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Intel Core i5 9500F Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£200
  • PassMark benchmark result: 9997
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.4 GHz

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

4.7

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%

4.4

Technical Score

10.0%

7.1

User score

Poor
4.4

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%

3.7

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.6

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

Poor
7.1

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(24)
amazon
4.4
(6)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 4.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.3

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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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 i5-9500F is a 9th-generation desktop processor based on the 14nm Coffee Lake Refresh architecture, featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a base clock speed of 3.00 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.40 GHz. It includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 65W TDP, and supports up to 128 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory. Main pros include solid mid-range gaming and multitasking performance for its era, efficient power consumption, and compatibility with Intel 300-series chipsets via the LGA 1151 socket. Primary cons are the lack of integrated graphics (requiring a discrete GPU), a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking, and the absence of Hyper-Threading.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 9500F

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%

3.7

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.6

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

4.4
Intel Core i5 9500F has a technical score of 4.44 points, which is lower than that of 67.3% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(24)
amazon
4.4
(6)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.1
Intel Core i5 9500F has a user score of 7.06 points, which is lower than that of 94.8% 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.
3.4
Intel Core i5 9500F has a popularity of 3.4 points, which is higher than 79.3% 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

6.1
Intel Core i5 9500F has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 61% 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 9500F 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

LGA1151
Intel Core i5 9500F uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% 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

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i5 9500F supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% 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 9500F 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 9500F 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+

6
Intel Core i5 9500F offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 64.8% of processors and equal to 2.2% 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

1
Intel Core i5 9500F offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% 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

4.4 GHz
Intel Core i5 9500F reaches a boost clock of 4.4 GHz which is higher than that of 51.2% of processors and equal to that of 5.1% 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 3.0 GHz
Intel Core i5 9500F has a base clock of 6x3.0 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 9500F 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 9500F 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

9 MB
Intel Core i5 9500F has an L3 cache of 9 MB which is larger than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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

no
Intel Core i5 9500F does not include 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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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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 9500F 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 9500F 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

95 W
Intel Core i5 9500F has a boost power of 95 W which is higher than that of 67.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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

28 seconds
Intel Core i5 9500F has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
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 9500F does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 9500F vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F 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
  • 18% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 9500F has a lower die size than the average processor (146 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i5 9500F has a lower die size than the average processor (146 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².146 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 3.37x more popular
    Intel Core i5 9500F is more popular than the average processor (3.37 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 9500F is more popular than the average processor (3.37 vs 1.000).3.37 vs 1
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
  • 18% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 9500F has a lower die size than the average processor (146 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 9500F uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 9500F supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 9500F supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 9500F does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 46.1% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 9500F has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,499 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 9500F does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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.
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i5 9500F does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 48.4% higher boost power
    Intel Core i5 9500F has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 9500F has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 46.1% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 9500F has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,499 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i5 9500F has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,499 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,499 vs 2,783
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 9500F supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 9500F supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F 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 9500F does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 9500F 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 9500F 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
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Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 9500F and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
24 Reviews
amazon
4.4
6 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 9500F?

  • Solid single-core performance with a turbo boost of up to 4.4GHz, making it speedy for gaming and desktop tasks
  • Efficient 65W TDP ensures it runs cool and draws relatively low power
  • Great value for budget or mid-range gaming builds, especially in the used market
  • Reliable performance for multitasking and light productivity workloads thanks to its 6 physical cores
  • Compatible with a wide range of affordable 8th and 9th Gen Intel motherboards (LGA 1151 socket)

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 9500F?

  • Lacks integrated graphics (F-series), meaning a discrete GPU is mandatory for any display output
  • No Hyper-Threading (6 cores / 6 threads), which may limit performance in highly threaded professional applications or future games
  • Locked multiplier prevents manual overclocking for users seeking extra performance
  • Sits on a 'dead' platform (LGA 1151 v2), offering a limited upgrade path compared to newer sockets
  • The included stock Intel air cooler is often described as 'puny' or insufficient for heavy loads

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
Ongoing
Intel Core i5-9500F Benchmarks - Geekbench

The Intel Core i5-9500F is a 9th-generation "Coffee Lake Refresh" 6-core/6-thread processor designed for budget-conscious desktop builds requiring a discrete graphics card. It features a 3.0 GHz base, 4.4 GHz turbo, 65W TDP, and a roughly 6% performance edge over the i5-9400F. Pros include efficient thermals and reliable gaming performance (60fps+) at 1080p, while cons consist of...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Updated Daily
Intel i5-9500F vs i5-9500T [cpubenchmark.net] by PassMark Software

The Intel Core i5-9500F offers roughly 24% higher multi-threaded performance and faster clock speeds (3.0GHz base/4.4GHz turbo) compared to the i5-9500T, making it superior for general desktop tasks, though its 65W TDP requires stronger cooling and it lacks integrated graphics. Conversely, the 35W Intel Core i5-9500T excels in efficiency for small form factor or NAS systems,...Read more

B
bit-tech.net
24/05/2019
Intel Core i5-9500 Review

The Intel Core i5-9500 is a mid-range, six-core Coffee Lake Refresh processor, offering higher stock clock speeds than the i5-9400 while maintaining a 65W TDP, as noted in the Bit-Tech review. While offering decent single-threaded performance and integrated graphics (UHD 630), the chip suffers from a locked multiplier, preventing overclocking. Performance gains over cheaper...Read more

E
extreme.pcgameshardware.de
14/07/2019
AMD Ryzen 5 3600: A 200-Euro CPU Duel with the Core i5-9500

This review from PC Games Hardware compares the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and Intel Core i5-9500, highlighting the Ryzen's 6-core/12-thread architecture as superior for multi-threaded tasks and modern gaming over the 6-core/6-thread i5-9500. The Ryzen 5 3600 is praised for its high performance in workstation tasks and PCIe 4.0 support, though it can run hot, while the i5-9500 offers solid...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
chip.de
14/07/2021
Intel Core i5-9500 Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i5-9500 is a 9th-gen "Coffee Lake Refresh" CPU, noted by CHIP for offering strong performance for everyday and entry-level gaming tasks. Operating with six cores at a 3.0 GHz base clock, it shines in efficiency, offering a high price-to-performance ratio and low power consumption for desktop users. A key advantage identified is the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
modding.fr
03/02/2021
A project for athletes… (PC build with Intel Core i5-9500F)

The review on modding.fr details a creative "shoe-themed" PC build titled "Un projet pour les sportifs..." designed for the Cooler Master Case Mod 2020 competition. Created by Palmparkour, the project utilizes a metal internal structure and bespoke 3D-printed parts to form a realistic sneaker chassis. The build features an Intel Core i5-9500F and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 (3GB) with a...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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