A Core i7 will typically be better for multitasking, media-editing and media-creation tasks, high-end gaming, and similar demanding workloads.

But in most cases, if you're comparing apples to apples (that is, a desktop chip to a desktop chip, or a laptop chip to a laptop chip, and the same generation to the same generation), the Core i5 will have fewer, or dialed-down, capabilities. Simply put, a Core i5-equipped system will be less expensive than a Core i7-equipped PC, if all else is equal.

Let's get into the key differences between the Core i5 and the Core i7. But knowing the essentials about each can help you make a smarter choice. There isn't always a clear-cut, definitive answer to which is better in a given situation, and often, it just comes down to your budget. The differences between the Core i5 and the Core i7 can seem subtle and more nuanced, especially when the prices for a Core i5 versus a Core i7 PC sometimes can be so close. The differences among Intel's key processor families are clearer when you're looking at the Core i3 (found mainly in budget systems) or the Core i9 ( powerful CPUs for content-creation and other high-performance scenarios). And that makes picking tricky, because the two lines have a lot in common. Two of the CPU families most often in contention in mainstream systems are the Intel Core i5 and the Intel Core i7. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authenticationįor many consumers on the hunt for a new desktop or laptop PC, one of the biggest considerations is the type of processor the system should have.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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