I'm fairly new to the world of computer hardware, so I hope this question isn't too basic. I've always thought that the hierarchy is pretty straightforward: i7s are better than i5s, and i5s outperform i3s. However, after doing some digging, I've learned that not all i5s are inferior to i7s, especially when comparing different generations. For instance, an i5 from the 14th generation can significantly outperform an i7 from the 1st generation. My main question is about how these generations affect performance specifically. For example, if I have an i7 from the 6th generation and an i5 from the 7th generation, does that automatically make the i5 better? Or is it more complicated than that? I suspect that a newer model within the same generation, like an i7 from the 9th gen versus an i5 from the same generation, is always going to be superior. What should I focus on for tasks like 1080p gaming and web browsing?
5 Answers
The i5 and i7 labels don't give you a clear picture, especially when comparing across generations. A newer i3, like the 14100, can outperform an older i7 like the 6700K from years ago. Focus on generational improvements rather than model names!
For gaming, an i5 is usually just fine! i7s are better suited for more demanding tasks. Just remember: it's a safe bet to always choose the newer generation. It’s not a hard rule, but it typically holds true. So, if you have an i9 10th gen and an i5 11th gen, stick with the i5 for your needs!
Don't stress too much about branding! It’s all about performance at the end of the day. Check the specific performance metrics and prices instead. Trust me, that's the best route to take. Here's a helpful graph to reference, just to get a general idea of how different CPUs stack up in terms of gaming.
Honestly, I recommend looking beyond just the i3, i5, and i7 labels. They're mostly marketing terms that don’t mean much in real-world usage. The generation is what you should really focus on for performance. Make sure to check benchmarks for the specific CPUs you're considering - that's where you'll see the actual differences!
Think of CPUs as unique pieces of tech. Generally, within the same generation, an i7 will be stronger than an i5, but that’s not the full picture. For example, an i5-13600K can outperform an i7-13400F even though the i7 has a higher number. Always compare specific models to get a true sense of their performance!
Thanks for clarifying! So as a rule of thumb, always go for the higher generation unless there’s a specific reason otherwise?