Core i5-2500K
Intel
PassMark
4,141
MSRP
$225
AVG Price
$35
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.
Overview
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2500K
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i5-2500K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
ARC Raiders
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Counter-Strike 2
Dead by Daylight
Euro Truck Simulator 2
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Naraka: Bladepoint
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i5-2500K specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2500K 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. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (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 4,141, 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 684, while multi-core reaches 2,032. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 3,200.
| Specification | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|
| 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 | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (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 |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 4,141 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 3,200 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 684 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 2,032 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2500K 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: HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | desktop |
| SeriesProduct family | Core i5 (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 | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | P67,Z68,Z77 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core i5-2500K is primarily designed for Gaming. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the FX-6300.
| Specification | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Gaming |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | FX-6300 |
Power & Cooling
The Core i5-2500K 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 Yes stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Tower 120mm.
| Specification | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Tower 120mm |
Value Analysis
At an average price of $35 (MSRP: $225), the Core i5-2500K delivers 118 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1991 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i5-2500K |
|---|---|
| MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price | $225 |
| Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days | $35 |
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $216 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1991 |
| 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 |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | desktop |
| Series | Core i5 (Desktop) |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $216 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 9 January 2011 (14 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1991 |
Technical Specifications
15 specs
Technical Specifications
15 specs
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Die Size | 216 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64 kB (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 5 GT/s |
| Max Frequency | 3.7 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3.3 GHz |
| Transistor Count | 1,160 million |
| Process Technology | 32 nm |
| Unlocked Multiplier | + |
| Max Core Temperature | 73 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | - |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 95 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 21 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
Processors with benchmark scores closest to the current hardware, grouped by manufacturer.
Intel (8)
AMD (8)
Our Recommendation for Core i5-2500K
Suggested pairings based on performance balance
Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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