That's $30 under our mention from a month ago, $150 off list, and the lowest price we've seen. Buy Now at Sam's Club
- 12GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
- Model: 15-er1051cl
A 3-year Dell warranty applies to both models on offer. Pictured is the Refurb Dell Latitude 7320 11th-Gen. i5 256GB 13" Detachable Notebook for $369.99 (low by $994 for a refurb model). Shop Now at Woot! An Amazon Company
That's at least $150 less than the best price we could find elsewhere. Buy Now at eBay
- Intel Core i5-1335U 10-core CPU
- 1920 x 1200 IPS display
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Model: HP-Elitebook-i5-16-512
It's the best price we found by $150. Buy Now at Amazon
- 12th-generation Intel Core i5-12500H 2.8GHz / 1.8GHz 12-Core CPU
- 15.6" 1920x1080 (1080p) 144Hz display
- 16GB RAM & 512GB PCIe SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 8GB GPU
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: FX507ZC-ES53
- UPC: 197105000469
Apply coupon code "SAVEBIGONLSERIES" to get this deal. That's a savings of $1,239 and the best price we could find. Buy Now at Lenovo
- 13th-Generation Intel Core i5-13500HX 2.5GHz Raptor Lake 14-core CPU
- 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD
- 14" 1920x1080 (1080p) IPS touch display
- Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
- Model: 21C1S0TY00
Apply coupon code "EXTRAFIVE" to get this deal. That's $87 under our October mention and the lowest price we could find. Buy Now at Lenovo
- 13th-Generation Intel Core i5-13500HX 2.5GHz Raptor Lake 14-core CPU
- 16" 2560x1600 165Hz touchscreen
- 16GB RAM & 512GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- Model: 82WK0005US
That's an $83 low. A 1-year warranty from Allstate applies. Buy Now at eBay
- 13th generation Intel Core i5-1335U 10-Core 1.3GHz/0.9GHz CPU
- 15.6" 1920 x 1080 touchscreen
- 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6440HQ Quad-Core 2.60GHz (3.50GHz Max Turbo)
- Memory: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SATA M.2 SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit
- Screen Info: 14.0" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch w/ Webcam
- Condition: Renewed
- AC Adapter: Included
- Model: Latitude 14-5480SA110
- UPC: 703962428560
Use coupon code "WOW5410DELL" to take an extra 50% off these refurb Dell Latitude 5410 i5- and i7-equipped laptops, with prices ranging from $399 to $469 before the discount, or $200 to $235 after. Shop Now at Dell Refurbished Store
It's $221 under list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 15.6 inch Full HD OLED NanoEdge bezel display with stunning 85% screen-to-body ratio
- Latest 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor 2.4 GHz (8M Cache, up to 4.2 GHz, 4 cores) and NVIDIA GeForce MX350 GPU
- Windows 10 Home
- 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD and Windows 10 Home
- Ergonomic backlit keyboard along with a fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello
- Model: K513EQ-PB56
- UPC: 195553202787
It's $215 under list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor redefining whats possible in a thin and light computer. Wireless: Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible. Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- Standout design that wont weigh you down ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds.Aspect ratio: 3:2
- All-day battery life upto 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster about 80% in just over an hour
- Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below).
- Model: VDV-00001
- UPC: 889842476965
- Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 6 MB Intel Smart Cache), Base Frequency 1.6 GHz, Max Turbo Frequency 4.20 GHz
- CustomizationSeal is opened for Hardware/Software Upgraded only to enhance performance. Upgraded to 20GB DDR4 SDRAM, 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD, Windows 10 Home, No-DVD
- Narrow Bezel 14" Screen IPS Anti-Glare FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) Display, Powered by Intel UHD Graphics
- Wi-Fi 5 (2x2 802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) Type-A ports, 1 x 1.4b HDMI ports, 1 x Combo headphone/mic port, 1 x DC-in jack charging port, 1x Multi-Card Reader
- Gray Keyboard with Touchpad Pointing Device, 45WH Lithium-Polymer Battery, 12.9" L x 9.49" W x 0.78" H, 3.31 lbs, Platinum Grey, free 32GB USB Drive
- Model: 81WA
- UPC: 738807757314
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6440HQ Quad-Core 2.60GHz (3.50GHz Max Turbo)
- Memory: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SATA M.2 SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit
- Screen Info: 14.0" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch w/ Webcam
- Condition: Renewed
- AC Adapter: Included
- Model: Latitude 14-5480SA110
- UPC: 703962428560
- Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 6 MB Intel Smart Cache), Base Frequency 1.6 GHz, Max Turbo Frequency 4.20 GHz
- CustomizationSeal is opened for Hardware/Software Upgraded only to enhance performance. Upgraded to 20GB DDR4 SDRAM, 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD, Windows 10 Home, No-DVD
- Narrow Bezel 14" Screen IPS Anti-Glare FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) Display, Powered by Intel UHD Graphics
- Wi-Fi 5 (2x2 802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) Type-A ports, 1 x 1.4b HDMI ports, 1 x Combo headphone/mic port, 1 x DC-in jack charging port, 1x Multi-Card Reader
- Gray Keyboard with Touchpad Pointing Device, 45WH Lithium-Polymer Battery, 12.9" L x 9.49" W x 0.78" H, 3.31 lbs, Platinum Grey, free 32GB USB Drive
- Model: 81WA
- UPC: 738807757314
It's $231 under list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- PROCESSOR: Intel 10th Generation Core i7-1016U @ 1.80GHz, High Performance Processor (Quad, up to 3.00 GHz, 3M Cache, 15W).
- SPECIFICATIONS: 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 4GB sticks) / 256 GB M.2 Solid State Drive (SSD) For very Fast Performance and boot within seconds, Comes With 45 Watts Type C Adapter.
- ABOUT THIS ITEM: 12.3 Inch FHD (1920 X 1280), Intel UHD Graphics, HD Camera on the front and back, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (160mHz), SD Card Reader, Type C port, Headphone jack, USB 3.1 Gen 1 port.
- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 LATEST RELEASE - A brand new installation of the latest Microsoft Windows 11 Operating System, free of bloatware commonly installed from other manufacturers.
- CUSTOM TAILORED FOR A SECURE START - Configured to tackle all the most commonly needed tasks right out of the box. All Renewed computers are backed by a 90-day warranty and 90-day tech support to ensure a smooth, easy, and secure introduction.
- Model: 7200
- Processor The laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 7535U processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and impressive performance. Whether you're tackling demanding tasks or enjoying casual computing, this processor handles it all with ease.
- GraphicsDive into gaming, creative design, and multimedia tasks with confidence, thanks to the dedicated AMD Radeon 660M graphics. This GPU delivers excellent visuals and ensures a seamless experience for graphic-intensive applications.
- 16" WUXGA Touchscreen Display Experience breathtaking visuals and vibrant colors on the 16-inch WUXGA touchscreen display. Whether you're streaming movies, working on creative projects, or browsing the web, the high-resolution screen provides stunning clarity and an immersive viewing experience.
- Upgraded Ample 8GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB SSD Storage: Say goodbye to slow load times and lag. With 8GB of DDR5 RAM, your multitasking experience is lightning-fast, and the 2TB SSD storage provides ample space for your files, apps, and games while significantly reducing boot and load times.
- Windows 11 Home From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and contentWindows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way.
- Model: Lenovo Laptop
- UPC: 196803634778
It's $140 under list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Lifetime OfficeFree Microsoft Office LTSC Profession Plus 2021 with Lifetime license. Including Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access. Please DO NOT install Office 365, which invalidates the Office 2021 license.
- Processor11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor (4 Cores, 8M Cache, up to 4.20 GHz).
- Display15.6" diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz, WVA, Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, 250 nit, Narrow Border.
- Memory32GB DDR4 RAM 3200MHz.
- Storage 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive.
- Model: Inspiron 15
- UPC: 884116408857
It's $87 under list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- With 16 GB DDR5 SDRAM of memory, users can run many programs without losing execution
- 15.6" display with 1920 x 1080 resolution showcases movies, games and photos with impressive clarity
- 256 GB total SSD capacity keeps your running programs active while your computer resumes from suspension in seconds
- Model: 5540
- UPC: 884116454465
- Powerful Performance with Intel Core 1135G7Intel 11th Gen i5-1135G7, Quad-Core, 2.4 GHz Processor (upto 4.2GHz, 8MB Smart Cache, 8 Threads)
- CustomizationSeal is opened for Hardware/Software upgrade only to enhance performance. Upgrade to 32GB DDR4 SDRAM, 1TB NVMe Solid State Drive, No DVD
- Display and graphics15.6" diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), micro-edge, BrightView, 250 nits, 45% NTSC, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, HP True Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones
- ConnectivityRealtek RTL8821CE-M 802.11b/g/n/ac (1x1) and Bluetooth 4.2 Combo, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C (Data Transfer Only, 5 Gb/s signaling rate); 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (Data Transfer Only); 1 x AC smart pin; 1 x HDMI 1.4b; 1 x headphone/microphone combo; 1 x multi-format SD media card reader
- RE Bundle EnhancementWindows 10 Home, Full-size backlit keyboard, 3-cell 41 Wh Li-ion battery up to 7 hours, 9.53 x 14.11 x 0.71 in, 3.75 lbs, Silver, free Rock eDigital Acessories: 1xHDMI cable, 1xUSB Extension cord, 1xMousepad
- Model: HP-15-DW300
- UPC: 785378280017, 755565620971
It's $158 under list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Dell Latitude 5320 2-in-1 13.3" Touch Screen
- Intel Core i7 11th Gen i7-1185G7 Quad-Core Processor 1.8GHz (4.4GHz With Turbo Boost)
- 512 GB SSD Hard Drive & 16GB RAM Memory
- 1920x1080 FHD resolution Touch with an integrated Webcam and an integrated graphics chip
- Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth
- Model: Latitude 5320 2-in-1
- UPC: 196105544232
Core i5 Laptops: The Basics
When researching a laptop to buy, one of the main factors to consider is the processor. The processor handles the workload of the computer, so its performance and speed can have a large impact on the overall value of your system.
Core i5 is a line of processors made by Intel that are intended for the mainstream user. Within the Core i5 family, there are several generations and models of products. The most recent Intel Core generations are listed below, along with their code name (Intel’s naming scheme for the platforms they develop):
- 10th Generation : Comet Lake, Ice Lake, or Amber Lake Y
- 9th Generation : Coffee Lake
- 8th Generation : Coffee Lake, Whiskey Lake, Kaby Lake R or G, or Amber Lake Y
- 7th Generation: Kaby Lake
Deciphering the Processor Name
When reviewing the specifications for a laptop at a certain retailer, you may not see the generation listed in the processor name. However, you can determine this by the first number listed in the name of the processor after “i5”. For instance, “Intel Core i5-1035G1” has a 10 after i5, which indicates it is 10th gen. Along the same lines, “Intel Core i5-9300H” is 9th gen.
The last letter or number/letter combination in this string also has meaning , and represents certain features. As examples, an “H” on the end means high performance graphics, while a “U” means ultra-low power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which i5 Processor Generation Should I Choose?
Most of the Core i5 laptop deals listed on DealNews are at least 8th gen; the majority are 10th gen. Generally speaking, the latest generation of a processor represents advances in technology compared to previous generations.
That said, according to Intel , “A higher number within a processor class or family generally indicates more features, but it may be more of one and less of another.” So it’s worth checking into the specifics once you’ve narrowed down your choices. A slightly older processor at a great deal may be perfectly sufficient compared to spending more for the very latest development.
How Many Cores Are in an i5 Laptop?
Core i5 processors for laptops can go up to six cores, but more typically have two or four cores. The majority of i5 laptop deals on DealNews are for quad-core systems. Having multiple cores basically means your processor can multitask, doing up to six things at once (or more with hyper-threading ).
Quad-core is commonly recommended for average users that aren’t using specialized software that’s designed to take advantage of additional cores. Dual-core may also suffice, particularly if cost is the main driver of the purchase.
Should I Buy a Core i5 or Consider i3, i7, or i9?
When considering a Core i5 laptop deal, you may be wondering if you should upgrade to i7 or i9 — or save money by opting for i3. Like the processor generations mentioned above, the higher numbers generally mean higher performance. Core i5 would be a step above i3, i7 a step above i5, and so on.
That said, there can be a lot of variance within these lines, and several factors besides the number of cores will affect performance, including:
- Clock Speed : Measures how fast the processor is, with higher numbers meaning higher speeds (higher speeds also use more power and generate more heat)
- Turbo Boost : Speeds up processor performance during peak loads
- Hyper-Threading : Allows multiple threads to run on each core (doing more simultaneously without slowing down)
Intel highlights some of the key features in the Intel Core processor family and provides detailed comparison charts for the following mobile processors:
This chart is not available for Core i9 , but Intel also offers a handy tool for comparing processors using their Product Specifications Page (ARK). If you are considering a couple of specific models and want to view the processor specifications side-by-side with differences highlighted, you can follow the instructions for using the search with the option to compare.
When making a choice between the i5 and other CPUs, it will likely come down to how much you can afford. All other things being equal or at least comparable, you’ll want to get the latest and greatest processor possible for the money you plan to spend. That said, shelling out for a processor with way more power than you need isn’t necessary. That extra power will only benefit those that run high-end games and complex software.
How Can I Get a Discount On an i5 Laptop?
You can browse the i5 laptop deals here at DealNews to find several options for getting a discount. Many of the i5 deals we find come from these stores:
If you don’t see a deal, you can search the model number for the system you are interested in to check prices. To potentially get even more savings, you can search DealNews for coupons for the stores that sell it. Once you’ve determined the prices and whether coupons are available, you can compare to find out which store has the lowest price.
Sarah Jones is the resident coupon expert at DealNews and oversees a team that covers deals, coupons, and Black Friday content. Her articles or quotes have been featured on sites such as Christian Science Monitor, Oprah.com, Fox Business, Kiplinger, and Lifehacker.