Core i5-2500K vs Core i5-10210Y
Core i5-2500K
Core i5-10210Y
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-2500K is positioned at rank 828 and the Core i5-10210Y is on rank 429, so the Core i5-10210Y offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10210Y
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-10210Y |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake-Y (2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-10210Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i5-2500K and Core i5-10210Y
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.
Core i5-10210Y
The Core i5-10210Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-Y (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: UTFCBGA1377. Thermal design power (TDP): 7 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,131 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i5-10210Y's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K versus 4 GHz on the Core i5-10210Y — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-10210Y (base: 3.3 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i5-2500K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-10210Y uses Comet Lake-Y (2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500K scores 4,141 against the Core i5-10210Y's 4,131 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-2500K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 684 vs 1,079, a 44.8% lead for the Core i5-10210Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,032 vs 2,380 (15.8% advantage for the Core i5-10210Y). Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-10210Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+230% | 1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Comet Lake-Y (2019) |
| PassMark | 4,141 | 4,131 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 684 | 1,079+58% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,032 | 2,380+17% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-10210Y uses UTFCBGA1377 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2500K versus LPDDR3 2133 MHz on the Core i5-10210Y — the Core i5-10210Y supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2500K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2500K) vs 10 (Core i5-10210Y) — the Core i5-2500K offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K) and SoC (Core i5-10210Y).
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-10210Y |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | UTFCBGA1377 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | LPDDR3 2133 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+60% | 10 |
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 (Core i5-2500K) vs true (Core i5-10210Y). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2500K) and Intel UHD Graphics 615 (Core i5-10210Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500K targets Gaming, Core i5-10210Y targets Mobile Low Power. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Core i5-10210Y |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | Intel UHD Graphics 615 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Gaming | Mobile Low Power |
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