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Choosing a suitable processor can be quite confusing, especially for people that are not into high-end computing. Although the higher the number, the more powerful and sophisticated the processor. For example, the processing speed of an Intel Core i9 processor is higher than an Intel Core i7 processor.
But deciding the right model for your computing needs can be a daunting task. This is because there are some significant differences between them that you need to take into consideration.
If you’ve been wondering about the right one to buy between Intel i7 and Core i9, you are reading the right article.
Difference between i7 and i9
Most of the time, a Core i7 processor is all that you need for your system. The recently released i7-10700K has the same number of cores (8) as last gen’s i7-9700K. The only difference is that it comes with twice the number of threads, which takes the count from 8 to 16.
It means that when it comes to simultaneous thread support, the new i7-10700K is on the same level as the last gen’s i9-9900K. However, the new i7 has more base and boost clock. So comparing a Core i7 to a Core i9 can be pretty confusing.
For example, processors like the 9900K and 10700K work in a similar manner, and to make it even more confusing, the last time I checked, they belong to the same price category.
If you want to go for the latest generation of Intel processors for general computing tasks, a core i7 processor is more than enough. However, if you want a processor that can handle high-end programs and applications, a Core i9 can take it a step further.
i7 vs i9: desktop performance
If you want the latest-gen processor for your desktop computer, the first you need to know is that there are three new options at the moment. They were all released with the 10th-gen Comet Lake line, and they have similar attributes.
The first one, which is the base model, is the i7-10700 with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum frequency of 4.8GHz. This processor is perfect for mid-level desktop computer users. The second processor is the i7-10700T with a maximum frequency of 4.5GHz, which is perfect for low-budget desktop computers.
The third one is the most expensive model, the ‘K’ version of the i7-10700. It has a maximum frequency of 5.1GHz; the chip is unlocked and is perfect for resource-hungry programs and high-end desktop computer users.
Another major difference between the Core i9 processors and the same gen Core i7s is that the former has more cores and high clocks. They are most popular, although they do not represent value for money all the time.
Intel’s X-series HEDT CPUs are equipped with 18 cores, which is perfect for workstations and for programs that demand greater core counts. They are quite expensive, and you don’t really need them if you are not into heavy computing tasks.
i7 vs i9: laptop performance
Intel has made sure that most of its new releases are targeted at mobile users. For example, the fantastic and powerful 10th generation Core i7 and Core i9 chips are optimized for laptops and desktop PCs. Also, the 11th-gen released in 2021 has all been impressive so far.
The Core i7-9750H has 6 cores with 12 threads and a maximum frequency of 4.5GHz, while the Core i9-9980HK has 8 cores, 16 threads with a maximum speed of 5.0GHz. These CPUs were the first set of mobile processors with 8 cores used in slim and lightweight laptops.
As you can find on this tech-focused resource, they stand tall as the most powerful mobile processor and are used to complement the hardware in some high-end laptops like the new Dell XPS 15 and the popular MacBook Pro.
Unlike the big Core i9 processors that can consume as high as 45 watts, the 1060G7, a single Core i7 Ice Lake processor, can work with as low as 9 watts. To make it more interesting, they are equipped with Intel Iris Plus graphics.
Intel’s latest 11th-gen Tiger Lake mobile CPU comes with a lot of new features, most especially in running Adobe software with the help of artificial intelligence and also in applications that are compatible with single-threaded performance.
For Core i7s, there are three different types; the i7-1160G7 with a max clock speed of 4.4GHz, and the i7-1165G7 with a max clock speed of 4.8GHZ, and the last one is the i7-1185G7 with a max clock speed of 4.8GHz. These Core i7s are equipped with 4 cores and supported with 8 threads, and they all come with Intel’s new innovative Xe graphics.
Although the Xe graphics is not as powerful as a standard graphics card, it can still pull up decent graphics at medium settings for the latest AAA games.
Read more:
Dual-Core vs Quad-Core CPU: What is the Difference?
