Intel Core i5-2500K vs Intel Core i5-9600K

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Core i5-2500K compared with Core i5-9600K
IntelCore i5-2500KIntelCore i5-9600K
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2011October 2018
Cores and clocks
Cores46 (better)
Threads46 (better)
Base clock3.3 GHz3.7 GHz
Boost clock3.7 GHz4.6 GHz (better)
L3 cache6 MB9 MB (better)
CoresFour cores without Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 and VT-x supported; VT-d not supported.Six cores without Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 supported.
ClocksMaximum turbo is a single-core frequency. The multiplier is unlocked, but motherboard support and cooling determine available overclocking; the original H67 platform does not support CPU multiplier overclocking.Maximum turbo is a single-core frequency; sustained clocks depend on cooling and motherboard power settings. Intel publishes TDP without a separate maximum turbo-power figure. TechSpot's 2023 revisit uses newer games; Notebookcheck's preselected and delidded sample results are separate from its ordinary retail sample.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphicsYesYes
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 3000; 850 MHz base, up to 1.10 GHz; two displays; Quick Sync Video. Available display outputs and access to integrated graphics depend on the motherboard.Intel UHD Graphics 630; 350 MHz base, up to 1.15 GHz; three displays; Quick Sync Video. HDMI up to 4096×2304 at 24 Hz; DisplayPort and eDP up to 4096×2304 at 60 Hz.
Platform
SocketLGA1155LGA1151
Base power95 W95 W
UnlockedYesYes
Cooler in the box–No
Memory supportUp to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as published by Intel; ECC not supported.Up to 128 GB; two channels; DDR4-2666; 41.6 GB/s maximum bandwidth; ECC not supported.
PCIePCIe 2.0; up to 16 CPU lanes. Motherboard support determines available slot configurations.PCIe 3.0; 16 CPU lanes, configured as 1×16, 2×8 or 1×8+2×4.
Process32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C Tcase limit, not a junction-temperature limit.14 nm; Coffee Lake; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 100°C maximum junction temperature. Intel confirms a soldered thermal interface for the unlocked ninth-generation launch models.
CoolerLGA1155-compatible cooling required. Intel's 5 January 2011 announcement gives 9 January availability for quad-core systems; APH Networks' contemporaneous exact-model review also identifies 9 January as the processor's release date.Boxed processor includes no fan or heatsink. Intel 300-series motherboard compatibility requires the appropriate BIOS and vendor support.

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