PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-2715QE FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-2715QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-2400S

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $243 less on MSRP ($135 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 177.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.6 vs 8.5 PassMark/$ ($135 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2715QE.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2715QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,187 vs 3,221).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-2715QE

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.5 vs 23.6 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $135 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2400S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2715QE better than Core i5-2400S?

Yes. Core i7-2715QE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2715QE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2715QE is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2715QE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2715QE comes in 180.0% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $135 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2400S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 177.0% better value on paper (23.6 vs 8.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-2715QE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-2715QE Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-2400S

The Core i5-2400S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,187 points. Launch price was $141.

Core i7-2715QE

The Core i7-2715QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 3,221 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2400S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2715QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2400S versus 3 GHz on the Core i7-2715QE — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2400S (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2400S scores 3,187 against the Core i7-2715QE's 3,221 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-2715QE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 578 vs 587, a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-2715QE that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400S vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2715QE.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-2715QE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+10%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,187	3,221+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,965	—
Geekbench 6 Single	578	587+2%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,966	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2400S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2715QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2400S versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-2715QE — the Core i7-2715QE supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2400S supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2400S) and QM67,HM65 (Core i7-2715QE).

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-2715QE
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2400S) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-2715QE). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2400S) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2715QE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2715QE targets Embedded/Industrial. Direct competitor: Core i7-2715QE rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-2715QE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded/Industrial

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2400S was priced at $135, while the Core i7-2715QE came in at $378. On launch pricing ($135 vs $378), Core i5-2400S was $243 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2400S delivers 23.6 pts/$ vs 8.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-2715QE — making the Core i5-2400S the 93.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-2715QE
MSRP	$135-64%	$378
Performance per Dollar	23.6+178%	8.5
Release Date	2011	2011

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