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Intel Core i5-2500K vs Intel Core i7-2600K

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

IntelCore i5-2500KIntelCore i7-2600K
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2011January 2011
Cores and clocks
Cores44
Threads48
Base clock3.3 GHz3.4 GHz
Boost clock3.7 GHz3.8 GHz
L3 cache6 MB8 MB
CoresFour cores without Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 and VT-x supported; VT-d not supported.Four cores with Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Expert Reviews and TechRadar confirm the unlocked CPU multiplier.
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. Intel's 5 January launch notice gives 9 January availability for quad-core systems.
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 HD Graphics 3000; 850 MHz base, up to 1.35 GHz; two displays; Quick Sync Video.
Platform
SocketLGA1155LGA1155
Base power95 W95 W
UnlockedYesYes
Memory supportUp to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as published by Intel; ECC not supported.Up to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as Intel publishes; ECC not supported.
PCIePCIe 2.0; up to 16 CPU lanes. Motherboard support determines available slot configurations.PCIe 2.0; 16 CPU lanes.
Process32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C Tcase limit, not a junction-temperature limit.32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C maximum case temperature, not junction temperature.
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.LGA1155 is incompatible with LGA1156. TechRadar describes the launch P67 chipset as supporting CPU overclocking and H67 as supporting the integrated graphics output; chipset choice affects available features. Intel publishes no separate maximum turbo-power figure.

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