TOP 15 best Intel Core i5 processors: 2024-2025 ranking in terms of price / quality and which one to choose in terms of performance

Intel processors have long established themselves as one of the most reliable on the market.Yes, and their cost has been significantly reduced in recent years.

Wide ranges for different needs, the optimal ratio of performance and cost, focus on the general public - this is what makes the company popular.

But due to the wide range of models, choosing a model is not always easy. How to be?

To make things easier, we've compiled a list of the best Intel Core i5 processors for you. The selection of models was based on consumer feedback, the opinions of experts and enthusiasts.

Rating of the TOP 15 best Intel Core i5 processors 2024-2025

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i5 processors by price/quality for 2024-2025
1	Intel Core i5-10400F	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i5-9400F	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i5-10500	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i5 processors for socket 1200
1	Intel Core i5-10600KF	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i5-10400	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i5-10600	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i5 processors for socket 1150
1	Intel Core i5 4460	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i5 4690K	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i5 5675C	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for sockets 1151
1	Intel Core i5-6600	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i5-7400	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for sockets 1151v2
1	Intel Core i5-9600K	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i5-9400	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for sockets 1155
1	Intel Core i5-3550S	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i5 2400	Ask for a price

How to choose an Intel Core i5 processor?

Processor selection procedure should be based on the following characteristics:

• socket - must necessarily match the motherboard socket up to the version;
• Number of Cores - in 2024-2025, 2 cores are still enough for office systems and undemanding workstations, 4 cores for small and medium businesses, but at least 4 for gaming machines;
• clock frequency - for dual-core devices - at least 2.0 GHz, for multi-core devices - at least 1.7 GHz;
• graphics core – models with integrated graphics are suitable for office machines, home computers and undemanding gaming PCs, but for eSports selections, processors without a video card should be preferred.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i5 processors by price/quality for 2024-2025

Intel Core i5-10400F

A worthy option against the background of previous models - it is less demanding on cooling system, a good air cooler will be enough, it has a lower TDP and operating temperatures, respectively.

It has become a good competitor to AMD's Ryzen series processors.The initial clock frequency is not bad for work tasks, you won’t have to wait for much overclocking due to the locked multiplier, but there is a slight increase in frequency when overclocking the bus.

The increase in productivity will not be more than 3-5%.

Small overclocking is supported by Turbo 2.0 technology. Support for hyperthreading also sets the model apart from the rest.

Available in two steppings - with a polymer interface and a more efficient internal interface, the second option is much less common on the market.

The microarchitecture is not the newest, but despite this, it shows excellent performance both in synthetic tests and in production tasks.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 3600 MHz
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 64 GB.

Intel Core i5-9400F

An excellent ninth generation option for the formation of a gaming machine, shows one of the top places in terms of performance in many modern games.

In tests, there is a slight increase compared to the previous generation, but this is due to a small increase in clock frequency.

There is potential for overclocking to 4.2 GHz through embedded systems and bus overclocking, but the multiplier is locked here.

In terms of price / quality ratio and cost, the processor can easily be called one of the top ones.

Against the background of other options, it does not stand out much, but at the same time it is more productive than the older representatives from AMD's competitor.

It is also attractive for multimedia systems and media machines due to excellent performance in multithreading mode.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 2900 MHz
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 128 GB.

Intel Core i5-10500

A popular model, the popularity of which is provided by good performance speed, performance and at the same time adequate cost.

The 12-thread six-core processor has a good initial clock speed with the ability to overclock to 4.5 GHz even with a locked multiplier.

The microarchitecture of Comet Lake has been slightly improved, cache volume has been added at the third level. There is also the famous Hyper-Threading technology, which improves the response speed in multi-threaded tasks.

Restrictions on power management are removed here, which gives more room for overclockers..

Integrated graphics gives a good clear picture, reduces the overall cost of PC assembly.

However, when choosing external video cards, this moment loses its meaning - the version does not have a modification without a video chipset.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Graphics core: UHD 630, 1150 MHz;
• Clock frequency: 3100 MHz;
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 128 GB.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i5 processors for socket 1200

Intel Core i5-10600KF

Tenth generation without integrated graphics core and unlocked multiplier.

It costs less compared to the version equipped with a video card, but it practically does not differ in performance.

It has low latency when working with the memory subsystem and when communicating between cores, making the processor fast and stable.

Supports hyper-threading technology for load balancing between cores, due to which the performance increase compared to the previous generation was almost 30% in synthetic tests and almost 25% when working with resource-intensive software.

One of the most successful options for working with graphics, audio and video content, creating a multimedia station based on it, especially if you have an advanced video card.

Even with an unlocked multiplier, overclocking is insignificant, it has initially high clock frequencies, so overclocking will not have a special effect on FPS growth.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 4100 MHz
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 128 GB.

Intel Core i5-10400

Unlike older processors, the tenth generation 400th model is less voracious in terms of in relation to energy consumption and less demanding on cooling.

A full-fledged competitor to Ryzen from AMD, both in terms of performance and cost.

The original clock speed is not very high performance, but it has an overclock to 4.3 GHz, supported by Turbo 2.0 technology. Added support for Hyper-Threading, which makes the processor more interesting.

The model is available in two versions: with a stepped semiconductor crystal Q0 and G1.

Q0 is characterized by low operating temperatures due to the fact that an efficient internal thermal interface is used. The second option uses an internal polymer interface.

Despite the Skylake architecture, which is already considered old by the standards of 2020, the processor shows better data in tests even compared to previously released older processors of the same series.

The increase in productivity does not lead to a sharp increase in the cost of acquiring a model.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 3600 MHz
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 64 GB.

Intel Core i5-10600

The processor, built on the Comet Lake-S core, has a high initial clock speed, so it doesn't even need to be overclocked.

The model will not give outstanding overclocking records, but with certain operations it can accelerate by 9%.

Additional processing threads and Hyper-Threading technology speed up the processor, but this significantly increases heat dissipation, so the processor requires high-quality liquid cooling.

At the same time, the processor in practice is characterized by a moderate level of power consumption and sufficient energy efficiency..

It shows good performance in games, stable operation is guaranteed outside of stress tests, and even under test conditions and under high loads it can become an interesting model for both gamers and overclocking enthusiasts.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Graphics core: UHD 630, 1200 MHz;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 4100 MHz
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 128 GB.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i5 processors for socket 1150

Intel Core i5 4460

The fourth generation processor is optimal for office systems and home desktop PCs, performs well when using undemanding applications for processing digital content.

Powered by Haswell microarchitecture, manufacturing process is 22 nm. The core provides many advantages over the third generation, even while maintaining similar clock speeds.

However, there is no fundamental increase in performance in tests, the updated processor is only slightly faster than the third generation..

Gaming performance is average here - the processor can handle games until 2016-2017 without any problems, but with newer projects it works much worse. Low gaming performance here is also associated with an unoptimized graphics core.

The lack of Hyper-Threading technology greatly affects the performance of the latest games.

However, a significant advantage of the new architecture is extremely low heat dissipation and power consumption - a medium-capacity air cooler will be enough for cooling.

The weak point of the new microarchitecture is overclocking.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 4;
• Graphics core: HD Graphics 4600, 1200 MHz;
• Clock frequency: 3400 MHz;
• Memory: DDR3, DDR3L 2666 MHz, 32 GB.

Intel Core i5 4690K

The processor based on the Haswell microarchitecture has been improved both in terms of frequency and physical points of view.

The latest polymer thermal interface provides a faster heat transfer rate, which guarantees more potential not only for overclocking, but also for saving on the cooling system.

The power supply circuit has also been updated, but it still runs on the 22nm process.

An increase in frequencies during overclocking is possible up to 4.6 GHz, while cooling in the form of a classic cooler is allowed.

Also, the model wins in performance due to higher response rates, performance in games until 2018 release, the possibility of manual optimization of parameters, which significantly affects performance.

The price of the model is also quite reasonable, so when building a desktop PC, this processor can be suitable for a medium power system.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 4;
• Graphics core: Intel® HD Graphics 4600, 1.2 GHz;
• Clock frequency: 3500 MHz;
• Memory: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600 MHz, 32 GB.

Intel Core i5 5675C

Broadwell microarchitecture processor working with motherboard chipsets Z97 and H97 chipsets.

No significant changes were found compared to older models, however, the model is interesting in its own way for work machines and standard home computers. In the graphics sector, the processor has become revolutionary because it is equipped with a decent video core.

The GPU has been completely redesigned, the amount of control logic has increased, the capacity of the dispatcher has increased, a new video decoder has appeared.

A compromise between overclocking requests, low frequencies and fast graphics.

It is unique in that it works great with resource-intensive applications and does not take up much space - an excellent solution for compact cases.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Graphics core: Iris Pro Graphics 6200;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 3100 MHz;
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 64 GB.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for sockets 1151

Intel Core i5-6600

The processor was released in July 2015, but is still relevant in 2024-2025. Designed for desktop personal computers. Made on the Skylake microarchitecture.

There are no opportunities for overclocking, but there is a slight overclocking by the built-in system up to 3.9 GHz. There is support for several types of memory with different frequencies.

Integrated graphics are best suited for light gaming projects, but games with modern requirements will run significantly slower.

However, it works well in 2018 projects. The processor supports Turbo Boost technologies, temperature monitoring, advanced Intel SpeedStep technologies.

Graphics core supports 4K resolution and screen resolution up to 4096x2304 @ 60GHz.

Ideal for work or school/student computers.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 4;
• Graphics core: HD Graphics 530, 1150 MHz;
• Clock frequency: 3300 MHz;
• Memory: DDR3L/DDR4 1333/1600/1866/2133MHz, 64GB.

Intel Core i5-7400

The update deserves attention for gamers due to the high resources of the graphics core and performance in many current games.

The gain is also noticeable when working with videos, processing photos, illustrations, and in general with any multitasking.

One of the most worthy processors on the Kaby Lake microarchitecture.

Rated clock frequency is not high, dynamic can increase up to 3.5 GHz.

Despite this, it bypasses many high-frequency drivers both in synthetic tests and in everyday applications and games.

Well-implemented graphics core resources.

A good basis for a power efficient gaming PC or home work system with a comfortable level of multitasking performance, especially if overclocking experiments are not planned.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Graphics core: HD Graphics 630, 1000 MHz;
• Cores: 4;
• Clock frequency: 3000 MHz;
• Memory: DDR3L, DDR4 1333/1600/2133/2400MHz, 64GB.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for sockets 1151v2

Intel Core i5-9600K

The third member of the Coffee Lake Refresh family has an improved thermal interface and crystal, similar to older models.

The processor upgrade was intended to solve hardware problems with software fixes. The model has a high initial clock frequency and good overclocking.

According to tests, the processor performs slightly better than previous models, but lags far behind the i7 representatives.

At the same time, power consumption is noticeably lower, but exceeds that of previous generations.

Its energy efficiency isn't brilliant either, it was a clear step backwards, but that could be due to the fight against vulnerabilities at the hardware level.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Graphics core: UHD 630, 1150 MHz;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 64 GB.

Intel Core i5-9400

2019 model is for standard home computers. Based on architecture of Coffee Lake, created using the 14 nm process technology.

In standard mode, it gives low clock speeds, the multiplier is locked, but there is a hardware increase to 4.2 GHz.

It does not give the best FPS on modern games, but older projects with worse optimization will not give a significant drop in frame rate.

The graphics core here is quite good, and in general, the model becomes a good choice for a budget gaming build, which in general will cope with games up to 2017-2018.

But for digital content, it is far from the best choice, especially for broadcasting a walkthrough or working with video.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Graphics core: UHD 630, 1050 MHz;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 2900 MHz;
• Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 64 GB.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for sockets 1155

Intel Core i5-3550S

The model was released in April 2012, and its relevance is already fading away. However, for workers or school / student PCs that do not require high gaming performance, this option will be very acceptable.

The model is rather weak in terms of overclocking, the processor is blocked for overclocking due to the multiplier.

Manufactured in 22 nm process technology. The integrated graphics card handles games released before 2015 and modern, undemanding indies well, but global heavy games will notice a significant drop in FPS.

New type of transistor provides fast response and low power consumption combined with low heat dissipation.

Another positive feature is compatibility with LGA 1155 motherboards, but only after a BIOS update.

There is enough processor power for all office tasks and simple software for creating and processing graphic content.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 4;
• Graphics core: HD Graphics 2500, 1150 MHz;
• Clock frequency: 3000 MHz;
• Memory: DDR43 1333/1600 MHz, 32 GB.

Intel Core i5 2400

Provides excellent performance and responsiveness among the models of its price range, able to satisfy gaming needs for lovers of the good old games, but in more current projects - not the best solution.

Sufficient for multimedia systems.It has practically no alternatives from competitors, since even its six-core ones do not provide such performance as this option.

In addition, a processor based on the Sandy Bridge architecture has other advantages: greater energy efficiency, the use of an extended set of AES and AVX instructions, which significantly speed up encryption and vector operations.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock frequency: 3100 MHz;
• Memory: DDR3 1066/1333 MHz, 64 GB.

Customer Reviews

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