Core i3 and Core i5 Processor

Question

Hi.... I have a laptop which processor is core i3 but currently there are present Core i5 processor in market. I want to know what is the difference between them ? Please explain ? Thanks.....

Vulpes · Answer

I have a laptop with a Core i3 processor as well. As there are several versions of these processors currently available in new systems, it is difficult to compare them in a general way but I'd say the following are the main differences: The i3 always has 2 cores, the i5 may have 2 or 4. The i3 always has 3 MB of level 3 cache, the i5 may have 3 or 6. The i3 doesn't support Turbo Boost (the ability to dynamically increase the CPU's clock rate) but i5 does. The i3 doesn't support the AES instruction set (which improves AES encrytion/decryption performance) but i5 does. Basic CPU clock rates are usually higher for the i5 than the i3. Unless you run a lot of CPU-intensive software, I don't think I'd be in a hurry to upgrade your system. The release of Windows 8 later this year, for which a multi-touch screen will be desirable to run Metro apps, may be a more opportune time.

Sam Hobbs · Answer

Get an i7 if you can afford it. If not then get an i5. If you cannot afford an i5 then it does not matter what the differences are. If your i3 laptop is sufficient then hang onto it until you need a new laptop.

Suthish Nair · Answer

Vulpes, explaining the Processor thing is difficult and confusing as always.. :)