I5-6500 vs. I5-7700

Attribute	I5-6500	I5-7700
Base Clock Speed	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency	3.6 GHz	4.2 GHz
Cores	4	4
Threads	4	8
Lithography	14nm	14nm
Socket	LGA 1151	LGA 1151

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a processor for your computer, Intel's Core i5 series is a popular choice for many users. Two processors that are often compared are the i5-6500 and the i5-7700. Both belong to the Skylake and Kaby Lake generations, respectively, and offer different features and performance levels. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two processors to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The i5-6500 is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.6 GHz. It has a TDP of 65W and supports DDR4 memory up to 2133 MHz. On the other hand, the i5-7700 is also a quad-core processor but with a higher base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.2 GHz. It has a TDP of 65W and supports DDR4 memory up to 2400 MHz. In terms of performance, the i5-7700 offers better clock speeds and faster memory support compared to the i5-6500.

Integrated Graphics

Both the i5-6500 and i5-7700 come with integrated graphics. The i5-6500 features Intel HD Graphics 530 with a base frequency of 350 MHz and a maximum dynamic frequency of 1.05 GHz. On the other hand, the i5-7700 comes with Intel HD Graphics 630 with a base frequency of 350 MHz and a maximum dynamic frequency of 1.15 GHz. The integrated graphics in the i5-7700 offer slightly better performance compared to the i5-6500, making it a better choice for casual gaming and multimedia tasks.

Overclocking

One key difference between the i5-6500 and i5-7700 is their overclocking capabilities. The i5-6500 is a locked processor, which means it does not support overclocking. On the other hand, the i5-7700 is an unlocked processor, allowing users to overclock the CPU for higher performance. If you are someone who likes to tweak and push your hardware to its limits, the i5-7700 would be the better choice for you.

Price

When it comes to pricing, the i5-6500 is generally more affordable compared to the i5-7700. This is due to the fact that the i5-7700 offers better performance and features, making it a more premium option. If you are on a budget and looking for a solid processor for everyday tasks, the i5-6500 would be a good choice. However, if you are willing to invest a bit more for higher performance, the i5-7700 is worth considering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the i5-6500 and i5-7700 are solid processors that offer good performance for a variety of tasks. The i5-7700 has the edge in terms of clock speeds, memory support, and integrated graphics performance, making it a better choice for users who need higher performance. However, the i5-6500 is a more budget-friendly option that still offers decent performance for everyday tasks. Ultimately, the choice between these two processors will depend on your specific needs and budget.