12 best i5 processors

  • Cores and Threads: Core i5 processors come in various configurations, including dual-core, quad-core, and, in some cases, hexa-core (6 cores). They also support multi-threading technology, which allows each physical core to handle multiple threads simultaneously. This feature improves multitasking performance.

  • Clock Speed: Core i5 processors have clock speeds that vary depending on the specific model and generation. They often have a base clock speed and a Turbo Boost frequency that allows them to temporarily increase performance for demanding tasks.

  • Cache: These processors typically come with a certain amount of cache memory (L3 cache) that helps improve data access speeds, enhancing overall performance.

  • Graphics: Some Intel Core i5 processors include integrated graphics, denoted by the "Intel HD Graphics" or "Intel Iris Graphics" branding. These integrated GPUs are suitable for everyday graphics tasks and some light gaming, but for more demanding gaming and graphics workloads, a dedicated graphics card is usually recommended.

  • TDP (Thermal Design Power): Core i5 processors have varying power consumption levels, with TDP values ranging from 15 watts for ultrabook processors to 65 watts for desktop models. Lower TDP chips are typically found in laptops for better battery life.

  • Socket Compatibility: The socket type for Core i5 processors may vary by generation. It's important to ensure that the motherboard you plan to use is compatible with the specific Core i5 CPU you intend to install.

  • Overclocking: Some Core i5 processors, particularly those with a "K" suffix (e.g., i5-8600K), are unlocked and can be overclocked to achieve higher clock speeds for improved performance.Overclocking, however, may require a compatible motherboard and adequate cooling.

  • Generations: Intel regularly releases new generations of Core i5 processors, each offering incremental improvements in performance and power efficiency. It's essential to consider the specific generation when purchasing a Core i5 CPU.

  • Use Cases: Core i5 processors are suitable for a broad range of tasks, including web browsing, office work, media consumption, and moderate gaming. They provide a good balance of performance for everyday computing needs.

  • Please note that processor technology evolves, and new generations of Core i5 processors may have been released since my last update. It's advisable to check the latest specifications and reviews when considering a specific CPU for your computer build or upgrade.

    Below you can find our editor's choice of the best i5 processors on the market
      

    Intel Core i5-10400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.3 GHz  LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series Chipset) 65W, Model Number: BX8070110400

    Intel

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    10th Gen Intel Core i5-10400 desktop processor optimized for gaming, creating, and productivity. Cooler included in the box. ONLY compatible with 400 series chipset based motherboard. 65W.

    • 6 Cores / 12 Threads
    • Socket type LGA 1200
    • Up to 4. 3 GHz
    • Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
    • Intel Optane Memory support
    • Cooler included

    User questions & answers

    Question: Why do they include a boost clock If you can't overclock it
    Answer: Because locked processors do boost up to the max boost frequency. Overclocking is completely different from boosting, which is what the unlocked chips are for. When you overclock you can set an all-core frequency equal to or greater than the max boost frequency. The max boost clock is usually only on one or two cores as well, it's not an all-core boost. The boosted speeds you personally see are also controlled by an algorithm and it's based on temperatures, power delivery, silicon lottery, etc, whereas with overclocking you manually control speeds and voltages.
    Question: can I use this with the prime z270-p 5X protection 3 motherboard
    Answer: Z270 chipset is 200 series. This CPU requires a motherboard with 400 series chipset, and I believe the required CPU socket is also different.
    Question: does this model have onboard graphics
    Answer: Yes it does. Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Question: Is this worth the upgrade from an i5 9400, or is it a minimal pointless upgrade
    Answer: It's about 30-40% faster in applications or tasks that actually utilize hyperthreading well. Otherwise it's only 15-20% faster overall. Whether that's worth the cost of a new motherboard and this CPU, that's up to you.

    Product features

    Legal Stuff

    Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores 2. 90 GHz up to 4. 10 GHz Turbo LGA1151 300 Series 65W Processors BX80684I59400

    Intel

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Specifications Mfr Part Number: BX80684I59400 Model: Intel Core i5-9400 Processor Core Name: Coffee Lake Core Count: 6 Thread Count: 6 Clock Speed: 2. 9GHz Max Turbo Frequency: 4. 1GHz Smart Cache: 9 MB DMI3: 8. 0 GT/s Lithography: 14nm Socket: LGA 1151 Max Thermal Design Power: 65W Memory Type: DDR4-2666 Max Memory Bandwidth: 41. 6 GB/s Processor Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 Graphics Base Frequency: 350 MHz Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency: 1. 05 GHz Max CPU Configuration: 1 Advanced Technologies: Intel Optane Memory Supported Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2. 0 Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT) Intel 64 Instruction Set 64-bit Instruction Set Extensions SSE4. 1/4. 2, AVX2 Idle States Enhanced Intel Speed Step Technology Thermal Monitoring Technologies Intel Identity Protection Technology Intel AES New Instructions Secure Key Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) with Intel ME Intel Memory Protection Extensions (Intel MPX) Intel OS Guard Execute Disable Bit Intel Boot Guard. Maximum Operating temperature 100 Degrees Celsius.

    • 6 Cores/ 6 Threads
    • 2. 90 GHz up to 4. 10 GHz Max Turbo Frequency/ 9 MB cache
    • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series chipsets
    • Processor Graphics - Intel UHD Graphics 630
    • Intel Optane Memory supported
    • Note: 2.9 GHz is a base frequency whereas 4.1GHz is a Max turbo frequency

    User questions & answers

    Question: Product description says "discrete gpu required - no integrated graphics". i thought the i5-9400 had a gpu. am i incorrect? this is not a i5-9400f
    Answer: The chip I was shipped is an I5-9400 which has the 630GPU. I think that is a mistake in the description because the product title says it is a i5-9400 not an i5-9400f. With an "F" on the end, it would not have the graphics.
    Question: Can you still use another graphics card
    Answer: Yes you can use a graphics card. Just be sure to plug your monitor into the graphics card and not the motherboard.
    Question: Ad says "discrete gpu required. processor graphics - intel uhd graphics 630" which one is it
    Answer: I don’t know why both are listed. That is odd but I think this has uhd graphics. I do know that any intel processor with an “F” suffix needs discreet graphics. It saves some money on the cpu if you plan to use a graphics card anyway. The onboard graphics ports on the motherboard won’t work with an “F” processor though. This article tells what the designations are. It may be helpful. At least scroll down to the chart. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/processor-numbers.html
    Question: this good product???? please repply
    Answer: This good product

    Intel Core i5-9400F Desktop Processor 6 Cores 4.1 GHz Turbo Without Graphics

    Intel

    Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    9th Gen Intel Core i5-9400f desktop processor without processor graphics. Features Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and offers powerful performance for mainstream gaming and creating. Discrete graphics required. Thermal solution included in the box. Only compatible with 300 Series chipset based motherboard. 65W. ddr4_sdram

    • 6 Cores/ 6 Threads
    • 2.90 GHz up to 4.10 GHz Max Turbo Frequency/ 9 MB cache, Bus Speed: 8 GT/s DMI3
    • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets: Intel B360 Chipset, Intel H370 Chipset, Intel H310 Chipset, Intel Q370 Chipset, Intel Z390 Chipset, Intel Z370 Chipset
    • Discrete GPU required No integrated graphics. Max Memory bandwidth - 41.6 GB/s. Max Memory Channels - 2
    • Intel Optane Memory supported

    User questions & answers

    Question: does this support all ddr4 memory or only 2666mhz
    Answer: " that memory will then underclock itself to to 2666mhz" That is not accurate at all. 2666Mhz is the officially supported memory speed by the CPU any compatible memory kit rated higher will need to be overclocked. A compatible motherboard with the ability to apply an XMP profile will overlock the RAM to it's rated speed.
    Question: Is this for the 1151 socket
    Answer: Besides requiring a LGA 1151 socket and a 300 series chipset the motherboard must also support 9th generation processors. Most current LGA 1151 motherboards only support up to 8th generation processors so be sure to know what your motherboard supports prior to purchasing.
    Question: Does this come with an intel boxed cpu cooler? or are we expected to provide our own
    Answer: Comes with cooler.
    Question: What do you mean by "No Processor Graphics
    Answer: As denoted by the "F" suffix in its name, the Intel Core i5-9400F belongs to a new breed of processors that come with a disabled iGPU (Integrated Graphics Processing Unit). Therefore, you'll need to pair the processor with a discrete graphics card.

    Intel Core i5-9600K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.6 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W

    Intel

    Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Specifications Mfr Part Number: BX80684I59600K model: Intel Core i5-9600k processor Core name: coffee Lake Core count: 6 thread count: 6 clock speed: 3.7 GHz max Turbo Frequency: 4.6 GHz Smart Cache: 9 MB DMI3: 8.0 gt/s lithography: 14 nm socket: LGA 1151 Max thermal design Power: 95 W memory Type: DDR4-2666 processor graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics base frequency: 350 MHz graphics Max dynamic frequency: 1.15 GHz max CPU configuration: 1 advanced technologies: Intel Optane Memory Supported Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology Intel vPro platform technology Intel virtualization technology (VT-x) Intel virtualization technology for directed I/O (vt-d) Intel tsx-ni Intel 64 instruction set 64-bit instruction set extensions - Intel SSE4.1, Intel‚ SSE4.2, Intel‚ Avx2 idle States enhanced Intel speed step technology thermal monitoring technologies Intel identity protection technology Intel stable image platform program (SIPP) Intel AES new instructions secure Key Intel software Guard extensions (Intel SGX) Intel memory protection extensions (Intel MPX) Intel OS Guard Intel trusted execution technology execute disable bit Intel boot Guard. Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4) = 4096x2304@24Hz; Max resolution (DP) = 4096x2304@60Hz; Max resolution (eDP - Integrated Flat Panel) = 4096x2304@60Hz.

    • 6 Cores / 6 Threads
    • 3.70 GHz up to 4.60 GHz / 9 MB Cache
    • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
    • Intel Optane Memory Supported
    • Intel UHD Graphics 630

    User questions & answers

    Question: Is this good for streaming
    Answer: This chip will handle anything u can throw at it.
    Question: If I put the i5 9600k in a B360 motherboard, would it work if I don't use the overclock
    Answer: You'd need a Z series motherboard to overclock easily. Otherwise it's a bit difficult.
    Question: So my cpu did not come with the box shown in the picture. Is it supposed to come with just bubble wrap and the cpu in plastic thing
    Answer: 3rd party vendors often do NOT explain if you're getting a new sealed un-opened CPU, or a refurb, or a used CPU. There is no one policing any real malicious behavior of 3rd party vendors. Or these things would not happen. Such as paying full retail or higher like ticket scalping. Or mis-representation on products. If you don't know the vendor, wait for amazon to stock the product, and always wait for amazon on items with a huge demand, as 3rd party vendors should have zero reason to have cheaper mass marketed products over a larger, well established, and reputable company. There's no plausible reason a small 3rd party vendor should have better pricing. Period.
    Question: Does this come with a fan
    Answer: all Intel K Cpu come with Cpu only no heatsink and fan

    Intel Core i5-10400F Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.3 GHz Without Processor Graphics LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series chipset) 65W, Model Number: BX8070110400F

    Intel

    Based on 196 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    10th Gen Intel Core i5-10400F desktop processor without processor graphics. Optimized for gaming, creating, and productivity. Discrete graphics required. Cooler included in the box. ONLY compatible with 400 series chipset based motherboard. 65W.

    • 6 cores / 12 threads
    • Socket Type LGA 1200
    • Up to 4.3 GHz
    • Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
    • Intel Optane Memory Support
    • Cooler Included

    User questions & answers

    Question: con respecto a la pregunta anterior, mi placa es un msi mATX. Pero mi pregunta es si puedo meterle un gabinete atx convencional? algo de oficina
    Answer: Si puedes pero a una torre, no la versión de gabinete plano de oficina, atx es el porte normal, tu placa es micro atx? Si es así sobra espacio, y si media tambien
    Question: Viene con el disipador
    Answer: Si
    Question: Is it better than the i3 for the price
    Answer: It's much better at multi-core tasks and comparable at single-core tasks, depending on which i3. Even the fastest i3 which sells for more benches only slightly faster single core.
    Question: Does it come with thermal paste
    Answer: yes. including cooling fan

    Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.8 GHz Unlocked  LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series Chipset) 125W

    Intel

    Based on 494 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    10th Gen Intel Core i5-10600K unlocked desktop processor. Unlocked 10th Gen Intel Core desktop processors are optimized for productivity, gaming, and overclocking. Thermal solution NOT included in the box. ONLY compatible with 400 series chipset based motherboard. 125W.

    • 6 Cores / 12 Threads
    • Socket Type LGA 1200
    • Up to 4. 8 GHz Unlocked
    • Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
    • Intel Optane Memory Support

    User questions & answers

    Question: Does it come with a cooling fan
    Answer: No, it doesnt. But it being a overclockable K model you wouldnt want theirs. You would want a high performance air cooler or go liquid cooled I run liquid and o/c to 4.6gh and boost to 4.8 running cool max temp of 62°c average temp 45° and idle 30°.
    Question: Is this a better buy than amd r9 3900x cpu for gaming (e.g. microsoft flight simulator
    Answer: For most games it is better, but the new Ryzen 5000 series are better than the 10th gen intel parts at gaming.
    Question: Can it run VR
    Answer: Yes, I run an i5-10600k with RTX 2060 6GB card with an Oculus Rift S, works great
    Question: what is the difference between this cpu and the tray only cpu
    Answer: 100% same processor packaged differently. one for retail store and other for distribution channel

    Intel Core i5-3470 Quad-Core Processor 3.2 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53470 (Renewed)

    Intel

    Based on 109 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Intel I5-3470 3.2Ghz Processor

    • INTEL
    • Operating system, other

    User questions & answers

    Question: Does it come with cooler
    Answer: It isnt advertised as including a cooler. So no.
    Question: It does come with fan cooler
    Answer: No
    Question: Is this a 3rd gen
    Answer: Yes, all Intel Core 3-5-7-9 CPU use the # in the 4 following Digets to ID the Generation of the Chip. I.E. Core I3-2222 = 2nd Gen, I5-3333, 3rd, I7-4444 is $th Gen and so forth!
    Question: Does this come with the CPU cooler as well
    Answer: No. As a matter of fact it did not Evan come in a box.

    Intel Core i5-8400 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.0 GHz LGA 1151 300 Series 65W

    Intel

    Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Intel Core i5-8400 Processor (9M Cache, up to 2.80 GHz)

    • Intel UHD Graphics 630
    • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
    • 6 Cores / 12 Threads
    • 2.80 GHz up to 4.00 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 9 MB Cache
    • Intel Optane Memory Supported

    User questions & answers

    Question: Is this socket
    Answer: Sort of. It’s 1151, but isn’t compatible with previous generation 1151 socketed motherboards.
    Question: Would this be worth it if just starting a pc build
    Answer: Yes this would be a great CPU for any build and the fact it's 6 core unlike the previous model. It's not a K processor and not overclockable but a great start with Turbo on it will go 4 Ghz which is fine for pretty much anything you may need.
    Question: Will this processor work with a msi ms-7721 motherboard with a fm2+ socket
    Answer: No yet Core i5 8400 support intel motherboard only with socket 1151 with 8gen onley
    Question: Does the i5-8400 come with stock cooler/fan
    Answer: Yes it does. Confusingly, the box only says "thermal solution" as part of the contents list. But there is in fact one of those small standard fan/cooler things.

    Intel BX80662I56600K Core i5 6600K 3.50 GHz Quad Core Skylake Desktop Processor, Socket LGA 1151, 6MB Cache

    Intel

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Intel i5-6600k quad-core (4 core) 3.50 Ghz processor - socket h4 lga-1151. The product is made in United States of America.

    • Unlocked processor
    • Ddr4 & ddr3l support
    • Display resolution up to 4096x2304

    User questions & answers

    Question: If i have an i5 6600k in a motherboard, can i swap it out for an i7 6700k later
    Answer: maybe look up the specs on your motherboard and make sure it can use the i7. your motherboard should have markings on the top of it that will allow you to identify it
    Question: What does it come with
    Answer: It comes with just the processor, the manual, and instructions for installation. Thats about it
    Question: Does it come with a sticker
    Answer: Yes it comes on tbe indtruction book
    Question: Does it come with a stock cooler
    Answer: None of intel's overclockable processors come with a stock cooler.

    Intel Core i5-10500 Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.5 GHz LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series chipset) 65W, Model Number: BX8070110500

    Intel

    Based on 65 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    10th Gen Intel Core i5-10500 desktop processor optimized for gaming, creating, and productivity. Cooler included in the box. ONLY compatible with 400 series chipset based motherboard. 65W.

    • 6 Cores / 12 Threads
    • Socket Type LGA 1200
    • Up to 4.5 GHz
    • Compatible with Intel 400 series chipset based motherboards
    • Intel Optane Memory Support
    • Cooler Included

    User questions & answers

    Question: Will this work on a - cpu socket:lga1200 and chipset: intel b460 board
    Answer: Yes. I'm using a Gigabyte B460 Aorus Pro motherboard with it.
    Question: Does the fan has thermal paste applied to it already? I know some of them come with some paste applied to it
    Answer: Yes, the Intel stock fan that comes in the box with the CPU usually has some thermal material on it. However, the stock fan is not a great long term cooling solution if the CPU will be used in any kind of intensive manner regularly.

    Intel BX80677I57400 7th Gen Core Desktop Processors

    Intel

    Based on 747 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Are you amazed by the things you can do with your computer? . If you bought your computer more than a handful of years ago, you're missing more than you know - uncompromised gaming, while you stream, chat and share with your community - stunning visuals of 4K HDR premium content - transport into a great VR experience. With premium performance and new & enhanced features, a desktop computer based on an 7th Gen Intel Core processor is always ready for real-life productivity, creativity and entertainment. With a range of smart, stylish designs and sizes, there is a 7th Gen Intel Core Desktop powered computer to fit a wide range of budgets and needs. Maximum Temperature 100 Degree Celsius .

    • Socket LGA 1151
    • Intel 200/1001 Series Chipset Compatibility (1. Excludes Intel Octane Technology support)
    • Intel HD Graphics 630
    • Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology
    • Cooling Device: Heatsink and fan included

    User questions & answers

    Question: Can you overclock this baby
    Answer: To an extent, but not as much as if it were unlocked
    Question: Does this come with a heat sink and thermal paste
    Answer: Yes
    Question: Does this CPU support the b150m chipset motherboards
    Answer: If your motherboard has a BIOS update to support 7th gen CPU. Yes it will run
    Question: How fast gig
    Answer: He right. Fast gig

    AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler - YD2600BBAFBOX

    AMD

    Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler. Base clock 3.4 GHz.

    • System ram type: DDR4_sdram

    User questions & answers

    Question: What is the max overclock for this cpu but with the stock cooler
    Answer: My opinion is that stock coolers are for stock settings. Do yourself a favor and spend a little for a better cooler if you plan on overclocking. I would personally purchase a CoolerMaster 212 for $30 bucks if I were to overclock the 2600.
    Question: Will this work with https://www.amazon.com/msi-z370-gaming-pro-carbon/dp/b075gvjggp/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=utf8&qid=1529893942&sr=1-1&keywords=ms
    Answer: No... you want the x370 for amd. z370 is intel
    Question: does the cooler that comes with the processor also come with thermal paste
    Answer: I don't have this exact processor, but I've installed 3 Ryzen processors with similar heat sinks and they all came with generously applied thermal paste that looks high quality (Artic Silver like). It is not a crappy almost rubber type thermal pad. You won't need to replace it unless you really messed up.
    Question: Which motherboard can I get to use this cpu without upgrade the bios
    Answer: I just built a PC with the ASUS TUFF B450-Plus gaming Motherboard and everything worked right out of the box without updating the BIOS. I used the Ryzen 5 2600 Processer also.

    Product features

    For people who care about the way their PCs run, sound and look.

    We’ve designed our newest coolers to deliver near-silent operation, bolstered with capable thermal hardware – with no increase in pricing when these coolers are packaged with existing processors – for a tremendous value.

    Why Buy the AMD Ryzen 5 2600?

    Multiprocessing Performance for Gamers and Creators.

    Everyone deserves a powerful processor. Uncompromising features and smooth performance are finally the standard for every gamer and artist.

    With AMD Ryzen!

    The world’s elite esports gamers have uncompromising standards for the processors and graphics cards that power their gear. AMD provides the tools these top-tier teams and players need to compete with confidence against the best.

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