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Intel Core i5 10500 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$210
  • PassMark benchmark result: 12970
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core i5 10500 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Performance

18.0%

4.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.3

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(177)
amazon
4.5
(176)
amazon
4.2
(13)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.8

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.3

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-10500
  • intel-core-i5-10500
  • intel-core-i5-10500
  • intel-core-i5-10500
intel-core-i5-10500
intel-core-i5-10500
intel-core-i5-10500
intel-core-i5-10500

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 10th-generation desktop processor based on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture, featuring 6 cores and 12 threads with a 3.1 GHz base frequency and a max turbo boost of up to 4.5 GHz. It includes 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 65W TDP, and supports up to 128 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory alongside integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. Main pros include its solid multitasking capabilities due to Hyper-Threading, reliable gaming performance for mid-range setups, and the inclusion of a thermal solution in the box. However, notable cons include the lack of PCIe 4.0 support, an older 14nm manufacturing process compared to newer generations, and a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 10500

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Performance

18.0%

4.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.3

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

4.9
Intel Core i5 10500 has a technical score of 4.88 points, which is lower than that of 56.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(177)
amazon
4.5
(176)
amazon
4.2
(13)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i5 10500 has a user score of 9.43 points, which is higher than that of 92.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i5 10500 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

6.7
Intel Core i5 10500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 61.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 10500 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1200
Intel Core i5 10500 uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 69.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480
Intel Core i5 10500 supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 65.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 10500 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

6
Intel Core i5 10500 has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

12
Intel Core i5 10500 offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i5 10500 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.5 GHz
Intel Core i5 10500 reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

6 x 3.1 GHz & 0 x 0 GHz
Intel Core i5 10500 has a base clock of 6x3.1 GHz & 0x0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i5 10500 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 10500 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

12 MB
Intel Core i5 10500 has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1.5 MB
Intel Core i5 10500 has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

384 KB
Intel Core i5 10500 has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i5 10500 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i5 10500 supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i5 10500 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i5 10500 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 10500 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i5 10500 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i5 10500 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 10500 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 10500 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 10500 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

134 W
Intel Core i5 10500 has a boost power of 134 W which is higher than that of 81.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 10500 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 10500 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 10500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 10500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 10500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 10500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 10500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i5 10500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 10500 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i5 10500 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i5 10500 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 10500 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).10 vs 1
  • 12.2% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,786 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,786 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,786 vs 2,483
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 10500 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 10500 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 10500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 10500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP2).LGA1200 vs FP2
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 10500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 10500 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 10500 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 12.2% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,786 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 16% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower die size than the average processor (149.6 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 10500 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 10500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 10500 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 10500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 10500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 4.5% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (462 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 10500 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 10500 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.09x higher boost power
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (134 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 10500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 10500 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 10500 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.09x higher boost power
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (134 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (134 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.134 W vs 64 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 10500 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 10500 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 10500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 10500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i5 10500 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 10500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 10500 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
177 Reviews
amazon
4.5
176 Reviews
amazon
4.2
13 Reviews
amazon
5.0
2 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 10500?

  • Solid multitasking performance with 6 cores and 12 threads
  • Energy-efficient 65W TDP is ideal for compact or budget-conscious builds
  • Reliable 1080p gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU
  • Low heat output and easy to keep cool even with stock air coolers
  • Includes integrated UHD 630 graphics, useful for office PCs or as a backup
  • Strong value for upgrading older systems on the LGA1200 socket

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 10500?

  • Locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking for enthusiast performance
  • Higher initial price/platform cost compared to AMD Ryzen 5 3600 at launch
  • Lacks PCIe 4.0 support, limiting newer high-speed SSDs and GPUs
  • Limited official memory support (DDR4-2666) can bottleneck gaming performance
  • Struggles with extremely demanding workloads like 4K video editing
  • Minimal performance gain over the more affordable Core i5-10400

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
March 29, 2026 (Updated)
Intel Core i5-10500 @ 3.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 10th-generation "Comet Lake" 6-core/12-thread processor with a 3.1 GHz base clock and 4.5 GHz boost, offering a 65W TDP. It provides strong performance for workstations, light content creation, and entry-level gaming via Hyper-Threading and integrated UHD Graphics 630. Key limitations include an older PCIe 3.0 standard and performance bottlenecks in...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
03/06/2020
Intel Core i5-10500 Review - Web Browser Performance

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 6-core/12-thread "Comet Lake" processor that brings significant performance gains over its predecessor via HyperThreading and a 4.5 GHz boost frequency. It is a strong performer in both gaming and productivity, largely matching the higher-end i5-10600K at stock settings while maintaining high frequencies during bursty workloads. Its 65W TDP makes it easy...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
03/06/2020
Intel Core i5-10500 Review - Science & Research

The Intel Core i5-10500 features 6-cores/12-threads with HyperThreading, offering substantial multi-threaded performance gains for productivity, with a 3.1 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost clock at 65W TDP. It delivers solid gaming performance and includes integrated UHD Graphics 630, making it a viable option for workstations without dedicated GPUs. However, the processor faces stiff...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
03/06/2020
Intel Core i5-10500 Review - Compression & Encryption

The TechPowerUp review describes the Intel Core i5-10500 as a 6-core, 12-thread 14nm "Comet Lake" processor that offers strong, energy-efficient performance for gaming and productivity, supported by integrated graphics. Key pros include solid performance at 65W TDP, inclusion of a heatsink, and good multithreaded gains over older quad-core i5s. However, the processor is locked for...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
03/06/2020
Intel Core i5-10500 Review - Software & Game Development

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 6-core/12-thread "Comet Lake" desktop processor featuring Hyper-Threading and a 65W TDP, designed to deliver high boost clocks and efficient performance for general computing. The processor excels in gaming, frequently rivaling older i7 flagships, and includes integrated graphics and a stock cooler, making it a viable option for budget-conscious...Read more

H
hardwaredealz.com
16/05/2020
Intel Core i5-10500 Review - Benchmarks & Gaming

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 6-core, 12-thread 10th-gen Comet Lake processor delivering reliable mid-range performance with a 4.50 GHz turbo clock and excellent power efficiency via a 65W TDP. Gaming performance is strong, with over 100 FPS in demanding titles, while the included boxed cooler offers a convenient, low-power alternative to higher-end, unlocked options. However, the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
cpubenchmark.net
26/06/2026
Intel Core i5-10500 @ 3.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks & Tests

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 10th-generation "Comet Lake" 6-core/12-thread desktop processor (LGA 1200) with a 3.1 GHz base clock, 4.5 GHz boost, and a 65W TDP. It offers solid mid-range performance with a PassMark score of ~12,971, featuring integrated UHD Graphics 630 and DDR4-2666 support for balanced, energy-efficient builds. Key cons involve its high price-to-performance ratio...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
profesionalreview.com
01/04/2020
Intel i7-10700, i5-10600K, i5-10500 and i5-10400 leaked and benchmarked

The 10th-generation Intel Core i7 and i5 processors mark a significant shift by implementing Hyper-Threading across the entire lineup, with the Core i5 offering 6 cores and 12 threads for robust multitasking. The series, including the 8-core i7-10700K, excels in gaming and productivity due to higher turbo frequencies, with the i5-10400 highlighted as a strong value option. Key...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
2020-2023
Intel Core i5-10500 - Reviews on Tweakers

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a 10th-generation "Comet Lake" 6-core/12-thread desktop processor (3.1 GHz base, 4.5 GHz boost) built on a 14nm process. Positioned between the i5-10400 and i5-10600K, it provides solid out-of-the-box productivity and gaming performance with a 65W TDP. Advantages include integrated UHD Graphics 630 and improved multitasking via Hyper-Threading, though it...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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