FPSVersusCore i5-2500K vs N250
Performance score
Core i5-2500K and N250 are almost equally fast (under 3% apart) — choose by price, socket and platform.
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)
Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.
Overview
| Core i5-2500K | N250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score (0–100) | 12.61 | 12.32 |
| Ranking position | 498 | 500 |
| Power efficiency (0–100) | 6.94 | no data |
| Type | Desktop | Laptop |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge | Gracemont (Alder Lake-N) |
| Release date | Q1 2011 | Q1 2025 |
Specifications
| Core i5-2500K | N250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.3 GHz | no data |
| Boost clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| Process node | 32 nm | no data |
| Unlocked multiplier | yes | no |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel Graphics |
| NPU (AI accelerator) | no | no |
Compatibility
| Core i5-2500K | N250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1155 | no data |
| TDP | 95 W | no data |
Memory and PCI Express
| Core i5-2500K | N250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR3-1066/1333 | no data |
| Memory channels | 2 | no data |
| Max memory | 32 GB | no data |
| PCI Express version | 2.0 | no data |
| PCIe lanes | 16 | no data |
Pros and cons
Core i5-2500K
- unlocked multiplier (can be overclocked)
N250
- 13% faster single core
- newer: released in 2025
Other comparisons
Visitor rating
Questions and comments
Share your experience, ask a question or tell us about a mistake on this page: Core i5-2500K / N250.
No comments yet — be the first.