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.
Product Features :
- Specs: Quad-core 3.3GHz, 6M Cache, Intel HD Graphics 3000, 95 watt TDP, Dual-channel DDR3 memory support, socket LGA1155
- Quad-core processor delivers four-way multicore processing via parallelism resulting in more efficient use of processor
- Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology is an advanced means of enabling very high performance while also delivery power-conservation.
- 6 MB Intel Smart Cache is dynamically shared to each processor core, based on workload
- All Core i5 processors have Intel Turbo Boost Technology
Technical Details :
- Computer Cpu Speed: 3.3 GHz
- Computer Cpu Manufacturer: Intel
- Cache Memory Installed Size: 6 MB
- Warranty: 3 years warranty
- Processor Model Number: I5-2500K
User Review By T.R Kanavy (Phoenix, AZ, USA) :
I bought this as an upgrade for a stalwart Intel q6600 Core 2 Quad system I have been using for the past two years. My previous q6600 system was over-clocked (3.0ghz) and coupled with high performance parts to maximize efficacy. I figured this chip would be a MILD improvement over my aforementioned unit. Delightfully, I was WRONG.
The 2500k:
Saying this chip is a good "bang for the buck" is somewhat inaccurate. It's a sonic boom for the buck. It over-clocks to 4.5Ghz on air with moderate temperatures with a basic ($30) after-market air cooler and runs completly stable. I decided to run this chip on a daily basis at 4.0Ghz to preserve the longevity of its operation. This chip is excellent for use in programs like Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, and of course gaming. Providing you have an adequate video card this CPU simply WILL NOT let you down in intense graphic CPU-based games (Star Craft 2) or taxing programs (CS3+).
CONCLUSION:
This is an excellent chip with stellar price to performance ratio.
PRO's:
-Fantastic Value
-Runs Cool
-"K" edition is unlocked and easily overclocked
-Amazon's current pricing is in-line with the web's best.
-Loves to be overclocked with relatively low voltage.
CON's:
-No hyper threading (have to go to the i7 sandy bridge for HT)
-Does not make chocolate chip cookies or sing "Soft Kitty" to cheer you up when you are sick.
Bottom line:
Click the order button and make this baby yours. Unless you want the i7 for the hyper-threading capability (recommended for intense video editing, taxing multi-tasking and encoding). Kudos to Intel- this is a great architecture and worthy successor to their previous lines.
A Note About the Meaning of the Intel i5 Core 2500K Model Number:
Intel: The Brand
i5: The Modifier
500: The Chip Series SKU
k: Unlocked Cores (for overclocking)
My Sandy Bridge System Specs:
CPU: Sandy Bridge Core i5 2500k, Overclocked to 4.4ghz, Antec Kuhler 620 H2O CPU cooler.
Motherboard:
Asus Sabertooth P67
GPU: (2x SLI) MSI N560GTX-TI Twin Frozr II/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
MEMORY: G-Skillz 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (overclocked)
PSU: Antec Truepower 23754 TP-750 BLUE LED 750-Watt PSU NVIDIA SLI Certified 80 Plus Bronze Advanced Hybrid Cable Management Power Supply
CASE: Silverstone Raven-02EW
User Review By J.Goodier :
I got the i5 2500k at launch (1/9/2011) and I'm blown away by the performance. I'm upgrading from a core 2 duo 2.66. This gets a 7.5 in the Windows Experience Index (not over-clocked).
This thing runs cool with the stock fan and my standard $80 case with 3 fans. I have an ASUS mobo and used the OC wizard to get the turbo boost to 4.43ghz. Ran prime95 for 10 minutes with no issues, the cores got up to 50c on the hottest core. Even at that temp, I could barely hear the stock cpu fan at 2,000 rpm. The case fans run at 800 rpm.
My advice: save your money and buy this instead of i7 2600k. Use that money to get an SSD. Even a cheap kingston value series ssd will blow away your 7200rpm disk.
