An Intel core i5 processor is a great choice for casual gaming and customers with a tighter budget. The i5 processor will load games quickly, although it is not as fast as more expensive processors like the i7 and i9. Those who want to play games on their laptop casually will find an i5 suitable, but they might find large games that take a while to load. As an i5 processor isn't as powerful as others, it can take longer to load and run demanding programs like video editing or Photoshop. Instead, an i5 laptop is better suited to casual users who want to stream some movies, use Google, and run lightweight programs like Word. An i5 processor is an excellent option for anyone wanting to save some money and isn't running demanding programs.

An HP i5 laptop can last roughly three to five years. Budget-friendly HP i5 laptops have an average lifespan of three years, with high-end laptops lasting five years on average. However, you can extend the lifespan of your HP i5 laptop by caring for it properly, allowing you to use it for years worry-free. You can make some easy changes, like reducing your screen's brightness level and removing the charger when the laptop is fully charged to reduce how often your battery moves through charge cycles, increasing its longevity. A laptop battery starts to lose its charge after 300 to 500 charge cycles, so making small changes to reduce how often it needs to charge can help improve its lifespan.

The i5 processor was introduced in 2009 and is still used in laptops today. However, Intel recently decided to stop making the i5 processor, with the 13th generation Intel Core i5 to be its last variation. The decision was made in May 2024, so you will still find new and refurbished laptops with an i5 processor. The newer generations of the i5 offer faster speeds and can meet the demands of newer games and programs. Where possible, we recommend opting for a sixth-generation Intel Core i5 processor or higher.