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Intel Core i5 9500 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£180
Avg. price in US: ~$150
PassMark benchmark result: 9857
N. of physical cores: 6
CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

Intel Core i5 9500 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Good

4.9

Poor

8.2

Excellent

4.1
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
4.3
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.2
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
5.8
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
2.3
L3 cache
8.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
2.6
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
2.8
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.2
CPU threads
15.0%
2.3
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i5-9500 is a 9th Generation Coffee Lake Refresh desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a 3.0 GHz base frequency and a maximum turbo boost of 4.4 GHz. Built on a 14nm lithography, it includes a 9MB Smart Cache, a 65W TDP, and supports up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory. Key pros include integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 for triple-display support, solid single-core performance for general productivity, and compatibility with Intel Optane memory. However, main cons include a lack of Hyper-Threading, an architecture that is now several generations old, and an unlocked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 9500

Overall score

5.3

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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.

Platform

7.9

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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

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

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

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

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Performance

4.4

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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+

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+

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

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

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

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Cache & Architecture

5.0

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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

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

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

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

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

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Memory & PCIe

5.9

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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

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

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

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

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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

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Integrated Graphics

6.9

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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

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

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

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

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

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Power & Thermal

6.4

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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

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

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

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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

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

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Intel Core i5 9500 vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 9500 better than the average processor?

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Includes stock cooler
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 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
6.69x more popular
Intel Core i5 9500 is more popular than the average processor (6.69 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 9500 is more popular than the average processor (6.69 vs 1.000).6.69 vs 1
2.4% higher user score
Intel Core i5 9500 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.19 vs 8.000).
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.
Intel Core i5 9500 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.19 vs 8.000).8.19 vs 8
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 9500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 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 9500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i5 9500 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh 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 9500 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i5 9500 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i5 9500 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i5 9500 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i5 9500 worse than the average processor?

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No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i5 9500 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i5 9500 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 9500 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
1 fewer threads per core
Intel Core i5 9500 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
2 fewer CPU threads
Intel Core i5 9500 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 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.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i5 9500 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
40% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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.
44.4% higher base power
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
44.4% higher TDP
Intel Core i5 9500 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No multithreading support
Intel Core i5 9500 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.
Importance: HIGH
Intel Core i5 9500 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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 9500 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i5 9500 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i5 9500 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
40% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i5 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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 9500 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

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 9500 and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 9500?

Reliable performance for 1080p gaming, capable of 60fps+ in many titles when paired with a good GPU
Strong single-core performance with a turbo boost frequency of up to 4.4GHz
Efficient power consumption with a 65W TDP that remains easy to cool
Includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, useful for non-gaming builds or as a backup
Considered a solid mid-range option with good value in the used market (approx. $40-$45)

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 9500?

Lacks Hyper-Threading, restricted to only 6 cores and 6 threads
Locked multiplier prevents manual overclocking (non-'K' series)
Minimal performance gain (approx. 5%) over the cheaper i5-9400, often not justifying the price jump
Struggles with highly demanding modern games and intensive 4K video editing
Outdated platform (LGA 1151) that is no longer competitive with newer 10th+ Gen or Ryzen alternatives

Expert reviews

cpubenchmark.net

Daily Updated

Intel i5-9500 vs i5-9400 [cpubenchmark.net] by PassMark Software. Would you like a comparison of the i5-9500 against its predecessor, the i5-8500, to...

The Intel Core i5-9500 serves as a marginal performance upgrade over the i5-9400, featuring slightly higher base (3.0 GHz) and boost (4.4 GHz) clocks while maintaining the same 6-core, 14nm architecture and 65W TDP. Benchmarks show the i5-9500 offers a 5–6% lead in performance, with pros including improved snappiness and slightly higher integrated GPU speeds, though a primary con is...Read more

cpubenchmark.net

Daily Updated

Intel Core i5-9500 @ 3.00GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-9500 is a 9th Gen 6-core/6-thread desktop processor (3.0 GHz base, 4.4 GHz turbo) that offers reliable single-threaded performance for gaming and productivity, supported by integrated UHD Graphics 630. It operates within a 65W TDP, supporting up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 memory, making it a capable, cool-running option for mid-range systems. Key constraints include the...Read more

bit-tech.net

24/05/2019

Intel Core i5-9500 Review - Power Consumption - Bit-Tech

The Bit-Tech review of the Intel Core i5-9500 (6-core, 65W TDP) highlights it as a 9th Gen chip offering a modest clock speed increase (4.4GHz boost) over the cheaper i5-9400, resulting in minimal real-world performance gains. While providing a small, measurable edge in applications like HandBrake and PCMark, the CPU's gaming performance improvement is marginal (2-5 fps), and it...Read more

bit-tech.net

24/05/2019

Intel Core i5-9500 Review: CPU-Z and Geekbench

The bit-tech.net review describes the Intel Core i5-9500 as a modest, 65W, 6-core/6-thread iterative update offering slightly higher clock speeds (4.4GHz boost) over the cheaper i5-9400. Pros include improved single-core performance, solid gaming capabilities, and integrated UHD Graphics 630 for Quick Sync. However, the review notes significant cons, specifically poor value for...Read more

bit-tech.net

24/05/2019

Intel Core i5-9500 Review | bit-tech.net

The Intel Core i5-9500 is presented as a modest, slight-clock-speed upgrade over the i5-9400, offering a 4.4GHz single-core turbo and 4.1GHz all-core boost. While technically faster, the review notes these marginal gains rarely translate into significant performance differences in real-world scenarios or gaming compared to its cheaper sibling. Performance benchmarks showed only...Read more

bit-tech.net

24/05/2019

Intel Core i5-9500 Review | bit-tech.net

The Intel Core i5-9500 is an incremental Coffee Lake Refresh update, offering a 3GHz base clock and 4.4GHz boost to deliver slightly higher speeds than the i5-9400 within a 65W TDP. Performance analysis shows only marginal gains (roughly 5%) in applications like Cinebench and HandBrake, with similarly modest improvements in gaming, rendering it a tough sell against cheaper,...Read more

valid.x86.fr

01/10/2019

CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i5-9500 (8T): Looking for comparisons with newer generations or help finding compatible motherboards?

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X, based on the Zen 3 architecture, is an efficient 8-core/16-thread processor, boasting a 65W TDP that allows for lower power consumption and easier cooling compared to the Ryzen 7 5800X. It delivers near-identical gaming performance to the 5800X, making it an excellent, cost-effective option for AM4 platform users. In terms of performance, the 5700X offers...Read more

chip.de

14/07/2021

Intel Core i5-9500 Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i5-9500 is a reliable six-core processor, featuring 3.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz speeds, suitable for general office work, 1080p gaming, and media PCs due to its integrated UHD Graphics 630. Key pros include its 65W TDP for low power consumption, decent performance in daily tasks, and a solid integrated GPU, though it faces cons such as minimal performance gains over the...Read more

valid.x86.fr

01/02/2026

CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i5-9500 (1T)

The Intel Core i7-11700K on a Gigabyte Z590 motherboard, validated at 4.6 GHz with 32 GB of DDR4-3200, represents a high-end 11th Gen system pairing integrated Intel Xe graphics with a dedicated NVIDIA RTX 3070. Key advantages include strong single-core performance suitable for gaming and modern PCIe 4.0 support for high-speed peripherals. However, the system is hindered by high...Read more

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