Are you seeking a decent CPU that can deliver close to top-tier performance?
But trying to decide which one to pick, a 4-core or 6-core CPU!
Well, if you take a look at the number, it speaks for itself.
But if you compare this CPU side by side, youll know for sure.
Let me help you by showing you the perfect comparison of four-core vs. six-core.
After reading this article, youll know which one to pick.
So, lets begin!
Thats why multicore processors are faster and more efficient.
Let me explain you in a simplified way.
Assume a table drawer has six chambers in it to put things separately.
But, some chambers will remain empty and idle if you dont have enough items.
So, more workloads can use the full potential of a multicore processor.
Assume ticket counters as cores and people as instructions.
Itll be more chaos if a train station has only two ticket counters than four or six.
People will stand in a long line to get their tickets at those two ticket booths.
But with four or six booths, people will split up, and they can buy tickets faster.
Similarly, a CPU cant execute many instructions once if it has only two or four cores.
The remaining tasks wait in the queue.
Plus, performance is also noticeable between them.
Youll also find a significant heat bump in the Hexa core-based CPUs.
But remember, a CPU with weak Hexa cores cant surpass a powerful Quad-core.
Let me show you all the main differences by categories all the differentiations.
Honestly speaking, a quad-core cant handle the workload as fast as a Hexa core will.
The sad but true fact is a weak six-core CPU cant compete against a powerful four-core CPU.
Before buying one, read the detailed spec sheet.
We have a separate article that detailshow to check the number of CPU coreson your gear.
Do check it out.
Processing Speed
A CPUs processing speed is a key factor, measured in GHz.
GHz resembles a clock that beats a set number of times per second.
A CPU marked with 3.8 GHz means its clock speed is 3.8 billion per second.
The number of cycles a CPU executes per second is the clock speed of that specific CPU.
Hexa core-based processors have a higher number of GHz, but not for all.
It depends on the series of the particular CPU.
Six core CPU naturally has a faster processing speed than a four core.
Even when the CPU is idle, youll find its holding the base clock speed from time to time.
But the clock speed fluctuates randomly.
Modern CPUs can keep the CPU under the base clock to save power.
When you launch any app, it will start working with the base clock.
Boost clock speed pushes when a CPU executes heavy work with maximum power.
When six cores working in the boosted frequency can execute heavy workloads faster than four cores will.
Similarly, multithreaded CPUs can handle more tasks with the help of extra virtual cores along with physical cores.
Four cores with eight threads can handle all the tasks with ease.
But can it exceed a Hexa core?
Without any doubt, it cant compete against 6-core & 12-threads or 6-cores with 6-threads CPU.
Because not all the apps use the multi-threads, the two extra cores will cover up the multithreading lackings.
So, having more cores doesnt mean you could win with it.
The same goes for a CPU with hyperthreading and another one with non-hyperthreading.
Despite having a lower TDP, the four-core i5 outruns FX-6300.
Hyperthreading facilitates the CPU for sure, but physical cores are facts.
Heat Generation
More cores will produce more heat, and its natural.
When the CPU executes all the instructions, it hits the boosted clock speed, producing heat.
More clock speed means more heat.
When all six core work simultaneously, it will generate more temperature than four cores.
So, heat generation is higher in hexa core CPUs.
Heat can cause overheating and that results in a lagin games.
We have explored how heat affects your gaming sessions in a separate article.
Do check it out.
The higher IPC indicates a powerful CPU.
But a multicore CPU with a lower IPC is not a good option to buy.
You wont find IPC in the CPUs spec sheet, but youll notice it in the benchmark.
Modern CPUs come with higher IPC, and thats why four-core-based CPUs have less IPC than a six-core CPU.
We have explored a CPUs IPC in great depth in a separate article.
Integrated graphics vary from gen to gen.
But the latest gen six-core processor will have a better iGPU than its previous gens four or six-core processor.
it’s possible for you to find if your CPU comes with iGPU in another article.
I hope you get all the key differences between 4-core and 6-core CPUs.
Some cores might not work when the CPU is idle because they are in the perked state.
But you could enable all the cores of a CPU if you want to remain active all the time.
Quad Core Vs. 6 Core: Which is Better?
While gaming, all the CPU cores execute tons of data.
Gaming with higher resolutions needs a powerful processor.
Some might think GPU is the main factor for gaming, but its a misconception.
Games likeTotal War: Warhammer 2will run without issues if you have a six-core CPU rather than a four-core.
But older games are playable with lesser-core CPUs.
I have tested i5-9400F by playing the Dalaran Stree race.
More core means more applications can run simultaneously without compromising performance.
you’ve got the option to switch between apps without any stutter or issues.
Essential apps like MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Spotify will only use a single thread.
For these apps, you could go for a four-core CPU.
But if you want to run heavy apps like programming-based software, you must shift to a six-core CPU.
Moving to the six-core CPU for future proofing will open apps faster without issues.
Image editing requires applying multiple layers and effects or exporting that image to a high resolution.
So, you need more cores with high clock speeds for all these.
Rendering videos is a high CPU-intensive work.
A processor with a six-core can render videos faster than a four-core CPU.
3D modeling is a complex task, and it needs lots of processing power of both CPU & GPU.
When you use CAD software, you must prefer a six-core CPU over a four-core.
So, a six-core CPU is a suitable spot for graphics-based work.
Its not just the gamers who need a GPU.
You also need a good GPU to handle your productivity work.
Read our separate article where weve covered this topic in great detail.
Day-to-Day Use
For day-to-day or moderate usage, you could count on a 4-core CPU.
So, I think you should choose a 4-core processor for daily usage with light apps.
I hope you get a clearer picture of which CPU to use, four-core or six-core.
If you want my expert opinion, I suggest going for the higher core count CPUs.
It will ensure future-proofing for both gaming and graphics-related works and so on.
FAQs
Are 6-core CPUs better than 4-core?
But gaming, video rendering, and 3D modeling must need a 6-core CPU.
Is a 4-core CPU enough for daily usage?
Do you need a 4 or 6 cores CPU?
Other than moderate daily usage, it’s possible for you to count on a four-core CPU.
For ensuring high performance, more cores are a blessing.
Thats why games, video rendering, or 3D modeling requires powerful CPUs with more cores.
I have shown all the key differences between a 4-core and a 6-core CPU in this article.
The comparison shows that a 6-core CPU is better in every aspect.
For more CPU-related queries, knock me in the comment box.
See you at the next one.
