This post explains the Difference Between Intel Core i5 and the Core 2 Duo processors.
The Intel Core i5 series is based on two architectures:
1. Westmere (Core i5 6xx – Clarkdale – 32 nm – Dual Core)
2. Nehalem (Core i5 7xx – Lynnfield – 45 nm – Quad core)
Intel Core 2 Duo
Codenamed: Conroe, Allendale, Wolfdale – Core 2
Fabrication: 65 nm / 45 nm
Instruction set: X86, X86-64, MMX, SSE 4.1
Socket: LGA 775
Bus: 1333 MHz FSB
RAM: DDR2
Chipset Support: 965, P3x, G3x, P45, X48
Intel Core i5
Codenamed: Lynnfield, Clarkdale
Fabrication: 45 nm, 32 nm
Instruction set: X86, X86-64, MMX, SSE 4.2
Socket: LGA 1156
Bus: Direct Media Interface
RAM: DDR3
Chipset Support: P55, H55, H57, Q57
LGA 1156, Direct Media Interface, Smart Cache
Like the Intel Core i3 processors, The Core i5 are also native dual cores; they have both processors on the same die which leads to better processing speeds. The quadcore Core i5 processors are native Quad cores – 4 processors on the same die – much faster than two dual cores stitched together. While the Intel Core 2 Duo processors work on the LGA 775 socket, the new Core i3 and Core i5 processors use the LGA 1156 socket and support motherboards based on the following chipsets - P55, H55, H57, Q57.
All the Core i5 processors sport the DMI (Direct Media Interface) which is much faster than the FSB used in Core 2 Duo processors but is not as fast as Quick Path Interconnect in the Core i7. They also have a on die memory controller which helps in much faster memory access than the Core 2 Duo processors. They also support Smart Cache which allows cache memory sharing between the two cores reducing memory latencies.
Difference between dualcore Core i5 and quadcore Core i5 Processors
Like the Core i3 processors, the dualcore Core i5 processors also have a 32 nmfabrication, they are much more power efficient and run faster than Core 2 Duo processors which have a 65 / 45 nm fabrication. There are 5 dual core Core i5 processors (Core i5 6xx) with clock speeds ranging from (Core i5 650) 3.2 GHz to (Core i5 680) 3.6 GHz. They have 2×256 KB L2 cache and 4 MB L3 cache. They also have an on die graphics processor for better graphics performance like the Core i3 series. They also support Hyperthreading enabling 2×2=4 virtual cores.
The quadcore Core i5 processors (Core i5 7xx) have a 45 nm fabrication, and like the Core i7 processors, are based on the Nehalem architecture. There are 2 of them – Core i5 750 (2.66 GHz) and Core i5 750S (2.4 GHz). They have 4 x 256 KB L2 cache and 8 MB L3 cache. They don’t have an on die graphics processor. Also, Hyperthreading is disabled in quadcore Core i5s.
The Core i5 processors are meant for those who need more power than Core i3 processors. The Core i5 650 offers excellent value for money in a gaming rig.
Dual Core Intel Core i5 Prices
Core i5 650 – $176
Core i5 660 – $196
Core i5 661 – $196
Core i5 670 – $284
Core i5 680 – $294
Core i5 650 – $176
Core i5 660 – $196
Core i5 661 – $196
Core i5 670 – $284
Core i5 680 – $294
Quad Core Intel Core i5 Prices
Core i5 750 – $196
Core i5 750S – $259
Core i5 750 – $196
Core i5 750S – $259
