When looking for a new computer, be it portable or desktop, to assemble or ready, one of the features that we look at more carefully is the type of processor. In particular, the choice is between the two main processor brands, AMD or Intel and between the Intel Core i5 and the Intel Core i7 (today we cannot consider the i3 yet, still present only on the cheapest computers on offer).
In this article we therefore see the main differences between AMD and Intel CPUs and between Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 CPUs .
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Differences between AMD and Intel processors
In general, AMD chips are cheaper than Intel processors so, if you want a cheaper computer, an AMD CPU is certainly worth saving for the same power (even if with AMD Ryzen we are at the same levels)
Intel processors, however, offer faster and better overall performance so it is normal for a computer with an Intel i5 processor to be more expensive than a nearly identical one but with an AMD CPU.
Intel processors are preferable on computers with more expensive and powerful graphics cards.
AMD processors are appreciated by geeks who want to get the most out of overclocking procedures.
In fact, it is generally easier to configure a higher clock speed on an AMD processor, while the Intel are more blocked.
On Intel i5 and i7 processors, however, there is a feature called Turbo Boost that allows the CPU to run faster than its base clock speed.
Basically, if you want a high-level computer and you don't intend to save too much on the components, the choice is certainly that of an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor.
If, however, you want to save money, you do not need high graphics performance, do not play too much with the latest 3D video games and do not use graphics or video editing programs, then a computer with an AMD processor will be fine.
Choosing an Intel computer, let's see what are the differences between Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 CPUs .
Intel i5 processors are less expensive than i7 cores because i7s have more capacity .
The i7s are faster and better at multitasking, multimedia, video games and data processing.
Most i7 CPUs for desktop PCs are quad-core processors, as are most i5 CPUs (sometimes they are also dual core while on some "extreme" systems they are octa-cores).
The history of the cores could create some confusion with the nomenclature.
In general, if the higher model number is a more advanced, newer and better processor.
In another article, we already explained how to understand the speed of a multi-core processor and we also talked about the Intel Hyper-Threading technology used in the i7 multi-core processors, which tricks the operating system and the programs making them think that the processor has more cores than it actually is.
Hyper-Threading technology allows you to increase performance when running multiple programs simultaneously and when doing multimedia operations (such as transcoding and rendering).
In addition to the basic speed, Core i7 processors also have a larger cache memory which helps the processor with repetitive tasks.
If you are editing a spreadsheet, the CPU keeps it in memory so that when you edit a number, the calculations are almost instantaneous.
Larger cache sizes therefore help faster multitasking, with a quick switch from one window to another and from one program to another.
On currently available processors, i5 CPUs have 3MB to 6MB of L3 cache, while i7 processors have 4MB to 8MB.
In conclusion, Intel Core i5 processors are good for users who care about the performance of their computer and are not prepared for the savings compromises obtainable from AMD processors.
Those who work with graphics and videos, those who play the latest generation 3D games and those who want the most from their PC (because they need the maximum not only for the idea of having it), will have to choose an Intel Core i7 processor, clearly more expensive .
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