Intel Processor Differences In Performance/Specifications

NOOB question alert.

From my basic understanding, intel i3 is at the bottom of performance, and i7 is at the top. It also seems logical to me that newer generations of processors will outperform older ones. So I'm a little confused when I look at processors of my older and new laptop. The old one has a i3-3120M; it has a speed of 2.5GHz. My new laptop has an i7-5500U; it has a base speed of 2.4GHz.

There are probably many more things for me to take into consideration for evaluating a processor, but why does the new i7 run at a slower speed that an i3 that is two generations older?

 

The main difference is new i7 is a ULV part rated for 15W TDP, as opposed to the old i3 which is 35W TDP. Once Intel started segmenting things based on power levels things became pretty confusing.

Even though the base clock speed is slower, the new architecture is more efficient and has better clock for clock performance. Broadwell at 2.4 Ghz will likely beat out Sandy Bridge at 2.5 Ghz. In addition the i7 has higher turbos and is hyperthreaded.

 

Yeah, the platform/gen difference more than makes up for the raw cpu speed in GHz. Another thing is that you're comparing a low power cpu (Intel 'U' series) with a more mainstream, though older, mobile ('M' series) platform.

Either way, the new platform blows away the old once again by over 30% and less than 43% of the TDP requirements.

See:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel Core i3-3120M @ 2.50GHz

See:
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel Core i7-5500U @ 2.40GHz&id=2470

 

Intel processors come from an ancient and far away land. The shamans who imbue the raw silicon with the power of the gods speak in their own divine tongue known only to themselves. Many a common folk drawn to Intel's siren song have been driven to madness by this language. Few have attempted to interpret its mysteries and all gave up or died trying. One adventurer traveled to the ends of the internet in search of the shamans. His forum posts grew increasingly erratic, and most dismissed him as a troll. On the last thread he ever made before vanishing forever, he posted a link to where he uploaded his notes. Most of it was indecipherable, but what little could be made sense of was enshrined within the holy tome of all worldly knowledge itself, Wikipedia. Be careful ye who venture there and read it at your own peril. That which is written was not meant for mortal eyes, and many have come to ruin endlessly rambling words such as Core, ulv, tdp, and i7. I have gazed upon the knowledge myself. Days have passed in the blink of an eye without my ever being closer to an answer whose question I could no longer even remember. Some claim to know truths of that which is Intel, but they are false prophets spreading lies for their own personal glory. Perhaps the wisest of all simply pay no heed to the inscriptions on the silicon and put blind faith into those who fabricate the computer, as the manufactories are indeed one step closer to the gods than you or I. You have been warned.

 

Qing Dao,

Great post! Do you write any other books in this style?

 

Thank you both, it's helpful info. I'd like to understand more, as my knowledge doesn't go much further than basic specs. I'll enjoy reading these links.


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Thanks for your valuable time?


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