Buying Guide
The Best Intel Core i5 CPUs for Gaming
Five processors ranked on L3 cache and boost clock; the Core i5-14400F is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Core i5 is Intel's mainstream gaming tier. Every pick is a Core i5 on the LGA1700 socket, ordered by boost clock.
We ranked these processors on L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out cores / threads, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
Intel Core i5-14600KF6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Intel Core i5-14600K6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core i5-13600KThe top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Best for: Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i5-14400FThe cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-12400.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-12400.
Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Intel Core i5-1240018MB of cache.
Best for: Buyers who want 18MB of cache.
Check price for Intel Core i5-12400 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. | Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Intel Core i5-13600K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-12400. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-12400. | Check price for Intel Core i5-14400F on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 18MB of cache. | Buyers who want 18MB of cache. | Check price for Intel Core i5-12400 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600KF
The Core i5-14600KF is the 14600K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for display output. It matches the Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K on L3 cache (24MB). It matches the Core i5-14600K on boost clock (5.3GHz).
It also comes with 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. When we checked, only the Core i5-12400 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Core i5-14600K cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
- L3 cache of 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14400F
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Intel Core i5-14600K
The Core i5-14600K runs on LGA1700, so it works with DDR4 or DDR5 boards and suits upgraders already on that socket.
Best for
- Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
Its 14 cores give good headroom for a mid-range gaming build. It boosts to 5.3GHz, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking on a Z-series board. It matches the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-13600K on L3 cache (24MB).
It matches the Core i5-14600KF on boost clock (5.3GHz). You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was priced above the Core i5-14600KF and below the Core i5-13600K at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.3GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 5
Intel Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is the previous-generation fourteen-core LGA1700 chip.
Best for
- Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It fits the same boards as the 14600K. On L3 cache it ties with the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K at 24MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5.1GHz: the Core i5-14600KF offers 5.3GHz, and the Core i5-12400 comes in at 4.4GHz.
You also get 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Core i5-14600K.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 24MB
- Max boost
- 5.1GHz
- Cores / threads
- 14 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 14 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 6 performance and 8 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- Costs more than the Core i5-14400F at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Intel Core i5-14400F
The Core i5-14400F is a locked ten-core LGA1700 chip with no integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-12400.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It pairs well with a B660 or B760 board and DDR4. Its 20MB L3 cache ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (24MB) and ahead of the Core i5-12400 (18MB). Its 4.7GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz) and ahead of the Core i5-12400 (4.4GHz).
On core count it trails the group at 10 cores, while the Core i5-14600KF offers 14 cores. You also get 6 performance and 4 efficient cores, DDR4 and DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips.
Budget for a dual-tower air cooler or a 240mm-plus AIO, since none is included. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Core i5-12400 was closest.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 20MB
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 10 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 16
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 6 performance and 4 efficient cores
- DDR4 and DDR5 support
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support
- L3 cache of 20MB, ahead of the Core i5-12400
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Core count trails the Core i5-14600KF (14 cores)
The catch
Core count is its weakest area, and the Core i5-14600KF covers it better at 14 cores.
Worth a Look5 of 5
Intel Core i5-12400
What the Core i5-12400 brings to the table is 18MB of cache, plus a 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo.
Best for
- Buyers who want 18MB of cache.
Skip if
- Skip it if L3 cache matters most to you; the Core i5-14600KF offers 24MB.
Why we like it
The maker lists 18MB of L3 cache and an LGA1700 socket, so it needs a compatible board. Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 730 supports up to four monitors, which lets you set up the PC before adding a graphics card. Its 18MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core i5-14600KF leads at 24MB.
Its 4.4GHz boost clock is the lowest in this group; the Core i5-14600KF leads at 5.3GHz. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. When we checked, only the Core i5-14400F cost less, and the Core i5-14600KF cost more.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 18MB
- Max boost
- 4.4GHz
- Socket
- LGA1700
Pros
- 18MB of cache
- 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo
- 18MB L3 cache
- 4.4GHz boost clock
Cons
- L3 cache trails the Core i5-14600KF (24MB)
- Boost clock trails the Core i5-14600KF (5.3GHz)
- No published core count
The catch
L3 cache is its weakest area, and the Core i5-14600KF covers it better at 24MB.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We lined up five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out core count.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i5-14600KF to the Core i5-12400, state L3 cache, boost clock and socket and share LGA1700 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i5-12400 gives no core count; the Core i5-12400 gives no rated power.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Core i5-14400F ($150 to $250) to the Core i5-13600K ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an Intel Core i5 CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
L3 cache across these picks
Across these 5 picks L3 cache spans 18MB (the Core i5-12400) to 24MB (the Core i5-14600KF). If L3 cache is your first filter, the Core i5-14600KF sets the ceiling at 24MB.
How much boost clock you need
The Core i5-14600KF tops boost clock at 5.3GHz and the Core i5-12400 sits lowest at 4.4GHz; 2 picks share the top figure. The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for boost clock.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC How much core count you need
Here core count runs from 10 cores on the Core i5-14400F to 14 cores on the Core i5-14600KF, a 40% spread. The Core i5-14600KF is the pick for core count. The Core i5-12400 gives no core count figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The Core i5-14600K: support for both DDR4 and DDR5 boards. The Core i5-14400F: DDR4 and DDR5 support. The Core i5-12400: a 2.5GHz base clock with 4.4GHz turbo.
Where your budget lands
$150 to $250 buys the Core i5-14400F, the Core i5-12400, the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K; $250 to $500 buys the Core i5-13600K at our last check.
How to Choose an Intel Core i5 CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600KF | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores | Core i5-14600K | 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Spending more than the Core i5-14600K costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Core i5-13600K | The top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-12400 | Core i5-14400F | The cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-12400 |
| Buyers who want 18MB of cache | Core i5-12400 | 18MB of cache |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i5-14600KF leads on L3 cache at 24MB, ahead of the Core i5-14600K at 24MB. "Not listed" marks core count where the Core i5-12400 leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i5-14600KF | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14600K | 24MB | 5.3GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-13600K | 24MB | 5.1GHz | 14 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-14400F | 20MB | 4.7GHz | 10 cores | 125W |
| Core i5-12400 | 18MB | 4.4GHz | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Core i5-14400F was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the Core i5-13600K the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Processors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Core i5-14400F, Core i5-12400, Core i5-14600KF, Core i5-14600K |
| About $250 to $500 | Core i5-13600K |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Core i5-13600K add over the Core i5-14400F?
The spec sheets show L3 cache (24MB against 20MB), boost clock (5.1GHz against 4.7GHz) and core count (14 cores against 10 cores) in its favour. On our last price check the Core i5-14400F was in the $150 to $250 tier and the Core i5-13600K in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if L3 cache and boost clock decide your purchase.
Why is the Core i5-14400F our Lowest Price Here pick?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-12400. It suits anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i5-12400.
Does the Core i5-14600K have integrated graphics, and which others do?
The Core i5-14600K and the Core i5-13600K have it; the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14400F do not. The Core i5-12400 has no integrated graphics listed, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Core i5-14600KF and the Core i5-14600K include?
The Core i5-14600KF: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. The Core i5-14600K: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. The Core i5-13600K: 6 performance and 8 efficient cores.
Should I pick the Core i5-14600KF or the Core i5-12400?
The Core i5-14600KF suits buyers who want 6 performance and 8 efficient cores; the Core i5-12400 suits buyers who want 18MB of cache.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i5-14600KF, chosen for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores. Look at the Core i5-14600K for 6 performance and 8 efficient cores, the Core i5-13600K for the top of this price range, adding 6 performance and 8 efficient cores and the Core i5-14400F for the cheapest way into this group, below the Core i5-12400 if those matter more to you.
K and KF chips need a Z-series board to overclock.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best AMD CPUs for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best Budget CPUs
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX
- Similar guideThe Best CPU for Gaming
- Topic hubAll processors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles