Intel Core i5-2500K
The Core i5-2500K has 18% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
The Core i5-2500K has 25% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.
Summary
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 362nd best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 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 117th 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.
| Info | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Series | Core i5 |
| Market Segment | Desktop |
| Release Date | Q1 2011 |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | $216 |
| Production Status | End-of-life |
| Shop | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
The Core i5-2500K has 18% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
The Core i5-2500K is ranked 362nd with a score of 6,571.
The Core i5-2500K has 25% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.
The Core i5-2500K is ranked 117th with a performance per dollar of 30.42.
Relative Performance
Core i5-2500K's average score in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, more powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-11400T | 7,319 | +11% |
| FX-8350 | 7,230 | +10% |
| Ryzen 3 2200G | 6,805 | +4% |
| Core i5-3550 | 6,593 | +0% |
| Ryzen 3 1300X | 6,579 | +0% |
| Core i5-2500K | 6,571 | |
| Core i5-4460 | 6,499 | -1% |
| Core i5-6400 | 6,283 | -4% |
| Ryzen 3 1200 | 5,975 | -9% |
| Core i5-3470 | 5,575 | -15% |
Relative Value For Money
Core i5-2500K's average performance per dollar in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score generally implies better value for your moeny.
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-4460 | 34.75 | +14% |
| Core i5-6400 | 34.52 | +13% |
| Core i7-3770 | 34.18 | +12% |
| Core i5-3550 | 33.98 | +12% |
| Core i5-6600K | 32.04 | +5% |
| Core i5-2500K | 30.42 | |
| Core i5-3470 | 30.3 | -0% |
| Core i7-3770K | 29.45 | -3% |
| Core i7-4790 | 29.27 | -4% |
| A10-6800K | 28.63 | -6% |
Benchmark Scores
This table showcases the Core i5-2500K's average performance scores across industry-standard CPU benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
- Popular
| Benchmark | Value |
|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 6,571 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | 470 |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | 122 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 1,936 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 655 |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 4,119 |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 1,698 |
Technical Specs
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel |
| Process Size | 32 nm |
| Transistors | 1,160 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.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Series | Core i5 |
| Microarchitecture | Sandy Bridge |
| Codename | Sandy Bridge |
| Memory Support | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory | No |
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.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 3.3 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 33.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes |
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.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB |
| L3 Cache | 6 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.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket 1155 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 95 W |
| TJ Max | 72.6 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled cooler, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, AES-NI |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.