Forum > Discussion Forum

i5 vs i7 vs Q9450 - key differencies?

(1/3) > >>

Raistmer:
AFAIK i5 has 4 cores @2.66MHz. Just as my Q9450 has.
What differency with i7? No HT support?
And with Q9450 - different (smaller) cache ?

Gecko_R7:

--- Quote from: Raistmer on 19 Sep 2009, 03:43:28 pm ---AFAIK i5 has 4 cores @2.66MHz. Just as my Q9450 has.
What differency with i7? No HT support?
And with Q9450 - different (smaller) cache ?

--- End quote ---

No HT on i5 and i5 gives-up some memory bandwidth w/ dual-channel memory vs. tri-channel on i7.

L2 = 256K x4 on i5 & i7, 8MB of L3, though L3 latency substantially higher than L2.
Q9450 has 12 MB L2.

i5 requires new socket 1156.  Also note that I/O bus on i5 is DMI, vs. QPI on i7.
i5 also has integrated PCIe connectivity on die, 16 lanes.  If you connect 2 cards, drops to x8 for each card, or 1 card = all 16 lanes.

i7 920 can be had @ 70 bucks more than i5 & MBs are @ $60 more.
DDR3 memory is still expensive (compared to DDR2).  FIgure $70 for 2x2GB, $100 for 3x2GB
Figure @ $180 MORE to build an i7 920 vs. i5 750

Q9450 will only need dual-channel DDR2 on LGA 775 mobo w/ MBs starting @ $40.00
The 9450 CPU however is pretty expensive @ $300+, can actually get a faster Q9550 for @ $210

Q9550 CPU, MB + 2x2GB DDR2 = @ $315.00
i5 = $370.00
i7 = $550.00

If i were building, I'd choose the Q9550 & put in a GTS250 or HD 4850 for @ $100, depending on project interest.
Would still come in cheaper than i7 w/ better production.
@ $45 more than a i5 build, but way more production.

Q9950 w/ mid level GPU seems to be a nice "sweet-spot" in Value/Performance IMO.

Since you own a 9450 already, the upgrade cost to i5 or i7 means new "everything" exc. power supply & case, lol.
Way cheaper to just add a GPU right now.
Comparatively, i5 performs a little bit better overall, i.e. @ 10% than what you have, i7 @ +30%
Pretty high cost premium for that.

Raistmer:
Thanks a lot!
It seems i5 step back, not forward...
AFAIK Q9550 has smaller cache than Q9450, but higher freq, so performance will depend from how severe app memory-bound probably...

Gecko_R7:

--- Quote from: Raistmer on 19 Sep 2009, 06:06:03 pm ---Thanks a lot!
It seems i5 step back, not forward...
AFAIK Q9550 has smaller cache than Q9450, but higher freq, so performance will depend from how severe app memory-bound probably...

--- End quote ---

Q9550 has same 12MB L2 as Q9450, it's just another 1/2 step "up" on the multi, for 2.83 MHz.  ;)

i5 = way bigger profits for Intel re: lower production cost & higher-yields.
Ironically, 1156 Mobo should be cheaper to build than 775 since no seperate NB on MB any more
For now however, consumer doesn't receive any savings since i5 & socket 1156 MB are are "new" w/ limited options.  ::)

However, I bet i5 system prices will become way CHEAP in @ 6-12 months.
Will be a good upgrade option later for a p4 or early core 2 owner who wants to go "quad" for little $.

I'd love to see i5 in a mini-itx board for small form media server/pc.  :P

Raistmer:

--- Quote from: Gecko_R7 on 19 Sep 2009, 06:37:58 pm ---Q9550 has same 12MB L2 as Q9450, it's just another 1/2 step "up" on the multi, for 2.83 MHz.  ;)

--- End quote ---
I see. Maybe it mixed in my head with Q9400 or smth alike...  ::)  ::)  ::)

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page