Intel launched its new Core series in November 2008 with its Core i7. It still remains the fastest desktop processor you can buy in the planet. Later Intel introduced its Core i5 and Core i3 processors in 2009 for the mid-range and entry level desktop markets respectively. Now in India, you can get around 6 types of Intel processors(Dual Core, Core2Duo, Core2Quad, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7) and you - the consumer - are confused about which processor to select for the desktop you are going to buy. This post will help you answering this question considering the PC's application.
Core2Quad, Core2Duo and Core Duo Processors.
These processors from Intel are here for the past 4 years and they are still able to deliver performance for the High Performance, Mid-range and Entry Level Desktops. The problem now is that these processors are at the end of their life-cycle and are getting replaced by the new Intel Core series. When these processors are phased out, the motherboards and the memories which are available for them may go out of the markets too. So is it a wise decision to go for these processors now? I would say a definite no. I would spend a few more bucks out of my pocket and go for the new Core series which are here to stay for at least for the next few years.
Intel's new Core Series.
Core i7, i5 and i3 are the new replacement for the processors mentioned above and they all have certain features in common.
They are
1. All support 64bit architecture - They all can handle the new 64bit operating systems out there.
2. Have 256 KB of L2 cache for each processor - The Processors are much efficient even at the core level since each core has a dedicated L2 Static RAM which can operate at great speeds
3. Base Clock Speed is 133MHz.
4. All support DDR3 RAM only. - DDR3 RAM is the new high speed memory which can transfer data at the speeds of upto 12.8 MBps.
Core i3 - Price : Rs. 11000 with the Motherboard.
Core i3 processors are targeted for the entry level market and they have received some good reviews from experts. The response from the consumer is also good for these processors.
Following is the list of what you can expect from an i3.
Haves
1. Two cores - Two processor cores are integrated in one chip
2. Virtualization - Execution of an Application regardless of the Hardware on which it is running.
3. Integrated Graphics - Supports playing HD Video and some entry level games
4. Hyper-threading - Each core in the processor can process two different processes.
5. Built on 32nm technology.
1. Turbo Boost Technology - A method of accelerating the speed(Over-clocking) of a core if the remaining core(s) is idle
2. AES Acceleration - Support for acceleration of Advanced Encryption standards like Bitlocker for Windows 7.
With the above list of features, you can come to a conclusion whether Core i3 processor will suit you or not. If your application of a desktop is about emailing, entertainment, word processing and some entry level gaming you can definitely choose it for your PC. It can also handle some amateur Photoshop editing also. But if you are a hardcore gamer or a professional Photoshop or Avid user, this is not your piece of cake. Also don't buy it if you will encrypt you data on your hard disk for security reasons or as a part of your corporate policy. Go for the Core i5.
An i3-530 processor(2.93 GHz) is priced at around Rs. 11,000 along with the motherboard. Though this is a bit costlier than the Core2Duo, it is a definite value for money since it can perform much better than a Core2Duo at any point.
Core i5 - Price: Rs. 16000 with the Motherboard.
Core i5s are placed in the mid range desktops market and they are slightly costlier than the i3s. They have outperformed the Core2Quads and even Core i7 8xx series while you over-clock them. They are available in Dual core(6xx series) with Hyper-threading enabled and 4MB L3 cache and the Quad core variants of the processor come without Hyper-threading and 8MB L3 cache. They all have Turbo Boost enabled which can pump up the speed on demand till it reaches its physical thresholds.
If you are looking at a performance Desktop which can handle your gaming needs and designing needs like Photoshop, Avid, etc., buy this processor. Actually you can use this processor for almost all the applications that demand speed and flexibility. Core i5-750 is priced around Rs. 16,000 along with the Motherboard here.
Core i7 - Rs. 26000 with the Motherboard.
This one is the best in the bunch. It is a bit pricier too. It has Quad core(4 cores in a Chip) with Hyper-threading built on 45nm technology, Turbo boost, 8MB L3 Cache, 3 channel memory addressing and Virtualization . It comes in two different interfaces, LGA1156(8xx series) and LGA1366(9xx series). Of the two, LGA 1366 is definitely a winner which gives the ultimates performance because of the utilization of the QuickPath Interconnect(QPI), a new type of communication protocol between the Processor and the Chipset. Core i7 does not have the integrated graphics as the x58 Chipset which supports this processor provides a 32 lane bandwidth to its Graphics architecture opposed to the 16 lane bandwidth provided by the integrated GPU in the Core i5s.
I would not recommend you to buy the Core i7 8xx series processor as their performance is much equal to the Core i5 750 which is much cheaper. Where as If you are a gaming enthusiast who want to setup a SLI or Crossfire Video Card setup, go for the Core i7 9xx series processor. A Core i7 920(2.26GHz) costs around Rs. 26000 here with an X58 motherboard.
Core i7 Extreme Edition.
If you have thought that this is over, it is not. There is yet another Processor type called Core i7 Extreme Edition. These are the unlocked processor operating at speeds above 3 GHz from Intel for the gamers which can be over-clocked upto 4.2 Ghz. It also delivers 6.4 GT/s of data through the QPI channels compared to the 4.8 GT/s in the normal Core i7s. The Latest Core i7-980x has 6 cores with Hyper-threading and 980x is the fastest processor you can get for your Desktop PC. I was not able to get the prices here but found that the Core i7 975x is priced around Rs. 72000 on eBay.
To Summarize
1. Core Duo and the Core2 processors are being phased by Intel with its new Core series processors. So it will be a bad idea to buy one of these old processors.
2. Core i3 Processors are suitable for day to day computing, HD entertainment, casual gaming and amateur Photoshop editing.
2. Core i5 gives you the power and flexibility which makes it the best suited processor for Professional AV editing, Gaming and Designing.
3. Core i7 is the processor for Gaming enthusiast who want to setup SLI and CrossFire.
4. Core i7 Extreme Edition. Go for this if you want the Ultimate PC. It may also find its place in CG Rendering.
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Will be back.
