A comparison and buying guide on Intel i7 processors was necessary after our articles on the i3 and i5 . Here, we are talking about the high-end from Intel for those wanting to have a powerful PC capable of handling many tasks without problem thanks to its versatility. The Intel Core i7s allow gaming, such as video, photography and even office automation. These are powerful processors from Intel.
However, there are several models of i7. Indeed, not all processors are the same to meet everyone's needs. This will be the objective of our buying guide and FAQ on the best Intel i7 processors , to describe to you how to choose the right PC processor according to your needs.
Know before you buy!
- The number of i7 processors on the market is large. These are distinguished from each other by their cache memory, frequency (Ghz) or even their TPT consumption or processor generation . So many technical characteristics to take into account when purchasing a high-end processor.
- Gamers will find what they are looking for with the Core i7. Their power allows the display of very resource-intensive video games . Be careful to balance the power of your i7 processor with that of your graphics card (Ghz)
- We are currently in the 11th generation of the Intel i7 processor. What distinguishes the i7 from other processors, entry-level and mid-range such as the i3, the i5 or the Pentium and Celeron, is firstly the power and secondly, the Hyper Threading and Turbo Boost technologies . . We will explain them in detail.
Comparison of the best Intel Core i7 processors
1. Intel Core i7-11700KF: the 11th generation of the i7 family
Features and Reviews
The Intel Core i7-11700KF processor is part of Intel's 11th generation. Being the latest version of the i7 family, this processor is sold at €415.00, the most expensive in its category. With 8 cores and 16 threads, this processor can support several heavy tasks at the same time.
With a base clock frequency of 3.6 GHz, Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology can increase it up to 5 GHz, which will allow you to run quite energy-intensive and demanding applications. And if the speed does not meet your expectations, you can overlock it thanks to the unlocked multiplier coefficient.
With two-channel RAM type DDR4-3200 or DDR4-2933, the cache memory is 16 MB, this processor has an Intel LGA 1200 socket. To take advantage of the real power of this processor, you must equip yourself a dedicated graphics card. On the other hand, to support your peripherals, this Core i7-11700KF model offers PCI-Express 4.0 support for the graphics card.
Regarding connectivity, this Intel processor benefits from technological innovation, notably with Intel Wi-Fi 6/6 E and Thunderbolt 4. Its power consumption amounts to 125 W.
2. Intel Core i7-10700K: a very powerful processor
Features and Reviews
This i7-10700K processor is part of the 10th generation Intel Core family. It is based on a technological structure in 14 nm engraving. Featuring Comet Lake architecture on socket 1200, this processor offers impressive power to users. The brand is aiming to move upmarket in terms of frequency and number of cores.
With 8 cores and 16 threads, play recent games on your PC, launch applications simultaneously without worrying about a crash. Thanks to Hyper-Threading, the fluidity of your computer is ensured with optimal performance. With a base frequency clocked at 3.80 GHz, turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology pushes it to 5.10 GHz.
This processor will satisfy maniacs with its performance, power and efficiency. To take full advantage of its strengths, add a powerful graphics card to this CPU. The overlocking option is triggered thanks to its unlocked coefficient to gain even more power.
Compatible only with dedicated Comet Lake 400 series chipsets, this Core i7-10700K processor offers several connections so that you can have your configurations, meeting your needs. These are PCI-Express 3.0, Wi-Fi 6 support, SATA-3, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI.
3. Intel Core i7-10700: a processor designed for gaming
Features and Reviews
The Intel Core i7-10700 is a processor that is ideal for gaming and gamers. But also, for you who are more into office automation and image editors, this CPU is ideal for fluid work and for more productivity. To test it and enjoy it, prepare a budget of €278.89. Based on socket 1200, this processor benefits from a 14nm technological structure.
Equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads, these will allow you to work and open several windows at the same time while editing photos and videos or watch tutorials while playing thanks to Hyper-Threading technology which makes it very versatile.
With a base clock frequency of 2.9 GHz, this can go up to 4.7 GHz thanks to Turbo Boost 3.0 and Intel Thermal Velocity Boost technologies. Equipped with Intel Graphics 630 graphics chipset, you can watch videos in 4K HDR resolution. The 65W TDP allows it to consume less energy and heat dissipation is controlled.
Supporting DDR4-2933 RAM memory, it will prevent you from crashes, especially during prolonged use. The Intel Core i7-10700 offers several latest generation connectors to connect your devices, they include PCI-Express 3.0, support for Wi-Fi 6, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI.
4. Intel Core i7-9700KF: a high-performance processor
Features and Reviews
Compatible only with dedicated Coffee Lake 300 series chipsets, this 9th generation 9700KF processor from Intel offers impressive performance to keep you satisfied. Based on the 1151 socket and thanks to 14 nm engraving, even with prolonged use, heat dissipation is improved to avoid overheating.
It is also combined with low power consumption. Sold at €270.60, this Intel processor will not disappoint you, because it is intended for gamers. Compatible with sophisticated setups, you can multitask at once to modify the execution of your game.
Of the unlocked type, this processor is equipped with STIM technology, which optimizes processor heat to the cooler and allows overlocking to engage to push the limits of the system and play at a lower temperature. Featuring 8 cores and 8 threads, the base frequency is clocked at 3.60 GHz and thanks to Turbo Boost 3.0 technology, it is pushed up to 4.90 GHz.
Since it does not have an integrated graphics chipset, you must combine it with a dedicated graphics card to take full advantage of its advantages. It has DDR4-2666 type RAM memory. Accepting the latest connector standards, this Core i7-9700KF processor accepts PCI-Express 3.0, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI.
5. Intel Core i7-8700K: the 8th generation unlocked, a model that appeals to users
Features and Reviews
This 8700K version of the 8th generation of Intel's Core i7 processors is one of the best-selling and which also appeals to users. Being an unlocked processor, the base clocked frequency is 3.70 GHz and can be pushed up to 4.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 3.0 technology. Its unlocked coefficient triggers overlocking for maximum power gain.
Supporting the latest connector standards, the Intel Core i7-8700K accepts, among others, PCI-Express 3.0, SATA-3, M.2, USB 3.1, Displayport and HDMI. A wide choice to be able to connect your devices. Based on the Coffe Lake architecture on socket 1151, the Intel Core i7-8700K is suitable for sophisticated games.
Its power is proven by the simultaneous support of even heavy applications, without crashing or reducing the performance of your PC. With its 6 cores and 12 threads, the performance of your PC will be at its peak to fully satisfy you.
For better operation, Intel has reviewed the heat dissipation on this processor model, it has been improved and associated with minimal power consumption. You will benefit from this performance constantly and smoothly with its DDR4-2666 type RAM memory. It is equipped with an Intel HD 630 graphics chipset, and offers a high-level graphics experience.
Why choose an i7 processor?
i7 CPUs are recognized for their great power and therefore their versatility guaranteeing high performance. Whether you are looking for an Intel processor for office automation, gaming, or graphics , everyone has a good reason to choose an i7 processor. In addition, with its turbo mode, they allow you to reach new heights.
For gamers, remember to harmonize the frequencies of your CPU with that of your GPU (graphics card). If the 2 components are not balanced, they will not be able to express their power in your video games. For everyday users, make sure Intel HD graphics is integrated.
In short, everyone would jump on the high end if they had the opportunity because having an Intel Core i7 means sleeping soundly knowing that our laptop or desktop PC can handle everything, and that if a desire to play at the last triple A arises, we can do it without problem.
What do i3, i5 and i7 mean?
Everyone suspects that the difference will come down to power. This is both true and false at the same time. In this buying guide and FAQ on the best Intel i7 processors we will see the technical characteristics of these computer components and realize that frequency is not everything. This is why there are several generations of processors and models. First of all, let's see in detail the difference between an i3, an i5 and an i7.
Intel i7 processor
The Intel i7 processor is a mix of the best of the i3 and the best of the i5. Thus, it is quad-core with its 4 cores, but is equipped with 2 Hyper Threading and Turbo Boost . Investing in an i7 means being sure to have a powerful processor for your laptop or desktop PC.
Intel i5 processor
Quad-Core with its 4 physical cores , the Intel i5 processor is mobile and versatile, ensuring gaming as well as word processing, video editing or the Internet. Turbo mode (Turbo Boost) allows you to increase your power (core frequency) but at the risk of overheating.
Intel i3 processor
Representing Intel's entry-level and mid-range , i3 processors are characterized by their low power consumption and their 2 physical cores . However, thanks to Hyper Threading, it artificially increases its number of cores to 4 cores . It is a perfect processor for desktop and PC use .
Why is it important which i7 processor we buy?
First of all, choose the best Intel i7 processor and make sure you have something that meets our needs. Indeed, there are several types of i7. Sometimes it has less frequency, but more cache memory, sometimes it's the opposite... These factors vary depending on the use you plan to make of it. For gaming, we will go with a powerful processor with a high frequency.
On the other hand, it would be a shame to invest in a high-end Core i7, that is to say, overpriced, for use which only requires a Core i5 or a Core i3.
Especially since there are several ranges of i7 . That is to say that some will be more geared towards gamers while others will be office-oriented. Thus, an i7 with a low frequency will have a lot of cache memory to cope with very intense office use requiring the display of complex graphics.
Still wanting to invest in an Intel i7 processor?
How to spot a good i7 just by seeing the box?
Analyzing the box and label of a processor can be particularly tricky when you buy it on the Internet or in a specialized store. Usually the information is translated, but if it isn't, you could be missing out on a really good deal. The label of an i7 CPU goes like this: i7-11700K
· I7 is the processor model
· 11 is the generation of the processor
· 700 is the processor power
· K is a suffix indicating a processor with overclocking
See how a simple label gives us a lot of information about the Intel i7 processor we are about to buy. You see that there is nothing complicated in this, and it will be all the more useful for you, that with a low budget you can buy a used i7 processor , and know exactly what you are buying . It's extremely practical for hardware fans who love building their own PC.
Intel i7 Processor Buying Guide
After everything we just outlined, are you still determined to choose the best Intel i7 processor for your needs? We therefore invite you to read our buying guide and FAQ on these i7 CPUs. After that, you will be sure to make the right choice and to have become an IT professional in just a few minutes. Don't panic, it's not that complicated!
The power of the i7 processor
A powerful processor is what we are all looking for. Just like a graphics card, this will depend on the frequency. However, still in the same way as a GPU, the power of our CPU depends on other factors. Without these, the frequency is useless. These are the hearts of our i7. The two elements of frequency and number of cores determine the computing and data processing power of the Core i7 .
The number of cores
When you invest in an i7, the number of cores is an indicator of power second to frequency. But what do its famous cores represent? It's quite simple to understand. Your processor is made up of small computing units. The more these units are numerous, the more data your processor can process, but above all process different data. These units are the cores of the processor, and the more of them it has, the more it is capable of calculating a whole bunch of computer tasks simultaneously.
An i7 processor generally has 4 physical cores . However, thanks to hyper threading, it artificially increases its number of cores to up to 8. With this, it competes with high-end processors from Intel, the i9 . These are the subject of another article. [Possibility of inserting an anchor, as in many other points of the text. Making internal links to similar articles helps buffer duplicate content, which is necessarily due to the fact that the articles are similar, as are all competing articles. For what ? Because this increases the value perceived by the algorithm. The articles no longer appear as opposing but as complementing each other.]
Frequency
The more complex tasks you are looking for to perform on your PC, such as gaming or video editing , the more you will need a processor with a high frequency . Indeed, this demonstrates the computing and data processing power of the processor . This speed is in Ghz.
The execution speed of an Intel i7 processor is supported by Turbo Boost . This technology allows you to temporarily increase the frequency of the i7 . Why temporarily? Because overheating is never far away. Imagine that you also have an overclocked processor.
In general, the frequency of an Intel i7 varies from 1.8 Ghz to 3.6 Ghz . More rare, you will find models above and below. Be careful not to confuse the frequency before Turbo Boost and after turbo mode. The latter can go up to 5Ghz ( you might as well tell you that without a good fan and cooling system, your PC is on the verge of exploding).
System bus speed
System bus speed is the speed of communication between your processor and the RAM of your laptop or desktop computer. Why do we need a high system bus speed? It's simple, the larger it is, the faster your processor executes the information.
At a minimum, the system bus speed should be 5GT/s (GigaTransfer per second) . Don't worry, the minimum speed already takes care of all your tasks such as gaming, graphics or office automation.
Most of the time, you won't have to worry about this. But we prefer to keep you informed of its existence on your i7 processors , so that you don't have any bad surprises if you were thinking of buying the best Intel i7 processor.
TPT consumption
TPT consumption is the energy consumption of your Intel i7 processor . We can guess quite easily that the more powerful our processor is, the more energy it will consume, which will delight your cooling system, but also your wallet.
No worries if you buy your Ultrabook or other PC already assembled! However, if you build your computer yourself, consider investing in a battery that matches your Core i7.
i7 processor cache memory
Just like a graphics card has cache memory and your computer needs its RAM, your CPU is equipped with flash memory. This allows it to store frequently used data so that it no longer needs to be processed later and therefore improve its execution speed.
The i7 processor generation number 11 allows cache memories ranging from 8 MB to 24 MB. Suffice it to say that with so much short-term memory, you will have no problem running big gaming games for your gaming games.
For gaming, the cache memory will be closer to 8 MB for a high frequency while for majority PC use, it will be the opposite .
Intel i7 Processor FAQ
Our buying guide to the best Intel i7 processors is now closed. You know everything to correctly acquire your new CPU. Choosing the right i7 is not easy. It's an investment and we're afraid of doing something stupid. To remove any remaining doubts, we invite you to read our FAQ on these Intel i7s.
I heard about socket, what is it?
Do you want to build your PC yourself, but you have no idea how to install an i7 processor ? There is nothing simpler, you just have to check which socket is on your motherboard . The socket is the receptacle into which you will clip your i7.
To do this, disassemble your PC and look at the socket number. For example, the most used at Intel are LGA1155, LGA1150 or LGA1151 . If you do not have the right socket for the desired Intel i7 processor, change it ( socket or CPU ).
How much does an Intel i7 processor cost?
The i7 processors are high-end . Therefore, you will have to break the bank to get one. Indeed, most of them are capable of displaying UHD 4K while allowing great fluidity, whether for gaming or video.
For a latest generation i7 , count on €300 to €400 per processor.
If you find a Core i7 below these prices, you're either getting a great deal, you're buying an older generation, or you're getting ripped off.
In addition to this, we would like to remind you that those building their computer component themselves will have to invest in other elements such as a battery, a graphics card and a cooling system . Your Intel i7 processor will need to be supported to be an optimized processor.
How do I know if I already have an i7 processor?
Everything is indicated when purchasing your processor . However, if you ask this question, it is because you generally bought a PC as is and nothing tells you your processor.
To do this, simply go to the “ control panel” then “system ” . From there you will be able to see if you have an Intel i7 processor or not.
If this is not the case and you want to change CPU, take the opportunity to see if your other components hold up and will allow you to accommodate the i7.
Is it cheaper to build your own PC?
The reality is that by being very careful and taking the time to learn about how to assemble a laptop or desktop computer, you can do wonders for cheap. And this is all the more the case if you are looking to build a powerful PC like a gaming PC. In general, when you want an i7 processor it is for a powerful computer.
We remind you that :
The frequency of your processor must be balanced with that of your graphics card
Your i7 CPU consumes energy, make sure you have a large battery
Overclocking your Core i7 requires a suitable cooling system with powerful fans.
So, if you have all the knowledge, it is more financially interesting to build your PC yourself and correctly surround the best Intel i7 processor in your PC setup.
