This is the second part of our Intel Core processor comparison. Check out Part I of the Intel i Series Processor Comparison. Here we break down the best Core i7, give some buying tips and draw conclusions.
Core i7
Last but not least, the Intel Core i7 processor lineup. The Core i7 is currently the line leader among all Core series processors. They are also the most expensive. Technically, the Core i7 also comes in two different flavors. A noticeable difference between them? Chipset.
Core i7 processors are available with either the LGA1156 or LGA1366 chipset. Both chipsets offer quad-core performance, virtualization support, hyper-threading, and Turbo Boost technology. However, the i7 9xx series processors, which use the 1366 chipset, are considered slightly faster and “best of the best” among all processors, even AMD.
Both versions of the Core i7 processor will offer similar performance in most cases, and that performance is incredible. The i7 9xx may perform slightly better in heavy games.
Should you buy a computer with an i7 processor? It depends on you. Most computer users don’t need an i7 processor at all. But if you want the latest and fastest, then that’s the point of the i7.
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Even if you do above average video rendering, the cheaper Intel Core i5 should be able to handle it. If you know what the term “overclocking” means, the Core i7 might be exactly what you were looking for. If you have money to spend, you might even consider opting for a Core i7 Extreme that will allow you to reach the speed of light Not the speed of light, but pretty darn fast.
Possible future versions
Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors should be here for a while. However, if you are thinking of buying an i7 processor and want the very best, you can wait a little longer.
Many tech enthusiasts have pointed out that Intel will release a new processor called the “i9”. This will likely not bring down the price of other Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors. Rather, it will be offered as an ultra high performance processor. Core i9 is definitely possible in the near future, perhaps by the third quarter of this year ??
Specification Updates
In the first part of the series, we mentioned that now is a good time to buy Intel Core series processors and that Intel should not be releasing any new processors anytime soon. It should be understood that processors often receive specification updates. For example, a 2.4 GHz processor can be replaced with a 3.0 GHz processor.
However, the specification updates are mainly related to the clock speed. In most cases, the specification update does not offer any “revolutionary new technology”. Just a slight increase in speed.
Conclusion and advice
Whether you opt for a Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7, you get a quality processor. All three versions of the Intel Core series have received excellent reviews from all major technical experts and review sites.
The differences between the three processors are obvious and the price reflects this. Buy a computer within your budget. But don’t buy an expensive computer with older Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad series processors.
Not that they’re not the best processors, but the new Core i3-i5-i7 series offers better performance at a lower price point. The newer series also runs on a newer chipset. In turn, this processor will be more reliable in the future.
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