This true quad-core processor offers a lot of performance for the money, but gamers may want to spend the savings on a dedicated 3D card to pair with it.

Very fast performance for the price; Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking

New chipset requirements mean you'll need a new Socket 1155 motherboard; Integrated graphics performance still slow compared to cheap dedicated 3D cards

Intel's new Core processors based on the Sandy Bridge Architecture have been released. They bring a new integrated graphics core that effectively doubles rendering power compared to the last generation. It also includes numerous new features geared to both the gamer and consumer.

GPU performance greatly improved compared to last generationUp to 4x AA support32 nm CPU; plenty of computation powerGPU fully integrated in the CPU dieSupport for DirectX 10.1Turbo Boost increases GPU clockHDMI Audio bitstreaming supportedHDMI 1.4 & 3D supportDedicated transcoding hardware

No support for DirectX 11Limited GPU performanceDrivers not as mature as the ones from ATI or NVIDIANo support for CUDA; PhysX; OpenCL

Great CPU, junk cooler. I recommend that you buy it with a aftermarket cooler at the same time. Then let memory express guys put it all together for you for free.

Powerful

Stock cooler is garbage; I seen people say both ways on other reviews so I went with the stock one.

Intel Core i5-2500 runs very well on Asus P8P67 motherboard with Corsair Vengance memory. Good customer service assistance from Misco.

The word Sandy Bridge is what we have been hearing for the past 3 months. In forums, on different

– Great performance; – 1.2GHz overclock; – Overclocking is made easy with a P67 motherboard; – 95W TDP and low CPU temperatures

– Cannot be overclocked on a H67 motherboard; – Consumers need to buy a new motherboard on top of purchasing the CPU

Note: This Intel Core i5-2500K review also reviews the Sandy Bridge architecture as a whole, as well as the high-end Intel Core i7-2600K processor. Ready or not, here they come. Intel is rolling out a thoroughly overhauled range of PC processors based on its new Sandy Bridge microarchitecture.

Introduction Well folks, we might be a little late to the party, but we can't have the CPU section of this site looking as light as it does, so it's time to add another to that small collective.

The Intel Core i5-2500k processor is lightning fast, versatile, and worth every penny of its price ($219). In that particular price range, the i5 may be easily considered as "top dog." Before deciding on its purchase, I researched it thoroughly as not to waste money.

Intel's latest processor microarchitecture, Sandy Bridge, is finally here. The processor promises greater performance, and we put it to the test.

Much improved power efficiency over last generation and competitor's processor; Runs really cool; Improvements over previous generation; Improved integrated graphics; Overclocks really easily with K models; Full hardware transcoding support; Cost-efficient

Must be paired with P67 chipset for best overclocking result

Sandy Bridge is Intel's latest microarchitecture, and although CPUs built to this new design still use the familiar Core i3, i5 and i7 brand names, they bring some major advances over the previous generation.