I5 or i7 processor: what is the best option for a gamer notebook?

The study of the processor model is very important in choosing a computer. When the machine is a gamer laptop, this task becomes even more delicate. To help you in this task, Professional Preview will present some important aspects to consider at the time of purchase. After all, what's the best option for those who want a gaming laptop: Core i5 or Core i7 ?

Choosing the ideal processor for notebook is delicate. Unlike desktop computers, it is not possible to replace the processor if necessary. Thus, we must keep an eye on the aspects that distinguish each model available from i5 and i7 on the market.

Keep an eye on architecture

You can rummage through computers offered by different generation processors. In this case, the trend is that the newer architecture model has more performance advantages over the previous generation product. For example, in many cases, you will find a computer that has a Core i7 Haswell (4th generation) and an option that has a Core i5 Broadwell (5th generation). In this sense, the best option may be the i5 processor. Wow stay tuned!

Is the processor important to the game?

It is a question about the type of game and the claims you have with your machine. Typically, the heavy lifting in terms of effort to run a game on the computer is accomplished using the video card - which is where physical simulations are performed that focus on quality game graphics.

Typically, the CPU is responsible for sequential tasks that, while part of the quality of the experience, do not directly focus on the quality of the game graphics. This means that you can save money by choosing a less powerful processor and investing this feature in a better quality video card, something that makes more sense if your ambition with the Notebook is to play a lot.

Which is cheaper?

Battery life is a sweet spot for anyone who opts for Notebooks. In recent years, increasing energy efficiency has been a focal point of Intel's efforts. This means that each new generation of processors brings significant leaps in energy savings.

In practical terms, according to Intel, the architecture offers processors that guarantee Broadwell, at least an hour of use compared to the equivalent models of the previous architecture, the Haswell.

In addition to generation, another factor that determines how much power the processor tends to consume is the TDP values. The higher this value, which indicates the amount of power that is dissipated in heat by the CPU, the processor consumes more power.

The point here is to keep in mind that the ideal is not exactly an extremely low TDP. The more energy the processor dissipates, the more energy it uses to run, aiming for higher performance. In this regard, an intermediate point between consumption and performance is necessary.

Number of cores and clock

The portable versions, both the Core i5 and Core i7 features will have variations of two or four cores. The game is a demanding task that uses many features of the machines. In this sense, make no mistake: the processor with the largest number of cores will be superior in performance to the processor with the fewest cores available.

Another important point is speed. The more GHz the processor reaches, the faster it is. The thing here is to compare speed with the number of cores: 2 GHz processor, but four cores, it will be more efficient than a 3 GHz processor, but only two cores.

WE RECOMMEND YOU The CEO of NVIDIA assures that Moore's Law is dead and that GPUs will replace CPUs

Avoid ultra versions of Core i5 and i7

Intel develops processors that adapt to a variety of usage scenarios. Amidst the alphabet and number soup that characterizes the nomenclature and defines what scenarios the processors were thought of, there are some that you need to know to avoid disappointment in the future.

Among them are the models developed for ultrabooks. These processors offer more restricted performance, lower power consumption and low number of colors. A Core i7 5500U, for example, has only two cores, somewhat rare in the i7 line.

U models may appear on gamers' laptops. When comparing the models that have these processor models, it is important to note that they are not heavy: CPUs were developed to handle a more informal use scenario in equipment characterized by portability and autonomy.

Benchmarks are important

Go out looking for information about the machines you are comparing to find benchmarks. If you are not familiar with this type of comparison, I was just wondering what rigorous tests, which lead to computers, and with that their processors, the time limit for comparing raw material performance.