Intel® Core™ i5 vs. i7

Intel® Core™ i5 vs. i7: What are the differences?

Intel's line of processors – including those built on its 6th generation Skylake microarchitecture – offer a wide range of capabilities at a number of different price points. Among the most popular Intel processors are the Core i5 and i7 lines. Knowing the differences between the two can help you better understand their strengths and weaknesses and enable you to decide which processor is right for your needs.

Why consider Intel® Core™ i5?

In general, Intel Core i5 processors will be less expensive than Core i7 processors. They are Intel's mainstream processor line, sitting between the more economical Core i3 chips and high-performance i7 and i9 models. However, be aware that within each processor family, different microarchitectures and internal componentry can make a particular i5 model run faster than a specific i7 model. So always check the specs.

Desktop and laptop computers with Intel i5 processors are extremely capable devices. If you primarily use your home computer or laptop for Internet browsing and light application work, consider an Intel Core i5.

Why consider Intel® Core™ i7?

Intel Core i7 processors are typically faster and more capable than Core i5 CPUs. The latest i7 chips offer up to six cores and 12 threads, making them better suited for advanced multitasking.

Core i7 processors are considered ideal for multimedia consumption, high-end gaming, demanding applications such as Adobe's Creative Suite, and scientific work. If you currently find your desktop or laptop computer to be too slow when running these types of applications, then a Core i7 processor could be a good choice.

How can you tell which processor a Lenovo product has?

Lenovo offers Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors -- as well as Core i3 and the new Core i9 -- across its full line of desktop and laptop computers. To determine which processor is in a Lenovo product, check Lenovo's laptop and desktop series pages , as well as the model detail pages for each individual product. You can also filter by processor type to narrow your search.