For many consumers who are looking to purchase a new laptop PC or desktop, one of the biggest challenges they face is determining the type of processor they want. Two of the most popular, and thus the two most often in contention, are the Intel Core i7 and Intel Core i5 chips. The Core i7 processors are aimed at people who want to improve their system speed, while the Core i5 processors are designed for mainstream users who care most about overall performance. Both processors outperform anything AMD has to offer, but because of this, tend to be much more expensive.
Core i5
To the naked eye, the Core i5-3570K chip does not seem to have any additional features, and comes with very similar headline specifications as its predecessor. It does not offer a lot of extra CPU hardware, and the cache and clockspeeds have changed little, if at all. In order to see any notable differences, you need to dig a bit deeper. For performance enthusiasts and gamers, the most important upgrade is introduction of Intel's 3D Tri-gate transistors and the shrink from 32nm to 22nm process technology. These two changes, although perhaps unnoticeable to the untrained eye, are definite upgrades from the previous model. The Core i4-3570K performed remarkable on almost every performance test, and as of right now, appears to be the processor with the highest performance per dollar. While it performs similar to the Intel Core i7-3770K (its chief rival) during game, the lack of Hyper-Threading leaves it trailing behind its competitor in most benchmarks. Reviewers say the chip is a solid choice, and like that it remains compatible with Intel's LGA1155 socket, but the improved graphics do not make up for the lack of clocks, cores, and over-clocking headroom.
Core i7
The Intel Core i7-3770K processor is currently the fastest CPU in the world, as it is the quickest of the new breed of processors. Intel is lacking any serious competition in this line of processors (thanks in large part to the disappointing performance and reviews of AMD's FX-8150), so failure or success for the Corei7-3770K will depend entirely on its ability to improve on the chip it replaces (something that is easier said than done). The new model still has four cores, but does not come with any additional cache memory nor is it clocked higher than its predecessor. It does come with HD Graphics 4000, however, which is the latest upgrade for Intel's HD Graphics. It is this (and this alone) that allows Intel to label this processor as its “third generation”. Still, if you are serious about gaming, you will still need a proper graphics card. The Intel i7-3770K offers tremendous performance, and should be more than enough for any consumer who wishes to upgrade their PC. There isn't a fastest processer available at this time (on a per-core level). Still, while the HD Graphics 4000 core is a big step forward, it could be improved, and the lack of any other significant upgrades indicates that Intel is not all that interested in furthering the desktop PC processors at this time.
Specs
The Intel i5-3570K can be bought online for around $235. It has the following specs: Clockspeed – 3.5GHz (3.8GHz Turbo); Threads – 4; Cores – 4; Cache – 6MB; Process – 22nm; Socket – Intel LGA 1155. The Intel Core i7-3770K can be found online for around $340, making it one of the most expensive processors available at this time. However, if you have the money, it does provide a significant upgrade. It has the following specs: Clockspeed – 3.5GHz (3.9GHz Turbo); Cores – 4; Threads – 8; Cache – 8MB; Socket – Intel LGA 1155; Process – 22nm.