CPU
GPU
Core i5-2500S
Core i7-960
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 i5-2500S is positioned at rank 854 and the Core i7-960 is on rank 979, so the Core i5-2500S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500S
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-960
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2500S | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($61) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Bloomfield (2008−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2500S | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+79%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($61) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($110) |
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 i5-2500S and Core i7-960
Core i5-2500S
The Core i5-2500S 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,373 points. Launch price was $75.
Core i7-960
The Core i7-960 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 October 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,400 points. Launch price was $316.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-960's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-2500S versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-960 — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-2500S (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-2500S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-960 uses Bloomfield (2008−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2500S scores 3,373 against the Core i7-960's 3,400 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-960. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2500S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-960.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz+7% | 3.46 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz+19% |
| L3 Cache | 6144 kB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Bloomfield (2008−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,373 | 3,400 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-960 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1366 |
| 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, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2500S) / not specified (Core i7-960). The Core i5-2500S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-960 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2500S targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2500S rivals Phenom II X4 980.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 2000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2500S launched at $192 MSRP, while the Core i7-960 debuted at $309. At current prices ($61 vs $110), the Core i5-2500S is $49 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2500S delivers 55.3 pts/$ vs 30.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-960 — making the Core i5-2500S the 56.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-2500S | Core i7-960 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $192-38% | $309 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $61-45% | $110 |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.3+79% | 30.9 |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2009 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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