Core i5-2500K vs FX-6300: which is better

Intel Core i5-2500K (desktop, 2011) against AMD FX-6300 (desktop, 2012): benchmarks, games, specs and current prices.

Key differences

FX-6300 is 2% faster in multi-threaded work (PassMark 4,233 vs 4,145).
Core i5-2500K is 14% faster per core.
Core i5-2500K is $81 cheaper ($69 vs $150).
Core i5-2500K gives 113% more performance per dollar.
Different sockets (LGA1155 and AM3+): they need different motherboards.

Open the full duel

	Core i5-2500K	FX-6300
Overall score	5.8	5.9
PassMark CPU Mark	4,145	4,233
Single-thread rating	1,697	1,487
US price	from $69	from $150
Cores	4	6
Threads	4	6
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.5 GHz
Max boost	3.7 GHz	4.1 GHz
L3 cache	6 MB	8 MB
TDP	95 W	95 W
Max power	95 W	95 W
Memory	DDR3	DDR3
Memory speed	1333 MT/s	1866 MT/s
PCI Express	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Socket	LGA1155	AM3+
Process	32 nm (Intel)	32 nm (GlobalFoundries)
Architecture	Sandy Bridge	Piledriver
Series	2nd Gen Core	FX
Release year	2011	2012
Integrated graphics	HD Graphics 3000	none

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