Which CPU should you buy? This is a question that is being asked by many people who are looking to buy new computers. They have come to the point where they realize that there are more options than just some random brand or manufacturer. And that it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of choosing an Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9. That said, many people are confused as to which one they should be buying.
In this article we will talk about the i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9 and break down the differences between them. Because it really isn’t a clear cut answer as to what you should buy. Remember that Intel Core CPUs have been considered to just be a number for a long time now. But that’s not quite true anymore. In fact, each of them has its own specific advantages and disadvantages.
The first thing you need to know is how fast any given CPU is capable of being. So I’ll touch on this first before going into detail on all four chipsets. Of course, this information can change at any time. But as I’m writing this article, this is the most up to date information available.
List of Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9
Intel Core i3-8100 3.6 GHz with 4 Cores and 4 Threads
This i3 Processor is very similar in its performance to the previous generation i5 CPUs which are around 3.0GHz.
The Intel Core i7-8700 comes with 6 Cores and 12 Threads
This is running at 3.2GHz, but is able to reach a maximum clock speed of 4.60 GHz under Turbo Boost 2.0.
As you can see, there isn’t much difference between these three chipsets when it comes to straight up performance. At least not enough to warrant paying extra money for an expensive chip-set. If you don’t even plan on utilizing that extra power.
Rather, the main difference between these three chipsets is their intended uses. In fact, it’s pretty safe to say that you will actually be using your PC differently depending on whether you get an i3 vs i5 vs i7 or even an i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9. This all comes down to what kind of tasks you want to do with your computer and how often. Because this changes the way you should perceive a pc in general. Let’s start by talking about each chip individually:
Intel Core i3-8100 3.6 GHz with 4 Cores and 4 Threads
This Intel Core CPU has a lower clock speed but is very similar in its performance to the previous generation i5 CPUs which are around 3.0GHz.
This is definitely the most economical option when it comes to an Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7. But you should keep in mind that this chipset also has a lower number of cores and threads when compared with an i5 or even an i7. It uses the Intel UHD graphics 630 GPU. Which is basically just integrated graphics that are built into the CPU itself rather than being separate on your motherboard. This means that you will probably want to invest in either a really good video card or get something like NVIDIA’s Optimus technology if you plan on doing any gaming PC Project . Otherwise, Intel UHD Graphics 630 can’t really handle too much beyond maybe some older titles, but it’s still fine for most people.
Intel Core i5-8400 2.8 GHz with 6 Cores and 6 Threads
The Intel i5 CPUs are now cheaper than they have been in the past. Which means that you can get more power at a good price if you choose this over an i3 or i7.
This chip is definitely where things start to get interesting because you actually have two options here. First, there’s the regular version of the Intel Core i5-8400. Which offers six cores and six threads running at 2.80GHz right out of the box. But then there is also an unlocked version that has a maximum clock speed of 4GHz. Either option will provide you with enough power to do most things, from everyday tasks all the way up to gaming if you plan on using a good graphics card.
However, the i5-8400 is still built with an integrated graphics chipset just like the i3-8100. Which means that gaming will be a little bit limited depending on what’s being played. If you’re going to be playing something older or less graphically demanding though, then it can definitely handle anything up to modern triple A titles.
Intel Core i7-8700 3.2 GHz with 6 Cores and 12 Threads
The Intel i7 CPUs are considered top of the line but they also have been known for being fairly expensive.
This is where things start getting very interesting because you have another choice between a regular version and an unlocked version that has a maximum clock speed of 4.60GHz. However, it’s important to remember that this is the most expensive option out of all three Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 chipsets so you should save this as your last choice – unless you need the extra power for something like video or photo editing or maybe even overclocking if you plan on doing any PC Project. With six cores and twelve threads, the i7-8700 is definitely built with enthusiast users in mind and can handle pretty much any task without breaking too much of a sweat – but again, you do have to pay quite a bit more just to get those extra two cores and four additional threads into the picture which really isn’t necessary for most people.
Intel Core i3-8350K 4.0 GHz with 4 Cores and 8 Threads
The Intel i3 CPUs are perfect if you’re trying to build a system on a budget, but they also offer the best performance/dollar ratio out of all three i3 vs i5 vs i7 chips.
This one has only four cores and eight threads but that’s still more than enough for essentially everything someone who is looking for an affordable Intel CPU would need to do. This one is actually unlocked as well which means you could overclock it even further for some added processing power if you find yourself needing something extra, although this wouldn’t really be recommended unless you plan on doing any PC Project yourself.
The i3-8350K comes with Intel HD graphics 630 on board which means that you will be limited to pretty much just casual gaming or not even that if you plan on trying anything too demanding – but if you’re only looking for something simple, then this is definitely the most affordable option out of all three i3 vs i5 vs i7 chips.
Intel Core i5-8600K 3.6 GHz with 6 Cores and 6 Threads
Offering impressive power at a reasonable price, the Intel i5 CPUs are perfect for most people no matter what they want to do.
This CPU offers six cores and six threads along with a maximum clock speed of 4.40GHz right out of the box – which means that it’s the only one out of all three i3 vs i5 vs i7 options that can also be overclocked for an even more impressive performance. It’s worth mentioning though that you’ll need to get a motherboard capable of supporting overclocking if you plan on using this CPU and it definitely won’t be cheap – but if you do decide to go with the Intel Core i5-8600K, then you will get fantastic power at a very reasonable price.
Which CPU should you buy?
All in all, choosing between the Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9 is pretty easy when compared to other brands and there’s pretty much only one CPU that you would want to get for most people. It’s the Intel Core i5-8600K 3.60GHz with six cores and six threads which offers fantastic power at a very reasonable price making it more than worth the upgrade from the i3 series processors of this world.
The 8600K has been known as one of the best CPUs around and also due to its ability to be overclocked, which will give you an even better performance if needs be – but overall, we’d say that simply buying what comes out on top is your best bet for now.
Conclusion
Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9 : Which CPU Should You Buy? The answer to that question depends on your budget and the tasks for which you will be using your computer. Choosing the best CPU for your needs can be a difficult decision. Having an understanding of all four Intel CPUs and their benefits will help you make the right choice when purchasing one. The Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9 article breaks down each type, what they do well, and how they differ from each other so that you can find which is perfect for your specific situation.
