Difference Between Core i5 and i7 Laptops

Whether you are planning to upgrade your laptop or thinking of buying a new rig, deciding a suitable CPU holds the utmost importance. CPU is one of the most critical components which greatly affects your laptop’s performance. Thus, you should always spend a considerable amount of time on deciding one of the most suitable CPUs for yourself.

Intel processors are market-best when it comes to providing high-processing speeds, peak performance, and efficient power management. Core i5 and Core i7 are two of the most popular Intel’s processors and are well-engineered to cope with versatile computing needs.

Core i5 laptops deliver robust performance when it comes to gaming, web browsing and medium intensity workload. While Core i7 laptops hold more power and perfectly supports high-intensive gaming, heavy-duty multimedia editing, and specialised applications. But the comparison is not as simple as it seems, both Intel’s processors vary in varied factors.

In today’s guide, we will explore both Core i5 laptops and Core i7 laptops in detail to explore their characteristics features. The comprehensive analysis will help you to decide which processor is best for your working needs. So, lets get started.

What is a processor?

Before going any further, it will be a promising idea to firstly understand what a processor is, and which functions it performs on your laptop. The central processing unit (CPU) or a processor in your laptop is responsible for carrying out and executing computing instructions.

The processor works as a brain of the laptop and work closely with other core components of the laptop to perform the tasks, ensuring you a smooth user experience.

How processor works?

The CPU or processor executes every instruction by processing it through an arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), present in the CPU. Fetching, decoding, executing are three of the fundamental steps involved in the process.

Fetching

As the name suggests, the CPU receives the instruction at first. The information passes to the processor by the memory, which breaks the instruction into several building blocks. After that, the processor receives those sets of information one by one.

Decoding

Once the instruction has been carried to the processor, after that it needs to work out what the instruction really means. So, the process of decoding begins with the help of ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit). It interprets and converts the instruction into signal which then passed to different parts of the processor to perform further action.

Executing

After decoding, the instructions are subjected to execution. The executed instruction then stored in the processor register which is a small amount of fast storage. The stored instructions assist the later instructions in referencing them.

The processor repeats this cycle over and over and this is how it works in your laptop.

What are cores of a processor?

The cores of a processor represent the small processors that a main processor carries. A core number denotes that how many core are featured on the primary processor. For instance, both Intel Core i5 and Core i7 laptops features four cores. Days are gone when computers used to have only 1 CPU to carry out all the computing tasks, modern day laptops such as Intel Core i5 laptops come with quad cores. Each of these cores is responsible for different tasks and takes your user experience to the next level.

Intel Core i5 laptops Vs Intel Core i7 Laptops: What is the difference?

Here are some major differences between Core i5 and Core i7 processors powered laptops.

Intel Core i5 Laptops

Intel Core i7 Laptops

A typical Core i5 laptop holds a clock speed between 1.2-3.6 GHz

The clock speed of a Core i7 laptop varies between 1.3-3.5 GHz

The battery of Core i5 can last up to 14 hours

Core i7’s battery can last up to 10 hours

Core i5 processor doesn’t support Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading is possible on a Core i7 laptop.

It offers mid-range graphics

Core i7 laptops are well-aligned to deliver top-notch graphics

The cache size of Core i5 varies between 3MB-6MB

The cache size of a Core i7 laptop differs between 4MB-8MB

Core i5 processors utilizes DMI (Direct Media Interface) bus

Core i7 processors use QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) bus

Core i5 laptops are less costly than Core i7 laptops

Core i7 laptops cost you slightly more bucks than Core i5 laptops

Advantages of Core i5 laptops

Here are the pros or benefits of Core i5 laptops:

These laptops can execute tasks pretty quickly with a maximum clock speed of 3.6GHz

Turbo technology present in Intel Core i5 processors ensures fast processing speeds

These rigs come with 64-bit architecture to ensure reliable working

Suitable for budgeted users

Advantages of Core i7 laptops

Core i7 laptops are well-crafted to offer you the following pros or benefits:

Exhibits amazingly fast processing speeds

Comes with efficient cooling systems

Offers high-quality graphics due to high data visualization support

These laptops are ideal for gaming enthusiasts and 3D editors

Disadvantages of Core i5 laptops

Some of the cons or drawbacks of Core i5 laptops include:

Not support high data visualization technology, so you can’t experience top-quality graphics on these rigs

Core i5 processor present in these laptops is sensitive to higher voltages

Power consumption of Core i5 laptops are not better in comparison with Core i7 machines

Not suitable for intensive gaming

Disadvantages of Core i7 laptops

The cons or drawbacks of Core i7 laptops include:

These portable machines are relatively costly

More power-hungry than Core i5 laptops

A bit less battery life

Sometimes show over-heating

Do you need to upgrade from i5 to i7 processor?

Whether you need to upgrade from i5 to i7 processor mainly depends upon your specific computing needs. As many of the Core i7’s technical specs are similar with Core i5 processors such as both processors show a quite minor difference in terms of processing speeds.

Generally, if you want a portable rig to cope with your standard tasks and low to medium intensity gaming, then a Core i5 laptop is always a good option for being an economical choice.

On the other hand, if your work revolves around resource intensive tasks such as heavy gaming, 3D editing or content creation, then its better to update to a Core i7 laptop. However, please keep it in mind that this option will cost you some more bucks than a price of a Core i5 processor.

Wrapping It Up

Laptops with Intel Core i5 laptops are great for everyday tasks and basic computer needs such as light gaming, normal web browsing or writing assignments. While the Core i7 rigs are viable options for running high-performance, high end and resource intensive applications. In order to choose the best laptop for you, observe your computing habits. If you are more involved into normal tasks which doesn’t demand a heavy-duty processor, go for a Core i5 laptop. However, if you are into specialised work including intensive gaming or 3D designing, then it’s a Core i7 laptop that will suit you best.

Another considerable factor while choosing between the two options is your available budget range. If you are a bit tight on budget, it would be better to buy a Core i5 laptop. However, if budget is not a issue for you, enjoy the perks that comes with a Core i7 laptop.