Intel Core i5 processors are among the most popular on the IT market in Russia and in the world. As part of this family, chips are produced that are adapted to the widest range of tasks performed by users. What are the specifics of individual Intel Core i5 processors? Which ones are best suited for overclocking?
General information about Core i5 processors
The Intel Core i5 processors, reviews of which are different, are represented by microcircuits in several generations. Despite the similarity of the name, technologically, the chips can vary greatly.
So, the first generation i5 processors appeared in 2009. They were adapted for desktops, they used the core Lynnfield, corresponding to the architecture of Nehalem. The next modification of the i5 chips appeared in 2010. These processors used the Clarkdale core, and a computer graphics processing module was built into them. Note that these chips, according to the classification widely used by IT experts, are of one generation.
In 2011, Core i5 chips with Sandy Bridge architecture appeared. The main characteristic of this generation, released as part of the Intel Core i5 series, is the full integration of the graphics module with the chip chip. In 2012, a new line of processors appeared - with the core of Ivy Bridge. In 2013, the American corporation released Haswell-type processors, one of which, the Intel Core i5 4070K, soon became especially popular among gamers, since it could be overclocked in the most efficient way thanks to the unlocked multiplier.
Let us consider in more detail the specifics of the latest generations - the 3rd and 4th, Intel Core i5 processors, the characteristics of Ivy Bridge and Haswell chips - how much can they correspond to the leading position of the American corporation in the global microchip market?
Ivy Bridge Processor Overview
The features of the processors of this family are the presence of several cores, the lack of support for Hyper-Threading technology, which provides multithreading, as well as the presence of a third-level cache of 6 MB. As some experts note, processors within the considered family are characterized by a high degree of mutual similarity in terms of key technological characteristics. So, for example, all Ivy Bridge chips are implemented as part of the 22 nm process technology, they have an E1 type crystal, in which 1.4 billion transistors.
The main strength of the new processor line is an upgraded graphics accelerator. So, in the considered series of chips modules like HD Graphics 2500/4000 are used. They provide support, in particular, for interfaces such as DirectX in version 11, OpenGL 4.0, as well as OpenCL 1.1. It is characterized by excellent performance in terms of working with 3D games and demanding applications.
Ivy Bridge processors have high-tech memory controllers and PCI Express buses. Thus, while the motherboard for Intel Core i5 requires support for video cards using the PCI Express standard in version 3, the microchips of this family contribute to achieving very high PC performance. The same can be said for DDR3 memory modules - the interaction between them and Ivy Bridge processors also provides the highest computer performance.
Now consider the features of popular processors in the 3rd generation of the Intel Core i5 family. The characteristics of these chips, according to many users and IT experts, allow us to talk about microchips as very efficient hardware components that contribute to solving the widest range of user tasks.
Specifications of Core i5-3570K
This processor is considered the flagship of the 3rd generation. It is the leader in the line in terms of clock speeds, and is also characterized by a useful in many respects option - an unlocked multiplier. It allows, in particular, to easily disperse a microchip. We noted above that this feature also characterizes the Intel Core i5 4570K processor in the latest line - Haswell. However, it is fully functional. Many gamers in their reviews speak extremely positively about the possibility of effective overclocking of the processor. The chip in question is equipped with the same high-performance graphics module - HD Graphics 4000.
However, there is a slightly more simplified modification of the processor - Intel Core i5-3570, that is, without an index. It is characterized, in turn, by the lack of the ability to use the unlocked multiplier. In addition, as evidenced by the description of its characteristics, this processor does not have the most productive version of the graphics module. An accelerator of the type HD Graphics 2500 is installed on it, inferior to the Graphics 4000 modification noted above.
Features Intel Core 3550
Another noteworthy Intel Core i5 model, reviews of which are also quite numerous - i5-3550. This processor is characterized by a reduced clock speed, and therefore runs a little slower than the flagship model. But the difference is small - 100 MHz. Therefore, by the way, the cost of these processors is almost the same. However, as are the key features.
Advantages of Intel Core i5-3470
Belongs to the category of younger models of the line in question, respectively, has a reduced price. However, in general, the chip performance is comparable to the flagship modification - for example, it has 4 cores, the third-level cache memory has a capacity of 6 MB, and the processor clock speed exceeds 3 GHz. True, in this type of processor, a less efficient graphics module is installed - Graphics 2500, working at the same time at a frequency slightly lower than the same one, but in older versions of the processor.
Specifics of Intel Core i5-3450
It is considered the youngest model in this line. Between it and the above modification there is a minimum of differences, which, in fact, are expressed in clock frequency. In modification 3470, it is slightly higher. Otherwise, the technical specifications of the chips are the same.
Third Generation Core i5 Reviews
So what do users say about the third generation Intel Core i5? Comparison of these models, as microprocessor technology enthusiasts point out, essentially boils down to finding the differences between the three indicators - the version of the graphics accelerator, the presence of an unlocked multiplier, and also the clock speed. According to the owners of the PCs on which this or that chip is installed, even if the processor is characterized by the lowest frequency, it does not support the unlocked multiplier, and also does not process the graphics as efficiently as its analogs - this is due to the presence of the Graphics 2500 module. But in any case an extremely high-performance tool falls into the user's hands.
The question that worries many owners of PCs with the Intel Core i5 processor - “how to overclock the processor” - suggests a very simple answer: all you need to do is set the necessary values for the multiplier, which is unlocked in the corresponding chip modifications.
No other experiments are required, and it is not recommended, so as not to violate the calculation algorithms laid down by the manufacturer. You also need to understand that when overclocking Intel Core i5, the processor temperature can increase significantly. Thus, you should pre-equip the processor with a more powerful cooler.
Features Intel Core i5-4430
We turn to the study of the specifics of the latest generation of chips - those in which the Haswell core is installed. The processor type i5-4430 can be considered the youngest in this line. It is characterized by a relatively low clock frequency, in addition, it does not have the most desirable property for gamers - the lack of provided overclocking capabilities. However, in processors of this type - a floating multiplier, that is, their clock frequency is automatically selected by the computer depending on the actual load. The chip has support for TurboBoost technology in version 2.0.
Advantages of Intel Core i5-4440
Among the main differences between this processor and the one discussed above is the difference in clock frequency. The corresponding indicator for the i5-4440 microchip is 100 MHz higher. At the same time, the set of key instructions is generally the same. The processors are identical in other characteristics.
Specifics of Intel Core i5-4460
Thanks to the frequency increased by 100 MHz, it works faster than the previous processor modification. Also, the set of instructions is slightly wider than that of the younger models of the line. Otherwise, the characteristics of the chips are the same. Many IT experts, as well as enthusiasts of microprocessor technology, consider the three youngest chips of the Haswell line in a single context - as identical devices. In fact, the main difference between them is the clock frequency, and in some cases a set of instructions.
Specifications Core i5-4570
A model that is characterized as taking a middle position in the family. It combines almost all the advantages of the latest line of Core i5 chips - such as, for example, the full operation of TurboBoost, compatibility with vPro, as well as TXT. In the chips under consideration, all the instructions provided by the technological line are supported.
The power of computers with the i5-4570 chip installed is enough to perform basic user tasks and to launch games - but provided that the motherboard for Intel Core i5, as well as the video card installed on it, have the necessary characteristics in terms of performance. A significant aspect is the quality of system programs. So, to fully utilize the capabilities of Intel Core i5 drivers for all devices must be relevant.
Advantages of Core i5-4670K
This is the very processor that gamers love so much. The purpose with which many of them buy the Intel Core i5 chip in question is overclocking. You can implement it, and even achieve the most outstanding results thanks to the unlocked chip multiplier.
True, in some aspects, the chip in question is inferior to the previous modification, in particular, it does not support the vPro and TXT standards necessary to provide enhanced protection of the computer against malicious programs. Key characteristics of the i5-4570K chip are identical to the previous modification. He copes with games very well - but again, provided that the motherboard for Intel Core i5 and, very importantly, the video card are characterized by high performance. The main methodology for overclocking microchips is to increase the multiplier.
Features Core i5-4690
This model is among the newest. It can be noted that there are no obvious changes in the characteristics in comparison with previous modifications of the processors in it. Perhaps only the clock frequency has increased in comparison with the Core i5-4570 at 100 MHz. Also, the processor has added support for a number of modern instructions. But on the whole, Intel did not take revolutionary steps in the aspect of chip modernization, since, apparently, they already meet the criteria characterizing the manufacturer as a market leader.
Which of the processors reviewed by us is the best? Intel Core i5, as we noted at the very beginning of the article, is a family of chips that are very different from each other. And not only in the aspect of comparing generations, but also sometimes within the same line. Each of the microchips we have studied is optimal for solving its problems in terms of price and performance. It is important that on the PC on which Intel Core i5 is installed, the device drivers are the latest and highest quality. The software component is no less important in terms of achieving high computer performance than hardware components.
Optimal motherboard
What characteristics should ideally have a motherboard for Intel Core i5? So that all the processor capabilities provided by the manufacturer can be fully utilized? Experts recommend the appropriate hardware component that supports the Z87 chipset - it is especially useful for users planning to overclock the chips.
For example, the Gigabyte GA-Z87-HD3 is the ideal motherboard for such purposes. The Intel Core i5 in those modifications that are suitable for overclocking will be an excellent tool for the overclocking enthusiast - with the appropriate hardware component in the PC structure. It can be noted that this motherboard is suitable for all processors that support the LGA 1150 standard - that is, it significantly expands its functionality. Regarding other useful characteristics of the hardware component under consideration, we can single out support for USB 2.0 ports, as well as 3.0, compatibility with SATA 3. Another noteworthy feature of the Gigabyte motherboard is that it provides for simultaneous operation of two video cards at once.
A great option for third-generation Core i5 processors is the MSI H61M-P31 (G3) motherboard, which is based on the H61 chipset. It has support for two G.Skill DDR3-1600 RAM modules with a capacity of 4 GB. There is support for high-performance graphics cards such as HD 7970. The motherboard in question is often used by IT experts when testing the performance of Intel Core i5 processors.
Another high-performance motherboard on which you can install the processors of the family in question is Gigabyte G1.Sniper 5. It is characterized by a rather high price of about 20 thousand rubles, but cheaper models are not always able to solve problems corresponding to the performance of Intel Core i5 chips. The motherboard in question supports the LGA1150 standard, in it you can install 4 RAM slots of the DDR3 type, operating at a frequency in the intervals from 1333 to 3000 MHz. There is support for the SLI / CrossFireX standard. Also, the motherboard allows you to install components compatible with a high-speed slot such as SATA, which allows data transfer at a speed of 6 Gb / s. There is support for wireless technology.