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 i7-875K 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 i7-875K: 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

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $218 less on MSRP ($135 MSRP vs $353 MSRP).
✅Delivers 162.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 23.6 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($135 MSRP vs $353 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-875K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-875K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-875K

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,177 vs 3,187).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 23.6 PassMark/$ ($353 MSRP vs $135 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2400S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2400S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2400S better than Core i7-875K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-875K is ahead with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400S pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i7-875K also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2400S is the better buy right now. Core i5-2400S comes in $218 cheaper on MSRP at $135 MSRP versus $353 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-875K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 162.3% better value on MSRP (23.6 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-2400S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2400S vs Core i7-875K 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 i7-875K

The Core i7-875K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,177 points. Launch price was $486.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2400S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-875K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2400S versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-875K — a 8.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-875K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i5-2400S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-875K uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2400S scores 3,187 against the Core i7-875K's 3,177 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2400S. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-875K.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-875K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.93 GHz+17%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Lynnfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	3,187	3,177
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,965	—
Geekbench 6 Single	578	—
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 i7-875K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. 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.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-875K
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1156
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-2400S) vs VT-x (Core i7-875K). The Core i5-2400S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-875K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-875K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-875K
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	—
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2400S was priced at $135, while the Core i7-875K came in at $353. On launch pricing ($135 vs $353), Core i5-2400S was $218 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2400S delivers 23.6 pts/$ vs 9.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-875K — making the Core i5-2400S the 89.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2400S	Core i7-875K
MSRP	$135-62%	$353
Performance per Dollar	23.6+162%	9.0
Release Date	2011	2010

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