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 i5-2500K 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 i5-2500K 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 i5-2500K

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $10 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $235 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-2550K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (684 vs 707).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (3,200 vs 4,058).

Core i5-2550K

2012

Why buy it

✅+3.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌
4.4% HIGHER MSRP
$235 MSRPvs$225 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2500K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2550K better than Core i5-2500K?

Yes. Core i5-2550K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 26.8% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, 2.1% 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 i5-2550K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 26.8% 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 i5-2550K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-2550K comes in 4.4% more expensive on MSRP at $235 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2500K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 2.3% better value on paper (18.4 vs 18.0 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011) and 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 i5-2500K vs Core i5-2550K Technical Specifications

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

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 i5-2550K

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 i5-2500K and Core i5-2550K share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-2550K — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-2550K (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2500K scores 4,141 against the Core i5-2550K's 4,228 — a 2.1% lead for the Core i5-2550K. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 3,200 vs 4,058 (23.6% advantage for the Core i5-2550K). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 684 vs 707, a 3.3% lead for the Core i5-2550K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,032 vs 2,010 (1.1% advantage for the Core i5-2500K). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2500K vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2550K.

Feature	Core i5-2500K	Core i5-2550K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.8 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,141	4,228+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,200	4,058+27%
Geekbench 6 Single	684	707+3%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,032+1%	2,010

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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 i5-2500K 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: P67,Z68,Z77 (Core i5-2500K) and Z77,Z75,Q77,H77,Q75,B75,Z68,P67,H67,Q67,B65,H61 (Core i5-2550K).

Feature	Core i5-2500K	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

Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-2500K) vs Yes (Core i5-2550K). The Core i5-2500K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-2550K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.

Feature	Core i5-2500K	Core i5-2550K
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	Yes
Target Use	Gaming	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2500K was priced at $225, while the Core i5-2550K came in at $235. On launch pricing ($225 vs $235), Core i5-2500K was $10 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500K delivers 18.4 pts/$ vs 18.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-2550K — making the Core i5-2500K the 2.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2500K	Core i5-2550K
MSRP	$225-4%	$235
Performance per Dollar	18.4+2%	18.0
Release Date	2011	2012

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