Core i5-2500K for gaming
The Core i5-2500K scores 20.3 on the FPSVibe CPU index, which is entry-level for gaming in 2026. Below: the Intel Core i5-2500K's specs, the FPS it can feed in each game, and the graphics cards it pairs well with.
Updated
Rough estimate Our index for the Core i5-2500K is interpolated from similar hardware, not taken from a direct test, so treat these numbers as a rough guide. How we estimate
Summary
The Intel Core i5-2500K (2011) has 4 cores and 4 threads. It's an old or entry-level processor.
In our estimates it can feed 60 FPS or more in 18 of 102 games and 144 FPS in 0, as long as the graphics card keeps up. Good graphics card matches: RTX 3050 6GB, RX 7400, Arc A380.
Core i5-2500K specs
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Released | 2011 |
| Cores / threads | 4 / 4 |
| FPSVibe gaming index (est.) | 20.3 (Ryzen 7 9800X3D = 100) |
| Data confidence | Low (rough estimate) |
| Rank | #115 of 119 processors we track |
Rough estimate Our index for the Core i5-2500K is interpolated from similar hardware, not taken from a direct test, so treat these numbers as a rough guide.
Data sources
Performance index
- FPSVibe estimate
The index is FPSVibe's own blend of published review results, rescaled onto one scale; it is not copied from any single source. Checked 2026-10-12.
Graphics cards that suit the Core i5-2500K
How many FPS can the Core i5-2500K feed?
The most frames per second this processor can prepare in each game at 1080p (estimated). Your real FPS is the lower of this and what your graphics card can draw.
Rough estimate Our index for the Core i5-2500K is interpolated from similar hardware, not taken from a direct test, so treat these numbers as a rough guide.
Estimated FPS. Numbers come from the FPSVibe model, not measured benchmarks. How we estimate
Similar processors
More processor tools
Core i5-2500K FAQs
Is the Core i5-2500K good for gaming?
Estimated: it can reach 60+ FPS in 18 of 102 popular games and 144+ FPS in 0, given a fast enough graphics card.
What graphics card goes well with the Core i5-2500K?
Balanced picks: RTX 3050 6GB, RX 7400, Arc A380, RX 6500 XT. Much faster cards will be held back by the processor, especially at 1080p.
How many cores does the Core i5-2500K have?
4 cores and 4 threads.
Will the Core i5-2500K bottleneck an RTX 4070?
Yes, noticeably at 1080p: the RTX 4070 is much faster than this processor can feed. At 1440p and 4K the gap shrinks.