1st Gen i7 vs 2nd Gen i5
- Thread starter radekmm
- Start date
Gunmetal_61
Reputable
- Jun 12, 2014
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The i7-960 is superior despite the large performance-per-clock gains of Sandy Bridge. It has a higher base clock speed (3.2 GHz vs 2.8GHz) and turbo clock speed (3.46GHz vs 3.1GHz) to compensate, has a larger L3 cache, and has 2 threads for each of its four cores, effectively allowing it to have 8 logical cores. The i5 only has one thread per core. More threads means better multitasking performance. Additionally, the i7 is capable of being overclocked while the i5 is not.
The only disadvantage is that the 960 is rated to use 52W more (130W vs 77W) at load. This also translates into more heat generated and higher operating temperatures. I would recommend a good aftermarket cooler, especially if overclocking.
The only disadvantage is that the 960 is rated to use 52W more (130W vs 77W) at load. This also translates into more heat generated and higher operating temperatures. I would recommend a good aftermarket cooler, especially if overclocking.
mudpuppet
Honorable
- Jun 20, 2012
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I know I would save for another CPU, but you did say that wasn't an option so here are a few things about the CPUs. I would say these are two of the biggest differences:
i7 - "More memory bandwidth, available to this processor, helps to eliminate memory bottlenecks. It results in increased performance in memory bound tasks."
i5- "The microprocessor comes with integrated HD 2000 Graphics Processing Unit. While this graphics is not fast enough to play latest games with all settings on, it can be used for casual gaming and 3D applications."
That said, while they are both older CPUs, the i7 is older and thus has an older socket type. Finding a motherboard you make it sound like might be easy, but again, being as old as it is, I would stick to something a little newer. If you're looking to game (or really anything), I think the i5 is just fine for now. If you're looking to try and upgrade at all, I would wait and continue to save so the gains you get are more substantial.
Some reading if you like graphs and charts... http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/373/Intel_Core_i5_i5-2300_vs_Intel_Core_i7_i7-960.html
i7 - "More memory bandwidth, available to this processor, helps to eliminate memory bottlenecks. It results in increased performance in memory bound tasks."
i5- "The microprocessor comes with integrated HD 2000 Graphics Processing Unit. While this graphics is not fast enough to play latest games with all settings on, it can be used for casual gaming and 3D applications."
That said, while they are both older CPUs, the i7 is older and thus has an older socket type. Finding a motherboard you make it sound like might be easy, but again, being as old as it is, I would stick to something a little newer. If you're looking to game (or really anything), I think the i5 is just fine for now. If you're looking to try and upgrade at all, I would wait and continue to save so the gains you get are more substantial.
Some reading if you like graphs and charts... http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/373/Intel_Core_i5_i5-2300_vs_Intel_Core_i7_i7-960.html
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