Core i5-2500K vs FX-6200
Core i5-2500K
FX-6200
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 FX-6200 is on rank 701, so the FX-6200 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 FX-6200
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500K | FX-6200 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Zambezi (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500K | FX-6200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+39%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($25) |
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 FX-6200
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.
FX-6200
The FX-6200 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 February 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011−2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,114 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6200 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6200 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500K versus 4.1 GHz on the FX-6200 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the FX-6200 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i5-2500K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6200 uses Zambezi (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500K scores 4,141 against the FX-6200's 4,114 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-2500K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2500K vs 8192 kB on the FX-6200.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | FX-6200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 6 / 6+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.1 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz+15% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8192 kB+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6144 kB+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Zambezi (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 4,141 | 4,114 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 3,200 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 684 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,032 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6200 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | FX-6200 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x (Core i5-2500K) / not specified (FX-6200). The Core i5-2500K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-6200 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | FX-6200 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x | — |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2500K launched at $225 MSRP, while the FX-6200 debuted at $169. At current prices ($35 vs $25), the FX-6200 is $10 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500K delivers 118.3 pts/$ vs 164.6 pts/$ for the FX-6200 — making the FX-6200 the 32.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | FX-6200 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $169-25% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35 | $25-29% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.3 | 164.6+39% |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2012 |
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