CPU
GPU
Core i5-2510E
Core i5-2515E
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 i5-2510E is positioned at rank #1131 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 i5-2510E
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2510E | Core i5-2515E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2510E | Core i5-2515E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($30) | ✅ 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 i5-2510E and Core i5-2515E
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.
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 |
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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
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 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2510E launched at $230 MSRP, while the Core i5-2515E debuted at $0. At current prices ($30 vs $0), the Core i5-2515E is $30 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i5-2510E | Core i5-2515E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $230 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $30 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 62.8 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2011 |
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