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.

Overview

The Core i5-2500 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: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,102 points. Launch price was $85.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-2500 is positioned at rank #922 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

22345%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

21114%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

15330%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

4618%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

3658%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

3200%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

1833%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

1809%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

1647%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

1647%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

1629%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

1585%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

1563%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

1556%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

1542%

#302

Core i7-6900K

MSRP: $1089|Avg: $1089

97%

#303

Core i7-5960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $83

96%

#922

Core i5-2500

MSRP: $294|Avg: $69

100%

#923

Athlon II X4 605e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $25

98%

#925

Athlon II X4 610e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $20

98%

#926

Core i5-2390T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $182

98%

#927

Phenom II X4 910e

MSRP: $157|Avg: $69

98%

#928

FX-8100

MSRP: $300|Avg: $50

98%

#930

Celeron E1400

MSRP: $53|Avg: $63

97%

#932

Pentium E6800

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

96%

#933

Core i3-530

MSRP: $113|Avg: $15

96%

#935

Core i3-2105

MSRP: $138|Avg: $30

95%

#936

Athlon II X3 405e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

95%

#937

Core i3-3225

MSRP: $172|Avg: $167

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-2500 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-2500 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2500 is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. With a massive 6144 kB (total) L3 cache (3D V-Cache technology), this processor has a significant gaming advantage — the large cache drastically reduces memory latency in game engines., plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,102, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 590, while multi-core reaches 1,690. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 2,642.

Specification	Core i5-2500
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6144 kB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	216 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,160 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,102
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	2,642
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	590
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,690

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2500 fits into the LGA1155 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-2500
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1155
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	32 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 2000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	H61,H67,P67,Z68,B75,Z77
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-2500 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i5-2500
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d, EPT

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-2500 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Intel Stock stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i5-2500
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	73 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	Intel Stock
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $69 (MSRP: $294), the Core i5-2500 delivers 59 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #922 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1999 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-2500
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$294
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$69
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$85
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#922
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1999
Release DateLaunch date	9 January 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel