Is 7th Gen Better Than 8th Gen? A Detailed Comparison
The short answer is no, the 8th generation of Intel Core processors is generally better than the 7th generation. While the 7th generation might still hold its own in some very specific scenarios, the 8th generation offers a significant leap in performance, efficiency, and features, making it the superior choice in most cases. This article will delve into the nuances of this comparison, exploring key differences and addressing frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Core Differences: 7th Gen vs. 8th Gen Intel Processors
The primary distinction between the 7th and 8th generation Intel Core processors lies in their architecture and core configurations. The 7th generation, codenamed Kaby Lake, is essentially an optimized version of the 6th generation Skylake architecture, focusing on refinements and minor improvements. However, the 8th generation, codenamed Coffee Lake, marked a more substantial change.
Core Count and Performance
The most notable improvement with the 8th generation was the increase in core counts for most of its processors. The 8th gen Core i5 moved to a 6-core design from the 7th gen’s 4-core setup. Similarly, the 8th gen Core i7 gained 6 cores and 12 threads, compared to the 7th gen’s quad-core, 8-thread design. This directly translates to better multitasking performance and improved handling of demanding applications that benefit from multiple cores.
While the 7th generation still offered respectable per-core performance, it simply couldn’t match the sheer processing power of the 8th generation’s increased core count. This is especially evident in tasks like video editing, rendering, and gaming, where the 8th gen excels thanks to its superior parallel processing capabilities.
Graphics and Power Efficiency
Another key difference lies in the integrated graphics. The 7th generation primarily utilizes Intel HD Graphics, while the 8th generation stepped up to Intel UHD Graphics. Though not as powerful as dedicated GPUs, the UHD graphics in 8th gen offer better performance in graphics-related tasks and supports higher resolution displays.
Additionally, the 8th generation processors, thanks to architectural improvements and power management tweaks, are often more power-efficient than their 7th-gen counterparts. This is particularly beneficial for laptops, translating to longer battery life.
Socket Compatibility and Upgrade Paths
It’s also crucial to understand that these generations use different motherboard sockets. 7th gen CPUs use LGA 1151/Socket H4 as do some 8th gen. However, not all are compatible. The change in socket meant that an 8th gen CPU cannot simply be dropped into a 7th gen motherboard, making a direct upgrade impossible without also changing the motherboard. This factor is important for users considering system upgrades, as the difference in sockets prevents simple swaps.
When Might a 7th Gen Processor Still Be Viable?
Despite the clear superiority of the 8th generation, there are situations where a 7th gen processor might still be adequate:
- Basic Tasks: For everyday computing tasks like web browsing, word processing, and email, a 7th-gen processor can still provide a satisfactory experience.
- Cost-Conscious Users: If budget is a primary concern, a used system or laptop with a 7th-gen processor might represent a more affordable option than jumping to newer generations.
- Legacy Systems: For individuals who are still using older computers and have no intention to upgrade to newer versions of software, the 7th gen might work perfectly well.
- Low Demand Scenarios: In environments where intense processing power is not required, the difference in performance may be imperceptible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional information about the comparison between 7th and 8th generation Intel processors.
1. Is an i5 8th gen better than an i7 7th gen?
In most cases, yes. An i5 8th gen often surpasses an i7 7th gen in overall performance thanks to its higher core count. While the i7 7th gen might have slightly higher per-core performance, the 8th gen i5’s additional cores offer better multitasking and multithreaded performance.
2. Can I upgrade from a 7th gen to an 8th gen CPU?
No, not directly. Due to different socket requirements (mostly LGA 1151 for 7th gen and LGA 1151 for some 8th gen), you’d need to replace the motherboard to upgrade to an 8th gen processor.
3. Is a 7th gen processor still good in 2024?
It depends on your needs. For basic tasks, it’s acceptable. However, for demanding tasks and modern games, a 7th gen processor will struggle compared to newer options.
4. Is 8th gen Intel still relevant?
Yes, 8th gen Intel processors can still be used for another year or two for moderate usage and gaming. But for more than 2 years, or any intensive application, it is not recommended. It’s better to invest in newer generations.
5. What are the main improvements in 8th gen over 7th gen?
The main improvements include increased core count, better integrated graphics (UHD), and improved power efficiency. This results in a significant boost in overall performance.
6. Which is better for gaming: 7th gen or 8th gen?
8th gen is generally better for gaming due to its higher core count and improved multithreaded performance, allowing for better handling of modern games.
7. Is there a significant difference in price between 7th and 8th gen?
Used 7th gen parts can be found at a lower price now, as they are older. New 8th-gen processors are also not easily available, and new system owners should look at more current processors.
8. How does 7th gen compare to 10th gen?
The 10th generation is significantly superior to the 7th gen, offering much better performance, features, and efficiency. Comparing both is like comparing a bicycle to a sports car.
9. How does 8th gen compare to 10th gen?
The 10th generation generally outperforms the 8th generation, but the gap is smaller compared to the difference between 7th and 10th generations. 10th gen offers better performance, new features, and better power efficiency.
10. Do 7th gen processors have any advantage over 8th gen?
The only real advantage of 7th-gen might be lower prices in the used market or slightly higher single-core performance. This performance difference is easily outweighed by the 8th-gen multicore advantages, though.
11. How much faster is the 8th gen compared to the 7th gen?
Performance gains vary depending on the specific model and workload. However, the 8th gen typically offers 20-40% better performance in multi-threaded workloads and a smaller, but noticeable, improvement in single-core performance.
12. Which is more power-efficient: 7th gen or 8th gen?
The 8th generation is generally more power-efficient than the 7th generation. It’s designed to consume less power while providing better performance, resulting in longer battery life in laptops.
13. Can 7th gen and 8th gen use the same RAM?
Yes, both generations of processors can use DDR4 RAM. The speed of the RAM supported varies with the specific motherboard, so check what your motherboard supports.
14. Is an i7 7700 better than an i5 8400?
Although the i7 7700 has slightly faster single-core performance, the i5 8400 is generally the better choice due to its higher core count, resulting in better multi-threaded performance that matches, or exceeds the 7700.
15. Is it worth upgrading from a 7th gen to an 8th gen (considering the cost)?
It might be worth considering the upgrade, but it would require a motherboard upgrade as well, as the two generations are not compatible. However, if you need more modern hardware to perform demanding tasks, it may be necessary to update to even more current chips, which will make a jump to 8th gen unnecessary.
Conclusion
While 7th gen Intel processors might still be adequate for basic tasks, the 8th generation is the superior choice in most scenarios. Its increased core counts, better graphics, and improved power efficiency make it a more capable and future-proof option. When considering an upgrade or new system, it’s wise to look beyond the 7th gen and aim for newer, more powerful processors.