Core i5-2500K vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G
Core i5-2500K
Ryzen Embedded R1606G
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. The Core i5-2500K is positioned at rank #828 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500K
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500K | Ryzen Embedded R1606G |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($35) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen (2017−2020) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500K | Ryzen Embedded R1606G |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ryzen Embedded R1606G
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.
Ryzen Embedded R1606G
The Ryzen Embedded R1606G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,162 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G 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 Ryzen Embedded R1606G — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500K (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-2500K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500K scores 4,141 against the Ryzen Embedded R1606G's 4,162 — a 0.5% lead for the Ryzen Embedded R1606G. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2500K vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen Embedded R1606G.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Ryzen Embedded R1606G |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+6% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+27% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Zen (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 4,141 | 4,162 |
| 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 Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses FP5 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Ryzen Embedded R1606G |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | FP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| 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 (Ryzen Embedded R1606G). The Core i5-2500K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500K targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500K rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Ryzen Embedded R1606G |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ryzen Embedded R1606G debuted at $0. At current prices ($35 vs $0), the Ryzen Embedded R1606G is $35 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i5-2500K | Ryzen Embedded R1606G |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $225 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $35 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 118.3 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2019 |
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