Intel Core i5-2500K

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Intel Core i5-2500K
The Intel Core i5 2500K operates at 3.30GHz and can reach as high as 3.70GHz when using Turbo Boost.It features a 6MB L3 cache and uses the HD Graphics 3000 engine.
4
Cores
4
Threads
3.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1155
Socket
95 W
TDP
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Integrated Graphics
$116
Price
Release date:Jan 9, 2011Price at Launch:$216
Cores:4Threads:4
Base Clock:3.3 GHzBoost Clock:3.7 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:No
L2 Cache:1 MBL3 Cache:6 MB
Box Cooler:YesTDP:95 W
Socket:Socket LGA 1155Memory Support:DDR3-1333
Codename:Sandy BridgeProcess Size:32 nm
Integrated Graphics:YesiGPU Model:Intel HD Graphics 3000
NPU:NoPCIe Support:PCIe 2.0, 16 lanes

Price History

Intel Core i5-2500K pricing

Last 6 months
Price Date
Current $116 Dec 15, 2025
Highest* $139 Aug 5, 2025
Lowest* $48 May 22, 2025
Average $91
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
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Reviews and Ratings

93

Average Score

Based on 28 reviews

8.8

User Score

Based on 336 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Good media-processing capabilities
  • Unlocked multiplier for simplified overclocking
  • Great performance
  • Blazing fast cache speeds
  • Intel Quick sync
  • InTru 3D
  • Support for DirectX 10.1
  • HDMI Audio bitstreaming supported

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Does not support Hyper-Threading
  • Onboard video lacks DirectX 11 support
  • Requires new motherboard
  • Limited GPU performance
  • Drivers not as mature as the ones from ATI or NVIDIA
  • No support for CUDA, PhysX, OpenCL
  • No Hyperthreading

Although the new Sandy Bridge architecture may not be revolutionary, it is a much improved version of Nehalem as it seems to do everything a little better. When compared to the Clarkdale Core i5 661 processor which we reviewed exactly a year ago, the...

By TechSpot on
100

A brand-new core design enables the chips to do more at a given clock speed than their predecessors. The humble Core i3-2120 runs at a slightly slower 3.3GHz frequency than the mid-range i5-660 from Intel's older 1156 platform, but it achieved higher...

By itnews.com.au on
90

The Intel Core i5-2500K offers exceptional value and impressive Sandy Bridge–based performance, but you can (and should) do better than this CPU's integrated graphics. Buy it...

By PC Mag on
80

This month for review we received two very eagerly awaited processors from CPU manufacturer Intel. Since AMD, its only real competitor, hasn’t been putting up a fight in this market for about five years now, interesting developments in CPUs have been...

By PCWorld New Zealand on
90

The long awaited Sandy Bridge architecture is here and I really think that it was worth the wait. Intel is very excited about this new line of processors and they want you to be too. It is always great to see companies improve on existing products...

By ThinkComputers on
95

There’s so many good things about Sandy Bridge, I scarcely know where to begin. First off, it’s a new processor architecture that offers valuable performance enhancements that even the average user will enjoy. This includes the new Intel Turbo...

By FutureLooks on
90

Intel's Sandy Bridge processors represent a genuine step forward in chip evolution. Now packing in refined, efficient CPU cores and an improved GPU on to the same portion of silicon, Intel has done away with the need for chipset-based graphics for...

By HEXUS.net on
90

Note: This Intel Core i5-2500K review also reviews the Sandy Bridge architecture as a whole, as well as the high-end Intel Core i7-2600K processor.Ready or not, here they come. Intel is rolling out a thoroughly overhauled range of PC processors based...

By TechRadar on
100

An incredible processor at a very reasonable price; if you’re building a powerful PC, then buy this chip....

By Expert Reviews on
95

Performance Personified. A stunning new...

By Kitguru.net on
100

With a collection of improvements Sandy Bridge as a whole is a worthwhile replacement for the first generation Core processors. Their integration of the built-in GPU has improved ten fold along with a much more efficient Turbo Boost they have been...

By LanOC Reviews on
83

So we have the replacement for the LGA1156 series of processors that just seemed to be finding their feet. With them coming it at three differing price points but not really for three different markets, we have to split this conclusion into three...

By Overclock3D on
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