5 Best Intel Processors for PC in 2024

By Robin Owens 17 days ago, Hardware

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Affordable and high-quality Intel processors for PC.

best intel processor for pc

Now that Intel’s 10-gen processors have entered the market, picking the best Intel processor for PC became an even harder task than it already was. It’s particularly hard for people that aren’t necessarily tech-savvy and aren’t aware of the recent developments in CPU technology. That said, your choice should still boil down to finding the perfect balance between your budget, the offered performance, and functionality.

Top 5 Best Intel Processors for PC

  1. Intel Core i5-10400 - Our choice
  2. Intel Core i9-10900 - 10 cores
  3. Intel Core i7-10700K - Popular
  4. Intel Core i5-10500 - Affordable
  5. Intel Core i9-10850K - Best for the price

This article strives to review the most noteworthy CPUs Intel has to offer, allowing you to examine the strengths and weaknesses of all leading models to purchase the best Intel processor for PC.

1. Intel Core i5-10400

Our choice
intel core i5-10400 intel processor for pc

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

  • ✚ Top-notch gaming frame rates for a midrange processor
  • ✚ Good thermal performance
  • ✚ 6 cores with HyperThreading
  • No Turbo Boost Max 3 or TVB
  • Motherboards are expensive
Rating

If you are looking for a solid processor for PC, the Intel Core i5-10400 is the one that you need. With intelligent performance that runs quickly in response to demanding jobs, including playing high-definition video and editing pictures, the Intel Core i5 processor allows you to multitask easily with ease. The Intel Core i5 processor also automatically intelligently allocates processing power to the tasks on your PC.

Also it is a great option for you if you want to save money and get fast results. The 6 core Intel Core i5-10400 CPU running at up to 2.90 the speeds gives you excellent computing performance, along with very low voltage for power saving benefits. The integrated HD audio solution with Realtek audio drivers and solid state hard drive gives you excellent sound quality, and the two gigabit Ethernet network controller helps with internet connectivity even with a slow or congested internet connection.

2. Intel Core i9-10900

10 cores
intel core i9-10900 intel processor for pc

Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Base clook: 2.8 GHz | Boost clock: 5.2 GHz

  • ✚ Fastest gaming performance
  • ✚ Strong in both single- and multi-threaded applications
  • ✚ Chipset with upgraded networking
  • High price
Rating

With the Intel Core i9-10900 CPU, you get one of the most powerful processors available. One of the main benefits of this processor is its extremely high performance per wattage. It is four times faster than the old i7-series processors from Intel and ten times faster than the new dual core i7-2500. If you want the most powerful computer, with the highest memory and the fastest processor speeds, then this is the processor for you.

It comes with two years of warranty, so it is backed by a huge customer service wing. It does not feature any type of Turbo speeds. The two gigabit Ethernet connections that it offers help with internet connectivity even with a congested internet connection. It is a great chip for a laptop and this review ends with a recommendation of this particular CPU.

3. Intel Core i7-10700K

Popular
intel core i7-10700k intel processor for pc

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clook: 3.8 GHz | Boost clock: 5.2 GHz

  • ✚ Excellent for gaming
  • ✚ Excellent for multi-tasking and productivity
  • ✚ Superior all-core base speed
  • High power consumption
Rating

Intel Core i7-10700K is a 8-core processor that are made by Intel, and it has 8 physical cores and a 16 thread engine. This processor is good for users that need some extra power from their PC but do not need to go overboard with speed and processing power. This is a great choice for those people.

It also has a Hyperthreading technology, which allows it to run two threads at a time, while increasing the overall speed of the processor. It has four pins for PCI Express connectivity, and two more for USB ports as well. It also has two USB ports, a Firewire port, and an HDMI port, making it one of the most versatile and useful processors on the market.

4. Intel Core i5-10500

Affordable
intel core i5-10500 intel processor for pc

Cores: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base clook: 3.1 GHz | Boost clock: 4.3 GHz

  • ✚ Clocked higher
  • ✚ Has on-chip Intel UHD 630 graphics
  • ✚ Somewhat lower power
  • Uni-processing only
Rating

When you are looking for a processor for PC that will keep your desktop computer going without crashes and lag, then look no further than the Intel Core i5-10500. With intelligent processing that speeds up in response to fast-paced tasks, including playing computer games and editing pictures, the Intel Core i5 processor goes faster even when you don't. With intelligent processing the Intel Core i5 processor can automatically allocate processing power to the application that needs it most.

Whether you are creating HD video, writing music, editing pictures, or playing the latest PC games - you can multitask with ease and be even more productive than before. The Intel Core i5-10500 will not only allow you to multitask effortlessly, but it also has the ability to help you save energy when it comes to power consumption.

5. Intel Core i9-10850K

Best for the price
intel core i9-10850k intel processor for pc

Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Base clook: 3.6 GHz | Boost clock: 5.2 GHz

  • ✚ Packs more CPU cores
  • ✚ Can handle more threads at once
  • ✚ Has higher operating frequency
  • High price
Rating

When the Intel Core i9-10850K CPU was introduced, it marked a significant introduction into the personal computing world. The ten-core processor for pc promises extreme power in a small, sleek design. Whether you're running your latest gaming feature film or your latest episode of a popular YouTube video, the new unlocked Intel Core X-series processor is ready to scale up to your computing needs with ease. Enjoy extreme multi-tasking performance, smooth multitasking, high-speed data storage and memory, and advanced technologies that help you get more done without sacrificing productivity - all designed to deliver you from start to finish faster than ever before.

You can watch high definition video clips, run multiple windows applications simultaneously, edit and publish professional-grade photographs, convert multiple audio files to mp3, and upload and download large digital photo albums all with just a single click of the mouse. The Intel Core i9-10900k processor is designed for speed, precision, reliability, performance, and versatility.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
intel core i5-10400 intel processor for pc
Intel Core i5-10400
Our choice
  • Top-notch gaming frame rates for a midrange processor
  • Good thermal performance
CHECK PRICE
intel core i9-10900 intel processor for pc
Intel Core i9-10900
10 cores
  • Fastest gaming performance
  • Strong in both single- and multi-threaded applications
CHECK PRICE
intel core i7-10700k intel processor for pc
Intel Core i7-10700K
Popular
  • Excellent for gaming
  • Excellent for multi-tasking and productivity
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Intel Processor For PC?

best intel processor for pc

Once you’ve decided to upgrade your processor and familiarized yourself with all possible options, it’s time to follow the steps below to ensure you’re picking the optimal CPU for your needs.

Steps to choose an Intel Processor/CPU for your PC

Step 1: Read more info about Intel CPUs and answer the question of why you want to get one for your PC.

Step 2: Research what a core is and learn how the PC’s performance is altered by increasing the core count.

Step 3: Study the different generations of Intel processors and learn what advantages one generation has over another.

Step 4: Think about your needs. How important is high-end performance to you? Are you looking for the most cost-effective option or are you willing to pay anything it takes for a premium processor?

Step 5: Create a shortlist of suitable CPUs based on the information you’ve learned and your answers.

What Is a Processor?

intel processor for pc

The CPU is the heart of your PC, as it is responsible for processing crucial data and sending out instructions to other hardware components. The speed at which the computer runs software, load times, and multiple other aspects are largely determined by the quality of the processor. You can estimate the performance that will be offered by a specific CPU by examining its bandwidth, clock speed, and core count.

What Is an Intel Core?

A higher core count is essential if you want to increase the processor’s speed, enjoy fantastic multitasking performance, and expanded media capabilities.

Typically, a larger number of cores is an indicator of improved speed when comparing processors of the same type. For instance, an i7 will offer superior performance compared to an i3 CPU. When it comes to comparing generations, newer gens offer more features and better power consumption than their predecessors do.

That said, if all you need is a computer for working with documents and browsing the web, then the i3 is probably the best Intel processor for PC you can buy in terms of value for money.

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