Laptop Processor Comparison: Intel Core i5 vs i7 (8th Gen & 7th Gen)

As I explained in my previous laptop buying guide, your processor’s performance is not something you can afford to disregard if you are serious about your notebook computer’s speed and ability to multitask.

Every type of processor comes with its set of specifications, which enables advanced users to assess their capacities even without trying them out. If you take into consideration the general public opinion however, chances are, you’re aiming for Intel’s microprocessors targeted at businesses and high-end consumers. In other words, Intel Core is most likely your go-to brand.

Intel’s official website and Wikipedia both have exhaustive lineups of Core processors from different generations and codenames. That is plenty to choose from; but if you are not tech-savvy, the pile of information illustrated on these sources will immediately scare you off.

Thankfully, you don’t need to learn about all the brand names before knowing the type of processor that will suit you best. The logic is quite simple. If you’re running away from Core i3 because you don’t plan to use your laptop only for basic tasks such as surfing the web, then you will need an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.

Now, that’s where things get interesting, as we are about to find out what the differences between these CPUs are.

Note: This laptop guide was recently updated to include both 7th generation and 8th generation Intel Core i7 and i5 processors.

i5 and i7 processors are designed for business use and entertainment.

Overall performance comparison

Intel Core CPUs are differentiated into performance tiers, making it possible for laptop buyers to know which ones they should consider.

Core i5 = Mainstream user
Core i7 = High-end user

Unlike “weak” Core i3 processors, which are aimed at budget systems, fast i5 processors are built for more powerful use. Aside its support for daily routines such as browsing or creating and editing Microsoft Office documents, Core i5 works well for gaming and heavy usage, which involves using many applications at the same time without experiencing glitches or freezing.

Core i7 is even faster; it comes with better graphics and is built for the most demanding tasks, including running high-end video games, video editing and audio rendering.

Not totally impressed? Here is a fact that will close the argument: With a good amount of RAM, laptops or notebook PCs equipped with Core i7 processors can let you run all these demanding tasks while letting your download programs and browsing windows remain open without any risk of crashing… And all this, while your resource-sucking antivirus program works in the background to keep you protected to the maximum.