Core i3-4170 vs Core i5-2500K: CPU comparison

Performance score

Core i3-4170 2015 · 2/4 cores/threads, 54 W

12.25

Core i5-2500K 2011 · 4/4 cores/threads, 95 W

12.61 +3%

Core i3-12100F Core i5-12400F Ryzen 5 7500F Ryzen 7 7800X3D Ryzen 7 9800X3D Core Ultra 7 265K Core i9-14900K Ryzen 9 9950X

By our estimate, Core i5-2500K 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.

CPU rendering (Blender)

Core i3-4170

29+7 %

faster than 8% of tested · runs: 2

Core i5-2500K

27

faster than 6% of tested · runs: 3

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 i5-2500K
Score (0–100)	12.25	12.61
Ranking position	501	498
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 i5-2500K
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	yes
Integrated graphics	Intel HD Graphics 4400	Intel HD Graphics 3000
NPU (AI accelerator)	no	no

Compatibility

	Core i3-4170	Core i5-2500K
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1155
TDP	54 W	95 W

Memory and PCI Express

	Core i3-4170	Core i5-2500K
Memory type	DDR3-1333/1600	DDR3-1066/1333
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 i5-2500K

more cores: 4 vs 2
bigger L3 cache: 6 MB vs 3 MB
unlocked multiplier (can be overclocked)

Other comparisons

Visitor rating

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