Intel Core i5-2500S

Intel Core i5-2500S: Review and Relevance in 2025
Should you consider Sandy Bridge for a budget build?
1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance
The Intel Core i5-2500S was released in 2011 as part of the Sandy Bridge platform. Despite its age, it can still be found in older PCs and on the second-hand market. Let's examine its key parameters:
- Architecture: Sandy Bridge (2nd generation Core).
- Process technology: 32 nm.
- Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads (no Hyper-Threading).
- Base frequency: 2.7 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz.
- TDP: 65 W (energy-efficient version of the regular i5-2500).
- Cache: 6 MB L3.
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000 (integrated, but weak for modern tasks).
Performance:
- Geekbench 6 (2025): 573 (single-core), 1376 (multi-core).
For comparison, the modern budget Intel Core i3-13100 scores ~1800/6000 in the same test.
Key features for its time:
- Support for AVX instructions, improving media content work.
- Turbo Boost technology for automatic overclocking.
- Energy efficiency (TDP of 65 W compared to 95 W of the i5-2500).
2. Compatible Motherboards
Socket: LGA 1155 — an outdated standard, motherboards for it have not been produced since 2013.
Chipsets:
- H61, B65, Q67: Basic models without overclocking, minimum ports.
- H67, P67, Z68, Z77: Overclocking support (only for processors with K multiplier), more USB/SATA.
Choosing tips in 2025:
- New boards are not available; only used options can be found (price: $20–50).
- Popular models: ASUS P8Z68-V, Gigabyte GA-H61M-S2PV.
- Check the condition of capacitors and PCIe slots (they may be worn out).
Tip: If you need HDMI or USB 3.0, look for boards with Z68/Z77 chipsets — they often have these ports.
3. Supported Memory
- Type: Only DDR3 (DDR4/DDR5 not supported).
- Frequencies: Up to 1333 MHz (officially), but many boards allow overclocking to 1600 MHz.
- Maximum capacity: 32 GB (depends on motherboard).
Recommendations:
- Use dual-channel mode (2×8 GB DDR3-1600) for better performance.
- Price of new DDR3 (2025): $30–50 for a 16 GB kit (but easier to buy used for $15–25).
4. Power Supply: Calculations and Recommendations
With a TDP of 65 W and no discrete graphics card, a power supply unit (PSU) rated at 300–400 W will be sufficient for the system.
Examples of configurations:
- Office PC (i5-2500S + SSD + integrated graphics): 250 W.
- Gaming PC (i5-2500S + GTX 1650): 400 W.
Tips:
- Choose models with an 80+ Bronze certification (Corsair CX450, EVGA 500 BQ).
- Price of new PSU: $40–60.
5. Pros and Cons of i5-2500S
Pros:
- Low power consumption.
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Inexpensive (used costs $10–20).
Cons:
- No support for DDR4, PCIe 3.0, NVMe (only through adapters).
- Weak single-core performance for modern games.
- Risk of buying a worn-out processor.
6. Use Cases
- Office Tasks: Document work, browsing, Zoom — the processor can handle it, but there may be lags when launching 10+ tabs simultaneously.
- Multimedia: Watching videos in 1080p, basic editing in Shotcut — it will suffice, but rendering 4K will be torturous.
- Gaming: Only older titles (CS:GO, GTA V on low settings) or cloud gaming (GeForce NOW).
Real example:
A user built a PC with an i5-2500S, GTX 1050 Ti, and 16 GB DDR3. In GTA V, they get 45–55 FPS on medium settings (1080p).
7. Comparison with Competitors
AMD FX-4300 (2012):
- Pros: Cheaper, overclockable.
- Cons: Higher TDP (95 W), worse IPC.
- Geekbench 6: ~500/1200.
Intel Core i3-10100 (2020):
- Pros: Support for DDR4, PCIe 3.0, 2x performance.
- Cons: Price ($100–120 for used).
Conclusion: In 2025, the i5-2500S falls short compared to even budget newcomers, but it wins on price.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Where to buy: Aliexpress, eBay, local flea markets (check for functionality).
- SSD is a must: Kingston A400 240 GB ($25) will speed up the system.
- Cooling: The standard cooler will suffice, but replace the thermal paste (Arctic MX-4 — $5).
- Upgrade: It’s better to look towards LGA 1200/AM4 platforms.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the i5-2500S For?
This processor should only be considered in two cases:
1. Budget build under $100: For internet use, office work, and movie watching.
2. Upgrading an old PC: If you already have an LGA 1155 motherboard and DDR3.
Alternative for 2025: For $150–200, you can build a system with an Intel Core i3-12100F + H610, which will be three times faster.
Conclusion: The Intel Core i5-2500S is an example of a "workhorse" that has outlived its prime but can still serve in extremely limited scenarios. Only buy it if the budget is tight and the requirements for the PC are minimal.