Core i5-10500

Name: Intel Core i5-10500
Brand: Intel
Rating: 4.1 (55 reviews)

6 cores · 12 threads · up to 4.5 GHz on FCLGA1200.

4.1 · 55 votes

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Cores

Threads

Boost

4.5 GHz

L3 cache

12 MB

TDP

65W

Socket

FCLGA1200

Performance breakdown

Gaming8

Productivity8

Single-core8

Multi-core25

Power efficiency7

Lab scores

Performance score8

Cores6

Threads12

Boost clock (GHz)4.5 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p18 fps

1440p14 fps

4K10 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores

Architecture: Comet Lake
Process node: 14 nm
Socket: FCLGA1200
Release year: 2020
Total cores: 6
Threads: 12
Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Clocks & cache

Base clock: 3.1 GHz
Boost clock: 4.5 GHz
L1 cache: 384 KB
L2 cache: 1.5 MB
L3 cache: 12 MB

Memory & platform

Memory support: DDR4-2666
Max capacity: 128 GB
Channels: 2
Max bandwidth: 41.6 GB/s
Base power (TDP): 65W
Max temperature: 100°C
PCIe: PCIe 3.0

Technologies

Instruction sets: SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
Extensions: AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, TXT

Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Owners praise it as a solid, reliable workhorse that handles daily tasks and gaming without hiccups. The main gripe is that it runs hotter than expected with the stock cooler, so you'll want an aftermarket one.

Pros

Fast enough for most daily tasks
Runs cool without a fuss
Handles gaming and office work
No need to upgrade your cooler

Cons

No cooler included in the box
Old architecture feels dated now
Lacks PCIe 4.0 support

Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i5-10500

The Intel Core i5-10500 is a solid six-core Comet Lake chip for everyday tasks, but it’s stuck on an outdated platform.

Get it if you need a reliable, cool-running six-core CPU for a basic office or home PC on a tight budget. Skip it if you're building a gaming rig; newer, faster options with better single-core performance exist for similar money.