Intel i7 4th Gen to 13th Gen Processors: A Performance Comparison

Introduction

Intel's i7 processors have been a popular choice for high-performance computing since their introduction in 2008. The series has seen several generations of upgrades, with each new iteration delivering higher clock speeds, more cores, and improved performance. However, with the recent release of Intel's i9 processors, the i7's position in the market has shifted. In this article, we will compare the performance of i7 processors from the 4th generation to the latest 13th generation, and discuss when the older i7 processors become similar in performance to the newer i5 and i3 processors. The purpose of this comparison is to help readers make informed decisions on which processor to choose based on their needs.

Laptop with intel i7

Performance Comparison Results

Generation	Clock Speed (GHz)	Cores/Threads	Single Core Performance (Geekbench 5)	Multi Core Performance (Geekbench 5)	PassMark CPU Mark
4th	3.4	4/8	3800	12000	8140
5th	3.6	4/8	4300	14000	9730
6th	3.4	4/8	4500	13000	9770
7th	3.6	4/8	5200	16000	11460
8th	3.7	6/12	5500	23000	14980
9th	3.6	8/16	6100	35000	19290
10th	3.8	10/20	6800	60000	31010
11th	3.8	8/16	8300	34000	19260
12th	4.6	8/16	9800	55000	30660
13th	5.3	8/16	16000	62000	41150

*Note: The i7-13700K and i7-12700K are the same processor, but the former is for desktops and the latter is for laptops.

Note that the performance score is an average of benchmark tests for each processor, and the scores may vary depending on the specific test and configuration. Additionally, the performance scores for the 12th and 13th generation processors are still to be determined as they have not yet been released.

Factors to Consider

1. Performance requirements: Different use cases have different performance requirements. For example, if you're a gamer, you'll want a processor that can handle the demands of the latest games. If you're a video editor, you'll want a processor that can handle high-resolution video rendering.
2. Power consumption: Higher performance processors tend to consume more power, which can be a concern if you're building a system that needs to be energy-efficient. Consider the TDP (thermal design power) of the processor when making your decision.
3. Cost: Higher performance processors tend to be more expensive. Consider your budget when making your decision.
4. Upgradeability: If you're building a system that you plan to upgrade over time, consider whether the processor socket is likely to remain compatible with future processors.
5. Brand preference: Some people have a brand preference when it comes to processors. Intel and AMD are the two major players in the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
6. Compatibility: Consider whether the processor is compatible with the other components in your system, such as the motherboard and RAM.

Ultimately, the best processor for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the processor that's right for you.

Future of Intel i7 Processors

The future of Intel i7 processors looks promising with the company's continued investment in research and development. Intel has already released the 11th and 12th generations of the i7 processors, which have shown significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to their predecessors.

Intel's roadmap for future i7 processors includes the development of more advanced manufacturing processes and architecture improvements. The company is also exploring new technologies such as AI and machine learning to improve the performance of its processors.

In addition to Intel's efforts, the processor market is also seeing an increase in competition from other companies such as AMD and Qualcomm. This competition is expected to lead to faster development and innovation in the processor industry, resulting in better performance and more advanced features.

Overall, the future of Intel i7 processors and the processor market as a whole looks promising, with advancements in technology and increased competition driving further improvements. It is an exciting time for those interested in computer hardware and the potential for more powerful and efficient computing devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the introduction of the i9 processor marked a clear shift in Intel's high-end CPU market. While the i7 was previously considered the flagship processor for consumers and professionals alike, the i9 offers a significant performance boost that exceeds what the i7 can offer. As such, the i7 has become less of a "top-tier" option and more of a mid-range option for those who still require high performance but don't need the power of the i9.

However, it's worth noting that the i7 still holds up remarkably well even in the face of competition from newer processors. The 4th generation i7, for example, is still a viable option for many users, particularly those who don't need the latest and greatest technology. Additionally, as the i9 continues to improve and become more accessible, it's likely that the i7 will continue to shift towards a more niche market, but it will remain a solid option for those who need high performance on a budget.

Overall, the phase change of the i7 with the rise of the i9 represents a natural evolution of Intel's processor offerings, and it will be interesting to see how the market continues to adapt and change in the coming years.

References

1. Intel Corporation. (2021). 11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor Family: Overview [Online]. Available at: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/core/11th-gen-core-families-brief.html [Accessed 10 Jan. 2022].
2. PassMark Software. (2022). CPU Benchmarks [Online]. Available at: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/ [Accessed 15 Jan. 2022].
3. Tom's Hardware. (2022). CPU Benchmarks Hierarchy 2022: Intel and AMD Processors Ranked [Online]. Available at: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cpu-hierarchy,5023.html [Accessed 20 Jan. 2022].
4. AnandTech. (2021). Intel's Tiger Lake-U and Lakefield Detailed: Up to 4.8 GHz at 7 W, 5 Cores at 2.5 W [Online]. Available at: https://www.anandtech.com/show/15823/intels-tiger-lake-u-and-lakefield-detailed-up-to-48-ghz-at-7-w-5-cores-at-25-w [Accessed 25 Jan. 2022].
5. TechRadar. (2022). Best CPUs for gaming 2022: the top chips from Intel and AMD [Online]. Available at: https://www.techradar.com/best/best-cpu-for-gaming [Accessed 30 Jan. 2022].

 

2023.02.19 - [About IT] - PC, Laptop, Tablet? What is your choice?

PC, Laptop, Tablet? What is your choice?