5 Best i5 Processors in 2024

By Robin Owens 21 days ago, Hardware

Affordable and high-quality i5 processors.

best i5 processors

Intel Core i5 CPUs are known for their reliability and powerful performance, which makes them the most sought-after processors released by this brand. The series includes many CPUs from different generations so you will find the best i5 processor for your budget without any difficulty. These CPUs are designed to run both basic and heavy software.

Top 5 Best i5 Processors

  1. Intel Core i5-10600K - Our Choice
  2. Intel Core i5-10400 - For gaming
  3. Intel Core i5-10500 - Latest
  4. Intel Core i5-9400 - Fastest
  5. Intel Core i5-9500 - For desktop

In this article, we will do a thorough comparison of the best i5 CPUs available today and list their pros and cons.

1. Intel Core i5-10600K

Our Choice
intel core i5-10600k i5 processors

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clook: 4.1 GHz | Boost clock: 4.8 GHz

  • ✚ Top-notch gaming frame rates for a midrange processor
  • ✚ Respectable thermals
  • ✚ Hyper-Threading reinstated on this generation of Core i5
  • High price
Rating

With intelligent processing that speeds up in response to varied demanding tasks, including playing computer games and editing digital photos, the Intel Core i5-10600K processor is faster when you need it. You can easily multi-task with ease and become more productive than ever with this processor.

The Intel Core i5-10600K processor helps your applications and programs run faster without freezing, crashing, or showing error messages. It is designed to help satisfy demanding demands of your operating system, which is why it supports the latest Windows 7 operating systems. This processor is a great addition to any notebook or desktop, whether you use it for business or pleasure.

2. Intel Core i5-10400

For gaming
intel core i5-10400 i5 processors

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clook: 2.9 GHz | Boost clock: 4.3 GHz

  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ 10MB of dedicated memory
  • None
Rating

When looking at the Intel Core i5-10400, you are looking at one of the best and most efficient processors available on the market today. The biggest benefit that you are going to find in the Intel Core i5-10400 processor is the fact that it is made using the new third generation of Intel microprocessor architecture. The new architecture is known as uncore memory supported overclocking.

This is a great processor for anyone who needs high performance with their work or entertainment-oriented applications, but at a good price to boot. However, the real star of this processor is the 10MB of dedicated memory that it supports. You will also find that the Intel Core i5-10400 comes with three separate cores, but only the higher core is utilized in each of the tested samples. It should be noted that these individual cores will not be as powerful as the shared one, but they will certainly help to increase the overall speed of your processor.

3. Intel Core i5-10500

Latest
intel core i5-10500 i5 processors

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clook: 3.1 GHz | Boost clock: 4.5 GHz

  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • ✚ High perfomance
  • High price
Rating

With intelligent processing that accelerates instantly in response to demanding applications, including playing high definition videos and editing pictures, the Intel Core i5-10500 processor allows you to multi-task with unprecedented ease. Simply put - when you need to multi-task, the Intel Core i5 processor does all the work for you, automatically. Whether you are making HD video, writing digital text, editing pictures, or playing some of the latest PC games - with the Intel Core i5 processor at your side, you can multi-task with ease and become more productive than ever before.

The Intel Core i5-10500 processor is built on the latest microprocessor technology and incorporates six high-performance Intel Processor Piledriver CPU cores along with dual band GSM/GPRS / WiFi support and the latest Intel Core i5-equipped motherboard that support the latest Intel Atom platform. This processor runs on a very advanced Intel Scalable Fabric Network technology and is one of the most feature rich desktop processors available today.

4. Intel Core i5-9400

Fastest
intel core i5-9400 i5 processors

Cores: 6 | Threads: 6 | Base clook: 2.9 GHz | Boost clock: 4.1 GHz

  • ✚ Leading game performance
  • ✚ Powerful
  • ✚ Reliable
  • Disabled graphics
Rating

The new Intel Core i5-9400 processor is designed to be an ideal choice for laptop users who demand high performance in terms of speed, power, reliability and endurance. With the latest integrated memory and processor technologies you can enjoy increased system performance, extreme voltage range and extended battery life.

With the incredible power and capability of Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 you can now spend more of your time performing the tasks you love, yet fewer hours waiting while others do it for you. Create, edit, share and power up 4K videos with supreme clarity, and enjoy all-round immersive, high-definition and 360-degree experiences with incredible speed and performance.

5. Intel Core i5-9500

For desktop
intel core i5-9500 i5 processors

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clook: 3.0 GHz | Boost clock: 4.4 GHz

  • ✚ Excellent for gaming
  • ✚ Two modes of operation
  • ✚ Thermal cooling technology
  • High price
Rating

If you are thinking of buying a new processor, look into the Intel Core i5-9500. With intelligent processing that accelerates performance in response to changing demanding tasks, including playing computer games, editing pictures and performing HD video - the Intel Core i5 processor gets faster the faster you do it.

This Intel Core i5-9500 processor comes with two modes of operation, an automatic over-clocking mode for those who want to use the processor without getting the additional heat generated by the hyperthreading option; and a thermal mode which allow the processor to cool itself using air. The thermal cooling technology inside these processors helps to keep the processor cool even during heated operation. With an Intel Core i5-9500, your processor does not need a heat sink or fans to speed up the cooling process, making it more energy efficient, and enabling the processor to run at the same temperature for longer.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
intel core i5-10600k i5 processors
Intel Core i5-10600K
Our Choice
  • Top-notch gaming frame rates for a midrange processor
  • Respectable thermals
CHECK PRICE
intel core i5-10400 i5 processors
Intel Core i5-10400
For gaming
  • High perfomance
  • 10MB of dedicated memory
CHECK PRICE
intel core i5-10500 i5 processors
Intel Core i5-10500
Latest
  • Multifunctional
  • High perfomance
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the i5 Processors?

best i5 processors

AMD Has Overtaken Intel (in Some Respects)

Nowadays, AMD processors are believed to be a great value for money since they are fitted with integrated coolers and have multiple cores and threads. However, if you prioritize gaming, you should opt for Intel CPUs since they cope better with a 1080p resolution due to their higher clock speed. The best i5 processor will be a perfect solution for anyone keen on video editing. Those who don’t concern themselves with gaming might be better off with an AMD CPU as such processors have more cores and deliver better performance. You can find an AMD processor for any budget. Besides, the most recent chips support PCIe 4.0, which makes them worth every penny.

AMD or Intel: Which Should You Get?

i5 processors

Before 2017, AMD processors were believed to be inferior in performance to Intel CPUs. However, thanks to Ryzen / Threadripper chips, the company has closed the gap, and after the release of a Ryzen 3000 processor, it has clearly gained an upper hand. AMD CPUs are fully secure and can handle a heavy workload. While some users since long ago have become loyal supporters of either of these two brands, make sure to keep your mind open as both manufacturers might surprise you with the newest releases.

Intel is a clear market leader when it comes to 1080p gaming. If you have a high-end monitor and want to make the most out of your GPU, you need to find the best i5 processor for your gaming rig. However, don’t discount AMD CPUs too quickly since they are based on the latest Zen2 architecture and have more cores and threads, which makes them a perfect option for pro-level video editors.

What Generation CPU Do You Need?

Every year, Intel and AMD release models based on the newest architecture. If you want to purchase one of the most recent processors from Intel, take a closer look at the 10th Gen Core i5-10600K and a more expensive Core i9 10900K. As for AMD processors, you can’t do wrong with either of the CPUs from the Ryzen 3000 series. To discover what generation your processor is, pay attention to the first digit of its number. For instance, a Core i7-8400 is an 8th Generation processor.

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