Core i5-2500K vs Core i3-6100: which is better
Intel Core i5-2500K (desktop, 2011) against Intel Core i3-6100 (desktop, 2015): benchmarks, games, specs and current prices.
Key differences
- Core i5-2500K is 1% faster in multi-threaded work (PassMark 4,145 vs 4,086).
- Core i3-6100 is 26% faster per core.
- Core i5-2500K is $29 cheaper ($69 vs $98).
- Core i5-2500K gives 44% more performance per dollar.
- Core i3-6100 has a lower TDP: 51 W vs 95 W.
- Different sockets (LGA1155 and LGA1151): they need different motherboards.
| Core i5-2500K | Core i3-6100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 4,145 | 4,086 |
| Single-thread rating | 1,697 | 2,146 |
| US price | from $69 | from $98 |
| Cores | 4 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Max boost | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 3 MB |
| TDP | 95 W | 51 W |
| Max power | 95 W | 51 W |
| Memory | DDR3 | DDR4 / DDR3L |
| Memory speed | 1333 MT/s | 2133 MT/s |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Socket | LGA1155 | LGA1151 |
| Process | 32 nm (Intel) | 14 nm (Intel) |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge | Skylake |
| Series | 2nd Gen Core | 6th Gen Core |
| Release year | 2011 | 2015 |
| Integrated graphics | HD Graphics 3000 | HD Graphics 530 |