FPSVersusCore i3-4170 vs Core i5-2500
Performance score
By our estimate, Core i5-2500 beats Core i3-4170 by 3%.
Different sockets (LGA1150 and LGA1155) — switching between them needs a different motherboard.
The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.
Real tests
What the test measures
Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.
Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.
Overview
| Core i3-4170 | Core i5-2500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score (0–100) | 12.25 | 12.61 |
| Ranking position | 501 | 497 |
| Power efficiency (0–100) | 11.86 | 6.94 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Architecture | Haswell | Sandy Bridge |
| Release date | Q1 2015 | Q1 2011 |
Specifications
| Core i3-4170 | Core i5-2500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 6 MB |
| Process node | 22 nm | 32 nm |
| Unlocked multiplier | no | no |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4400 | Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| NPU (AI accelerator) | no | no |
Compatibility
| Core i3-4170 | Core i5-2500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | LGA1155 |
| TDP | 54 W | 95 W |
Memory and PCI Express
| Core i3-4170 | Core i5-2500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR3-1333/1600 | DDR3-1333/1600 |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| PCI Express version | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Pros and cons
Core i3-4170
- 13% faster single core
- lower TDP: 54 W vs 95 W
- newer: released in 2015
Core i5-2500
- more cores: 4 vs 2
- bigger L3 cache: 6 MB vs 3 MB
Other comparisons
Preliminary data: specs are still being checked against the manufacturer's website.
Visitor rating
Questions and comments
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