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 i5-2500 vs Core i5-2500K 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 i5-2500 vs Core i5-2500K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2500

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (590 vs 684).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (2,642 vs 3,200).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 18.4 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Core i5-2500K

2011

Why buy it

✅+15.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $69 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 31.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.4 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2500K better than Core i5-2500?

Yes. Core i5-2500K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 21.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 1.0% higher 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 i5-2500K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 i5-2500K is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2500K is the better buy right now. Core i5-2500K comes in $69 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 31.9% better value on MSRP (18.4 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2500K 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 i5-2500 vs Core i5-2500K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2500

The Core i5-2500 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 4,102 points. Launch price was $85.

Core i5-2500K

The Core i5-2500K 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 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,141 points. Launch price was $216.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2500 and Core i5-2500K share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500 versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2500 scores 4,102 against the Core i5-2500K's 4,141 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i5-2500K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 2,642 vs 3,200 (19.1% advantage for the Core i5-2500K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 590 vs 684, a 14.8% lead for the Core i5-2500K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,690 vs 2,032 (18.4% advantage for the Core i5-2500K). L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2500K.

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-2500K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 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	4,102	4,141
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,642	3,200+21%
Geekbench 6 Single	590	684+16%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,690	2,032+20%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1155 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77 (Core i5-2500) and P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K).

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-2500K
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
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

Only the Core i5-2500K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2500) vs VT-x (Core i5-2500K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 2000 (Core i5-2500) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2500K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500 targets Desktop, Core i5-2500K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-2500K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 2000	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2500 was priced at $294, while the Core i5-2500K came in at $225. On launch pricing ($294 vs $225), Core i5-2500K was $69 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500 delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 18.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-2500K — making the Core i5-2500K the 27.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2500	Core i5-2500K
MSRP	$294	$225-23%
Performance per Dollar	14.0	18.4+31%
Release Date	2011	2011

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