Intel Core I5-3317u Vs Intel Atom X7-z8700: The Ultimate Showdown Of Processing Power
What To Know
- In the realm of computing, the choice of processor plays a pivotal role in determining the overall performance and capabilities of a device.
- When it comes to selecting a processor for various applications, the Intel Core i5-3317U and the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 emerge as two prominent contenders.
- The Intel Atom x7-Z8700, on the other hand, has a smaller 2MB Level 3 cache and relies on integrated Intel HD Graphics (Gen8), which is designed for energy efficiency and basic graphics processing.
In the realm of computing, the choice of processor plays a pivotal role in determining the overall performance and capabilities of a device. When it comes to selecting a processor for various applications, the Intel Core i5-3317U and the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 emerge as two prominent contenders. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two processors, exploring their key specifications, performance benchmarks, and suitability for different tasks, to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and requirements.
Processor Architecture and Manufacturing Process:
The Intel Core i5-3317U is an ultra-low-voltage (ULV) processor based on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture. Fabricated using a 22nm manufacturing process, it features two physical cores with Hyper-Threading technology, allowing it to handle up to four threads simultaneously. On the other hand, the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) based on the Cherry Trail microarchitecture. Built on a 14nm process, it incorporates four cores without Hyper-Threading, resulting in a total of four processing threads.
Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost:
The Intel Core i5-3317U operates at a base clock speed of 1.7GHz, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 2.6GHz. This allows it to deliver impressive single-core performance when handling demanding tasks. In contrast, the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 has a lower base clock speed of 1.6GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 2.4GHz. While this may seem like a disadvantage, the Atom processor’s lower power consumption and optimized architecture often result in sustained performance levels under prolonged workloads.
Cache Memory and Integrated Graphics:
The Intel Core i5-3317U features a 3MB Level 3 cache, which helps improve performance by reducing memory latency and increasing data accessibility. It also integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000, a dedicated graphics processor that can handle basic multimedia tasks and light gaming. The Intel Atom x7-Z8700, on the other hand, has a smaller 2MB Level 3 cache and relies on integrated Intel HD Graphics (Gen8), which is designed for energy efficiency and basic graphics processing.
Performance Benchmarks:
In terms of performance, the Intel Core i5-3317U generally outperforms the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 in most benchmarks. It delivers faster processing speeds, quicker application loading times, and smoother multitasking capabilities. However, the Atom processor excels in scenarios where power efficiency is a primary concern, such as in fanless devices or ultra-portable laptops.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP):
The Intel Core i5-3317U has a TDP of 17 watts, indicating its power consumption under typical operating conditions. This makes it suitable for devices with adequate cooling solutions. In contrast, the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 has an ultra-low TDP of 2 watts, making it ideal for devices that prioritize battery life and operate passively without the need for active cooling.
Suitability for Different Applications:
The Intel Core i5-3317U is an excellent choice for general-purpose computing, office productivity, web browsing, multimedia editing, and light gaming. Its dual-core design with Hyper-Threading provides a good balance of performance and efficiency. On the other hand, the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 is ideal for basic computing tasks, web browsing, email, and light productivity applications. It excels in devices where portability, battery life, and fanless operation are essential.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor
Ultimately, the decision between the Intel Core i5-3317U and the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. If you prioritize performance and multitasking capabilities, the Core i5-3317U is the better choice. However, if power efficiency, battery life, and fanless operation are your primary concerns, the Atom x7-Z8700 is the ideal processor for you.
Conclusion:
In the battle of processors, both the Intel Core i5-3317U and the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 excel in their respective domains. The Core i5-3317U reigns supreme in performance-intensive tasks, while the Atom x7-Z8700 shines in scenarios where power efficiency and portability are paramount. Consider your specific requirements and choose the processor that aligns best with your computing needs.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which processor is better for gaming, the Intel Core i5-3317U or the Intel Atom x7-Z8700?
The Intel Core i5-3317U is a better choice for gaming due to its superior graphics capabilities and higher clock speeds.
2. Which processor consumes less power, the Intel Core i5-3317U or the Intel Atom x7-Z8700?
The Intel Atom x7-Z8700 consumes significantly less power than the Intel Core i5-3317U, making it ideal for devices with limited battery life.
3. Which processor is better suited for fanless devices, the Intel Core i5-3317U or the Intel Atom x7-Z8700?
The Intel Atom x7-Z8700 is better suited for fanless devices due to its ultra-low power consumption and low heat output.
