6 Core vs 8 Core: Common Similarities and Biggest Differences (2024)

The 6 core vs 8 core difference is an ongoing debate among computer enthusiasts arguing which processor is better and more powerful. Fortunately, we are here to help you select the better core processor by laying down all the facts, specs, and features.

In addition, this article contains comparison tables, reviews each core CPU individually, and has a final conclusion on the main differences and similarities. So, if you want to become an expert at six or eight CPU cores, you are at the right place, so keep reading this article for more.

Comparison Table

What Are the Differences Between 6 Core and 8 Core CPUs?

The main difference between the 6 core and 8 core units is that the 8 core unit is better for gaming and editing, whereas the 6 core unit is excellent for regular use. On the flip side, most 6 core units are less expensive and readily available for customers.

– Main Specifications Comparison

A 6-core Intel processor can outperform an 8-core AMD processor because it has better specs, such as cache, instruction sets, and core CPU speed. Additionally, the year the processor was released is vital because newer six-core units can be more powerful than older eight-core units. So, consider all these factors before you opt for the eight-core unit, thinking it must be better than the six-core unit.

Moreover, certain six-core AMD Ryzen processors can outperform certain eight-core Intel processors because of the same reasons. These processors have been around for over a decade, so you must consider the years of manufacturers’ hard work when improving processors. So, no matter which processor you choose, read the specs carefully to understand their true abilities.

What Is the 6 Core Unit Best For?

The 6 core count units are best for nearly all work environments because they perfectly blend price and performance. So, customers will be satisfied with the performance as long as they avoid complex tasks such as video editing and heavy gaming requiring higher clock speeds.

– Features and Highlights Breakdown

You can play many games on the six core units, but you should expect some limitations with the latest games that require high specs.

As a result, it would be best to avoid pushing the limit of your six core units and stick to more basic tasks such as web development. So, a six-core unit is ideal for web developers who want to experience great performance and save some money because most eight-core units are more expensive. However, it is worth noting that gamers trying to make a budget-built should opt for the six-core units because they provide similar performance to the eight-core units. Of course, you have to consider the games you want to play before you purchase the unit.

The last thing you would not want to do is purchase a six-core unit to play the latest games requiring the highest specs. So, if you want to experience the latest games truly, it would be best to spend more money and purchase the eight core units for improved clock speeds and performance.

What Is the 8 Core Unit Best For?

The 8 core units are ideal for gamers, designers, editors, and similar work environments because they require more powerful computers.

Although these quad core processors are more expensive, they will improve your gaming experience and make work a lot easier for people who need powerful units.

– Features and Highlights Breakdown

It is acceptable to purchase eight core units for work environments, but many experts believe they are overkill due to their price. Nevertheless, some eight core units cost less than six core units, as the comparison table of the two Intel processors proved. Fortunately, eight-core computers are already available, but you can purchase the parts individually to build your computer. However, you must consider several things if you decide to build a computer.

First, you need to conclude that all the other parts and components can match the speed and bandwidth of your processor. If not, you may need to upgrade other parts and components, which will raise the final cost of your computer. So, purchasing an already built computer might not sound like a terrible idea after all.

– Perks of 8 Core CPUs

As this article has explained, there is a certain difference between 6 and 8 core CPUs, but what is the biggest advantage you should expect from 8 cores? For example, video editing is a complex operation that requires a lot of power, and thus, the eight-core units will guarantee a smooth performance. The biggest benefit customers get is the smooth video encoding due to the stunning image and audio outputs. Additionally, new games get better at using more cores, and as time goes by, CPUs with more cores will improve your gaming experience significantly.

Another important benefit we must explain is that 8 core units consume less power but are more expensive. So, although these CPUs come with various benefits, nothing is perfect. Nevertheless, this is the ideal choice for gamers and people who want to enjoy the perks of efficient and fast processors. Now you understand a lot more about the eight core units, so let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions in the following sections

FAQs

1. What Is Better, 6 Cores, or 4 More Powerful Cores on a CPU?

The general answer to this question is that it all comes down to your requirements. For example, having six cores means you can multitask and perform complex tasks, and having four powerful cores means you can perform fewer tasks simultaneously. So, you must ask yourself what the purpose of your computer is.

If you plan on building a computer only for gaming, both 4 and 6 cores will be more than enough. On the flip side, if you need multiple cores for gaming, editing, or streaming, it would be best to opt for the six cores, although they might be less powerful. So, think twice before you go all out and spend hundreds of dollars on something you do not need.

This section wraps our complete review of these two types of CPUs. As you can see, there is a lot to say about processors, especially processors with different cores.

2. Which Is Better Intel I5 (6TH Gen) Or I7 (5TH Gen)?

There is no simple way to answer this question because later generations do not always mean the processor is better. For example, the i5 6th generation processor does not necessarily mean it is better than the i7 5th generation and vice versa. So, what is the best way to choose a better processor? It would be best to consider the criteria shown in the following bullet list:

• The exact clock speeds
• The number of included cores
• Multi-threading or hyper threading
• The maximum overclocking ability
• The provided benchmark score by the manufacturer
• Your needs

So, the most important criterion is your needs because you must know what the purpose of your processor is before you purchase it. All things considered, the i7 5th generation is the better choice in this comparison, and there is an easy way to explain why. This processor has the L3 cache, which increases the processor’s speed by caching multiple processes inside the memory. Additionally, the threads are multiplied by the CPU’s processing power, so the more threads, the more processing power.

On the flip side, you must understand that the i7 5th generation processor consumes more power than the i5 6th generation.

3. Is There a Real Difference Between Intel I5 6TH Gen and 8TH Gen?

Yes, there is a certain difference between Intel i5 6th generation and Intel i5 8th generation processors. However, the numbers speak more because you will see a difference in the specifications if you compare the Intel i5 6th generation and Intel i5 8th generation. So, the new generation has six threads, compared to the four threads in the older model. The threads difference makes the new generation faster, so it would be best to opt for this model if you prefer an improved performance or purchase the i7 model for ultimate results.

On the flip side, many experts argue that the price difference and the quality you get are not worth it. For example, although you get a slightly improved performance, you should expect to pay a lot more because the latest versions are always the most expensive. So, if you are trying to build a gaming PC on a budget, it would be best to opt for the Intel i5 6th generation processor because you will get amazing performance. However, you can opt for the Intel i5 8th generation if you want to spend more money on your gaming setup.

This is one of the problems inexperienced customers face when building a PC. Nevertheless, always check the numbers and specifications first, and then you should purchase the processor. First, however, it is time to summarize the details and remember the important points in the following section of this article.

Conclusion

Our complete guide on the differences and similarities between the six-core and eight-core processors helped many customers make the right choice. So, the main difference between the six-core and eight-core units is that the eight-core unit is better for gaming and editing, whereas the six-core unit is excellent for everyday use. On the flip side, most six-core units are less expensive.

It would be best to opt for the six-core unit if you want to experience decent performance and save money because it is ideal for work environments. However, the eight-core unit is perfect for multitaskers, gamers, streamers, and editors because it can handle all sorts of tasks, including heavy loads of work. Nevertheless, you are guaranteed to enjoy the experience both types of processors offer due to their power, speed, and performance.

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• The exact clock speeds

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• The number of included cores

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• Multi-threading or hyper threading

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• The maximum overclocking ability

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• The provided benchmark score by the manufacturer

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• Your needs

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\nSo, the most important criterion is your needs because you must know what the purpose of your processor is before you purchase it. All things considered, the i7 5th generation is the better choice in this comparison, and there is an easy way to explain why. This processor has the L3 cache, which increases the processor’s speed by caching multiple processes inside the memory. Additionally, the threads are multiplied by the CPU’s processing power, so the more threads, the more processing power.\n\nOn the flip side, you must understand that the i7 5th generation processor consumes more power than the i5 6th generation."}}]}