The CPU is the core of a PC and having a suitable CPU can provide you with a tremendous experience. Before buying a CPU, it’s important to check out various factors such as clock speed, cache size, power efficiency, and so on.
If you are willing to buy an older model CPU like i7 4th gen or i5 5th gen, then you will need to check out the specification and the difference between them. It will help you to choose the right one between them. Though both of the CPU versions are best there are a few notable differences between them.
In this article, we have discussed the differences between the i7 4th gen and the i5 5th gen CPU. So, be with us till the end and get the best pick for you.

Difference Between Intel Core i7 4th Gen and Intel Core i5 5th Gen
The i7 4th gen and i5 5th are pretty old processors but they are enough strong on this date. With these processors, you can do your daily work and can be able to play modern games as well. Here we have provided a difference table between these two CPUs that will help you to learn about them to choose the right one.
Specification | i7 4th Generation | i5 5th Generation |
Architecture | Haswell | Broadwell |
Number of Cores | Quad-core or higher | Quad or Dual core |
Clock Speed | 2.4 GHz to 4.0 GHz | 1.6 GHz to 3.6 GHz |
Cache Size | Up to 8 MB | 3 to 6 MB |
Hyper-Threading | Yes | No |
Integrated Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics 4200Intel® HD Graphics 4400Intel® HD Graphics 4600Intel® HD Graphics 5000Intel® Iris® Graphics 5100Intel® Iris® Pro Graphics 5200 | Intel® HD Graphics 5500Intel® HD Graphics 6000Intel® Iris® Graphics 6100Intel® Iris® Pro Graphics 6200 |
Threads | 2 to 8 | 2 to 4 |
Turbo Frequency | From 2.9 GHz up to 4.4 GHz | From 2.7 GHz up to 3.6 GHz |
Here are the notable differences between 4th gen i7 and 5th gen i5 processors. Now, let’s interpret the specifications.
1. CPU Architecture
Among these two CPU architectures, the Broadwell is known as the best. The Broadwell is capable of providing more performance, for example, it can provide more than a 5% to 10% performance boost compared to Haswell. So, in this case, i5 takes the lead.
2. Clock Speed, Turbo Speed, and Threads
The i7 4th gen processor has more clock speed, turbo speed, and threads. Having more clock speed and turbo speeds with more threads can provide you with a better performance.
To match the i7 4th gen CPU clock speed, you will need to overclock the i5 5th gen. So, when you are getting more from the i7 4th gen then why you would go for the i5 5th gen?
3. Performance
Here, we have interpreted two terms, cache size, and hyperthreading.
The maximum cache size you will get is 6 MB in an i5 5th gen processor. But on the other hand, the i7 4th gen offers an 8 MB cache size memory. Having more cache size can be beneficial. Basically, it’s a faster access memory and it helps to store more data closer to the CPU.
Having a more cache size means, the computer will have less time to run a program.
Moreover, the core i7 4th generation processor has hyper threading but the i5 5th gen doesn’t. Hyperthreading allows each core of the CPU to do more than one action at the same time and it helps to improve the CPU’s efficiency and as a result, you will get better performance.
If you look at the integrated graphics, you will get to see that, the i5 5th has an updated version of integrated graphics which will help you to get a smoother visual experience compared to the i7 4th CPU.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a better-performing CPU then we will suggest going for an i7 4th gen CPU but if you are needed for casual day work then the i5 5th gen will be more than enough for you. Moreover, the i7 7th gen will cost you more and it has a higher TDP value. So, now it’s your call!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers – FAQs
Which is better i7 4th Gen or i7 5th?
Higher generation means an upgraded version. So, it’s obvious that the i7 5th gen is way better than the i7 4th Generation CPU.
Which is better i5 5th Gen or i7 3rd Gen?
If you are looking for a CPU for CPU-intensive work then the i7 3rd gen will be the best one for you. Because it can perform better than an i5 5th gen CPU. You will get more cores, with higher clock speed, and hyper threading with i7 3rd gen CPU.
Is 4th gen i7 worth it?
Without any doubt, the answer is yes. Basically, for CPU-intensive work, the i7 4th gen can perform very well.
Can I use DDR4 RAM with i7 4th gen and i5 5th gen CPU?
Unfortunately, no. Neither the i7 4th gen nor the i5 5th gen CPU supports DDR4 RAM. You will need to use DDR3 RAM with this type of processor.
Conclusion
To sum up, both i5 5th gen and i7 4th gen processors can provide you with a better performance. Both are great at their respective places. But one major difference is, while doing CPU-intensive work, i7 4th gen provides you better performance. Hope that the confusion that you had are clear by now and you will be able to pick the best one for you.
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