Intel’s two high-end options across desktop and laptop settings might strike a similar pose to business buyers, but each offers distinct benefits depending on the use case. Show
by Ernie Smith Ernie Smith is a contributor to BizTech, an old-school blogger who specializes in side projects, and a tech history nut who researches vintage operating systems for fun. Listen Pause
The chipmaker Intel produces a broad array of processors in mobile and desktop settings, offering a diverse range of CPU options. For professional users, an important distinction emerges between the high-end entries in the Intel Core processor series — the i7 and the i9, which are both seen as premium entries in the x86 chip family. But not all i7 or i9 chips are created equal, and to understand the value proposition, it’s important to take a step back and look at where these chips came from and why (depending on the context) one might be a better choice than the other when looking to upgrade employees’ technology. History of the Intel Core i7 and Core i9The Intel Core i7 and Core i9 are on the high-performance end of the long-running Intel Core processor series. Like other processors in the series, they are known for having multiple distinct processor cores — effectively, multiple processing units on the same die. The Core i7 and Core i9 processors generally have more cores and a higher level of power consumption. While the Core i7 has been available since the earliest generations of the Core processor series, the Core i9 is relatively new, having launched as a desktop processor in 2017. REGISTER: Learn about the processors and other tools that can empower a workforce built for the future. Click the banner below to register for the weekly CDW Tech Talk series. What Is the Intel Core Processor Series?The Intel Core processor series, first launched in 2008, is Intel’s main processor line, noted for its reliance on multiple processor cores. An evolution of the earlier Core Duo line of processors for desktop and mobile computers, the series represents Intel’s primary CPU focus. It’s not the only one, however: The Core series sits between a number of low-end options intended for niche or consumer use cases (the Atom, Pentium and Celeron processor lines) and the high-end Xeon line of server and workstation processors. Most x86 computers sold today utilize some form of Core processor. It may seem like a lot of choice, but Hernán Quijano of Intel’s Desktop and Workstation Group says that the variety serves a wide range of workloads. “There is a reason for every product lineup we have — specifically, in our products, for the workstation segment where we serve a lot of different users across many industries,” Quijano says. What Are the Different Types of Intel Core Processors for Desktops?Currently, there are four primary types of Intel Core processors that business consumers may see:
WATCH: Explore the machines that can power a work from anywhere model. Quijano notes that Intel’s premium desktop lines excel when maximum capabilities are the primary concern — and they can scale up beyond the Core series. Many professionals in entertainment and data sciences, he says, favor the Xeon line of processors, which in its latest iteration can have as many as 56 cores and run in multiprocessor configurations. Apple’s Mac Pro is an example of the Xeon in action. “There is always a level of performance and expandability that can only be achieved with a powerful fixed or desktop workstation,” Quijano says. “And if you can’t take that system with you, we support technologies to access them remotely in a fast and secure way from your mobile workstation.” Those purchasing desktop machines should determine whether integrated graphics are necessary; Core processors can be purchased with or without graphics built into the chip, which may negate the need for an additional graphics processing unit (GPU) depending on the workload. Buyers should also consider the power draw of each chip, which generally needs a larger cooling mechanism as processor line evolves. What Are the Different Types of Intel Mobile Processors?The mobile versions of Intel’s Core processor line also follow the i3/i5/i7/i9 conventions. But there are distinctions among them, with the primary differentiator being power draw. Intel produces three main lines of mobile processors:
Most modern Intel mobile processors have integrated graphics, with the recent Tiger Lake line of processors providing a significant upgrade through its Xe line of integrated GPUs. (Depending on the need, some users may want something dedicated that offers an NVIDIA GPU, however.) Beyond laptops, Intel’s mobile line of processors are a fundamental part of many small form factor computers, such as Intel’s own Next Unit of Computing (NUC) line. What Are the Differences Between a Core i7 and a Core i9?Apart from varying core counts and processor speeds, differences between the i7 and i9 ultimately reflect the needs of the professional user. When it comes to processors, there is usually a close relationship between power consumption and performance; an ongoing challenge with the x86 architecture is how to maximize power in a limited power envelope. In desktop and mobile settings, the i7 tends to use less power (and on the mobile side, is available in lower-power Y and U versions), while the i9 generally represents performance without compromise. Patrick Moorhead, founder and principal analyst of Moor Insights & Strategy, says the i7 and i9 both have a place in the office, but the Core i9 generally makes the most sense for performance-intensive computing (for tasks such as graphics visualization, video production, 3D modeling and multitasking). “Generally speaking, Intel Core i9 processors offer higher performance because they have more cores, higher frequencies, more cache and draw more power,” Moorhead says. “If you or your users require the highest performance with single-threaded or multithreaded workloads, the i9 is the one to choose.” Is It Worth Upgrading an i7 to an i9?In many cases — especially for laptop users — an i7 will deliver more than enough performance. But if you can live without some of the benefits of a less powerful processor, such as longer battery life, it may make sense to go with the i9. “The trade-off with the i9, generally, is higher power draw, more fan noise and a higher price,” Moorhead says. Quijano says that, despite the added cost, many businesses are willing to consider the high-end options, as i9 processors strike a good balance between the solid single-core performance of the Intel Core series and the multicore performance that Xeon processors excel at. He adds that mobile workstations, traditionally favored by workers with onsite roles, found a home with many employees during the pandemic, given the need for maximum power on the go. “The pandemic has made mobile workstations the most flexible systems for many users,” Quijano says. “And as we make plans to go back to our offices one or two days each week, mobile workstations are a perfect solution.” Is 11th gen i7 better than 9th gen i9?I9 is still better than i7 with higher core count and cache, but the naming convention is much more arbitrary with no i7 vs i9 feature differences. 10 core or more = i9, 8 core = i7, and that's it. With 10th Gen Core X though, Intel simply made all processors i9.
Is i7 11th gen better than i9 10th Gen?11th Gen CPU is only up to 8 cores / 16 threads; Better overclocking potential, at least based on the reviews; 10th Gen CPUs are cheaper now and offers better value or price to performance; Slightly better power draw or slightly efficient.
Is i7 10th gen better than i9 9th gen?Intel's tenth generation octa-core hyperthreaded i7-10700K is one of the fastest high-end desktop CPUs ever made. A simple overclock yields all 16 threads running at a staggering 5.1 GHz. Gaming and desktop performance is second only to the flagship i9-10900K.
Is it worth getting the i9 over the i7?When it comes to Core i7 vs. Core i9, the differences between the two don't make one explicitly "better" than the other across the board. Rather, it's all down to which platform makes the most sense for your power needs, your budget, and the kind of work you plan on doing most often.
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