Core i5-2500K vs Core i3-7300T

The Core i5-2500K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i3-7300T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2500K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i3-7300T — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500K (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i5-2500K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-7300T uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500K scores 4,141 against the Core i3-7300T's 4,145 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-7300T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 684 vs 1,100, a 46.6% lead for the Core i3-7300T that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2500K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-7300T.

The Core i5-2500K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-7300T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2500K versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-7300T — the Core i3-7300T supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-7300T supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K) and B250,H270,Z270,Q250,Q270 (Core i3-7300T).

Only the Core i5-2500K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-2500K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7300T). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2500K) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i3-7300T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500K targets Gaming, Core i3-7300T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300; Core i3-7300T rivals Ryzen 3 2200GE.

The Core i5-2500K launched at $225 MSRP, while the Core i3-7300T debuted at $138. At current prices ($35 vs $128), the Core i5-2500K is $93 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500K delivers 118.3 pts/$ vs 32.4 pts/$ for the Core i3-7300T — making the Core i5-2500K the 114% better value option.