Is Intel's First i5 CPU Still Worth Buying? A Comparison with the Newest Core i5
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Evolution of Intel i5 Processors
- The i5 750: The First Generation
- Architecture and Specifications
- Performance Comparison
- The Latest i5 Processors: Coffee Lake
- 8th Generation i5 Processors
- Performance and Price Comparison
- Gaming Performance Comparison
- GTA 5
- Just Cause 3
- CS:GO
- PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
- Raw CPU Power Comparison
- Conclusion
- Pros and Cons
- Highlights
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Evolution of Intel i5 Processors
Intel's i5 processors were introduced in late 2009 as mainstream alternatives to the more expensive i7 lineup, offering a balance of power and affordability. Over the years, Intel has continually improved and upgraded its i5 processor lineup to meet the demands of gamers and PC enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the evolution of the i5 processors, from the first-generation i5 750 to the latest coffee Lake processors. We will also compare their performance in gaming and raw CPU power, helping you make an informed decision when choosing an i5 processor for your PC build.
The i5 750: The First Generation
The i5 750 was the first i5 processor to be released under the Linfield architecture in early 2010. It featured 4 cores, 4 Threads, a clock speed of 2.6 GHz, and an 8-megabyte cache. Despite being the first i5 processor, it was not the lowest-numbered model, with the i5 650 releasing before it. However, the i5 750 offered superior performance due to its larger cache and additional cores. While it may be considered outdated by today's standards, the i5 750 can still be a viable option for budget PC builds.
Architecture and Specifications
The i5 750 was built on the 1156 socket and utilized the Linfield architecture. It featured a 45nm manufacturing process and had a maximum TDP of 95 watts. The processor supported DDR3 memory with speeds of up to 1333 MHz. Overclocking was also possible, allowing users to squeeze out additional performance from the i5 750.
Performance Comparison
To gauge the performance of the i5 750, we compared it to the latest i5 processors from the coffee Lake lineup. In gaming tests using a GTX 1060 and 8 gigabytes of RAM, both processors provided satisfactory performance. However, the i5 750 did exhibit slightly more stuttering and lower frame rates in some games, indicating its age. In raw CPU power tests, the newer i5 processors showed superior performance, with higher Cinebench scores. Despite this, the i5 750 proved to hold up well in 2017 and can still provide a satisfactory gaming experience.
The Latest i5 Processors: Coffee Lake
In recent years, Intel has released the 8th generation i5 processors, codenamed coffee Lake. These processors continue the tradition of offering high performance at an affordable price point. One of the standout models in the coffee Lake lineup is the i5 8400, which provides excellent price-to-performance ratio.
8th Generation i5 Processors
The coffee Lake i5 processors feature six cores and six threads, a significant improvement over their predecessors. They also support DDR4 memory, which offers higher speeds and increased bandwidth. It is essential to note that overclocking is only possible with specific coffee Lake processors and compatible motherboards.
Performance and Price Comparison
When comparing the performance of the i5 8400 to the i5 750, the newer processor consistently outperforms the older one in gaming tests. Games like GTA 5 and Just Cause 3 run smoother and exhibit fewer stutters on the i5 8400. In CPU-intensive games like CS:GO, the i5 8400 provides a substantial boost in frame rates compared to the i5 750. While the i5 750 can still deliver playable performance in most games, the i5 8400 is the clear winner in terms of raw CPU power and gaming performance.
Gaming Performance Comparison
Gaming performance is crucial for many PC enthusiasts, and the choice of a processor can significantly impact gameplay. We tested both the i5 750 and the i5 8400 with a GTX 1060 and 8 gigabytes of RAM to compare their performance in several popular games.
🎮 GTA 5
GTA 5, a demanding open-world Game, ran well on both the i5 750 and the i5 8400. With the high settings, the average frame rate on the i5 8400 was 95, compared to 80 on the i5 750. While there is a noticeable difference between the two, the i5 750 still provides playable performance in GTA 5.
🎮 Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 also performed admirably on both processors, although the i5 8400 had a slight advantage. With the high settings, the i5 8400 averaged 94 frames per Second, while the i5 750 saw a slightly lower 60 frames per second. The i5 750 exhibited more occasional stuttering, but it did not significantly impact the gaming experience.
🎮 CS:GO
CS:GO, a game known for its reliance on CPU power, demonstrated the superiority of the i5 8400. With an average frame rate of 264, the i5 8400 outperformed the i5 750, which achieved an average of 189 frames per second. However, it's important to note that both processors provided smooth gameplay with minimal stuttering.
🎮 PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), still in early access at the time of testing, is notorious for its demanding requirements. With low settings, the i5 8400 achieved an impressive 70 frames per second, while the i5 750 reported 44 frames per second. While the i5 750's performance is respectable, the i5 8400 offers a significant improvement for smoother gameplay in PUBG.
In conclusion, the i5 8400 outperforms the i5 750 in all gaming tests. However, it's worth noting that the i5 750 can still provide playable performance in most games, especially for budget-conscious gamers.
Raw CPU Power Comparison
While gaming performance is essential, raw CPU power is equally crucial for tasks such as rendering, video editing, and multitasking. We compared the Cinebench scores of the i5 8400 and the overclocked i5 750 to assess their CPU capabilities.
In the single-core benchmark, the i5 8400 scored an impressive 95, while the overclocked i5 750 achieved a score of 85. This indicates the superior performance of the newer coffee Lake processor. In the multi-core benchmark, the i5 8400 received a score of 396, surpassing the overclocked i5 750's score of 359. Translated into real-world usage, this means the i5 8400 can handle CPU-intensive tasks more efficiently.
While the i5 750 may show its age when it comes to raw CPU power, it still holds up well in 2017. For everyday tasks and moderate CPU usage, the i5 750 can still provide satisfactory performance. However, if you require more power for demanding applications, the i5 8400 is the better choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolution of Intel's i5 processors has brought significant improvements in performance and functionality. From the first-generation i5 750 to the latest coffee Lake processors, Intel has consistently delivered powerful and affordable options for gamers and PC enthusiasts.
While the i5 750 still holds up well in gaming and everyday tasks, the newer coffee Lake processors, such as the i5 8400, offer substantial performance gains. With superior gaming performance, raw CPU power, and support for modern features such as DDR4 memory, the coffee Lake processors are the clear choice for those seeking the best performance.
When considering an i5-based PC build, it is advisable to wait until January for the availability of cheaper coffee Lake compatible motherboards. This will ensure optimal performance and value for your investment. However, if you are on a tight budget and looking for a used system, the i5 750 still offers good value and can provide a satisfying gaming experience.
Overall, the i5 processors continue to be an excellent choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts, providing a balance of performance and affordability that is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid gaming performance
- Efficient for everyday tasks and moderate CPU usage
- Availability of budget-friendly options for system builds
Cons:
- Older generation processors may show limitations in raw CPU power
- Lack of support for modern features in some models
Highlights
- The Intel i5 processors serve as a mainstream alternative to the more expensive i7 lineup, offering a balance of power and affordability.
- The first-generation i5 750, although considered outdated, can still provide satisfactory gaming performance in budget PC builds.
- The latest coffee Lake processors, such as the i5 8400, offer superior gaming performance and raw CPU power compared to their predecessors.
- In gaming performance tests, the i5 8400 consistently outperformed the i5 750, providing smoother gameplay and higher frame rates.
- The i5 8400's stronger CPU power is evident in its benchmark scores, making it more suitable for demanding tasks such as rendering and video editing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I choose an i5 750 for my budget PC build?
A: The i5 750 can still provide satisfactory gaming performance in budget PC builds. However, if you have the budget, it is recommended to invest in a newer coffee Lake processor for better performance and future-proofing.
Q: Can I overclock the i5 750?
A: Yes, the i5 750 can be overclocked to squeeze out additional performance. However, it is essential to ensure proper cooling and compatibility with your motherboard.
Q: Are coffee Lake processors compatible with older motherboards?
A: Coffee Lake processors require specific motherboards with the LGA 1151 socket and compatible chipsets. It is advisable to opt for coffee Lake-compatible motherboards to take full advantage of the processor's features.
Q: How do coffee Lake processors compare to the previous generations in terms of power consumption?
A: Coffee Lake processors are generally more power-efficient than their predecessors. However, factors such as clock speed, number of cores, and motherboard configuration can affect power consumption.
Q: Are coffee Lake processors worth the investment for gaming?
A: If you are primarily focused on gaming, coffee Lake processors offer superior performance over previous generations. They can handle modern games with ease and provide a smoother gaming experience.
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