A processor or simply a CPU is the brain of a computer. It plays an essential role in performing different functions for running the machine. To boost PC performance and fire up your gaming, a processor is the most critical device. We all want a Processor that would provide better performance and increase the gaming to run the games smoothly. But we want it in our price range and cheap. Do you want a Processor in mid-level, better performance having smooth gaming plus in your price range? Then ‘core i5 8th generation’ is the best pick for you.
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History of Intel Core i5
Intel launched the Core i5 family in September 2009. The i5 8th generation is from the family of core i5. Designed by Intel, it’s a mid-range 64bit x86 processor having an excellent performance and useful gaming utility. It’s in the middle, between the position of low-performance core i3 and top tier best performance core i7. Most of them are Quad-core processors, i.e. it consists of 4 cores units.
As days are going by, more processing of data is necessary. Also, excellent gaming performance for gamers is essential to run games smoothly cause no one wants any lags. There is a need to cope up with time and preferences. When customers needed something that would provide better utility, better functionality with a price range not too high, then these core i5 generations were introduced to satisfy the needs of the customer.
It took place and overtopped the Dual-core easily after the market out and Intel’s introduction. On the other hand, a much better performance producer is core-i7, but you have to pay high. But it provides the ability to do multitasking. Grinding your opponents in games and running your computer faster. They bear top tier performance consisting of 64-bit x86-64 processors.
Now the core i5 family comes with their variants. They have core i5 1st generation to 10th generation. Some have four cores, five cores, and even consist of 6 centres depending on the productions. There are different types of core i5 processors with their respective chipsets. Each generation has each distinct name. These are 1st generation, Nehalem (45 nm) and Westmere (32 nm) up to 10th generation Comet Lake.
Things about i5 8th generation
After the launch of i5 8th generation, it proved itself as a good mid-range performance processor. The i5 8th generation is known as the ‘coffee lake’ series microarchitecture that was introduced in 2017. Parts of the production has been manufactured on intel’s third-generation 14nm++ process. Thus this allowed to provide this generation higher clock frequencies consists of high-end SKUs. High-end SKUs mean generation consists of more features than its other family generations.
The core i5 8th generation consists of an increased number of cores and clock speeds as well. The most salient feature and difference of the 8th generation are that it consists of 6 bases. It allowed it to provide more speed during your tasks and more gaming boosts. On the other hand, others are only Quad-core. Each centre made it 5% faster and have a top tier performance than its other generation processors.
It has both type of versions that bears six cores and six cores + Hyper-threading. This generation has even overtopped its previous generation, which was a core i5 7th generation. Because of its increased efficiency and better turbo boost, it can provide you with better gaming performance. The lag-free gaming experience would deliver you victory in your missions and boost multiplayer gaming also.
Its silicon optimisations with advanced process technology made it spectacular. Because of 6 cores, it has enabled Microsoft Windows to enhance better performance. You can have a better experience with 4K UHD videos, including premium content streaming with visual brilliance. The 8th generation has a media engine with 10-bit hardware acceleration. That means more battery life and more clear viewing with vibrant texture graphics. Also, it will reduce the power consumption for your desktop, laptop, or mobile.
Lists of other models of i5 8th generation
Core i5 8th generation has several models. All models support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST), from SSE to SSE 4.2 and Intel VT-x. Also the Turbo boost, smart cache, Intel 64 and many more. While other generations support Hyper-threading but the 8th generation doesn’t. Sandy bridge (2nd gen), Ivy bridge (3rd gen), Haswell (4th gen) & only Kaby Lake-U (7th generation) has Hyper-threading implementation. The i5 8th generation has both desktop, laptop, and mobile processors. The Kaby Lake Refresh series from the 8th generation is for mobiles. At the same time, Coffee Lake Microarchitecture is PC versions with higher clock frequencies. The i5 8th generation starts with a base frequency of 1.60 GHz up to Max turbo frequency 4.30 GHz. Typically from i5-8400T to i5-8600T are low power processors. They are beginning with a spectrum of 1.60 GHz up to Max turbo frequency 2.3 GHz.
Then from i5-8400 to i5-8650 models are standard processors with frequency from 2.8 GHz to 3.1 GHz. Specially i5-8600K is a high power processor. They are starting with a base frequency of 3.60 GHz up to Max Turbo Frequency of 4.30 GHz. Plus it has 9 MB Intel smart cache. But its price is high compared to other 8th generations processors—all rendering GPU frequency starting from 350 MHz up to a turbo boost of 1150 MHz. The desktop series comes with the standard LGA 1151 socket. Again Coffee Lake-H which is Quad-Core with 14 nm. This comes with a BGA-1440 device with I/O bus DMI 3.0. Coffee Lake-B, which is Hexa-core with 14 nm, also comes with the same socket and I/O bus too. But Coffee Lake-U is a little different which comes with BGA-1528 socket consisting of I/O bus DMI 3.0.
Some mentionable best processors among i5 8th generation
Though i5 8th generation is already a good mid-range spectacular processor having excellent efficiency and utility. But among them, the i5-8400 and the i5-8600k are the best. You may want to know, ‘why are they best?’ Well, the reasons are given below:
i5-8400 processor:
The mid-range Intel i5-8400 is the only processor that can compete with the same level AMD Ryzen processor. It starts with a base frequency of 2.80 and up to max turbo frequency of 4.00 GHz. Rendering internal GPU with base 350 MHz up to higher 1100 MHz with 64 GB of max video memory. This one is with six cores with UHD graphics 630 that also comes with a smart cache of 9MB. This one has memory supports which up to two channels DDR4 2666. So if you are a gamer and want a better processor within your price range. Then you going to need this excellent i5-8400 processor for you.
i5-8600k processor:
This processor is the best and awesome among its 8th generation family regarding high performance and gaming boost too. This one was starting with a base frequency of 3.60 GHz to Max Turbo Frequency of 4.30 GHz and rendering internal GPU with 350 MHz up to max turbo frequency of 1150 MHz. So good gaming performance. This one also comes with the UHD graphics 630 and also TDP of 95W.
This one also has memory supports which up to two channels DDR4 2666. Thus it is slightly the same comparing with i5-8400 and with higher frequencies. But its price is more than other models. So, if you are ready to spend more money plus want a top mid-range processor with better performance. This one will be spectacular & would be an excellent pick.
i5 8th generation vs i7 8th generation
Core i5 is mid-range while core i7 is a high-range top tier efficient processor. But the difference between them in case of performance and efficiency is not huge. Instead, the i7 8th generation’s overall performance is only 6% higher than the i5 8th generation. Core i7 8th generation consists of higher clockwork and frequency that made it much more efficient than other generations—starting with a base frequency of 3.2 GHz up to 4.8 GHz. Also, the i7 8th generation has multi-threaded and Graphics optimisation with a smart cache of 12MB. Thus enables it to provide more FPS and 4k resolution of 60 Hz.
The base integrated graphics or GPU is 350 MHz and the max Turbo boost of 1200 MHz. On the other hand, the i5 8th generation is also good at providing gaming boost, utility & intuitive experiences. This generation is not much lag behind than core i7 generation. Also, it includes some identical features, just like the core i7 8th generation. It starts with a base frequency of 2.80 and up to max turbo frequency of 4.00 GHz. It is rendering internal GPU with 350 MHz up to max turbo frequency of 1150 MHz with Smartcache of 9 MB.
Comparison between i5 8th generation and i7 8th generation:
Similarities between i5 and i7:
- Both i5 and i7 8th generation has Intel UHD Graphics 630.
- From the i5 model i5-8400 & 8600K and i7 model, i7-8700 & 8700K both have same number cores but different threads. That is, each one bears six centres, but i5 has six threads, and i7 has 12 threads.
- Both of the i5 8th generation and i7 8th generation support up to two channels DDR4-2666. So, no differences.
- Both processors contain Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST), Turbo Boost and Smart cache.
- Both mobile models of core i5 and i7 come with four cores and BGA-1356 soldered socket.
Dissimilarities between i5 and i7:
- Core-i5 8th generation provides Max Turbo Boost in GPU up to only 1150 MHz where i7 8th generation provides Max Turbo Boost in GPU up to 1200 MHz.
- i5 Coffee Lake series come with DMI bus type where i7 Coffee Lake series come with QPI bus type.
- Core-i5 starts with a base frequency of only 2.80GHz & up to Max Turbo Frequency of 4.00 GHz. But core-i7 provides higher rate than core-i5. I am starting with a base frequency of 3.2 GHz up to 4.8 GHz.
- In the Core-i5 processor, it does not contain the Hyperthreading feature. Where in the Core-i7 processor, includes the Hyperthreading feature.
- Core i5 Kaby Lake version provides performance in both single-thread and multi-thread applications. Where i7 Kaby Lake version only provides performance in multi-thread applications.
So, from the above comparison, we can see that there are not many differences between Core-i5 & Core-i7 8th generations. If you want to see and compare their prices and features, then check out here.
Frequently asked questions
Is i5 8th generation better than AMD Ryzen processor? Which model and why?
- Vice versa, because there are different factors. But, i5-8400 is the only good competitor against its rival AMD. Because of its better gaming performance and integrated graphics with slightly more efficiency.
Which one should I buy between i5 and i7 8th generation?
- If you want to buy an excellent mid-range performance with a gaming boost at a cheap price, then i5. But if you want a higher-end with more GPU render with top performance and price is not a problem. Then go for i7.
Does i5 8th generation has Hyperthreading?
- Unfortunately, Core-i5 does not have a Hyperthreading feature but overclocking is possible.
What is i5 8th gen Max GPU frequency?
- 1150 MHz & 9 MB Smart cache.
Final Thoughts
In desktop, laptop, and mobile, the processor plays an essential role in increasing your device performance. Picking the right processor will also help to boost your task and gaming though it’s a small chipset. Thus for mid-range efficiency, in your price range plus for excellent gaming performance, the i5 8th generation will be perfect. But choose your processors according to the compatibility of your motherboard. A processor fitting depends according to the sockets of your motherboard. So check that first which processor is compatible with your motherboard which is basically written on your package. A better processor means higher performance.