including the popular Core i3

Intel has a number of product families in the desktop processor market, including the popular Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7. But which one is best for you and your PC?

When looking at a new processor for your PC, you will likely compare processors from Intel and AMD. Intel's most popular processors in the desktop world are the Core i3, i5, and i7 product lines. The Core i3 is entry level, and Core i7 processors are the more powerful hyper-threaded quad-core options.

Depending on your requirements, or if you need a faster and more capable CPU, you may want to go for an i5 or an i7. If you're on a budget, Core i3 may be your best option.

That's it, right? Unfortunately not. Intel's model numbers can be rather confusing. For example, do you know the difference between a Core i5-6400 and an i5-7600K? Not only are there tiers and different processor models, but also generations
It's actually really easy to determine the generation a particular processor belongs to. Taking the examples above, the Core i5-6400 is sixth generation, while the i5-7600K is part of the most recent, seventh-gen. Simply look at the first digit in a model number, and you'll be able to tell if it's a newer or older processor.

The latter three digits determine the SKU and just how powerful the processor is within its immediate product line. The Core i5-7600K is more advanced than the i5-7500, for example. If you wish to go for the more capable CPUs, be sure to check the higher model numbers within a product line. It's worth noting if you're considering Intel's 7th-gen processors that they only support Windows 10.

What about the K located at the end of the Core i5-7600K? That is a suffix Intel uses to show specific features the processors sport.