Top 15 best Intel Core i5 processors: price/performance ranking 2021-2022 and pick the one that best suits your needs

Intel processors have long established themselves as some of the most reliable processors on the market. And their cost has been decreasing significantly lately.

A wide range of models for different needs, an optimal ratio of performance to cost, a focus on the general public - that's what makes the company popular.

But because of the wide range of models it is not always easy to choose a model. What to do?

To simplify the task, we have compiled for you the rating of the best Intel Core i5 processors. The selection of models was based on consumer reviews, the opinion of experts and enthusiasts.

Top 15 Best Intel Core i5 Processors 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
Top 3 best Intel Core i5 processors by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Intel Core i5-10400F	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5-9400F	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i5-10500	Find out the price
Top 3 best Intel Core i5 processors for socket 1200
1	Intel Core i5-10600KF	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5-10400	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i5-10600	Find out the price
Top 3 best Intel Core i5 processors for 1150 socket
1	Intel Core i5 4460	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5 4690K	Learn the price
3	Intel Core i5 5675C	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for 1151 socket
1	Intel Core i5-6600	Learn the price
2	Intel Core i5-7400	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for 1151v2 sockets
1	Intel Core i5-9600K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5-9400	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for 1155 socket
1	Intel Core i5-3550S	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5 2400	Find out the price

How do I choose a Intel Core i5 processor?

You need to choose a processor based on the following features:

• socket - must necessarily match the socket of the motherboard, up to the version;
• number of cores - in 2021-2022, 2 cores are still sufficient for office systems and undemanding workstations, for small and medium business - 4 cores, but for gaming machines - at least 4;
• clock speed - at least 2.0GHz for dual-core units, at least 1.7GHz for multi-core units;
• graphics core - models with integrated graphics are suitable for office machines, home computers and undemanding gaming PCs, but for eSports picks you should give preference to processors without a graphics card.

Top 3 best Intel Core i5 processors by price/quality for 2021-2022

Intel Core i5-10400F.

A worthy option over previous models - it is less demanding on the cooling less demanding cooling system, a nice air cooler will suffice, has lower TDP and operating temperature index accordingly.

Has become a good competitor to AMD Ryzen series processors. Initial clock rate is not bad for work tasks, you won't have to wait for a special overclocking with a locked multiplier, but there is a small increase in frequency when you overclock via bus.

The performance gain in this case is not more than 3-5%..

A small overclocking is supported by Turbo 2.0 technology. The hyperthreading support also makes the model stand out from the rest.

It is available in two stepping levels - with polymer interface and more efficient interfacing, the second variant is much less common on the market.

The microarchitecture is not the newest one, but in spite of that, it shows an excellent performance both in synthetic tests and in working tasks.

Specifications:

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

Intel Core i5-9400F.

An excellent ninth-generation option to form a gamer machine, shows One of the top places in performance in many modern games.

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

There is potential for overclocking up to 4.2 GHz due to built-in systems and bus overclocking, but the multiplier is blocked here.

In terms of price/performance ratio and cost the processor can easily be called one of the top choices.

On the background of other options does not stand out much, but it is more productive than the older representatives from the competitor AMD.

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

Technical characteristics:

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

Intel Core i5-10500.

Popular model, known for its good performance Speed, performance and at the same time adequate cost.

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

The Comet Lake microarchitecture is slightly improved, adding the amount of cache on the third level. The famous Hyper-Threading technology is also present, improving responsiveness in multi-threaded tasks.

Power management restrictions have been removed, giving more room for overclockers..

The integrated graphics gives a good crisp picture and reduces the overall cost of building a PC.

However, when choosing in favor of external graphics cards, this point loses its meaning - the version does not have a modification without a video chipset.

Technical Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Core: 6;
• Graphic core: UHD 630, 1150 MHz;
• Clock speed: 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 with unlocked multiplier.

Less expensive than the version with a graphics card, but virtually the same in terms of performance.

It has low latency when working with the memory subsystem and in the interaction between cores, so the processor runs fast and stable.

It supports hyperthreading technology to distribute the load between the cores, so the increase in performance 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 on its basis, especially in the presence of an advanced graphics card.

Even with an unlocked multiplier overclocking is insignificant, has initially high clock frequencies, so overclocking has no special effect on the increase in FPS.

Technical specifications:

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

Intel Core i5-10400

In contrast to older processors, the 400 model of the tenth generation is less voracious in in relation to power consumption and less demanding in terms of cooling.

A full-fledged competitor to AMD's Ryzen in both performance and cost.

The initial clock speed does not shine with high performance, but it has overclocking up to 4.3 GHz supported by Turbo 2.0 technology. Hyper-Threading support has been added, which makes the processor more interesting.

The model is available in two variants: with Q0 and G1 staggered semiconductor chip.

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

In spite of Skylake architecture being old by 2020 standards, the processor performs better in benchmark tests even in comparison with older processors of the same series released earlier.

Increased performance does not dramatically increase the cost of acquiring a model.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock speed: 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 can overclock by 9%.

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

At the same time the processor has a moderate power consumption and sufficient power efficiency in practice.

In games shows good performance, out of stress-tests stable operation is guaranteed, and even in test conditions and at high loads can be an interesting model for gamers and overclocking enthusiasts.

Specifications:

• Gaming: yes;
• Graphic Core: UHD 630, 1200 MHz;
• Cores: 6;
• Clock speed: 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 desktops, Performs well in undemanding digital content processing applications.

It runs on Haswell microarchitecture with 22nm process technology. The core provides many advantages over the third generation, even while maintaining similar clock speeds.

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

Gaming performance here is average - the processor has no problem coping with games up to 2016-2017, but with newer projects it performs much worse. The low gaming performance here is also due to the non-optimized graphics core.

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

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

The weak point of the new microarchitecture is overclocking.

Specifications:

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

Intel Core i5 4690K.

The Haswell microarchitecture-based processor has been improved in both frequency and physical from the point of view of.

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

The power supply circuitry has also been updated, but it still uses the 22nm process.

Overclocking speeds can be increased up to 4.6 GHz, and cooling in the form of a classic cooler is allowed.

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

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

Technical specifications:

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

Intel Core i5 5675C.

Broadwell microarchitecture processor that works with motherboard chipsets Z97 and H97 chipsets.

Significant changes compared to the older models were not found, nevertheless, the model in its own way is interesting 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 is completely redesigned, the amount of control logic, dispatcher capacity and a new video decoder have been increased..

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

Unique in that it perfectly works with resource-intensive applications and does not take a lot of space - a great solution for compact cases.

Specifications:

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

Top 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for 1151 sockets

Intel Core i5-6600.

The processor was released in July 2015, but is still relevant in 2021-2022. Designed for desktop personal computers. Made on the Skylake microarchitecture.

No overclocking capabilities, but there is a small overclocking of the integrated system up to 3.9 GHz. There is support for several types of memory with different frequencies.

Integrated graphics is best for light gaming projects, but games with modern requirements will go much slower.

Nevertheless, it performs well in 2018 projects. The processor supports Turbo Boost technology, temperature monitoring, advanced Intel SpeedStep technology.

The graphics core supports 4K resolution and screen resolutions up to 4096?2304 at 60GHz.

Ideal for work or school/student computers.

Specifications:

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

Intel Core i5-7400.

The upgrade is noteworthy for gamers due to high graphics core resources and performance in many actual games.

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

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

Nominal clock speed is not high, dynamic can go up to 3.5 GHz.

Despite this, it beats many high-frequency ones in synthetic tests, as well as in everyday applications and games.

Perfectly implemented graphics core resources.

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

Specifications:

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

Top 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for 1151v2 socket

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 meant to solve hardware issues with software patches. The model has a high initial clock speed and a good overclocking.

According to the tests, the processor gives slightly better results compared to previous models, but lags far behind i7 representatives..

At the same time, the power consumption is noticeably lower, but surpasses the indicators of previous generations.

Its power efficiency is also not brilliant, it was a clear step back, but this may be due to the fight against vulnerabilities at the hardware level.

Technical specs:

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

Intel Core i5-9400.

The 2019 model is designed for standard home computers. It is based on Coffee Lake architecture based on 14 nm process technology.

In standard mode gives low clock frequencies, the multiplier is blocked, but there is a hardware increase up 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 overall the model becomes a good choice for a budget gaming build, which will generally cope with games up to 2017-2018.

But for digital content, far from being the best choice, especially for streaming passes or video work.

Specifications:

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

Top 2 best Intel Core i5 processors for socket 1155

Intel Core i5-3550S

The model came out in April 2012, and its relevance is already waning.. However, for work or school/student PCs not requiring high gaming performance, this option will be quite acceptable.

The model is weak in terms of overclocking, the processor is blocked for overclocking because of the multiplier..

Made according to 22nm process technology. The integrated graphics card does well with games released before 2015 and modern undemanding indie projects, but in global heavy games will be noticeable significant reduction in FPS.

New type of transistor provides high performance and low power consumption along with low heat dissipation.

Another positive feature is the compatibility with LGA 1155 mainboards, but only after BIOS update.

Power of processor is enough for all office tasks and simple software for graphical content creation and processing.

Technical Specifications:

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

Intel Core i5 2400.

Provides excellent performance and speed among models of its It is able to meet gamers' needs for old-school games but it is not the best solution for more demanding projects.

Sufficient for multimedia systems. There is practically no alternative to its competitors, because even its six cores do not give the same performance as this option.

In addition, the Sandy Bridge-based processor has other advantages: greater energy efficiency, use of extended instructions set AES and AVX, which noticeably accelerate encryption and vector operations.

Technical Specifications:

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

Customer Reviews

Helpful video

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