Core i5-2450M vs Core i5-13600K
Core i5-2450M
Core i5-13600K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-2450M is positioned at rank #1100 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2450M
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-13600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($225) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2450M | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1179%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($225) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($319) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2450M and Core i5-13600K
Core i5-2450M
The Core i5-2450M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,076 points. Launch price was $823.
Core i5-13600K
The Core i5-13600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 37,655 points. Launch price was $319.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2450M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-13600K offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-13600K has 12 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i5-13600K — a 48.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-13600K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-2450M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-13600K uses Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Core i5-13600K's 37,655 — a 179.1% lead for the Core i5-13600K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M vs 24 MB on the Core i5-13600K.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 14 / 20+600% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 5.1 GHz+65% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 24 MB+700% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+700% |
| Process | 32 nm | Intel 7 nm-78% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Raptor Lake, Raptor Cove, Gracemont (2022) |
| PassMark | 2,076 | 37,655+1714% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 1,352 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 453 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 871 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2450M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-13600K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2450M versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i5-13600K — the Core i5-2450M supports 198.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-13600K supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 16 — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2450M) vs 20 (Core i5-13600K) — the Core i5-13600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2450M) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i5-13600K).
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+26560% | DDR5-5600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 192 GB+1258291100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-13600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2450M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-13600K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2450M) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-13600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-13600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2450M launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i5-13600K debuted at $329.
| Feature | Core i5-2450M | Core i5-13600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225-32% | $329 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $319 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2022 |
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