Intel has launched an entire line of i9 processors that deliver dizzying speeds and efficiencies for gaming and memory-hoarding pursuits. More manufacturers now side with i9 and i7 CPUs for the performance upswing – something that is getting greater demand than before in this age of remote work. Is it sensible to buy an i5 laptop in this scenario?
Well, computers with i5 processors can be excellent for everyday use. They are less expensive than their counterparts but perform satisfactorily for daily activities. Intel Core i7 and i9 processors come with many more cores and threads and support high boost frequencies over 5GHz. So, naturally, the uptick you will witness in performance is substantial.
But unless you frequently use professional A/V applications like Adobe Premiere or game at high settings, there is no reason for an i5 computer not to support you. Many i5 laptops can do light to moderate gaming quite well and provide supporting features like custom keyboards and effective cooling.
What to Remember while getting an i5 Computer
The i5 line has aged now, and some believe it is nearing the end of life. But as of now, i5 CPUs still offer good performance for daily activities like web browsing, checking e-mail, streaming Netflix, video calling, etc. You may decide to buy an i5 laptop to save money or upgrade from an i3. Invest in a machine that offers high-quality sound and display and is sturdy.
Laptops with i5 inside are not renowned for extreme performance, which may mean you lug them around for casual, everyday computing. Mobility becomes significant here, so look for Thunderbolt connections, Wi-Fi 6, and good battery life. Seeking out upgrading options for memory and storage is also a great idea.
Top 11 Best 13th Generation Intel Core i5 Laptops 2023
As Intel Core i7 and i9 become more popular, manufacturers are moving up too. But players like Dell, HP, and Lenovo continue to offer solid i5 offerings for different audiences. Many students side with older processors, as do professionals who don’t need to use resource-intensive apps.
Budget can be a serious factor, and most i5 laptops hit the sweet spot between performance and expense. You will be comfortable performing day-to-day tasks in the office or campus on any of the following devices. Some amount of gaming, multimedia jobs, and working on the run also goes perfectly!
The good old Intel Core i5 continues to be an excellent mid-budget processor with reliable, long-lasting performance. It matches versatile needs: from student assignments to professional meetings and even light gaming or multimedia streaming.
Laptops like the Acer Swift Go 14 exemplify the promise of Intel Core i5 very well: portable, all-around computing. It is a dependable daily machine with 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and several cooling modes. The 2.2K monitor sports 100% sRGB color. Acer incorporates remote-work-friendly features in its new offerings, such as a QHD camera with auto framing and gaze correction and a fingerprint reader for working in shared environments.
Acer can also deliver a large-screen experience without asking you to break the bank. The Aspire 5 17 has an expansive 17.3″ FHD display but costs just $649.99. It provides many connections, such as Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, and a video camera with enhanced imagery and sound. Comfortable use and sustainability through effective cooling are essential in i5 laptops as well, and Acer uses an ergonomic hinge to ensure this.
2-in-1 Laptops
Convertibles are another route you can consider when looking for a flexible Intel Core i5 laptop. Many of these use a 360-degree hinge and have ergonomic keyboards. The ASUS Zenbook 14 is a case in point, offering a gorgeous OLED display with Dolby Vision and Pantone validation. It costs around $1,000 and can be used for classic computing and creative work, thanks to 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage.
HP has Intel Core i5 convertibles as well. These devices are reliable and long-lasting. The HP Envy x360 2-in-1 14t is quite affordable at $849.99. But it encompasses several premium features like an almost 90% screen-to-body ratio, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a fingerprint reader for secure access. It has a lightweight build weighing less than 3.5lbs and is incredibly easy to carry.
How about if you want something even cheaper? The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1, priced at $799.99, uses an FHD+ touch display and dazzles with Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Additionally, Dell provides a quick-charging battery and an optional stylus for bringing your inspiration to life.
i5 Gaming Laptops
An Intel Core i5 can be a capable processor for resource-intensive tasks like gaming. The best part is these machines, like the Dell G15, are affordable for casual gamers but still deliver many pro-grade provisions like G-SYNC and Dolby Audio. At $1,099.99, the G15 provides an RTX 3050 graphics card, a 165Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color. The super-smooth upgradability lets you optimize power per your needs: up to 32GB RAM and 2TB of storage.
Of course, you can also opt for more expensive gaming machines to get better results – lucky you! The Alienware x14 R2 is a brilliant choice that costs approximately $1,750. A QHD+ display with 300nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3, and Dolby Vision renders your content with mesmerizing realism and precision. You can also relish sustained performance with efficient proprietary cooling technologies.
Budget i5 Laptops
Some of the best cheap i5 laptops come from the HP umbrella. The 14″ HP Pavilion Plus is an Intel Core i5 device with specs suitable for day-to-day computing. But besides 8GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 2.2K display, it also has B&O audio and a decent 5MP camera.
Or, you could get a bigger screen without compromising mobility with the HP Pavilion 15. These are sensible options for students seeking pocket-friendly laptops or professionals whose regular schedules involve video calling and browsing the internet.
Intel Core i5 Workstations
The Dell Latitude series is a rugged choice for workplaces seeking a secure, performance-oriented device under $2,000. The Latitude 7440 has an FHD+ screen with 400 nits of brightness and Waves MaxxAudio Pro (with neural noise cancellation) for distortion-free sound.
It employs Mini-LED technology for improved efficiency. But Dell genuinely shines in well-thought-out privacy features for the workplace, like onlooker detection and tamper-evident seals. Latitude devices also deliver consistent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and 5G.
FAQs
Does it make sense to purchase Intel Core i5 laptops?
They are affordable, high-performing, versatile machines, never mind the competition. Not everyone has the budget for an Intel Core i7 or i9; not all users demand extreme performance. Students, professionals, and casual multimedia users can find i5 laptops an attractive balance of cost-effectiveness and value. Dell, HP, Acer, and ASUS have some all-rounder options that fit the bill as day-to-day companions on the campus, workplace, or household.
Can you play games on Intel Core i5 laptops?
Yes. This processor meets the minimum requirements of most games and delivers competent performance when combined with at least 8GB (preferably 16GB) RAM and a powerful graphics card like the RTX 40 lineup. However, consider the titles you want to play, the frame rate settings, and criteria like thermal management. The Dell G15 is a decent choice for moderate gaming. But we would recommend the Alienware x14 R2 for significantly improved multimedia experiences.
Besides display and processing power, what else should you consider in an i5 laptop?
The upgradability is vital if you anticipate your computing needs expanding (in the future). Dell is known for making this simple by letting users add ample storage and memory to accommodate gaming or video editing. Battery backup and connectivity options like 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Thunderbolt 4 are imperative if your work takes you traveling. Another consideration is the overall build: design, weight, and durability.
Is an Intel Core i7 laptop a better choice than an i5?
An Intel i7 machine exhibits better speeds and performance as it uses more cores. It is ideal for users who perform heavy multimedia work or run intensive editing applications. However, they are pricier than i5 laptops and may not suit a student’s budget. They may also be overkill if your standard usage involves checking e-mail, working on documents, and streaming on a wireless network. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, budget, and long-term perspective.
