Key Differences
In short — Core i5-2500K outperforms the cheaper Core i3-540 on the selected game parameters. However, the worse performing Core i3-540 is a better bang for your buck. The better performing Core i5-2500K is 367 days newer than the cheaper Core i3-540.
Advantages of Intel Core i3-540
- Up to 87% cheaper than Core i5-2500K - $60.0 vs $449.95
- Up to 86% better value when playing Valorant than Core i5-2500K - $0.09 vs $0.64 per FPS
- Consumes up to 23% less energy than Intel Core i5-2500K - 73 vs 95 Watts
Advantages of Intel Core i5-2500K
- Performs up to 3% better in Valorant than Core i3-540 - 700 vs 680 FPS
Valorant
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Game Graphics
High
Buy for $60 on Amazon
In Stock
Updated 205 minutes ago
Buy for $449.95 on Amazon
In Stock
Updated 205 minutes ago
TOP 5 Games
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Game Graphics
High
Desktop • Jan 7th, 2010
Desktop • Jan 9th, 2011
Geekbench 5 Benchmarks
Intel Core i3-540 | vs | Intel Core i5-2500K |
---|---|---|
Jan 7th, 2010 | Release Date | Jan 9th, 2011 |
Core i3 | Collection | Core i5 |
Clarkdale | Codename | Sandy Bridge |
Intel Socket 1156 | Socket | Intel Socket 1155 |
Desktop | Segment | Desktop |
2 | Cores | 4 |
4 | Threads | 4 |
3.1 GHz | Base Clock Speed | 3.3 GHz |
Non-Turbo | Turbo Clock Speed | 3.7 GHz |
73 W | TDP | 95 W |
32 nm | Process Size | 32 nm |
23.0x | Multiplier | 33.0x |
Intel HD | Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 3000 |
No | Overclockable | Yes |