Core i5-2510E vs Core i5-2515E

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 i5-2510E vs Core i5-2515E 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 i5-2510E vs Core i5-2515E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-2510E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (527 vs 530).
❌Launch MSRP is still $230 MSRP, while Core i5-2515E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i5-2515E

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,882 vs 1,884).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2510E better than Core i5-2515E?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-2515E is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2510E pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2510E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-2510E is the better buy right now. Core i5-2510E comes in at an unclear MSRP at $230 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i5-2515E is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (8.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-2510E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2510E vs Core i5-2515E Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2510E

The Core i5-2510E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,884 points. Launch price was $266.

Core i5-2515E

The Core i5-2515E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2510E and Core i5-2515E share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2510E versus 2.5 GHz on the Core i5-2515E — a 21.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-2510E (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2510E scores 1,884 against the Core i5-2515E's 1,882 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2510E. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 527 vs 530, a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-2515E that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 3 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-2510E	Core i5-2515E
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+24%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	1,884	1,882
Geekbench 6 Single	527	530

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2510E uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2515E uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM67 (Core i5-2510E) and HM65,QM67 (Core i5-2515E).

Feature	Core i5-2510E	Core i5-2515E
Socket	PGA988	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2510E) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2515E) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2510E targets Embedded, Core i5-2515E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-2510E rivals Embedded R-Series; Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-2510E	Core i5-2515E
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Embedded	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2510E was priced at $230, while the Core i5-2515E came in at $0. On launch pricing ($230 vs $0), Core i5-2515E was $230 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-2510E	Core i5-2515E
MSRP	$230	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	8.2	—
Release Date	2011	2011

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