Intel Core i5-2500K vs Intel Core i9-10980XE

VS
Performance
Core i5-2500K
6,57118% of 36,991
Core i9-10980XE211% better
20,45255% of 36,991

The Core i9-10980XE has 211% better performance than the Core i5-2500K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i5-2500K60% better
30.4225% of 121.53
Core i9-10980XE
19.0116% of 121.53

The Core i5-2500K has 60% better value for the money than the Core i9-10980XE for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i5-2500K CPU

The Intel Core i5-2500K is an end-of-life 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2011 with a suggested retail price of $216. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture. The i5-2500K is compatible with Intel Socket 1155 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-2500K supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-2500K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 6 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-2500K features 4 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.3 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.7 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-2500K includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 3000. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i5-2500K has the 363rd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 17.76% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 6,571 score and $216 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 30.42. This is the 118th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Core i9-10980XE CPU

The Intel Core i9-10980XE is an end-of-life 18-core (36-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2019 with a suggested retail price of $1,076. It is part of Intel's Core i9 Extreme lineup, which is based on the X-Series 10th Gen microarchitecture. The i9-10980XE is compatible with Intel Socket 2066 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Core i9-10980XE supports DDR4 memory and features a quad-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 4 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i9-10980XE has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 24.75 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i9-10980XE features 18 total cores which can process 36 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.0 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.8 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i9-10980XE does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i9-10980XE has the 71st best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 55.29% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 20,452 score and $1,076 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 19.01. This is the 163rd best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i5Core i9 Extreme
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ1 2011Q4 2019
Launch Price (MSRP)$216$1,076
Production StatusEnd-of-lifeEnd-of-life
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i5-2500K
6,57118% of 36,991
Core i9-10980XE211% better
20,45255% of 36,991

The Core i9-10980XE has 211% better performance than the Core i5-2500K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i5-2500K is ranked 363rd with a score of 6,571, and the Core i9-10980XE is ranked 71st with a score of 20,452.

Performance per dollar
Core i5-2500K60% better
30.4225% of 121.53
Core i9-10980XE
19.0116% of 121.53

The Core i5-2500K has 60% better value for the money than the Core i9-10980XE for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i5-2500K is ranked 118th with a performance per dollar of 30.42, and the Core i9-10980XE is ranked 163rd with a performance per dollar of 19.01.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i5-2500K or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 9 3950X21,016+220%
Core i9-11900K20,662+214%
Core i9-10980XE20,452+211%
Ryzen 7 5700X20,010+205%
Ryzen 5 5600X19,649+199%
Core i5-35506,593+0%
Ryzen 3 1300X6,579+0%
Core i5-2500K6,571
Core i5-44606,499-1%
Core i5-64006,283-4%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i5-2500K or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-670032.45+7%
Core i5-6600K32.04+5%
Core i5-2500K30.42
Core i5-347030.3-0%
Core i7-3770K29.45-3%
Ryzen 9 3950X28.06-8%
Core i7-8086K27.19-11%
Core i9-10980XE19.01-38%
Ryzen Threadripper 1950X17.85-41%
Core i9-9980XE9.72-68%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
6,571
20,452
(+211.25%)
3DMark Time Spy CPU
--
12,436
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
470
3,744
(+696.6%)
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
122
208
(+70.49%)
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
1,930
12,156
(+529.84%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
655
1,598
(+143.97%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
4,119
32,822
(+696.84%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,698
2,650
(+56.07%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size32 nm14 nm
Transistors1,160 million--

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
SeriesCore i5Core i9 Extreme
MicroarchitectureSandy BridgeX-Series 10th Gen
CodenameSandy BridgeCascade Lake-X
Memory SupportDDR3DDR4
Memory ChannelsDual-channelQuad-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
Cores418
Threads436
Clock Speed3.3 GHz3.0 GHz
Turbo Clock3.7 GHz4.8 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier33.0x30.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYesYes

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
L1 Cache64 KB64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB1 MB
L3 Cache6 MB24.75 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
SocketIntel Socket 1155Intel Socket 2066
PCI ExpressPCIe 2.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x48
Thermal Design Power (TDP)95 W165 W
TJ Max72.6 °C86 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i5-2500KCore i9-10980XE
Integrated GraphicsIntel HD 3000--
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, AES-NIMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, Boost 2.0, Boost 3.0

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.