Core i5-2450P vs Core i5-2550K

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 i5-2450P vs Core i5-2550K 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 i5-2450P vs Core i5-2550K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2450P

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $58 less on MSRP ($177 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Delivers 34.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 18.0 PassMark/$ ($177 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (545 vs 707).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,850 vs 2,010).

Core i5-2550K

2012

Why buy it

✅+29.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.0 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($235 MSRP vs $177 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2550K better than Core i5-2450P?

Yes. Core i5-2550K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 8.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i5-2550K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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 i5-2550K is the stronger fit. You are getting 8.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2550K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2550K comes in 32.8% more expensive on MSRP at $235 MSRP versus $177 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2450P only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 34.2% better value on paper (24.1 vs 18.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2550K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2450P vs Core i5-2550K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2450P

The Core i5-2450P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,273 points. Launch price was $215.

Core i5-2550K

The Core i5-2550K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,228 points. Launch price was $189.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2450P and Core i5-2550K share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-2450P versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2550K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2450P scores 4,273 against the Core i5-2550K's 4,228 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i5-2450P. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 545 vs 707, a 25.9% lead for the Core i5-2550K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,850 vs 2,010 (8.3% advantage for the Core i5-2550K). Both processors carry 6144 kB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2450P	Core i5-2550K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.8 GHz+9%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+6%
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,273+1%	4,228
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	4,058
Geekbench 6 Single	545	707+30%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,850	2,010+9%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2450P versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i5-2550K — the Core i5-2550K supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,P67,Z68,H67,Q67 (Core i5-2450P) and Z77,Z75,Q77,H77,Q75,B75,Z68,P67,H67,Q67,B65,H61 (Core i5-2550K).

Feature	Core i5-2450P	Core i5-2550K
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Both support Yes virtualization.

Feature	Core i5-2450P	Core i5-2550K
Integrated GPU	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	Yes

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2450P was priced at $177, while the Core i5-2550K came in at $235. On launch pricing ($177 vs $235), Core i5-2450P was $58 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2450P delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 18.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2550K — making the Core i5-2450P the 29.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2450P	Core i5-2550K
MSRP	$177-25%	$235
Performance per Dollar	24.1+34%	18.0
Release Date	2012	2012

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