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Intel BX80623I52500K

Core i5-2500K

▲ 769,578 ▼

4 Cores, 4 Threads @3.3GHz, Sandy Bridge.
Release date: Q1 2011.

Average Bench: 65.9% (484th of 1442)

more Based on 143,007 user benchmarks.  Devices: BFEBFBFF000206A7, , BFEBFBFF000306A9, 4920555043070506, 0F8BFBFF000206A7, 0FABFBFF000206A7, 1FABFBFF000206A7, BFEBFBFF000206A6 Models: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz, Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz, Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 4.50GHz

The i5-2500K is a second generation Sandy Bridge processor which is currently two generations old and nearly three years out of date. The many users that had the good sense to purchase this processor should feel in no hurry to upgrade as it's still no slouch, even by today's standards. The benchmark figures indicate that, even at stock clock rates, in terms of real-world performance this processor is approximately 20% slower than the best currently available, not bad considering its age. Given that the 2500K has an unlocked multiplier upping its performance by 10% with stock cooling should not pose much of a problem for the majority of owners. Here is a detailed performance comparison of the 2500K vs 4670K.  [Jul '13 CPUPro]

Poor: 44%Average: 65.9% Great: 79%
Gaming
Gaming 66%
Battle cruiser
Desktop
Desktop 72%
Battleship
Workstation
Workstation 49%
Yacht

Popular builds with this CPU

Above average average bench

The Intel Core i5-2500K averaged 34.0% lower than the peak scores attained by the group leaders. This isn't a great result which indicates that there are much faster alternatives on the comparison list.

Strengths

Avg. Memory Latency 83.1Pts
Avg. Single Core Speed 88.4Pts

Above average consistency

The range of scores (95th - 5th percentile) for the Intel Core i5-2500K is 35.1%. This is a relatively wide range which indicates that the Intel Core i5-2500K performs inconsistently under varying real world conditions.

Weaknesses

Avg. Multi Core Speed 304Pts
Avg. Octa Core Speed 300Pts
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Average Bench

(Based on 143,007 samples)
Rank 48465.9%
Min Avg Max
55.1 Memory 83.1 94.9
51 1-Core 88.4 114
104 2-Core 174 227
67.4% 115 Pts
Min Avg Max
153 4-Core 281 380
190 8-Core 300 399
38.3% 290 Pts
Min Avg Max
184 64-Core 304 407
18.8% 304 Pts
User Benchmarks BenchNormalHeavyServer
The fastest CPU (mainstream) averages a speed of 100%
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.7 GHz, turbo 3.85 GHz (avg)
75.4% Very good
Memory 91
1-Core 92.6
2-Core 180
72% 121 Pts
4-Core 348
8-Core 347
46% 347 Pts
64-Core 348
22% 348 Pts
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.7 GHz, turbo 3.85 GHz (avg)
75.3% Very good
Memory 90.9
1-Core 91.5
2-Core 180
71% 121 Pts
4-Core 346
8-Core 349
46% 347 Pts
64-Core 347
22% 347 Pts
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.7 GHz, turbo 3.85 GHz (avg)
74.2% Very good
Memory 90.7
1-Core 91.6
2-Core 179
71% 121 Pts
4-Core 337
8-Core 328
45% 332 Pts
64-Core 333
21% 333 Pts
SOCKET 0, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.3 GHz, turbo 3.4 GHz (avg)
73% Very good
Memory 86.9
1-Core 91.2
2-Core 178
70% 119 Pts
4-Core 343
8-Core 342
46% 342 Pts
64-Core 340
21% 340 Pts
Socket 1155, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.6 GHz, turbo 3.75 GHz (avg)
72.7% Very good
Memory 86.1
1-Core 91.7
2-Core 179
70% 119 Pts
4-Core 344
8-Core 342
46% 343 Pts
64-Core 344
21% 344 Pts
LGA1155, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.3 GHz, turbo 4.5 GHz (avg)
70.3% Very good
Memory 66.7
1-Core 115
2-Core 228
74% 136 Pts
4-Core 426
8-Core 429
57% 427 Pts
64-Core 434
27% 434 Pts
LGA1155, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.3 GHz, turbo 3.4 GHz (avg)
69.7% Good
Memory 88.4
1-Core 83.7
2-Core 141
64% 104 Pts
4-Core 300
8-Core 284
40% 292 Pts
64-Core 279
17% 279 Pts
143,007 MORE »

 Market Share (See Leaders)

The number of benchmark samples for this model as a percentage of all 67,754,431 CPUs tested

Custom PC Builder (Start a new build) Build your perfect PC: compare component prices, popularity, speed and value for money

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CPU GPU SSD HDD RAM MBD
Typical Core i5-2500K Builds (Compare 1,846 builds) See popular component choices, score breakdowns and rankings
Gaming
Gaming 23%
Surfboard
Desktop
Desktop 75%
Battleship
Workstation
Workstation 19%
Surfboard

Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V LX

CPU
Core i5-2500KIntel  $246Bench 66%, 143,007 samples487x
GPU
GTX 1050-TiNvidia  $59Bench 29%, 946,701 samples133x
GTX 970Nvidia  $200Bench 49%, 834,238 samples122x
GTX 1060-6GBNvidia  $117Bench 56%, 1,368,019 samples103x
SSD
A400 240GBKingston  $28Bench 66%, 424,288 samples71x
850 Evo 250GBSamsung  $100Bench 103%, 951,591 samples56x
860 Evo 1TBSamsung  $130Bench 112%, 602,853 samples44x
RAM
Savage DDR3 1600 C9 2x4GBHyperXBench 51%, 78,181 samples66x
Vengeance DDR3 1600 C9 4x4GBCorsairBench 53%, 34,385 samples54x
Vengeance DDR3 1600 C9 2x4GBCorsairBench 48%, 73,650 samples52x
EDIT WITH CUSTOM PC BUILDER Value: 73% - Very good Total price: $333

Popular Core i5-2500K compatible motherboards:

How Fast Is Your CPU? (Bench your build) Size up your PC in less than a minute

Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.

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How it works

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Processor Rankings (Price vs Performance) April 2024 CPU Rankings

We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]

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Group Test Results

  • Best user rated - User sentiment trumps benchmarks for this comparison.
  • Best value for money - Value for money is based on real world performance.
  • Fastest real world speed - Real World Speed measures performance for typical consumers.

 Specifications

Essentials

DescriptionIntel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.70 GHz)
Code NameSandy Bridge
Launch DateQ1'11
Processor Numberi5-2500K
# of Cores4
# of Threads4
Cache6 MB SmartCache
Instruction Set64-bit
Instruction Set ExtensionsSSE4.1/4.2, AVX
Embedded Options AvailableNo
Lithography32 nm
Recommended PriceN/A
Clock Speed3.3 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency3.7 GHz
Bus Speed5 GT/s DMI
Max TDP95 W
Expected DiscontinuanceQ1'2013

Graphics

Processor GraphicsIntel® HD Graphics 3000
Graphics Base Frequency850 MHz
Wireless DisplayNo
# of Displays Supported2
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.1 GHz
Quick Sync VideoYes
InTru 3D TechYes
Clear Video HD TechYes
Intel InsiderYes
Flexible Display InterfaceYes

Memory

Max Memory Size32 GB
Memory TypesDDR3 1066/1333
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth21 GB/s
ECC Memory SupportedNo

Expansion Options

PCI Express Revision2.0
Max # of PCI Express Lanes16

Data Protection

AES New InstructionsYes

Advanced Technologies

Virtualization Tech (VT-x)Yes
Intel 64Yes
Idle StatesYes
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® TechYes
Thermal Monitoring TechnologiesYes
Turbo Boost Tech2.0
Hyper-Threading TechNo
Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d)No
VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)Yes
vPro TechNo
Identity Protection TechYes
Fast Memory AccessYes
Flex Memory AccessYes

Package

Package Size37.5mm x 37.5mm
Max CPU Configuration1
Sockets SupportedLGA1155

Platform Protection

Execute Disable BitYes
Trusted Execution TechNo

 Comments

Zefram
Avatar level
0

Official site ark.intel.com/...

LGA1155 Socket

Passmark CPU benchmark: 6,745...

Added 12 years ago.
USA-User
Avatar level
9,838

Terrible (edit your comment) Add link

10 days ago.

Comment 

Run for years overclocked at 4.5Ghz on air. Recently bought a used i7-2600K to replace it only cuz newer games are beginning (barely) to use more threads. REALLY wanted to upgrade to a Skylake or Haswell but just doesn't make any monetary sense at all as the Sandys still perform within intimate slapping distance of their youngers. —Feb '16

GBR-User
Avatar level
5,782

Excellent

12 months ago.

cheap cpu for gaming used in a vr rig no problems at all paired with 1080ti

Comment 

overclocks well. You can get sandybridge motherboards much cheaper now too.—Feb '15

HKG-User
Avatar level
5,504

Good

10 months ago.

Never bottlenecks my Nvidia GTX 980Ti

CAN-User
Avatar level
4,958

Excellent

18 months ago.

Comment 

Running at 5.1GHz 24-7 (with 0 prfor almost 3 years with two newer GTX 780s \ 16GB or 2GHz DDR3 and this thing screams...even with highest setting on newer games @4K 60Hz. The CPU is still not a bottleneck with the newer cards..I could run it at 5.3 but seems to be running significantly hotter. I'm sure I could run it at 5.3 24\7 if I upgrade my water-block and pump on my custom loop.—Feb '15

BRA-User
Avatar level
4,637

Excellent

8 months ago.

Legendary Sandy Bridge overclocker!

POL-User
Avatar level
4,568

Average

3 months ago.

Awesome cpu with good overclocking potential! 10/10!

ITA-User
Avatar level
4,069

Liked

2 months ago.

Comment 

Best Overclocking cpu EVER CREATED !!!—Feb '15

Comment 

Stable at 4.5GHz only Air (and very low temp); 60fps with gtx 970 in GTA V aLmost all ultra settings. Far Cry 4 just goes perfect as well as AC Unity and Project Cars; all maxed out and fluid 60. should say more about this old cpu? —Dec '15

AUS-User
Avatar level
3,950

Excellent

8 months ago.

Comment 

Really good at OC, running at 5ghz with monster air cooler, no temp issues.—Dec '15

ARG-User
Avatar level
3,224

Good

3 years ago.

Best old processor for all 2020 cases, gaming (with 1060), office, multimedia

GRC-User
Avatar level
3,145

Excellent

3 years ago.

Bought it back in distant 2011, November. I'm very satisfied with performance and reliability. I still use it and have spent thousands of hours on it. Paired with numerous OSes and played hundred of games with no issue.

BGR-User
Avatar level
2,882

Terrible

14 months ago.

after 6 years - still superb performance

PRT-User
Avatar level
2,642

Excellent

2 years ago.

Simply worst! Slower in everithing!!

NOR-User
Avatar level
2,290

Poor

5 days ago.

i use this, it's ok for gaming

NZL-User
Avatar level
2,128

Excellent

14 months ago.

One of the most legendary processors out there. Think, how can a 9 year old processor still be alive and well in this competitive market? A great budget cpu.

Comment 

Intel won't make one like this again—Dec '15

CPUPro
Avatar level
2,072

Good

10 years ago.

Review  hothardware.com/...

Image  hothardware.com/...
CPU-Z - (Stepped Down Clock)

CPU-Z - (Stepped Down Clock)

Review  www.notebookcheck.net/...

Integrated HD Graphics 3000

Image  www.notebookcheck.net/...
GPU-Z

GPU-Z

SGP-User
Avatar level
1,994

Good

5 years ago.

Still serves well even in 2018, overclocking is a breeze and handles recent things very well.

LVA-User
Avatar level
1,716

Excellent

3 years ago.

Интел конкретно лохонулись когда создали этот процессор, проц на 4.8 Ghz работает как часы , тащит почти все игры на 60 кадров БОМБА !

ECU-User
Avatar level
1,263

Terrible

6 years ago.

It's bad and slow, not recomended for games

Yodabest
Avatar level
541

Outstanding

4 years ago.

Can get to 4Ghz on stock cooling and not that far off the i7's for 99% of the time. Best value cpu on the market. For normal use, no need to overclock this. Pros: Brilliant value for money, unlocked and overclockable. -- Dropped my rating due to the release of a successor the i5 3570K

ISL-User
Avatar level
508

Excellent

6 years ago.

Great value and still holds up well 6 years on

ColdSpy
Avatar level
330

Excellent

4 years ago.

Set the new standard for the gaming CPU and was a gaming champ back then, people couldn't eat their breakfast when Intel released this CPU. You may run every game with this CPU (provided if you have newer GPU too!) but newer games requires lowering the setting but even then still offers playable framerates for every games. This CPU (and entire of Sandy Bridge CPU lineups) is one of the factor that sets Intel apart when AMD once struggled due to flaw in their Vishera microarch design which resulted in significantly lower single core performance than nearly every Intel CPU that was released beginning from Sandy Bridge, this remained until AMD released Zen 1 CPUs in 2017 which is a blow to Intel thanks to better value for performance and ever increasing single core performance ever since.

Tucker
Avatar level
108

Average

12 years ago.

Almost as good as it gets at a reasonable price, this gets my vote. Pros: Superb value for money. Superseded by the new i5-3570K

yaabalfazl
Avatar level
92

Terrible

6 years ago.

it low for 4k

blazeaglory
Avatar level
30

Excellent

6 years ago.

Best all around processor for price!~

Nohbdy
Avatar level
18

Excellent

6 years ago.

Matches single core speeds of r5 1600 with a good overclock, while being over 5 years old.

Neallord
Avatar level
10

Excellent

6 months ago.

Intel knew when they created this chip, they messed up. It's too good when overclocked.

hitekk
Avatar level
8

Outstanding

6 years ago.

Still in the game after 6 years and good OC potential.

iamjohngalt
Avatar level
8

Good

4 years ago.

Fantastic performance and overclocking for very little money. Compare this using a modern gpu and it beats a lot of cpu's that your voters rate higher because they are using more moden gpus. Available for $30 used- it can't be beat for a bargain cpu.

Atully2433
Avatar level
8

Excellent

4 years ago.

10 years at 4.6

pedrosilva
Avatar level
6

Outstanding

7 years ago.

using it from 2011 it's a real pleasure for me , the best cpu i ever use till today , easy overclockable , stable at 4.2 ghz for me

SIMPLYBEAST
Avatar level
4

Outstanding

7 years ago.

I run my i5 2500k at 5GHz at 1.4v and its stable as can be. I use this for gaming because of arma 3's high cpu clock speed requirement for playing with over 100 players in a war server. The processor scored 102% which is great for a processor i paid $60 for on ebay.

Apollon
Avatar level
4

Excellent

7 years ago.

If you can OC beyond 4.4Ghz this CPU can still rumble with the big boys at stock clocks. Damn fine work for a 6 year old CPU.

Deal  www.userbenchmark.com/...

Check this i52500k Bench!

jros192
Avatar level
4

Excellent

6 years ago.

Was running this guy from Jan 2012 until October 2017. Awesome CPU, low temperatures, lightning fast for Desktop applications and computations. Needed to be replaced for CPU-intensive games now. But to get almost 6 years out of a processor is just amazing.

Tomi858
Avatar level
2

Good

6 years ago.

Old but still good CPU to use and boost with great GPU

blacktable
Avatar level
2

Excellent

5 years ago.

My system does not play 4K Youtube, but I can run my favourite space simulator on ultras. This is the 7th year I am using it, and only recently I started seeing some slowing down, because of YouTube's 4K videos. Hopefully, my next CPU can serve as long and as well, but it's going to be so expensive to change my processor, because I will also need a new motherboard to buy a CPU able to impress me.

schlafanzyk
Avatar level
2

Excellent

3 years ago.

One of the best value CPUs of all time. Still runs most games in 2020 without crazy bottlenecking, almost 10 years after release. Perfectly paired with anything between a GTX 960 and GTX 1070. Running safe overclocked to 4.5 GHz (4.9 under water) since 2011 without any signs of degradation.

Jamala
Avatar level
2

Excellent

3 years ago.

Still runs (OC'd) brand new games with max settings on 3440 x 1440p smoothly. https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/36437883

poum_user
Avatar level
2

Excellent

3 years ago.

yes i love it

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Speed Comparisons

vs Intel Core i5-13600K
vs Intel Core i5-12600K
vs Intel Core i5-12400F
vs Intel Core i3-12100F
vs Intel Core i7-13700K
vs Intel Core i9-13900K
vs AMD Ryzen 5 3600
vs AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
vs Intel Core i7-11700K

1442 Processors (Compared) Thousands of user benchmarks compiled into one comparison list

See how consistently different CPUs perform with varying real world conditions. The charts also illustrate overall performance, popularity and rank.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Processors FAQ
AMD vs Intel: Gaming performance 2012-2021
How does IPC compare between AMD's Ryzen and Intel's Kaby Lake?
What is multi core mixed speed?
What is multi core integer speed?
What is multi core floating point speed?
What is single core mixed CPU speed?
What is quad core mixed CPU speed?
What is quad core floating point speed?
What is quad core integer speed?
What is single core floating point speed?
What is single core integer speed?
What is the GeekBench single core score?
What is a CPU?
What is the effective CPU speed index?
What is overclocking?
What is thermal design power (TDP)?
ALL FAQs »

 Best User Rated
The Best.
CPUGPUSSD
Intel Core i5-13600K $273Nvidia RTX 4060 $295Crucial MX500 250GB $40
Intel Core i5-12400F $133Nvidia RTX 4060-Ti $385Samsung 850 Evo 120GB $80
Intel Core i5-12600K $177Nvidia RTX 4070 $539Samsung 860 Evo 250GB $52
HDDRAMUSB
Seagate Barracuda 1TB (2016) $39Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 C16 2x8GB $45SanDisk Extreme 64GB $72
WD Blue 1TB (2012) $37Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GB $43SanDisk Extreme 32GB $28
Seagate Barracuda 2TB (2016) $51G.SKILL Trident Z DDR4 3200 C14 4x16GB $351SanDisk Ultra Fit 32GB $16
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