What is the latest generation i7 processor: 404 — Document Not Found

Intel Haswell 4th Generation Core i7 Processors

4th Gen Core i7 4790K 4.0GHz 88W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4770 3.4GHz 84W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4790T 2.7GHz 45W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4790S 3.2GHz 65W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4785T 2.2GHz 35W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4770K 3.5GHz 84W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4765T 2.0GHz 35W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
4th Gen Core i7 4770S 3.1GHz 65W HD4600 8MB Quad Core CPU Discontinued
More variations available Show

Replaces the Intel LGA1155 Ivy Bridge Processors

See also Intel Haswell 4th Generation [url=haswell-i3]entry-level Core i3[/url] and [url=haswell-i5]mid-range Core i5[/url] Processors.

The Intel Core i7 Processors

Launched in June 2014, Intel’s latest CPUs are codenamed ‘Haswell Refresh’ but are more officially known as 4th Generation Intel Core processors. The familiar i3 /i5 / i7 branding is retained and easily allows customers to identify the budget, mid-range and premium versions respectively. As you might expect, with this new generation of processors comes improved performance and an overall reduction in power requirements, although the highest-performance variants actually consume 4 watts more than their previous generation Haswell counterparts at full throttle.

Improved on-board graphics

Perhaps the biggest improvement is in the area of embedded graphics. With this new generation of CPUs the graphics are now known as HD 4600 and with the change of name comes about a significant improvement in performance, especially for 3D games and applications. Furthermore, up to three separate displays can now be driven simultaneously, reducing the need for a discrete graphics card where triple-head monitors are required.

Guide to suffix variants

The single-letter suffix on each model of processor denotes whether it can be overclocked (K), or is low-power (S) or ultra-low power (T). Note that ‘power’ in this context refers to electrical power, not computational power. We recommend S or T suffix processors where cool-running / energy saving is required, or K-series processors where maximum performance is desirable and sufficient cooling can be provided accordingly.

Variant performance comparisons

In terms of computational performance, Intel don’t provide official figures for their processors because so much depends on other hardware such as motherboard, type of memory, etc. So instead, we would suggest that potential customers refer to real-world empirical performance benchmarks such as those published by Passmark and quoted in the specification table below. These allow a simple comparison to be made between the different variants of processors and are based upon the averaged results of many users’ PC systems across the world. An opinion about the relative performance differences between each model of processor can therefore be quickly formed.

Core i5 / Core i7 differences

In essence, Core i5 processors are designed to be more affordable, lower performing versions of the Core i7 parts. There will certainly be some overlap in performance between the highest-end i5 processors and the cheapest i7 versions, but in essence the Core i5 range has a smaller cache (6MB rather than 8MB), a fewer maximum number of threads (4 not 8) and the omission of Hyper-Threading (HT Technology).

Show specifications and reviews for:Core i7 4765T CPUCore i7 4770 CPUCore i7 4770K CPUCore i7 4770S CPUCore i7 4785T CPUCore i7 4790K CPUCore i7 4790S CPUCore i7 4790T CPU

Specifications	Core i7 4765T CPU	Core i7 4770 CPU	Core i7 4770K CPU	Core i7 4770S CPU	Core i7 4785T CPU	Core i7 4790K CPU	Core i7 4790S CPU	Core i7 4790T CPU
Clock speed stock / turbo	2. 0 / 3.0 GHz	3.4 / 3.9 GHz	3.5 / 3.9 GHz	3.1 / 3.9 GHz	2.2 / 3.2 GHz	4.0 / 4.4 GHz	3.2 / 4.0 GHz	2.7 / 3.9 GHz
Cores / threads	4/8	4/8	4/8	4/8	4/8	4/8	4/8	4/8
L3 Smart Cache	8MB	8MB	8MB	8MB	8MB	8MB	8MB	8MB
Hyper-Threading	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Stock multiplier	X20	X34	X35	X31	X22	X40	X32	X27
Typical Passmark score	7500	9900	10200	9300	8500	11000	10000	9500
HD Graphics speed (stock)	350 MHz	350 MHz	350 MHz	350 MHz	350 MHz	350 MHz	350 MHz	350 MHz
HD Graphics speed (max)	1200 MHz	1200 MHz	1250 MHz	1200 MHz	1200 MHz	1250 MHz	1200 MHz	1200 MHz
HD Graphics	4600	4600	4600	4600	4600	4600	4600	4600
Thermal Design Power (TDP), watts	35W	84W	84W	65W	35W	88W	65W	45W
vPro management	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
VT-d Virtualisation	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Socket type	1150	1150	1150	1150	1150	1150	1150	1150
Codename	Haswell	Haswell	Haswell	Haswell	Haswell-refresh	Haswell-refresh	Haswell-refresh	Haswell-refresh
Lithography	22 nm	22 nm	22 nm	22 nm	22 nm	22 nm	22 nm	22 nm
Packaging	OEM	OEM	OEM	OEM	OEM	OEM	OEM	OEM
More information	Here	Here	Here	Here	Here	Here	Here	Here
Warranty	24 months	24 months	24 months	24 months	24 months	24 months	24 months	24 months
EAN barcode		5032037050555					5032037062152

Specifications	Core i7 4765T CPU	Core i7 4770 CPU	Core i7 4770K CPU	Core i7 4770S CPU
Clock speed stock / turbo	2. 0 / 3.0 GHz	3.4 / 3.9 GHz	3.5 / 3.9 GHz	3.1 / 3.9 GHz
Cores / threads	4/8
L3 Smart Cache	8MB
Hyper-Threading	Yes
Stock multiplier	X20	X34	X35	X31
Typical Passmark score	7500	9900	10200	9300
HD Graphics speed (stock)	350 MHz
HD Graphics speed (max)	1200 MHz		1250 MHz	1200 MHz
HD Graphics	4600
Thermal Design Power (TDP), watts	35W	84W		65W
vPro management	Yes		No	Yes
VT-d Virtualisation	Yes		No	Yes
Socket type	1150
Codename	Haswell
Lithography	22 nm
Packaging	OEM
More information	Here	Here	Here	Here
Warranty	24 months
EAN barcode		5032037050555

Specifications	Core i7 4785T CPU	Core i7 4790K CPU	Core i7 4790S CPU	Core i7 4790T CPU
Clock speed stock / turbo	2. 2 / 3.2 GHz	4.0 / 4.4 GHz	3.2 / 4.0 GHz	2.7 / 3.9 GHz
Cores / threads	4/8
L3 Smart Cache	8MB
Hyper-Threading	Yes
Stock multiplier	X22	X40	X32	X27
Typical Passmark score	8500	11000	10000	9500
HD Graphics speed (stock)	350 MHz
HD Graphics speed (max)	1200 MHz	1250 MHz	1200 MHz
HD Graphics	4600
Thermal Design Power (TDP), watts	35W	88W	65W	45W
vPro management	Yes	No	Yes
VT-d Virtualisation	Yes
Socket type	1150
Codename	Haswell-refresh
Lithography	22 nm
Packaging	OEM
More information	Here	Here	Here	Here
Warranty	24 months
EAN barcode			5032037062152

Product Resources

Intel website

Top CPUs (Processors)

Excellent service

Excellent service, prompt postage

(Review via Trustpilot)

Top 10 Latest Laptops with Intel Core i7 Processor (Oct 2022)

ASUS VivoBook 15 A1500

From RM 3399 (Ori)

updated: 26-09-2022
HP ENVY x360 2-in-1

From RM 5359 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
HP ZBook Firefly 16 G9 Mobile Workstation

From RM 7271 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 22-09-2022
Dell Precision 3470

From RM 8022 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 21-09-2022
Dell Precision 5470

From RM 15630 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 21-09-2022
Dell Precision 15 3571

From RM 8682 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 21-09-2022
Dell Precision 15 5570

From RM 11261 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 21-09-2022
Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1

From RM 11285 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 21-09-2022
Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable

From RM 7893 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 21-09-2022
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 9315

From RM 6999 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 20-09-2022
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo

From RM 5999 (Ori)

updated: 15-09-2022
MSI Katana GF66

From RM 3949 (Ori)
8 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Katana GF66

From RM 6599 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 14-09-2022
MSI Katana GF76

From RM 5085 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
ASUS TUF Gaming F17 2022

From RM 5099 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 2022

From RM 5399 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 14-09-2022
HP OMEN Gaming 16 12th Intel

From RM 7799 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 12-09-2022
ASUS Vivobook Pro 15X OLED K6501

From RM 7299 (Ori)

updated: 12-09-2022
Lenovo Legion 7i 16 Gen 7

From RM 9793 (Ori)

updated: 05-09-2022
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Pro 16 Gen 7

From RM 6682 (Ori)

updated: 02-09-2022
Lenovo Yoga 7i 16 Gen 7

From RM 5140 (Ori)

updated: 02-09-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 14 Gen 7 Intel

From RM 3900 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 02-09-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 17 Gen 7

From RM 3430 (Ori)

updated: 02-09-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro 14 Gen 7 Intel

From RM 4821 (Ori)

updated: 02-09-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 15 Gen 7 Intel

From RM 3819 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 02-09-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i 16 Gen 7

From RM 5989 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 01-09-2022
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED UX9702

From RM 14999 (Ori)

updated: 01-09-2022
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 4 Intel

From RM 5949 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 29-08-2022
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Intel

From RM 9339 (Ori)

updated: 26-08-2022
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7

From RM 11449 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 26-08-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i 15 Gen 7

From RM 5109 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 26-08-2022
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10

From RM 7999 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 28-09-2022
Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 Gen 7

From RM 5859 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 26-08-2022
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7

From RM 7129 (Ori)

updated: 26-08-2022
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro 2022

From RM 8699 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
Lenovo Legion 5i 15 Gen 7

From RM 6539 (Ori)
9 Variants
updated: 25-08-2022
MSI Raider GE77HX

From RM 12499 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
MSI GF63 Thin

From RM 3449 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Stealth 17M

From RM 6689 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
Acer Swift 3 SF314-511

From RM 3299 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
Acer Spin 5 SP513-55N

From RM 5599 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 03-08-2022
Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51

From RM 3699 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 03-08-2022
Dell Precision 3570

From RM 7096 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 02-08-2022
Dell G15 5520 Gaming Laptop Intel

From RM 5065 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 02-08-2022
Dell XPS 13 9315

From RM 5649 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 01-08-2022
Dell Inspiron 14 5420 Intel

From RM 3999 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 01-08-2022
Dell Inspiron 16 5620

From RM 4199 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 01-08-2022
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 14

From RM 7199 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 29-07-2022
HP ENVY 16

From RM 7340 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 05-09-2022
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 7420

From RM 4699 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 29-07-2022
Dell Latitude 9330 2-in-1

From RM 11090 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Dell Latitude 9430

From RM 10912 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Dell Latitude 5531

From RM 7311 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Dell Latitude 5431

From RM 6594 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Dell Latitude 7530

From RM 6658 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Latitude 7330 2-in-1

From RM 8091 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Dell Latitude 7330

From RM 7111 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
Dell Latitude 7430 2-in-1

From RM 7723 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 28-07-2022
HUAWEI MateBook D 16

From RM 4799 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
HUAWEI MateBook 16s

From RM 6259 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
Dell Latitude 7430

From RM 6772 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 27-07-2022
Dell Latitude 5430

From RM 6579 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 20-09-2022
Dell Latitude 5330 2-in1

From RM 6971 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 26-07-2022
Dell Latitude 5330

From RM 6349 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 26-07-2022
Dell Latitude 5530

From RM 5787 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 26-07-2022
Dell Latitude 3330

From RM 5135 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 25-07-2022
Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320

From RM 8499 (Ori)
9 Variants
updated: 08-09-2022
Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320

From RM 8249 (Ori)
9 Variants
updated: 25-07-2022
Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320

From RM 7499 (Ori)
9 Variants
updated: 25-07-2022
MSI Prestige 15 A12UC

From RM 6296 (Ori)

updated: 18-08-2022
MSI Modern 15 B12M

From RM 3599 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 22-07-2022
MSI Prestige 14 A11SC

From RM 4940 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Summit E16 Flip A12UDT

From RM 8999 (Ori)

updated: 21-07-2022
HP Elite Dragonfly G2 Notebook PC

From RM 8599 (Ori)

updated: 19-07-2022
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 Notebook PC

From RM 7499 (Ori)

updated: 19-07-2022
HP Pavilion Laptop 15

From RM 4299 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 19-07-2022
HP ProBook 440 G9

From RM 4519 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 18-07-2022
HP ZBook Firefly 15. 6 inch G8

From RM 7050 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 18-07-2022
HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14

From RM 5699 (Ori)

updated: 15-07-2022
HP Pavilion 14

From RM 3644 (Ori)
8 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED K3500

From RM 3699 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 20-09-2022
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED

From RM 12999 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 29-09-2022
ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482

From RM 6999 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 06-07-2022
Acer Aspire 3 A315-57G

From RM 2799 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
Acer Aspire 3 A315-59

From RM 3699 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 03-08-2022
Acer Predator Triton 500 SE

From RM 7599 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58

From RM 5299 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 29-06-2022
Acer Predator Helios 300 Ph415-55

From RM 7999 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 29-06-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i 15 Gen 6

From RM 4679 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 27-06-2022
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 Gen 7

From RM 7689 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 22-06-2022
ASUS TUF Dash F15 2022

From RM 4099 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3420

From RM 5599 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 23-05-2022
ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X OLED

From RM 11289 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED

From RM 8579 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
ASUS Zenbook 14X Space Edition

From RM 6499 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 23-05-2022
HP ProBook 440 G8 Notebook PC

From RM 3542 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Prestige 14 Evo A12M

From RM 5599 (Ori)

updated: 31-05-2022
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 15 Gen 5

From RM 4239 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 31-05-2022
Acer Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition

From RM 3949 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Stealth GS66

From RM 12289 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Raider GE76

From RM 11603 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 01-08-2022
MSI Raider GE66

From RM 9499 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Vector GP76

From RM 6799 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Vector GP66

From RM 7999 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Pulse GL66

From RM 4749 (Ori)
4 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Stealth 15M

From RM 5741 (Ori)

updated: 02-10-2022
MSI Crosshair 15

From RM 6867 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 20-09-2022
Dell Vostro 5620

From RM 4349 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 13-04-2022
Dell XPS 17 9720

From RM 9945 (Ori)
9 Variants
updated: 13-04-2022
Dell XPS 15 9520 RTX 3050 Ti

From RM 8749 (Ori)
18 Variants
updated: 13-04-2022
Dell XPS 15 9520 RTX 3050

From RM 8449 (Ori)
9 Variants
updated: 13-04-2022
ASUS ROG Flow Z13 GZ301

From RM 7999 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 12-04-2022
Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 2 (Intel)

From RM 4799 (Ori)
2 Variants
updated: 19-04-2022
Dell Alienware x17 R2

From RM 10699 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
Dell Alienware x15 R2

From RM 11099 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 21-03-2022
Dell Vostro 5410

From RM 4699 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 10-03-2022
Dell Vostro 14 3400

From RM 3749 (Ori)
5 Variants
updated: 10-03-2022
Dell Vostro 3510

From RM 3849 (Ori)
10 Variants
updated: 10-03-2022
Dell G15 5520 Special Edition Gaming Laptop

From RM 7999 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 09-03-2022
Dell G15 5520 Gaming Laptop

From RM 7099 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 09-03-2022
Dell Alienware x14 RTX3060 Gaming Laptop

From RM 10798 (Ori)
6 Variants
updated: 09-03-2022
Dell Alienware x14 RTX3050 Ti Gaming Laptop

From RM 9499 (Ori)
3 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
Dell Alienware m15 R7 RTX3070 Ti Gaming Laptop

From RM 10419 (Ori)
27 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
Dell Alienware m15 R7 RTX3060 Gaming Laptop

From RM 6299 (Ori)
27 Variants
updated: 02-10-2022
Dell Alienware m15 R7 RTX3080 Ti Gaming Laptop

From RM 13699 (Ori)
28 Variants
updated: 08-03-2022

New 11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor Computers for HP

We are working to meet the current extraordinary customer demand for our products. Our website reflects current product availability but circumstances are dynamic. You may check your order status via our Track My Order page (Click Here to log in). We will send updates by email as soon as they are available. We greatly value your business and appreciate your ongoing patience as we work to get your order to you.

Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers may change without notice. Price protection, price matching or price guarantees do not apply to Intra-day, Daily Deals or limited-time promotions. Quantity limits may apply to orders, including orders for discounted and promotional items. Despite our best efforts, a small number of items may contain pricing, typography, or photography errors. Correct prices and promotions are validated at the time your order is placed. These terms apply only to products sold by HP.com; reseller offers may vary. Items sold by HP.com are not for immediate resale. Orders that do not comply with HP.com terms, conditions, and limitations may be cancelled. Contract and volume customers not eligible.

HP’s MSRP is subject to discount. HP’s MSRP price is shown as either a stand-alone price or as a strike-through price with a discounted or promotional price also listed. Discounted or promotional pricing is indicated by the presence of an additional higher MSRP strike-through price.

The following applies to HP systems with Intel 6th Gen and other future-generation processors on systems shipping with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Pro systems downgraded to Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8 Pro, or Windows 8.1: This version of Windows running with the processor or chipsets used in this system has limited support from Microsoft. For more information about Microsoft’s support, please see Microsoft’s Support Lifecycle FAQ at https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle

Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Intel Evo, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, Intel Agilex, Arria, Cyclone, Movidius, eASIC, Enpirion, Iris, MAX, Intel RealSense, Stratix, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

In-home warranty is available only on select customizable HP desktop PCs. Need for in-home service is determined by HP support representative. Customer may be required to run system self-test programs or correct reported faults by following advice given over phone. On-site services provided only if issue can’t be corrected remotely. Service not available holidays and weekends.

HP will transfer your name and address information, IP address, products ordered and associated costs and other personal information related to processing your application to Bill Me Later®. Bill Me Later will use that data under its privacy policy.

Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows functionality. Windows is automatically updated and enabled. High speed internet and Microsoft account required. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.windows.com.

HP Rewards qualifying and eligible products/purchases are defined as those from the following categories: Printers, Business PCs (Elite, Pro and Workstation brands), select Business Accessories and select Ink, Toner & Paper.My HP Rewards

“Best All In One Printer” and “the easiest printer you’ve ever had to set up” from Wirecutter. ©2020 The Wirecutter, Inc.. All rights reserved. Used under license. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-all-in-one-printer/

*SpencerLab Sept 2021 study of printer inks sold in North America commissioned by HP for on-average performance of 16 brands of non-HP refill, remanufactured, and imitation cartridges vs. Original HP Ink SKUs 952XL, 63XL, 902XL, 950XL, 951XL. To account for reliability-driven supplies issues, defective and failed cartridges were included in the page yield calculations. Consequently, the reported page yield numbers are not based on ISO/IEC 24711 standard methodology, as it requires defective supplies be excluded from page yield calculation. See https://spencerlab.com/reports/HPInkReliability-NA-2021.pdf

** You must be enrolled in HP Rewards and sign up for Instant Ink before 6/18/2022 to qualify for 300 HP Rewards points. Please allow 30 days from your enrollment date for points to show in your account. Offer excludes Education store, other private stores, and any established Corporate Employee Purchase Plan account.

The personal information you provide will be used according to the HP Privacy Statement

Buy i7 Processor Laptops | Best Intel Core i7 Laptop Deals For 2022

Looking for an Intel Core i7 laptop? You’re not alone. Millions of PCs around the world are powered by Intel’s Core brand of advanced multi-core processors, and among the best and fastest of them is the i7. That’s why we’ve published this webpage – to help you shop, every model listed here is a Lenovo Core i7 laptop.

There’s good reason to buy a Core i7 laptop. First, the i7 is on the high end of Intel’s Core CPU hierarchy, offering faster speeds and more advanced features than most models in Intel’s value-focused Core i3 series or mainstream Core i5 series. The Core i7 is Intel’s “performance” line, making it a logical choice for laptop buyers seeking top-rated processor but who don’t need the absolute fastest speeds or highest core counts. [For those users, there’s the Core i9 series, a favorite of gamers, number-crunchers and tech enthusiasts alike.]

What makes a Core i7 laptop the right choice for you? There are lots of highly technical reasons, but here’s a simplified list of the Core i7 CPU’s most frequently cited benefits:

· Core count: The Core i7 series has a higher maximum core count (eight) than the i3 and i5 chips.

· Hyper-threading: Complementing the extra cores, there’s hyper-threading (multiplying overall processing capability).

· Cache: With larger cache allotments than the other chips, a Core i7 CPU can help keep more programs and processes running at one time.

Another reason consumers buy laptops with Core i7 processors is to give themselves room to grow. It’s not uncommon for a popular software program or app to be upgraded and suddenly require a higher-level CPU or other component than the previous version. While there’s no such thing as a “future-proof” purchase, buying a laptop with faster processor than you currently need – or with more cores, or some other advanced feature — can help prepare you for these unexpected changes.

Lenovo’s best i7 laptops

Lenovo prides itself on a broad product line-up that offers something for everyone, from the home-office user to the corporate analyst to the professional video editor or competitive gamer. That’s why we use powerful Core i7 processors in all of our most popular laptop brands:

Business-ready ThinkPad models: The most famous name in laptop technology

Stylish IdeaPad ultraportables: Light and powerful – and with good looks, too

Flexible Yoga 2-in-1s: The laptop that flips into tablet and back again

Legion gaming laptops: Systems for gamers seeking a competitive edge

Mobile workstations: Top-of-the-line processing for demanding applications

If you’re looking for a new laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor, you’ve come to the right place. From ThinkPad and Yoga to IdeaPad and Legion, there’s sure to be an i7 model that’s perfect for your needs.

Intel Core i7 Laptops

The processor is among essential factors to consider when buying a laptop. The processor mainly determines the computer’s speed and other related factors. The processor is usually connoted as intel. Advancement in technology has led to a drastic improvement of the computer processor. From the first commercially produced processor, Intel 4004, to the Core i2 series, to the current intel core i7 processors. The core i7 processors come with various advancements and advantages over their predecessors. The main advantage is its faster speed as compared to its predecessors. The core i7 intel is a high-speed processor, thus increasing speed in whatever you are doing.

For gaming enthusiasts, the intel core i7 processors come with advanced gaming features and speed, thus a more-fun gaming experience. The Core i7 processor computers can also support their predecessors’ applications and features not supported. This allows for more work than could be handled by its predecessor. With an over 5GHz CPU clock rate, the latest core i7 processors produce more threads cores. The processor’s high-frequency boost makes it best suited for video and audio editing. The Core i7 processor is also more compact and can be supported by any operating system. Consequently, it is possible to upgrade to core i7 from its predecessors with the old operating system.

i7 Processor Laptop

With the advancement of computer processors, all the computer manufacturing companies across the globe have upgraded their laptop processors. The intel core i7 processor laptops are faster and more powerful. Given the high compatibility of the processor, the laptops are also highly compact and light, thus increasing mobility. The laptops also have a sleek appearance given their slim and compact with full-screen display. Thanks to advancements in technology, the Core i7 processor laptops come with great technological combinations making them high-tech compact machines.

Gaming Laptop i7

Gaming enthusiasts are also not left behind in advancement. The processor advancement has also seen the introduction of gaming laptop i7 processors. Like its predecessors, the gaming laptop i7 processors are built mainly to support the laptops constructed primarily for gaming purposes. The core i7 gaming laptop processors support more advanced gaming features. With the high RAM capacity of the laptop core i7 processor, you can run any game you want. The Core i7 processor runs all games, including those not supported by its predecessors. With a core i7 processor, you can run even the latest games smoothly. The Core i7 processor meets all the system requirements for all the games thus, you can play any. The games include GTA V, valorant, alien isolation, rogue company, and many other games.

i7 Laptops for Sale

The intel core i7 laptops have been in the market since the launch of core i7 processors. All computer manufacturing companies have upgraded their laptops with core i7 processors. Consequently, there are i7 laptops for sale at all laptop dealerships. Moreover, you can contact the companies directly and place your order for the i7 laptop you want. Notably, the companies have updated all their respective brands with the i7 processors, giving them a variety. Intel Core i7 laptops for sale are also available in all the online markets across the world. You need to narrow down the specific brand of i7 laptop you want and then place your order.

The i7 laptops for sale also come with different operating systems and RAM capacities depending on the company and type. There are also refurbished core i7 laptops available for purchase in the market. Depending on your need for the computer, they vary in capacity, performance, and specifications.

Refurbished i7 Laptop

There are various refurbished i7 laptops available for sale around the globe. Thanks to online shopping, you can source your refurbished i7 laptop from any part of the world. The refurbished laptops are mainly used laptops then upgraded to the latest operating systems and processors. Consequently, they come at a low budget compared to the brand-new ones. Other than the fact that they are used, the laptops are fully functional, and it will only be known to you that they aren’t new. The refurbishing involves hardware replacement and upgrades where necessary to ensure the laptop looks as good as new.

Gaming Laptop i7 16GB RAM

Most of the core i7 gaming laptops come with 16GB RAM capacities. The high RAM capacity allows for the running of any game, including the new ones. Gaming laptop i7 16GB RAM capacity meets the system requirements for a majority of the games. Notably, all the laptop manufacturers are keen to make sure their brands for the gaming laptops run all the games. Consequently, all the i7 gaming laptops come with a 16GB capacity. The competitive environment for the manufacturers has led to gamers having a variety of laptops to choose from.

i7 32GB RAM Laptop

Many intel core i7 laptops come with 32GB RAM capacity. Given the high-performance expectation, the manufacturers are keen on ensuring their brands don’t disappoint. The i7 32GB RAM laptops are mainly for high-capacity functions. An i7 32GB RAM laptop budget is relatively higher than those with lower RAM capacity.

i7 2 in 1 Laptop

A 2 in 1 laptop is a laptop that combines the functions and features of a laptop and a tablet in one device. To use the device as a tablet, you detach the monitor and use it as a tablet. To switch back to laptop mode, you reattach the monitor. The i7 2 in 1 laptop is sleek and slim for compatibility. The computer is meant for high-capacity functions thus comes with high RAM capacity. All the laptop manufacturers have since produced their respective brands of the i7 2 in 1 laptop.

i5 vs. i7 Laptop

The i5 is the immediate predecessor of the i7 processor; thus doesn’t differ so much. However, the i7 laptop can perform much more tasks than the i5 couldn’t regarding capacity and speed. The speed being a significant aspect of the processor, advancement to i7 has come with a substantial speed margin. The i7 processor laptop is much faster than the i5 processor laptop. The two processors also contrast on other aspects, including performance and gaming features. Simply put, the i7 processor laptop is better than the i5 laptop in all aspects. The i5 vs. i7 laptop comparison has the i7 leading in prices.

Conclusion

The intel core i7 laptops demonstrate advancement and its need in the tech world. The refurbishment of used laptops to core i7 processors is evidence of the demonstration. Should you be looking for a laptop, make sure it is a core i7, even if it is a refurbished one. You definitely do want to lag behind with a slow-processor laptop when you can get a core i7 laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it worth getting an i7 laptop?

The high speed, tech, performance, and capacity of the i7 laptops make it worth getting.

How much is an i7 laptop?

The intel core i7 laptops vary in price depending on the brand, capacity, and functions.

What’s the comparison of i5 and i7?

The i7 laptop is above the i5 in all aspects and justifiably so. Click here for more information on the i7 processor laptops.

Is i7 good for laptops?

If you’re looking for a powerful laptop that can handle just about anything you throw at it, then an i7 laptop is a great option. These laptops are equipped with Intel’s i7 processor, which is one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market. So, if you need a laptop that can handle demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, an i7 laptop is a good choice. If you need the power and your have the budget, an i7 laptop may be just what you need.

What does Intel Core i7 mean on a laptop?

The Intel Core i7 is a high-end processor found in many laptops. It offers great performance for gaming and other resource-intensive tasks but comes at the expense of battery life. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle anything you throw at it, an Intel Core i7 is a good option. Just be aware that you’ll need to keep your charger handy. When it comes to gaming, the Intel Core i7 is one of the best processors on the market. If you are looking for a laptop that has great performance, then the Intel Core i7 is a great option.

Is an Intel Core i7 good?

There’s no simple answer to whether or not an Intel Core i7 is good. It depends on what you need and wants from a processor. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance, then an Intel Core i7 is a great choice. It’s one of the most powerful processors on the market and can handle just about anything you throw at it. However, if you’re more concerned with power efficiency or cost, then there are other options that may be better suited for you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s important to you in a processor and make your decision based on that.

7 Best i7 Windows Laptops 2022 (12th Gen Intel Core i7)

In this article, we discuss the comparative merits of 12th Gen. Intel i7 processors over their predecessors. We have also put together the 7 best i7 Windows laptop that you can find in the marketplace today.

From regular computing tasks like browsing the internet and streaming media on wireless connections to editing films, this list serves up reliable options for modern users.

Intel has consistently been working on evolving its processors. The leading tech giant regularly upgrades generations with more advanced chipsets and a greater number of cores/threads for multitasking endeavors.

The tenth-generation of Intel CPUs comes with several triumphs, including significantly improved performance, particularly in gaming and multimedia content generation and editing.

The line-up also offers Wi-Fi 6 for a major boost in internet connectivity, Thunderbolt 3 for high-speed data transfer, and display technology up to 4K HDR for dazzling views.

Perhaps the best part about the latest generation of Intel CPUs is the commitment to serving a variety of audiences.

While gamers and content creators clearly stand to benefit from the increased overclocking, these CPUs also deliver features like Intel Optane memory and hardware-enhanced security options.

The latter, when combined with remote manageability, is immensely useful for business users.

Contents

What is 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor?
Intel Core i7-12800H vs Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core i7-1270P vs Intel Core i7-1265U
Our Picks: 10 Best i7 Windows Laptops 2022
- 1. ASUS TUF Dash 15 12th Generation i7 Laptop
- 2. Dell XPS 15 9520 High Performance i7 Windows Laptop
- 3. HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 i7 Windows Laptop
- 4. Acer Swift 3 Intel Core i7 Laptop Under $1000
- 5. HP 15-dy5097nr Cheapest i7 Laptop
- 6. ThinkPad P15s Gen 2 i7 Mobile Workstation
- 7. Acer Predator Triton 500 SE i7 Gaming Laptop
What to Look for in i7 Windows Laptops
- Processor (CPU)
- Graphics Card (GPU)
- Memory (RAM)
- Display
- Weight
- Battery Life
- Audio
- Keyboard
- Operating System (OS)
Verdict
FAQs
- What is the most powerful i7 processor?
- What is the cheapest i7 Windows 11 laptop in the list?
- Is i7 better than i5 laptop?

What is 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor?

The 12th generation of Intel i7 processors has taken off like a storm, with major computer manufacturers like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Gigabyte, Lenovo, MSI and Razer coming up with multimedia-creation and gaming devices.

Packed with 14-cores and up to 20 threads, these CPUs can be clocked to 4.70GHz. They have a TDP rating of 35W, while the available cache is up to 24MB. These CPUs also provide support for Intel Optane Memory, making them perfect for creators who need ample and more space.

12th gen i7 CPUs pack a mega punch when it comes to performance, and this is most visible while gaming. In fact, the resulting delivery can match up to the performance offered by some desktops.

Company benchmark tests indicate that a Core i7-12700H CPU delivers a 17% FPS percentage increase over a Core i7-11800H processor while playing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey at 1080p.

The wins in speed and efficiency, fortunately, extend to other pursuits as well, such as content creation. The benchmark tests indicate a 43% gain in overall performance when using a 12th gen i7 CPU as opposed to a three-year-old PC. In content editing (4K video export), one is likely to witness benefits to the tune of a spectacular 70%.

Intel Core i7-12800H vs Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core i7-1270P vs Intel Core i7-1265U

i7-12800H vs i7-12700H vs i7-11800H vs i7-1270P vs i7-1265U

Today, tech consumers can choose from multiple i7 processors, each with varying competence at hyperthreading, available cache, maximum memory, and TDP (Thermal Design Power).

Intel regularly experiments with new chipset technologies, graduating from 14nm to 10nm, Comet Lake to Tiger Lake—and the constant effort sure pays off in retaining loyal audiences! Let us compare three of the most popular i7 CPUs.

The Intel Core i7-12700H is the best as far as performance is concerned, with support for a maximum frequency of 4.7GHz. According to recent PassMark CPU benchmark tests, it scores 27,095.

This is significantly higher than the results achieved by Intel Core i7-11800H (21,427), Intel i7-1270P (22,842) and Intel i7-1265U (10,671). Notably, while the Intel i7-1165G7 CPU has only 10 cores, it has support for good battery backup.

The below table encapsulates the major specs of these three processors:

	Intel Core i7-12700H	Intel Core i7-1280P	Intel Core i7-11800H
Cores	14	14	8
Turbo	4.70GHz	4.80GHz	4.60GHz
Cache	24MB	24MB	12MB
TDP	35W	28W	35W
Max. Memory	64GB	64GB	128GB

Our Picks: 10 Best i7 Windows Laptops 2022

1. ASUS TUF Dash 15 12th Generation i7 Laptop

Designed with battlefield durability and resilience, the ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2022) is designed for professionals. Not just gamers, the highly lucrative line-up of specifications work equally well for creatives who are into intensive tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, etc.

Check Price on Amazon

The TUF Dash 15 is fueled by the 12th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor with up to RTX 3060 GPU configuration for uninterrupted performance. Users also get to maximize their performance with the MUX Switch, resulting in reduced latency.

Also check, Top 10 Best ASUS Gaming Laptops 2022 (RTX 3080Ti)

Equipped with a 15.6” FHD display panel with 144Hz refresh rate, the device is backed with Adaptive Sync technology that synchronizes the overall GPU’s output, reducing stuttering and visual tearing in the process.

The TUF Dash chassis comes with a redefined design with 4.5% smaller chassis and laser sculpted versions. Besides the military grade toughness, the gaming laptop is integrated with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD for faster bootup and data storage with effortless responsiveness with the Windows 11 Home OS.

Pros

Comes with dedicated GPU MUX switch
Supports high performance and reduced latency
Backed with Adaptive Sync technology
Embossed and durable design
Designed to withstand drops, temperature and falls

Cons

Lacks fingerprint sensor or face unlock support

2.

Dell XPS 15 9520 High Performance i7 Windows Laptop

The Dell XPS 15 9520 is a beast personified, especially if you are particular about optimal performance on the go. Configured specially for the creators, the model is carefully curated for individuals who are actively in photography, music production, graphic designing, etc.

Check on Dell Official

Powered by the latest 12th Gen. Intel Core i7-12700H processor with RTX 3050 Ti GPU configuration for a powerful and uninterrupted performance that fuels creation. Accessible in four different working modes, this high-performance laptop features a stunning 15.6” FHD display with 1080p screen resolution and an optional OLED display panel configuration as well.

Related Post: Top 9 Best 12th Gen. Intel Core i9 Laptops 2022 (Latest Models)

Overall, the performance of the device is further propelled with the combination of 512GB SSD storage and 16GB RAM for the ultimate responsiveness and multitasking. It is integrated with an 86WHr battery that supports up to 13+ hours of battery life.

Reasons to buy

Sleek and premium craftsmanship
Ultimate performance
Prolonged battery life

Reasons to avoid

Optional OLED display has a higher price point
Audio output is disappointing

3. HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 i7 Windows Laptop

Getting your hands on a convertible laptop is the best thing you could do for yourself if you travel a lot and the HP Spectre x360 is hands down one of the premium options to look into.

Check on HP Official

Powered by the 12th Gen. Intel Core i7-1255U processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, the model is responsive, sleek and perfect for hybrid work experiences.

Also see, 8 Best Intel Core i5 Laptops 2022 (12th Gen. Intel Core i5)

As far as display goes, the Spectre x360 manages to pack in a stunning 13.5” diagonal WUXGA+ multitouch-enabled IPS display panel with 1280p screen resolution and 400 nits brightness that amplifies the clarity and color reproduction of the visuals in front of you.

Storage and memory configurations are quite streamlined with up to 2TB SSD storage and up to 32GB RAM for the ultimate multitasking experience. It runs on the Windows 11 OS.

Reasons to buy

Flexible design
Bright and vivid display panel
Optimal RAM management

Reasons to avoid

Optional OLED display is average
Battery life isn’t that great

4. Acer Swift 3 Intel Core i7 Laptop Under $1000

The Acer Swift 3 was a breath of fresh air from the existing line-up from the brand. Besides the immaculate and lightweight design, what stood out was the outstanding performance and responsiveness in the device.

Check Price on Amazon

Built on the Intel Evo platform, the model is powered by the Intel Core i7-1260P and Intel Iris Xe graphics.

Acer doesn’t stop there though since this ultralight notebook is equipped with a 14” QHD display with 100% sRGB for crisp and clear color reproduction like no other. Paired with a decent build and robust design, snagging this laptop is going to streamline your user experience for the days to come.

The combination of 512GB SSD with 16GB RAM further reiterates and streamlines productivity and supports optimal multitasking as well. Also, the device comes preinstalled with Windows 11 OS for optimal functionality.

Reasons to buy

Sleek and portable design
Built on Intel Evo platform
Responsive performance

Reasons to avoid

Display configuration is subpar
Port selection isn’t optimal

5. HP 15-dy5097nr Cheapest i7 Laptop

Finding a budget-friendly but latest configured laptop with the i7 processors isn’t going to be as difficult as you though.

Check on HP Official

The HP 15-dy5097nr works like a dream, especially with the barrage of the latest processors and technologies integrated into it.

Designed for all day performance, the model is powered by the 12th Gen. Intel Core i7-1255U processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics.

The stunning 15.6” FHD display is further accentuated with the 1080p screen resolution, 250 nits brightness and 45% NTSC for vivid and responsive visual rendition. If you are particular about storage and RAM configuration, the model is integrated with 256GB SSD and 16GB RAM out of the box.

Recommended: Best Budget Laptops Under $700 in 2022

It supports fast charging facility with the 41Wh integrated battery in the system. Overall, the model stands out in terms of design, functionality and responsiveness given the kind of price point it comes for.

Reasons to buy

Affordable price range
1080p screen resolution
Optimal RAM configuration

Reasons to avoid

Wireless connectivity features aren’t the great
Lacks fingerprint reader

6. ThinkPad P15s Gen 2 i7 Mobile Workstation

ThinkPad P15s Gen2

If there’s one laptop that streamlines performance and outstanding flexibility, it has to be the ThinkPad P15s Gen 2. Powered by the 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA Quadro T500 GPU, the model works effortless and renders optimal responsiveness without any delays.

Check on Lenovo Official

Designed for the ultramobile users, the model is equipped with a stunning 15.6” 4K UHD display panel with 2160p screen resolution and 500 nights brightness. The integrated X-Rite Factory Color Calibration further contributes to optimal color reproduction and accuracy as well.

What further elaborates the performance of this workstation is the integration of 512GB SSD of storage with 16GB RAM that streamlines multitasking experience without any lags and delays in the process. It runs on the Windows 11 OS.

Reasons to buy

Stunning design and appearance
Enriching display
Optimal processing power

Reasons to avoid

Quite expensive
A little bulky

7. Acer Predator Triton 500 SE i7 Gaming Laptop

If you are on the hunt for the best gaming laptop with Intel Core i7 processor, the Predator Triton 500 SE is a pretty great option to look into. Besides the credibility of the brand, the sleek and premium design with the per-key RGB backlit keyboard is a sight to behold.

Check Price on Amazon

Powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel i7-12700H with GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, there is no reason to worry about performance and gameplay with this model. What further streamlines the gaming experience in the laptop is the combination of 1TB SSD storage with 16GB RAM that tackles the most graphics-intensive games with a blink of an eye.

Most Recommended: 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 in 2022 (RTX 3070Ti)

The Predator Triton 500 SE is also equipped with a 16” WQXGA 240Hz G-SYNC Display with faster refresh rate that allows users to live through every single frame of the game. It comes pre-integrated with Windows 11 OS.

Reasons to buy

Faster processor configuration
Optimal storage and RAM
Responsive display

Reasons to avoid

Quite expensive
Noisy thermal solutions

Related Posts:

10 Best i9 Laptops 2022
10 Best AMD Ryzen Laptops 2022
Top 10 Best Laptops for Video Editing 2022
The 10 Best Windows Laptops 2022

What to Look for in i7 Windows Laptops

Processor (CPU)

When looking for a highly configured laptop with Core i7 processor, aim for the options with at least 4. 7GHz Turbo Boost technology that renders faster processing power without unnecessary delays and buffers to the performance.

With such advancements to the processor specs, its time to let go of the older generation laptops and instead switch to the newer 11th or 12th Gen. Intel Core processors for optimal performance, flexibility and workflow support.

Graphics Card (GPU)

The choice of a graphics card in the laptop is subjective to the needs of the users. If you are someone who deals with a lot of editing, content creation and gameplay, opt for a high-end and latest GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 3050 and above.

However, if you aren’t that biased with the graphics performance, the staple and pre-integrated GPU like Intel Iris Xe graphics do the job just fine. Try to look for graphics cards that also come with better graphics RAM, a minimum of 4GB VRAM works quite well.

Memory (RAM)

Being mindful of the memory configuration is crucial for the optimal performance of the laptop. You have to look out for choices that are configured with a minimum of 8GB RAM. Anything below that isn’t worth the time, especially when you are already considering a high-end processor like i7.

For a more effortless performance, a 16GB RAM configuration is considered ideal, especially for seamless user experience without glitches in middle.

Display

Like the GPU, the display configuration is quite subjective too. Ideally, the first is to choose the size. If you are constantly on the go, opt for a slightly smaller design with the 13.3 or 14” display. As a standard, the 15.6” display with FHD resolution is considered ideal.

However, if you are a content creator or deal with a lot of graphics intensive work, aim for a slightly better display configuration with OLED or 4K display.

Weight

The weight of the laptop depends on the workflow. Are you stationed in one place for your work? Or, are you constantly on the move? If it is the latter, then a light weight and portable laptop is considered ideal for your travel plans and workflow.

However, irrespective of your work experience, we’d recommend avoiding excessively bulky laptops since they run into the complications of extreme delays with the risks of overheating. Lightweight and portable laptops, on the other hand are a flair.

Battery Life

You can’t compromise on the battery life, especially when you have a high-end and responsive processor like the Core i7. A minimum of 47Wh is considered ideal that will support a minimum of 4-5 hours of performance. However, the battery life is again dependent on the degree of usage.

If you are travelling and are on the go, choose a laptop with a minimum of 7-8 hours of battery back-up. This keeps productivity in check and will not force you to look for a power outlet every two hours.

Audio

If you are into music production, being mindful of the audio configuration is an absolute must since all your work depends on the audio clarity. However, if you are a regular user and don’t have the need for high-end or spatial audio support, a standard Dolby Atmos speaker integrated into your Core i7 laptop should work just fine.

Keyboard

Keyboard configurations are crucial if you want to have a comfortable typing experience in your laptop. When you are investing in a high-end laptop with all the latest configurations like the i7 processor and latest GPU, it is crucial to invest in a laptop with a backlit keyboard. Not only does it accentuate the look of the device, it also streamlines performance even during night time.

Operating System (OS)

With the launch of the latest Windows 11 OS, there’s no other option that to seek laptops with the latest operating system. Models with pre-integrated Windows 11 offer easy access to all the latest Microsoft apps that render easy implementation and overall performance like there’s no tomorrow.

Verdict

An Intel i7 laptop is a fine choice for a variety of users, whether they’re interested in business pursuits, content editing or gaming. It offers multiple cores, a good amount of cache, advanced chipsets, and compatibility with overclocking.

The performance wins over the previous generation are palpable, which make it a good bet for versatile purposes, holding its own even against the latest i9 processors.

Picking the right i7 laptop is a decision you should take based on your overarching needs: portability, budget, visual finesse, etc. For example, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is a great choice for budget gaming.

It brings together a fantastic graphics card, a vivid display and good-quality audio—complementing the pro-gaming i7 CPU. In the same vein, you can pickr the Dell XPS 15 9520 if you wish to derive the best unplugged usage.

MSI is also a dependable option that combines the best of heat dissipation, battery backup and display technologies.

From multimedia experiences to 3D simulation, everyday tasks to business activities, Intel i7 processors deliver a wide array of benefits to users, driving home just what has made Intel such a dependable brand all these years.

FAQs

What is the most powerful i7 processor?

The Intel Core i7-12700H is the most potent processor family in the i7 space, with up to 14 cores and no less than 20 threads. Intel claims that it offers a tremendous improvement over the previous generation—up to 37% in multi-threaded 3D rendering. It is a great choice for 4K video editing, gaming and virtual reality.

What is the cheapest i7 Windows 11 laptop in the list?

The 15.6” HP Pavilion 15, priced at $814, is among the cheapest i7 Windows 11 laptop you can find on this list. It is driven by a 11th gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Intel UHD Graphics. With fast charging, Type-C ports, and a bodyweight of 3.86lbs, it’s a good choice for casual computing pursuits.

Is i7 better than i5 laptop?

Both i7 and i5 processors deliver good performance and, from the eight generation onwards, usually come with four cores and above. An i7 CPU is a better choice for gaming and multitasking as it achieves higher clock speeds in Turbo boos

Don’t Buy a Desktop PC With One of Intel’s Newest Processors—Here’s Why

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Real Talk

Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. Let us help you.

Photo: Intel

Published April 30, 2021

Share this post

Every year for the past decade, Intel has released a new generation of its Core processors. And every year, we’ve recommended that people buy the newest version they can get—if you’re paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for a computer, you should get one that will feel fast and run all the apps you use for as long as possible. But Intel’s 11th-generation Core processors are a little different, and there are some models we don’t think you should buy.

Specifically, the 11th-generation Core i5, i7, and i9 processors that will be available in many desktop computers in the next couple of months are difficult to recommend because they are only a little faster than the 10th-generation processors they replace, and because they run much hotter and use much more electricity than either those 10th-generation processors or competing AMD Ryzen chips do. Here’s what you need to know about the problems with these processors, what you should look for instead if you’re shopping for a desktop PC, and why, in contrast, we believe Intel’s 11th-generation laptop processors are safe to buy.

Hotter, more power-hungry desktops

To understand why these 11th-generation desktop processors are having problems, you need to know a little about how the processors in computers, tablets, phones, and game consoles get better over time. First, there’s the chip’s architecture, or how it has been designed—a processor is structured a bit like the blueprint of a house, with processor cores, cache memory, and blocks for playing 3D games or high-definition video files all laid out in a precise arrangement. And then there’s the manufacturing process, or how the chip is physically constructed in a chip maker’s factory.

This illustration is abstracted, but it’s more or less how a modern processor looks—it’s one solid chunk of silicon, with different pieces of the chip dedicated to different tasks. Illustration: Intel

Those two concepts are deeply intertwined. One way to make a processor faster is by adding more transistors to the design—a transistor is the basic building block of a computer processor, and the more of them you have, the more your processor can do. The transistor count of a typical desktop computer processor has increased from tens of thousands in the late ’70s to billions today. As you use the computer, those transistors are all being switched on and off constantly, which requires power, which in turn produces heat. So all else being equal, a processor design with more transistors requires more electricity to run and a bigger fan to cool.

But newer manufacturing processes make transistors smaller, which generally reduces the amount of power required to switch them on and off. That way, processor designers can add more transistors to make a processor architecture faster without worrying about making it physically larger or more power-hungry. If you’ve ever wondered why a MacBook Air you can buy today is faster, smaller, thinner, and lighter than a MacBook Air from a decade ago, that’s one major reason. ¹

So what happened to Intel’s latest desktop chips? Compared with the 10th-generation chips, the 11th-generation processors have an updated architecture but not a newer manufacturing process. This means that they can be faster sometimes, since Intel has added more transistors to their design. But each of those transistors requires the same amount of electricity as those in 10th-generation processors, and as a result, the 11th-generation processors run hotter and are more difficult to cool down. And because processors are designed to slow down (or “throttle”) when they get too hot to avoid burning themselves out, that increased heat can often cancel out whatever speed improvements Intel might have achieved by updating the processors’ architecture in the first place.

What you should buy instead

Intel’s 10th-generation desktop processors are still widely available, and they still perform reasonably well for most tasks, including gaming, professional photo and video editing, 3D modeling, and other tasks that benefit from a lot of processor power. And if you just need a basic desktop for editing documents and spreadsheets, browsing the web, and chatting on video calls, the 10th-generation Core i3 processor is an excellent value.²

We also like desktop processors from AMD, Intel’s biggest competitor in computer processors. Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9 processors from the Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series are all as good as or better than Intel’s processors in both performance and power use (quite a bit better, once you start comparing Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 chips against the Intel Core i7 and i9 lineups). But AMD is a smaller company, and it has been a victim of its own success—AMD Ryzen systems are often harder to find and go out of stock more quickly than Intel PCs. Ryzen 5000 processors in particular are worth waiting for if you can get them, especially if you’re buying a PC for gaming or professional work such as video editing, coding, or designing 3D models. Just know that they have a reputation for being hard to find in an industry where currently everything is hard to find.

11th-generation laptop processors are good, actually

Our problems with Intel’s 11th-generation Core processors for desktops don’t extend to the company’s 11th-generation laptop processors, which are completely different chips despite sharing that Core name and generation. (Perhaps to distinguish between the two, 11th-generation Core laptops are often sold with Intel’s Evo branding instead, which literally downplays the “Core” by putting that word under the “Evo” in tiny print.) These chips offer a maximum of four processor cores, down from six or eight cores in the desktop chips, which means they aren’t as fast on some heavy-duty tasks like editing videos or playing games. But they generally offer a big step up in performance from their 10th-generation counterparts, they work great for everyday computing tasks such as browsing and editing documents and photos, and they offer excellent battery life in the laptops we’ve tested.

And although these processors were designed for laptops, they do appear in some desktops, mainly all-in-one PCs and mini desktop computers. We wouldn’t recommend those kinds of computers if you’re a professional photo editor or if you’re looking for a high-end gaming PC, but they’re great for everyday web browsing, video chatting, working from home, remote schooling, and less-intensive games like Fortnite (or older ones like Fallout 4).

If you’re shopping for a desktop and you need to be able to tell what kind of chip it has inside, you can look at Intel’s (admittedly bewildering) model numbers to distinguish the 11th-generation laptop chips from the desktop ones. The laptop chips have a four-digit model number followed by the letter G and another number, as in i5-1135G7 or i3-1115G4. The desktop chips have five-digit model numbers that are sometimes followed by one or two letters, as in i5-11400, i5-11600K, or i7-11700KF.

What if you need to buy an 11th-gen desktop anyway?

An ongoing shortage of silicon chips has made buying pretty much any piece of technology more difficult and expensive than it was even a few months ago, and that’s likely to be true throughout most of 2021. So what do you do if you need a desktop PC today, and one carrying an Intel 11th-generation chip is your only option?

If you’re in this position, the 11th-generation Core i5 processors are the least bad of the lot. They do use more power than 10th-generation i5 processors or AMD’s Ryzen processors, but they’re reasonably affordable, their six processor cores offer good-enough performance for graphics-intensive games, and they don’t emit so much heat that it will cause major problems in the long run. The 11th-generation Core i7 processors run hotter and use even more power, but their two extra processor cores do at least offer a noticeable speed increase for high-end video editing or 3D drafting apps—you wouldn’t notice the difference if you were just browsing or editing documents, though.

Regardless of the kind of work you’re doing, you should completely avoid the 11th-gen Core i9 models, which cost a lot more than the Core i7 versions and use more power without offering appreciably better performance. Early reviewers have even had problems with crashing and instability with the Core i9 processors (though we expect those issues to be fixed once Intel and the PC makers have had some time to work the bugs out).

Footnotes

1. Sometimes, chip makers choose to keep a processor’s architecture more or less the same while upgrading the manufacturing process. This results in a chip that performs the same but requires less power and heat and can be cooled with fewer fans or a smaller heat sink. This is why you often see new “slim” versions of video game consoles a few years after the originals were released.
Jump back.

2. There will be no 11th-generation Core i3 desktop processors; Intel will continue to sell 10th-generation Core i3 chips for budget systems.
Jump back.

7th Generation Intel Core Processors (Kaby Lake)

On January 3, the birthday of founding father Gordon Moore (born January 3, 1929), Intel announced the new 7th Generation Intel Core processor family and new Intel 200 series chipsets. We had the opportunity to test the Intel Core i7-7700 and Core i7-7700K processors and compare them with the previous generation processors.

7th Gen Intel Core Processors

The new 7th Gen Intel Core processor family is codenamed Kaby Lake, and these processors are new by a stretch. They, like the 6th generation Core processors, are manufactured using a 14-nanometer process technology, and they are based on the same processor microarchitecture.

Recall that earlier, before the release of Kaby Lake, Intel released its processors in accordance with the “Tick-Tock” (“tick-tock”) algorithm: the processor microarchitecture changed every two years and the manufacturing process changed every two years. But the change in microarchitecture and process technology were shifted relative to each other by a year, so that once a year the process technology changed, then, a year later, the microarchitecture changed, then, again a year later, the process technology changed, etc. However, the company can withstand such a fast pace for a long time could not and eventually abandoned this algorithm, replacing it with a three-year cycle. The first year is the introduction of a new process technology, the second year is the introduction of a new microarchitecture based on the existing process technology, and the third year is optimization. Thus, another year of optimization was added to Tick-Tock.

The 5th generation Intel Core processors, codenamed Broadwell, marked the transition to 14nm (“Tick”) process technology. These were processors with Haswell microarchitecture (with minor improvements), but produced using a new 14-nanometer process technology. The 6th generation Intel Core processors, codenamed Skylake («Tock»), were manufactured on the same 14nm process as Broadwell, but with a new microarchitecture. And the 7th generation Intel Core processors, codenamed Kaby Lake, are manufactured on the same 14nm process (although now it is designated “14+”) and are based on the same Skylake microarchitecture, but all this is optimized and improved. What exactly is optimization and what exactly is improved — so far this is a mystery shrouded in darkness. This review was written before the official announcement of new processors, and Intel could not provide us with any official information, so there is still very little information about new processors.

In general, the birthday of Gordon Moore, who in 1968, together with Robert Noyce founded Intel, we remembered at the very beginning of the article not by chance. Over the years, many things have been attributed to this legendary man that he never said. First, his prediction was elevated to the rank of law (“Moore’s law”), then this law became the fundamental plan for the development of microelectronics (a kind of analogue of the five-year plan for the development of the national economy of the USSR). However, Moore’s law had to be repeatedly rewritten and corrected, since reality, unfortunately, can not always be planned. Now you need to either rewrite Moore’s law once again, which, in general, is already ridiculous, or simply forget about this so-called law. Actually, Intel did just that: since it no longer works, they decided to slowly consign it to oblivion.

Let’s get back to our new processors. It is officially known that the Kaby Lake processor family will include four separate series: S, H, U and Y. In addition, there will be an Intel Xeon series for workstations. Kaby Lake-Y processors targeted at tablets and thin laptops, as well as some models of Kaby Lake-U series processors for laptops, have already been announced earlier. And in early January, Intel introduced only some models of H- and S-series processors. Desktop systems are focused on S-series processors, which have an LGA design and which we will talk about in this review. Kaby Lake-S has an LGA1151 socket and is compatible with motherboards based on Intel 100-series chipsets and the new Intel 200-series chipsets. We do not know the release plan for Kaby Lake-S processors, but there is information that a total of 16 new models for desktop PCs are planned, which traditionally make up three families (Core i7/i5/i3). All Kaby Lake-S desktop processors will only use Intel HD Graphics 630 (codenamed Kaby Lake-GT2).

The Intel Core i7 family will consist of three processors: 7700K, 7700 and 7700T. All models of this family have 4 cores, support simultaneous processing of up to 8 threads (Hyper-Threading technology) and have an L3 cache of 8 MB. The difference between them lies in power consumption and clock speed. In addition, the top model Core i7-7700K has an unlocked multiplier. Brief specifications for the 7th Gen Intel Core i7 processor family are listed below.

Processor	Core i7-7700K	Core i7-7700	Core i7-7700T
Process technology, nm	14
Connector	LGA 1151
Number of cores	4
Number of threads	8
L3 cache, MB	8
Rated frequency, GHz	4. 2	3.6	2.9
Maximum frequency, GHz	4.5	4.2	3.8
TDP, W	91	65	35
Memory frequency DDR4/DDR3L, MHz	2400/1600
Graphics core	HD Graphics 630
Recommended price	$339	$303	$303

The Intel Core i5 family will comprise seven processors: 7600K, 7600, 7500, 7400, 7600T, 7500T, and 7400T. All models of this family have 4 cores, but do not support Hyper-Threading technology. Their L3 cache is 6MB. The top model Core i5-7600K has an unlocked multiplier and a TDP of 91W. Models with the letter «T» have a TDP of 35W, while regular models have a TDP of 65W. Brief specifications for the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor family are listed below.

Processor	Core i5-7600K	Core i5-7600	Core i5-7500	Core i5-7600T	Core i5-7500T	Core i5-7400	Core i5-7400T
Process technology, nm	14
Connector	LGA 1151
Number of cores	4
Number of threads	4
L3 cache, MB	6
Rated frequency, GHz	3. 8	3.5	3.4	2.8	2.7	3.0	2.4
Maximum frequency, GHz	4.2	4.1	3.8	3.7	3.3	3.5	3.0
TDP, W	91	65	65	35	35	65	35
Memory frequency DDR4/DDR3L, MHz	2400/1600
Graphics core	HD Graphics 630
Recommended price	$242	$213	$192	$213	$192	$182	$182

The Intel Core i3 family will consist of six processors: 7350K, 7320, 7300, 7100, 7300T and 7100T. All models of this family have 2 cores and support Hyper-Threading technology. The letter «T» in the name of the model indicates that its TDP is 35 watts. Now the Intel Core i3 family also has an unlocked model (Core i3-7350K) with a TDP of 60W. Brief specifications for the 7th Gen Intel Core i3 processor family are listed below.

Processor	Core i3-7350K	Core i3-7320	Core i3-7300	Core i3-7100	Core i3-7300T	Core i3-7100T
Process technology, nm	14
Connector	LGA 1151
Number of cores	2
Number of threads	4
L3 cache, MB	4	4	4	3	4	3
Rated frequency, GHz	4.2	4.1	4.0	3.9	3.5	3.4
Maximum frequency, GHz	—
TDP, W	60	51	51	51	35	35
Memory frequency DDR4/DDR3L, MHz	2400/1600
Graphics core	HD Graphics 630

Intel 200-series chipsets

Simultaneously with the Kaby Lake-S processors, Intel announced the new Intel 200-series chipsets. More precisely, so far only the top Intel Z270 chipset has been presented, and the rest will be announced a little later. In total, the Intel 200 series chipset family will include five options (Q270, Q250, B250, h370, Z270) for desktop processors and three solutions (CM238, HM175, QM175) for mobile processors.

If we compare the family of new chipsets with the family of 100-series chipsets, then everything is clear here: Z270 is a new version of Z170, h370 replaces h270, Q270 replaces Q170, and Q250 and B250 chipsets replace Q150 and B150, respectively. The only chipset that has not been replaced is the h210. The 200 series does not have the h310 chipset or equivalent. The positioning of the 200-series chipsets is exactly the same as that of the 100-series chipsets: Q270 and Q250 are aimed at the corporate market, Z270 and h370 are aimed at user PCs, and B250 is aimed at the SMB market sector. However, this positioning is very conditional, and motherboard manufacturers often have their own vision of chipset positioning.

So what’s new in Intel 200-series chipsets and how are they better than Intel 100-series chipsets? The question is not idle, because Kaby Lake-S processors are also compatible with Intel 100-series chipsets. So is it worth buying a motherboard based on the Intel Z270 if, for example, the motherboard based on the Intel Z170 chipset turns out to be cheaper (ceteris paribus)? Alas, there is no need to say that Intel 200-series chipsets have serious advantages. Almost the only difference between the new chipsets and the old ones is a slightly increased number of HSIO ports (high-speed input / output ports) due to the addition of several PCIe 3.0 ports.

Next, we will take a closer look at what and how much is added in each chipset, but for now, we will briefly consider the features of Intel 200-series chipsets in general, focusing on the top options, in which everything is implemented to the maximum.

Let’s start with the fact that, like the Intel 100-series chipsets, the new chipsets allow you to combine 16 PCIe 3. 0 processor ports (PEG ports) to implement different options for PCIe slots. For example, the Intel Z270 and Q270 chipsets (as well as their Intel Z170 and Q170 counterparts) allow you to combine 16 PEG processor ports in the following combinations: x16, x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4. The remaining chipsets (h370, B250 and Q250) allow only one possible combination of PEG port distribution: x16. The Intel 200 series chipsets also support dual-channel DDR4 or DDR3L memory. In addition, Intel 200-series chipsets support the ability to connect up to three monitors to the processor graphics core at the same time (just like in the case of 100-series chipsets).

As for the SATA and USB ports, nothing has changed. The integrated SATA controller provides up to six SATA 6Gb/s ports. Naturally, Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology) technology is supported, which allows you to configure the SATA controller in RAID controller mode (though not on all chipsets) with support for levels 0, 1, 5 and 10. Intel RST technology is supported not only for SATA -ports, but also for drives with PCIe interface (x4/x2, M. 2 connectors and SATA Express). Perhaps, speaking of Intel RST technology, it makes sense to mention the new technology for creating Intel Optane drives, but in practice there is nothing to talk about yet, there are no ready-made solutions yet. Top models of Intel 200 series chipsets support up to 14 USB ports, of which up to 10 ports can be USB 3.0, and the rest — USB 2.0.

Like the Intel 100-series chipsets, the Intel 200-series chipsets support Flexible I/O technology, which allows you to configure high-speed input/output (HSIO) ports — PCIe, SATA, and USB 3.0. Flexible I/O technology allows you to configure some HSIO ports as PCIe or USB 3.0 ports, and some HSIO ports as PCIe or SATA ports. Intel 200-series chipsets can have a total of 30 high-speed I/O ports (intel 100-series chipsets had 26 HSIO ports).

The first six high-speed ports (Port #1 — Port #6) are strictly fixed: these are USB 3.0 ports. The following four chipset high-speed ports (Port #7 — Port #10) can be configured as either USB 3. 0 ports or PCIe ports. In this case, Port #10 can also be used as a GbE network port, that is, the Gigabit network interface MAC controller is built into the chipset itself, and the PHY controller (the MAC controller in conjunction with the PHY controller forms a full-fledged network controller) can only be connected to certain high-speed chipset ports. In particular, these can be ports Port #10, Port #11, Port #15, Port #18 and Port #19. Another 12 HSIO ports (Port #11 — Port #14, Port #17, Port #18, Port #25 — Port #30) are assigned to PCIe ports. Four more ports (Port #21 — Port #24) are configured as either PCIe ports or SATA 6 Gb / s ports. Port #15, Port #16 and Port #19, Port #20 have a feature. They can be configured as either PCIe ports or SATA 6Gb/s ports. The peculiarity is that one SATA 6 Gb / s port can be configured either on Port # 15 or on Port # 19 (that is, it is the same SATA port # 0, which can be output to either Port # 15 , or on Port #19). Similarly, another SATA 6Gb/s port (SATA #1) is routed to either Port #16 or Port #20.

As a result, the chipset can have up to 10 USB 3.0 ports, up to 24 PCIe ports, and up to 6 SATA 6 Gb/s ports. However, here it is worth noting one more circumstance. A maximum of 16 PCIe devices can be connected to these 20 PCIe ports at the same time. Devices in this case are controllers, connectors and slots. A single PCIe device may require one, two, or four PCIe ports. For example, if we are talking about a PCI Express 3.0 x4 slot, then this is one PCIe device, which requires 4 PCIe 3.0 ports to connect.

The chart for high-speed I/O ports for Intel 200-series chipsets is shown in the figure.

Compared to what was in the Intel 100 series chipsets, there are very few changes: they added four strictly fixed PCIe ports (HSIO ports of the chipset Port # 27 — Port # 30), which can be used to combine Intel RST for PCIe storage. Everything else, including the numbering of HSIO ports, remained unchanged. The distribution diagram of high-speed I / O ports for Intel 100-series chipsets is shown in the figure.

So far, we have considered the functionality of new chipsets in general, without reference to specific models. Further, in the summary table, we give brief characteristics of each Intel 200 series chipset.

Chipset	Q270	Q250	B250	h370	Z270
Number of high-speed I/O ports	30	27	25	30	30
Number of PCIe 3.0 ports	to 24	to 14	to 12	to 20	to 24
Number of SATA 6 Gb/s ports	to 6	to 6	to 6	to 6	to 6
Number of USB 3.0 ports	to 10	to 8	6	to 8	to 10
Total USB ports (USB 3.0 + USB 2.0)	14	14	12	14	14
Support for Intel RST for PCIe Storage	3	1	1	2	3
Possible combinations of 16 PCIe 3. 0 processor ports	x16 x8/x8 x8/x4/x4	x16	x16	x16	x16 x8/x8 x8/x4/x4

And for comparison, here are brief characteristics of the Intel 100 series chipsets.

Chipset	Q170	Q150	B150	h270	Z170
Number of high-speed I/O ports	26	23	21	26	26
Number of PCIe 3.0 ports	to 20	10	8	to 16	to 20
Number of SATA 6 Gb/s ports	to 6	to 6	to 6	to 6	to 6
Number of USB 3.0 ports	to 10	to 8	6	to 8	to 10
Total USB ports (USB 3.0 + USB 2.0)	14	14	12	14	14
Support for Intel RST for PCIe Storage	to 3	0	0	to 2	to 3
Possible combinations of 16 PCIe 3. 0 processor ports	x16 x8/x8 x8/x4/x4	x16	x16	x16	x16 x8/x8 x8/x4/x4

The high-speed I/O port distribution diagram for five Intel 200-series chipsets is shown in the figure.

And for comparison, a similar diagram for five Intel 100-series chipsets:

And the last thing worth noting about Intel 200-series chipsets: only the Intel Z270 chipset supports processor and memory overclocking.

Now, after our quick review of the new Kaby Lake-S processors and Intel 200 series chipsets, let’s move on to testing the new products.

Performance study

We were able to test two novelties: the top-end unlocked Intel Core i7-7700K processor and the Intel Core i7-7700 processor. For testing, we used the following configuration stand:

Mainboard	Asus Strix Z270G Gaming
Chipset	Intel Z270
Memory	16 GB DDR4-2133
Memory mode	double channel
Accumulator	SSD Seagate ST480FN0021 (480 GB)
Operating system	Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
Graphics driver version	21. 20.16.4526

In order to be able to evaluate the performance of new processors in relation to the performance of processors of previous generations, we also tested the Intel Core i7-6700K processor on the described stand.

Brief specifications of the tested processors are given in the table.

Processor	Core i7-7700K	Core i7-7700	Core i7-6700K
Number of cores	4	4	4
Number of threads	8	8	8
L3 cache, MB	8	8	8
Rated frequency, GHz	4.2	3.6	4.0
Maximum frequency, GHz	4.5	4.2	4.2
Graphics core	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 630	HD Graphics 530

To evaluate performance, we used our new methodology using the iXBT Application Benchmark 2017. The Intel Core i7-7700K processor was tested twice: with default settings and overclocked to 5 GHz. Overclocking was carried out by changing the multiplier.

Results calculated from five runs of each test with a confidence level of 95%. Please note that the integral results in this case are normalized relative to the reference system, which also uses the Intel Core i7-6700K processor. However, the configuration of the reference system differs from the configuration of the test bench: the reference system uses the Asus Z170-WS motherboard based on the Intel Z170 chipset.

Test results are shown in the table and diagram.

Logic test group	Core i7-6700K (ref. system)	Core i7-6700K	Core i7-7700	Core i7-7700K	Core i7-7700K @5GHz
Video conversion scores	100	104.5±0.3	99. 6±0.3	109.0±0.4	122.0±0.4
MediaCoder x64 0.8.45.5852, from	106±2	101.0±0.5	106.0±0.5	97.0±0.5	87.0±0.5
HandBrake 0.10.5, from	103±2	98.7±0.1	103.5±0.1	94.5±0.4	84.1±0.3
Rendering points	100	104.8±0.3	99.8±0.3	109.5±0.2	123.2±0.4
POV-Ray 3.7, with	138.1±0.3	131.6±0.2	138.3±0.1	125.7±0.3	111.0±0.3
LuxRender 1.6 x64 OpenCL, since	253±2	241.5±0.4	253.2±0.6	231.2±0.5	207±2
Blender 2.77a, from	220. 7±0.9	210±2	222±3	202±2	180±2
Video editing and video content creation, points	100	105.3±0.4	100.4±0.2	109.0±0.1	121.8±0.6
Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2015.4, from	186.9±0.5	178.1±0.2	187.2±0.5	170.66±0.3	151.3±0.3
Magix Vegas Pro 13, with	366.0±0.5	351.0±0.5	370.0±0.5	344±2	312±3
Magix Movie Edit Pro 2016 Premium v.15.0.0.102, from	187.1±0.4	175±3	181±2	169.1±0.6	152±3
Adobe After Effects CC 2015.3, from	288.0±0.5	237.7±0.8	288.4±0.8	263.2±0.7	231±3
Photodex ProShow Producer 8. 0.3648, from	254.0±0.5	241.3±4	254±1	233.6±0.7	210.0±0.5
Digital photo processing, points	100	104.4±0.8	100±2	108±2	113±3
Adobe Photoshop CC 2015.5, from	521±2	491±2	522±2	492±3	450±6
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC 2015.6.1, s	182±3	180±2	190±10	174±8	176±7
PhaseOne Capture One Pro 9.2.0.118, from	318±7	300±6	308±6	283.0±0.5	270±20
Text recognition, points	100	104.9±0.3	100.6±0.3	109. 0±0.9	122±2
Abbyy FineReader 12 Professional, with	442±2	421.9±0.9	442.1±0.2	406±3	362±5
Archiving, points	100	101.0±0.2	98.2±0.6	96.1±0.4	105.8±0.6
WinRAR 5.40 CPU, with	91.6±0.05	90.7±0.2	93.3±0.5	95.3±0.4	86.6±0.5
Scientific calculations, points	100	102.8±0.7	99.7±0.8	106.3±0.9	115±3
LAMMPS 64-bit 20160516, with	397±2	384±3	399±3	374±4	340±2
NAMD 2. 11, from	234±1	223.3±0.5	236±4	215±2	190.5±0.7
FFTW 3.3.5, ms	32.8±0.6	33±2	32.7±0.9	33±2	34±4
Mathworks Matlab 2016a, from	117.9±0.6	111.0±0.5	118±2	107±1	94±3
Dassault SolidWorks 2016 SP0 Flow Simulation, with	253±2	244±2	254±4	236±3	218±3
File operations speed, points	100	105.5±0.7	102±1	102±1	106±2
WinRAR 5.40 Storage, from	81.9±0.5	78.9±0.7	81±2	80.4±0.8	79±2
UltraISO Premium Edition 9.6.5.3237, with	54. 2±0.6	49.2±0.7	53±2	52±2	48±3
Data copy speed, s	41.5±0.3	40.4±0.3	40.8±0.5	40.8±0.5	40.2±0.1
CPU integral result, points	100	104.0±0.2	99.7±0.3	106.5±0.3	117.4±0.7
Storage integral result, points	100	105.5±0.7	102±1	102±1	106±2
Integral performance result, points	100	104.4±0.2	100.3±0.4	105.3±0.4	113.9±0.8

If we compare the test results of processors obtained on the same bench, then everything is very predictable here. The Core i7-7700K at default settings (no overclocking) is slightly faster (by 7%) than the Core i7-7700 due to the difference in their clock speeds. Overclocking the Core i7-7700K processor to 5 GHz allows you to get a performance gain of up to 10% compared to the performance of this processor without overclocking. The Core i7-6700K (not overclocked) is slightly faster (by 4%) than the Core i7-7700, which is also explained by the difference in their clock speeds. At the same time, the Core i7-7700K model is 2.5% more productive than the previous generation Core i7-6700K model.

As you can see, the new 7th generation Intel Core processors do not provide any performance boost. In fact, these are the same 6th generation Intel Core processors, but with slightly higher clock speeds. The only advantage of the new processors is that they run better (of course, we are talking about K-series processors with an unlocked multiplier). In particular, our copy of the Core i7-7700K processor, which we did not specifically choose, overclocked to 5. 0 GHz without any problems and worked absolutely stable when using air cooling. It was possible to run this processor at a frequency of 5.1 GHz, but in the stress testing mode of the processor, the system hung. Of course, it is not correct to draw conclusions on a single instance of the processor, but the information of our colleagues confirms that most Kaby Lake K-series processors race better than Skylake processors. Note that our sample of the Core i7-6700K processor was overclocked at best to a frequency of 4.9GHz, but only worked stably at a frequency of 4.5 GHz.

Now let’s look at the power consumption of processors. Recall that we connect the measuring unit to the break in the power circuits between the power supply and the motherboard — to the 24-pin (ATX) and 8-pin (EPS12V) power supply connectors. Our measuring unit is able to measure the voltage and current on the 12V, 5V and 3.3V buses of the ATX connector, as well as the supply voltage and current on the 12V bus of the EPS12V connector.

The total power consumption during the test is the power drawn on the 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails of the ATX connector and the 12V rail of the EPS12V connector. The power consumed by the processor during the test is the power transmitted through the 12 V bus of the EPS12V connector (this connector is used only to power the processor). However, keep in mind that in this case we are talking about the power consumption of the processor together with its voltage converter on the board. Naturally, the processor supply voltage regulator has a certain efficiency (certainly below 100%), so that part of the electrical energy is consumed by the regulator itself, and the real power consumed by the processor is slightly lower than the values we measure.

The results of the measurement for the total power consumption in all tests, except for the tests for the performance of the drive, are as follows:

Similar results for the measurement of the power consumption of the processor are as follows: i7-7700K in operating mode without overclocking. The Core i7-6700K processor has lower power consumption, that is, the Core i7-7700K processor is slightly more productive, but it also has higher power consumption. Moreover, if the integrated performance of the Core i7-7700K processor is 2.5% higher compared to the performance of the Core i7-6700K, then the average power consumption of the Core i7-7700K processor is as much as 17% higher!

And if you enter such an indicator as energy efficiency, which is determined by the ratio of the integrated performance indicator to the average power consumption (in fact, performance per watt of energy consumed), then for the Core i7-7700K processor this indicator will be 1.67 W ^-1 , and for the Core i7-6700K processor — 1.91 W ^-1 .

However, these results are obtained only if we compare the power consumption of the 12 V rail of the EPS12V connector. But if we consider the full power (which is more logical from the user’s point of view), then the situation is somewhat different. Then the energy efficiency of a system with a Core i7-7700K processor will be 1.28 W ^-1 , and with a Core i7-6700K processor — 1.24 W ^-1 . Thus, the energy efficiency of the systems is almost the same.

Conclusions

We have no disappointments about the new processors. Nobody promised what is called. Let us remind you once again that we are not talking about a new microarchitecture and not about a new technical process, but only about optimizing the microarchitecture and technical process, that is, optimizing Skylake processors. Of course, it is not necessary to expect that such optimization can give a serious performance boost. The only observable result of the optimization is that it was possible to slightly increase the clock speeds. In addition, the Kaby Lake family of K-series processors overclock better than their Skylake family counterparts.

Speaking of the new generation of Intel 200-series chipsets, the only thing that makes them different from the Intel 100-series chipsets is the addition of four PCIe 3. 0 ports. What does this mean for the user? And it means absolutely nothing. There is no need to wait for an increase in the number of connectors and ports on motherboards, since there are already too many of them. As a result, the functionality of the boards will not change, except that it will be possible to slightly simplify them during the design: there will be less need to come up with ingenious separation schemes to ensure that all connectors, slots and controllers work in the face of a shortage of PCIe 3.0 lanes/ports. It would be logical to assume that this will lead to a reduction in the cost of motherboards based on 200-series chipsets, but this is hard to believe.

And in conclusion, a few words about whether it makes sense to change the awl for soap. It makes no sense to change a computer based on a Skylake processor and a board with a 100-series chipset to a new system with a Kaby Lake processor and a board with a 200-series chipset. It’s just throwing money away. But if it’s time to change the computer due to the obsolescence of hardware, then, of course, it makes sense to pay attention to Kaby Lake and a motherboard with a 200-series chipset, and you should look first of all at prices. If the Kaby Lake system turns out to be comparable (with equal functionality) in cost to the Skylake system (and the board with the Intel 100 series chipset), then it makes sense. If such a system turns out to be more expensive, then it makes no sense.

The editors would like to thank Asus
for the provided motherboard Asus Strix Z270G Gaming

Core i7-12700K review, which reveals that E-cores harm P-cores, but without them everything is only worse / Processors and memory

Processors of the Core i9 series for the mass segment appeared not so long ago. Until 2018, the highest performance CPUs that could be installed in typical PCs belonged to the Core i7 series. But with the release of Coffee Lake, Intel decided to add more expensive modifications to the lineup with positioning one step higher. True, it cannot be said that representatives of the Core i9 seriesat that time, they received some understandable and thoughtful differences from simpler counterparts. With each new generation, the features that distinguish Core i9 from Core i7 have changed, and with the release of Rocket Lake processors, the situation seems to have reached a dead end.

Judge for yourself. The key advantage of the eight-core Core i9-9900K over the eight-core Core i7-9700K was support for Hyper-Threading technology and a larger L3 cache. Then the Core i9-10900K became a ten-core processor with an increased L3 cache, while the Core i7-10700K remained an eight-core processor, but with Hyper-Threading support. However, later, in the 11th generation, any obvious differences were erased: Core i9-11900K and Core i7-11700K are almost identical CPUs, differing only in clock speed. Apparently, Intel decided that factory overclocking by 200-300 MHz alone could justify the $140 mark-up for a representative of the Core i9 series. And this, frankly, was very reminiscent of the decline of the Core i9 series as a separate entity within the lineup.

But nothing happened: with the announcement of Alder Lake processors, everything fell into place again. The Core i9-12900K and Core i7-12700K received noticeable differences both in the number of cores and in the size of the L3 cache. So, we are again dealing with clearly different devices, as in the case of Comet Lake. However, if you delve into the details, it turns out that the Core i9The -12900K and Core i7-12700K are differentiated to minimize the impact on gaming performance — both processors have eight powerful cores at about the same frequency. At the same time, the gap in the cost of these models has become even larger — it now reaches $180. And this makes the Core i7-12700K a very intriguing newcomer: this processor clearly claims to be the best option in terms of performance and price for a wide audience of gamers.

As shown by the original Alder Lake review of the Core i9The -12900K, the top processor in Intel’s new family at a cost only slightly higher than the 12-core Ryzen 9 5900X, is at least as good as the competitor’s 16-core flagship. The Core i9-12900K shows even more impressive results in games: in them it is simply inaccessible to any other processors. Therefore, we can expect that the much more affordable Core i7-12700K, whose official price is even lower than the Ryzen 7 5800X, will also turn out to be a solution with advanced gaming performance.

And here lies the main intrigue. With the help of the Core i9-12900K, Intel was able to snatch the performance lead from AMD in the upper price segment, and now we have to find out what the disposition has developed in a tier below. After all, if the situation with the rivalry between the more massive Core i7 and Ryzen 7 looks the same as at the flagship level, Intel has a good chance to regain some of the positions lost in the desktop segment over the past few years. And this would mean a clear market escalation that could become an excellent ground for price wars and a new round in the development of processor architectures.

⇡#Core i7-12700K close-up

Core i7-12700K, like its older brother, is a typical representative of the Alder Lake family. It is based on a monolithic chip manufactured using Intel 7 technology (10 nm Enhanced SuperFin) and has a hybrid architecture. This means that two types of computing cores coexist in this processor: the productive Golden Cove (P-cores) and the energy-efficient Gracemont (E-cores), for the interaction of which the Thread Director technology is responsible. In addition, the Core i7-12700K, like all its other Alder Lake counterparts, supports (along with DDR4) DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface for interacting with a graphics card.

All this has already been discussed in detail in the Core i9-12900K review, but here we will focus on the differences and features of the Core i7-12700K. And the main thing in the characteristics of this processor is that it is 12-core. Compared to the Core i9-12900K, it has four fewer E-cores, that is, it has only four power-efficient cores adjacent to eight performance cores. Since E-kernels are primarily aimed at working with background tasks, such a loss does not seem to be something significant. However, there is another difference — the Core i7-12700K has reduced the third-level cache, its volume is not 30, but 25 MB.

At the same time, the semiconductor crystal on which the Core i7-12700K is based is the same as that of the older processor in the family. It only deactivated one of the two quad-core clusters from the Gracemont cores.

Naturally, there are slight differences between the Core i7-12700K and Core i9-12900K in terms of clock speeds — see the table below for more details.

900AI

	Number of cores	Number of threads	P-core frequency, GHz	Frequency E-Jader, GHz	L3-Kesh, MB	Graphics	Basic TDP, TT	TurbotDP, TT
	8P + 8E	24	3.2-5.2	2.4-3.9	30	UHD 770	125	241	$589
i7-12700K	8P + 4E	20	3.6-5.0	2.7-3.8	25	UHD 770	125	190	$409
i5-12600K	6P + 4E	16	3. 7-4.9	2.8-3.6	20	UHD 770	125	150	$289

The given specifications draw attention to another important difference between the Core i7-12700K and the flagship CPU — lower (by an impressive 51 W) maximum power consumption (MTP). That is, this processor should be significantly more economical than the Core i9-12900K, and this is obviously not achieved by disabling economical E-cores — lower clock frequencies play the main role. Reducing the limiting frequency of P-cores by 200 MHz allows you to set a lower supply voltage, and this, in turn, has a positive effect on thermal and energy characteristics. As a result, the Core i7-12700K no longer looks as voracious and hot as the flagship Alder Lake.

This can be seen not only in passport characteristics, but also in practice. The graph below shows the consumption of the Core i7-12700K when rendering in Cinebench R23, and for comparison, the values shown in the same conditions are shown by the older Alder Lake model, Core i9-12900K, and 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 5900X.

The difference in power consumption between Core i7-12700K and Core i9-12900K in a resource-intensive task was 36 W. This is somewhat less than the specifications promise, but still quite noticeable. At least compared to the Ryzen 9 5900X, the 12-core processor of the Alder Lake family consumes only a quarter more. In other words, it will no longer be possible to blame the Core i7-12700K for nightmarish energy appetites.

True, in fairness it should be noted that in some scenarios the Core i7-12700K can consume significantly more. With intense AVX2 stress generated by the Prime9 stress test5, its power consumption rises to 210-215W. However, such values can only be observed in special utilities, and not in common applications.

Moreover, in games, the Core i7-12700K proves to be a very economical CPU. We checked the power consumption with Horizon Zero Dawn, a game that uses all CPU cores, and the 12-core Alder Lake only consumed about 88W, about 15W less than the Core i9-12900K. At the same time, the Ryzen 9 5900X in the same game requires about 130 watts. And this means that in many practical scenarios, Alder Lake will be more economical and cooler than existing AMD processors. Details can be seen in the graph, which shows CPU consumption in Horizon Zero Dawn as a function of time.

In general, the situation with the temperature regime of the Core i7-12700K also looks good. The thermal cover of Alder Lake processors is soldered to the semiconductor die, plus the die itself has become thinner, making it easier to remove heat from it. As a result, the temperature of the Core i7-12700K did not exceed 78 degrees when working in Cinebench R23, and fluctuated around 55 degrees during gaming load.

You can see from the above graphs that the temperatures of the Core i7-12700K are several degrees lower than those of the Core i9-12900K, and fundamentally different from the Ryzen 9 5900X temperatures. The AMD processor heats up to 75-80 degrees under load of any nature, while Alder Lake’s temperature is highly dependent on what exactly it is doing. However, note that the temperature measurements were made using a liquid cooling system, which can remove a fairly large amount of heat from the processor. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to make a similar comparison with an air cooler due to the lack of universal solutions compatible with LGA1700 motherboards.

All Alder Lake models released to date are overclockers. They have the letter «K» in their name, which means unlocked multipliers. However, the overclocking potential of Alder Lake is minimal: the manufacturer has already squeezed everything that was possible out of these processors.

When comparing the Core i7-12700K with peers, its performance advantage is obvious. It’s the only 12-core CPU with a $400 MSRP and the only $400 CPU with more than 8 cores.

	Ryzen 9 5900x	Ryzen 7 5800x	Core i7-12700K	Core i7-11700K
		12	8	12 (8P+4E)	8
Threads	24	16	20	16
P-core frequencies, GHz	3. 7-4.8	3.8-4.7	3.6-5.0	3.6-5.0
E-core frequencies, GHz	—	—	2.7-3.8	—
TDP/PBP, W	105	105	125	125
MTP W	142	142	190	251
L3 cache, MB	2×32	32	25	16
Memory	DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200 DDR5-4800	DDR4-3200
Integrated graphics	No	No	UHD 770	UHD 760
PCIe	24 lines 4.0	24 lines 4.0	16 lines 5.0 4 lines 4.0	20 lines 4.0
Price	$549	$449	$409	$399

But what’s most striking in the above table is the performance improvement of the Core i7-12700K compared to the Core i7-11700K. For an additional four E-cores, a 1.5x increase in L3 cache, a new microarchitecture with a 19% increase in IPC, and other improvements like support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, Intel added to the price… just $10! Here, perhaps, the remark about «life-giving competition» would have looked appropriate, but Intel, when choosing prices for Alder Lake, did not seem to look at the competitor’s proposals at all. The Ryzen 7 5800X, which is technically even slightly more expensive than the Core i7-12700K, looks faded against its background, and the closer Ryzen 9The 5900X is more than a third more expensive than the 12-core Intel processor.

It should also be added that in addition to the Core i7-12700K, Intel also offers a similar model with disabled integrated graphics. It’s sold as the Core i7-12700KF and costs another $25 less.

⇡#E-cores in Core i7-12700K — are they needed at all?

Alder Lake processors are based on two different types of cores — they are not equal in terms of performance or the role they play. As we found out earlier, the performance of a single E-core is estimated to be half the performance of a single-threaded P-core. That is, the presence of four E-cores does not add much to the performance of the Core i7-12700K, they are rather useful for improving energy efficiency, since they are able to perform background tasks with minimal energy consumption. Apparently, it is precisely for these reasons that E-cores are present in Core i7 processors, although, for example, among the Alder Lake generation Core i5, Intel also offers models that are completely devoid of E-cores.

We haven’t gotten around to testing non-hybrid Core i5s yet (they will only appear in January), but it’s still interesting to understand how much E-cores are needed in Alder Lake. And the Core i7-12700K seems like a good candidate to disable them. First, it has few E-cores. And secondly, they bring with them not only benefits, but also certain harm. Because of them, Alder Lake processors lose support for the AVX-512 instruction set, and they also significantly spoil the performance of the third level cache. Next, we will deal with these phenomena in more detail.

But first, using Cinebench R23 as an example, let’s see how the performance of the Core i7-12700K changes with E-cores enabled and disabled when using a different number of threads.

Based on the Cinebench R23 results, it seems that, despite their simplicity, E-cores make quite a noticeable contribution to performance. Without them, performance according to the test results drops by 15%, and at first glance it makes no sense to disable them in the Core i7-12700K. But in reality, this is not entirely true and it all depends on the tasks that will be assigned to the processor. The fact is that when power-efficient cores are disabled, the Core i7-12700K acquires support for the AVX-512 vector instruction set, which, according to official data, is not in this processor.

E-cores are disabled

This is because the registers and mechanisms necessary for the AVX-512 to work are embedded in the Golden Cove microarchitecture on which the P-cores are based. And this is natural — similar cores will soon go to Sapphire Rapids server processors, where AVX-512 support is indispensable. But in small cores with the Gracemont microarchitecture, support for 512-bit operations was not initially provided for reasons of increasing energy efficiency and saving the transistor budget. As a result, it turned out that AVX-512 code could potentially be executed only on a subset of the Alder Lake cores. Unfortunately, it is rather problematic to implement thread scheduling that takes into account this feature of processors in practice. Therefore, Intel made the decision to disable AVX-512 in Alder Lake completely so that all cores in desktop processors work with the same instruction set.

And at this stage, such a choice seems to be a completely justified decision. Although Rocket Lake processors, as well as mobile Ice Lake and Tiger Lake, support AVX-512, the software familiar to most users does not (yet) use these instructions. In addition, as it turned out, returning AVX-512 support to P-cores in Alder Lake is not difficult at all. To do this, it is enough to turn off the E-cores and make sure that the AVX-512 instructions are not explicitly blocked through the BIOS.

Interestingly, in some cases, this maneuver allows you to get a performance boost, since applications familiar with the AVX-512 benefit from using these vector instructions much more than from four additional E-cores. This pattern can be clearly seen in the y-cruncher counting test, which calculates the number pi with high accuracy using the Chudnovsky algorithm. This benchmark can use 512-bit vector instructions, and in it the Core i7-12700K with disabled E-cores is 7% faster than the full 12-core version of itself.

AVX-512 support isn’t the only reason disabling E-cores might make sense. There is a second important factor — the frequency of the ring bus that combines the cores in Alder Lake processors. The operation scheme of this bus is such that in the nominal mode it must operate at a frequency not exceeding the frequency of the cores connected to it. And since the E-cores in Alder Lake operate at a lower frequency, it turns out that they slow down the entire ring bus.

That’s why the Core i7-12700K runs at 3.6 GHz in its stock ring bus, which is the frequency of the E-cores under full load. But if you turn off the low-frequency E-cores, then the speed of the ring bus will rise to 4.5 GHz — a much more familiar value that is typical for Intel processors of all recent generations.

Core i7-12700K, E-cores included

Core i7-12700K, E-cores disabled

And this is quite a significant change. The fact is that the frequency of the L3 cache is associated with the frequency of the ring bus, that is, disabling E-cores eventually speeds up the L3 cache and, accordingly, the entire memory subsystem. This can be illustrated by the results of the AIDA64 Cache&Memory Benchmark test taken on the Core i7-12700K processor in question with power-efficient cores enabled and disabled.

Core i7-12700K, E-cores included

Core i7-12700K, E-cores disabled

As you can see from the screenshots, in the configuration with E-cores disabled, the Core i7-12700K in question offers an 18% lower L3 cache latency compared to the full “8P + 4E” configuration. At the same time, memory latency is reduced by 4%, which is also associated with the acceleration of the ring bus.

The conclusion is rather unexpected: there are objective reasons why turning off E-cores can be useful for improving performance. Therefore, when studying the performance of the Core i7-12700K, we had to test it in two versions at once — both in a full-fledged 12-core version and in a stripped-down 8-core version with disabled E-cores.

However, there is a very important and at the same time strange nuance. The Intel Thread Director technology, which should help the OS scheduler distribute threads across heterogeneous cores, starts doing everything wrong when E-cores are disabled. When there are not three types of logical cores in Alder Lake (productive, economical and virtual), but two, it generally ceases to distinguish logical cores formed through Hyper-Threading from full-fledged physical cores. As a result, after power-efficient cores are disabled, low-threaded loads can be distributed in such a way that some pairs of threads will go to the same core, while some physical cores will remain free.

As an example, here is a screenshot of the task manager showing how an eight-threaded task is distributed on a Core i7-12700K with E-cores disabled. It can be seen that the Windows 11 scheduler without a twinge of conscience sends computational threads to the logical cores closest to each other, which are actually one physical core with Hyper-Threading support, and even constantly shuffles them.

Core i7-12700K, E-cores disabled

Core i7-12700K, E-cores included

For clarity, a second screenshot is shown next to it, which shows how the same eight-thread load falls on the logical cores if the Core i7-12700K E-cores are not turned off. In this case, each consecutive pair of logical cores, which is one physical core with Hyper-Threading, is loaded no more than half to achieve maximum performance. The last four cores in the second screenshot are E-cores, they are not connected to the solution of the eight-thread foreground task.

There is only one way to deal with incorrect distribution of threads among P-cores — to deprive Intel Thread Director technology of any influence on this process. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to just turn off the Thread Director with any switch, but there is another option — to use the old version of the OS, where this technology is not used by the scheduler. And it really helps.

In other words, if E-cores are disabled in Alder Lake processors, the Windows 11 operating system only hurts business and ruins performance. But Windows 10 behaves quite adequately. Without Thread Director support, it correctly distinguishes between real and virtual cores and distributes threads among them so that the maximum level of performance is ultimately achieved.

The performance difference between the Core i7-12700K with E-cores disabled on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is clearly shown in the following graph. The measurements were carried out in Cinebench R23 with various restrictions on the number of active threads.

It can be clearly seen that the most critical load is formed by the number of threads from 2 to 7. Incorrect operation of the Thread Director in Windows 11 in these situations can lead to double-digit performance degradation. And in the worst case, a three-thread case, Windows 11 can slow down the processor speed by an impressive 23%. We can only hope that the problem with incorrect distribution of threads in Alder Lake will be fixed with future updates to Windows 11, but for now you need to keep in mind that when you disable energy-efficient cores, it is better not to use the new version of the OS.

6 chips of Intel Core i7 and i9 HX series processors that make them a good stuffing for gaming laptops

September 7 Tips

Complete levels without lags and launch heavy games in a few seconds. Let’s take a look at how other Intel HX series processors help gamers, along with MSI and the DNS online store.

1. Hybrid architecture

For modern games, the abundance and quality of cores is a kind of fetish. The Intel HX series processors have two more cores than the previous series of H and HK mobile processors — as many as 16. Half of them are productive, the remaining eight are energy efficient. The first ones are just responsible for the high-quality performance of difficult tasks: launching games with complex graphics, rendering, streaming, video editing. The latter are needed for simpler things, like working with documents or watching YouTube videos.

This architecture helps the computer to save energy even during a serious load — it will not heat up like a frying pan and the battery will last longer. Plus, the Intel HX-series processors support up to 24 threads — this is the name for dedicated areas inside the cores that can function as independent computing centers. Their abundance significantly increases the number of parallel operations and speeds up the computer, in particular, the processing of demanding games. The HX-series processors are the first in the Intel Core mobile processor lineup to boast such performance. Previously, only desktop versions had such an architecture, for example, from the KS and F series.

2. Cool graphics support

Image: MSI Raider GE77

The processor’s built-in graphics system is enough to run four monitors at the same time, which expands the possibilities for gaming and streaming. You will probably need to get adapters for this: you can’t find so many suitable connectors in laptops. But still, connecting an additional display to view comments from viewers of the broadcast or games on the big screen will be real. By the way, HX processors support image output with a resolution of up to 8K. With current versions of OpenGL and DirectX, they, like the older series, cope.

By itself, the processor will not be able to make the picture beautiful, smooth and detailed. He vitally needs a second player — a high-quality video card. MSI Raider GE77 laptops have this dream team. The 12UGS‑084 version with an Intel Core i7‑12800HX processor runs an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti graphics card, while the 12UHS‑085RU with an Intel Core i9‑12900HX processor runs an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti. They will provide a realistic display of light and maximum detail in the picture.

The MSI Raider GE77’s CPU/GPU pairing comes with a large frameless display with up to UHD resolution. It supports refresh rates up to 240Hz, so you won’t miss an attack even in a very fast-paced game. And if you need more, HDMI, Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB Type‑C connectors can connect additional screens to your laptop.

Learn more

3. Maximum clock speed — up to 5 GHz

The clock frequency indicates the number of operations that the processor can perform per unit of time. This is an important indicator for both downloading games and for gaming itself. A higher frequency helps the processor process graphics faster and read signals from the mouse, keyboard or joystick — do not hesitate when every second counts.

In normal operation, the HX-series processors support a clock speed of 2.3 GHz. This is enough for undemanding games, but modern with powerful graphics it will not be enough ^{What’s a Good Processor Speed for Gaming? / Techviral: They require 3.5-4 GHz. For online games, it’s generally better to have 5 GHz so that the hardware can handle the constant stream of new information from the network. Especially for such cases, the HX series processors have a Turbo mode. With it, Core i7 versions are able to overclock to 4.70-4.80 GHz, and Core i9 — up to 5 GHz. But this is not a new feature: similar acceleration was available in previous series of Intel mobile processors.}

One more point: in order for the processor to work comfortably at the limit of its capabilities, another laptop filling is also important, in particular, a high-quality cooling system. If the fans and heat pipes can’t cope with heat removal, the processor will not be able to maintain the frequency at the maximum for a long time.

4. Large L3 cache

Image: MSI Raider GE77

Cache is a fast memory from which the processor can get previously processed information without wasting time looking for it in RAM or storage. This helps increase productivity.

The cache has three levels; the last one, L3, is the most voluminous. Its size is just more reflected in games: L1 and L2 caches are usually enough to run programs and surf the web. For comfortable gaming and running demanding games, 16–20 MB of L3 cache is enough, but in Intel Core i7 HX processors it is 25 MB, and in i9- as much as 30 MB. Intel Smart Cache technology allows all cores to access L3 at the same time, which gives an additional performance boost. However, the cache size does not always have a significant impact on the game and is significant only in combination with the performance architecture and clock speed.

5. Support DDR5 RAM

Latest generation memory. She has several enhanced qualities. First, the high data transfer rate — Intel HX processors support DDR5 with a stream of up to 4800 megatransfers per second. Secondly, an increase in memory channels: in DDR4 there was one, in DDR5 there were two of them. More channels allow ^{DDR5 vs DDR4: Is It Time To Upgrade Your RAM? / Tom’s Hardware get information faster and increase efficiency. However, gaming performance was affected by these upgrades, according to tests ^{DDR5 vs DDR4: Which RAM is best for gaming and content creation? / Eurogamer slightly.}}

But DDR5 has another useful feature — operation from an integrated power supply system (PMIC). The previous generation was controlled by the motherboard. PMIC, on the other hand, optimizes power consumption and starts at a lower voltage.

6. Smart technologies

Image: MSI Raider GE77

There are many of them in the HX series processors, but most of them were present in previous models of mobile processors. For example, Smart Sound is responsible for high-quality sound transmission and voice processing without compromising performance and battery life. This is especially important for streaming and team games.

Hyper‑Threading enables per-core multi-threading, and Speed Shift enables fast speed switching depending on the complexity of the task. It will not load web pages while working at maximum — this is useful for energy efficiency. Thermal control technologies keep the filling safe even during the hottest battles. And Intel Adaptix helps to tweak the system settings so that the laptop gives out maximum performance and graphics characteristics.

The Raider GE77’s 99.9 Wh battery and MSI Center app help the processor bring the laptop’s capabilities to the meta level. Turn it on to extreme performance mode before a long fight in a demanding game, then the computer will activate MSI Overboost mode: it will raise the power limit of the graphics card to 175W and the CPU to 75W. All this without overheating: the temperature control in Raider GE77 is handled by the Cooler Boost 5 cooling system with two fans, seven heat pipes and a “PHASE-CHANGE THERMAL PAD” thermal pad.

In MSI Center, you can tweak not only performance settings: graphics settings, touchpad operation, sound transmission, keyboard backlight — everything is available for customization. The Nahimic software will further enhance the work of the sound, and to give the already stylish black gadget a futuristic look is the Mystic Light panoramic illumination, encircling the entire front of the case.

I want such a laptop

How I bought a defective Intel Core i7-12700K processor

After the announcement of a new generation of Intel processors, of course, I decided to immediately assemble a computer on one of its representatives. Of course, the soul was eager to buy a Core i9, but there was an understanding that this was an option for very wealthy and demanding guys. And the masses are interested in something more popular. I hesitated between Core i5 and i7 for a long time, but in the end I settled on the Intel Core i7-12700K. So to speak, the golden mean. I thought about taking a version without an integrated video core (with the letters KF at the end), but decided that a couple of thousand savings against the background of total costs were nothing. Let it be.

Now the new Core is already available everywhere, but in early November there was a shortage. I pre-ordered from two places and ended up getting my copy on November 8th. From the very first batch in Russia. If I hadn’t been in a hurry, I would have bought a little cheaper. But I wanted to be faster.

The motherboard was relatively easy to find. ASUS brought several models to Russia, and I settled on the Prime Z690-A. This is, let’s say, the top representative of the economical family.

It was more difficult (to put it mildly) with DDR5 memory, which is still in severe shortage. But still, charm and connections helped me get a 32 GB Kingston Fury DDR5-5200 kit.

I must say right away that this is not a story about the assembly and operation of a computer on the 12th generation Intel Core. He’s still ahead. Here we will talk about an unpleasant situation that delayed the assembly for several days.

Today is an important day. Finally, you can find out what the new Intel processors are.

Let’s look at some particularly exciting aspects in practice. A lot of information about processors has already been published officially and it seems that there is no point in repeating, but we will note the key features.

What’s new in Gen 12?

As many as two new microarchitectures at once! One in productive P-cores, the second in energy-efficient E-cores. And yes, now the processors are heterogeneous. However, this does not mean that they will not work well. Skepticism should dispel the newly introduced Thread Director processor module. Its main and only task is the hardware load distribution among threads. All this is finally seasoned with the new Intel 7 process technology, and the icing on the cake is the increased cache of the 2nd and 3rd levels!

The platform as a whole receives support for PCI-Express 5.0. There is no way to evaluate this improvement right now, but it’s nice to see that technology does not stand still. Also a very important change is the increase to 8 DMI lines connecting the processor and chipset.

And, of course, DDR5 support. This is an important step for desktop PCs in general. The ability to work with DDR4 is present and motherboards with its support will be produced. But, for example, boards with only DDR5 in the top Maximus line from ASUS.

So, in the first wave of the new generation, six Alder lake processors with an unlocked multiplier i5-12600K, i7-12700K, i9-12900K and their versions without integrated graphics with the KF index are released.

There are up to 8 productive cores and up to 8 efficient ones, and E-cores are devoid of hyper-trading. It turns out that the new generation i5 is already ten-core, and the i9 is endowed with as many as 16 cores and 24 threads — a serious jump after 8 cores in the top of the previous Core line.

This material was supposed to be dedicated to the flagship, but the difficulties with logistics led to the fact that it got into hands too late and by now it would be unrealistic to have time to carefully study it. Fortunately, a little earlier we managed to get the engineering i7-12700K and it will be the hero of the review.

About Intel Core i7-12700K

In CPU-Z, the processor is marked as ES, but this does not mean that it is somehow worse than the release one, our sample should be identical to it. Immediately it is necessary to make allowances for the fact that the processor is new and not all programs can work with it correctly; in the same CPU-Z, you can see an indication of a 10nm process technology instead of Intel7. But the rest of the parameters seem to be determined without errors.

8+4 cores, 20 threads, 25MB L3 cache layout.

Can’t wait to run the benchmark and check out early performance rumors.

The multi-threaded test reports 4.7 GHz on performance cores and 3.6 GHz on power-efficient cores under full load. It can be seen that the turbo boost regularly shows up to 5 GHz per core, but in the single-threaded test, HWINFO cannot register such figures. But it can be noted that the task hangs not on the first core, but on one of those marked for maximum boost. Flow director in action.

The result is remarkable: almost 800 points. These are the numbers that were seen in early leaks. We rub the handles and test further.

Cinebench R23: same clock rates across cores, up to 160W consumption and only 60 degrees on the hottest core.

A digression should be made here: the test uses custom liquid cooling, the water temperature is 21-23 degrees. Water block EK Quantum Magnitude, and with a mount for 1151 sockets. New processors not only have a different shape and socket, but the entire socket + processor assembly is slightly lower than similar parameters for previous generations. Nevertheless, we succeeded.

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero motherboard has holes for both new and old mounts. The water block covers the entire area of the heat-distributing cover and, as can be seen from the temperatures, there were no problems with pressing the EK product.

Alder Lake has other changes under the lid. The crystal itself became thinner, less unused silicon, the solder layer, according to Intel, also decreased — all this should have had a positive effect on the heat sink. And so it happened.

Let’s get back to Cinebench. A single-threaded test poses a challenge for HWINFO. It is impossible to track the loaded stream and its effective frequency, regardless of the polling rate of the sensors. Judging by the benchmark result, the frequency is high, in fact, the previous generation cores need a frequency above 6 GHz for similar single-threaded performance.

And the multi-threaded result is impressive: definitely higher than the twelve-core Ryzen 5900X in stock, although it has a 142 W limit, and the approach to the power limit has changed slightly for the new Intel processors. Now there is a separate base power value, something like PL1 before, and Maximum Turbo Power is an analogue of PL2 (for 12700K it is 190 W). You can set the limits and operating time in each of the modes as before, but the right to set the initial limits now officially goes to the motherboard manufacturer, although they did it before.

But the question of what to consider as a stock for Intel processors has disappeared: hard-coded PL1 PL2 and transition time or removal of limits. For example, the Z690 Hero does not have any restrictions (except for technological ones) at all.

Another interesting fact: AVX512 instructions were not cut out, they remained, but they can only be used with power-efficient cores disabled. The increase from activation of AVX512 is comparable to that of the 11th generation, now we will not go deep.

Let’s go back to Cinebench. Let’s connect to the study of Intel XTU. The utility is developing and acquiring new functions, the setting from under Windows is becoming more and more diverse. Now we need a monitoring function. With a polling rate of 10 times per second, there is no clarity on the single-threaded frequency, but taking into account the number of running applications, the single-threading itself is already deeply in doubt, but you can notice the correct binding to the marked cores.

The mechanism of load distribution among threads requires a separate study, the nature of the task, free resources, and the like should be taken into account. In Cinebench, up to 8 threads are distributed first to P-cores, smoothly pushing Windows processes to energy-efficient ones. After that, hyperthreading is also connected, and then the possibilities of software monitoring end. It can be seen that tasks are actively moving from core to core, but even Cinebench cannot be tracked, let alone a heterogeneous load. The Thread Director functions and interacts with the operating system. A tool for tracking these processes may appear in the public domain — then we will check everything thoroughly.

The best work of all algorithms in the new Windows 11 is noted in all statements, but during the testing process, the more familiar Windows 10 was also checked. And something really works differently in it: either the monitoring software, or the Flow Director is not so efficient in redistributing loads.

HWinfo easily notices the only loaded stream and its effective frequency, even the treasured 5 GHz of maximum boost is visible.

Everything is as it should be: up to 4 threads, the core frequency boost is set to 4.9GHz, 5-6 — 100 MHz lower, and then 4.7 for all cores.

A larger number of loaded threads is also distributed first to the P-cores.

Background processes of the operating system on efficient cores: the only difference from Windows 11 is that there is no frequent change of cores. It’s impossible to say unequivocally that it’s worse or better, but you can track a trend, well, or a hint of it: efficient cores are used last, the algorithm tries to keep at least one productive core ready for new tasks. It is clear that everything is actually more complicated and now only one process is running with intensive use of capacity. We will return to this issue later, perhaps in another review.

Now about DDR5

Do not think that these are just high frequencies with huge timings, but otherwise the same as DDR4. No, it is not. Internal access mechanisms have changed and become more efficient. In addition, each bar actually works in a dual-channel mode with simultaneous access to two groups of chips, albeit over a narrower bus.

Even CPU-Z considers this configuration special and specifies a four-channel in the case of two peer-to-peer sticks.

Our Kingston kit is built on micron chips and has XMP 5200 MHz CL40 and a voltage of 1.25 V. In addition, there is a slightly improved version of Jedec at 1.1 V. In general, the XMP 3.0 format implies up to five profiles, and two can be overwritten by the user . It’s great, right?

Without AIDA64 nowhere. We launch. Almost 80 GB / s read, unless, of course, the benchmark is deceiving. Latencies are high, but by themselves they mean little and a direct comparison of this parameter between different architectures makes little sense. Right out of the box, Photoworxx presses 48.5 thousand. Memory mode Gear 2, Gear 1 does not work. For ultra-high-frequency kits, there is a Gear4 option, but for now we will wait for an opportunity to use it.

Test bench

I can’t wait anymore: it’s time to compare something with something. So, the above Maximus Hero kit with DDR5 will be compared with DDR4 from ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-A Gaming B4 and the best DDR4 kit available — GSkill with XMP 3600MHz 14-14.

Processor #1: Intel Core i7-12700K
Processor #2: Intel Core i7-11700K
Processor #3: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Motherboard #1: ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 HERO
Motherboard #2: ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4
Motherboard #3: ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero
Motherboard #4: ASUS ROG Crosshair VIII Formula
DDR4 memory: G.SKILL F4-3600C14D-32GTESA 2×16 GB
DDR5 memory: Kingston KF552C40BBK2-32 2×16 GB
Video card: ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG STRIX
Cooling system: custom
Housing: open stand

In addition, there will be i7 of the previous generation in the face of 11700KF. From the AMD side, Ryzen 9 5900X will perform. Here it is worth recalling that its recommended cost is definitely higher than that of the 12700K, but it is interesting to compare 12 cores against 12, and when the release 12700K appears, we will compare it with a competitor in price.

Naturally, we checked the results of our engineering 12700K and they coincided with the release version, but there may be hidden nuances and you should not forget about them.

There was a minimum of time to get acquainted very closely with motherboards. But on the first impression, we can say that they are made to last. The number of m2 slots is impressive: the Hero has 5, two on a separate board, and the Strix z690-A has four. In terms of nutrition, it’s generally difficult to find fault with anything: 21 phases for HERO with assemblies for 90 A, 17 for STRIX with 80 A per mosfet. Appearance, a lot of interfaces, Wi-Fi 6E — there is something to see.

But one of the most valuable innovations is the button to open the PCI-E slot lock. The casings of motherboards and video cards have recently blocked access to this important element, and replacing a video card is becoming like a delicate surgical operation. Right there on both boards there is a button that mechanically pulls the cable fixed on the lock, and it opens. Magic… No kidding — a great innovation.

Stock tests

Synthetic tests

First, some synthetics. The set of tests is limited. Next time there will be those that duplicate the results on the Internet. The operating system is Windows 10, the results were checked in version 11, no differences were observed.

First loudly declared itself CPU-Z, benchmark 17.01

On the Hero with DDR5, the 12700K almost gains the coveted 800 single-thread points, almost a 20% advantage over the previous generation. On Z690-A is slightly smaller, but do not forget about the early BIOS builds. Multithreading is also at a high level, quite a bit behind the 5900x.

Cinebench R23, mind-blowing scores, 20% up from previous generation; in terms of multiflow, and leadership at all, with a reservation for the heat pack, but nonetheless. 11700K in terms of overall scores acts only as a background, there are not enough cores.

In the Blender benchmark, the bmw27 scene runs faster on the new i7 than on the Ryzen. We observe parity in koro.

Now we get to today’s main topic — games. There are nuances in choosing an operating system. If the 11700K feels equally confident in both 10 and 11, then Ryzen is having problems in Windows 11 even with a patch that was supposed to fix everything.

There was a need for a huge number of tests for the 12700K in both systems, but even the first comparisons showed that it does not always show the best results in the 11th version of the system. For example, in Lara «our everything» Croft suffers 0.1%, and in Cyberpunk all measured parameters become a little worse.

Not everything is going smoothly in Aida64 either. Memory and L3 cache latencies are higher in the new version of Windows.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11

It was decided to reject the desire to move to 11 and carry out the entire comparison in version 10.

So stock. Exposed only xmp memory overclocking profile. The games were chosen not by novelty, but by the predicted clarity of interpretation of the result, so don’t be surprised that Starcraft2 will be the first. 1080p, maximum settings, complex replay. The result in this low-threaded game is 5900x is very high, its cache decides here. 12700K with DDR4 performs better than its predecessor in the face of 11700K, but it falls short of Ryzen, but the result is excellent in terms of power consumption. With DDR5, the 12700K does even worse than with DDR4. But do not rush to conclusions, because the best version of the old memory and the first versions of the new generation memory are compared.

Tests in games

By the way, with DDR4 everything seems to be the same as before, but not quite. The memory latency is quite high, maybe this explains the not-so-enchanting performance of the 12700K in Starcraft.

The next game is the opposite of the first, Total War Saga: Troy. 1080p, maximum preset, extreme squad size and grass quality, 50% scaling. Here you can’t get rid of one cache, multi-core performance and memory management are very important. The 12700K outperforms the 5900x with any memory variant, and the advantage of the DDR5 variant is crushing: 20% in the average number of rendered frames. And the merit here is most likely not only a larger memory bandwidth, but also improvements in memory algorithms. In addition, the power consumption of new items is the lowest. It really feels like a new generation. The more expensive Ryzen is defeated in this game, but again, it’s too early to draw conclusions.

You need to check with Lara — a universal tool. 1080p, maximum preset, scaling 50%, anti-aliasing disabled, only the third segment of the built-in test is measured. The beginning of the test is dictated by memory with lower latency and fast cache, 12700K with DDR5 draws a mountain a little faster than 11700K. With responsive DDR4, the new i7 leads Intel processors well, but falls short of the 5900x. But as the scene gets more complicated, the 12700K starts to catch up and even sometimes overtake Ryzen, and the DDR5 variant becomes the leader. But in general, in the segment, his leadership is reflected only in rare and most difficult moments. In terms of average frames due to the start of the scene ahead of the Ryzen, the 11700KF holds up well, but falls short.

The next game is Cyberpunk. 1080p, max preset with beams, DLSS to ultra performance. 12700 performs better than 11700 with DDR4, and dominates with DDR5. The difference between the memory options is not as big as in Troy, but here the load on the processor as a whole is lower. By the way, in terms of power consumption, the novelty again wipes its rivals’ nose and the efficiency per W of 12700K turns out to be a record one. Ryzen in Cyberpunk is traditionally on the sidelines and lags even behind 11700K.

Let’s take FarCry6 from the fresh one. 1080p, ultra preset, enable tracing, resolution scale 0.5. What is interesting is that this game does not rely heavily on multi-threaded performance, but is not as rare as Starcraft. Here we are in for an unpleasant surprise — frequent monitoring stutters in 12700K, and the problem is definitely from the side of the game. Perhaps Denuvo is reacting to the hybrid processor structure in this way, or the game code is simply not as perfect as the developers would like. However, 11700 and 5900 there are no such problems. Due to this, in terms of average FPS, Ryzen even manages to bypass 12700K, but this is not sports; problematic Denuvo spoils the life of the new product, there will definitely be a patch.

But what’s sporty is the esports settings in Warzone. 1080p, online match with fundraiser. The 12700K and 5900x get similar FPS on average, with DDR5 not lagging behind despite CL 40. But it does have 0.1% problems; it is worse than 11700KF. Let’s look at power consumption again. 5900x and 11700K outperform 12700K by more than 50% in this parameter. Hence the temperatures. And this is under the same conditions for the liquid in the circuit.

What can you say about performance in stock? In synthetic benchmarks, the superiority of the novelty in single-thread is outstanding, in multi-thread 12700K is not inferior to 5900x, and taking into account the freedom in consumption, it even outperforms.

In games, it’s a little more difficult, especially when you consider the memory of two generations. The better the game parallelizes, the more memory is used, the more benefits DDR5 gets. In Troy, this is clearly visible. Low-threaded games still tend to favor DDR4, but it’s hard to say what will happen to faster DDR5 kits. But it can be assumed. that well-paralleled games are much more likely to appear in the future.

Overclocking tests

Now let’s move on to overclocking, it’s time to see what we have under the hood, in the BIOS. Maximus z690, as it should be in the top line, is not deprived of settings. We will touch only the main ones. For P-cores, the usual frequency settings are available by directly specifying the multiplier for all cores, depending on the number of threads involved and for each separately, and with the ability to adjust the voltage.

E-cores are equipped with similar functionality, but the multiplier works for a group of 4 energy-efficient cores; in the case of 12700K, there is only one such group.

A fixed multiplier for all cores is still the easiest way to overclock, but in terms of efficiency, it begins to gradually lose its positions. This is a topic for a separate review. Today we still use it the old fashioned way. It is worth noting the appearance of a separate line of voltage on the L2 cache.

But from memory, everything is much more interesting. Not only is the power supply to the modules now directly supplied and theoretically the stability of the 5-volt line will be very important for the PSU, but it is also possible to assign different values to each bar, and now there are two of them — VDD and VDDQ. In addition, there was an important tension on the System Agent. A couple more voltages needed to configure the memory are hidden in a separate section.

In addition to slightly different expected values of the usual timings, it became possible to change tRP, moreover, with a performance response.

But all this variety of possibilities was overshadowed by an extremely small amount of time for tests. In addition, micron chips in our kit turned out to be outright junk. No 6000+ could be reached. Even to increase the frequency by 200 MHz, I had to turn up the voltages VDD and VDDQ to 1. 3 and 1.43 V, respectively. In addition, the dampness of the bios and the monstrously long POST in the current firmware nullified the desire to bruteforce fast timings. There is no convenient means of showing the full set of timings yet, except maybe XTU; but it will be easier to demonstrate how the time allotted for experiments ended — quite modestly, they did not have time to reveal the potential of DDR5. Here you need much more time to read the documentation and find a more suitable kit.

Everything turned out to be easier for the cores. We select an acceptable voltage in the drawdown (let’s say a little higher than 1.3 V) and select frequencies for it. It turned out 5.2 GHz for all productive cores, 4 GHz for efficient cores, the ring bus frequency was fixed at 4.4 GHz. Here the question is debatable, the option with a range of values \u200b\u200bcould be better.

Synthetic tests

So, the benchmark for stability was the Blender benchmark. In most cases, this is more than enough for games and you do not have to reduce the frequencies as much as more difficult stress tests would require.

The increase in memory bandwidth in AIDA64 is rather modest, however, as well as the reduction in delays — the first DDR5, do not judge strictly.

With DDR4, everything is easier. We find out the limit in Gear1 mode, and all multiplier options are available. 3700 MHz works, there is no higher start. Perhaps this is a limitation of the BIOS version, the motherboard, or some other option, but for now let’s stop there. The patterns and limits are familiar: RCD rides 14, RFC 256 — not every kit can allow this. These G Skills can. The core frequencies are similar to the Hero, unfortunately, and with these settings, Latency in Aida is barely below 50 ns.

Let’s move on to the second round of tests, now in overclocking. 11700KF conquered 5.1GHz, Ryzen 5900x — 4.9 / 4.7GHz over CCX.

CPU-Z was able to show even better results on the new processor in a single thread; so the 900 will soon be real. Multi-threaded scores for twelve-core processors from different manufacturers are almost identical.

Cinebench r23 certainly pleased with the advantage of almost 1000 points 12700K over a well-overclocked 5900x, but the result in a single thread has decreased for some reason. A close study of the effective frequency shows its low value and the workload of the first core, and not the one marked as the most successful. Whether this is a problem with Windows 10, an engineering version of the processor, or something else, it was not possible to find out, we will continue to observe.

In the Blender benchmark, it is worth noting that since the bmw27 scene was taken to check the stability of overclocking, there are results for it, but all Intels were able to master koro with the same settings, but for 5900x this scene was impossible. In addition, the power consumption of the 12700K with four additional cores turned out to be even lower than that of the 11700K overclocked at a similar voltage, i.e. and the frequencies of the novelty are higher, and there are more cores, and the result is much better, and the power consumption is less — definitely a good trend.

Tests in games

With such a load of observations, we turn to games.

Immediately to Lara Croft, the settings are the same. Now it’s more interesting. The tuned 12700K with DDR4 easily competes in the rendering of the mountain with the Ryzen cache, and with an increase in the complexity of the scene, the advantage of the novelty becomes apparent.

The 12700K is pushing the 5900x on all fronts — here it is the new king in this test. An undertuned DDR5 spoils the result, but even so, in rare and very rare events, 12700 bypasses Ryzen, but still lags behind 11700K.

In StarCraft II, pleasant surprises continue. The lowest power consumption of the novelty does not prevent the kit with DDR4 from taking the lead in all measured parameters from the very beginning and keeping it until the end of the test. Underclocking on DDR5 also added FPS, but the potential of the system on Maximus Hero in this game is still unclear.

However, in Troy, even in this state, DDR5 noticeably takes the lead. Moreover, in terms of power consumption, the systems on the new i7 and 5900x are no longer very different, the eight-core 11700K is the leader in this parameter. In terms of FPS, the 12700K with DDR4 outperformed Ryzen again, however, a system with DDR5 in stock could also do it — the wonders of new technologies. More than 200 W in the load did not help 11700KF, its lag only intensified.

Cyberpunk is quite sensitive to the performance of the memory subsystem. 11700KF and 12700K on DDR4 added about the same after overclocking, 5900x shortened the gap a little and there seems to be no room for higher FPS — the card already limits the processors, but DDR5 manages to work a little better in difficult places and still break into the lead. For this game, the settings will have to be tweaked for the next tests.

There was a little embarrassment with FarCry6. Right before testing DDR5, it was updated and did not want to work offline at all. It was not possible to retest all the options, but I didn’t want to lose the results either. You can immediately note the elimination of stutters on the 12th generation in the new patch, but even without it, the tuned DDR4 performed very confidently, showing the highest average FPS in comparison, however, 1% too. It’s scary to imagine what will happen after the patch, but we’ll see it in new reviews. Of course, it is incorrect to compare the results in different versions of the game, but DDR5 looks quite competitive in this low-threaded game as well.

The last (but not least) point of the program is Warzone. Here 12700K once again pleasantly surprised me. The statistics on rare and very rare events in the DDR4 variant are simply phenomenal, however, the average FPS is also the best in comparison. In terms of energy consumption, the position is also confident. The potential of DDR5 in this game remains unexploited, but even in this form it does not look lagging behind.

Totals

Let’s try to summarize. The 12700K really turned out to be good in games. Yes, you should not expect 20% everywhere, but we have not yet tested games with a one and a half times declared advantage over the 11th generation, like the League of Legends. With DDR4, the new generation can already be safely taken by cybersportsmen. With DDR5, the issue is a little more complicated: unsuccessful chips in our kit, lack of time for experiments did not allow us to unlock the potential of a new type of memory, but it looks quite encouraging.

Most likely, in most modern games, DDR5 on chips from another manufacturer is already no worse than the best DDR4 in most games. And in especially intensively using the capabilities of the processor, it is certainly better. But this is an assumption, everything needs to be checked, recorded and compared.

As a processor for professional tasks, the new multi-core solutions also look very promising with both DDR4 and DDR5. The improvement in performance in the case of several parallel processes, as on the slides, is beyond doubt, a larger number of cores plus a load balancer in the person of the Thread Director should shine here.

“So effective cores are weak,” you say, and we will check it now. A small experiment: disable hyperthreading and run Cinebench in combinations of cores 8+4, 8+3 and 8+0. All this at the same frequency of 4GHz, the ring bus is also fixed at 4GHz.

From the results obtained, one can indirectly calculate the share in the total result for effective nuclei in three ways. By subtracting and dividing, we find out that this is about 1000 points. At the same time, each productive core at the same frequency contributes about 1500 points. Those. we can talk about a 30% percentage gap between E-cores and P-cores in the bluebench, or about a 50% advantage of productive cores, if you count the other way around. Of course, this does not represent the full situation. Kernels of different architecture on different tasks will not necessarily behave in this way. Nevertheless, we managed to conduct such an experiment from those that were planned.

I also wanted to supplement the review with air cooling, but the record magically disappeared. We’ll have to take our word for it: Noctua U14s for 1151 sockets, with all its mounting restrictions, managed to drain 180 W on an open bench at a room temperature of 22-23 degrees easily, even in heavy stress tests like Linx. Above 200 the problems started.

There will be many more tests, processors, experiments and overclocking in the near future

Intel Core i5 vs. Core i7

REQUEST A CALL

What is the latest generation i7 processor: 404 — Document Not Found

Intel Haswell 4th Generation Core i7 Processors

The Intel Core i7 Processors

Improved on-board graphics

Guide to suffix variants

Variant performance comparisons

Core i5 / Core i7 differences

See Also

Product Resources

Top CPUs (Processors)

Excellent service

Top 10 Latest Laptops with Intel Core i7 Processor (Oct 2022)

New 11th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor Computers for HP

Buy i7 Processor Laptops | Best Intel Core i7 Laptop Deals For 2022

7 Best i7 Windows Laptops 2022 (12th Gen Intel Core i7)

What is 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor?

Intel Core i7-12800H vs Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i7-11800H vs Intel Core i7-1270P vs Intel Core i7-1265U

Our Picks: 10 Best i7 Windows Laptops 2022

1. ASUS TUF Dash 15 12th Generation i7 Laptop

Pros

Cons

2.

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

3. HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 i7 Windows Laptop

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

4. Acer Swift 3 Intel Core i7 Laptop Under $1000

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

5. HP 15-dy5097nr Cheapest i7 Laptop

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

6. ThinkPad P15s Gen 2 i7 Mobile Workstation

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

7. Acer Predator Triton 500 SE i7 Gaming Laptop

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

What to Look for in i7 Windows Laptops

Processor (CPU)

Graphics Card (GPU)

Memory (RAM)

Display

Weight

Battery Life

Audio

Keyboard

Operating System (OS)

Verdict

FAQs

What is the most powerful i7 processor?

What is the cheapest i7 Windows 11 laptop in the list?

Is i7 better than i5 laptop?

Don’t Buy a Desktop PC With One of Intel’s Newest Processors—Here’s Why

Real Talk

Hotter, more power-hungry desktops

What you should buy instead

11th-generation laptop processors are good, actually

What if you need to buy an 11th-gen desktop anyway?

Footnotes

Further reading

The Best Laptops for Video and Photo Editing

The Best Mini Desktop PCs

7th Generation Intel Core Processors (Kaby Lake)

7th Gen Intel Core Processors

Intel 200-series chipsets

Performance study

Conclusions

Core i7-12700K review, which reveals that E-cores harm P-cores, but without them everything is only worse / Processors and memory

6 chips of Intel Core i7 and i9 HX series processors that make them a good stuffing for gaming laptops

1. Hybrid architecture

2. Cool graphics support

3. Maximum clock speed — up to 5 GHz

4. Large L3 cache

5. Support DDR5 RAM

6. Smart technologies

How I bought a defective Intel Core i7-12700K processor

What’s new in Gen 12?

About Intel Core i7-12700K