Intel Core i5-8500

The Intel Core i5-8500 offers 6 cores and 12 threads. 9MB of L3 cache helps in cache-sensitive games and workloads. It drops into the LGA1151 socket with a 65W TDP — about 10.8W per core. Clocks run from 3GHz base to 4.1GHz boost. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics let it run headless-GPU builds and troubleshooting.

Confirm motherboard socket compatibility before anything else, then size the cooler to the TDP. At $179.99 it sits in the mid-range processor bracket. Use the PlanMyPC system builder to verify it works alongside your other components and to watch live retailer pricing. Intel backs the product through its standard warranty channels; check the listing for region-specific terms.