, without HT, but with an L3 cache increased to 6 MB. In practice, this resulted in a significant increase in productivity, which was confirmed by our practical acquaintance with and . By the way, a couple of our experiments showed that it bypasses not only its 2-core predecessor in the face of the Core i3-7100, but also the younger 4-core Core i5 of previous generations. It is curious, but it can also compete on equal terms with the more expensive one. And this suggests that the new Core i5 look very attractive options for building a modern gaming computer.

Now in the Intel lineup there is the most affordable 6-core. Just a minute, according to the official price list Intel Core i5-8400 is $187 in quantities of 1,000 or more, making it a very tasty purchase. But the real picture is slightly different. At the time of writing these lines, its average cost reached $250 in the domestic market, while a direct competitor in person can be found for $220. Given the temporary lack of affordable motherboards for Coffee Lake, when assembling real systems on Socket AM4, you can save an additional $60 or even more. But what to choose in this case? And you will find out by reading this material.

Specification



Processor socket
Base / dynamic clock frequency, GHz
base multiplier
Base system bus frequency, MHz
Number of cores / threads
L1 cache size, KB	6 x 32 (data memory) 6 x 32 (instruction memory)
L2 cache size, KB
L3 cache size, MB
microarchitecture	Intel Coffee Lake
codename	Intel Coffee Lake-S
Maximum design power (TDP), W
Process technology, nm
Critical temperature (T junction), °C
Support for instructions and technologies	Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, Intel Optane Memory, Intel vPro, Intel VT-x, Intel VT-d, Intel VT-x EPT, Intel TSX-NI, Intel 64, Execute Disable Bit, Intel AEX-NI, MMX, SSE, SSE2 , SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EM64T, AES, AVX, AVX 2.0, FMA3, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep, Thermal Monitoring, Intel Identity Protection, Intel Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP)
Built-in memory controller
Memory type
Supported frequency, MHz
Number of channels
Maximum memory, GB
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630
Number of execution units (EU)
Base / dynamic frequency, MHz
Maximum video memory (allocated from RAM), GB
Maximum screen resolution at 60 Hz
Maximum supported displays
Supported technologies and APIs	DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, Intel Quick Sync Video, Intel InTru 3D, Intel Clear Video HD, Intel Clear Video
Products webpage
Processor page
Purchase page

Packaging, scope of delivery and appearance

The processor was kindly provided for testing by the company BRAIN Computers. In the company store, it is available in the BOX version (BX80684I58400) with a simple cooler. He came to us in the OEM version (CM8068403358811) without a cooling system. The price difference is about $15-20, which will allow the user to choose a more efficient cooler, but instead of a three-year warranty, you will have to limit yourself to only one.

The marking on the heat spreader cover of the Intel Core i5-8400 says that our sample was manufactured in Malaysia on the 37th week of 2017, that is, between September 11 and 17. Considering the use of the same Socket LGA1151 processor socket, there are practically no visual differences from its predecessors.

But it is worth recalling that for any Intel Coffee Lake processor to work, you will need a motherboard based on Intel 300 series chipsets. Although, at your own peril and risk, you can use and either endow a model based on Intel 100- / 200-series chipsets with the ability to work with new CPUs, or, at best, lose time (and at worst, turn it into a museum piece).

At the moment, only models based on the overclocker chipset are available for the updated platform. Naturally, if you are the owner of a chip with an unlocked multiplier, then this is a completely justified choice, but owners of models without the “K” index will have to overpay for the functionality they do not need. The cheapest boards based on it will cost around $120-130, which is approximately 2.5 times more expensive than budget solutions based on Intel H110 for Intel Skylake/Kaby Lake. We expect the debut of available options on lower chipsets (Intel H310, H370 and B360) since January, but so far they have not appeared on open sale.

Analysis of technical characteristics

As already mentioned, the Intel Core i5-8400 is a 6-core processor that is manufactured using a 14nm process technology. At the microarchitectural level, Intel Coffee Lake has a minimum of differences from, that is, with a single-threaded load and at the same frequency, they are equal. But the new chips use a modified manufacturing process, which the manufacturer himself refers to as 14 ++ nm (recall that Intel began using 14 nm back in 2015 in Intel Broadwell processors). This technology makes it possible to produce multi-core solutions with relatively low heat release, increases the yield of suitable chips and reduces their cost. As an example, our test subject has a TDP of 65 watts. Of course, its base frequency is quite modest and is only 2.8 GHz, but thanks to Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, this value can rise to 4 GHz.

We conducted practical tests on a motherboard with an inexpensive cooler Vinga CL-2001B, which is suitable for 65-watt processors from AMD and Intel. Its design consists of an aluminum radiator and a 120mm hydrodynamic bearing fan with blue LED illumination.

In the AIDA64 stress test, the maximum temperature of the cores did not exceed 72 ° C with a critical indicator of 100 ° C, and their clock frequency was at 3.8 GHz. The chip can also operate at a frequency of 3.9 GHz in the case of a load of 2-4 cores, or accelerate to 4 GHz in single-threaded mode. The cooler speed did not exceed 1400 rpm, although the specification says 1600 rpm. The background noise was absolutely comfortable.

For comparison, we recall that the predecessor in the face with a smaller number of cores and the same thermal package can operate at maximum load only at a frequency of 3.3 GHz, and when it decreases, you can see a value of 3.5 GHz. In turn, the older brother, when loaded on all cores, it operates at a frequency of 4.1 GHz, when using 2-4 cores, this figure increases to 4.2 GHz, and in a single thread it should be 4.3 GHz.

We are grateful to the companyBRAIN Computers for the processor provided for testing.

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