Best i5 Processor in 2022 | Comparison & Buyers’ Guide

Intel Core i5 processors of different generations are the most popular models among other CPU lineups from this manufacturer. This fact is explained by the highest versatility of the Core i5 series. They are suitable for both light-duty applications in the office, and for some really heavy-duty computing stuff. So let’s have a closer look at this option to reveal all advantages and maybe some downsides, as well.

i5 Processors Compared

It doesn’t matter whether you are planning to invest in a brand new computer or you want to upgrade your hardware, processor selection would become one of the most crucial stages. It is true because processors are the brains of a computer. It is widely known that Intel products have been associated with the highest quality and the advanced technologies for more than 5 decades worldwide.

What should you know about the Intel Core i5 processor family?

Intel Core i5 processors are the middle-range CPUs standing in between the budget Intel Core i3 and pricey Core i7. Thus the i5 series is highly demanded on the current market. These processors are sufficiently balanced featuring high power at affordable prices. Intel Core i5 processors are offered with 2, 4 and 6 cores. They come with an integrated memory controller, the Turbo Boost and Turbo Boost 2.0 technologies, which increase the processor’s frequency under higher loads to grant you a real burst of speed. Also newest i5 CPUs may feature other advanced systems like Hyper-Threading technology, Thermal Monitoring Technologies, Optane Memory, etc.

High energy efficiency is another advantage of Intel Core i5 microprocessors. In particular, TDP (Thermal Design Power) of these series is within the range from 35W up to 125W. These values show the maximum amount of heat dissipated by a processor during its operation. And they can also specify the power rate consumed by the chip.

Additionally, it is very important to mention that some i5 models are offered with an integrated graphics processing unit. Overall, this parameter along with the above mentioned features make these high-speed processors capable of satisfying demands of professional designers and artists. They can be successfully used for graphic design, 3D rendering or web development, thus ensuring uninterrupted workflow and time efficiency. Besides, i5 options are very popular for PC gaming.

What about i5 generations, names and numbers?

The first Core i5 processors were introduced in 2009. Since that time the manufacturer has been upgrading the product range with launching new generations of CPUs. They make it in the framework of the so-called “Tick Tock” two-step method. One step implies transition to the new technological process within the existing microarchitecture; another presents a new microarchitecture on the base of the developed technological process. Currently, there are 10 generations of Intel Core i5 processors which can be easily purchased on the market. The 11th generation with Intel Tiger Lake codename was released in September 2020. It is the latest range of laptop-grade processors which meet or even exceed the performance of some previous desktop models. However, the 11th gen CPUs are not on the open market yet.

Additionally, when choosing a processor you should also pay attention to the SKU numbers. For example, Intel processors with T, U or Y letters in its name are designated for the minimum energy consumption as the power-optimized options. K at the end of the name means that the processor is unlocked, thus you can adjust its clock settings, depending on your needs. Overall, there are manufacturer’s lists containing all processor suffixes which you should obligatory consult in advance. However, be aware that some processor generations and families do not include all suffixes.

As we’ve already mentioned, the high-performance and multitasking 10th generation Core i5 models are at the forefront of this series among other options available on the market. These processors can handle more simultaneous processes. They are primarily designed for data-intensive computing tasks.

For instance, the Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor is the top-of-the-range product. It features 6 cores, 12 threads, 4,8 GHz maximum turbo frequency, and Intel UHD Graphics 630. We recommend this model as one of the best 10th gen processors from Intel which is excellent value for money. This processor is designated for medium specs computers, which will handle the majority of new PC games.

Let’s check out another product, the Intel Core i5-9400 Desktop Processor, for reference. It is the model of the previous 9th generation, and a budget-friendly product indeed. Similarly to the i5-10600K it comes with 6 cores, but with 6 threads only. The clock speed of this CPU varies in the range from 2.90 GHz up to 4.1 GHz. Thus, it has lower frequency than its newer family competitor. Also this processor has less amount of cache which makes 9 MB vs. 12 MB of the above mentioned model. However, the average power consumption of the i5-9400 is 52% lower and makes 65W against 125W of the i5-10600K. More than that, it also comes with the integrated Intel UHD graphics with up to 64Gb. Overall, in spite of lower performance and inability to overclock, the i5-9400 has many positive reviews from the advanced users and gaming enthusiasts.

And now, we suggest further comparison of the Intel Core i5 series with the more powerful models featuring higher brand modifiers like i7 and i9. Commonly the latter outperforms the previous processor series in performance and quantity of additional advanced features. Let’s find out more about them in more detail.

Difference between Intel Core i5, i7 and i9 | Comparison and recommendations

The i7 processor has two, four or even eight cores and commonly features Turbo Boost and Hyper-threading technologies. The latter serves for simultaneous multithreading which, in its term, significantly speeds up data intensive processes like rendering, virtual machine activation, or AAA games. Additionally to the high clock speed the Core i7 processors come with a big amount of cache (up to 16 MB). It also helps to cope with multitasking issues. In spite of the improved characteristics of the i7 chips in comparison with I5 options, some of them demonstrate similar or even equal features. So instead of spending more money on some i7 chip of Y series, you can find an optimum i5 solution of one of the recent generations, depending on your requirements.

However, any i5 processor would hardly outperform the latest i7 models in power and efficiency. For instance, the Intel Core i7-10700K Desktop Processor with its 8 cores and 16 threads is dedicated for the narrower segment of computer enthusiasts and gamers; as the vast majority of customers are usually interested in mass-market models. This 14 nm processor can boast its impressive 5.1 GHz clock speed supported by the Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0. It comes in unlocked design with an ability to overclock to boost its performance when needed. Besides, it features the Intel Optane Memory, the Hyper Threading, the Virtualization technologies, thus enhancing the overall performance and responsiveness of the system.

The Core i9 is deemed to be the premium class of mini processors. These CPUs are very pricey in comparison with the previous generation models. However, they are designed as the most powerful products among the Core series. In some cases such a processor is capable of enhancing the performance when dealing with a big volume of computing data. For instance, processing of 4K videos, HDR, 3D simulation, online HR translations are some of the challenging tasks which can be efficiently fulfilled by the Core i9 processors. i5 options are not suitable for these purposes; nevertheless, some of i7 models like i7 9700K or i7 10700K might become decent and budget-friendly alternatives.

In this regard, we would recommend i9 series for professionals who need additional computing capacity and improved time efficiency. Also, this option can be recommended for PC enthusiasts who can afford paying extra for the additional power, even if it is not always required.

If you want to get one of the best Intel processors for professional-grade gaming and even more, then the unlocked Intel Core i9-10900K will definitely hit the spot. It is the first processor with 10 cores and 20 threads from the main Intel range which makes it ideal for multiple tasks. Considering its ability to work at 5.3 GHz frequency, it delivers impressive results for 14 nm technology. The performance and responsiveness primarily depend on the clock speed, which is why its high frequency gives the lead to this model among the others.

Best-Selling i5 Processors | Comparison Table

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What is an i5 Processor? The i5 processor is a computer microprocessor produced by the Intel Corporation, utilizing the standard X86/64 architecture utilized by PCs, laptops and many modern gaming consoles.

The i5 is no longer the newest line of Intel X processors, that having been taken first by the i7 and then the i9 line. Most i5 processors offer four computing cores with a processor speed of between 1.5gHz for tablet and compact laptop solutions, to 3.6gHz for budget gaming rigs and video/image-editing workstations.

The i5 is a popular CPU for high-end budget laptops, budget gaming PCs and for servers as well as CPU assistance with cryptocurrency mining due to its excellent caching and dispatch synchronization with nVidia GPUs.

The i5 is also sought out for its built in virtualization capabilities, which were not always present in the later i7 and i9 revisions of the architecture. Some i5 processors also contain a fifth ARM-based core which can be used for mobile development emulation and further-enhanced virtualization for sandboxed multi-tasking.

The i5 is rated as a solid gaming CPU, though of course, for gaming, that all comes down to the GPU for the most part. There are around twenty revisions of the i5, though they are all inter-compatible with the same RAM architecture and motherboard socket form factor, making them one of the most widely-used CPUs in a range of X-based devices.