Is The Intel Core i5 7th Generation Good for Gaming?

With the great performance and features that the Intel Core i5 7th Generation processor offers, you can be sure to have a device that affords you to be productive and also play games. However, one question I get a lot is whether the Core i5 7th Generation processor is suitable for gaming and if you should consider it when building a gaming PC.

In this article, you will learn about the Core i5 7th Gen processor and its key features. 

Is The Core i5 7th Generation Processor Good For Gaming?

The Intel Core i5 7th Generation Processor is a decent choice for gaming. It is fast and powerful and can handle complex tasks well. However, it is not as powerful as the Core i7 or i9 processors, so it may not be the best choice if you are looking for the absolute best gaming performance.

Nevertheless, the Core i5 7th Generation Processor is a great option for gaming and is a great value for the price.

Clock Speed

The Intel Core i5 7th Generation processors mostly come with two cores with four threads though there are quad-core models. The range of clock speed for the processors is typically between  2.5-3.1GHz. 

Cache Size

There is no doubt that you would have seen the word “cache” every now and then. What it simply means is the amount of main memory data a processor can hold. For the Core i5 7th Gen processors, the cache size ranges from 3MB – 6 MB; it depends on the model.  

Thermal Design Power

Thermal design power is also known as the thermal design point and it is the maximum amount of heat generated by a processor that the cooling system is designed to dispel under any workload. 

Interestingly, the Intel Core i5 7th Generation processors are ultra-low-power processors. The thermal design power is typically 15 Watt, but you have the flexibility of 25 Watt cTDP up and 8.5 Watt cTDP down for an exceptional balance of power and performance. 

Socket Type

When the socket type of a processor is referred to, it is the distinct mount used only for the processor on the motherboard to ensure correct chip insertion. The socket helps facilitate access and prevent damage when a unit is inserted or removed. It also helps to prevent CPU movement and is designed to help secure heat sink placement above the processor. 

The Core i5 7th Generation processors are in the LGA 1151 socket. 

What is its Lithography?

Lithography in the context of processors refers to how tightly the transistors inside your processor are packed. The lower the distance between two transistors, the faster electrons can travel between them and the lesser energy that is wasted in transit. The difference in speed and power consumption depends on the processor’s lithography. The lithography loosely correlates to the size of the transistors within the chip.

The Intel Core i5 7th Gen processors have chip lithography of 14 nm manufacturing technology. 

What Is Its Turbo Boost Frequency?

The turbo boost helps to extend the frequency level of the processor above the rated frequency to achieve a higher processing power. The Core i5 7th Generation processors range from 3.40 GHz to 3.70 GHz.

What Is The Processor’s Maximum Memory Support?

The maximum memory support is short-term memory, where data can be stored when the processor needs it. For the Core i5 7th Generation processors, the maximum memory support ranges from 16 GB – 64 GB; this is dependent on the memory type or model. 

What Is The Processor’s Maximum Memory Bandwidth?

The maximum memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor. It is measured in GB/s. The Core i5 7th Generation processors have a maximum memory bandwidth that ranges from 29.8 GB/s – 37.5 GB/s. 

What Is The Processor’s Maximum Number Of PCI Express Lanes?

The PCI Express lanes are the physical links between supported devices and the processor. The lanes consist of two pairs of copper wires known as traces that run through the motherboard printed circuit board (PCB). The traces connect enabled devices to either the processor or motherboard chipset.  

The Core i5 7th Generation processors use a PCI-Express Version 3 connection that consists of 16 lanes. 

Does The Processor Support Overclocking? Any Extra Features?

Overclocking is the means of increasing the clock rate of your processor, making it run at a higher speed than it was designed for. 

The K-model of the Core i5 7th Generation processors are the ones with unlocked cores that support overclocking, such as the i5 7600k. 

Extra features of the Core i5 7th Generation processors include the fact that you can configure the thermal design power up or down, depending on your choice.  There is also the Intel Hyper-Threading Technolgy, Secure Key and Intel Virtualization technology, among other features. 

Price

To get a brand new Core i5 7th Generation processor, you need to budget about $215.95 – $230. You can get a refurbished or fairly used one within $110 – $120. 

Is The Intel Core i5 7th Generation Good Processor?

The Intel Core i5 7th Gen processors are the best value for processors among the Core i5 processors, as it is great on performance, speed and graphics. And the processors also master more complex tasks than most processors. Hence it is great for gaming, but you cannot compare its performance for gaming with the Core i7 or i9 processors. However, the Core i5 7th Generation processors are a great fit for gaming.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding on cost and performance, the Intel Core i5 7th Generation processors are an excellent option. They are designed as a budget-friendly option. They are also ultra-low-power processors.

These processors are capable of handling tasks such as video editing, graphics designing, and music production. And they are also a great fit for gaming. 

Image Gallery – Is The Intel Core i5 7th Generation Good for Gaming?