OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-13500 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£250PassMark multi-core score:30967N. of physical cores:14CPU boost clock speed:4.8 GHzCPU socket:LGA1700TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

Intel Core i5-13500 Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 15 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-13500
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

40%

8.0

Technical score

25%

8.1

Reviews score

25%

8.0

List score

10%

7.4

Sentiment score

★Better than 94% of processors
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

★Better than 96%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components

60%

8.3

Performance

18%

7.5

Architecture

10%

8.5

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4%

8.3

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 87%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (15)
4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 78%
8.0

List score

List score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 85 lists (1%)
▲Better than 89%
  • intel-core-i5-13500
  • intel-core-i5-13500
  • intel-core-i5-13500
  • intel-core-i5-13500
  • intel-core-i5-13500
  • intel-core-i5-13500
intel-core-i5-13500
intel-core-i5-13500
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intel-core-i5-13500
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-13500

Based on 4 · 11

Strong multi-core performance and good value win praise, while gaming opinions are split and the bundled cooler disappoints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-13500

Based on 45 owners sharing their experience in online comments

56%positive13%mixed31%negative

Owners praise its fast, efficient performance and value, while heat, crashes, and inconsistent benchmarks cause the clearest frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners report random restarts and blue screens during rendering, Lightroom exports or games, sometimes right after the CPU hits 100%.4
  • Owners using a Ghost Spectre Windows image report antivirus flagging the setup file as malware, missing hardware drivers and broken Windows Update.4
  • At auto power limits it can draw over 180 W, hit 95–100°C and slow down; a 125 W cap keeps it under 80°C.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-13500

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models
Score components:

60%

8.3

Performance

18%

7.5

Architecture

10%

8.5

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.2

Power & Thermal

4%

8.3

Platform

1%

8.1

Integrated graphics

8.0
Reviews score
8.1
List score
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.4
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1700
This processor uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 8.4% of processors.
Chipset
Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680
This processor supports Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 86.4% of processors and equal to that of 2.3% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
14
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 85.7% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
20
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 20 CPU threads, which is more than 84.3% of processors and equal to 5% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.8 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.8 GHz which is higher than that of 69.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 2.5 GHz & 8x 1.8 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x2.5 GHz & 8x1.8 GHz which is higher than that of 82.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
30,967
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 30,967 in PassMark, which is higher than 86.7% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
10 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 19.5% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 7
This processor is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
L3 cache
24 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 24 MB which is larger than that of 80.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
L2 cache
11.5 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 11.5 MB which is larger than that of 80.9% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
L1 cache
1,248 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 1,248 KB which is larger than that of 89.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 77.1% of processors and equal to that of 10.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
4,800 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MHz, which is higher than that of 64.6% of processors and equal to 6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-4800 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 62.3% of processors and equal to 6.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
192 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 82.2% of processors and equal to 6.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 57.8% of processors and equal to that in 4.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
32
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.1% of processors and equal to 10.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 97.2% of processors and equal to 1.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 68% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
154 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 154 W which is higher than that of 82.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-13500 vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 2.7x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (30,967 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    30,967 vs 11,469
  • 2.35x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (12,220 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    12,220 vs 5,209
  • 8 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 50.8% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,858 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,858 vs 2,558
  • 12 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    20 vs 8
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
    5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • 57.5% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,418 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,418 vs 1,535
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 20.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 78% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (15)
    4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 11 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 6.7
  • 14.7% better value for money
    Intel Core i5-13500 has better value for money than the average processor (8.35 vs 7.3).
    8.35 vs 7.29
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP5).
    LGA1700 vs FP5
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 3 years newer release date
    This processor has a newer release date than the average processor (2023 vs 2020).
    January 2023
    2023 vs 2020
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA).
    AES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA
  • 2.7x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (30,967 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    30,967 vs 11,469
  • 2.35x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (12,220 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    12,220 vs 5,209
  • 8 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 50.8% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,858 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,858 vs 2,558
  • 12 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    20 vs 8
  • 57.5% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,418 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,418 vs 1,535
  • 47.8% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (724 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    724 vs 490
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x2.5 GHz & 8x1.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x2.5 GHz & 8x1.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 9.1% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2 wider front-end design
    This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    6 vs 4
  • 2x higher bus transfer rate
    This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Raptor Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.83x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (11.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    11.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
  • 3.25x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,248 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    1,248 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2.67x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    24 MB vs 9 MB
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
    5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • 3x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (192 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    192 GB vs 64 GB
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • 63.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • 50% higher memory speed
    This processor has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,800 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    4,800 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 1 more supported displays
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 88.7% slower classroom rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (38.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    38.3 vs 340.075
  • 2.41x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (154 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    154 W vs 64 W
  • 44% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (223 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    223 vs 398.015
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor 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
  • 21.5% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    215 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, SHA, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 88.7% slower classroom rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (38.3 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    38.3 vs 340.075
  • 44% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (223 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    223 vs 398.015
  • 21.5% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    215 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.41x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (154 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    154 W vs 64 W
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor 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
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Tech Notice
≈ estimated
23/02/2023
Hands-on review · video editing, rendering and gaming tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-13500 is a budget creator CPU with excellent multicore performance and media engines; its only real downside is power draw.
7.0
Mike's unboxing, reviews and how to
≈ estimated
06/02/2023
Hands-on test · integrated graphics and Quick Sync rendering
Verdict
Intel Core i5-13500's integrated graphics are fine for light gaming only, but Quick Sync noticeably speeds up video rendering.
5.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
21/01/2023
Hands-on review · benchmarks, gaming and platform comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i5-13500 is hard to recommend, since the Ryzen 5 7600 is the better buy for most people despite its productivity strengths.
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
techspot.com
✓ explicit
27/01/2023
Lab test · Gaming and apps
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-13500 is a locked 14-core chip that handles multi-core workloads well, but it trails the Ryzen 5 7600 by about 9 percent in games using DDR5 memory.
9.0
computerbase.de
≈ estimated
06/02/2023
Lab test · Power limits explained
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-13500 has eight efficiency cores, but repeated short tests drop its Cinebench R20 score from over 8,000 to about 6,200 points.
8.7
charlestech.fr
✓ explicit
16/05/2023
Lab test · Mid-range CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-13500 is a solid chip for gaming and light video editing that runs cool and draws little power, but it trails the Core i5-13600KF.
9.0
aix-informatique.fr
✓ explicit
04/05/2026
Buyer's guide · Build advice
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-13500 is a versatile 14-core chip that multitasks well and plays 4K video smoothly, but its stock cooler is loud and it cannot be overclocked.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-13500

  • Excellent multi-core performance for productivity tasks like video editing and 4K streaming
  • Strong value proposition with a high core count (14 cores) at a mid-range price point
  • Equipped with UHD 770 integrated graphics, which is highly effective for media transcoding in home servers
  • Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, allowing for cheaper builds using older RAM
  • Noticeable performance uplift over previous generations (e.g., i5-12500) and older i7 models

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-13500

  • The included stock cooler is often insufficient, leading to thermal throttling under sustained high loads
  • Gaming performance is slightly lower than competitors like the Ryzen 5 7600/7600X
  • Higher power consumption compared to some equivalent AMD chips when running in unlocked power modes
  • Relies on the older Alder Lake architecture for its performance cores rather than the newer Raptor Lake cores found in higher-tier 13th Gen chips
  • Limited overclocking capabilities due to being a locked 'non-K' processor

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-13500 is a versatile mid-range 13th Gen desktop processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 14 cores (6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 20 threads, built on the 10nm process. It offers a 2.5 GHz base frequency with a max turbo boost of 4.8 GHz, 24 MB of Intel Smart Cache (L3), and 11.5 MB of L2 cache, while supporting both DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800 memory on the LGA 1700 socket. Main pros include exceptional multi-core performance for productivity tasks like video editing, integrated UHD Graphics 770 with dual QuickSync engines, and high efficiency at its 65W base power. However, cons include a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking, a significantly lower L2 cache compared to the 'K' series chips, and high power draw reaching up to 154W under full turbo load which may cause thermal throttling with the included stock cooler.

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