Description:
Part of Intel's family of 2nd generation Intel Core computer processors, the Intel Core i5-2500K Processor delivers speed and smooth performance --whether you're uploading and editing home videos or checking your e-mail. This quad-core processor runs at 3.30 GHz and uses the LGA1155 socket. It features a 6 MB L3 cache, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, and Virtualization Technology to improve speed and computing productivity. It's also fully unlocked for extra performance and flexibility. Built-in visual technologies, like Clear Video and InTru3D, support high-definition and Blu-ray playback.
An overclocked 2500K can perform exactly like a stock clocked 2600K.
However, an overclocked 2600K, although can score over 12,000 Marks, it will require much higher quality and expensive cooling solutions than the 2500K.
this cpu is by far the best for a 'normal' gamer! it's easily overclocked on air, and rock solid stable with a good mb. the only thing the 2600k has over this is hyper-threading but that means nothing (maybe 2-4 fps... sometimes -2-4 fps) for games. I got mine for $179 at microcenter + p8p67 and and extra $60 off. You cannot beat a deal like that! for real world use that doesn't need hyper-threading save the $100 and get an i5.
The 2500k is an excellent mainstream offering from Intel. It can now be picked up for as low as $180 online, which is directly in AMD's "value oriented" territory. Except that the 2500k greatly outperforms AMD's offerings at that price point (especially when overclocked).
This quad core chip is excellent for gamers, and can handle any modern graphics card setup. It is also a good option for those wanting performance on a budget.
Would highly recommend this chip for any budget or gaming build.
Pros
Cons
Excellent value, great overclocker, perfect chip for gaming, does not run hot
I got this CPU because I could get great overcloking off it and native SATA 3. Previously I had an i7 930 overclocked to 4.2GHz and now with this i5 2500k overclocked to 4.8GHz it equals my i7 930 I had in benchmarks, but seems way faster in normal use. And another thing is that since it is on a 32nm manufacturing process it creates less heat output so my room isn't an oven anymore. lol Also, the overall platform was way cheaper to buy than my old X58 build.
I won't ever look into getting an AMD platform after using Intel CPUs now, get this if you want great performance for a cheap price!
Pros
Cons
Fast core performance, low heat output, high overclocking range, relatively cheap
Bought this back in March of 2011. Right out of the box, it hit 4.8GHz on my Xigmatek S1283. I couldn't have been happier. Put it in another board, I can get as high as 5.2GHz (5.0 stable). I run it daily at 4.90GHz though.
Some people have better chips than others obviously. Mine happens to be one of the "worse" chips, as it requires 1.49v for 4.9GHz. Overall, I don't mind. I would certainly buy this chip again.
Pros
Cons
Overclocks super high, beats almost all of AMD's offerings, price
I took the 2500k because I'm a low end overclocker....start at the bottom of the best and see if the top purchase is the best. Well the 2500k is "middle-class" so to speak. The price range was more than affordable and comparable with the AMD 6-core so hey...why not give it a try? Shocker...wasted my $$$ on a 1090T waiting for this chip. Anyway...it will clock 4500mhz...on stock voltage....major improvement over anything you though you had on a regular. I call it better than sliced bread actually but thats just me.
I pushed 5Ghz in 15mins, RAM timimngs on my motherboard are still a problem but the SB will do DDR2133 on a daily just at lower voltage, so a balance of CPU juice and DRAM juice is to be reveiled when you start past 4.8Ghz. If you don't have one...get it...just to look at...hold it...pop the plastic...smell what the CLOCKS iz cookin! I have never been a fanboy and I never will. Intel has made a product however, that simply is available to the public...with US on their minds.
The i5 2500k is a milestone for Intel to the normal everyday person or the enthusiast. Best piece of equipment I ever purchased.
PROBN?
Pros
Cons
Fast,Solid...and overclocks like nothing you've ever seen...on air.
I wasted money on a 1090T thinking I would be happy with that. Bought this, and almost pooped myself. Night and day difference. Boots up faster, daily things are faster, gaming results in more FPS and it clocks 10x better and higher. It took a little bit of getting used to the temperature change, but once you realize they run hotter than AMD (at much higher clocks mind you) the all is well. For the price point, you really cant get any better. It eeven games better than the 2600K....
Came from a Phenom II 720 @ 3.4GHz, this processor completely blows it away. Went from being CPU bound in many games to being CPU bound in NONE. Gave me 30%+ higher FPS in many of my games.
I have it clocked to 4.4GHz at stock voltage, absolutely insane.
A+, Intel. A+.
Pros
Cons
Fantastic priceerformance ratio, overclocks well, power efficient.
Absolutely astounding performance, and the price is even better.
review by carrotman
This CPU is absolutely great. It is only around $225 USD, is easily overclockable, and the LGA 1155 motherboards are also inexpensive. The included cooler will do fine for a while if need be too. 'nuff said!
Pros
Cons
Great performance and overclocking ability, never really gets hot, and it is extremely cheap for how good it is.
I would complain about the stock cooler, but this chip runs so cool anyways that the stock cooler works fine.
This chip has been an absolute dream for overclocking, fairly easy to do and the performance boost you get in comparison with older platforms is mind blowing.
The overclocking capability does vary amongst these chips, however even at an average 4.5ghz (give or take) it enables a vast improvement coming from a 775 socket.
It's definitely bang for buck and pop in watercooling in the mix and you can really have some fun. At that price the performance boost is amazing.
Not a bad thing to say about it, only thing I could probably say is about the 1155 platform and the lack of bclk overclocking and the ability for quad sli.
Might not fall into the enthusiast market but boy does it pack a punch for the gamers. It is the best bang for buck cpu out for gamers.
In December. Depends though. While the 2600K offers nothing over it; if a sale comes along and lowers the 2600K to like 250$, I'd probably get it over the 2500K, 4 more threads, cache, HT, ectera, but even then, it's hard to justify it.
2500K is the sweet spot right now. Cheap, OC's like a champ, and performance is stellar.
This is probably the easiest chip to OC nowadays, even I hardly had any trouble starting and I had no experience in OC whatsoever. Simple tweaks in vcore and the multiplier is how easy this can be to OC, and even though there is not much room to mess with the BLCK, its fine as it makes finding stability even easier.
Although it doesn't HT, and is "just" a quad core, its not like games need anything more, which makes this the perfect gaming chip. While people who get hexa or even octa core processors for gaming just waste their money and waste energy powering up those extra cores.
And even though I got it for 210, you can get this chip way cheaper maybe $180, from here at OCN, or your local microcenter. There are many places you can get this chip for a good price!
Coming from an intel duo core of 3.0 to this beast @ 5.1 quad, is the best upgrade I have ever made.
Upgrade to this now!
Pros
Cons
High OC capability @ low temps. Very fast/reliable.
What can you really say about this processor it is by far one of the best processors on the market right now. Its extremely fast over clocks great and is very easy to overclock. The only thing I would say is if you plan on overclocking your definitly want to get a different fan/heatsink because the stock one is garbage and won't come close to dissapating the heat created from a high overclock.
Pros
Cons
Fast, Very easy to overclock
None really the stock cooler is pretty junky but other then that there are no real cons
Pros:
- Fast!
- Great for the price
- Safe Clocks upto 5 GHZ
- Energy Efficient
- Quad Cores
- +.3~ GHZ Turbo
- Built in Graphics core
- Good For Rendering
- Graphics boost
Cons:
- About to be replaced with a new lineup
- Mid-High end Enthusiast, lacks HyperThreading
- unrecommended stock cooler
Pros
Cons
Fast, Rivals it's brother the 2600k by only lack of HT (hyperthreading) and some Cache, Cool, efficient, Overclocks like a dream
Will be replaced with the soon to come Sandy Bridge- E models, Not a good stock cooler 80c range some reports of 100c's
This was an Accidental Purchase that turns out to be a wise decision for me..coming from a Intel Core i7 920 clocked at 3.6Ghz for daily use this chip made the difference and leveled the playing field EVEN for 1st gen Core i7 chips..means that i don't need anymore HT to pump up performance neither satisfy me for my Gaming Needs and my Regular Usage..
If it can be fairly priced abit lower(well nonetheless due to lack of competition and the fact it came unlocked) its a seet spot for Intel to be selling out MORE than they can PRODUCE..well sad to say it falls under the Enthusiast Segment but fairly performs as an Enthusiast Chip..seeing reviews that it can evenly match the 2600k in terms of Gaming and sometimes outruns the 2600k when only Gaming..
Currently enjoying 4.4Ghz with DDR3 1600 speeds and only using 1.27v this is the best purchase i did this year..I was hesitant at first but what the heck..it was great after all..
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pros
Cons
Can easily Clock to 5ghz+, Cool operating temperature, Fast reliable architecture, Energy Efficient, Great and nice Package
Stock Cooler(Low Profile), Pricing on some regions
This is a brilliant CPU: it's not too terribly expensive, it's fast, and it overclocks insanely well: running up to 4.4GHz is easy for the two chips I've witnessed even with no prior overclocking experience.
It nets a good amount of PPD in Folding@Home, and though this could be higher with HT, it's pretty affordable relative to other options. I've had it for close to a year and haven't once regretted getting it: it's handled all tasks well and hasn't given me grief for folding 24/7 on it at 4.6GHz.
It's not hot: I've seen a 212+ cool a 2500K at 4.4GHz (didn't get the voltage) without breaking a sweat.
All-in-all, a great chip. We'll have to wait for solid IB benchmarks, but I'm betting the 2500K will be lasting for a few years yet.
This is a great CPU. It overclocks like a champ. I can get it to 4.0GHz by doing nothing but setting the multiplier to 40. Nothing I have done besides P95, or FAHClient can get this CPU's usage above 50%. I love the ability to run F@H, and play a game of Crysis, or Batman at the same time, without my gameplay being hindered in the slightest. This is by far the best processor I have ever owned (but I haven't owned many, but it still rocks). I'm very happy with it, and I hope that it will last a few years.
One of the best and consumer available processor on the market at the moment!
review by captainintel
This is absolutely one of the best processors available for the moment. It's cheap and crushes any game you throw at it. And if you're in need of more more power, you can easily overclock it to suit your need.
Loving this guy. I traded in my AMD 955 BE @ 4.0 in for the i5 2500k. Its a nice little boost in performance, take into account the price you can get them for its pretty nice. OC's VERY high. Hit 4.7Ghz EASY! For years I have only done AMD based builds due to price point, but am glad to say that my first experience with intel in years looks to be a great one! I would recommend this CPU to anyone it is well worth the money.
Pros
Cons
Very cheap at this time. Overclock's great. Runs smooth and stable.
I was a AMD buyer for a long long time now. So when AMD shot me in the back with the BD (FX) then I said to myself "enough, Intel time for you to shine" That was the best choice I ever did! Prob never going AMD (CPU's) again. I have it Overclocked at 4ghz for 24/7 use, 5ghz for fun
Very happy I got it, and for the price? ARE YOU JOKING??? Intel if you keep this up, you will be the only supplier of CPU's! Desktop that is.
lol congratulations on a great purchase, Intel really stuck a chord with enthusiasts with the 2500k. I'm glad im not the only one who hopped over the the Intel boat after AMD betrayed all of us lol
With hyper 212 evo overlclocks to 4.8ghz. But I left it at 4.0ghz with all power saving features on. Extremely stable, handles all games like a champ.
some sample:
6970
BF3 Metro Medium 80-140 frames
caspian borders 50-90 frames
this is the most amazing processor ever. i use this for absolutely everything in between the lines of hardcore gaming and 3D modeling and this processor has never let me down. overclocks very easy also and with minimum voltage raises. no need to get a 2600k/2700k when you can get this and never feel like you need more power!
Trust me: this baby flies. I really suggest going for nothing less than 4.5Ghz. I had mine at 4.2Ghz on stock voltage (mine just happened to be a good chip) and everything seemed a bit slow, and i was confused as to why. Boot up time was very slow as well, but when i decided to put it up to 4.5Ghz boy did it FLY. I'm only using a 7,500RPM 500GB HDD, but booting into Windows doesn't take more than 15 seconds. It's a great CPU, and even in SLI setups almost certainly won't bottleneck.
Overclocks well, almost the same gaming performance with my xeon. This is 'the' processor to have!
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